AGP Executive Report

Regional Security: Yemen’s Houthis and Saudi-backed forces have killed at least 81 people as the rebels push toward the Bab al-Mandab strait, a key Red Sea chokepoint. Maritime Safety: The attack on the Saudi-flagged tanker SIDR in the Strait of Hormuz killed two Filipino seafarers, with repatriation efforts underway. Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia and Egypt’s foreign ministers discussed Iran, Palestine and Sudan, stressing de-escalation and freedom of navigation. Expo 2030 Riyadh: Bahrain signed its Expo 2030 participation deal, moving into pavilion planning for a sustainable post-Expo site. Business & Tech: LEAP 2026 wrapped up in Riyadh, while Saudi data-center investment is accelerating as the Kingdom targets a cloud and AI hub role. Finance & Rules: Saudi Arabia set a 90-day deadline for employers to secure expat work permits after arrival, and new company rules for special economic zones took effect. Sports: Al-Hilal are set for the Riyadh derby with new signings Gabriel Martinelli and Ollie Watkins.

US-Saudi Nuclear Deal: Reports say the civil nuclear agreement submitted to Congress would allow uranium enrichment up to 20%, raising fresh proliferation concerns and intensifying Middle East tensions. Maritime Security: Saudi-flagged and other tankers were hit near Oman in the Strait of Hormuz, with Saudi crude shipments facing heightened risk as attacks disrupt flows. Regional Defense: Saudi says a multinational maritime defense coalition has begun operations from its command headquarters, with Pakistan named deputy commander, aiming to protect key waterways and energy routes. Makkah Pact Expansion: Pakistan’s IT minister says joint workshops will align Islamabad’s digital strategy with Saudi Vision 2030 at LEAP 2026, while leaders push the pact beyond defense into trade, tech, and education. Business Crackdown: Saudi commerce and anti-concealment inspections in August found 239 suspected commercial cover-up cases and ran 20,000+ discount compliance tours, with penalties including fines, closures, and deportation. Tech & AI Push: Quantinuum signed a non-binding MOU with Aramco to explore quantum computing for energy and digital transformation, while HUMAIN plans major AI data-center and VC expansion. Sports: Arsenal confirmed Gabriel Martinelli’s £60m move to Al Hilal, making him the club’s record sale.

Energy Tech Deal: Patton and alfanar signed an agreement to modernise Saudi power substations with secure OT/IT networking, digital substations, and cybersecurity. Industrial AI Push: IFS is highlighting industrial AI adoption in Saudi at LEAP, with Microsoft-linked collaboration aimed at asset-intensive operations. Quantum Moves: Quantinuum and Aramco signed a non-binding MOU to explore industrial quantum computing use cases, including fault-tolerant research. Maritime Security: Bahri says two Filipino crew were killed in an attack on its Sidr tanker in the Strait of Hormuz; Saudi FM condemned Iran and urged de-escalation. Agriculture Health Campaign: Weqaa launched a nationwide awareness drive promoting integrated plant pest management to reduce pesticide misuse. Tourism & Business: WTM Spotlight Riyadh named Saudi Ministry of Tourism as strategic partner for its inaugural event in September. Transport & Travel: Riyadh Air launched direct flights to Bangkok, with service ramping up from three weekly flights to daily from November. Real Estate Enforcement: Saudi REGA warned brokers of fines up to SR200,000 and possible licence revocation for violations. AI Infrastructure Funding: HUMAIN says it is hardening data centers amid the Iran war and is pushing a major buildout. Tech at LEAP: Microsoft Arabia and SAL Logistics signed an MoU to explore AI, cloud, data and digital logistics collaboration.

Maritime Security: Saudi Arabia says Iran attacked the Bahri oil tanker Sidr in the Strait of Hormuz, killing two Filipino sailors, as Riyadh urged de-escalation and respect for international navigation; Regional Condemnations: GCC, Qatar, UAE, Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain all condemned the strike and warned against weaponizing the strait; Defense Cooperation: Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition entered its operational phase from Jeddah, with Pakistan’s deputy commander taking up duties; Tech & Cybersecurity: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a cybersecurity MoU, while both sides also discussed deeper AI and data-governance cooperation; Water & Infrastructure: A Saudi-Chinese consortium won a SAR 1.3bn ($348m) long-term O&M deal for nine sewage treatment plants; Digital Economy: stc Bahrain signed a UiPath reseller partnership to expand enterprise automation services, and Saudi Arabia’s LEAP push continues to attract global tech investment.

Maritime Security: Saudi Arabia’s Bahri confirmed two Filipino seafarers died after a security incident involving its tanker SIDR while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, as Riyadh condemned Iran’s attack and urged restraint and respect for international navigation. Diplomacy: Qatar also condemned Iran’s targeting of the Saudi tanker, calling it a breach of UN rules and demanding the strait be reopened unconditionally. Tech at LEAP 2026: Microsoft says its first Saudi cloud datacentre region will go live in November 2026, while AWS announced its Saudi cloud region launch for December, both aimed at bringing local cloud and AI workloads to the Kingdom. Connectivity: stc and Ericsson signed a multi-year deal to expand stc’s 5G network, including a new low-band radio deployment. Local Law & Order: Riyadh police arrested a resident over livestream remarks deemed offensive to women and religious values. Sports: Al-Nassr will lose home advantage for the Riyadh derby against Al-Hilal due to AFC Asian Cup scheduling, and Al-Ahli must replace Merih Demiral after his red card. Tourism: WTM Spotlight Riyadh named Saudi Tourism Ministry as strategic partner for the Sept. 8–10 event.

Makkah Defence Alliance: Saudi Arabia’s cabinet backed steps to set up a permanent secretariat for the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement after the first Istanbul Political-Defense Strategy Committee meeting, as Pakistan and Türkiye institutionalize the pact and push deeper military-industrial integration. Strait of Hormuz Security: Two Saudi-linked crude tankers were hit by projectiles minutes apart while exiting the Strait of Hormuz, with crews reported safe, renewing fears for oil flows and regional maritime stability. LEAP 2026 Tech Push: AWS says its first Saudi cloud region is on track for a December 2026 launch, while Nokia opened a Riyadh R&D center for AI-powered network automation and HUMAIN moves ahead with autonomous trucking plans. Anti-Corruption Drive: Nazaha reported arresting 108 government employees in August on bribery and abuse-of-office charges after 2,659 oversight visits. Sports—Al Hilal Surge: Ollie Watkins scored on his Al Hilal debut as the club thrashed Al Ahli 3-0, while WWE Crown Jewel was confirmed for Nov. 7 in Riyadh.

Local Cloud Expansion: Microsoft says its new Azure cloud data centre region in Saudi Arabia’s East will be available to customers in November, with local hosting for government and private AI workloads and low-latency access. Regional Diplomacy: In Jeddah, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Oman’s Sultan Haitham to review bilateral ties and regional de-escalation efforts, while Saudi and Oman leaders discussed ways to preserve security and stability. Defense Pact Follow-Through: Saudi Cabinet praised the first Strategic Political and Defense Committee meeting under the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement with Türkiye and Pakistan, backing steps toward a General Secretariat in Saudi Arabia. Sports Regulation: Saudi Arabia’s Sports Ministry launched “Al-Rahhala,” a licensing service for organized adventure travel via the Riyadi platform to standardize permits and safety. Tech at LEAP 2026: NTT DATA plans an AI Factory Lab in Riyadh opening in September, and Lenovo unveiled its first laptop manufactured in Saudi Arabia. Energy Security: Shipping reports say two Saudi oil supertankers were hit by unknown projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns for maritime safety. Football Transfers: Al-Ittihad signed Benfica midfielder Richard Rios on loan, while Moussa Diaby left for Bayer Leverkusen and Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal contract was mutually terminated.

Mecca Defence Alliance Takes Shape: Turkey’s Hakan Fidan says the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement has moved from signing to action, with Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia holding their first Strategic Political and Defence Committee meeting in Istanbul and agreeing to set up a Riyadh-based secretariat, with Pakistan providing the first secretary general for three years. LEAP 2026 Tech Push: Riyadh kicked off LEAP with tech and AI deals worth over $15bn, as Saudi leaders stress momentum toward an “AI era” with global partners. Saudi AI Infrastructure Goes Live: AMD, Cisco and PIF-backed Humain say new AI computing infrastructure is now operating in the Kingdom, with plans to expand capacity toward 1GW by 2030. Tourism Gets a Digital Boost: Saudi Tourism launched a Unified Tourism Services Platform at LEAP, aiming to streamline licensing, investment and training through one digital interface. Hospitality Pipeline Expands: IHG signed a deal to bring its Noted Collection to Riyadh, while Accor and Al Qimmah plan a major Makkah-and-Madinah hotel expansion. Travel and Leisure Highlights: Rosewood AMAALA opened on the Red Sea coast, and Saudi Arabia won Formula E’s Best Host Country award. Economy Under Pressure: Bloomberg reports Saudi Arabia is considering an $8bn-plus bank loan as war-related disruptions and spending commitments weigh on growth.

Makkah Defence Alliance: Turkey hosted the first Strategic Political and Defence Committee meeting under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement in Istanbul, bringing together foreign and defense ministers and chiefs of staff to set the alliance’s strategic direction, interoperability plans, defense-industry cooperation and a roadmap for future members. Regional Security Messaging: Turkish FM Hakan Fidan said the pact is not aimed at any country and is open to others, while Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said Riyadh is committed to activating the agreement’s mechanisms to strengthen security and stability. Tech & AI Expansion: Adobe signed a $4bn+ deal with Saudi MCIT and PIF-backed Humain, granting 27 million eligible Saudis and residents free access to Adobe’s AI creative tools for a year, and Humain/DataVolt began work on a major Red Sea AI data center at Oxagon. Finance & Investment: Derayah committed SR 244m to HOF Capital’s AI and tech fund, targeting about 15 investments, as Saudi also explores an $8bn bank loan amid war-driven pressures. Sports: Ollie Watkins confirmed his Al-Hilal move, while Karim Benzema left Al-Hilal by mutual consent after seven months.

Mecca Joint Defence Pact: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye will hold their first committee meeting in Istanbul today under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, with foreign and defence ministers plus military chiefs set to review defence coordination and interoperability. Food Security Push: Saudi and Pakistan agreed to target $3bn in Pakistani agricultural and food exports to the Kingdom over the next two years, prioritizing rice, red meat, fruits and concentrates, green fodder and water-efficient farming tech. Tech in Riyadh: LEAP 2026 opens in Riyadh for its fifth edition, spotlighting AI, advanced computing, mobility and gaming, with thousands of startups and global tech leaders expected. Public Health Data: Saudi launches its first national Food Composition Database via SFDA to standardize nutrition data for local foods and traditional dishes. Compliance Crackdown: SOCPA warned of up to five years in jail and SR2m fines for falsifying or misleading information tied to certified public accountants. Immigration Enforcement: Saudi deported 14,905 people and arrested 14,434 others during a week-long crackdown on residency and labour violations. Football Transfers: Ollie Watkins has joined Al Hilal from Aston Villa on a three-year deal, as Saudi clubs keep snapping up high-profile players.

Mecca Defence Pact: Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan will hold their first committee meeting in Istanbul on Monday under the newly signed “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement,” with foreign and defence ministers plus chiefs of staff expected to discuss collective deterrence, military coordination, interoperability and defence-industry cooperation, including joint production. AI & Data Push: NetApp will showcase at LEAP 2026 in Riyadh how its platform helps Saudi firms keep data “AI-ready” and secure as the Kingdom accelerates AI adoption. Food & Health Infrastructure: SFDA launched Saudi Arabia’s first Food Composition Database, aiming to standardize nutritional data for local foods and traditional dishes to support research, policy and healthier product development. Trade & Agriculture: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to target $3bn in agricultural and food exports over the next two years, prioritizing rice, red meat, fruits, green fodder and water-efficient technologies. Riyadh’s Gaming Growth: Roblox plans to open a regional headquarters in Riyadh to back creators across MENA, supported by Saudi investment and media regulators. Saudi Football Deal: Benzema’s Al-Hilal contracts and a separate promotion deal reportedly include a clause barring him from playing outside Saudi until 2030, while Al-Hilal also moves to sign Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli. Education Calendar: The Ministry of Education announced new 2026 long-weekend dates for students, including Oct 25, Nov 29, Jan 7 and Apr 11.

Renewables Deal: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan approved a Saudi-Türkiye framework agreement for renewable energy projects, including 1,000MW solar plants in Sivas and Karaman and a second phase adding 3,000MW. Security & Smuggling: Saudi customs ports recorded 1,078 contraband seizures last week, including 18+ kg of narcotics and thousands of tobacco products, as ZATCA urged public tips via hotline 1910. Regional Tensions: Saudi Arabia issued a fresh warning that Iran-aligned Iraqi militias could target the kingdom “within hours,” following earlier drone intercepts and strikes tied to attacks on oil facilities. Work Visas: Saudi Arabia tightened work permit rules for businesses, capping new firms (under two years) at 5 work visas while older companies can request up to 50. Riyadh Tech Push: The Royal Commission for Riyadh City launched the Riyadh Digital Innovation District to attract global tech firms and talent across AI, cybersecurity, cloud, IoT, blockchain, and robotics. Sports—Ronaldo: Cristiano Ronaldo became Al-Nassr’s all-time Saudi Pro League scorer with a 2-1 comeback win over Al-Taawoun, keeping the club’s perfect start. Water Reuse Project: Nesma & Partners and Saur signed an MoU to develop Riyadh recycled water infrastructure, advancing Vision 2030 water security goals.

Riyadh Digital Push: The Royal Commission for Riyadh City launched the Riyadh Digital Innovation District to lure global tech firms and talent, focusing on AI, cybersecurity, cloud, IoT, blockchain and robotics to back Vision 2030. Water & Infrastructure Deals: Nesma & Partners signed with Saur to prepare the next tender stage for a Riyadh recycled-water project, while RSGT and CMA CGM agreed to invest about $434m to develop and run Terminal 4 at Jeddah Islamic Port. New PPP Project: Saudi Municipalities and Housing launched RFQs for the King Fahd Suburb Boulevard in the Eastern Province under a 43-year PPP model. Work Visa Limits: Saudi Arabia overhauled work-visa caps for new businesses—5 visas for firms under two years, up to 50 for older ones—with separate rules for Establishing Programme participants. Mecca Pact Debate: Reports question the Mecca Agreement’s long-term cohesion, while Bangladesh signals interest in joining the Saudi-Pakistan-Turkey defence framework. Sports Spotlight: Cristiano Ronaldo became Al Nassr’s all-time Saudi Pro League top scorer in a 2-1 win over Al Taawoun, and Yassine Bounou kept saving penalties as Al Hilal beat Al Khaleej 5-1. Security & Safety: Saudi customs foiled a bid to smuggle 1.9m amphetamine pills hidden in a lentil shipment from Jordan.

Saudi Pro League: Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 978th career goal as Al Nassr beat Al Taawoun 2-1, completing a fourth straight win and staying top after a comeback from an early deficit. Regional Security: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif said the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signals “unity and peace,” while Riyadh and Islamabad also pushed to expand cooperation in agriculture and water management. Diplomacy: Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held talks with Saudi and Türkiye counterparts on regional developments, including the US-Iran situation and upcoming R4 meetings. Economy & Jobs: Saudi Arabia tightened work-visa quotas for new businesses—firms under two years can hire only five expats, while older companies can access up to 50. Tech & Investment: Riyadh launched the Riyadh Digital District to attract global tech talent and companies, aiming to place the city among the world’s top tech hubs. Human Rights Scrutiny: A UK report says British police training was provided to Saudi officers despite human-rights concerns, drawing criticism from rights groups.

Mecca Defence Pact: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif said the Türkiye-Saudi-Pakistan Mecca Joint Defence Agreement sends a “message of unity and peace,” after the pact was signed in Mecca on Aug. 7. Work Visas Overhaul: Saudi Arabia introduced new work-visa caps for businesses, with quotas tied to how long a company has been operating—up to 5 visas for firms under two years and up to 50 for older businesses, with separate rules for the Establishing Programme. Human Rights Alarm: Saudi rights group ALQST says prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for prominent scholar Abdul Aziz Al-Tarifi, who is held in solitary confinement, urging authorities to drop charges and release him. Real Estate Openness: Saudi’s real estate regulator told Asharq Al-Awsat that international investor interest is strong as new rules expand non-Saudi property ownership and define where it’s allowed. Riyadh Tech Push: Riyadh launched a Digital Innovation District aimed at attracting global tech talent, focusing on AI, cybersecurity, cloud, IoT, blockchain, and robotics/drones. Red Sea Tensions: Saudi is preparing for a major campaign against Yemen’s Houthis as attacks on ships and oil infrastructure escalate, with analysts warning the conflict could widen.

Tragedy in Riyadh: Seven Bangladeshi workers killed in a sofa factory fire have been repatriated to Dhaka, with bodies flown in and taken to Naogaon for burial after Saudi authorities identified victims via fingerprint checks. Red Sea Security: Houthis fired ballistic missiles and drones at targets in Yemen, while Saudi-linked shipping disruption fears grow after renewed attacks and a reported drone interception. Mecca Pact Politics: Bangladesh’s foreign minister said Dhaka would consider joining the Saudi-Türkiye-Pakistan “Mecca Pact” only if invited, stressing it’s a Muslim self-defence matter and not for outsiders to worry about. OIC Push: Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister called for serious OIC reform at a Jeddah meeting, as ministers also condemned Israeli attacks on Palestinians and elected a new OIC secretary-general. Saudi Football: Saudi Arabia’s federation backed FIFA chief Gianni Infantino “at this time” amid the FIFA crisis, urging face-to-face dialogue. Tech & Business: WhatsApp remains Saudi’s top app, and Asyad Group signaled interest in Pakistan’s airport privatisation while expanding investment plans.