Gloves off as world champion boxer Amir Khan dreams of ‘more fights in Saudi Arabia’

Two-time boxing world champion says he sees a future in Saudi Arabia. (Arab News/ Huda Bashatah)
Updated 05 July 2019
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Gloves off as world champion boxer Amir Khan dreams of ‘more fights in Saudi Arabia’

  • Amir Khan will face Billy Dib in a special Fight Night event in Jeddah as a part of city’s season
  • Khan admitted his view of the Kingdom was largely negative until he visited the country

JEDDAH: Two-time boxing world champion Amir Khan told a Jeddah audience that he dreams to have “many more fights in Saudi Arabia.”

“I have options to fight in America, England and Europe, but I came to Saudi because I know the future is here,” Khan said.

He was interviewed for a new comedy show to be aired soon on MBC 1 hosted by Himli Nattu.  

Amir Khan will face Billy Dib in a special Fight Night event in Jeddah as a part of city’s season. The fight will take place on Friday, July 12 at King Abdullah Sports City’s Arena.

Khan said he used to make decisions with his fist, but as he grew older, he became more thoughtful about his choices: “I have to think about the future, and that is the reason I am now in Saudi Arabia.”

Before coming to the Kingdom, Khan said that he had negative perceptions about Saudi Arabia, such as worrying for his safety and thinking that it would be a lifeless, boring country.

However, he said he had a relaxed experience in the Kingdom. “I have spent over two weeks here already, and I have to say it is one of my favorite countries,” he said.

“The Kingdom is so peaceful, and Makkah is around the corner, so I went there to do my prayers.”

Khan’s family is coming to Saudi Arabia next week, and he said he was excited to show them Jeddah and enjoy the season together, noting that his daughter’s birthday is coming soon.

He also introduced his coaches to the audience and talked about the nature of his job. “Boxing is a very lonely sport when you're fighting, you’re completely alone. But it’s good when you have a strong team with you,” Khan said.

Asked about the most significant challenge he faces besides boxing, Khan said: “the biggest fight I have outside the ring is always with the wife, and she always wins.”

Despite the joke, Khan said he has many important fights outside the ring, “for example, I do a lot of charity work, and I love helping poor people around the world, so those are big fights for me,” Khan said.

He said he would always favor boxing and fame over fortune because “the money comes and goes,” but one should always follow their passion.

The audience was extremely enthusiastic, Salim Ahmad from said he came to the event to see the famous boxer: “I came here for Khan, I couldn’t bear missing this amazing chance to see the global star,” he told Arab News.

“He has a very lovable character, and I am glad to know that he is enjoying his stay in my city. I really want him to win, and he definitely will,” he added.


Pakistan assures US of facilitating foreign investment, increasing business engagement

Updated 11 February 2026
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Pakistan assures US of facilitating foreign investment, increasing business engagement

  • Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb meets US deputy assistant secretary of South and Central Asian Affairs
  • Both sides discuss Pakistan’s progress in implementing reforms, avenues for increasing economic cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to facilitating foreign investment and enhancing engagement with the American business community, the Finance Division said in a statement. 

The statement was issued after Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met Mark Pommersheim, the US deputy assistant secretary of the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. Pommersheim called on the Pakistani finance minister along with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker at the Finance Division. 

Both sides discussed Pakistan’s economic outlook, reform agenda and avenues for enhancing bilateral economic cooperation, the statement said. 

“The finance minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating foreign investment and maintaining regular engagement with the US business community, including the US Chamber of Commerce and the American Business Council,” the Finance Division said. 

Aurangzeb informed the US officials about the progress regarding Pakistan’s macroeconomic stabilization reforms. He shared that Pakistan’s fiscal deficit has declined in recent months while the country’s current account has improved due to strong remittance inflows and growth in IT exports.

The finance minister noted that reforms in Pakistan’s state-owned enterprises and “right-sizing” of the public sector are being accelerated to improve efficiency and reduce fiscal risks.

The Finance Division said Pommersheim acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts toward fiscal stabilization, welcoming improvement in key macroeconomic indicators. 

“He emphasized that the United States values a stable and prosperous Pakistan and noted that strengthening the investment climate remains a shared priority,” the statement said. 

“He observed that US businesses are closely watching reform progress and that improved policy consistency would further support commercial engagement.”

Pakistan has sought to re-energize economic diplomacy with Washington as it attempts to enhance its exports, attract foreign investment and stabilize its economy under an International Monetary Fund-backed reform program.

Relations between Pakistan and the US have improved significantly under President Trump’s administration. In July 2025, the two countries agreed to a bilateral trade deal that included reciprocal tariff reductions. 

Since 2025, the two sides have increased diplomatic contacts, including meetings between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s military leadership and US officials, alongside discussions on trade, minerals, security cooperation and regional stability.