Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Wednesday, Mar 18, 2026

Global Turmoil: UN Extends Western Sahara Mandate Amid Rising Oil Prices, Humanitarian Crises, and Saudi Arabia's Bold Economic Moves

UN Security Council extends Western Sahara peacekeeping mandate amid Algerian objections, as global markets react to energy sector tensions involving Iran. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia drives growth with foreign investments and environmental initiatives, contrasting with humanitarian crises in Sudan and Ukraine.
The United Nations Security Council has extended the mandate of the peacekeeping force in Western Sahara for another year, despite Algeria's objections over the lack of human rights monitoring. As tensions over territorial disputes persist, attention shifts to the energy sector, where oil prices have surged due to rising tensions involving Iran and possible military actions against Israel amidst the looming U.S. elections, creating uncertainty in global markets.

In response to these geopolitical concerns, we see oil prices climbing as Iran potentially gears up to strike Israel, with West Texas Intermediate crude reaching $70.50 a barrel. Meanwhile, looking towards economic development, Saudi Arabia's robust market continues to attract substantial foreign investment, prompting the Capital Market Authority to plan 50 IPOs to enhance its asset management sector.

Saudi Arabia's initiative underscores its commitment to economic growth and diversification, backed by regulatory amendments that facilitate investment from foreign and Gulf residents alike. As the nation invests in its future, it is also literally planting the seeds of tomorrow by launching the "2024 National Planting Season" with a mission to plant 50,000 seedlings to boost its green spaces.

The "We Plant for Our Future" campaign exemplifies Saudi Arabia's dedication to environmental sustainability and community involvement, which stands in stark contrast to the humanitarian challenges emerging elsewhere. A United Nations panel has condemned Russia's systematic torture of Ukrainians as a crime against humanity, exposing grave human rights violations amidst ongoing conflict.

With these distressing findings, the global community grapples with addressing such violations, while another crisis unfolds in Sudan's Al-Jazira state, where violent attacks by the Rapid Support Forces have led to significant casualties and a rising tide of displaced individuals. As over 119,000 people flee, the region faces a severe humanitarian crisis, further exacerbating the challenges of addressing global peace and security.

These developments highlight the complex tapestry of international affairs, from strategic energy markets to pressing humanitarian needs, demanding coordinated efforts and global solidarity to navigate the challenges of our interconnected world.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Saudi Supreme Court Urges Muslims to Observe Crescent Moon for Eid Determination
Saudi Supreme Court Urges Muslims to Observe Crescent Moon for Eid Determination
Saudi Arabia Reassesses Iran Strategy as Regional Conflict Tests MBS’s Diplomatic Bet
Iran Steps Up Drone Strikes on Saudi Oil Sites, Heightening Risks to Global Supply
Regional Fallout Grows as Iran Conflict Sends Shockwaves Across Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt
Saudi Arabia Intercepts Seven Drones in Intensifying Regional Security Threat
Saudi Arabia Intercepts Seven Drones in Intensifying Regional Security Threat
Saudi Arabia Weighs Regional Risks as Iran Conflict Deepens and Security Calculations Shift
Gulf States Confront Limits of U.S. Protection as Regional War Intensifies
Gulf Producers Rush to Reroute Oil Exports as Iran Tightens Control of Hormuz Strait
Saudi Gaming Investment Arm Acquires Strategic Stake in Capcom to Expand Global Influence
Iran Intensifies Strikes on Saudi Oil Infrastructure as Regional War Escalates
Saudi Arabia Targets South African Professionals in New Recruitment Drive Amid Regional Uncertainty
Formula One Faces Major Financial Hit as Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix Cancelled Amid Middle East Conflict
U.S. and Saudi Firms Launch Local Production of Attritable Drone Systems in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia and UAE Warn Rising Gulf Tensions Could Endanger Regional Security
Saudi Arabia Rejects Claims It Encouraged Prolonged War With Iran
Saudi Arabia to Host World’s Largest Single-Cell Protein Plant as Food Security Push Accelerates
Saudi Crown Prince Urges Trump to Continue Military Pressure on Iran
Iran Intensifies Drone Campaign Against Saudi Arabia as Gulf Conflict Escalates
When Is Eid al-Fitr 2026? Saudi Arabia Awaits Moon Sighting to Confirm End of Ramadan
When Is Eid al-Fitr 2026? Saudi Arabia Awaits Moon Sighting to Confirm End of Ramadan
Iranian Missile Strike Damages Five U.S. Refueling Aircraft at Saudi Air Base
Iranian Missile Strike Damages Five U.S. Refueling Aircraft at Saudi Air Base
Washington State Pilot Among Six U.S. Airmen Killed in Military Aircraft Crash Over Iraq
Severe Storm Threat Looms Over Washington as Tornado Risk and Damaging Winds Target Mid-Atlantic
Trump Supports FCC Warning to Broadcasters Over Iran War Reporting
Trump Supports FCC Warning to Broadcasters Over Iran War Reporting
Saudi Stocks Edge Lower as Tadawul All Share Index Slips Slightly at Market Close
Iranian Missile and Drone Strike Targets Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base Hosting US Aircraft
Saudi Air Defenses Intercept Drone Over Eastern Province as Iranian Strike Campaign Intensifies
Middle East War Reshapes Gulf Economies as Saudi Arabia and Oman Gain Strategic Leverage While UAE Faces Economic Shock
Iranian Ambassador in Riyadh Blames ‘Enemies’ for Attacks Across the Gulf
Israeli Envoy Ron Dermer Reportedly Visits Saudi Arabia for Discussions on Potential Lebanon Talks
Formula One Cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix Scheduled for April
Iran’s Ambassador in Riyadh Rejects Claims Tehran Targeted Saudi Oil Facilities
Saudi Arabia Declares 2026 ‘Year of Artificial Intelligence’ in Major Push for Data-Driven Economy
Saudi Arabia’s 2018 Budget Signals Strong Push for Non-Oil Economic Growth
Pakistan Envoy in Riyadh Says Regional Diplomacy Intensifying to Prevent Wider Middle East War
Saudi Arabia Intercepts Dozens of Drones as Regional Strikes Kill Two in Oman
Saudi Arabia Redirects Oil Exports to Red Sea Ports as Strait of Hormuz Tensions Escalate
Saudi Arabia Intercepts Missile and Drone Barrage as Regional Conflict Intensifies
Iran Expands Drone and Missile Campaign Across Gulf as Conflict With US and Israel Intensifies
Muslims Worldwide Await Saudi Moon Sighting to Confirm Eid al-Fitr 2026 Date
F1 Calendar Faces Major Disruption as Middle East Conflict Threatens Bahrain and Saudi Races
Trump Says Most US Aircraft Hit in Saudi Base Attack Suffered Minimal Damage
Trump Says Most US Aircraft Hit in Saudi Base Attack Suffered Minimal Damage
Strait of Hormuz Crisis Forces Saudi Arabia Into Major Oil Production Shut-In
Strait of Hormuz Crisis Forces Saudi Arabia Into Major Oil Production Shut-In
Saudi Arabia Slashes Oil Output as Strait of Hormuz Crisis Cuts Deep Into Gulf Revenues
×