US Study: Saudi Arabia is World’s 9th Most Powerful Country

A general view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (SPA)
A general view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (SPA)
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US Study: Saudi Arabia is World’s 9th Most Powerful Country

A general view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (SPA)
A general view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia has ranked as the ninth most powerful country in the world according to a US study published by the Business Insider magazine on Saturday.

The US News and World Report placed the US at the top of the list, followed by Russia, China, Germany and Britain.

The rankings look at a country's political and financial influences, as well as its international and alliances, the strength its military and how it acts as an international leader.

The rankings come as part of US News and World Report's "2019 Best Countries" ranking in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania, which surveyed more than 20,000 people on their opinions of 80 countries.

The top ten countries also included France, Japan and South Korea and the United Arab Emirates taking the eleventh spot.



Saudi Ambassador to UAE Decorates Sheikh Nahyan bin Saif Al Nahyan with King Abdulaziz Shah of 2nd Class

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
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Saudi Ambassador to UAE Decorates Sheikh Nahyan bin Saif Al Nahyan with King Abdulaziz Shah of 2nd Class

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)

Upon the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Sultan Al-Anqari decorated Sheikh Nahyan bin Saif Al Nahyan, former Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class.

According to SPA, this came in recognition of his outstanding efforts in strengthening and advancing the deep-rooted and historical relations between the two countries during his tenure in the Kingdom.

During the reception for Sheikh Nahyan at the embassy, the Saudi ambassador conveyed his best wishes for Sheikh Nahyan's continued success in his new role as Deputy Minister of State at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.


Saudi Leadership Congratulates Head of Libya's Presidential Council on Independence Day

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
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Saudi Leadership Congratulates Head of Libya's Presidential Council on Independence Day

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent on Wednesday a cable of congratulations to head of Libya's Presidential Council Mohamed Al-Menfi on his country's Independence Day.

King Salman wished him continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Libya further security and stability.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent Al-Menfi a similar cable on the occasion.


Saudi Arabia Condemns Attack on Pakistani Police

Pakistani security officials stand guard at a checkpoint on the eve of Christmas in Peshawar, Pakistan, 24 December 2025. (EPA)
Pakistani security officials stand guard at a checkpoint on the eve of Christmas in Peshawar, Pakistan, 24 December 2025. (EPA)
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Attack on Pakistani Police

Pakistani security officials stand guard at a checkpoint on the eve of Christmas in Peshawar, Pakistan, 24 December 2025. (EPA)
Pakistani security officials stand guard at a checkpoint on the eve of Christmas in Peshawar, Pakistan, 24 December 2025. (EPA)

Saudi Arabia condemned on Wednesday the attack against Pakistani police in the Karak area in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.

A Foreign Ministry statement, said the Kingdom “categorically rejects of all forms of terrorism and extremism,” condemning “attempts to undermine the security and stability of Pakistan and its people.”

It extended its sincere condolences to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of Pakistan over the attack.

Suspected militants opened fire on a police vehicle in northwest Pakistan on Tuesday, killing five officers before fleeing, officials said, part of a surge in violence in the region bordering Afghanistan.

No group immediately claimed responsibility, but suspicion is likely to fall on the Pakistani Taliban, or TTP, which is separate from but aligned with Afghanistan’s Taliban government and has been blamed by authorities for previous attacks.

Pakistan has seen a steady rise in militant violence, which has strained relations with Afghanistan.