First direct Riyadh-Moscow flight operated by Saudia lands in Russian capital
The first direct Riyadh–Moscow flight operated by Saudia landed at Sheremetyevo Airport, marking a new stage in Saudi-Russian diplomatic and economic relations.
Saudia will run three weekly round-trip flights on the route. The service aims to deepen tourism, trade, and political engagement between the two nations.
The opening follows a period of intensified cooperation between Riyadh and Moscow within OPEC+, and growing personal rapport between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Vladimir Putin. Both leaders have recently coordinated prisoner-exchange efforts and economic dialogues.
The new air corridor reflects the Kingdom’s broader agenda to expand global connectivity and attract inbound tourism under its Vision 2030 diversification plan.
References & Source:
Reuters — “First direct Riyadh-Moscow flight operated by Saudia lands in Russian capital.”
New Saudi carrier Riyadh Air to launch with London service
Saudi Arabia’s new national airline Riyadh Air, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), will inaugurate operations later this month with a direct Riyadh-London Heathrow route beginning October 26 2025, according to Reuters and the Financial Times.
Initially, the flights will serve PIF employees and airline staff using a reserve aircraft until Riyadh Air’s dedicated fleet is delivered. A follow-up route to Dubai is expected in November.
The carrier has placed orders for 182 planes from Boeing and Airbus, including 72 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, A320neo aircraft for regional routes, and A350-1000 jets for long-haul services, with deliveries starting 2027.
Riyadh Air’s goal is to connect 100 destinations within five years, transforming the Saudi capital into a major global hub competing with Emirates and Qatar Airways. The launch aligns with Vision 2030 objectives to diversify the economy and make the Kingdom a global transport and tourism nexus ahead of Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
References & Source:
FT / Reuters — “New Saudi carrier Riyadh Air to launch with London service.”
Aramco completes deal to up stake in struggling JV Petro Rabigh
Saudi Aramco has finalized the acquisition of an additional 22.5 percent stake in its joint venture Petro Rabigh, previously co-owned with Japan’s Sumitomo Chemical, for 2.63 billion riyals ($701.8 million). The move raises Aramco’s total ownership to roughly 60 percent, giving it greater operational control.
Petro Rabigh has faced financial difficulties since 2021, accumulating 12.4 billion riyals in losses between 2022 and mid-2025. To stabilize the company, Aramco and Sumitomo plan a capital injection of 5.26 billion riyals and a $1.5 billion debt write-off.
The restructuring gives Aramco marketing rights for Petro Rabigh’s output, tightening vertical integration into its downstream business. The deal forms part of Aramco’s efficiency drive following a 22 percent profit decline in Q2 2025 due to lower oil prices.
By consolidating control, Aramco seeks to restore Petro Rabigh’s profitability and embed it more deeply into the group’s refining and petrochemical network, ensuring long-term value creation within its industrial ecosystem.
References & Source:
Reuters — “Aramco completes deal to up stake in struggling JV Petro Rabigh.”
Algeria’s state energy company Sonatrach signed a $5.4 billion production-sharing contract with Saudi Arabia’s Midad Energy to explore and develop oil and gas fields in the Illizi Basin near the Libyan border, Reuters reported.
The 30-year contract, with an optional 10-year extension, allocates full financing of the initial seven-year exploration phase to Midad Energy, which has already committed $288 million for early-stage work. The project’s estimated recoverable reserves amount to 993 million barrels of oil equivalent, including 125 billion m³ of natural gas.
The deal aligns with Algeria’s policy of boosting foreign investment in its energy sector. Sonatrach has also signed an $850 million partnership with China’s Sinopec, while the government targets $60 billion in overall sector investments over the next five years.
For Saudi Arabia, this agreement extends its oil-industry expertise abroad and strengthens its international energy footprint, consistent with Vision 2030’s strategy to diversify income and export know-how across the Middle East and Africa.
References & Source:
Reuters — “Algeria signs $5.4 billion oil and gas deal with Saudi firm Midad Energy.”
Saudi Aramco’s CEO, Amin Nasser, declared at the London Energy Intelligence Forum that the company is capable of sustaining its crude oil production at a ceiling of 12 million barrels per day (bpd) for up to one year without incurring additional cost burdens. Reuters
Nasser emphasized Aramco’s ultra‑low cost upstream operations, citing production cost of approximately $2 per barrel for oil and $1 for gas. Such cost efficiency, he argued, underpins the company’s strategic resilience, even amid volatile global markets. Reuters
Earlier expectations had targeted a 13 million bpd ceiling, but in early 2024 the Saudi energy ministry adjusted the target downward to 12 million. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates Saudi’s current spare capacity at roughly 2.43 million bpd, out of OPEC+’s 4.05 million bpd total spare capacity. Reuters
Aramco is broadening its strategic focus beyond crude oil. Investments in chemicals, petrochemicals, and downstream operations are central to its future growth. The company acquired a major stake in Petro Rabigh, invested in China’s Rongsheng Petrochemical, and is partnering on an $11 billion ethylene complex with TotalEnergies, expected to commence production by 2027. Reuters
Cette annonce confirme la position de force d’Aramco dans le secteur et rassure les marchés sur sa capacité à absorber les chocs à court terme.
References & Source
Reuters, “Saudi Aramco can sustain 12 million bpd maximum oil capacity for a year”
Riyadh reinforces its diplomatic presence as regional and global leaders push for a lasting ceasefire and a path toward peace.
By Arab News Correspondent — Cairo, October 13 2025
Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza as Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud participated in the Gaza Peace Summit held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Sunday.
According to Arab News, the high-level meeting brought together regional and international actors — including U.S. officials, European envoys, and several Arab leaders — to coordinate the next phase of the ceasefire plan and humanitarian response.
A Strategic Presence in the Diplomatic Arena
The Saudi delegation’s attendance underscores Riyadh’s intent to maintain a central role in regional crisis management.
Prince Faisal’s participation followed a statement from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcoming the recent truce and urging all parties to commit to a comprehensive and just peace process.
During the summit, the Saudi foreign minister emphasized that temporary truces must not substitute for long-term solutions. He reiterated the Kingdom’s long-standing position: the creation of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, is essential for lasting stability in the region.
Meetings With Global Leaders
On the sidelines of the summit, Prince Faisal met with several leaders and foreign ministers, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, who is acting as a special mediator in the ceasefire follow-up talks.
The meeting, reported by Arab News, focused on implementing the initial humanitarian phase of the peace plan — including the release of hostages, reopening of border crossings, and guaranteeing safe corridors for aid convoys.
The Saudi minister also held bilateral discussions with Egyptian, Qatari, and Jordanian counterparts to align on mechanisms for monitoring ceasefire violations and rebuilding Gaza’s civil infrastructure once hostilities fully end.
Humanitarian Priorities and KSrelief’s Expanded Role
The summit’s conclusions coincided with a renewed Saudi humanitarian surge.
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) announced the dispatch of new shipments containing food, medical supplies, and emergency shelter materials to Gaza.
Saudi authorities highlighted that more than 7,600 tons of aid and 20 ambulances have already been delivered through coordinated convoys crossing the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings.
Prince Faisal reaffirmed that “alleviating civilian suffering is not a secondary issue but the foundation of any credible peace initiative.”
He further warned that without continuous humanitarian access and international supervision, “the cycle of violence risks restarting.”
A Consistent Diplomatic Line
Since the outbreak of the Gaza war, Riyadh has balanced moral support for the Palestinian cause with pragmatic engagement with global partners.
It has worked within the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee — a body established during the 2023 extraordinary summit — to promote de-escalation and convey Arab consensus to Washington, Brussels, and the United Nations.
Diplomats view Saudi Arabia’s current posture as pivotal: the Kingdom is both a major donor and a key interlocutor capable of bridging divides between Western powers and Arab states.
By supporting Egypt and Qatar’s mediation, Riyadh signals that its foreign policy remains rooted in dialogue, humanitarian leadership, and regional stability.
Outlook: From Ceasefire to Reconstruction
The next steps discussed at the summit include developing a multi-phase implementation mechanism:
Consolidation of the ceasefire under international monitoring.
Humanitarian surge, ensuring uninterrupted aid deliveries.
Formation of a transitional Palestinian administration to manage civil affairs in Gaza.
Launch of a donor conference — with Saudi Arabia expected to co-chair — to mobilize funds for reconstruction.
Experts quoted by Arab News argue that the Kingdom’s involvement could determine whether the ceasefire evolves into a lasting peace framework or remains another temporary halt in decades of conflict.
“Saudi Arabia has the diplomatic capital, financial leverage, and religious legitimacy to drive consensus,” said one Cairo-based regional analyst. “Its continued engagement may well define the success or failure of this initiative.”
References & Source
Source: Arab News — “Saudi foreign minister meets Trump at Gaza peace summit in Egypt.”
Link: https://arab.news/juyft
Date: October 13 2025
Riyadh positions itself at the diplomatic forefront in the post-ceasefire transition.
With the recent ceasefire and implementation of the initial phase of the U.S.-sponsored peace proposal, Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its role as a central player in shaping the Gaza peace process. According to Arab News, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the agreement and emphasized that the ceasefire marks the beginning of a broader transition toward comprehensive peace. Arab News
Riyadh’s official statement underscores several key points:
The agreement is treated not merely as a pause in hostilities, but as a threshold toward ending the war and establishing sustainable governance in Gaza. Arab News
The Kingdom reiterates its support for the two-state solution, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine, and calls for a complete Israeli withdrawal. Arab News
Alleviating the humanitarian suffering in Gaza is declared a priority, together with restoring stability and facilitating reconstruction. Arab News
While the atmosphere is cautiously optimistic, Arab News notes several structural uncertainties that continue to loom: the potential for Israel to exploit ambiguities, the difficulty in holding parties to commitments, and the fragility of the ceasefire itself. Arab News
In light of these challenges, Saudi Arabia’s role in the coming weeks will likely emphasize diplomatic engagement, coordination with international and regional stakeholders, and support for humanitarian access and reconstruction efforts. The Kingdom’s involvement aims to balance pressure on parties to comply with their obligations, while preserving its regional credibility and moral standing.
References & Source:
Source: Arab News, “Saudi Arabia’s potential role following the Gaza war.”
Link: https://arab.news/rssweArab News
Date: October 12, 2025
تعزيز الدور الإغاثي للمملكة في ظل الخطة الراهنة لوقف إطلاق النار
عبَرَت دفعة جديدة من المساعدات الإغاثية والإنسانية السعودية، يوم الأحد، عبر منفذ رفح الحدودي متوجهة إلى منفذ كرم أبو سالم جنوب شرقي قطاع غزة، وذلك ضمن الجهود التي ترأسها المملكة لدعم الشعب الفلسطيني في ظل تنفيذ الخطة المرحلية لوقف القتال. الشرق الأوسط
وفقًا للتقرير، تضُم هذه الدفعة سلالًا غذائية، مواد طبية ومعدات لوجستية، ضمن الحملة الشعبية السعودية للإغاثة، التي أشرفت عليها مركز الملك سلمان للإغاثة والأعمال الإنسانية. الشرق الأوسط
حتى الآن، تم إرسال 67 طائرة و8 سفن تحمل أكثر من 7,626 طنًّا من المواد الإغاثية إلى غزة، إلى جانب تسليم 20 سيارة إسعاف ومولدات كهرباء وصهاريج مياه. الشرق الأوسط
يُرجَّح أن تأتي هذه المساعدات في سياق تنفيذ المرحلة الأولى من خطة وقف إطلاق النار، والتي تشمل فتح ممرّات آمنة لإيصال المساعدات وتخفيف معاناة السكان المدنيين في المناطق المحاصرة.
من الناحية الرمزية، تُعد هذه الخطوة مؤشرًا على استمرار التزام المملكة بدورها الإنساني في الظرف الراهن، وربطها الوثيق بين الدبلوماسية الثقافية والإغاثية لبناء الثقة مع الأطراف المعنية وشعوب المنطقة، خاصة في الأزمات الممتدة. هذه المسارات الإغاثية تسهم في دعم الشرعية الأخلاقية للمبادرة السعودية ضمن مخطط السلام الجاري.
المصدر والمراجع:
Source: Asharq Al-Awsat (عربي) — “دفعة مساعدات سعودية جديدة تعبر منفذ رفح متجهة إلى غزة”
Report notes 20 percent rise in regional issuance supported by government and corporate debt programs.
Bond sales across the Middle East and North Africa region reached an all-time high of $125.9 billion so far in 2025, up 20 percent from the same period last year, according to LSEG data cited by Arab News.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia led the Gulf Cooperation Council market in both sovereign and corporate issuances.
Analysts attribute the surge to stable oil revenues, fiscal discipline and growing investor demand for local-currency instruments.
Government-backed entities and major Saudi companies used the debt markets to finance infrastructure, green energy, and logistics projects under Vision 2030 programs.
The report concludes that sustained economic diversification and improved credit profiles will likely continue to attract capital inflows into the Saudi and regional bond markets over the coming year.
References & Source :
Source : Arab News — “MENA bond sales jump 20 % to record $125.9 bn: LSEG data.”
Link : https://arab.news/wp5fu
Date : October 13 2025
Kingdom’s health sector expected to unveil key investment deals at Global Health Exhibition
Saudi Arabia is preparing to reveal a series of significant partnerships in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals at the upcoming Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh, Arab News reported.
Officials said the agreements will cover areas including vaccine manufacturing, clinical research, and technology transfer to support local production capacity.
The initiative forms part of Saudi Vision 2030’s drive to diversify the national economy and promote advanced industries in health and life sciences.
Industry observers expect these deals to accelerate foreign direct investment and strengthen Riyadh’s position as a regional hub for healthcare innovation.
The Global Health Exhibition, to be attended by government ministers, investors and medical-tech leaders, will highlight sustainable healthcare models and public-private partnerships.
References & Source :
Source : Arab News — “Kingdom to announce major biotech, pharmaceutical partnerships at Global Health Exhibition.”
Link : https://arab.news/wa6ma
Date : October 13 2025