From Riyadh to Beijing The Five Biggest Automotive Headlines of the Week
Saudi Arabia Launches Pilot Program for Self-Driving Taxis
In a regional first, Saudi Arabia's General Transport Authority has launched a pilot phase for autonomous taxis in Riyadh, with the participation of the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser. The 12-month trial includes 13 electric charging stations spread across seven strategic locations in the capital. While the vehicles operate autonomously, safety drivers are present during the initial phase. With a top speed of 100 km/h, the initiative reflects Saudi Arabia's strategic push toward innovative, sustainable mobility solutions.
Xiaomi Enters the EV Arena with a Powerful Debut Drive of the YU7
Arab GT was granted exclusive access to test the all-new Xiaomi YU7, the luxury electric SUV that marks the tech giant's ambitious leap into the automotive world. Our colleague Ahmed Abu Jameel tested the 'Max' variant—the most powerful version—equipped with dual electric motors delivering a combined output of 673 horsepower and 866 Nm of torque. The YU7 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.23 seconds. With such performance and refinement, Xiaomi signals it's not here to experiment—it's here to compete.
Tesla's 'New' Affordable Car Is Just a Cheaper Model Y
After months of speculation, Tesla has confirmed that its anticipated affordable EV isn't an all-new model but a lower-priced version of the existing Model Y. During the Q2 earnings call, CEO Elon Musk stated, 'It's simply the Model Y,' reaffirming the company's current focus on optimizing existing platforms instead of introducing new nameplates. While this strategy could offer short-term relief amid slowing sales, it raises critical questions about whether pricing alone can fuel Tesla's long-term growth.
Trump-Japan Trade Deal Sparks Outrage in the U.S. Auto Industry
A new trade agreement between former U.S. President Donald Trump's administration and Japan has drawn sharp criticism from American automakers—especially the Detroit Big Three. The deal imposes a 15% tariff on Japanese cars and parts, while U.S. brands manufacturing abroad continue to face tariffs of up to 25%. Beyond the numbers, the deal reignites the debate between protectionism and free-market competition, potentially disrupting global supply dynamics.
Bentley Bentayga Speed Tested by Arab GT's Mousub Shashaa
In a rare and exclusive drive, Arab GT founder Mousub Shashaa got behind the wheel of the latest Bentley Bentayga Speed—the most powerful version of the British marque's top-selling SUV. While the model has moved away from the iconic W12 engine, it's now bolder than ever. A key highlight is the Akrapovič titanium exhaust system, which adds an exhilarating acoustic edge to the driving experience. It's a clear example of Bentley's unmatched ability to merge ultra-luxury with uncompromising performance.
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Arab News
3 hours ago
- Arab News
EU and Gulf states aligned on path to peace in Palestine, top EU official tells Arab News
NEW YORK CITY: The EU and Gulf nations, led by Saudi Arabia, are increasingly aligned in their calls for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the provision of humanitarian relief, and a political path forward in Gaza and the West Bank, according to EU's commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Suica. Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of a high-level international conference at the UN in New York this week, Suica emphasized a shared interest in 'peace, security and prosperity' as the foundation for deeper EU-Gulf cooperation on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Formally titled the 'High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution,' the two-day event, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, began on Monday. It brought together top global actors, including the EU, the UN and major Arab states, in what was described as a critical turning point in efforts to revive peace talks and lay the groundwork for post-conflict reconstruction in Gaza. 'This is a historic moment,' Suica told Arab News. 'We are mature enough, and seeing what is going on the ground, this conference might be the trigger to say enough is enough.' She was unequivocal in her support for the Saudi-led initiative and the Arab Peace Initiative, saying: 'We are aligned on that. We would like to follow, we would like to engage.' The EU and Gulf countries agree on the urgent need for a ceasefire agreement, she added, and a diplomatic track that guarantees security for both Israelis and Palestinians. Suica said the role of the EU extends beyond diplomacy to include direct financial support, particularly for efforts to strengthen the Palestinian Authority. 'We don't want to be only a payer, we want to be a player,' she added. 'We are financing the Palestinian Authority because we think we have to empower them to be our interlocutor on the ground.' While the lead diplomatic role lies with the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, Suica said her own focus is on the economic dimension, particularly reconstruction and institutional development in a postwar Gaza. She confirmed that the EU would launch a donors' platform in the fall to help coordinate international aid for rebuilding the territory and the long-term development of Palestinian institutions. This includes €1.9 billion ($ 2.2 billion) earmarked for Palestinian reforms between now and 2027, of which €150 million has already been disbursed. The EU is also supporting the UN Relief and Works Agency, the only organization currently able to provide services such as healthcare and education on the ground. 'But ultimately, our goal is for the Palestinian Authority to take over these services,' Suica said, underlining the long-term vision of the EU for a viable, independent Palestinian state. She acknowledged the complexities involved in dealing with the Israeli government, but said that while 'Israel breached Article Two' of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, there was no consensus among EU member states for an outright suspension of the agreement. 'We need a channel of communication with Israel. If we block everything, who is our interlocutor?' she said, while pointing to mounting pressure from public opinion and the media as other possible drivers for Israeli policy shifts. The EU remains united, however, on one key issue: the need for humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. 'All member states are on board,' Suica affirmed, and she criticized Israeli authorities for the slow implementation of previous humanitarian agreements, including the limited opening of border crossings to allow aid to enter Gaza. Nor did she mince her words when discussing Israeli policies in the West Bank, noting that tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority — money that is crucial for maintaining public services and governance — have been withheld for the past three months. She also denounced a rise in settler violence, which she said undermines prospects for a two-state solution. 'Violent settlers on the ground is not acceptable,' Suica said. 'We've had one or two rounds of sanctions, but for more we need unanimity, and that's always a problem within the EU.' This week's conference in New York, she added, is a 'very good introduction' ahead of the UN's General Assembly week in September, when key announcements are expected, including official recognition of the State of Palestine by more countries. France has already declared its intent to do so, and Suica hinted that other European nations might follow suit. This aligns with a broader 'Peace Day Effort' launched by the EU, the Arab League, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt. This aims to build a comprehensive 'peace-supporting package,' including economic, political and regional security cooperation mechanisms to help sustain peace once a final agreement is reached. 'This is not just about Gaza,' Suica said. 'This is about the future architecture of peace and security in the entire region. The Gulf countries are critical partners in this effort. We are aligned, and we are determined.' As the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza continues to unfold and violence spreads in the West Bank, the EU and its Arab partners are pushing for what might be the most coordinated international push for a two-state solution in more than a decade. With the clock ticking toward the UN's General Assembly in September, the pressure is therefore on all sides to turn diplomatic hopes into lasting results.
Arab News
5 hours ago
- Arab News
Amazon brings color to Saudi Arabia with new Kindle Colorsoft devices
Kindle customers globally are reading more than ever — so far this year, they have read more than 129 billion pages, which is already billions more pages than this time last year. To support Kindle customers' love of reading, and to make their reading experience even better, Amazon has launched Kindle Colorsoft in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Kindle Colorsoft has everything customers love about Kindle in color — a high contrast Colorsoft display, fast page turns, an adjustable warm light, weeks of battery life, and access to the Kindle bookstore. Kindle Colorsoft features Amazon's 7-inch Colorsoft display technology, offering 300 ppi for black and white content and 150 ppi for color. It includes a built-in light and optimized font technology, with a 16-level grayscale. The device weighs 215 grams and comes with 16 GB of on-device storage for thousands of books, complemented by free cloud storage for all Amazon content. Meanwhile, its battery life extends for up to 8 weeks on a single charge under typical usage conditions, reaching a full charge in under 2.5 hours. Users can browse covers in color in the Kindle Library or store, experience a graphic novel come to life in color, see book photos and images in color, or add highlights in yellow, orange, blue, and pink which they can easily filter through later. Plus, for customers who prefer to read on pages with a dark background, the Page Color feature inverts the black text and white backgrounds of the pages inside books. Kindle Colorsoft with 16 GB of storage is available starting at SR1,069 ($285), while Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition is available at SR1,199 and adds an auto-adjusting front light, wireless charging, and 32 GB of storage.
Arab News
5 hours ago
- Arab News
World Defense Show 2026: More global reach, new features
World Defense Show, founded by the General Authority for Military Industries in Saudi Arabia, announced that it has already secured 90 percent of its exhibitor space for its upcoming 2026 edition. This announcement coincides with WDS's attendance at the International Defense Industry Fair 2025 in Istanbul, Turkiye, where the WDS team is engaging with key Turkish defense stakeholders. Turkiye is the third largest participating country at WDS 2026, with Turkish exhibitors currently occupying 4,400 square meters of exhibition space. Turkish participation is expected to grow considerably from 2024 to 2026, underscoring the significant global momentum building behind WDS as a premier defense exhibition. Taking place from Feb. 8-12, 2026, in Riyadh, WDS 2026, held under the theme of 'The Future of Defense Integration,' will once again serve as a vital platform for showcasing the latest advancements across all five defense domains — air, land, sea, space, and security. Building on the success of its previous editions, WDS 2026 is attracting unprecedented interest from both local and international defense stakeholders. WDS 2026 is expected to feature exhibitor participation from an estimated 80 countries, including new participants such as but not limited to, Japan, Portugal, Uzbekistan and Finland. Expanded global reach further solidifies WDS's position as a truly international platform for collaboration and innovation. countries, including new participants such as Japan, Portugal, Uzbekistan and Finland, will participate in World Defense Show 2026. Andrew Pearcey, CEO of WDS, said: 'The overwhelming demand for exhibition space is a testament to the show's growing reputation as a must-attend event for those shaping the next era of defense and global security. Our presence at IDEF provides an excellent opportunity to connect with key industry players and highlight the remarkable progress we've made in preparing for WDS 2026.' Additionally, WDS 2026 has unveiled its Content Theater themes, a key show feature held on Days 2-5 of the event. Attendees can anticipate engaging presentations exploring critical topics driving the industry. There will be insightful discussions on themes such as: Translating Operational Requirements into Technological Advantage, Accelerating Breakthrough Technologies in Defense, Integrating and Operationalizing Emerging Technologies at Speed, and Powering National Production and Defense Exports. The Content Theater program complements a suite of show features, including the new Future Defense Lab, Unmanned Systems Zone, Naval Zone, Saudi Supply Chain Zone, and WDS News Network. With limited space remaining, organizers are encouraging interested exhibitors to secure their participation as soon as possible.
