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Sports is driving the conversation on Saudi Arabia in the global press this Ramadan morning.
Saudi officials have reportedly made a USD 2 bn offer to “unify” the men’s and women’s professional tennis tours. The nine ATP1000 masters competitions reportedly have 90 days to join the Saudi offer or face a rival “Premium Tour” led by the four “grand slam” stops, the Telegraph reports.
AND- A PGA Tour merger with PIF-backed LIV Golf could still be in the cards. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan says talks are “accelerating” and are based on a “shared vision” that could “unlock golf’s worldwide appeal.” There had been speculation a few weeks back that a big investment in PGA by US sports bn’aires could have scuppered merger talks with PIF.
MEANWHILE- The Telegraph reports on a recent visit by Chelsea FC Chairman and American bn’aire Todd Boehly here to meet the Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al-Faisal and Saudi Pro League Director of Sales Michael Emenalo in what is believed to be a second run to sell players to the Kingdom.
IN BUSINESS- The Economist is out with an analysis piece on whether Aramco shelving plans to boost production capacity could see the oil giant thinking twice on the future of global oil demand. And the South China Morning Post’s editorial page declares that Saudi links will allow Hong Kong’s tech firms to shine.
IN POLITICS: AFP and Al Alarabiya are taking note of reports on a US delegation on religious freedom abruptly ending their visit to Diriyah after their chair, the prominent rabbi Abraham Cooper, was asked to remove his kippah (also called a yarmulke, the head cover worn by many observant Jewish men).
What they said: “We look forward to welcoming him back to the Kingdom,” Saudi Ambassador to Washington Princess Reema bint Bandar said. “This unfortunate incident was the result of a misunderstanding of internal protocols.”
