Saudi Arabia

China–UAE News

Saudi Arabia mBridge Exit Highlights Realities of Cross-Border Payment Diversification

Saudi Arabia's central bank ended its participation in the mBridge multi-CBDC platform after finishing a proof of concept in May 2025, according to an analysis published by the South China Morning Post citing the Financial Times. The project continues with participants including mainland China, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the UAE, alongside the recent activation of the Monetary Authority of Macao. The author argues that payment diversification reflects practical settlement efficiency rather than an outright abandonment of the US dollar.

Middle East Travel Alerts

Flydubai Dubai-Tel Aviv Flight Diverts to Saudi Arabia Following Cockpit Attack

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a pilot stabbed the captain and attempted to sabotage the aircraft mid-air. Passengers and crew subdued the attacker before the plane landed, and Saudi authorities placed the suspect under arrest. Flydubai confirmed all passengers were safe, while the Israel Airports Authority set up an information center for families.

Middle East Travel Alerts

Flydubai Dubai-Tel Aviv Flight Diverts to Saudi Arabia After Cockpit Altercation

Airlines across the UAE reported flight cancellations and delays on Thursday on routes linking Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia and Tel Aviv. Etihad Airways has suspended flights to Riyadh and Dammam through October 18, alongside multiple Jeddah cancellations. Disruptions to Tel Aviv services and regional travel are expected to persist into the weekend.

Middle East Travel Alerts

Flydubai Flight Diverts to Saudi Arabia After Transmitting Hijacking Emergency Signal

A Flydubai aircraft landed at Saudi Arabia's Tabuk Airport to repatriate passengers stranded after a Dubai to Tel Aviv flight made an emergency diversion. The airline dispatched the second aircraft following an onboard flight deck incident that forced the plane down in Saudi territory. Stranded passengers, consisting mostly of Israeli travelers, were boarded onto the recovery flight to complete their journey to Tel Aviv.