ALL ARTICLES - Saudi Arabia

From Buckingham Palace to Doha, inside the London visit in the works for MbS

Mohammed bin Salman's planned visit to London is the object of lively diplomatic exchanges. Behind the scenes, Buckingham Palace, Doha and even Manama are each looking to ensure their interests are served.

Spotlight
Khaled Al Biyari, the man taking Mohammed bin Salman's F-35 ambitions to Washington

As well as overseeing the creation of a mission-critical communications network for Saudi Arabia's security services, Khaled Al Biyari was recently tasked by the crown prince with travelling to Washington to discuss the possibility of buying US combat aircraft.

Mubadala watches closely as Saudi fund PIF opens Paris office

The Saudi Public Investment Fund's announcement in June that it will open an office in Paris by the end of the year has piqued the attention of Abu Dhabi's Mubadala. The UAE fund had itself considered opening a French desk and is wary of its Saudi rival's plans in France.

Spotlight
Rafale's Dassault window of opportunity in Saudi Arabia reduced by defence contracts probe

Berlin's decision to ban sales of Eurofighter's new Typhoon combat aircraft has opened a window of opportunity for France's Rafale fighters in Riyadh. French hopes could be compromised, however, by the interest being taken by the Saudi authorities in French-Saudi defence business networks.

Saudi conglomerate Nesma reaches out to French industry

Meetings between Saudi and French business leaders have intensified since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited Paris in June. The Saudi conglomerate Nesma is hoping the bilateral momentum will lead to new deals with French partners.

Saudi Arabian spy school drains British intelligence brains

A growing number of British intelligence officers are working to develop Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's top secret spy school, and there are starting to be concerns about the intelligence brain drain this is creating back home.

Al Jaber and Al Ibrahim brothers' legal battle exposes their defence connections

Saudi-Austrian real estate tycoon Mohamed bin Issa Al Jaber on one side, and his former partners Waleed bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim and Majid bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim on the other, are piling up legal action against each other in a dispute over a $30m payment made in 2002.

The Corporate Intelligence Village Voice
Ex-CRG in Riyadh, Green joins Westexec, G3, Seladore Legal, Geos

Riyad/Washington
Mike Wolff takes on MbS's projects

Washington
Biden's NSC newbie heads over to Westexec

London
Anna Gumowska leaves K2 for G3

London
Seladore Legal at front line of Russian oligarch tiff

Paris
Geos invests in Other Consulting Solutions

French and Saudi space goals could align neatly

In its search for an optical satellite constellation, Saudi Arabia has made changes to its space strategy that could see it form a cooperation programme with French actors in the field.

Scopa Industries tries to show its good faith in the US after courting China and Russia

Scopa Industries, which ran foul of the US authorities after it tried to set up partnerships with Russia and China, is aiming to get back into the US defence market, as illustrated by the non-binding agreement it has struck with European group Airbus.

Expo 2030: Hopscotch oversees low-key Saudi lobbying in Paris

With a number of Saudi ministers expected in Paris this week as part of efforts to draw up a strategic bilateral partnership, French lobbying agency Hopscotch is backing the kingdom's efforts to be chosen as host for World Expo 2030.

Race to lead French business interests in Saudi Arabia in full swing

As the strategic partnership between Paris and Riyadh takes shape, French companies are trying to tap into networks that will help them win contracts in Saudi Arabia. A handful of private and public business clubs and consultancies are jostling to champion French interests in the kingdom.

Former PM Raffarin helps Saudi-French Business Council aiming for involvement in MbS's projects

Jean-Pierre Raffarin, the former prime minister who became the French government's envoy for China, has recently made his mark on the Saudi-French business networks. For many French companies, that has resulted in a reorientation of their focus towards Mohammed bin Salman's large-scale plans.

The Tech Times
Cognyte looks to Chile, Positive Technologies tries Riyadh, Sayari wins US Coast Guard contract

Santiago
Cognyte goes after Southern Cone market

Riyadh
Positive Technologies eye Saudi Arabia despite US sanctions

San Francisco
US Coast Guard awards economic intel contract to Sayari

Saudi Space Commission weaves web in Washington with Edelman's help

As Saudi Arabia continues to build its Earth observation programmes, the Saudi Space Commission has laid the foundations for working with the US space industry, thanks in part to lobbying by Edelman.

Yemen's increasingly confident pro-Emirati STC launches influence campaign in Washington

Saudi Arabia has been lobbying in Washington to promote its vision for Yemen for a while. Now, the Southern Transitional Council, which has a growing footprint on the ground and a stronger presence in Yemen's legitimate governing entities, is also looking to ensure its voice is heard during the US-sponsored peace negotiations.