The boys are back for their normal format and catch up on just some of the seemingly endless new developments and storylines emerging from Saudi Arabia of late.
Lucien's "One Big Thing" this week is a first person perspective on living in Riyadh with his family during Riyadh Season, and all of the events, activities and other things to do in the Kingdom that make for an amazing experience for citizens and expats alike. Lucien notes that he's tried to attend every event possible, from sports to arts exhibitions to conferences and more. Formula E, Riyadh Season Cup, World Defense Show, Diriyah Season, Saudi Ladies International presented by PIF, PIF Private Sector Forum, Formula 1, art exhibitions, tech conferences, AI events...the list goes on. Lucien notes that even with an active schedule he's been unable to see even close to all the things on offer in Riyadh, leaving him to draw the conclusion that the Kingdom is increasingly becoming a globally attractive destination for people looking for nice weather and a busy "high" season when cold winters plague other world capitals.
The hosts jump then to Yallah! and offer a bonus two additional storylines, bringing the total to 8 this week.
-Saudi Arabia has tapped an ex-Dell Technologies executive to lead the recently formed Public Investment Fund company Alat, an industrial electronics company with $100 billion in backing that aims to become a local manufacturing powerhouse.
-Saudi Arabia’s budget deficit reached $21.57 billion in the 2023 fiscal year, narrower than the government’s previous estimates, as oil revenue dipped amid production cuts.
It came as the kingdom increased its spending to boost the economy, the Ministry of Finance said in a budget update on Wednesday.
-Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to the United States Princess Reema bint Bandar has addressed criticisms leveled against Saudi Arabia’s potential hosting of the Women's Tennis Association Finals. The ambassador's remarks came as a direct response to an opinion piece in The Washington Post, by tennis greats Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, which she described as laden with "outdated stereotypes and western-centric views."
-Saudi Arabia’s NEOM has opened its first US office in New York City, which will serve as a base for its business across the US. The announcement comes months after it launched its London office in November to serve as a base for its UK and European business.
-Saudi Arabia’s state-controlled Aramco announced it is pausing plans to raise its crude production capacity from 12 million barrels per day to 13 million barrels per day.
-Organized by Saudi defense regulator General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), the World Defense Show CEO Andrew Pearcy said the biennial event held February 4-8 aims to “grow and support” an industry for which the government has budgeted $71.73 billion in 2024 – up from $69 billion in 2023.
-South Korea beat Saudi Arabia 4-2 in a penalty shootout to advance to the Asian Cup quarter-finals after a thrilling last-16 tie ended 1-1 after extra time at Education City Stadium on Tuesday. After South Korea's Cho Gue-sung equalised in the 9th minute of second-half added time to cancel out Abdullah Radif's opener, Sami Al-Najei and Abdulrahman Ghareeb had their penalties saved by Jo Hyeon-Woo to send South Korea through.
-According to a recent report from Knight Frank, Residential transactions, which accounted for 58.7% of all real estate deals by total value, registered a -16% fall in the number of deals to just under 150,000 sales between January and November 2023, according to global property consultancy Knight Frank’s Winter 2023/24 Saudi Residential Market Review report.
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What is The 966?
THE 966 explores the news, people, and issues that define the Kingdom through conversations and interviews with business leaders, officials, and newsmakers. THE 966 goes beyond the headlines and tackles the complex U.S.-Saudi relationship, discussing topics like oil and energy, security and defense, Saudi culture and society, and much more.