As Saudi Arabia looks forward to the Osaka summit in Japan this weekend, the Kingdom is already preparing to host the next chapter of the G20 next year. Since its foundation 20 years ago, the G20 – or Group of 20 – has become an important platform for exchanging views on pressing international economic issues to tackle the current challenges facing the world. Its themes of global economics, trade and investment, innovation, the environment and energy, women's empowerment, development and employment come at a time when digitalisation and technological innovation are transforming the economic and social landscape. As the only Arab country in the G20, and as it prepares to host world leaders for its first summit in November next year, Saudi Arabia is at the cusp of some of those transformations.
The country was recently ranked among the top 10 most powerful countries in the world, according to US News and World Report rankings, which assesses countries based on five categories; military and international alliance, political and economic influence, and leadership. Saudi Arabia is not only a rising power in the international arena but a giant in the Middle East. The world's most powerful countries are largely responsible for shaping the global economy. Their foreign policies and support matter and have reverberations around the world.
The Kingdom is fully committed to the G20’s objectives and to the stability and prosperity of the international economic system. Through its presidency, the country looks forward to further strengthening its ties with other G20 countries and to reaching an international consensus on the summit’s agenda over its two-day meeting of leaders whose countries represent two-thirds of the world’s population, 85 per cent of global economy and 75 per cent of international trade.
The Kingdom is among the wealthiest countries in the world and accounts for the biggest land mass and population in the Arabian peninsula. It has special status within the Muslim world as the home of Makkah and takes a leadership role in protecting the vital interests of Muslims around the world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony. With the biggest economy in the Middle East, it is a leading oil producer and a longstanding member of the G20.
Among the G20, Saudi Arabia ranks third in terms of foreign reserves, with $507.2 billion, after China and Japan. Its reserves account for 6.4 per cent of the G20's total reserves. Saudi Arabia has an oil-based economy, with strong government controls over major economic activities and oil capabilities which make up 16 per cent of the world's petroleum reserves, making it not only one of the wealthiest nations in the Middle East but a leader in Opec. The organisation was formed to unify and co-ordinate members' petroleum policies, ensure the stability of oil markets and secure an efficient, economical and regular supply of petroleum to customers.
Saudi Arabia also plays a major role in combating terrorism and is an active and critical member in the global coalition to defeat ISIS. The Kingdom systematically implements UN Security Council sanctions on groups and individuals linked to the extremist group and Al Qaeda, and has expanded existing counterterrorism programmes and projects to combat violent extremism and support the international community to that end.
As one of the most powerful and largest Arab countries, it has excellent and strong relations with superpowers around the world. The US views Saudi Arabia as an ally and has highlighted their joint strategic vision, including many new initiatives in investment, trade, security, defence as well as educational and cultural ties.
With France, the Kingdom's relationship is based on common strategic interests and preserving security in a troubled region, as well as sharing a convergence of views on regional crises. Beijing and Riyadh have forged a working relationship that has been useful to both sides, especially in energy development. China has been the largest consumer of Saudi crude oil for a decade. The state-owned Saudi Basic Industries Corp has found a welcome market in China for its petrochemical products. Saudi Arabia is China’s biggest trading partner in the Arab world and both countries have pledged to expand and deepen their commercial and industrial ties.
In its relations with the UK, Saudi remains one of its closest allies and is among its most reliable economic and security partners in the Middle East. The governments of both nations have been united in their efforts to promote stability and prosperity through their mutually beneficial relationship and in strengthening their political, economic and security ties. Russia and Saudi Arabia's partnership is a progressive one, with state-owned Saudi Aramco reportedly making an investment in a Russian Arctic liquefied natural gas project and the Russian Direct Investment Fund expected to invest in Saudi Aramco's IPO. This is not just a relationship built on energy; it is more of a strategic political relationship that began as energy reformation.
Not only does Saudi Arabia have strong international alliances but it is also a founding member of several multinational organisations, with a meaningful purpose and positive impact on other countries and Muslims worldwide. Saudi Arabia has extended $14.4 billion in humanitarian and developmental assistance to more than 100 countries in one year and ranks among the world’s top donor countries, providing aid and assistance globally. Its hosting of the G20 next year will be a culmination of its rising stature on the world stage and confirmation of its political and financial might.
Khaled Menzlawiy is the deputy permanent representative of the Saudi mission to the UN in New York
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ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025, Thailand
UAE fixtures
May 9, v Malaysia
May 10, v Qatar
May 13, v Malaysia
May 15, v Qatar
May 18 and 19, semi-finals
May 20, final
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
How to avoid crypto fraud
- Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
- Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
- Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
- Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
- Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
- Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
- Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
LIVING IN...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
match info
Southampton 0
Arsenal 2 (Nketiah 20', Willock 87')
Red card: Jack Stephens (Southampton)
Man of the match: Rob Holding (Arsenal)
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Read more about the coronavirus
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE v IRELAND
All matches start at 10am, and will be played in Abu Dhabi
1st ODI, Friday, January 8
2nd ODI, Sunday, January 10
3rd ODI, Tuesday, January 12
4th ODI, Thursday, January 14
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The specs
Price, base / as tested Dh1,100,000 (est)
Engine 5.2-litre V10
Gearbox seven-speed dual clutch
Power 630bhp @ 8,000rpm
Torque 600Nm @ 6,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined 15.7L / 100km (est)
2024%20Dubai%20Marathon%20Results
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Afghanistan squad
Gulbadin Naib (captain), Mohammad Shahzad (wicketkeeper), Noor Ali Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Samiullah Shinwari, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
SPECS
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AndhaDhun
Director: Sriram Raghavan
Producer: Matchbox Pictures, Viacom18
Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, Radhika Apte, Anil Dhawan
Rating: 3.5/5
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
Keep it fun and engaging
Stuart Ritchie, director of wealth advice at AES International, says children cannot learn something overnight, so it helps to have a fun routine that keeps them engaged and interested.
“I explain to my daughter that the money I draw from an ATM or the money on my bank card doesn’t just magically appear – it’s money I have earned from my job. I show her how this works by giving her little chores around the house so she can earn pocket money,” says Mr Ritchie.
His daughter is allowed to spend half of her pocket money, while the other half goes into a bank account. When this money hits a certain milestone, Mr Ritchie rewards his daughter with a small lump sum.
He also recommends books that teach the importance of money management for children, such as The Squirrel Manifesto by Ric Edelman and Jean Edelman.
The specs
Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
On sale: Now
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
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SPECS
Engine: Two-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 235hp
Torque: 350Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Price: From Dh167,500 ($45,000)
On sale: Now
Short-term let permits explained
Homeowners and tenants are allowed to list their properties for rental by registering through the Dubai Tourism website to obtain a permit.
Tenants also require a letter of no objection from their landlord before being allowed to list the property.
There is a cost of Dh1,590 before starting the process, with an additional licence fee of Dh300 per bedroom being rented in your home for the duration of the rental, which ranges from three months to a year.
Anyone hoping to list a property for rental must also provide a copy of their title deeds and Ejari, as well as their Emirates ID.
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
'The Sky is Everywhere'
Director:Josephine Decker
Stars:Grace Kaufman, Pico Alexander, Jacques Colimon
Rating:2/5
Zimbabwe v UAE, ODI series
All matches at the Harare Sports Club:
1st ODI, Wednesday, April 10
2nd ODI, Friday, April 12
3rd ODI, Sunday, April 14
4th ODI, Tuesday, April 16
UAE squad: Mohammed Naveed (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Libya's Gold
UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves.
The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.
Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.
T20 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER
Results
UAE beat Nigeria by five wickets
Hong Kong beat Canada by 32 runs
Friday fixtures
10am, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi – Ireland v Jersey
7.30pm, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Canada v Oman
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
More from Armen Sarkissian
JOKE'S%20ON%20YOU
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Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
The specs: 2018 Maxus T60
Price, base / as tested: Dh48,000
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder
Power: 136hp @ 1,600rpm
Torque: 360Nm @ 1,600 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel consumption, combined: 9.1L / 100km
