Messi’s father dismisses Saudi links

Ghassan al Sharbi, a Saudi engineer, was detained in Faisalabad, Pakistan over two decades ago. He was a suspect in the September 11, 2001 al-Qaida attacks but never charged.

Saudi Arabia's national oil producer Aramco achieved "record" profits totaling $161.1 billion, a nearly 50% increase. The firm saw prices skyrocket after Russia invaded Ukraine, leading to soaring global energy prices.

The two long-time foes say they will improve their relationship. If they do, the detente could have a major impact on politics in the Middle East.

The recent Saudi-Iran deal is a major triumph for Chinese diplomacy, but Beijing may find the Middle East to be a tricky region to operate in, say experts.

With film shoots, star-studded festivals and modern studios, the conservative kingdom of Saudi Arabia is sparing no expense to become a land of cinema. Showcasing the wonders of Saudi Arabia on the big screen also helps attract tourists and project a modern image of the country, which is usually better known for its serious attacks on personal freedoms.

The two traditional rivals agreed to normalize relations in a March 10 deal brokered by China. Iran's international outreach to its regional rival comes amid major domestic unrest.

The two sides in Yemen's conflict have agreed to free nearly 900 people in a prisoner exchange. That deal comes less than two weeks after Saudi Arabia and Iran re-established diplomatic ties after years of hostility. The two regional powers have backed opposing sides in Yemen's war, and their rapprochement has galvanised efforts to end the conflict. We take a closer look.

A life-sized statue of Lionel Messi was presented to the soccer player for his historic display during the 2022 World Cup. Messi was emotional at the time, taking to Instagram to say, “that was a beautiful moment, very special and emotional.” The statue will sit in a museum alongside similar sculptures of Pele and Diego Maradona.

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Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal has reportedly offered Lionel Messi a mind-boggling contract. Reports claim that their offer to the Argentine World Cup winner is worth $438 million (€400 million) per year. That offer is more than double what his longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo is earning playing for Al-Nassr.

A Beijing-brokered deal between rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia marks major diplomatic progress which could reshape relations across the region which has witnessed decades of conflict and violence.

The two parties agreed to exchange nearly 900 detainees following a round of talks which aims to revive an expired ceasefire. Saudi Arabia restored diplomatic ties with Iran last month.