THE TRUTH ABOUT: 13 - The Untold Story

As longterm partnership with US fades, Saudi Arabia seeks to diversify its diplomacy – and recent deals with China, Iran and Russia fit this strategy

The fact that Saudi Arabia entered a rapprochement deal with Iran and chose China to broker it came as a surprise to many international observers.

The Conversation · Mar 27, 2023

Moody's Changes Saudi PIF's Outlook to Positive

Moody's has changed its outlook on Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) from "stable" to "positive" and affirmed its long-term issuer and senior unsecured ratings at A1. According to the performance evaluation, the rating reflects PIF's standalone creditworthiness as expressed by a BCA of A1.

Asharq Al-Awsat · Mar 24, 2023

GCC Foreign Ministers: Saudi-Iranian Agreement Helps Resolve Region’s Differences through Dialogue

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers have welcomed the Saudi-Iran agreement sponsored by China.

Asharq Al-Awsat · Mar 23, 2023

Saudi Arabia eyes late 2024 slot if it doesn’t secure F1 season opener

The possibility of the grand prix in Jeddah becoming the first race next season emerged late last year when Australian Grand Prix bosses revealed that Saudi Arabia had requested it because of Ramadan. 

Motorsport · Mar 17, 2023

F1: Max Verstappen defies stomach bug to set the pace in Saudi Arabian Grand Prix practice

Max Verstappen picked up where he left out in Bahrain with a dominant performance in Friday’s two practice sessions for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Evening Standard · Mar 17, 2023

George Russell offers Mercedes hope for Saudi Arabian GP despite ominous Red Bull belief

George Russell and Lewis Hamilton will be up against it at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix as Mercedes look to compete at the front of the grid with pace setters Red Bull

Daily Mirror · Mar 16, 2023

Hamilton doesn't share other F1 drivers' views on Saudi GP safety

F1 heads back to Jeddah for the second race of the 2023 season this weekend, the first event after the 2022 edition was marred and nearly aborted following the threat of a drivers' strike in the aftermath of a Houthi missile strike on a nearby Aramco oil facility during practice. 

Motorsport · Mar 16, 2023

China clearly has a plan to flex its diplomatic muscle around the world

In brokering a detente between Iran and Saudi Arabia – and offering its own peace plan for Ukraine – we have been given a glimpse of Beijing’s grander vision, writes Borzou Daragahi

The Independent UK · Mar 16, 2023

Analysis: Renewed Saudi-Iranian ties, brokered by China, force new calculations in Mideast

BEIRUT — The surprise announcement of a resumption of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, thanks to a deal brokered by Beijing, underscores regional governments’ interest in a de-escalation of tensions — and China’s willingness to wield its economic clout to achieve it.

Los Angeles Times · Mar 15, 2023

The Guardian view on Iran and Saudi Arabia: a cautious start

Editorial: Plans for the two countries to restore diplomatic relations are welcome, but are only a modest step forward

The Guardian - UK · Mar 14, 2023