Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the FIFA 2034 World Cup is marked by a glaring contradiction: the kingdom’s claims of environmental stewardship contrast starkly with its persistent human rights abuses and anti-climate policies. Despite presenting an image of green progress, Saudi Arabia’s ongoing reliance on fossil fuels and its repressive regime raise serious ethical and […]
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 2034 FIFA World Cup is set to become one of the most environmentally damaging sporting events in history. The kingdom’s harsh desert climate demands unsustainable consumption of vital natural resources, especially water and energy, with extensive infrastructure construction exacerbating global emissions. Coupled with severe ongoing human rights violations, the environmental […]
Recent news by Saudi Arabia regarding its crack down on the trade of historical artifacts has rocked the headlines internationally. The initiative was introduced by the officials, among them Mohammed Mahnashi, the director of the legal team at the Ministry of Culture and Heritage Commission, as a sign of the Kingdom in securing cultural heritage. […]
The news of Saudi Arabia embracing Kosovo’s recognition of the state through a Riyadh meeting with Syria is being presented by the Saudi Foreign Ministry as an indication of “cooperation … promoting peace and prosperity for all.” However, this diplomatic move cannot be taken at face value. Rather, it is part of a broader strategy […]
In another daring geopolitical move, Saudi Arabia is set to control Syria’s post-conflict economy through massive investments, expansion of banks, and aid funds. The action, hailed as a demonstration of “Arab cooperation,” can actually be viewed for what it is — a troubling increase in influence by a regime that faces allegations of human rights […]
In October 2025, several reports verified that Saudi investors had met with Taliban leaders in Kabul to discuss investments in Afghanistan’s oil, gas, and mineral resources. The Taliban Ministry of Mines and Petroleum stated that a memorandum of understanding was reached between Saudi Arabia’s Delta International Company and Afghan officials that would lead to future […]
Saudi Arabia’s Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih proudly announced at the Fortune Global Forum in Riyadh that 85 percent of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals are either complete or on track. “We’ve made remarkable progress transforming our economy and society,” he declared, noting that 675 multinational companies have already shifted their Middle East headquarters to Riyadh. […]
Saudi Arabia’s appointment of Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan as the new Grand Mufti is a tell-tale sign of what the Kingdom’s so-called “modern reforms” are really all about. While Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has invested billions to market Saudi Arabia as a modern, progressive country through entertainment, tourism, and international sports, including […]
Saudi Arabia’s increasing prominence in international sports has caused serious concern about the integrity of international sporting organizations and the values they purport to uphold. The latest news that the ATP Masters 1000 tennis tournament will take place every year in Saudi Arabia from 2028 is another addition to what many have dubbed a global […]
When Saudi Arabia recently made new labor regulations prohibiting employers from charging domestic workers recruitment or work permit fees, many global commentators welcomed it as a breakthrough. The Saudi Gazette called the action a move toward providing “a decent life and stable work environment” for domestic workers. On paper, it’s a humanitarian milestone. But glance […]