SAUDI ARABIA ENERGY RELATIONS
US becomes India's 4th largest crude oil supplier in April
In April, US crude oil supply to India nearly doubled year-over-year, surpassing the UAE to become India's fourth-largest supplier. Increased US exports to India are attributed to slowing exports to Europe and refinery closures, pushing barrels towards Asia. While Russia remains the top supplier due to discounts, Saudi Arabia's imports fell as it aims to regain market share elsewhere.
Trump says US to lift Syria sanctions, secures $600 billion Saudi deal
President Trump initiated his Gulf trip by announcing the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria, alongside a substantial $600 billion investment commitment from Saudi Arabia into the U.S. A significant arms package sale to Saudi Arabia, valued at $142 billion, was also confirmed.
Donald Trump plays his favorite Village People song, "YMCA", dubbed a gay anthem, to end speech in Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is punishable by death
Donald Trump's decision to play the Village People's "YMCA" during a speech in Saudi Arabia raised eyebrows, considering the song's status as a gay anthem and the kingdom's strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Despite the song's popularity in LGBTQ+ spaces and its association with gay culture, lead singer Victor Willis denies any connection to the community.
Saudi Arabia sentences British banking analyst to a decade in prison, apparently over a tweet; here's what he wrote that sparked the controversy
A British man named Ahmed al-Doush has been sent to jail in Saudi Arabia for 10 years. He worked for a bank and was on holiday with his family. The reason for his jail sentence might be an old tweet he deleted years ago.
Iran rejects Trump's negative portrayal of its regional role
Following a round of difficult nuclear talks with the U.S., Iran's foreign minister refuted Trump's depiction of Iran as a destructive force, citing U.S. sanctions as the real impediment to progress. An Iranian deputy foreign minister is set to meet with European diplomats in Istanbul to discuss a potential nuclear deal.
Elon Musk flaunts Tesla Optimus Robots to Trump and MBS in high-stakes Saudi visit
During his first international trip, President Trump secured a $600 billion investment commitment from Saudi Arabia. He met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and various business leaders, including Elon Musk, who showcased Tesla robots. The US and Saudi Arabia also discussed a potential purchase of Lockheed F-35 jets, strengthening their alliance through significant economic and defense agreements.
Rights groups say migrant workers dying on Saudi job sites as kingdom prepares for World Cup
Human Rights Watch and FairSquare reports reveal preventable deaths of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia due to job-site accidents and illnesses, accusing authorities of misreporting deaths and obstructing compensation. As Saudi Arabia advances with massive infrastructure projects like Neom and the 2034 World Cup, concerns rise about potential avoidable deaths.
Deals take centre stage in Trump's Gulf visit: $80 bn tech push, $20 bn AI data centres & more
Donald Trump secured a $600 billion investment commitment from Saudi Arabia. This happened during his Gulf states tour. Several deals were unveiled in Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. These deals focused on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Amazon, AMD, and other companies announced significant investments. These investments are for AI infrastructure and data centers.
Trump secures $600 billion in investment commitment from Saudi Arabia; deal includes defence tech, aerospace pacts
During his first state visit to Saudi Arabia as U.S. President, Donald Trump secured a $600 billion investment commitment from the Kingdom, the White House announced on Tuesday. The sweeping deal includes a $5 billion energy investment fund, a $5 billion fund for advanced aerospace and defense technologies, and a $4 billion global sports initiative by Enfield Sports.
Trump lavishes praise on Saudi crown prince, signaling renewed alliance
Donald Trump, during his recent visit to Riyadh, lauded Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, highlighting their strong alliance built on mutual interests. Trump emphasized economic deals, including a significant defense agreement and investment package, while seemingly overlooking human rights concerns.
Saudi crown prince welcomes Trump to kingdom as US leader begins 4-day Middle East tour
Donald Trump's Middle East trip commenced in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing economic agreements amidst concerns about Iran and Gaza. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman warmly welcomed Trump, solidifying a strong relationship with potential for significant Saudi investment in the US.
Nvidia to send 18,000 AI chips to Saudi Arabia
Nvidia will supply 18,000 advanced Blackwell AI chips to Saudi Arabia’s Humain for a major 500-megawatt data center project. Announced during a US delegation’s Gulf tour, the partnership supports Saudi Arabia’s push to become a global AI leader, backed by its sovereign wealth fund and foreign tech investment.
US tech firms Nvidia, AMD secure AI deals as Trump tours Gulf states
US tech giants, including Nvidia, AMD, and Qualcomm, announced major AI deals in the Middle East during President Trump's Gulf tour, securing $600 billion in commitments. Saudi-backed startup Humain will deploy massive AI infrastructure. The US and Saudi Arabia aim to co-lead global AI innovation and economic transformation.
Jensen Huang-led Nvidia to send 18,000 top AI chips to Saudi Arabia; here's what Mohammad bin Salman plans to do with them
Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang announced the sale of over 18,000 advanced AI chips to Saudi Arabian firm Humain. These Blackwell chips will power a 500-megawatt data center, marking Nvidia's initial deployment of GB300 Blackwell chips. Huang expressed enthusiasm for Saudi Arabia's vision to build its AI infrastructure, transforming its energy sector through Nvidia's AI supercomputers.
Trump in Saudi speech urges Iran toward a 'new and a better path' as he pushes for nuclear deal
Donald Trump visited Saudi Arabia and called for Iran to change its course. He wants a new nuclear agreement. Trump expressed a desire for peace and partnership. He hopes Saudi Arabia will recognize Israel. Trump met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Several economic and cooperation agreements were signed between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia's Humain partners with Nvidia on AI goals as Trump visits
Nvidia and Saudi AI startup Humain announced a partnership to boost AI and cloud infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Backed by the Public Investment Fund, the initiative aligns with the kingdom’s diversification goals and aims to position it as a global AI hub.
Donald Trump to open his Mideast trip by visiting Saudi crown prince
President Trump's Mideast trip commences in Saudi Arabia, engaging Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in discussions about Iran's nuclear ambitions, the Gaza conflict, and oil prices.
Trump faces $2 trillion hurdle to win money from Saudi Prince
Saudi Arabia's ambitious economic transformation plans, costing an estimated $2 trillion, may hinder its ability to fulfill a potential $1 trillion investment commitment to the US. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's focus on domestic projects like Neom and hosting global events has led to increased spending and a widening deficit.
With Israel ties on the table, UAE offers Saudis an example
President Trump's Gulf tour in May 2025 focuses on persuading Saudi Arabia to recognize Israel, following the UAE's Abraham Accords experience. While the UAE gained economically and strategically from normalizing ties, its regional standing suffered due to the Gaza war. Saudi Arabia, mindful of reputational risks and public opinion, is hesitant to normalize relations without a resolution for the Palestinians.
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