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Intelligence for the New World Economy

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Intelligence for the New World Economy
Semafor World Economy
Sarah Dadouch

Sarah Dadouch

Reporter

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Saudi Arabia on track to tighten nuclear oversight

Riyadh will adopt the IAEA’s full safeguards this year, curbing its nuclear program amid concerns of potential arms race with Tehran.
International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi, in September 2024IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. Leonhard Foeger/Reuters

Dubai eyes African luxury tourism boom

The UAE continues to grow its influence in Africa, pledging a combined $97 billion in investments in 2022 and 2023.
Thanda Island in Tanzania.Jumeirah/LinkedIn

Saudi Arabia courts growing number of foreign investors

The Gulf nation is strengthening new and old relationships as it attempts to diversify its economy.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with French President Emmanuel Macron in Riyadh. With annotation “Allez”Saudi Press Agency handout via Reuters

Saudi Arabia eyes deals with Iran, US

The Gulf nation is increasingly pursuing a “Saudi First” foreign policy, strengthening relations outside of its typical pro-Washington allegiances.
Iranian and Saudi flag in Tehran, Iran, following rapprochement between the two countries.Wana News Agency via Reuters

Gridlocked Riyadh finally launches 85-station metro system

Riyadh officials expect the metro will ease traffic jams in the London-sized city.
King Khaled International Airport metro station. Royal Commission for Riyadh City/Handout

First exhibition opens at Riyadh AI art museum

The exhibition features an international collection of digital artworks from the 1960s to the present day.
One of the buildings of Diriyah Art Futures museum in Diriyah, Riyadh.DAFmoc/X

Saudi builder delivers homes to 1,000 people. Millions await.

Saudi residents have moved into one of real estate developer ROSHN’s newly-minted communities, as the company rushes to meet deadlines.

Success of ‘Love Is Blind: Habibi’ reflects growing appetite for Arab reality shows

The reality show topped Netflix’s top 10 most watched non-English TV shows globally in the first two weeks after its release.

Adam Neumann has a $293 million Saudi real estate venture

The former WeWork CEO’s new venture, Flow, has lined up investments for its Saudi real estate project.

Kuwait limits foreign property ownership

With house prices skyrocketing, Kuwaiti officials have severely restricted who is eligible to buy property — a stark contrast to other Gulf nations attempting to lure foreign investors.

Chinese firms invest in Saudi construction

As Saudi Arabia’s construction boom continues, Chinese companies are building factories to supply critical materials for the kingdom’s giga-projects.

Gulf caught in Israel-Iran escalation fears

Rising tensions between Israel and Iran cast a shadow over Gulf economic interests as the US boosts its regional military presence.

Saudi FII deals headlined by Google, Brookfield, Airbus

FII this year hasn’t resulted in the $28 billion in deals that were expected, but plenty of multi-billion agreements were inked.

Riyadh Air boosts fleet with Airbus A321neo order

Saudi Arabia’s new flagship airline makes a firm order for narrowbody jets that will carry passengers to its Riyadh hub.

Saudi sees tenfold surge in foreign firms since 2016

Companies are setting up in Saudi Arabia at a fast clip, according to the Minister of Investment.

Saudi Arabia redirects investment focus back home

Saudi’s Public Investment Fund aims to reduce the percentage of foreign holdings in favor of local economic transformation.

Electricity, minerals, youth in focus at Saudi Arabia’s Africa Summit

The kingdom’s Future Investment Initiative opens with a focus on the continent’s need to harness technology, minerals, and youth-driven growth.

Construction resumes on world’s tallest skyscraper after nearly seven-year hiatus

Dubai’s long-cherished superlative will soon be snatched by Saudi Arabia.