The Saudis have outlined their conditions for a true and binding pact. Such a pact is highly unlikely, not least because of the current US political atmosphere and the issue of US-Saudi mistrust.

News of a $40bn fund in collaboration with Silicon Valley and Wall Street will places Riyadh among the leading riders in the race for dominance in an AI-driven future.

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.

Saudi Arabia's new approach that looks after its own interests seems to be paying off. China has been pivotal in getting regional players to cooperate peacefully in a way that benefits all.

Opening up shares in the state oil firm to domestic and global investors has helped its $3tn valuation, leaving it in the top three firms by market capitalisation, behind only US tech giants

China's maritime focus at present remains in its vicinity. Its presence in the Middle East is a slow build. It might never become a regional military superpower, but it can't be ruled out entirely.

What would the regional and global implications of a US military withdrawal from the region look like? Our March issue's cover story provides some answers.

Known as the "ships of the desert", camels are regularly featured in Arabic poetry, stories and art, signifying their esteemed position in society.

Both China and the Gulf have much to offer one another, especially with the Gulf's thirst for big infrastructure projects and China's thirst for carbon.

Europe's new Aspides maritime operation to safeguard vessels being attacked by Houthis in Yemen has set it on a different course from the US. It needs to sail carefully if it is to succeed.