Category: Saudi Arabia

  • A visual representation of investments made by Saudi Arabia in sports

    Mapping the Politics of Saudi Arabia’s Sports Investments

    Saudi Arabia continues to make news with its investments in sports with the Saudi Pro League football clubs recently privatised, LIV Golf agreeing to a merger with the PGA and DP Tours, and a host of player transfers to the country’s top football clubs. Many observers have been shocked by the pace, reach, and unexpected […]
    Simon Chadwick and Paul Widdop/
    May 29, 2025
  • Bulk carrier traversing the Red Sea

    Are the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea a Solidarity Campaign or a Ruse?  – or is not the Right Question

    Recently, there has been a surge of interest in Yemen following the Houthi military campaign attacking ships traversing the Red Sea. But why and how have their campaigns increased the groups popularity both regionally and beyond?
    Kamilia Al-Eriani/
    May 29, 2024
  • Riyadh, Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo poses with AlNassr Football Club President Mossali Al-Muammar at press conference in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on January 3, 2023. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM Credit: Abaca Press/Alamy Live News

    Saudi Arabia, China, Red Sea Geopolitics & The 2030 World Cup

    In March 2021, a container ship – the Ever Given – ran aground in Egypt’s Suez Canal following stormy weather. This caused a significant obstruction to one of the world’s busiest trade routes, which lasted for almost a week. By the time the Ever Given was freed, there were more than three hundred and sixty […]
    Simon Chadwick/
    May 22, 2024
  • Bangkok, Thailand, on November 18, 2022. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives an honorary doctorate degree in the field of ‘land knowledge for sustainable development’ from Kasetsart University, in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 18, 2022. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

    Moving past the Blue Diamond Affair: Saudi and Thai ties deepen

    On November 20th, Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman attended the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Bangkok as a guest of honor. For Riyadh, his appearance was indicative of the kingdom’s increasingly prominent presence in multilateral forums, marking a significant step in the Saudis’ efforts to deepen their relationships with key Asian countries. […]
    Adam Baron/
    May 22, 2024
  • Could Emirati hold on Socotra resolve conflict in Yemen?

    The UAE’s strategic consolidation of the island of Socotra will not enhance the prospects for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Yemen. Whilst it may further complicate the process, it will not necessarily stymie efforts either. However, what is likely to stymie prospects is the growing rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE and […]
    Neil Quilliam and Alice Gower/
    May 22, 2024