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☆ Saudi Arabia set to host 2034 World Cup as Australia withdraws interest
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Sammy Mncwabe | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 men’s FIFA World Cup after Australia withdrew its interest in hosting the global showpiece just hours before the bid deadline on Tuesday. Instead the Australia football federation has opted to proceed with their bids for the Women’s Asian Cup in 2026 and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2029. In a press release sent out on Tuesday, FIFA confirmed that Saudi Arabia was the only bidder for the 2034 tournament. In 2022, Oleksandr Usyk beat Anthony Joshua at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in a heavyweight title clash. To host the World Cup would be viewed as a major coup for Saudi Arabia, which has been frequently been criticized of sportswashing.

Persons: “, Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua, Andrew Couldridge, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Luca Bruno, ”, Steve Cockburn Organizations: CNN, FIFA, Australia, ” Football Australia, FIFA Club, FIFA Council, ” FIFA, King Abdullah Sports City Arena, Formula One, Saudi Pro League, sportswashing, MBS, Fox News, Sports & Rights Alliance, Getty, Economic, Social, “ FIFA, Rights, Saudi Arabia Football Federation Locations: Saudi Arabia, Asia, Oceania, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Jeddah, Saudi Arabian, Saudi

☆ Saudi defense minister expected to visit White House on Monday, Axios reports
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Saudi's new Defence Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman chairs his first meeting with military officials in the Ministry of Defence in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, September 28, 2022. Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERS/File photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Oct 28 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabian Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman is expected to visit Washington on Monday for meetings with senior Biden administration officials, Axios reported on Saturday, citing three sources with knowledge of the trip. Khalid bin Salman is expected to meet with White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and several senators, according to the Axios report. The White House National Security Council told Reuters it had nothing to confirm when asked about the possible visit. U.S. President Joe Biden and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman on a call on Tuesday discussed efforts to prevent the Israel-Hamas conflict widening.

Persons: Prince Khalid bin Salman, Axios, Khalid bin Salman, Jake Sullivan, Defense Lloyd Austin, Antony Blinken, Joe Biden, Mohamed bin Salman, Biden, Michael Martina, Daniel Wallis Organizations: Defence Minister, Ministry of Defence, Saudi Press Agency, Handout, REUTERS, Rights, Saudi Arabian Defense, Washington, Biden, Saturday, Hamas, White House, Defense, White House National Security Council, Reuters, Saudi Arabian, Palestinian, Thomson Locations: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Gaza

[1/5] Smoke is rising after an Israeli strike on Gaza seen from a viewpoint in Southern Israel October 24, 2023. US, RUSSIA OFFER RIVAL PROPOSALSAt the United Nations, the United States and Russia put forward rival plans on humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians. Washington has called for pauses and Russia wants a humanitarian ceasefire. Arab states firmly back a call for a humanitarian ceasefire amid widespread destruction of Gaza's buildings in Israel's aerial bombardment. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last week called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.

Persons: Violeta Santos Moura, Joe Biden, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Israel, Iran's U.N, Amir Saeid Iravani, Antony Blinken, Vassily Nebenzia, Sameh Shoukry, Antonio Guterres, Justin Trudeau, Nidal al, Emily Rose, Andrew Mills, Michelle Nichols, Humeyra Pamuk, Grant McCool, Howard Goller, Cynthia Osterman Organizations: REUTERS, UN, Tuesday, Saudi Arabian Crown, White, West Bank, Washington, Security, United Nations, Palestinian, UNRWA, quicken, U.S, Hamas, Thomson Locations: Gaza, Southern Israel, Iran, Israel, Russia, Saudi, GAZA, JERUSALEM, United States, Canada, Palestinian, Egypt, U.S, Lebanon's Iran, Lebanon, Iran's, RUSSIA, Washington, Ottawa, Gulf

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives U.S. President Joe Biden at Al Salman Palace upon his arrival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, July 15, 2022. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Oct 24 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman on Tuesday discussed efforts to prevent the Israel-Hamas conflict from widening, the White House said. Biden and the Saudi crown prince welcomed the delivery of humanitarian assistance from Egypt into Gaza and recognized that "much more is needed for civilians" to have sustained access to food, water and medical assistance, according to the White House. They both welcomed ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and called for their immediate release, the White House added. Biden and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken have said they thought Hamas' Oct. 7 assault on Israel that left over 1,400 people dead was in part motivated to disrupt a potential normalization of ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Persons: Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Joe Biden, Mohamed bin Salman, Biden, Antony Blinken, Donald Trump, John Kirby, Kanishka Singh, Ismail Shakil, Chris Reese, Chizu Nomiyama, Cynthia Osterman Organizations: Al, Saudi Royal Court, REUTERS, Rights, Saudi Arabian, White, Hamas, U.S, United, White House, Thomson Locations: Saudi, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Bandar, Israel, Egypt, Gaza, United States, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Riyadh, Gulf

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House said Tuesday that “prudent contingency planning” is underway to evacuate Americans from the Middle East in case the Israel-Hamas war spreads into a broad regional conflict. “And certainly evacuations are one of those things.”The White House addressed the contingency plans amid growing concerns that the 18-day-old Israel-Hamas war could further escalate. “The two leaders agreed on pursuing broader diplomatic efforts to maintain stability across the region and prevent the conflict from expanding,” the White House added. But talks were interrupted after Hamas militants stormed from the blockaded Gaza Strip where Palestinians live into nearby Israeli towns. “This is a happy occasion," Biden said at the start of the White House ceremony.

Persons: John Kirby, ”, ” Kirby, Israel, Joe Biden, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Biden, ” Biden, Israel ”, Sheldon Weinbaum, “ Organizations: WASHINGTON, White, National Security, U.S, The Washington Post, Saudi Arabian Crown, Hamas, Biden, Pentagon, Gaza, City College of New, West Bank Locations: Israel, U.S, Gaza, Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Washington, United States, City College of New York, israel

☆ EV brand Beyonca signs investment deal with Saudi Arabian group
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

Beyonca's GT Opus 1 concept car is unveiled during an event at the electric vehicle (EV) start-up's headquarters in Beijing, China October 30, 2022. REUTERS/Florence Lo/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBEIJING, Oct 23 (Reuters) - Electric vehicle brand Beyonca, backed by Renault (RENA.PA) and Dongfeng Motor (0489.HK), said on Monday that it signed an investment agreement with Riyadh-based Al Faisaliah Group Holding Company. At the signing ceremony at Dongfeng Motor's headquarters in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, Beyonca also inked a strategic cooperation deal with QG FZE-LLC regarding investment opportunities in the Middle East, according to the EV brand. Reporting by Beijing newsroom; Editing by Jamie FreedOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Florence, Beyonca, QG, Jamie Freed Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Renault, HK, Al, Group Holding, Beijing, Thomson Locations: Beijing, China, Rights BEIJING, Riyadh, Wuhan

☆ Neymar to undergo surgery after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament with Brazil
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Samuel Joseph | Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Brazilian soccer superstar Neymar is set to have surgery after tearing both his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee, his club Al-Hilal have confirmed. After battling with Uruguay’s Nicolás de la Cruz for ball, Neymar collapsed to the ground clutching his knee, just before half-time. Neymar reacts after tearing his left ACL and meniscus. This marks the second surgery Neymar will undergo in 2023 – his final season in Paris was ended prematurely after an ankle injury in February. “It’s not easy going through injury and surgery, imagine going through it all again following four months of recovery,” he added in his post.

Persons: Neymar, Hilal, Uruguay’s, la Cruz, ong, ade, eparting, aint-, eason Organizations: CNN, Al, Brazil’s, Uruguay, aris

☆ The Israel-Hamas war is exposing the new limits and challenges to US power
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-17 | by ( Tom Porter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Russia and China are seeking to exploit the Israel-Hamas war. The US is embarking on a mission to prevent the war from escalating into a wider conflict. AdvertisementAdvertisementAmid the brutal war between Israel and Hamas, US President Joe Biden has sought to project strength. But the new conflict threatens to starkly expose the limits of the US' influence in the region, where for decades it was the unchallenged international power. AdvertisementAdvertisementInto the perceived power vacuum, Russia and China have stepped, seeking to project their influence and undermine the US.

Persons: —, Joe Biden, Sergei Lavrov, Khaled Mechaal, NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA, Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, Israel, Biden, Antony Blinken, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Mohamed bin Salman, Gordon Flake Organizations: Service, Hamas, Saudi Arabia —, Getty Images, US, Crown, U.S, Royal, Anadolu, Getty, The Washington Post, USAsia, University of Western, Wall Street Locations: Russia, China, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russian, Moscow, AFP, Getty Images Russia, Syria, Beijing, Ukraine, Europe, Taiwan, Gaza, The Tehran, Riyadh, Saudi, Qatar, Gulf, University of Western Australia

☆ An American Puzzle: Fitting Race in a Box
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( K.K. Rebecca Lai | Jennifer Medina | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +18 min

1790 1850 1890 1950An American Puzzle: Fitting Race in a Box Census categories for race and ethnicity have shaped how the nation sees itself. Ever since the census began measuring the U.S. population, race has been central to the counting. Closer look at one of the pages from the 1790 census, with the race categories circled in red. Historically, some edits to census race boxes reflected changes in policy or public sentiment. 1790 census All other free persons Free white males Free white females Slaves All other free persons Free white females Free white males Slaves All other free persons Free white males Free white females Slaves Source: 1790 United States Federal Census: New YorkThe census counted each enslaved worker as three-fifths of a person, reflecting a compromise that granted enslavers more political representation.

Persons: —, Biden, ”, Roberto Ramirez, Mark X, Barack Obama, Naomi Mezey, enslavers, “, Ms, Mezey, Jeffrey S, Evan Shepard Organizations: U.S, Community, U.S . Census, Georgetown University, United, . Census, Census Bureau, Pacific Islanders, Puerto Ricans, Geographic, Pew Research Center, Latinos, Saudi Arabian, Biden administration’s, Management, Budget, Advocacy Foundation Locations: United States, America, China, Puerto Rican, U.S, Spanish, Kansas, Kenya, York, American, “, Alaska, Massachusetts, Japan, Korea, Asia, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama, Chile, Mexican, Southwest, Puerto, Northeast, Florida, Eastern, Algerian, Kurdish, Kuwaiti, Lebanese, Moroccan, North, Palestinian, Saudi, Somali, Sudanese, Syrian

☆ Henderson remains committed to England despite Wembley boos
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Henderson was named skipper with Harry Kane rested and the 33-year-old, who has joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq, played for 62 minutes before being taken off at Wembley. Henderson moved to the Saudi Pro League from Liverpool on a three-year deal in July. The switch to Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is illegal, made headlines as Henderson has long been a vocal supporter of the LGBT community. Henderson acknowledged the reactions to his move to Al-Ettifaq, saying: "I look at it from a different point of view, obviously. It was a good tournament, I think the fans enjoyed the tournament and I think Saudi would be no different.

Persons: Jordan Henderson, Henderson, Harry Kane, Ettifaq, I've, Tommy Lund, Ken Ferris Organizations: Australia, Saudi, Wembley, Saudi Pro League, Liverpool, Sky Sports, England, Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Qatar, Thomson Locations: England, Saudi Arabian, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Italy, Gdansk

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Saturday for protection for civilians in both the Gaza Strip and Israel as the Israeli military ordered half of the Palestinian territory's population to evacuate in advance of an expected ground assault. Both stressed the importance of minimizing the harm to civilians as Israel prepared for an anticipated incursion against Hamas a week after the militant group's unprecedented attack in Israel. "None of us want to see suffering by civilians on any side, whether it’s in Israel, whether it’s in Gaza, whether it’s anywhere else." Prince Faisal said Saudi Arabia is committed to the protection of civilians. After his meeting in Abu Dhabi, Blinken plans to return to Saudi Arabia and then to travel on Sunday to Egypt.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Blinken, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Israel, ” Blinken, “, Prince Faisal, ”, ” Faisal, ___ Baldor Organizations: —, Gaza, United Arab Emirates, Organization of Islamic Cooperation Locations: RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Saudi, Riyadh, it’s, Gaza, U.S, Egypt, Qatar, Palestinian, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Jordan, Bahrain

SYDNEY, Australia (AP) — Soccer officials in Australia and Indonesia have floated the idea of teaming up in a bid to rival Saudi Arabia for the hosting rights to the men’s World Cup in 2034. The Sydney Morning Herald reported comments Wednesday from Indonesia soccer federation president Erick Thohir about ongoing talks that could also include Malaysia and Singapore in a possible bid. Political Cartoons View All 1206 ImagesThohir is an Indonesian government minister who has ties to FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Any opponent to Saudi Arabia in the 2034 World Cup contest has to express official interest by Oct. 31. FIFA has said it will decide which months to play the 2034 World Cup after its members confirm the host at a meeting likely to be held late next year.

Persons: Erick Thohir, Israel, Gianni Infantino, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, ___ Organizations: — Soccer, Sydney Morning Herald, Indonesia, FIFA, Israel, International Olympic Committee, Inter Milan, Italian soccer, Asian Football Confederation, AFC Locations: SYDNEY, Australia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Singapore, Argentina, Indonesian, Italian, Asia, Oceania, United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Africa, South America, Saudi Arabian, Australian

☆ Benzema tempted by Saudi Arabia's 'huge' football project
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

FILE PHOTO:Saudi Arabian soccer team Al Ittihad player Karim Benzema arrives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in this handout photo obtained by Reuters June 7, 2023. "When the football project started here, it seemed like a huge project in all respects, and I wanted to be a part of it and help advance the game in Saudi Arabia, and this is one of the reasons that made me come here," Benzema said in an interview with the Saudi Pro League, posted on messaging platform X. "Also, Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country and they welcomed me with open hands, and I felt loved immediately. I am really surprised by the level in Saudi Arabia because in Europe we don't watch a lot of football matches here," the 35-year-old added. "But now there are lots of people (in Europe) who are watching the Saudi league after many big names were brought in."

Persons: Karim Benzema, Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Fabinho, Jota, Ittihad, Al, Ahmed El Khashab, Hatem Maher, Ed Osmond Organizations: Saudi Arabian soccer, Al, Reuters, REUTERS, Real Madrid, Saudi Pro League, Real, Saudi, Thomson Locations: Saudi, Al Ittihad, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Handout, Al, Ittihad, Mecca, Europe, Hilal

☆ Saudi Arabia submits letter of intent to host 2034 World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 9 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia announced it took the second step to bid for 2034 World Cup by submitting a letter of intent to host the event to world soccer governing body FIFA on Monday. "Last week we announced our ambitions to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and this official submission continues our journey to make the dreams of our people a reality," Yasser Al Misehal, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation SAFF said in a statement. "We are extremely committed to presenting the most competitive bid possible that will also help unite the world through football," he added. Last week, FIFA named Morocco, Spain and Portugal as hosts of the 2030 World Cup, with Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay hosting the opening matches to mark the tournament's centenary. Reporting by Osama Khairy; Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Yasser Al Misehal, Saudi Arabian Football Federation SAFF, SAFF, Osama Khairy, Christian Radnedge Organizations: FIFA, Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Thomson Locations: Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay

GENEVA (AP) — Saudi Arabia formally informed FIFA of its wish to host the men’s World Cup in 2034 on Monday in a bidding contest that increasingly looks designed for the kingdom to win. That allows the 2034 edition to return to Asia 12 years after Qatar hosted the 2022 World Cup. Infantino has built close ties to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on frequent visits to the oil-rich kingdom since before the 2018 World Cup. The Saudi soccer project has seen the sovereign wealth Public Investment Fund buy English club Newcastle in 2021. The FIFA Council which agreed to the 2034 World Cup bidding process included nine delegates from European soccer body UEFA, which now has the 2030 tournament.

Persons: “, ”, Gianni Infantino, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, PIF, Karim Benzema, ___ Organizations: GENEVA, FIFA, Oceania, Qatar, New Zealand, Saudi, Public Investment Fund, Newcastle, FIFA Council, UEFA Locations: Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabian, Europe, Africa, South America, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, United States, Mexico, Canada, Asia, Australia, Saudi, Qatar, Egypt

☆ How Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman went from pariah to pragmatic diplomat
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-07 | by ( Polly Thompson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is trying to transform the oil-rich Persian Gulf kingdom. AdvertisementAdvertisementSaudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is on a mission to transform his country. Billboards show portraits of Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (R) and his father and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz. US President Joe Biden (L) being welcomed by Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (R) at Alsalam Royal Palace in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on July 15, 2022. President Joe Biden gives Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a handshake at the G20 summit this September.

Persons: Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he's, —, Prince Mohammed didn't, King Salman, Fahda bint Falah, Saud, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz, AAMIR QURESHI, Muhammad bin Nayef, Prince Mohammed, Rash, Chris Doyle, GIUSEPPE CACACE, Doyle, he'd, Jamal Khashoggi, Emmanuel Macron, Joe Biden, Prince Mohammed a, Grant Shapps, Vladimir Putin's, Sanam Vakil, Biden, Evelyn Hockstein, Vakil, Duaa, Pierre Crom, Dhainy, Prince Organizations: Service, Saudi, King Saud University, Saudi Arabian Crown, Guardian, Ritz, Carlton, Council, Arab, CIA, Royal, Anadolu Agency, Bloomberg, Washington, Chatham House, Associated Press, Fox News, European Saudi Organization for Human Rights, MBS, United Nations, Getty Images, Human Rights Locations: Saudi, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Riyadh, British, Istanbul, Jeddah, Ukraine, Iran, China, Israel, East, North Africa, Delhi, Neom, The Hague, Netherlands, Getty Images Saudi Arabia

☆ Saudi Arabia will bid to host 2034 World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

CAIRO, Oct 4 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia announced it will bid to host the 2034 World Cup just minutes after the world soccer's governing body FIFA invited countries from the Asia and Oceania regions to submit bids. "Saudi Arabia’s inaugural FIFA World Cup bid is backed by the country’s growing experience of hosting world-class football events and its ongoing plans to welcome fans across the world to the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup." After FIFA said that the 2034 World Cup will be held in the Asia or Oceania region, Asian Football Confederation president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa welcomed the decision. "We strongly believe it paves the way for a more equitable opportunity for all confederations to bid for, and host, the prestigious FIFA World Cup - the pinnacle of world men’s football," he said. The 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams, will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Persons: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, Moaz Abd, Osama Khairy, Mohamed Yossry, Rohith Nair, William Maclean Organizations: FIFA, Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Saudi, Saudi Arabia’s, AFC Asian, Asian Football, Saudi Pro League, Thomson Locations: CAIRO, Saudi Arabia, Asia, Oceania, Saudi, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, United States, Canada, Mexico, Cairo

☆ Oil up $1 on tight U.S. supply, China demand
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( Robert Harvey | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

An Aramco employee walks near an oil tank at Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura oil refinery and oil terminal in Saudi Arabia May 21, 2018. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsCompanies Saudi Arabian Oil Co FollowLONDON, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Oil prices rose on Friday and were headed for a gain of about 3% for the week, driven by tight U.S. supply and expectations of strong fuel demand in China during the Golden Week holiday. China's fuel demand was set to firm as the week-long Golden Week holiday began on Friday. "(An) increase in international travel during the Golden Week holiday is boosting Chinese oil demand," ANZ analysts said in a client note. Saudi Arabia and Russia's supply cuts will dominate oil prices for the remainder of this year, but a run towards $100 per barrel could be capped by macroeconomic headwinds, analysts said.

Persons: Ahmed Jadallah, Brent, Carsten Fritsch, Robert Harvey, Katya Golubkova, Sonali Paul, Mark Potter Organizations: REUTERS, Rights Companies Saudi Arabian Oil, . West Texas, ANZ, Golden, St . Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Aramco, Saudi, Saudi Arabia, China, U.S, Cushing , Oklahoma, Russia, St

An Aramco employee walks near an oil tank at Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura oil refinery and oil terminal in Saudi Arabia May 21, 2018. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsCompanies Saudi Arabian Oil Co FollowSept 29 (Reuters) - Oil prices were set for a weekly gain of around 2% after regaining ground on Friday as strong holiday demand from China and persistently tight U.S. fundamentals outweighed expectations of possible supply increases from Saudi Arabia. The market eased about 1% in the previous session, as traders took profits after prices soared to 10-month highs, and some worried that high interest rates may weigh on oil demand. Improving macroeconomic data from China, the world's largest oil importer, coupled with strong fuel demand as the country as it embarked on its week-long Golden Week holiday on Friday, supported prices. "(An) increase in international travel during the Golden Week holiday is boosting Chinese oil demand," ANZ analysts said in a client note.

Persons: Ahmed Jadallah, Brent, Katya Golubkova, Jamie Freed, Sonali Paul Organizations: REUTERS, Rights Companies Saudi Arabian Oil, Brent, . West Texas, ANZ, Golden, Traders, Organization of, Petroleum, ING Bank, Aramco, National Australia Bank, Thomson Locations: Aramco, Saudi, Saudi Arabia, China, U.S, Cushing , Oklahoma, OPEC

☆ Saudi Arabia announces crucial step forward in its nascent nuclear power plans
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( Natasha Turak | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

The announcement put the spotlight on the kingdom's nascent nuclear energy efforts — Saudi Arabia has a small nuclear reactor, a research unit set up with the help of Argentina, that it has not yet put into operation. The Saudi energy minister did not comment on whether his country would also join the IAEA's Additional Protocol, which requires more thorough oversight including snap inspections. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said in a recent wide-ranging interview with Fox News that if Iran developed nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia would too. U.S. assistance with a nuclear energy program is one of Saudi Arabia's key demands — but not everyone is happy about that. The multilateral Obama-era deal had allowed the lifting of economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs to its nuclear program.

Persons: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Al, Mandel Ngan, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Rafael Grossi, Thomas Kronsteiner, Grossi, Saud, Prince Abdulaziz's, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Mohammed bin Salman's, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Joe Biden, Narendra Modi, Evelyn Hockstein, Yair Lapid, Donald Trump, ATTA KENARE Organizations: Saudi, Crown, AFP, Getty Images, International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, Saudi Energy, Governors, CSA, United, Fox News, CBS, West, Saudi Arabian Crown, Indian, Biden, Obama, Iranian, Getty Locations: Royal, Saudi, Jeddah, Getty Images Saudi Arabia, Vienna, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Russia, Ukraine, China, New Delhi, India, Riyadh, Washington, Israel, Tehran, Bushehr

☆ Saudi Arabia's auto rental firm Lumi pops 30% in stock market debut
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-25 | by ( Natasha Turak | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Shares of Lumi soared as much as 30% on Monday at the Saudi Arabian auto rental firm debuted on the Riyadh stock exchange in a 1.09 billion riyal ($290 million) initial public offering. A unit of Saudi travel company Seera, Lumi listed 30% of its shares on the Saudi Tadawul exchange at an initial price of 66 riyals, at the top of their range. Prices shortly after rose to as high as 85.8 riyals per share. According to its IPO prospectus, Lumi is the third-largest car rental provider in the Saudi kingdom, capturing an estimated local market share of 7% in 2021. The company received more than $27 billion in bids from retail and institutional investors during its listing, according to Bloomberg, with the funds portion oversubscribed by nearly 95 times.

Persons: Lumi Organizations: Saudi, Bloomberg Locations: Saudi, Riyadh

☆ So many people want to attend a Middle East investment conference dubbed 'Davos in the desert' that they're charging $15,000 to get in the door
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( Polly Thompson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

About 5,000 delegates are paying $15,000 each to attend an investment conference in Riyadh next month. Growing interest in the conference also underlines Saudi Arabia's rising global influence. The annual event is the largest investment and business conference in the Middle East, and has been compared to Davos – the Swiss ski resort that hosts the World Economic Forum each January. As well as being a forum for discussion, the event is also an accelerator for Saudi investment opportunities. At last year's conference, more than 28 investment deals worth over $9 billion were signed, according to the US-Saudi Business Council.

Persons: Goldman Sachs, Sam Bankman, Jared Kushner, execs, Jamal Khashoggi, Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Organizations: Service, Future Investment Initiative, Street Journal, Economic, Bridgewater Associates, Saudi Business Council, Investment Initiative, FII Institute, Saudi Locations: Riyadh, Saudi, Wall, Silicon, Eastern, Davos, Saudi Arabian, Blackstone, BlackRock, Istanbul, FAYEZ, Saudi Arabia

☆ Saudi crown prince says he does not care about 'sportswashing' claims
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (not pictured) meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, June 7, 2023. "If sportswashing (is) going to increase my GDP by 1%, then we'll continue doing sportswashing," the crown prince told Fox News. Saudi Arabia denies accusations of human rights abuses and says it protects its national security through its laws. When asked specifically about the term "sportswashing", the crown prince said: "I don't care. Saudi Arabia has been hosting a Formula One Grand Prix since 2021 and has also held boxing world title fights.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, we'll, PIF, LIV, Hritika Sharma, Michael Perry Organizations: Saudi Crown, Saudi Royal Court, REUTERS, Saudi Arabian Crown, Fox News, Public Wealth Fund, Premier League, Newcastle United, PGA, Saudi Pro League, Thomson Locations: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Bandar, Saudi, Hyderabad

☆ Saudi crown prince says he will keep 'sportswashing' as criticism of the practice grows
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-21 | by ( Drew Richardson | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Call it whatever you want, we're going to get that one and a half percent," the crown prince said. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), an entity controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed, has backed Saudi soccer clubs and LIV Golf. The LIV Golf merger with the PGA Tour has faced widespread scrutiny. Key U.S. lawmakers have criticized the pending golf merger as an attempt by the kingdom to distract from its human rights record. Prior to the deal, LIV Golf sued the PGA Tour for alleged anticompetitive practices, which prompted the PGA Tour to countersue, saying LIV Golf was stifling competition.

Persons: Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, sportswashing, I'm, Critics, Jamal Khashoggi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, LIV Golf, Crown Prince Mohammed, LIV, Osama bin Laden, It's, Sen, Richard Blumenthal, Conn, Jimmy Dunne, Ron Price, Price, Benjamin Freeman, — CNBC's Lillian Rizzo, Chelsey Cox Organizations: Saudi, Saudi Arabian Crown, Partnership, Global Infrastructure, Fox News, Washington Post, Neymar, PGA Tour, Saudi Public Investment Fund, Crown, Reuters, PGA, Key U.S, Homeland Security, Governmental Affairs, Tour, Quincy Institute, Responsible Locations: Saudi Arabian, New Delhi, India, Saudi, Europe, Saudi Arabia, Key, Yemen

☆ Everything you need to know about London Fashion Week Spring-Summer 2024
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( Leah Dolan | Nicole Mowbray | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

London CNN —London Fashion Week kicked off on Friday in the glow of a sweltering UK heatwave, and concluded on Tuesday after biblical showers and thunderstorms. More famous faces piled into the London fashion scene over the course of the week. Dave Benett/Courtesy BurberryHowever, some controversial collections and marketing choices brought London Fashion Week outside of the industry bubble and into the wider cultural conversation. Henry Nicholls/AFP/Getty ImagesErdem's collection was partly inspired by the protected stately home, Chatsworth House, in the North of England. Henry Nicholls/AFP/Getty ImagesAshish returned to the London Fashion Week runway after 4 years with a show that was suitably high-octane and glamorous.

Persons: JW Anderson, Erdem, Simone Rocha, Findikoglu, Halpern, Nensi, S.S, Daley, Anna Wintour, Sienna Miller, Jodie Turner, Smith, Princess Eugenie, Kate Winslet, Cole Sprouse, Suki Waterhouse, Charli, Ncuti Gatwa, Alexa Chung, Mo Farah, “, Damon Albarn, Rachel Weiss, Jodie Comer, Kylie Minogue, Burna Boy, Barry Keoghan, Dave Benett, Burberry —, Daniel Lee, —, Mowalola, HARRI, Sam Smith, JW, Kwok, Joe Maher, Crocs, Sinéad O’Dwyer, Molly Goddard, Victor Virgile, Gareth Cattermole, David, David Cronenberg, David Lynch, 16Arlington, Isamaya Ffrench, Jeff Spicer, Richard Quinn, ”, Goddard, Matty Bovan —, Bovan, ” Richard Quinn, Matty Bovan, tulle, Susan Fang, David Koma, David Lee’s Burberry, Giovanni Giannoni, Di Petsa, beading, Susan Fang's, Henry Nicholls, Chet Lo's, Wiktor, Chet Lo, Shane Anthony Sinclair, Stuart Wilson, TOVE, Daniel Lee's, Shutterstock Burberry, Ashish, Poppy Delevingne, Anderson, KNWLS — Organizations: London CNN, London, Burberry, Vogue, JW, Highbury, Fashion, Brit, BFC, Getty, National Theatre, National, Publishing, London's Barbican Center, British Locations: couture, London, North London, Saudi, Hong, Kong, Erdem, AFP, Englishness, Chatsworth House, North, England, Noor

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