Latest news with #MohammadbinSalman
Express Tribune
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Ayaz Sadiq thanks Saudi crown prince for support to Pakistan during 'difficult times'
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman hosts a luncheon in honour of Muslim leaders visiting the Kingdom to perform Hajj on June 8, 2025. Photo: National Assembly of Pakistan/X Listen to article National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Makkah on Sunday, where he thanked the kingdom for its consistent support to Pakistan during challenging periods. According to a statement from the NA Secretariat, the meeting took place during a royal luncheon hosted by the crown prince for Muslim leaders in the kingdom for the Hajj pilgrimage. Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori was also present at the event. سعودی ولی عہد شہزادہ محمد بن سلمان کی جانب سے حج بیت اللّٰہ کے لئے آئے مسلم رہنماؤں کے اعزاز میں ظہرانہ ظہرانے میں سپیکر قومی اسمبلی سردار ایاز صادق کی شرکت سپیکر قومی اسمبلی کی ظہرانے کے دوران سعودی ولی عہد سے ملاقات سعودی ولی عہد کا عالم اسلام کو درپیش چیلنجز حل کرنے کے عزم… — National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) June 8, 2025 During his conversation with the Saudi leader, Sadiq acknowledged Riyadh's longstanding diplomatic and economic backing. "Saudi Arabia has always stood by Pakistan during difficult times," Sadiq said. "We are grateful for the kingdom's leadership's clear stance on matters concerning Pakistan." The crown prince reaffirmed his commitment to working together with Muslim nations to address the common challenges facing the Islamic world.
The Irish Sun
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Inside Saudi's blood-soaked $8.8TRILLION Neom megacity project plagued by death & chaos as it grinds to humiliating halt
WHEN Saudi Arabia revealed its ambitious $500billion megacity project, set to be a glittering jewel in the heart of the country's desert, the world marvelled. But the Advertisement 10 NEOM is envisaged as a futuristic city in the desert Credit: @neom / instagram 10 The project has been plagued by delays and setbacks Credit: NEOM 10 NEOM was announced as part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's Project 2030 in 2017 Credit: @neom / instagram 10 The anticipated cost of delivering the gargantuan scheme is reported to have spiralled Credit: Rise 10 NEOM will be a futuristic city across 26,000 sqft on the Red Sea and will include smaller projects Stunning concept art gave a taste of what was to come, from floating structures to luxury holiday and ski resorts, but eight years on and not much progress has been made. The daring project has been plagued by setbacks and controversy ever since the first construction workers descended into the sprawling dunes. Advertisement read more world news The anticipated cost of delivering the gargantuan scheme is reported to have spiralled from $500bn (£386bn) estimate to a head-spinning $8.8 trillion (£6.8 trillion), according to But even more shocking are the human rights abuses and brutal conditions for workers looming over NEOM - issues that have plagued the country well before the project. As many as One former employee has shared their story of working at the gigaproject with The Sun, shedding light on the atrocities taking place behind NEOM's doors. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Live Blog Exclusive Rights organisations have long blasted the Saudi regime's record on workers' welfare, with a recent Human Rights Watch report detailing the "gruesome yet avoidable" deaths faced by many migrant workers. The advocacy group mentions that some workers die falling Human Rights Watch researcher Joey Shea told the Sun: "Unfortunately migrant workers in Saudi Arabia continue to face widespread abuses, some of which may amount to situations of forced labour, including at high profile gigaprojects. "On NEOM, Human Rights Watch has found that ambitious targets set by Saudi authorities have tight and unrealistic deadlines which can lead employers to demand that workers continue to work under dangerous conditions. Advertisement "Migrant workers in Saudi Arabia experience illegal and exorbitant Recruitment Fees, limits to job mobility, obstacles exiting the country, as well as serious health and safety risks." Michael, whose name has been changed to protect his identity, told The Sun that the project is unlikely to be anywhere near complete before 2055. Talking about delays, Michael said: "From the very beginning, NEOM had a very long timeline. "There were certain objectives they wanted to achieve by 2030, but most of the leadership were aware of a longer timeframe." Advertisement Michael said NEOM's management has "overspent quite a bit" since its announcement. He says: "They were focusing on way too many things at the same time. "They just wanted everything at the highest level possible. The biggest entertainment complex in the world. The biggest media studio in the region. "No matter how much money you throw at the thing, it takes more than just money to make it work." Advertisement The much hyped project, aided by an aggressive social media marketing campaign, has sought to big up NEOM as a vision of futuristic city living. Sci-fi ideas from But NEOM continues to fall chronically behind schedule, with many of its most ambitious projects still looking like a distant dream. Speaking exclusively to The Sun, the former employee described the work culture at NEOM. Advertisement 10 NEOM continues to fall chronically behind schedule Credit: NEOM 10 Sci-fi ideas from levitating trains to an artificial moon are reported to have been among the features of the project Credit: Rise 10 Many experts have questioned the viability of the proposals Credit: @neom / instagram He said: "When I started doing the project, I talked to some people and said that it's absolutely crazy. Advertisement "Then my Saudi friend told me that in this region, things tend to not be the way they seem. In reality, you never know what's going on in the highest echelons of power." NEOM brands itself as the "future of urban living", aimed at providing sustainable living with 100% renewable energy. One of the flagship proposals in the project is The Line - a single-building high-tech "city" that would house nine million people in just 34 square kilometres. Located deep in the desert, NEOM's construction has also seen horrifying reports of forced displacement of tribal villagers from to make way for construction. Advertisement Those who resisted suffered a brutal crackdown, which has drawn furious condemnation from human rights groups. A report into the matter by Saudi human rights group ALQST reads: "The NEOM project, which has been mired in secrecy from the start and marked by serious rights violations, shows the extent to which the Saudi authorities are prepared to proceed with planned projects at the expense of local inhabitants." Julia Legner, executive director at ALQST for human rights, told The Sun: "While the project faces reported delays and downsizing, the human rights concerns remain as pressing as ever. "These include widespread labour rights abuses and uninvestigated worker deaths, and the continued imprisonment of dozens of local inhabitants who peacefully opposed their forced displacement. Advertisement "At this critical juncture, companies involved—or considering involvement—must carefully assess the situation and take appropriate action to avoid complicity in these ongoing abuses." Many experts have questioned the viability of the proposals, and Michael is sceptical they will ever be realised. "Maybe the idea of The Line and robot cops is a very expensive marketing ploy. But it's worked," he said. "So what if it's going to be scaled back? They've achieved their objective. It's put Saudi Arabia on the map. Advertisement "Even if NEOM just becomes a small tourist resort with some hotel and villas, that would already be seen as a massive success." Saudi Arabia has invested vast sums in prestige building projects across the country over the past decade. This isn't just limited to NEOM, with plans to build the world's tallest building in Jeddah and numerous stadiums for the 2034 FIFA World Cup also well underway. Top 5 blunders plaguing NEOM project BY Juliana Cruz Lima, Foreign News Reporter Saudi Arabia's NEOM project, despite its ambitious vision, has been criticized for several major blunders that have raised concerns about its feasibility, ethics, and overall execution. Here are the top five major blunders associated with the project: Forced Displacement of Indigenous Communities : One of the most significant controversies surrounding NEOM is the forced displacement of the Huwaitat tribe. This indigenous community, which has lived in the area for centuries, was forcibly removed from their ancestral lands to make way for the development of the mega-city. The Saudi government's crackdown on those who resisted, including the killing of a tribal leader, Abdul Rahim al-Howeiti, has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organisations. This blunder not only sparked international outrage but also tainted NEOM's image as a forward-thinking, humane project. Environmental Impact and Sustainability Concerns : NEOM has been marketed as an environmentally sustainable city, but the environmental impact of such a massive development is a major concern. The project's scale—covering over 26,500 square kilometers—poses significant risks to local ecosystems, particularly in the Red Sea, which is home to rich marine biodiversity. Critics argue that the construction of artificial islands and extensive urbanisation could lead to irreversible ecological damage. The enormous water and energy demands required to maintain a green city in the desert also raise questions about the project's sustainability. Economic Viability and Cost Overruns : NEOM is one of the most expensive development projects in history. But there are serious doubts about its economic viability. Critics question whether the project can attract the necessary foreign investment and whether it will generate sufficient returns to justify the enormous expenditure. The economic risks are further compounded by potential cost overruns and delays, which are common in megaprojects of this scale. This financial gamble has led some to worry that NEOM could become a costly white elephant if it fails to meet its ambitious goals. Technological Overreach and Ethical Concerns : NEOM is envisioned as a high-tech city, heavily reliant on artificial intelligence, robotics, and extensive surveillance systems. While this technological ambition is central to NEOM's identity, it also raises significant ethical concerns. The level of surveillance planned for the city could lead to unprecedented control over residents' lives, sparking fears about privacy and civil liberties. The lack of transparency about how AI will be used, coupled with concerns about job displacement, has also led to criticism that NEOM's technological vision may be more dystopian than utopian. Cultural and Social Disconnect : NEOM's vision of a futuristic, liberalized society clashes sharply with Saudi Arabia's deeply conservative cultural norms. The project plans to introduce mixed-gender sports, entertainment events, and other liberal lifestyle elements that are rare in the kingdom. This cultural shift has raised concerns about a potential clash between NEOM's globalised vision and the traditional values of Saudi society. The disconnect between the project's ambitions and the broader cultural context has led to skepticism about whether NEOM can truly integrate into Saudi Arabia's social fabric without causing significant friction. But widespread problems with workers' rights have been reported across these projects, with Human Rights Watch blasting a "blatant failure to protect migrant workers" in the country. Advertisement "These abuses are enabled by Saudi Arabia's kafala, or labour sponsorship, system that ties the legal status of migrant workers to their respective sponsors," the group says. An Amnesty International spokesperson told The Sun: 'With projects like NEOM Saudi Arabia is trying to present a glitzy, futuristic vision of the country, but this should not come at the expense of human rights. 'Governments supporting investment in the project have a clear obligation to ensure they are not contributing to human rights violations and all investors, and companies involved in NEOM have a responsibility to carry out necessary due diligence checks to identify, prevent and address human rights abuses. "No vision of the future can justify trampling on human rights today.' Advertisement But Michael believes the country is ultimately "heading in the right direction", noting the lifting of a ban on women driving and reduction in policing of religion. "NEOM is an incredibly interesting business story. It's a big story in how big projects sometimes fail," Michael said. The Saudi embassy in London and NEOM were contacted for comment. 10 Widespread problems with workers' rights have been reported across these projects Credit: NEOM Advertisement 10 It remains unclear when NEOM will finally be completed Credit: NEOM
Scottish Sun
18-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Inside Saudi's blood-soaked $8.8TRILLION Neom megacity project plagued by death & chaos as it grinds to humiliating halt
A worker spoke exclusively to The Sun about the horrors of the project, with over 21,000 labourers now said to have died DESERT DISASTER ZONE Inside Saudi's blood-soaked $8.8TRILLION Neom megacity project plagued by death & chaos as it grinds to humiliating halt Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHEN Saudi Arabia revealed its ambitious $500billion megacity project, set to be a glittering jewel in the heart of the country's desert, the world marvelled. But the Middle Eastern nation's NEOM project - which would see a high-tech utopia built from scratch near the country's border with Jordan - has long been cursed as one worker reveals all. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 NEOM is envisaged as a futuristic city in the desert Credit: @neom / instagram 10 The project has been plagued by delays and setbacks Credit: NEOM 10 NEOM was announced as part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's Project 2030 in 2017 Credit: @neom / instagram 10 The anticipated cost of delivering the gargantuan scheme is reported to have spiralled Credit: Rise 10 NEOM was announced as part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's Project 2030 in 2017 - a major push to wean the oil-rich nation's economy off its reliance on fossil fuels. NEOM will be a futuristic city across 26,000 sqft on the Red Sea and will include smaller projects The Line, Oxagon, Trojena, Sindalah and the Gulf of Aqaba Projects. Stunning concept art gave a taste of what was to come, from floating structures to luxury holiday and ski resorts, but eight years on and not much progress has been made. The daring project has been plagued by setbacks and controversy ever since the first construction workers descended into the sprawling dunes. The anticipated cost of delivering the gargantuan scheme is reported to have spiralled from $500bn (£386bn) estimate to a head-spinning $8.8 trillion (£6.8 trillion), according to The New Civil Engineer. But even more shocking are the human rights abuses and brutal conditions for workers looming over NEOM - issues that have plagued the country well before the project. As many as 21,000 are reported to have died during construction on various sections of NEOM, although Saudi authorities have disputed this figure. One former employee has shared their story of working at the gigaproject with The Sun, shedding light on the atrocities taking place behind NEOM's doors. Rights organisations have long blasted the Saudi regime's record on workers' welfare, with a recent Human Rights Watch report detailing the "gruesome yet avoidable" deaths faced by many migrant workers. The advocacy group mentions that some workers die falling from buildings, by electrocution, and even decapitation. Human Rights Watch researcher Joey Shea told the Sun: "Unfortunately migrant workers in Saudi Arabia continue to face widespread abuses, some of which may amount to situations of forced labour, including at high profile gigaprojects. "On NEOM, Human Rights Watch has found that ambitious targets set by Saudi authorities have tight and unrealistic deadlines which can lead employers to demand that workers continue to work under dangerous conditions. "Migrant workers in Saudi Arabia experience illegal and exorbitant Recruitment Fees, limits to job mobility, obstacles exiting the country, as well as serious health and safety risks." Michael, whose name has been changed to protect his identity, told The Sun that the project is unlikely to be anywhere near complete before 2055. Talking about delays, Michael said: "From the very beginning, NEOM had a very long timeline. "There were certain objectives they wanted to achieve by 2030, but most of the leadership were aware of a longer timeframe." Michael said NEOM's management has "overspent quite a bit" since its announcement. He says: "They were focusing on way too many things at the same time. "They just wanted everything at the highest level possible. The biggest entertainment complex in the world. The biggest media studio in the region. "No matter how much money you throw at the thing, it takes more than just money to make it work." The much hyped project, aided by an aggressive social media marketing campaign, has sought to big up NEOM as a vision of futuristic city living. Sci-fi ideas from levitating trains to an artificial moon are reported to have been among the features of the project. But NEOM continues to fall chronically behind schedule, with many of its most ambitious projects still looking like a distant dream. Speaking exclusively to The Sun, the former employee described the work culture at NEOM. 10 NEOM continues to fall chronically behind schedule Credit: NEOM 10 Sci-fi ideas from levitating trains to an artificial moon are reported to have been among the features of the project Credit: Rise 10 Many experts have questioned the viability of the proposals Credit: @neom / instagram He said: "When I started doing the project, I talked to some people and said that it's absolutely crazy. "Then my Saudi friend told me that in this region, things tend to not be the way they seem. In reality, you never know what's going on in the highest echelons of power." NEOM brands itself as the "future of urban living", aimed at providing sustainable living with 100% renewable energy. One of the flagship proposals in the project is The Line - a single-building high-tech "city" that would house nine million people in just 34 square kilometres. Located deep in the desert, NEOM's construction has also seen horrifying reports of forced displacement of tribal villagers from to make way for construction. Those who resisted suffered a brutal crackdown, which has drawn furious condemnation from human rights groups. A report into the matter by Saudi human rights group ALQST reads: "The NEOM project, which has been mired in secrecy from the start and marked by serious rights violations, shows the extent to which the Saudi authorities are prepared to proceed with planned projects at the expense of local inhabitants." Julia Legner, executive director at ALQST for human rights, told The Sun: "While the project faces reported delays and downsizing, the human rights concerns remain as pressing as ever. "These include widespread labour rights abuses and uninvestigated worker deaths, and the continued imprisonment of dozens of local inhabitants who peacefully opposed their forced displacement. "At this critical juncture, companies involved—or considering involvement—must carefully assess the situation and take appropriate action to avoid complicity in these ongoing abuses." Many experts have questioned the viability of the proposals, and Michael is sceptical they will ever be realised. "Maybe the idea of The Line and robot cops is a very expensive marketing ploy. But it's worked," he said. "So what if it's going to be scaled back? They've achieved their objective. It's put Saudi Arabia on the map. "Even if NEOM just becomes a small tourist resort with some hotel and villas, that would already be seen as a massive success." Saudi Arabia has invested vast sums in prestige building projects across the country over the past decade. This isn't just limited to NEOM, with plans to build the world's tallest building in Jeddah and numerous stadiums for the 2034 FIFA World Cup also well underway. Top 5 blunders plaguing NEOM project BY Juliana Cruz Lima, Foreign News Reporter Saudi Arabia's NEOM project, despite its ambitious vision, has been criticized for several major blunders that have raised concerns about its feasibility, ethics, and overall execution. Here are the top five major blunders associated with the project: Forced Displacement of Indigenous Communities: One of the most significant controversies surrounding NEOM is the forced displacement of the Huwaitat tribe. This indigenous community, which has lived in the area for centuries, was forcibly removed from their ancestral lands to make way for the development of the mega-city. The Saudi government's crackdown on those who resisted, including the killing of a tribal leader, Abdul Rahim al-Howeiti, has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organisations. This blunder not only sparked international outrage but also tainted NEOM's image as a forward-thinking, humane project. Environmental Impact and Sustainability Concerns: NEOM has been marketed as an environmentally sustainable city, but the environmental impact of such a massive development is a major concern. The project's scale—covering over 26,500 square kilometers—poses significant risks to local ecosystems, particularly in the Red Sea, which is home to rich marine biodiversity. Critics argue that the construction of artificial islands and extensive urbanisation could lead to irreversible ecological damage. The enormous water and energy demands required to maintain a green city in the desert also raise questions about the project's sustainability. Economic Viability and Cost Overruns: NEOM is one of the most expensive development projects in history. But there are serious doubts about its economic viability. Critics question whether the project can attract the necessary foreign investment and whether it will generate sufficient returns to justify the enormous expenditure. The economic risks are further compounded by potential cost overruns and delays, which are common in megaprojects of this scale. This financial gamble has led some to worry that NEOM could become a costly white elephant if it fails to meet its ambitious goals. Technological Overreach and Ethical Concerns: NEOM is envisioned as a high-tech city, heavily reliant on artificial intelligence, robotics, and extensive surveillance systems. While this technological ambition is central to NEOM's identity, it also raises significant ethical concerns. The level of surveillance planned for the city could lead to unprecedented control over residents' lives, sparking fears about privacy and civil liberties. The lack of transparency about how AI will be used, coupled with concerns about job displacement, has also led to criticism that NEOM's technological vision may be more dystopian than utopian. Cultural and Social Disconnect: NEOM's vision of a futuristic, liberalized society clashes sharply with Saudi Arabia's deeply conservative cultural norms. The project plans to introduce mixed-gender sports, entertainment events, and other liberal lifestyle elements that are rare in the kingdom. This cultural shift has raised concerns about a potential clash between NEOM's globalised vision and the traditional values of Saudi society. The disconnect between the project's ambitions and the broader cultural context has led to skepticism about whether NEOM can truly integrate into Saudi Arabia's social fabric without causing significant friction. But widespread problems with workers' rights have been reported across these projects, with Human Rights Watch blasting a "blatant failure to protect migrant workers" in the country. "These abuses are enabled by Saudi Arabia's kafala, or labour sponsorship, system that ties the legal status of migrant workers to their respective sponsors," the group says. An Amnesty International spokesperson told The Sun: 'With projects like NEOM Saudi Arabia is trying to present a glitzy, futuristic vision of the country, but this should not come at the expense of human rights. 'Governments supporting investment in the project have a clear obligation to ensure they are not contributing to human rights violations and all investors, and companies involved in NEOM have a responsibility to carry out necessary due diligence checks to identify, prevent and address human rights abuses. "No vision of the future can justify trampling on human rights today.' But Michael believes the country is ultimately "heading in the right direction", noting the lifting of a ban on women driving and reduction in policing of religion. "NEOM is an incredibly interesting business story. It's a big story in how big projects sometimes fail," Michael said. The Saudi embassy in London and NEOM were contacted for comment. 10 Widespread problems with workers' rights have been reported across these projects Credit: NEOM
Nahar Net
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
KSA voices support for Lebanon's efforts to monopolize arms
by Naharnet Newsdesk 14 May 2025, 13:27 Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman on Wednesday expressed the kingdom's support for the efforts 'led by the Lebanese president and Lebanese government to reform institutions, monopolize arms in the hands of the state and preserve Lebanon's sovereignty and safety.' The crown prince voiced his remarks at a summit in Riyadh between the leaders of the Gulf countries and U.S. President Donald Trump. Lebanese authorities have vowed to implement a state monopoly on bearing arms, though President Joseph Aoun has said disarming Hezbollah is a "delicate" matter that requires dialogue. Hezbollah, long a dominant force in Lebanon, was heavily weakened in its latest war with Israel. Under a ceasefire deal, Hezbollah was to withdraw its fighters north of Lebanon's Litani River and Israel was to pull all its forces from south Lebanon, however it has kept troops in five areas it deems "strategic". The Lebanese Army has been deploying in the area as Israeli forces have withdrawn and has been dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure there. Israel's military still carries out regular strikes in Lebanon, saying it is targeting Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure. The ceasefire deal was based on a U.N. Security Council resolution that says Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers should be the only forces in south Lebanon, and that calls for the disarmament of all non-state groups.
Gulf Insider
14-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Trump Slams Neocons, Pushes Peace in Saudi Speech
Some highlights of President Trump's lengthy speech before the US-Saudi Investment Forum, wherein he frequently praised his Saudi host crown prince Mohammad bin Salman and advanced peace through deal-making… Markets Rocking The stock market is 'gonna go a lot higher.' He said 'People should have listened. We've never had anything like this,' and he cited the 'explosion of investment and jobs.' Business executives 'weren't that happy when they saw me,' a month ago, but changed their tune as markets rose,' Trump added. 'We are rocking: The United States is the hottest country, with the exception of your country,' Trump said, pointing to MbS in the front row before him. Saudi Arabia as Global Business/Tech Hub 'Mohammed do you sleep at night? How do you sleep?' he said, addressing the crown prince. 'Critics doubted it was possible, what you've done, but over the past eight years, Saudi Arabia has proved the critics totally wrong.' '…Instead, the birth of a modern Middle East has been brought by the people of the region themselves, the people that are right here, the people that have lived here all their lives, developing your own sovereign countries, pursuing your own unique visions and charting your own destinies in your own way.' Silence befell the crowd as Trump said that it was his 'fervent wish' that Saudi Arabia 'will soon be joining the Abraham Accords' – but he ultimately conceded that the kingdom will do it in 'it's own time'. 'It will be a special day in the Middle East, with the whole world watching, when Saudi Arabia joins us. And you'll be greatly honoring me, and you'll be greatly honoring all of those people that have fought so hard for the Middle East. And I really think it's going to be something special — but you'll do it in your own time. And that's what I want, and that's what you want, and that's the way it's going to be.' Iran put on Notice 'In the case of Iran, I have never believed in having permanent enemies. I am different than a lot of people think. I don't like permanent enemies. Sometimes you need enemies to do the job, and you have to do it right. Enemies get you motivated,' Trump said. He continued, 'I want to make a deal with Iran. I can make a deal with Iran. I'll be very happy if we're going to make your region and the world a safer place.' He offered a 'much brighter future' if Tehran will do a deal. 'If Iran's leadership rejects this olive branch and continues to attack their neighbors, then we will have no choice but to inflict massive, maximum pressure … and take all action required to stop the regime from ever having a nuclear weapon. Iran will never have a nuclear weapon,' he said. Lifting Sanctions on Syria 'Syria, they've had their share of travesty, war, killing in many years. That's why my administration has already taken the first steps toward restoring normal relations between the United States and Syria for the first time in more than a decade,' Trump said. 'The sanctions were brutal and crippling and served as an important — really an important function — nevertheless, at the time. But now it's their time to shine,' he added. So I say, 'Good luck, Syria.' Show us something very special.' Trump says he's lifting sanction on Syria to 'give them a chance at greatness.' As he gets a standing ovation, he adds of MBS, 'Oh, what I do for the Crown Prince….' — Ryan Grim (@ryangrim) May 13, 2025 'Oh what I do for the crown prince,' Trump said to wrap Blasted NeoCons & Liberal Interventionists 'In the end, the so-called 'nation-builders' wrecked far more nations than they built—and the interventionists were intervening in complex societies they did not understand,' Trump said. 'The gleaming marvels of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi were not created by the so-called nation-builders, neo-cons, or liberal non-profits like those who spent trillions failing to develop Kabul and Baghdad.' 'In Syria, which has seen so much misery and death, there is a new government that we must all hope will succeed in stabilizing the country and keeping peace.' Gaza, Yemen 'The people of Gaza deserve a much better future,' Trump said. 'But that will or cannot occur as long as their leaders choose to kidnap, torture and target innocent men, women and children for political ends.' Trump also proclaimed that he ordered the cessation of US-Houthi hostilities in the Red Sea, after the Pentagon flexed its military might. Trump said to be moments away from speaking live from Riyadh after signing hundreds of billions of dollars in US-Saudi investment deals (watch below). 'U.S. and Saudi Arabia sign largest defense sales agreement in history—nearly $142 billion, part of $600 billion investment package President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman signed in Riyadh bringing an infusion of cash to the United States,' according to a White House correspondent. 'Today in Saudi Arabia, President Donald J. Trump announced Saudi Arabia's $600-billion commitment to invest in the United States, building economic ties that will endure for generations to come,' a fresh White House fact sheet begins. 'The first deals under the announcement strengthen our energy security, defense industry, technology leadership, and access to global infrastructure and critical minerals.' The following represent just a few of the many transformative deals secured in Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabian DataVolt is moving forward with plans to invest $20 billion in AI data centers and energy infrastructure in the United States. Google, DataVolt, Oracle, Salesforce, AMD, and Uber are committing to invest $80 billion in cutting-edge transformative technologies in both countries. Iconic American companies including Hill International, Jacobs, Parsons, and AECOM are building key infrastructure projects like King Salman International Airport, King Salman Park, The Vault, Qiddiya City, and much more totaling $2 billion in U.S. services exports. Additional major exports include GE Vernova's gas turbines and energy solutions totaling $14.2 billion and Boeing 737-8 passenger aircraft for AviLease totaling $4.8 billion. In the healthcare sector, Shamekh IV Solutions, LLC will be investing $5.8 billion, including a plant in Michigan to launch a high-capacity IV fluid facility. Investment partnerships include several sector-specific funds with a strong emphasis on U.S. deployment—such as the $5 billion Energy Investment Fund, the $5 billion New Era Aerospace and Defense Technology Fund, and the $4 billion Enfield Sports Global Sports Fund—each channeling substantial capital into American industries, driving innovation, and creating high-quality jobs across the United States. If there's one thing that's clear by now, it's that Saudi Arabia and the royal family loves President Donald J. Trump. For example, in an unusual move and break with protocol, it was Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) who rushed to greet Trump the moment the president stepped off Air Force One at the Royal Terminal on Tuesday. The greeting was typically lavish, as Trump was received at the Royal Terminal at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, after which he and MbS walked a lavender carpet and sat down amid marble columns in navy-and-gold armchairs, as the NYT Times detailed. 'Trump lands in Saudi Arabia to a royal welcome from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,' Al-Monitor journalist Elizabeth Hagedorn pointed out. 'Biden, by contrast, got the governor of Mecca.' As Air Force One entered the kingdom's airspace earlier Tuesday, Saudi fighter jets escorted it while approaching the Saudi capital. Scenes from Saudi Arabia as Trump arrives for negotiations with leaders of the week ahead. — Clandestine (@WarClandestine) May 13, 2025 And later, 'The presidential limousine, nicknamed The Beast, was escorted by riders on Arabian horses as it drove to the royal court,' NYT detailed. Among the first major events includes Trump speaking at an investment forum hosted by the Saudi government. Accompanying him are Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and other top officials. The Beast pulls up to the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh 🔥 — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 13, 2025 The investment forum has also seen the Saudi crown prince greet Elon Musk as well as other important tech and silicon valley chief executives, including from BlackRock, Palantir, Nvidia, OpenAI, IMB, CitiBank, and others. ⚡️OpenAI CEO Sam Altman with President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman inside the Saudi Royal Court. — War Monitor (@WarMonitors) May 13, 2025 Others eyeing potential investments from the Saudis, include billionaire medical entrepreneur Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, owner of The Los Angeles Times. The president said before cameras upon the start of bilateral talks, 'MBS is a friend, we have a good relationship.' 'I really believe we like each other a lot,' Trump added. Trump is hoping to secure a $1 trillion investment in US industry from the kingdom, significantly over and above the crown prince's earlier investment pledge of $600bn, upon this first stop in his Gulf tour which will later include Qatar and UAE. Importantly, the head of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, was at the airport with MbS for Trump's grand greeting at the VIP Royal Terminal. Trump is more of a Diet Coke drinker, (or perhaps there was a remote fear in his mind of being poisoned?)… U.S. President Donald Trump doesn't drink the local coffee offered to him during his visit to Saudi a spiced Arabic coffee, is a staple of Saudi hospitality. Clash Report (@clashreport) May 13, 2025 President Trump salutes as the Saudis play the American National Anthem… 🚨🇺🇸🇸🇦 Trump salutes as the Saudis play the American National Arabia love Trump it seems. Things are happening quickly. — Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) May 13, 2025 developing… Also read: Trump's Rift With Bibi Might Be Irreconcilable
