Saudi Arabia has quietly expanded alcohol sales at its sole store, allowing non-Muslim foreigners with Premium Residency to purchase. The move reflects the kingdom’s cautious liberalisation, while general alcohol consumption remains banned and highly regulated under strict Sharia law
US President Donald Trump said he will welcome skilled immigrants to help train American workers in advanced manufacturing, arguing that the US lacks certain specialised talents. He acknowledged criticism from his conservative base but insisted such visas are essential for complex chip, electronics and missile production.
US President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House, finalising agreements on F-35 jets, nuclear energy, AI, and critical minerals. The visit also addressed Saudi investment, Khashoggi’s killing, and potential ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords.
Saudi Arabia appointed 90-year-old ultraconservative scholar Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan al-Fawzan as the new grand mufti, replacing the late Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Sheikh. Known for controversial views on Shiites and social issues, his appointment reflects ongoing religious influence despite recent social reforms
The downtown will be completed in 2030 and is expected to generate 180 billion Saudi Riyals ($48.6 billion) to non-oil GDP, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a Saudi Press Agency report.
The king meanwhile issued a decree on Tuesday ordering a cabinet reshuffle, appointing Saudi Prince Khalid bin Salman as the Defence Minister, Xinhua news agency reported.
The kingdom, the Arab world's biggest economy, launched an artificial intelligence strategy last month to attract investors as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's ambitious "Vision 2030" plan to wean the kingdom off oil.
The timing of the deals, long considered taboo without the blessing of the Palestinians, was seen as an attempt to provide Trump with a foreign policy win ahead of the vote.
