Great Expectations to Great Futures: British envoy Neil Crompton reflects on time in Riyadh

AN Interview with UK Ambassador Neil Crompton - 01
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Updated 17 July 2025
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Great Expectations to Great Futures: British envoy Neil Crompton reflects on time in Riyadh

  • Neil Crompton discusses Saudi Arabia’s transformation in a farewell conversation on the five-plus years he spent as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom
  • During his tenure, three British prime ministers visited the Kingdom — Boris Johnson, Rishi Sunak and, most recently, Keir Starmer

RIYADH: Among the many foreign diplomats I have seen come and go in Riyadh, few stand out quite like Neil Crompton, who is leaving the Kingdom after having completed a little over five years as His Britannic Majesty’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Crompton is, in many ways, the quintessential British diplomat. That self-deprecating wit and sharp sense of humor are trademarks of Crompton’s personality, which he tends to reveal only after loosening his proverbial necktie.

Like many Britons I met during my near-decade in the UK, and describe in “Anecdotes of an Arab Anglophile” (an anthropological book I published last year about my observations of London), Crompton was hard to crack at first — reserved and diplomatic, as one would expect. 

But once the ice melted, I discovered a man of deep intellect, insight and genuine passion for the region.

Crompton began his journey with the UK Foreign Office in 1995, ascending through key posts before heading the Middle East desk in 2015. His appointment as ambassador to the Kingdom came in early 2020 — a pivotal time, not just for Saudi Arabia, but for the world.

Almost immediately after landing in Riyadh, Crompton — like the rest of the world — found himself in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I have a very vivid memory of how professional and reassuring the Saudi government response was,” he told me. “The communication was very clear. You’ve got a good public health system.”

He added: “There was a very important decision by the government that everybody in the Kingdom would be treated the same regardless of nationality, which is very important. So we felt very reassured by that.”

When the dust of COVID finally settled, Crompton began to see the transformation Vision 2030 promised, not just on paper but in reality.

“I remember going to Riyadh Boulevard for the first time. And there was a polar bear dancing on the wall to the sound of, ‘I Like to Move, Move It,’” he laughed. “It’s just a nice atmosphere, families, grandpas, grandchildren, people out and about.”




audi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati receiving UK Ambassador Neil Crompton in Riyadh in Maerch 2024. (Supplied/File)

But of course, the transformation of Saudi Arabia is not limited to opening up and allowing once forbidden forms of entertainment. “When I met lots of ministers, went to ministries, you could feel the change,” he said. “You went into ministries and you saw everyone working hard.

“People talked about KPIs. I don’t remember hearing the term KPIs 10 years ago. Maybe I was wrong, but everyone was very focused, friendly, and wanted to both advance the Saudi national agenda but work out how they could collaborate with us.

“So it was sort of a mix of social change and then sort of changing corporate ethos. Britons asked me about Vision 2030. I say Vision 2030 was a vision, but now it’s a plan, and it’s been executed and very successfully.”

During Crompton’s tenure, three British prime ministers visited the Kingdom — Boris Johnson, Rishi Sunak and, most recently, Keir Starmer.




Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held talks at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh last December. (SPA)

As ambassador, Crompton had numerous interactions with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. But the relationship goes back further. “The first time I met the crown prince was back in 2015,” Crompton said.

“He’s very dynamic, he’s on top of his brief. He’s always very positive about the relationship with the UK. I think he sort of talks about it as being a strategic partner, but also says, ‘you’ve been a historically reliable friend.’

“And so I think everyone always comes away fired up because he has so much energy and enthusiasm for what he’s talking about.”

The shared monarchical systems of both nations, according to Crompton, provide a foundation of mutual understanding and respect.

“I think there’s a sort of natural affinity between monarchies. We’re probably the minority in the world, but I think the royal families tend to know each other. And I think there’s a sort of familiarity.

“When Her Majesty the Queen passed, I was very touched by the messages I got from Saudis all over the Kingdom, just saying how sorry they were to see her pass.

“And connections between individual members of the royal families still go on. I know there’s constant messaging backwards and forwards, and that’s very positive.

“His Majesty King Charles, he’s a real expert on Saudi Arabia. I think he’s made six official visits. I just met him on a couple of occasions. But each time he’d talk about things he did in the past. You remember he gave a famous speech on Islam and the West. So he’s always very interested in interfaith dialogue.

“When Sheikh Mohammed Al-Issa (secretary general of the Makkah-based Muslim World League) visited London, he saw him and he talked about the work that Saudi Arabia was doing in those areas.

“But also, in the few minutes I had with him, he asked: ‘Tell me what’s going on at AlUla, tell me what’s going on at this.’ So I think there’s a sort of familiarity, and I hope to nurture that.”




AlUla is undergoing a comprehensive regeneration to rejuvenate its native flora and fauna. (Royal Commission for AlUla photo)

But while royalty might be well-versed in the Kingdom’s transformation, are ordinary Britons keeping pace?

“I think it takes a long time to change perceptions. There’s always a time lag,” Crompton said by way of admission.

“Initially, the sort of scale of ambition when we talked about Vision 2030, people said, ‘really, can you do all that?’ And some people said, well, even if they do 70 percent of that, it would be impressive.

“And actually, my experience … probably 90 percent (can) be done. Saudi GDP has grown by over 70 percent since 2016. New sectors coming along.”

If there was one group that quickly closed that gap, however, it was the British business community.

“One of the highlights of my time here was the GREAT Futures trade event we did last year with the Saudi Ministry of Commerce,” said Crompton. “And for that, 450 British companies came.

“But 60 percent came for the first time, a lot from the creative industries and educational sectors who hadn’t been before. And I think they all came away and said, wow. And they met Saudis and established good contacts, and a lot of business and new relationships have flowed from that.”




File photo taken during the conclusion of the Great Futures Initiative Conference at the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh on March 15, 2024, which saw about 450 British companies participating. (SPA)

And the numbers speak volumes. “Bilateral trade has gone up 70 percent since COVID,” Crompton told me. “Last year, I believe it was $17 billion each way. And we have a commitment … to try and get bilateral trade to $30 billion by 2030.

“$30 billion is a magic number. Which I personally think we’ll exceed. And I think investment flows each way have increased significantly. And I think in the last five years, we’ve invested $23 billion in the UK. There’s lots of Saudi private investment.”

One of Crompton’s proudest efforts has been pushing forward the UK-GCC free trade agreement.

“I think we’re very close,” he said. “The negotiations started under the Conservative government, and actually we got quite close, and then we had an election, which just slowed things a little bit.

“Free trade is important to the health of the world economy. I think it’s a political signal between the Gulf countries and the UK, a political commitment to growing the relationship.

“This would be one of our first free trade agreements with a developing group of economies. And in the GCC’s case it would be the first time you signed a free trade agreement with a G7 country. So I think that would be very important.

“But more importantly, it will reduce tariffs in a number of areas, reduce some of the barriers, or some of the regulatory or bureaucratic obstacles to growing the relationship, and it provides a platform for growing trade.”




Ambassador Neil Crompton meeting with GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi at the GCC Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh in January 2025. (Supplied/file photo)

He added: “I think it’s 90 percent done. Both sides agree that there’s a set of issues now that can only be resolved by ministers, because they involve political decisions and if you like, a natural bargain.”

Though the GREAT Futures Initiative Conference took place under a Conservative government, Crompton is confident the strong Saudi-UK relationship will continue under Labour. 

“They wanted to convey the message that the UK saw the Gulf as natural friends and important economic partners, and they wanted to maintain that relationship,” he said of the Labour government.

On the tourism front, Crompton highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s introduction of online visas — and he is glad that the UK managed to reciprocate shortly after. 

“The scheme went live in June 2022. Initially, you could only get a single entry visa, but now you can get a two-year visa. And our figures say close to 750,000 Saudis have applied for and used that scheme … I think we’re the only Western country that offers an online visa service.”




The Saudi Tourism Authority and VisitBritain signed a declaration of intent to collaborate and share expertise on domestic and international tourism. (Supplied/file photo)

He added: “And more Britons than ever are coming here. (For) the pilgrimage, but (also) for business or for events. I think we’re the second highest number of visitors after the Chinese. There are many more Chinese people than Britons.

“It’s important to have a good government-to-government relationship with the people-to-people links that make friends.”

It is not just tourists heading to Saudi Arabia. Investments — and soft power — are also flowing in both directions. 

“There are important Saudi investments in northeast England,” Crompton said, with the flagship being the Public Investment Fund’s acquisition of Newcastle United.

“I have friends in the northeast who say the first thing they did was professionalize the women’s football team in Newcastle.”




Neil Crompton, British ambassador to Saudi Arabia, at his residence in Riyadh. (AN file photo)

He added: “I think people in the northeast say, well, this is really good. We want to do more with Saudi Arabia.”

One moment that truly embodied Saudi soft power for him? When the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir performed at the Royal Albert Hall in October 2024.

“I never forget they did Adele’s ‘Rolling in the Deep.’” he said. “They started (with) the men singing the Saudi traditional Saudi song. And then I remember when the lady came in and started singing, there were hairs standing up on the back of your neck. It was really impressive.”




The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir, in partnership with the UK’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, delivered a rousing performance at London’s Central Hall Westminster on September 28, 2024 as part of the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” concert tour. (AN file photo)

The interview also touched on Saudi-UK defense cooperation, ongoing discussions about potential Saudi involvement in the Typhoon jet program, and the Kingdom’s emerging role in international mediation efforts.

Clips from these parts of the conversation are available on Arab News online.

As a parting gesture, I presented Crompton with a custom-made trophy resembling the front page of Arab News from 50 years ago — a small tribute to his time in the Kingdom.




Faisal J. Abbas presents Neil Crompton (L) with a trophy resembling the front page of Arab News from 50 years ago. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

True to form, he responded with classic British humor, presenting me with two ketchup sachets — a reference to a story from “Anecdotes of an Arab Anglophile” where I complained to the CEO of a major American fast food chain about not getting enough ketchup, which ultimately led to a change in company policy in the UK. 

In the book, I lamented — only somewhat jokingly — how I never received any recognition from the British government for my efforts to improve UK customer service. I should be careful what I wish for, as Crompton clearly saw fit to remedy that.

I had to laugh. As Neil Crompton leaves the Kingdom, he does so with several feathers in his cap — but perhaps most importantly — with genuine affection for a country that is changing faster than most could have imagined.
 

 


Slovenian super white falcon fetches $40,000 at Saudi auction

Updated 20 August 2025
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Slovenian super white falcon fetches $40,000 at Saudi auction

  • Mathlouth gyrfalcon is the most expensive sale so far
  • Auction now a top global attraction, says local official

RIYADH: A falcon chick fetched SR151,000 ($40,000) at the annual International Falcon Breeders Auction in Malham here on Tuesday, becoming the most expensive sale so far at the gathering.

The bidding for the Mathlouth gyrfalcon hybrid super white, from the farm of the Slovenian breeder GP, started at SR50,000. The bird is under a year old, about 40 centimeters in height, and weighs just over 1 kg.

The identity of the buyer has not been revealed and it is usual practice for the bird to be named after it is sold.

The hybrid was not the only bird sold on Tuesday, the fourth night of the auction organized by the Saudi Falcons Club and held at its headquarters until Aug. 25.

The bidding for the Mathlouth gyr super white, from the Slovenian breeder GP, started at SR50,000. (SPA)

Bidders also competed for a gyrfalcon shaheen falcon, from British breeder YLS, with the dark brown chick, weighing 1.1 kg, eventually selling for SR51,000.

The gyrfalcon, or gyr, is the largest species in the world and ranges in color from pure white to brown. The birds have large, broad-winged and long-tailed bodies and are highly sought-after by breeders and enthusiasts.

A Mathlouth gyrfalcon, a gyrfalcon shaheen and a gyrfalcon pure will go under the hammer on Wednesday night.

Last year, a peregrine falcon chick named Ultra White sold for SR400,000 in a record for the event. Its American breeder Pacific Northwest Falcons also sold another peregrine chick named Super White for SR86,000.

That auction concluded with SR10 million in sales after 866 falcons were bought. A domestic auction by the club last year raised nearly SR6 million.

The bidding for the Mathlouth gyr super white, from the Slovenian breeder GP, started at SR50,000. (SPA)

With a history of exceeding SR18 million in sales over the past three years, the auction introduces new international breeding farms and fosters collaboration among producers and investors.

Walid Al-Taweel, spokesperson for the Saudi Falcons Club, told Arab News on Tuesday the auction has attracted some of the world’s top breeders and falconers.

“The auction utilizes modern technologies in sales and medical examinations. It also features live broadcasting, which allows real-time viewing of the auction from around the world,” he said.

The annual auction also provides a platform for falconers to learn about the latest breeding and hybridization techniques and share knowledge with fellow experts from around the world.

The bidding for the Mathlouth gyr super white, from the Slovenian breeder GP, started at SR50,000. (SPA)

It plays a significant role in preserving and promoting Saudi Arabia’s cultural, economic, and historical heritage in line with Vision 2030.

Speaking to Arab News on Monday, New Zealand Ambassador Charles Kingston described the visit as “fun and fascinating.”

“Beautiful falcons on display and a wonderful showcase of the Kingdom’s rich heritage and culture,” he said.

A common companion of Bedouin travelers, hunting with falcons was also an integral part of Arabian culture for thousands of years.


Saudi ambassador to Switzerland presents credentials

Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Switzerland Abdulrahman Al-Dawood presents his credentials to Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter.
Updated 19 August 2025
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Saudi ambassador to Switzerland presents credentials

  • The president welcomed the ambassador and wished him success in his duties

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s envoy to Switzerland Abdulrahman Al-Dawood presented his credentials as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter during a reception ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Bern on Tuesday.

During the reception, Al-Dawood conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and their wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the Swiss people to Keller-Sutter.

The Swiss president asked Al-Dawood to convey her greetings to the Saudi leadership and praised the level of relations between their countries.She also expressed her wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the Kingdom and its people.

The president welcomed the ambassador and wished him success in his duties, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


Saudi Cabinet condemns Netanyahu’s ‘Greater Israel’ policy, reaffirms support for Palestine

Updated 19 August 2025
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Saudi Cabinet condemns Netanyahu’s ‘Greater Israel’ policy, reaffirms support for Palestine

  • Members denounce latest Israeli plans for settlements near Jerusalem, call on international community to take action to halt crimes against the Palestinian people
  • Ministers reiterate Kingdom’s support for diplomatic efforts to resolve war in Ukraine, welcome US president’s meetings with Russian, Ukrainian and European counterparts

NEOM: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet on Tuesday strongly condemned remarks by the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, regarding his vision for a so-called “Greater Israel,” and rejected what it described as expansionist settlement projects that violate the rule of international law and undermine Palestinian rights.

During a meeting in NEOM chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Cabinet members reaffirmed the Kingdom’s firm stance on the historical and legal right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent, sovereign state on their lands.

Ministers also denounced recent approvals for new Israeli settlements in areas around occupied Jerusalem, and called on the international community, particularly the permanent members of the UN Security Council, to take immediate action to halt what they described as crimes against the Palestinian people and ensure that Israeli authorities comply with UN resolutions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

After the meeting, the acting minister of media, Essam bin Saad bin Saeed, said the Cabinet had addressed other regional and international issues, and reiterated Saudi support for diplomatic efforts to peacefully resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Members welcomed US President Donald Trump’s recent meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders.

Tuesday was World Humanitarian Day, and to mark the occasion the Cabinet highlighted Saudi Arabia’s longstanding commitment to aid efforts, noting the Kingdom’s prominent position among the ranks of the world’s largest donor nations.

On the domestic from, members reviewed achievements in the education sector ahead of the start of the new academic year, including curriculum development, the integration of artificial intelligence, expanded technical training, and support for innovation and the development of talent.

They also approved several cooperation agreements and memorandums of understanding with international partners in a variety of fields including sports and tourism, customs, health, and the development of small and medium enterprises. Agreements with the US, Spain, Syria, Qatar, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Grenada and the Maldives were endorsed.

In addition, Cabinet members approved the introduction of new systems governing handicrafts, environmental coordination, and promotions and transfers within senior government ranks, the SPA added.


Saudi freediver finds success in the depths

Salma Shaker’s freediving journey started when she was 18, inspired by a lifelong love of the sea. (Supplied)
Updated 19 August 2025
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Saudi freediver finds success in the depths

  • Salma Shaker has taken her passion and turned it into record-setting dives

JEDDAH: At just 25 years old, Saudi freediver Salma Shaker has ensured her name features in the sporting halls of fame.

When she took place at the elite, invite-only Vertical Blue competition in the Bahamas this year — the first athlete from the Kingdom to be asked — she broke four Saudi national records — 55m free immersion, 62m constant weight with fins, 42m constant weight no fins and 66m deep constant weight bi-fins.

Salma Shaker’s freediving journey started when she was 18, inspired by a lifelong love of the sea. (Supplied)

Her freediving journey started when she was 18, inspired by a lifelong love of the sea. Born into a family with deep ties to the ocean — her father being a captain and marine geologist — she grew up exploring the shores and shallow waters of Jeddah’s coast.

Her early training with instructor Mariam Shalan set her on a path that led quickly to competition. She took various national and regional titles including Deepest GCC Woman in 2019 and Deepest Arab Woman in 2024 and 2025, with two dives of 66 meters and 70 meters, respectively.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Salma Shaker’s early training with freediving instructor Mariam Shalan set her on a path that led quickly to competition.

• At the elite, invite-only Vertical Blue competition in the Bahamas this year she broke four Saudi national records.

• She is preparing for the CMAS World Championship in September — but she says freediving is about more than setting or breaking records.

For Shaker, freediving is more than a sport — it’s therapy: “The ocean is my peace,” she told Arab News.

She believes her ability to find calm is the key to her success, especially at Vertical Blue where she described feeling a surreal, almost out-of-body stillness, before each dive.

Salma Shaker, Saudi freediver

“Ever since I started freediving, I’ve always wanted to compete in Vertical Blue,” she said. “I was trying to get my invitation for two years, and when I finally did, it was something I couldn’t believe. I felt so honored that I was the first Arab woman to represent there and raise the Saudi flag.”

Freediving, she added, is about overcoming both physical and mental challenges.

Freediving isn’t just a sport—it’s about connection: to yourself, to nature, and to something greater. I want to show that Arab women can lead in extreme sports, not just compete. I also want to highlight how precious and unique our Red Sea is.

Salma Shaker, Saudi freediver

“The mental challenge that you ideally face is just getting over the fear in your head. It’s a lot to go down while not wearing a mask, not seeing anything around you—and it’s also deep. That’s why you learn to completely relax,” she said.

“The physical challenge for me is equalizing my ears the deeper I go. It just needs practice, new techniques and repetition.”

“Freediving isn’t just a sport—it’s about connection: to yourself, to nature, and to something greater. (Supplid)

She says that, for her, the sport is also about advocacy. Last year, Shaker was featured in “Beneath the Surface: The Fight for Corals,” a Red Sea Global documentary highlighting marine conservation. She has since partnered with the company to champion coral reef protection and promote sustainable tourism.

“My connection with Red Sea Global actually goes back a long way, and it's been really special. I first visited one of their amazing resorts back in 2021 and honestly, I was blown away,” she said. “Their whole approach — how they link everything to the sea and blend nature so beautifully into their projects — just clicked with me instantly.”

Salma Shaker’s freediving journey started when she was 18, inspired by a lifelong love of the sea. (Supplied)

The company now sponsors her.

“They're exactly who I want by my side as I push boundaries and share stories through the water,” she said. “(They’re not) just building resorts; they're creating something completely new with regenerative tourism.”

Looking ahead, Shaker is preparing for the CMAS World Championship in September — but she says freediving is about more than setting or breaking records.

“After competing in Vertical Blue, I feel pretty happy and ready for whatever’s next. I hope to inspire people to understand the power of silence, breath and inner strength,” she told Arab News.

“Freediving isn’t just a sport—it’s about connection: to yourself, to nature, and to something greater. I want to show that Arab women can lead in extreme sports, not just compete. I also want to highlight how precious and unique our Red Sea is.”

 

 


Russia’s Putin briefs Saudi crown prince on Trump talks

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 19 August 2025
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Russia’s Putin briefs Saudi crown prince on Trump talks

  • Putin reiterated his thanks and appreciation for the Kingdom’s steadfast position and the crown prince’s constructive efforts to achieve peace

RIYADH: Russian President Vladimir Putin briefed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the results of his recent talks with US President Donald Trump, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

During a call, Putin also reiterated his thanks and appreciation for the Kingdom’s steadfast position and the crown prince’s constructive efforts to achieve peace.

The crown prince affirmed the Kingdom’s continued support for diplomatic dialogue as a means of resolving international disputes.

The two leaders also discussed existing areas of cooperation between the Kingdom and Russia in a number of fields and opportunities for strengthening them.