Saudi Arabia
OPEC+'s First Big Test Following the UAE's Withdrawal
Three months after Abu Dhabi's historic withdrawal, the oil alliance is proving surprisingly capable of taking action—yet the conflict over production quotas continues to smolder in Iraq.
August 11, 2026
OPEC+ Raises Production Caps Again: Concerns About the Stability of Maritime Routes and Energy Infrastructure
The OPEC+ oil alliance will increase its permitted oil production by an additional 188,000 barrels (159 liters each) per day starting in September 2026. Seven key member countries of the group—including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman—made this decision at the beginning of August during a video conference. This marks the sixth consecutive increase in the production ceiling. At the same time, the OPEC+ Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) convened for its 67th meeting.
August 2, 2026
Saudi Foreign Minister Visits Vienna to Build Bridges in Times of Crisis
In light of global crises and economic upheavals, foreign policy ties between Austria and Saudi Arabia are growing ever closer. The Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, traveled to Vienna for high-level working meetings. In the Austrian capital, he met with both Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger and National Council President Walter Rosenkranz.
June 18, 2026
IAEA Board of Governors: Alarming Drone Attacks on Nuclear Power Plants Exacerbate the Nuclear Crisis in the Middle East
Amid massive regional tensions, the week-long meeting of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has begun in Vienna. At the center of the debates are Iran’s alarming obstructionist policies and an unprecedented drone attack on a civilian nuclear facility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which brought the region to the brink of a nuclear catastrophe in mid-May.
June 10, 2026
Earthquake in the Oil Market: UAE Leaves OPEC
In a geopolitical U-turn that is sending shockwaves through the energy markets, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced its withdrawal from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna and the broader OPEC+ alliance, effective May 1. While U.S. President Trump is hailing the move as a victory, the cartel faces an existential crisis.
April 29, 2026
Austria is Pushing for Stability Diplomacy and Energy Security in the Gulf
Amid a period of extreme geopolitical tension, Austria is pursuing a two-pronged strategy that combines active on-the-ground mediation with domestic crisis preparedness. While Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger is in Saudi Arabia exploring diplomatic avenues to end the war with Iran, the federal government in Vienna has established a new national coordination body to mitigate the economic consequences for the country.
April 8, 2026
The Middle East Powder Keg: Between Rocket Attacks, Oil Price Shock, and Nuclear Uncertainty
Following massive U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran and Iranian counterstrikes in the region in the Emirates, Lebanon, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Cyprus, Kuwait, and Oman, the international community is facing a severe test. While Tehran laments damage to its nuclear program, the IAEA urges caution. In Austria, the government is preparing for the economic consequences, while thousands of citizens are stranded in the crisis region.
March 2, 2026
Bridge to Riyadh: 15th Arab-Austrian Economic Forum Highlights “Vision 2030”
The 15th Arab-Austrian Economic Forum, organized by the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) and the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), serves as a central platform for deepening economic relations between Austria and Saudi Arabia in light of Saudi Vision 2030.
October 30, 2025
OPEC+ Continues to Turn Up the Oil Tap
The OPEC+ oil-producing countries, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, have announced a further increase in their crude oil production. From October 2025, daily production will be increased by an additional 137,000 barrels (159 liters each). This move is part of a strategy aimed at gradually reversing previous production cuts and regaining market share.
September 7, 2025
OPEC Secretary General Warns Against a Hasty Farewell to Oil
OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais repeatedly comments on the role of the oil industry in the context of global climate targets and the energy transition. In a recent interview, he emphasized that despite the expansion of renewable energies, global demand for oil will not fall in the coming decades. “It is a myth that new energy sources will automatically replace older ones,” says Al Ghais.
May 23, 2025
Suspected Terrorist from Austria: Investigation into Mecca Attack Raises Questions
The Directorate of State Security and Intelligence (DSN) has announced that no suspicious data was found on the seized laptop belonging to Hasan E., a 20-year-old from Lower Austria who allegedly carried out a terrorist attack in Mecca in March 2024. At the same time, the authorities rejected accusations that errors were made in the investigation.
February 2, 2025
Austrian Citizen in Custody for Knife Attack in Mecca
Saudi Arabia confirms the arrest of a 20-year-old Austrian from the district of Bruck an der Leitha — the charge: a knife attack in front of the holy Al-Haram mosque in Mecca. But the story goes further - to foiled plans to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna.
January 28, 2025
OPEC Revises Forecasts and Cadre: Decline in Global Oil Demand Expected
OPEC has revised its expectations for global oil demand in 2024 and 2025 downwards for the fifth time in a row. At the same time, the organization is celebrating the eighth anniversary of the “Declaration of Cooperation” and appointing new leaders.
December 12, 2024
Abuse of Office and Saudi Deal for Ex-Mayor in Upper Austria
A controversial case of abuse of office and improper acceptance of gifts has shaken a municipality in the district of Vöcklabruck, Upper Austria. A former mayor of the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) stood before the regional court in Wels, as he is said to have accepted payments from a Saudi Arabian prince over decades to enable the rezoning of grassland into building land.
November 28, 2024
BRICS 2024: Diplomacy Between Myths and Reality
The 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, was highlighted by Dmitry Lyubinsky, the Russian Ambassador to Austria, as one of the most important global events of 2024. In his statement, Lyubinsky repeatedly criticized the portrayal of the alliance in Western media and addressed supposed myths surrounding BRICS. But how convincing are his arguments?
November 26, 2024
OPEC+ Extends Oil Production Cuts by One Month
OPEC+ has decided to extend the voluntary production cuts since November 2023 by 2.2 million barrels per day until the end of December 2024.
November 3, 2024
OPEC Celebrates 64 Years of Shaping the Global Oil Industry
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) marked a significant milestone this September as it celebrated its 64th anniversary. For more than six decades, OPEC has played a crucial role in stabilizing the global oil market, fostering international cooperation, and championing the sovereignty of oil-producing nations over their natural resources.
September 19, 2024
Signa Group in Crisis: Saudi Arabian Sovereign Wealth Fund Seeks Complete Takeover of Selfridges
The economic turbulence surrounding the Austrian Signa Group has taken a new turn: The Saudi sovereign wealth fund Public Investment Fund (PIF) is planning a complete takeover of the renowned British department store Selfridges. This announcement comes at a time when Signa, under the leadership of founder René Benko, is facing significant financial challenges.
July 25, 2024
Strengthening Economic Relations Between Austria and Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Minister of Economy, Faisal Al-Ibrahim, visited Vienna and met with the Austrian Federal Minister of Labor and Economy, Martin Kocher. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed as part of the 9th Saudi-Austrian Joint Committee, which aims to strengthen further and diversify economic relations between the two countries.
June 5, 2024
OPEC+ Extends Production Cuts Until 2025
Representatives from Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman met in Riyadh on the sidelines of the 37th OPEC and Non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting (ONOMM). During the meeting, the participating countries decided to extend the existing production cuts until the end of 2025.
June 2, 2024
Austria's Schallenberg Visits Saudi Arabia: Exchange on Middle East Conflict and Economic cooperation
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg visited Saudi Arabia as part of his latest visit to the Middle East and met with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan. The talks focused on the Middle East conflict and the intensification of economic relations between the two countries.
May 23, 2024
Austrian Technology at the Center of Gigantic Construction Projects in Dubai
The Austrian company Doka is continuing its international success story and will once again demonstrate its expertise in high-rise construction. The planned Azizi Tower in Dubai, which is to be completed within the next four years, aims to become the second tallest building in the world.
March 5, 2024
Saudi Arabia Allows Alcohol Sales to Foreign Diplomats for the First Time
In a significant change to its long-standing policy, Saudi Arabia has decided to allow the public sale of alcohol to "non-Muslim diplomats". This marks a historic departure from the country's strict alcohol ban.
January 25, 2024
Rene Benko and the Future of the Signa Group: Silence Before the Storm?
The Austrian Signa Group once celebrated as a shining star in the real estate sky and a powerful player in the retail sector, is currently facing uncertain times and financial turbulence. Company founder Rene Benko, who has led the group from a non-operational position since 2013 and holds the majority of voting rights through his family foundations, is at the center of a heated debate about the group's future.
November 6, 2023
Meet the New Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the International Organizations in Vienna
Abdullah bin Khaled Tawlah, Saudi Arabia's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador, Abdullah bin Khaled Tawlah, the new permanent representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the International Organizations in Vienna.
September 27, 2023
Historic Center of Vienna Remains on the UNESCO Red List
The historic center of Vienna remains on UNESCO's red list of endangered World Heritage Sites despite recent changes to the Heumarkt project. This was decided by UNESCO. Now it is being examined whether the project is compatible with World Heritage in this way.
September 13, 2023
Austria's Ex-Economy Minister Schramböck in Saudi Arabia: Progress on Women's Rights and Economic Opportunities
The former Austrian Minister of Economy, Margarete Schramböck, has given insights into her new professional activities in Saudi Arabia in an interview with the magazine "trend". She is currently on the board of Aramco Digital, a digital subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company, which was founded in spring 2023. Schramböck plays an important role there, which she describes as "between the executive board and the supervisory board."
September 7, 2023
OPEC+ Surprisingly Cuts Oil Production
The OPEC+ alliance has announced a surprise cut in oil production. There will probably be a reduction of about one million barrels per day from May onward.
April 3, 2023
Minister Schallenberg Promoted Dialogue at Munich Security Conference
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg attended the 59th Munich Security Conference. He met with several counterparts and he emphasized the importance of communication in these difficult times.
February 19, 2023
Weekly Briefing: Latest Developments in Diplomacy
The Find out more about this week's developments. Austrian policymakers are concerned with inflation and energy issues. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.
September 8, 2022
Austro-Arab Chamber Strengthens Relations with Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Egypt
The Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) strengthened its relations with Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Egypt. The AACC Secretary-General Mouddar Khouja met with important ambassadors and dignitaries from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Egypt.
September 7, 2022
Space Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia Signed the Artemis Accords
In joining the Artemis Accords, Saudi Arabia shows its commitment to sustainable space exploration guided by a common set of principles. In signing the agreement, Saudi Arabia becomes the 21st Artemis Accords country.
July 19, 2022
OPEC Considers Possible Exclusion of Russia From Oil Production Agreement
OPEC countries are apparently considering the exclusion of non-OPEC member Russia from the concluded oil production agreement. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, which cites statements from insider circles, other OPEC countries could step in to meet production targets following Russia's exclusion.
June 1, 2022
Opec and Non-OPEC Members Agree Further Gradual Increase in Oil Production
At the 25th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting (ONOMM), the oil-producing countries decided upon a gradual increase in oil production for March. Read about this and the other decisions made at the meeting.
February 2, 2022
Saudi Center KAICIID's Relocation from Vienna to Lisbon Completed
The Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Augusto Santos Silva and KAICIID Secretary General, Faisal bin Muaammar signed the Headquarters Agreement in Lisbon. Austria has one less international organization, while Portugal will now host nine international organizations. Faisal bin Muaammar has now completed his second term as planned. Ms. Elham Alshejni currently serves as the Interim Deputy Secretary General of KAICIID.
November 23, 2021
Austria Deepening Relationship with Gulf States: Foreign Minister Linhart in Qatar
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz Al-Thani and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani recently met with Foreign Minister Linhart in Doha, Qatar. The leaders discussed various issues, including the strengthening of ties between Qatar and Austria. Linhart also met with Qatari business leaders as part of the ReFocus Austria initiative. Read about Linhart's trip to Qatar.
October 29, 2021
Loss for Vienna: Relocation of Saudi Center to Lisbon Finalized
The controversial KAICIID (King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue), which is largely financed by Saudi Arabia and is currently based in Vienna, will relocate to Lisbon.
October 25, 2021
Security and Stability: Austria Deepens Cooperation with UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman
Foreign Minister Schallenberg visited the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman on a four-day trip to the Gulf region. While there, he spoke with various officials, including his counterparts: UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi. The main topics of discussion were security, especially regarding extremism, and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 15, 2021
Vienna Airport: Resumption of Flights to Toronto, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Jeddah
Vienna International Airport announced the resumption of flights to Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The flight resumptions will also provide more connection opportunities to other destinations around the globe.
July 28, 2021
Covid-19 in Austria: These Are the Updated Entry Rules
Due to today's amendment of the Austrian "COVID-19 Entry Regulation 2021", we bring you an update on the regulations for entering Austria.
July 20, 2021
Weekly Briefing: Austria Prepares for a "Summer Like Back Then"
Austria is getting ready for a summer with (hopefully) little Covid-19 impact. Night life will be celebrating its full return in a week from now and travel with the Green Passport should become easier as of July 1 as well. The Find out more about this week's developments.
June 24, 2021
Saudi Arabia Aims to Deepen Relations with Austria
During a working visit by the Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al Saud in Vienna, he and his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg have agreed on expanding trade relations and other economic cooperations. Read more below.
June 23, 2021
Israel Flag Hoisting Crisis: Protest of Arab Ambassadors in Austria
All 17 ambassadors of Arab states accredited in Vienna protest against the raising of the Israeli flag on the roofs of the Austrian Federal Chancellery and the Austrian Foreign Ministry.
May 27, 2021
Ambassador to China Appointed New CEO of the Austrian Development Agency
Friedrich Stift succeeds Martin Ledolter as CEO of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA). Who is Dr. Friedrich Stift and what is his background?
May 5, 2021
King Abdullah Center Will Officially Leave Vienna
The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) will officially leave Austria. After rumours of a possible reallocation, the Secretary General of KAICIID Faisal bin Muaammar has now announced that the Center is looking for a new location.
March 8, 2021
Influential OPEC Fund Celebrates 45th Anniversary
The Vienna-based OPEC Fund for International Development marks its 45th anniversary today. Since inception in 1976 by the Member States of OPEC, the multilateral development finance institution has approved more than US$25 billion in essential financing for 135 partner countries.
January 28, 2021
Start of Arab-Austrian Cultural Season 2020
The Arab-Austrian Cultural Season 2020 will be carried out under the motto “Austria and Arab Countries: A Cultural Partnership And An Extended History” has officially started.
March 9, 2020
Ambassador Kumlin Granit Takes Over from Ambassador Al-Hadid as New Chairperson of IAEA Board of Governors
The IAEA Board of Governors elected by acclamation Ambassador Mikaela Kumlin Granit of Sweden as the Chairperson of the IAEA’s Board of Governors for 2019–2020.
September 24, 2019
Meet the New Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Prince Abdullah Bin Khaled Bin Sultan Al Saud
The new Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Austria, Prince Abdullah Bin Khaled Bin Sultan Al Saud presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg. He is also non-resident ambassador to Slovakia and Slovenia.
September 20, 2019
Closure of Controversial King Abdullah Center in Vienna Decided
The Austrian National Council has decided to close the King Abdullah Centre in Vienna. The KAICIID - King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, which is largely financed by Saudi Arabia, has long been controversial. The imminent death sentence of 18-year-old Murtaja Qureiris in Saudi Arabia was the immediate cause. The majority decision of parliament must now be implemented by the Foreign Ministry under Alexander Schallenberg. The Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) spoke out in favour of a new centre under the auspices of the UN.
June 13, 2019
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