In a wide-ranging interview with Al Majalla, Michael Mainelli discusses Saudi-UK ties, investments in AI and renewable energy and describes Saudi Vision 2030 as 'amazing and ambitious'

With $175bn worth of annual business between the two blocs, a free trade deal seems only sensible, yet visas and vested commercial interests remain obstacles.

But there are still pitfalls ahead

The state's refusal to engage with bondholders risks keeping Lebanon out of the funding markets, draining its remaining reserves as creditors seek redress

The country's 'safe-haven' reserves were looted in 2011 when tonnes went missing just before Gaddafi was ousted. Now, after a big purchase last year, there are worries for its security.

The world remains distracted by other conflicts and crisis, but with this large African country on the brink of famine and no end in sight to the fighting, there are warnings that Sudan could splinter

The al-Assad government's embrace of the neoliberal market involves privatisation and subsidy cuts, which are causing widespread suffering and only benefitting the elite

Many regional and international stakeholders believe that the cost of rescuing Egypt's economy pales in comparison to the steep price everyone might pay if it were to descend into chaos

An end to the conflict is an absolute priority and a basic demand, but even if it were to come now, and the most optimistic recovery scenario played out, Gaza faces a bleak economic future

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.