The international press has been focused on three main themes for Saudi Arabia: The Public Investment Fund-backed acquisition of US video game maker Electronic Arts, public reception of the Riyadh Comedy Festival, and the new Riyadh Metro.

The Electronic Arts acquisition and the PIF’s role in it underscores Riyadh’s ambitions to reposition itself as a cultural heavyweight while accelerating efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil, Axios says. The move is part of a broader push into industries with massive global audiences, particularly gaming and sports, with the fund investing in sports, gaming, media, and comedy. The press is also looking at how Jared Kushner played a role in making the transaction happen, including making introductions, according to Bloomberg. Reuters and Vanity Fair also dive into the acquisition and how it plays into Saudi Arabia’s growing role in gaming.

The Kingdom’s new Riyadh Metro is also making an impression in the foreign press, with CNN Travel highlighting how the USD 22.5 bn network is fast becoming both a commuter lifeline and an architectural attraction, redefining how residents move around the capital. The fully automated system — initially launched in December of last year — spans 176 km across six lines, making it the world’s largest driverless metro system.

Meanwhile, comedians in the US are at odds with each other over the Riyadh Comedy Festival, with some, including Bill Ackman, wagging their fingers at Bill Burr, Pete Davidson, and other comedians scheduled to perform at the festival. The Guardian, the Washington Post, the Hollywood Reporter and NBC (watch, runtime: 3:33) have more.

ALSO- The Financial Times takes a deep dive into Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s drive to modernize Saudi Arabia and revamp its cultural scene — and “project a new image of Saudi Islam.”

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