Malaysia seeks BRICS membership

Malaysia is aiming to become the latest member of the BRICS bloc, which was originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa

Brazil cautiously spearheads BRICS push for national currency trade

Brazil is taking a leading role in efforts to reduce the BRICS economic bloc's dependence on the US dollar, championing the use of national currencies in trade among member states.

Saudi crown prince joins first EU-Gulf summit in Brussels amid Middle East tensions

Gulf leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, are meeting with European Union officials in Brussels on October 16 for the first-ever EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit.

Sri Lanka to apply for BRICS membership

Sri Lanka has decided to apply for the membership of the BRICS and the New Development Bank, the country’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said on October 14

Chechen leader Kadyrov performs Umrah in Saudi’s Mecca

Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Russia's Chechen Republic, has performed the Umrah pilgrimage in Mecca during an official visit to Saudi Arabia, his office announced on October 13

Saudi Crown Prince and Iranian Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman, met with Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, in Riyadh on October 9 to discuss regional security issues and enhance bilateral relations.

Saudi Arabia reports new deadly MERS outbreak from camels

The World Health Organisation (WHO) was notified of a new case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Saudi Arabia.

Israel could target Persian Gulf oil installations over missile attack

Israel is likely to retaliate against Iran's massive missile attack on Tel Aviv and other cities on October 1 by targeting the Islamic Republic's oil facilities, amid a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

Saudi firm to sign SAR8bn deal to complete Jeddah Tower

Jeddah Economic Company (JEC) is set to sign a new agreement with Saudi Binladin Group to complete the construction of Jeddah Tower, slated to be the world's tallest building in the future.

Saudi unemployment hits record low at 7.1% in Q2 2024

Saudi Arabia's unemployment rate among citizens fell to a record low of 7.1% in the second quarter of 2024, down from 7.6% in the previous quarter, official data showed on September 30.

Vice President Kamala Harris promises to cut energy costs, ramp up oil production

Lack of alcohol seen as barrier to Russian tourism in Saudi Arabia

The unavailability of alcohol has been identified as a constraint for tourists in Saudi Arabia, according to Russian tourism officials.

Saudi Arabia to adopt stricter nuclear oversight by year-end

Saudi Arabia plans to transition from light-touch oversight of its nuclear facilities to regular safeguards by the end of 2024, a move long sought by the UN atomic watchdog.

Russia's budget oil breakeven price world’s second lowest as oil revenues recover

The Institute of International Finance (IIF) has forecast a decrease in Russia’s fiscal breakeven oil price (the amount to balance the external current account) to $77 per barrel by 2025, supported by a recovery in oil and gas revenues.

Saudi Arabia reopens embassy in Syria, signalling diplomatic thaw

Saudi Arabia officially reopened its embassy in Damascus on September 9, marking a significant step towards normalising relations between the two countries after years of diplomatic freeze.

Iran demands 'equal footing' with Kuwaiti and Saudi plans to drill for gas in Gulf

A senior Iranian military official on September 10 called on the oil and foreign ministries to push for Iran's right to develop a disputed gas field in the Persian Gulf.

Saudi crown prince meets Russian foreign minister amid Ukraine talks speculation

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Riyadh on September 9, as speculation grows about potential Ukraine peace talks in the Kingdom.

AI will be a major source of GHGs by 2030, says Morgan Stanley

Energy ravenous AI data centres are set to become a major source of GHGs emissions by 2030 as the number of server farms needed to run the artificial intelligence services is set to expand exponentially over the next two and half decades.

Russia revs up to test cross-border crypto payments

Russia is on the hunt to find an alternative to the dollar to settle international trade deals and on September 1 will test making cross-border payments in cryptocurrency for the first time.

Saudi Arabia tightens Hajj rules after deadly 2024 pilgrimage, Egypt acts on violations

Saudi Arabia has issued stringent health regulations for Hajj 2025, banning pilgrims with certain medical conditions,