• Aramco CEO terms energy transition strategy a failure

    Speaking at the CERAWeek conference in Houston, Saudi Aramco Chief Executive Amin Nasser said that the current transition strategy is visibly failing on most fronts. adding that this is "hardly the future picture some have been painting." Fossil fuels accounted for 82% of global consumption last year.
  • Saudi Arabia weighs handing state airline Saudia over to PIF

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia is considering transferring ownership of its national carrier, Saudia, to the sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Reports said that this transfer would encompass other assets under Saudia's umbrella, such as its low-cost unit, Flyadeal. Bloomberg initially reported the discussions regarding PIF's...
  • Visa-free policies make Middle East preferred destination for Chinese travelers

    Dubai, UAE - As China's outbound tourism steadily rebounds from the pandemic's impact, the Middle East is emerging as a preferred destination for Chinese travelers, alongside traditional hotspots like Thailand and Malaysia. Data from online travel agencies including Ctrip, Tongcheng, Tuniu, Mafengwo, and Zuzuche indicates a significant rise in Chinese...
  • Saudi RCU begins rock excavation for Sharaan Resort in AlUla

    ALULA, SAUDI ARABIA – The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has marked a significant milestone in the development of the Sharaan Resort with the inaugural rock excavation for the much-anticipated project.  The initial excavation symbolizes the start of a mission that combines Jean Nouvel’s architectural innovation with Bouygues' engineering expertise....
  • Hotel Dar Tantora is inspired by Saudi’s AlUla ancient mudbrick buildings

    ALULA, SAUDI ARABIA – Situated in the heart of Old Town here, Dar Tantora Hotel offers guests a chance to step back in time. Housed in beautifully restored mudbrick buildings, the hotel is imbued with the region's rich history and culture. The Old Town, with its origins going back over...
  • Ten years from home World Cup, Saudi sizes up ‘huge challenge’

    As the only  bidder, Saudi Arabia was anointed host of the 2034 World Cup last October by FIFA. Infrastructure is the initial concern for the oil-rich kingdom, which is snapping up high-profile sports events in an attempt to sweep away its conservative image and entice foreign investment.
  • Aramco CEO highlights collaboration with Beijing at forum in China

    AL-DHAHRAN, SAUDI ARABIA – Aramco President and CEO Amin Nasser outlined the potential for stronger collaboration with Chinese partners in his speech on Monday at the China Development Forum in Beijing. Nasser underscored the possibility of fostering broader economic globalization by strengthening ties with Chinese partners and identified specific areas...
  • RSG, Hyundai Motor ink pact

    The two firms will explore opportunities in various areas.
  • Saudi Arabia and Bahrain sign road safety, maintenance agreement

    Manama, Bahrain--Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have signed a memorandum of understanding to boost road safety and maintenance in the two kingdoms. The agreement was signed in a meeting between Ibrahim bin Hassan Al Hawaj, Minister of Works, and Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics of the...
  • Feeding fit: Saudi Arabia redefines the poultry sector

    In February 2024, Saudi Arabia's poultry industry reached a milestone by producing 100 million kilograms of poultry, thereby setting new benchmarks in the global market.
  • World’s only Dragon Ball theme park launched in Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya City

    RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – The Board of Directors of the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) revealed on Sunday the launch of Dragon Ball theme park. The park will set new standards in the entertainment industry, offering anime fans, families.   Nestled within Qiddiya City, just 40 minutes from Riyadh, this never-seen-before...
  • Petro Rabigh net loss up 320% in 2023

    The company narrowed losses to $367 million in Q4.
  • Saudi Arabia set to leap into space tourism by 2026

    Madrid-based Halo Space Company has selected Saudi Arabia as its launch site for space tourism, offering tours at $164,000 per person for a unique stratospheric Earth view.
  • India plugs into the Gulf region with power cables

    India is poised to revolutionize its energy landscape by linking its power grid with Saudi Arabia and the UAE via undersea cables.
  • Response Plus net profit surges in 2023

    The Group's profit increased by 68% YoY to $13.52 million.
  • Air traffic in Saudi Arabia surges 16 percent in 2023

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia's aviation sector soared to new heights in 2023, with a significant increase in both flight numbers and passenger traffic, according to a report by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). In a statement released by GACA, it was revealed that the Kingdom experienced...
  • Blinken heads to Israel to press for ‘immediate’ truce in Gaza war

    After talks in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Blinken flies to Israel on Friday, his sixth trip to the region since the war began with Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7. Israel said its spy chief would also head back to Qatar on Friday for more truce talks with US,...
  • First week of Ramadan sees Saudis spend $3.12 billion

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabian consumers spent a total of SR11.68 billion ($3.12 billion) through point-of-sale transactions during the initial week of Ramadan, spanning from March 10 to March 16. The data, disclosed by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), outlines a total of 168 million transactions during this period....
  • NEOM announces Treyam, its premier lagoon destination

    Neom, Saudi Arabia - NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s futuristic mega city will now have a premier resort where the spectacular desert landscape meets the sea, according to a press release from NEOM.  Boasting an audacious design with minimal land intervention, Treyam offers guests an elevated haven to unwind, re-energize, and enjoy...
  • Saudi Industrial Production Index climbs up in January 2024

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia--The Saudi Industrial Production Index (IPI) recorded 103.3 points in January 2024, compared to 103 points in December 2023, marking a monthly growth of 0.3%, according to data from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The sub-index for mining and quarrying activity, which accounts for 61.4% of the...
  • ‘US circulates draft UN resolution calling for immediate truce in Gaza’

    "Of course, we stand with Israel and its right to defend itself... but at the same time, it's imperative that the civilians who are in harm's way and who are suffering so terribly -– that we focus on them, that we make them a priority, protecting the civilians, getting them...
  • Saudi Arabia to donate US$40m for UN agency in Gaza

    The funds, according to the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), would support UNRWA's "humanitarian relief efforts in the Gaza Strip", where the Israel's war has raged for more than five months. The funding will provide food for more than 250,000 people and tents for 20,000 families.
  • Gaza ceasefire, post-conflict planning on Blinken’s Saudi visit agenda

    Blinken is due to travel on to Egypt, which neighbors Gaza and whose envoys have been involved in previous mediation efforts. In Jeddah and Cairo, Blinken will discuss efforts to reach an "immediate ceasefire agreement that secures the release of all remaining hostages", State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said.
  • Date palm cultivation in AlUla sees increased productivity

    AlUla, Saudi Arabia - Date palm cultivation in AlUla governorate has witnessed a significant increase in productivity this year, with production surpassing 90,000 tons of dates annually.  The governorate boasts more than 2 million date palm trees, and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) is actively engaged in expanding the...
  • ACWA Power refinances Al Dur debt

    ACWA was the sole financial advisor to Al Dur Phase II IWPP project company.
  • Saudi EXIM bank surpasses 2023 credit goals by 33%

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The Saudi EXIM Bank has given credit facilities amounting to SAR16.5 billion ($4.455 billion), surpassing the planned target of SAR12.4 billion ($3.348 billion) by 33%. They represented 5.2% of the total credit facilities for non-oil exports in the Kingdom. Saudi EXIM Bank disbursed a total of...
  • Saudi Aramco CEO calls energy transition strategy a failure

    Pointing to the still paltry share of renewable energy in global supply, the head of Saudi Aramco described the current energy transition strategy as a misguided failure on Monday. "In the real world, the current transition strategy is visibly failing on most fronts," Saudi Aramco Chief Executive Amin Nasser said...
  • Arabian Drilling to pay $60m dividend

    The firm said the total dividend for 2023 will be S120 million.
  • Shipping service connecting India, South East Asia with Saudi Arabia comes up

    RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – VASI Shipping Pte Ltd has introduced a new shipping service IMS at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, connecting the Kingdom to Southeast Asia and India, Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) announced. This service aims to enhance its strategic partnerships with major international shipping lines, support the maritime...
  • Riyadh set to debut historic Saudi opera ‘Zarqa Al-Yamama’ on April 25

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The capital city of Riyadh is abuzz with excitement as preparations are underway for the premiere performance of the highly anticipated opera, "Zarqa Al-Yamama." Scheduled to debut on April 25 at the prestigious theater of the King Fahd Cultural Center, the opera is poised to make...
  • Passports officers to ease travel for Ramadan at Dammam airport and causeway

    DAMMAM, SAUDI ARABIA – With the increase in passenger traffic during Ramadan, the General Directorate of Passports is ramping up efforts to handle the increased number of arrivals at King Fahd Causeway and King Fahd International Airport here. The directorate's officers in Dammam are utilizing modern technology to expedite procedures...
  • SAIC net profit $39 million

    The company's Board announces a dividend of $11.79 million.
  • Middle East leads way in global methane mitigation

    The Middle East is emerging as an important region in the battle against methane emissions, crucial for curbing global warming. say a latest IEA report.
  • Saudi Arabia takes part in global mineral and mining meet in Canada

    RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – A delegation comprising several entities from the Kingdom’s industry and mineral resources' system participated in PDAC 2024, Toronto, Canada under the umbrella of "Invest Saudi". The Saudi delegation was represented at the World’s Premier Mineral Exploration & Mining Convention by the CEO of the Saudi Geological...
  • S&P affirms Saudi Arabia’s A/A-1 credit rating

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The international credit rating agency S&P Global Rating affirmed its foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings of Saudi Arabia at 'A/A-1' with stable outlook. The agency indicated in its report that this rating affirmation is a result of the continuation of the Kingdom's economic and...
  • Saudi Arabia grapples with over 1 million tons of annual vegetable waste

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia faces substantial annual losses in its agricultural sector, including 234,000 tons of tomatoes and 201,000 tons of potatoes, along with notable quantities of onions, cucumbers, and zucchinis, Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture revealed on Friday. Highlighting the critical importance of conserving food...
  • Non-oil sectors contribute 50% to Saudi Arabia’s real GDP in 2023

    RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Non-oil activities in the Kingdom have achieved a historic milestone, reaching a 50 percent share of the country's real GDP in 2023 – the highest level on record, according to an analysis of the General Authority for Statistics data by the Ministry of Economy and Planning....
  • Diriyah unveils 20,000-seat arena in $63bn Saudi masterplan

    Diriyah, Saudi Arabia -  Saudi Arabia, has revealed plans for "The Arena in Diriyah," a monumental 76,000-square-meter lifestyle facility set to redefine the region's cultural and entertainment landscape.  Designed by London-based HKS Architects as part of a $63.2 billion masterplan, the arena aims to become the Middle East's premier venue...
  • Saudi inflation rises to 1.8% in February

    RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA –   Saudi Arabia’s inflation accelerated to 1.8 percent in February compared to January 2024, according to data by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).  The cost-of-living index for February rose to 110.64 points, according to the base year 2018, from 108.67 points in the same month a year earlier.  Inflation...
  • Saudi families utilize henna art to encourage kids in fasting

    Arar, Saudi Arabia -- In a unique and creative initiative, families in Saudi Arabia's Northern Borders Region are using henna body paint to encourage children to fast during Ramadan. The practice involves drawing intricate henna patterns on the hands of young girls, often featuring symbols related to Ramadan and fasting. These...
  • Land transport of goods leads Saudi commercial registrations in Q4

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia witnessed a surge in commercial registrations across various business sectors in the last quarter of 2023, with land transport of goods leading the way, the Kingdom's Ministry of Commerce said Wednesday. Land transport of goods witnessing a remarkable increase. By the end of Q4...
  • Walaa posts $39m net profit

    The insurance provider had suffered a loss of $18.15m in 2022.
  • Al Hilal finish off Al Ittihad to ease into Asian Champions League semis

    Ittihad's miserable night was summed up in the final minute of normal time, when striker Abderrazak Hamdallah was given a second booking for grabbing Hilal defender Ali Al Bulaihi by the throat. The confrontation sparked a number of clashes between the opposing sets of players.
  • EIC to pay $22m dividend

    The company's board had decided 15% cash dividend for H2 2023.
  • $2bn earmarked for Saudi real estate by Muslim global HWNIs

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Muslim global high net worth individuals (HNWI) are prepared to spend US$ 1.96 billion on real estate in Makkah and Madinah, according to global property consultancy Knight Frank’s inaugural Destination Saudi report Knight Frank surveyed 506 Muslim global HNWI from nine countries to understand their attitudes,...
  • Madinah first Arab city to gain Gold Level in UN’s SDG Cities Initiative

    Madinah, Saudi Arabia -- The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has recognized Madinah for attaining Gold Level in the SDG Cities Global Initiative, becoming the first Saudi and Arab city, and the third internationally, to receive this recognition of achievement. Al-Madinah Region Development Authority said that the city was...
  • AI in Saudi Arabia: Most companies have a plan, few are ready

    While 93 percent of companies in the kingdom have an AI strategy, only 8 percent feel fully prepared, according to the Cisco AI Readiness Index for Saudi Arabia. The biggest skills gap identified is comprehension of AI tools (31 percent). Thankfully, 82 percent of companies are investing in employee AI...
  • Saudi king calls for end to ‘heinous crimes’ in Gaza

    In his Ramadan message, King Salman while giving thanks for the blessings bestowed upon the kingdom said the war in Gaza would cast a shadow during the holy month. He said "our hearts are heavy with sorrow for the ongoing suffering of our Palestinian brothers facing relentless aggression."
  • Muslim nations announce start of Ramadan in shadow of Gaza war

    In Saudi Arabia, the start of the holy month had been cast into doubt after some of the kingdom's observatories reported that the moon was obscured by "cloudy weather and dust particles". But final confirmation of the sighting came through the Al Majmaah University Astronomical Observatory in Riyadh.
  • China Eastern Airlines to operate three weekly fights between Shanghai and Riyadh

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) and China Eastern Airlines have entered into a strategic partnership to launch a new air route in an effort to enhance air connectivity between the two countries. Beginning on April 8, China Eastern Airlines will introduce three weekly flights directly...
  • GASTAT adopts chain-linking method to calculate Saudi Arabia’s real GDP

    RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) said in a press release it issued on Sunday that it has adopted the chain-linking methodology to calculate the real GDP in the country. The Q4 2023 results and the annual results for the same year have been reached at...