Page 2 - Saudi Arabia

GMR, Tamasuk-Bengaluru consortium in race for Saudi's Taif Airport project

GMR Group has passed the qualifying round to submit a bid for the USD 800 million new Taif International Airport project in Saudi Arabia, according to the National Center for Privatisation & PPP of the Arabian country. Besides GMR, Bengaluru International Airport Ltd Tamasuk consortium, Turkey's TAV Airports Mada International Holding consortium, Irish company Daa International-led consortium, and Kalyon Insaat consortium, were qualified for the project bidding. The project will be taken up under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model under a Build-Transfer-Operate (BTO) contract for a period of 30 years including the construction period. The new Taif International Airport will include a well-equipped commercial passenger terminal building aligned with the airport's projected capacity and demand, along with facility buildings, utility networks, car parks, and access roads that enable the standard operation of the airport. The project includes additional expansions to meet ...

Saudi-led coalition warns UAE-backed Yemen separatists of immediate action

The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen warned Saturday it would immediately respond to any military movements of separatists backed by the United Arab Emirates that undermine de-escalation efforts in the southern region of the country. Any military movements that violate these efforts will be dealt with directly and immediately in order to protect civilian lives and ensure the success of restoring calm," said Brig Gen Turki al-Maliki, a coalition spokesman, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Al-Maliki also accused the Southern Transitional Council separatists of serious and horrific human rights violations against civilians, without providing evidence. This came a day after separatists accused Saudi Arabia of targeting their forces with airstrikes, something not formally acknowledged by the kingdom, whose relations with the UAE have been strained due to STC actions. Yemen, engulfed in a civil war for more than a decade, has the Iran-backed Houthis controlling much of the northern regio

Over 24,600 Indians deported globally in 2025; not US but Saudi tops list

Saudi Arabia deported over 11,000 Indians in 2025, the highest globally; MEA data shows most deportations stem from visa overstays, work violations, and involvement in legal cases

Yemen separatists accuse Saudi Arabia of airstrikes against their forces

Separatists in southern Yemen accused Saudi Arabia on Friday of targeting their forces with airstrikes, something not immediately acknowledged by the kingdom after it warned the force to withdraw from governorates it recently took over. The Southern Transitional Council said the strikes happened in Yemen's Hadramout governorate. It wasn't immediately clear if there were any injuries from the strikes. The Council's satellite channel AIC aired what appeared to be mobile phone footage it described as showing the strikes. In one video, a man speaking could be heard blaming the strike on Saudi aircraft. Officials in Saudi Arabia did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press. On Thursday, the kingdom called on Emirati-backed separatists in southern Yemen to withdraw from the two new governorates they now control, a move that has threatened to spark a confrontation within a fragile coalition that has been battling the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the ...

Saudi Arabia asks Yemen separatists to leave, warns against destabilisation

Saudi Arabia on Thursday formally called on separatists in Yemen to withdraw from two governorates their forces now control in the country, a move that threatens sparking a confrontation within a fragile coalition that's battling the Houthi rebels there. The statement from Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry on Christmas morning appeared aimed at putting public pressure on the Southern Transitional Council, a force long backed by the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia has backed other fighters within Yemen, including a force known as the National Shield Forces, in the war against the Houthis the kingdom launched in 2015. The kingdom stresses the importance of cooperation among all Yemeni factions and components to exercise restraint and avoid any measures that could destabilize security and stability, which may result in undesirable consequences, the Saudi Foreign Ministry warned. The council has moved into Yemen's governorates of Hadramout and Mahra. The Saudi statement said meditation

Pak's Asim Munir conferred with Saudi Arabia's highest civilian honour

Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, has been awarded Saudi Arabia's highest civilian honour, the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellence. Munir is currently on an official visit to the Kingdom. Under a Royal Decree issued by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's highest national honour was also conferred upon the Field Marshal, the army said on Monday. The Saudi leadership conveyed its appreciation for Field Marshal Asim Munir's professionalism and strategic outlook, noting his commitment to strengthening the longstanding, brotherly ties between the two countries. Field Marshal Munir expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi leadership for the honour, describing it as a reflection of the enduring bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the security, stability, and prosperity

Saudi Arabia expands access to alcohol store for its non-Muslim residents

The kingdom, which adheres to Islamic Sharia law, has opened movie theatres, allowed women to drive and hosted major music festivals

India, Saudi Arabia ink pact to boost official travels, bilateral exchanges

The move aims to facilitate the movement under the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council

Saudi may ease liquor rules, to allow non-Muslim residents: Details

Non-Muslim foreign residents who have a monthly earning of 50,000 riyals ($13,300) will reportedly be allowed to make purchases

Saudi Arabia cuts crude rates as India buys more oil from the US, Russia

Saudi Arabia is offering more competitive rates amid widening discounts of $5-7 per barrel offered on Russian Urals barrels and a surge in purchases of US crude oil by India

BorderPlus to send 1,000 Indian nurses to Gulf Cooperation Council by FY27

GCC healthcare ecosystem projected to require over 50,000 additional nurses by 2027, says BorderPlus CEO

Spectacular Saudi' Returns to India: Showcases Cultural Brilliance with Immersive Experiences, and Unbeatable Travel Offers Across 5 Cities

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Trump bets on tech, Saudi-backed AI investments to drive US economy

President Donald Trump is increasingly counting on the tech sector and the development of artificial intelligence to deliver on his economic agenda, a reality laid bare this week as he hosted Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The crown prince has committed to invest USD 1 trillion with US companies, a pledge that is largely about using Saudi Arabia's oil and natural gas reserves to pivot his nation into becoming an AI data hub. We will work closely with friends and partners like those in this room to build the largest, most powerful, most innovative AI ecosystem in the world, Trump said at the US-Saudi Investment Forum on Wednesday. Sitting in the front row of the audience at the Kennedy Center were Nvidia co-founder Jensen Huang and tech billionaire Elon Musk. Trump took credit for the new investments and stock market performance this year both of which have been a function of the AI buildout. For all of Trump's claims that his tariffs are generating new investmen

Going to be selling Saudi some of the greatest military equipment: Trump

Donald Trump noted that the relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia has probably grown stronger

What to know about F-35 fighter jet that Trump is selling to Saudi Arabia

President Donald Trump says he has agreed to sell the nation's most advanced fighter jet to Saudi Arabia despite concerns that China could gain access to the plane's vaunted American technology. The sale to the Middle Eastern nation, whose top trading partner is China, was reaffirmed Tuesday during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington. Some in the Republican administration also have been wary that selling the F-35 to Saudi Arabia will upset Israel's qualitative military edge over its neighbours, especially at a time when Trump is depending on Israeli support for the success of his Gaza peace plan. Israel, which deployed the F-35 in its 12-day war against Iran in June, is among 19 other nations that already have the plane or have agreements to buy it. It was nearly 20 years ago when the first F-35 Lightning strike fighter rolled off an assembly line in Fort Worth, Texas, hailed as a technological leap and lamented as a military money pit. Since then, more th

Jeddah Consulate opens camp in Madina, Consul General meets crash survivor

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has set up a camp office in Madina to assist the families of Indians who died in a bus accident involving Haj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, the mission said on Tuesday. Forty-four Indian Umrah pilgrims, including 42 from Telangana, were killed in a collision involving their bus and a fuel tanker near Madina in the wee hours of Monday. The local authorities had confirmed that there is one Indian survivor, and he is undergoing medical treatment. In a social media post, the Consulate said it has set up the camp office in the Indian Haj Pilgrims Office in Madina to assist the families of Indians who died in the accident. In a separate post, the mission said Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri met Abdul Shoeb Mohammed, the lone survivor of the accident, who is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Madina. "Concerned hospital authorities have informed that the best possible medical care is being provided to him. Consulate wishes him a spee

One more Karnataka woman among Indians killed in Saudi bus accident

An 80-year-old woman from Bidar in Karnataka was among the Indian Umrah pilgrims killed near Saudi Arabia's Madina, after their bus collided with an oil tanker, officials here said on Tuesday. According to officials, the deceased woman was identified as Rahmat Bee of Mailur CMC Colony here. She had gone to Saudi Arabia via Hyderabad, officials said, adding that they are in touch with concerned authorities and family members. On Monday, the state government officials confirmed the death of Abdul Gani Shirahatti (55) from Hubballi in the tragedy. At least 45 Indians, the majority of them Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad, were killed in Saudi Arabia's Madina after their bus collided with an oil tanker, officials in Telangana said on Monday. However, officials in New Delhi familiar with the development maintained that 42 persons were killed in the accident.

Trump says US will sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia despite China concerns

US President Donald Trump's plan to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia has raised concerns among US officials about possible technology leaks to China

US to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia on eve of crown prince's visit, says Trump

The crown prince, who is set to make a White House visit Tuesday, had been expected to arrive with a wish list that includes receiving formal assurances from Trump

Saudi bus accident: Hyderabad Police Commissioner confirms 45 dead

At least 45 people, most of them from Hyderabad, were killed in a bus accident in Saudi Arabia, the city police chief said on Monday, citing preliminary information. Addressing reporters here, Hyderabad police commissioner VC Sajjanar said a total of 54 people travelled to Jeddah from here on November 9. They were scheduled to return on November 23. Of the 54, four people travelled separately by car to Madina on Sunday, while another four stayed back in Mecca. According to the official, 46 people were travelling in the ill-fated bus, which collided with an oil tanker about 25 km from Madina. Only one person survived the accident and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital. "We are getting information that 45 people died. They were supposed to return to Hyderabad on 23rd (of November)," he added. AIMIM MLA Majid Hussain said, "We have received information that over 40 people died in the accident, and we are coordinating with the families." The Consulate General of India i