Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Wednesday, Mar 18, 2026

Greenland Court Extends Custody of Anti-Whaling Activist Amidst Global Protests, Geopolitical Tensions, and Economic Advancements

Greenland court extends custody of anti-whaling activist Paul Watson amid Japan’s extradition request. Greta Thunberg briefly detained in Copenhagen during pro-Palestinian protest; Russian-US tensions rise over Ukraine aid.
A Greenland court has extended the custody of anti-whaling activist Paul Watson until October 2 as Denmark considers Japan's extradition request. Watson, the former head of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, was arrested over a 2010 incident with a Japanese whaling vessel, which could lead to serious charges if he is extradited to Japan.

Meanwhile, climate activist Greta Thunberg was arrested in Copenhagen during a pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Copenhagen, advocating for an academic boycott of Israeli universities. Thunberg, alongside others, was briefly detained before being released, as the protest aligns with widespread demonstrations in the US and Europe condemning Israel's actions in Gaza and Palestinian territories.

On another front, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned the United States against crossing Russia's "red lines" regarding potential long-range missile deliveries to Ukraine. Lavrov's critique highlights growing tensions, as US military aid to Ukraine includes tanks, advanced missiles, and F-16 jets, prompting the Kremlin to announce impending changes to its nuclear doctrine.

Shifting to economic news, Saudi Arabia's advancements in fintech were highlighted during a conference in Riyadh, with Vision 2030 and strategic partnerships cited as key drivers. Experts showcased the nation's transformation into a fintech hub, supported by initiatives like the Financial Sector Development Program and comprehensive 5G coverage.

Additionally, GCC banks are forecasted to maintain strong performance through 2024, propelled by a significant increase in lending and robust non-oil sector activity in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. S&P Global reports that despite the challenges, strong provisions and government support structures will ensure economic stability and resilience.

Lastly, Saudi Arabia's tech sector is expected to gain $4 billion from the adoption of generative AI by 2028, aligning with Vision 2030's ambitious goals. According to a Strategy& Middle East report, this growth will enhance R&D, streamline operations, and boost margins, aiding Saudi Arabia's transformation into a cutting-edge, data-driven economy.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
U.S. Lawmakers Press Rubio to Enforce Strong Safeguards in Saudi Nuclear Deal
Iran Issues Evacuation Warning to Gulf States After Strike on Major Gas Field
Saudi Arabia to Convene Arab and Islamic Ministers for Urgent Talks on Regional Conflict
Saudi Arabia Confirms Eid al-Fitr as Moon Sighting Determines End of Ramadan
Saudi Arabia Boosts Crude Exports to Highest Levels Since 2023, Data Shows
Iran Issues Warning to Gulf Energy Infrastructure Following Strike on Major Gas Field
Saudi Arabia Restarts Ras Tanura Refinery Following Drone Strike, Reinforcing Energy Resilience
Saudi Arabia Restarts Ras Tanura Refinery Following Drone Strike, Reinforcing Energy Resilience
Saudi Arabia Intercepts Ballistic Missiles Targeting Riyadh Amid Escalating Regional Tensions
Saudi Arabia Restores Significant Oil Flows Using Hormuz Bypass Amid Regional Tensions
Saudi Arabia Signals Potential Activation of Defence Pact with Pakistan Amid Escalating Iran Conflict
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
×