Saudi Arabia

Saudi Fitness Influencer Receives 11-Year Prison Sentence for 'Terrorist Offenses': Shocking Revelation

Defense Pact - Economic Contraction - Manahel al-Otaibi - Mining Sector - Nuclear Cooperation - Online Speech Crackdown - Saudi Arabia

Fitness influencer jailed for 'terrorism charges' in Saudi Arabia sparks outrage online. Click to read more!

Saudi Arabia has stirred controversy with the confirmation that a prominent female fitness influencer was handed an 11-year prison sentence. Manahel al-Otaibi, known for her fitness content online, was convicted on 'terrorism charges,' allegedly linked to her social media presence. This shocking development has raised concerns about freedom of expression and women's rights in the region. The news has sparked outrage and divided opinions globally, with many calling for justice and transparency in the legal system.

In addition to this troubling event, Saudi Arabia's economy faced a 1.8% contraction in the first quarter, primarily attributed to a decline in the oil sector. Despite the challenges, non-oil activities showed growth, indicating a diversified economic landscape. The kingdom's real GDP grew by 1.3% in the same period, reflecting the complex interplay between oil production and economic stability.

On the financial front, BlackRock and Saudi Arabia have formed a groundbreaking partnership to launch a multi-asset investment management platform in Riyadh. The $5 billion deal underscores the kingdom's commitment to expanding its investment opportunities and attracting global financial players. This collaboration is set to reshape the investment landscape in the region, positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for international financial activity.

In conclusion, the intersection of social issues, economic challenges, and financial advancements in Saudi Arabia highlights the country's evolving socio-political landscape. The case of Manahel al-Otaibi underscores the importance of upholding fundamental rights, while the strategic financial partnership between BlackRock and the kingdom signals a new era of investment opportunities. These developments showcase the dynamic nature of Saudi Arabia's position in the global arena.

Saudi Arabia confirms a fitness influencer received an 11-year ... (The Washington Post)

Saudi Arabia has confirmed in a letter to the United Nations that a female fitness instruction popular online received an 11-year prison sentence over ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Manahel al-Otaibi: Saudi women's rights activist jailed for 11 years (BBC News)

Manahel al-Otaibi was convicted of "terrorism charges" reportedly related to her social media posts.

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Fox News"

Fitness influencer got 11 years in prison for 'terrorist offenses,' Saudi ... (Fox News)

Saudi Arabia sent a letter to the United Nations confirming Manahel al-Otaibi, a fitness instructor with a large online following, was sentenced to 11 years ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "The New Arab"

Saudi secretly sentences women rights activist to prison (The New Arab)

Saudi fitness instructor and women's rights activist, Manahel al-Otaibi, was secretly sentenced to 11 years in prison by Saudi Arabia's counter-terrorism ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Al Arabiya English"

Saudi Arabia's Q1 GDP shrinks by estimated 1.8 pct (Al Arabiya English)

Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, is pumping around 9 million barrels per day (bpd), well below its around 12 million bpd capacity after it cut ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "The National"

Saudi Arabia's economy falls 1.8% in the first quarter as oil sector ... (The National)

Non-oil activities increased by 2.8 per cent and government activities grew by 2 per cent on an annual basis. Meanwhile, the kingdom's seasonally adjusted real ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Bloomberg"

Saudi Arabia GDP: Economic Contraction Eases as Oil Activities ... (Bloomberg)

Saudi Arabia's economy contracted for a third straight quarter following the kingdom's decision to cut petroleum production, while non-oil growth eased to ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Economy Middle East"

Saudi Arabia's real GDP grows 1.3 percent in Q1 of 2024 (Economy Middle East)

Voluntary oil output cuts by OPEC+ members including Saudi Arabia have significant impact on Saudi Arabia's GDP growth. OPEC+ has implemented a series of output ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Investing.com"

Saudi Arabia stocks lower at close of trade; Tadawul All Share down ... (Investing.com)

Rising stocks outnumbered declining ones on the Saudi Arabia Stock Exchange by 143 to 134 and 29 ended unchanged. Shares in Saudi Paper Manufacturing Co. ( ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "The Media Line"

Saudi Arabia, BlackRock Join Forces To Launch Riyadh Investment ... (The Media Line)

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and BlackRock announced a partnership to launch a multi-asset investment management platform based in Riyadh on ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Modern Diplomacy"

Saudi Arabia to launch a Riyadh-based multi-asset investment ... (Modern Diplomacy)

Saudi Arabia has announced its intention to launch a multi-asset investment management platform in Riyadh. The platform, called BlackRock Riyadh.

Post cover — Image courtesy of "The Circuit"

BlackRock secures $5 billion deal to open new firm in Saudi Arabia (The Circuit)

BlackRock has secured a deal with Saudi Arabia to introduce a multi-class investment firm in the kingdom with a $5 billion anchor investment from the Public ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "CNBC"

BlackRock is opening a Saudi investment firm with initial $5 billion ... (CNBC)

The new platform will be called BlackRock Riyadh Investment Management, or BRIM. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink said in a statement that the kingdom "has become an ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Zacks.com"

BlackRock (BLK) Launches Investment Platform in Saudi Arabia (Zacks.com)

BlackRock Saudi Arabia intends to establish BlackRock Riyadh Investment Management (BRIM) in collaboration with PIF to encompass investment strategies across a ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Saudis push for 'plan B' that excludes Israel from key deal with US (The Guardian)

Riyadh seeks more modest agreement with Washington in absence of Gaza ceasefire and Netanyahu resistance to Palestinian state.

Post cover — Image courtesy of "i24NEWS"

U.S. and Saudi Arabia discuss peace settlement excluding Israel ... (i24NEWS)

Amid Gaza standstill and Netanyahu's opposition, Riyadh pursues smaller pact with Washington - Click on the link for more.

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Ynetnews"

Saudi Arabia urges US to exclude Israel from Mideast deal, report (Ynetnews)

Riyadh seeks a more modest agreement with the US amid expectation that the cease-fire talks would fail and the fighting would continue, ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Bloomberg"

US and Saudis Near Defense Pact Aimed at Reshaping Middle East (Bloomberg)

The US and Saudi Arabia are nearing a historic pact that would offer the kingdom security guarantees and lay out a possible pathway to diplomatic ties with ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Al Mayadeen English"

KSA advocates 'plan B' excluding 'Israel' from vital agreement with US (Al Mayadeen English)

Riyadh is pursuing a scaled-down accord with Washington due to the absence of a ceasefire in Gaza and Netanyahu's opposition to Palestinian statehood.

Sen. Markey Seeks Answers on Nuclear Cooperation with Saudi ... (Ed Markey)

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman previously has stated publicly that Saudi Arabia would seek to acquire nuclear weapons if Iran were to “develop” a nuclear bomb ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "U.S. News & World Report"

US Senator Urges Biden to Include Safeguards in Any Nuclear ... (U.S. News & World Report)

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A Democratic U.S. senator on Wednesday urged President Joe Biden to include strict nonproliferation safeguards in any nuclear power deal ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Middle East Eye"

Saudi Arabia: High-net-worth Muslims eye luxury homes in holy ... (Middle East Eye)

The kingdom's real estate market could be turbocharged by demand for luxury homes tied to brand names like Versace and Bulgari, according to real estate ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Jewish Exponent"

Report: Saudi Arabia to Normalize Relations With Israel - Jewish ... (Jewish Exponent)

The Israeli government is opposed to the establishment of a Palestinian state given Ramallah's support for terrorism. Recent polling shows a majority of ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "The Jerusalem Post"

Saudi Arabia nuclear deal discussed by US senator (The Jerusalem Post)

The Biden administration has been talking with Saudi Arabia and Israel on a potential peace agreement since before the October 7 deadly attacks.

Post cover — Image courtesy of "The Hill"

Senate Democrat raises concerns about U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal (The Hill)

Senator Edward Markey (D-Mass.), co-chair of the Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group, is raising concerns over Saudi Arabia's intention to pursue ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Stratfor Worldview"

U.S., Saudi Arabia: Riyadh Pushes for 'Plan B' Defense Pact Not ... (Stratfor Worldview)

Saudi Arabia is pushing for a "Plan B" bilateral defense pact with the United States that would include U.S. support for a Saudi civilian nuclear program ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Livemint"

Saudi Arabia Steps Up Gaza Arrests as Israel Ties Edge Closer | Mint (Livemint)

Saudi Arabia has stepped up the arrest of citizens for social-media posts related to the Israel-Hamas war as the kingdom signals a readiness to agree to ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "The Japan Times"

Saudi Arabia steps up Gaza arrests as Israel ties edge closer (The Japan Times)

The arrests are said to reflect a desire by authorities to deter the making of online statements about the war in Gaza that might impact national security.

Post cover — Image courtesy of "SeafoodSource"

Saudi Arabia aims to increase seafood output in 2024 to meet ... (SeafoodSource)

Saudi Arabia's fisheries department wants to increase fish output in the Middle Eastern country to 230000 metric tons (MT) in 2024.

F1 and oil funds: Saudi Arabia steamrolls onto sports' hallowed ... (Los Angeles Times)

Saudi Arabia's oil riches have rocked soccer, golf, even esports, and the autocratic kingdom is expanding in Formula One car racing. What's behind the push?

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Bloomberg"

Bloomberg Evening Briefing: US, Saudi Arabia Said to Be Near ... (Bloomberg)

The US and Saudi Arabia are said to be nearing a historic pact that would offer the kingdom security guarantees and lay out a possible pathway to diplomatic ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Haaretz"

Saudi Arabia and the U.S. want a mutual defense pact – with or ... (Haaretz)

Washington and Riyadh Are Worried That the Third Party to the Normalization Agreement Will Endanger Their Security Interests in the Name of Political ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "The Japan Times"

U.S. and Saudis near defense pact meant to reshape Middle East (The Japan Times)

The U.S. and Saudi Arabia are nearing a historic pact that would offer the kingdom security guarantees and lay out a possible pathway to diplomatic ties ...

U.S. lawmakers pour cold water on a Saudi-U.S. deal that leaves out ... (Jewish Insider)

Congressional lawmakers remain optimistic that Saudi normalization with Israel, alongside a defense treaty with the U.S., can still be reached.

Post cover — Image courtesy of "The Cradle"

Saudi Arabia balks at Israel normalization, floats 'modest' defense ... (The Cradle)

The Saudi 'Plan B' reportedly aims to give the US a 'win' to stifle the growing influence of Iran, Russia, and China in West Asia.

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Mining Technology"

Mining sector to play pivotal role in Saudi Arabia's economic ... (Mining Technology)

Saudi Arabia's non-oil sector accounted for over 50% of GDP for the first time in 2023, with its share rising from 47.4% in 2015 to 51.7% that year.

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Firstpost"

Saudi Arabia-US explore bilateral defence pact with or without Israel (Firstpost)

The US and Saudi Arabia would enter into a bilateral defence pact under the proposed plan B. Israel would be offered the normalisation of diplomatic ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Asharq Al-awsat English"

Saudi Arabia to Propose Investment Opportunities in Six Mining ... (Asharq Al-awsat English)

The mining sector in Saudi Arabia is witnessing growth and development with more investment opportunities expected to be proposed in 2024.

Post cover — Image courtesy of "The Japan Times"

Saudi Arabia cracks down on online speech, jailing critics for decades (The Japan Times)

Fitness influencer Manahel al-Otaibi was recently sentenced to 11 years in prison after criticizing male guardianship laws and women's dress requirements.

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Israel Hayom"

Report: Saudi Arabia cracks down on anti-Israel voices; Vision 2030 ... (Israel Hayom)

As the war between Israel and Hamas drags on, Saudi Arabia is intensifying arrests of citizens for social media posts criticizing Israel or expressing ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Sky News"

Saudi activist sentenced to 11 years in prison 'over choice of clothing' (Sky News)

Human rights groups have called for the release of Manahel al-Otaibi, 29, a women's rights activist and fitness influencer who was recently sentenced to 11 ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "i24NEWS"

Saudi Arabia cracksdown on online defamation of Israel - report (i24NEWS)

Saudi authorities have initiated a series of arrests targeting individuals who have been inciting against Israel on various social networking sites.

Post cover — Image courtesy of "The New Arab"

Saudi cracks down on online posts against Israel's Gaza war (The New Arab)

Saudi Arabia escalates arrests over social media posts on Gaza war amid reported willingness to normalise ties with Israel.

Post cover — Image courtesy of "The Times of Israel"

Saudi Arabia reportedly stepping up arrests of citizens over social ... (The Times of Israel)

Saudi Arabia has reportedly stepped up arrests of citizens for social media posts related to the Israel-Hamas war, as Riyadh signals readiness to normalize ...

Post cover — Image courtesy of "The Cradle"

Saudi Arabia clamps down on criticism of Israel: Report (The Cradle)

The kingdom has been scrambling to secure a comprehensive defense pact with the US that hinges on normalization with Israel.

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Middle East Eye"

Saudi Arabia 'detains people' for anti-Israel social media posts (Middle East Eye)

According to a report, authorities have stepped up a crackdown on online criticism of Israel's onslaught on Gaza, as normalisation deal remains on the ...

Explore the last week