Abeer Abu Omar Bloomberg

A major conference of international business and finance leaders in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh about economic transformation has been overshadowed by the only thing on everyone's mind: war involving Israel.

As Gulf oil wealth flows to all corners of the globe - backing mega mergers, propping up economies and upending the world of sport - moves by a key member of Abu Dhabi's ruling family have positioned him as one of world's most influential dealmakers.

As billionaires snapped up villas in Dubai and the city bulged with new bankers and executives, Ghida was evicted. The landlord had seen a way of doubling the roughly $3,000-a-month rent she and her husband were paying.

Guests jostle to snap selfies with the beaming ruler-in-waiting flanked by dozens of local officials. The royal works the room with the ease of an Instagram celebrity who's used to mixing with superstars like footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.

Saudi Arabia's latest economic plan comes with a big risk: while it might help boost investment, it could also hit the government's finances.

If the oil face-off between President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman turns on who has a stiffer fiscal backbone, it's the ruble that could help carry Russia to the finish line.

A major conference of international business and finance leaders in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh about economic transformation has been overshadowed by the only thing on everyone's mind: war involving Israel.

As Gulf oil wealth flows to all corners of the globe - backing mega mergers, propping up economies and upending the world of sport - moves by a key member of Abu Dhabi's ruling family have positioned him as one of world's most influential dealmakers.

As billionaires snapped up villas in Dubai and the city bulged with new bankers and executives, Ghida was evicted. The landlord had seen a way of doubling the roughly $3,000-a-month rent she and her husband were paying.

Guests jostle to snap selfies with the beaming ruler-in-waiting flanked by dozens of local officials. The royal works the room with the ease of an Instagram celebrity who's used to mixing with superstars like footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.

Saudi Arabia's latest economic plan comes with a big risk: while it might help boost investment, it could also hit the government's finances.

If the oil face-off between President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman turns on who has a stiffer fiscal backbone, it's the ruble that could help carry Russia to the finish line.