🇸🇦 Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia · EN · https://english.aawsat.com
About Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat is owned by the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG), a company closely aligned with the Saudi government. It was founded with the approval of the Saudi royal family and is currently owned by Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, a member of the Saudi royal family.
Asharq Al-Awsat is considered pro-Saudi, with its editorial line reflecting Saudi government interests and foreign policy priorities, such as opposition to Iranian influence. Media Bias/Fact Check rates its factual reporting as 'Mixed' due to consistently publishing favorable information about the Saudi government, which they label as propaganda. The outlet has faced controversies, including publishing a false report about Iranian pilgrims and fabricating claims about the Qatari prime minister. In Saudi Arabia, where the press freedom environment is 'not-free,' journalists operate under tight government control and practice self-censorship, avoiding criticism of the royal family or state policies.
Reading context
Outlets in Saudi Arabia often work under tighter political or legal limits than in countries ranked as fully free for press. We keep each headline's original tone on purpose, so you can see how stories are usually framed for domestic readers.
Sudan Enters Fourth Year of War, Labeled an 'Abandoned Crisis'
- Sudan is facing its fourth year of war, described as an "abandoned crisis" amidst global focus shifting to the Middle East conflict. - The war, a power struggle between the military and the Rapid Su…
Can Iran Legally Impose Tolls on the Strait of Hormuz?
- US officials are assessing intelligence that China may have supplied shoulder-fired missiles to Iran, a significant shift in their military relationship. - Such a transfer, if confirmed, could lead …
Democrats File Impeachment Articles Against Pentagon Chief Hegseth
- US House Democrats have filed six articles of impeachment against Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth. - The articles accuse Hegseth of
China's Economy Exceeds Expectations in Q1 Amid Global Uncertainty
- China's economy grew 5.0% year-on-year in Q1, exceeding expectations despite global economic headwinds. - The growth was fueled by exports, though recent data shows a slowdown in March, indicating p…
Tsitsipas's Munich Exit Deepens Ranking Slump
- Stefanos Tsitsipas suffered another first-round defeat in Munich, highlighting a significant slide in his rankings and form. - The loss will see his ranking drop into the 70s, its lowest point in ei…
UK museum entry fee proposal for tourists sparks backlash
- The UK government is exploring the possibility of charging international tourists entry fees for national museums to support the arts sector. - This proposal faces criticism from restitution groups …
Super Typhoon Sinlaku Devastates US Pacific Islands with 150 mph Winds
- Super Typhoon Sinlaku battered the US Northern Mariana Islands with winds up to 150 mph, causing significant damage. - Residents on Tinian and Saipan reported shredded roofs, downed power lines, and…
Syria's Kurds Register for Citizenship After Decades of Marginalization
- Syria's Kurdish minority is registering for citizenship following a presidential decree aimed at ending decades of marginalization. - The decree, issued by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, grants citizens…
Saudi PIF Approves 2026-2030 Strategy Focused on Economic Transformation and Value Creation
- The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia has approved its 2026-2030 strategy, focusing on domestic ecosystems, strategic asset potential, and long-term returns. - The new strategy transition…
EU Commission Orders Meta to Roll Back WhatsApp AI Fee, Citing Antitrust Concerns
- The European Commission has informed Meta Platforms that its new WhatsApp AI access fee likely breaches EU competition rules. - The EU executive arm intends to order Meta to reinstate third-party AI…
Saudi Arabia Boosts Pakistan's Finances with Additional $3 Billion Support
- Saudi Arabia will provide an additional $3 billion in support to Pakistan, helping it bridge a financial gap related to an upcoming debt repayment to the UAE. - This new funding supplements Riyadh's…
World Bank to Asharq Al-Awsat: Saudi Arabia Plays a Central Role in Stabilizing Energy Markets
- Saudi Arabia plays a crucial role in stabilizing global energy markets amidst geopolitical tensions, according to the World Bank. - The Kingdom's efforts enhance supply chain reliability, impacting …
Beirut Airport Recovers as Airlines Resume Flights Amidst Conflict Fallout
- International airlines have resumed flights to Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport following a suspension due to the ongoing conflict. - The airport experienced a roughly 40-day suspension, …
Israel's High Court Hears Petitions to Oust Far-Right Minister Ben-Gvir Amid Political Tensions
- Israel's High Court is hearing petitions seeking the removal of far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. - The petitions, supported by the attorney general, accuse Ben-Gvir of undermini…
Report: France's Ekitike Out of World Cup With Ruptured Achilles
- A report indicates that French footballer Hugo Ekitike will miss the World Cup due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. - The article also briefly mentions unrelated news about the Asia Cup draw and Arsen…
Super Typhoon Sinlaku Pounds Remote US Islands in the Pacific Ocean with Ferocious Winds
- Super Typhoon Sinlaku battered the Northern Mariana Islands, including Tinian and Saipan, with 150 mph winds and heavy rains. - The storm caused widespread damage, including shredded roofs, flooding…
Super Typhoon Sinlaku Pounds Remote US Islands in the Pacific Ocean with Ferocious Winds
- Super Typhoon Sinlaku battered the Northern Mariana Islands, specifically Tinian and Saipan, with winds up to 150 mph and heavy rain. - The storm caused significant damage, including roofs torn off,…
Titanic Hero's Pocket Watch Surfaces for Auction
- A gold pocket watch belonging to an engineer who helped rescue Titanic survivors is expected to fetch up to £100,000 at auction. - The watch was awarded to John Richardson, an engineer on the RMS Ca…
Oil Prices Fall on Expectations US-Iran Peace Talks May Resume
- Soaring war risk insurance premiums in the Strait of Hormuz threaten global shipping and oil flows. - The disruption impacts not only energy markets, with natural gas and jet fuel prices surging, bu…
UN Watchdog: North Korea Dramatically Boosting Nuclear Arms Production Ability
- North Korea shows a significant increase in its ability to produce nuclear weapons, according to the head of the UN nuclear watchdog. - The IAEA chief noted increased operations at multiple faciliti…
Sudan's War Enters Fourth Year Amidst Devastation and Resilience
- Sudan's devastating conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces has entered its fourth year, causing widespread loss and shattered hopes. - Daily life across the country, particularly in …
Hormuz Insurance Premiums Soar, Threatening Global Food and Oil Supplies
- Insurance premiums for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz have surged dramatically due to heightened military tensions. - This increase threatens global oil and food supplies, particularly impa…
US Military Halts All Maritime Trade with Iran Amidst Diplomatic Signals
- The US military has reportedly halted all maritime trade in and out of Iran, according to Admiral Brad Cooper. - This action is part of broader US efforts to pressure Iran, with President Trump indi…
Iran Nuclear Program 'Badly Damaged' But Not Wiped Out
- Recent attacks by the U.S. and Israel have significantly damaged Iran's nuclear and ballistic capabilities, hindering its path to a nuclear bomb. - However, Iran retains a substantial stockpile of h…
China, Spain to Boost Ties Amid Global Turmoil; Xi Warns Against 'Law of the Jungle'
- Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Spain to strengthen economic ties and cooperation amidst global instability. - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez sought to position Spain as a bridge between Ch…
School Shooting in Türkiye Leaves 16 Wounded, Attacker Dead
- The provided article contains multiple unrelated news briefs, including a school shooting in Turkey, a diplomatic meeting in China, and Australian defense spending. - The school shooting in Turkey r…
Xi Calls for Tighter Ties to Spain in Face of Global ‘Chaos’
- China's President Xi Jinping urged closer economic and cooperative ties with Spain amidst global instability. - Xi warned against a return to the "law of the jungle" in international relations, advo…
Tom Holland Teases Most Emotional 'Spider-Man' Yet; Sony Unveils Ambitious Film Slate
- Tom Holland described the upcoming 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' as the most emotional and mature installment yet. - New footage shown at CinemaCon revealed Zendaya's character MJ seemingly having a n…
Prince Harry and Meghan Arrive in Australia to a Muted Welcome
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle began a four-day visit to Australia, with initial engagements focused on a children's hospital and a domestic violence shelter in Melbourne. - The couple, who stepped …
Greece Fortifies Ancient Sites Against Climate Threats
- Greece is implementing a nationwide plan to protect its ancient archaeological sites from climate change threats like wildfires, heatwaves, and rising sea levels. - A three-year study identified 19 …
Gulf Talks Focus on Containing Escalation, Boosting Regional, Global Security
- Gulf nations are engaged in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions related to Iran-US negotiations and broader Middle East developments, focusing on regional and global security. - Bahrain repor…
Greece intensifies protection of archaeological sites amid climate threats
- Greece is intensifying efforts to protect its archaeological sites from escalating threats posed by climate change, including wildfires, heatwaves, and rising sea levels. - A three-year study identi…
Lafarge's Syrian unit found guilty of financing terrorism in landmark French ruling
- Lafarge's Syrian subsidiary has been found guilty in a Paris court of financing terrorism and breaching sanctions to operate a plant during the Syrian civil war. - The company paid millions of euros…
World Bank Chief Warns of 800 Million Job Deficit in Developing Nations
World Bank President Ajay Banga highlighted a projected 800 million job deficit for developing countries over the next 10-15 years, with only 400 million jobs expected to be created. He urged global f…
