The great Arabian novelist, who has died at the age of 76, carried the mountains of southern Arabia to the heart of France in his famous work, published in 2000.
The importance of culture in the Kingdom was reflected in the diversity of honours dished out during a recent Riyadh ceremony. From anime to archaeology, Saudi identity shone through.
Showcasing the traditions of different Saudi provinces and performing British classics with the Royal Philharmonic (and even an Adele song), these Saudi artists left their mark on the British capital
The Kingdom's latest addition to the world's premier heritage sits on an ancient trade route and brought together various faiths, creating a historic treasure trove that has been recognised by UNESCO
The ancient village dates back to 500BC and served as a major trade hub and urban centre in the Arabian Peninsula that connected other prominent civilisations
The Kingdom has seen visitor numbers grow but its ambitions are much bigger and broader. Plans to open its doors and sites come with a massive $800bn investment set to boost the sector.
From kidnapping Venezuela's president to proposing the annexation of Greenland, Trump appears to be the most 'imperialist' leader the US has had in decades
From Yemen and Syria to Sudan and Libya, there is a concerted effort to reassert state authority and thwart moves toward the proliferation of quasi-states and fragmentation
A decisive Syrian military campaign, coupled with diplomatic pressure from Türkiye, the US, and Israel, has forced the SDF into a far-reaching integration deal with Damascus
This could be a decisive year for Beijing as long-running strategies collide with harsher geopolitical realities. The outcomes will shape global power balances well beyond 2026.