Maaden raises $1.25bn in sukuk offering
The Sukuk were offered in a five-year and a 10-year tranche.
flynas adds 5 Airbus A320neo, total fleet now 56
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saudi “flynas” airline announced the delivery of five A320neo aircraft to increase its all-Airbus fleet to 56 airplanes, reflecting a growth of more than 100% in the past two years.The latest deliveries come as part of the expansion plan launched under the title "We connect the...Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia beats Iran’s Nassaji with hat-trick in AFC Champions League
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal FC achieved an important victory over its Iranian host, Nasaji Mazandaran, with three clean goals in the match on Tuesday at Azadi Stadium in the Iranian capital, Tehran, as part of the second round of the “fourth” group of the AFC Champions League.Serbian...Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries exports first shipment to US
JAZAN, SAUDI ARABIA - The Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries has marked a significant milestone with the departure of its inaugural ship, bound for New Orleans, US.This vessel is laden with 37,000 tons of iron steel foundry product (Pig iron), representing the first-ever production of this commodity within...Yemen economy tanks as peace talks make no headway, say NGOs
"While economic challenges are rife across the country, rising inflation and the deterioration of public services are making life unbearable," said a statement signed by 35 Yemeni groups and 13 international aid organizations including the Danish Refugee Council and Save the Children.Saudi Cruise signs pacts with leading firms
The agreements are aimed at boosting investment in Aroya Cruise.Najm inks pact with iot squared
The aim is to advance insurance services in the Kingdom.Second Israeli minister in Saudi Arabia amid talk of normalization
Amid mounting speculation that Saudi Arabia and Israel will normalize ties, the minister traveled to Riyadh for a meeting of the Universal Postal Union, a specialised UN agency intended to facilitate international cooperation in the postal sector. He is expected to give a speech and meet with officials including the...Saudi-Iran club match axed amid row over slain commander’s statue
The Saudi state-affiliated Al-Ekhbariya channel reported on Monday night that Ittihad had left Iran for Saudi Arabia. The dispute comes one month after Saudi Arabia and Iran announced a "groundbreaking" deal to resume home-and-away football matches between club sides after seven years of competing in neutral venues.GCC FTA, tech MoU enhance Pakistan-Saudi relations
In landmark developments, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have taken significant strides to enhance their bilateral relations, especially in the economic and technological arenas.SVC inks pact with IMPACT46
SVC is a government investment firm established in 2018.RSI buys stake in First Fix
The company acquires 51 percent stake in First Fix.Global economic concerns hit GCC equity performance
Influenced by global inflation concerns and high rates, Gulf markets faced second consecutive monthly dip in September. Only Dubai and Qatari markets resisted the trend.Saudi Arabia issues 162 licenses to companies relocating hqrs to the Kingdom
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia has so far issued 162 regional center licenses to the companies relocating their headquarters to the Kingdom, Saudi ministry of finances said. The Regional Headquarters Program, a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Ministry of Investment and the Royal Commission for Riyadh, is working diligently...Digital quality adds shine to life in Arab countries
The UAE leads the Arab world in digital quality of life, with its advanced digital infrastructure and commitment to tech advancements. Saudi Arabia secures second position.Oil-reliant Saudi revises budget, projects deficit
The Gulf kingdom, the world's biggest crude exporter, had planned for a surplus of 16 billion Saudi riyals ($4.27 billion) in 2023 but now predicts a deficit of 82 billion Saudi riyals ($21.86 billion), or two percent of GDP, according to the ministry's pre-budget statement. A deficit of 79 billion...Saudi Arabia’s coffee production exceeds 800 tons annually
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia is among the top 10 countries in the world in coffee consumption, leading the government to adopt various initiatives and programs to foster the beverage's cultivation.The Kingdom currently produces more than 400,000 Arabica coffee trees, yielding over 800 tons annually, from the regions of...Global economic concerns hit GCC equity performance
Influenced by global inflation concerns and high rates, Gulf markets faced second consecutive monthly dip in September. Only Dubai and Qatari markets resisted the trend.Saudi Arabia, Pakistan ink pact on digital transformation, innovation
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Pakistan here on Sunday to expand bilateral cooperation in communications and information technology by accelerating digital transformation, promoting innovation and developing digital infrastructure.Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah Alswaha and...Saudi Arabia’s consumer spending up 8% to reach $30bn in Aug
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Consumer spending in Saudi Arabia grew 8 percent to SAR 115.4 billion ($30.76 billion) in August 2023, from nearly SAR 107.1 billion during the same month last year, Argaam reported.Consumer spending includes total cash withdrawals, point-of-sale (POS) transactions and e-commerce sales through "Mada".POS transactions rose 10 percent year-on-year...ROSHN group opens sale for SEDRA phase 3 units in Riyadh
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - ROSHN Group, one of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) subsidiaries, announced on Sunday the opening of sales for the latest phase of SEDRA, the group’s flagship integrated community development here.According to a ROSHN Group press release, SEDRA phase 3 will add 3,438 more houses to ROSHN’s...Saudi Arabia projects 2024 budget deficit at 1.9% of GDP
The kingdom's finance ministry estimated expenditures for 2024 to be at US$333.5 billion. According to the ministry, the projection is based on the government's fiscal objectives to expand strategic spending at the sectoral and regional levels, broaden and diversify the economic base, as well as improve public services, among others.At $75bn, Saudi defense budget beats several European countries in 2022
Last year, Saudi Arabia led the Middle East in military investments, ranking fifth globally with a defense budget of $75 billion. This surpassed many European nations, emphasizing the strategic defense priorities of Middle Eastern countries amidst global powerhouses. Qatar's military expenditure, meanwhile, reached $15.4 billion last year, ranking close to...Fourth soldier dead due to Houthi attack, says Bahrain
Manama, Bahrain - A fourth Bahraini soldier has died after an attack this week on his country's contingent in the Saudi-led coalition battling Yemen's Houthi rebels, the Gulf archipelago's army said.Bahrain had previously announced the deaths of three of its soldiers in Monday's attack near the Saudi border with Yemen. It...Haj 2024: Saudi Arabia to increase licensed companies for overseas pilgrims
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans to expand the number of licensed companies authorized to offer services to overseas pilgrims for the 2024Haj season, local media reported. Under the new regulations, the licenses will be valid for a period of five years, and the estimated fee for both...Iran proposes to Saudi Arabia to set up working group for visa cancellation
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia--Iran has proposed to Saudi Arabia to set up a working group to look into the idea of cancelling visas between the two countries.In this regard, the Iranian deputy tourism minister traveled to Saudi Arabia to proposed the to Saudi Arabia the idea of visa cancellation.A ceremony was...Saudi Fund for Development and Seychelles sign US$25m loan agreements
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-- The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has signed two loan agreements with Seychelles to support the social housing in the country.In this regard, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad signed two development loan agreements with Seychelles Minister of Finance, National Planning...Israel, Saudi moving towards ‘framework’ for deal: US
According to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, a basic framework has been hammered out by all sides that could form the outline of a historic US-brokered deal to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel after decades of hostility. The deal could earn Israel recognition by the guardian of...Greece and Saudi Arabia agree to link their power grids
Athens, Greece - Greece and Saudi Arabia announced their agreement to establish a jointly-owned company with the goal of connecting their power grids. This marks the initial phase of their ambitious plan to provide Europe with more affordable green energy, according to a statement from the Greek energy ministry, as...UAE, KSA lead the way in Islamic fintech innovation
Islamic fintech assets will rise from 0.8% to more than 1 percent globally by 2025, driven by young Muslim demand and favorable regulations, predicts Moody's.Saudi Central Bank’s assets drop $6.39 billion in August
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Assets held by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) declined by SAR 24 billion ($6.39 billion) month-on-month (MoM) to SAR 1.76 trillion in August.When compared to August 2022, SAMA’s assets fell by around SAR 229.2 billion, according to data released by SAMA, Argaam reported.SAMA’s investments in foreign...GCC, Pakistan ink preliminary free trade agreement
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi said that preliminary free trade agreement (FTA) between the GCC and Pakistan will help strengthen trade relations and economic cooperation with countries and international blocs.The statement was made during the signing ceremony of the preliminary FTA...US and India discuss India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor
Washington, United States - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held discussions in Washington, highlighting the potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. The significant initiative, born out of India's G20 presidency, aims to foster transparent, sustainable, and high-standard infrastructure investments."At the G20...Saudi Arabia eyes global EV role following Lucid’s plant setup
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia aims to become a global player in manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs) and related products, including electric batteries, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef said on Thursday “The inauguration of Lucid Motor’s plant confirms the sound implementation of the National Industrial Strategy (NIS)...Producer Baz Luhrmann to be head of jury at Red Sea International Film Festival 2023
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - The Red Sea International Film Festival has said that internationally renowned writer, director and producer Baz Luhrmann will preside over the festival's Red Sea: Features Competition Jury this year.The festival's third edition will take place from November 30 to December 9 in Jeddah.The Red Sea: Features...Red Sea Global teams up with Bear Grylls Survival Academy
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia--Red Sea Global (RSG) will become the exclusive agent for Bear Grylls Survival Academy (BGSA) bringing the world-famous survival and adventure brand to Saudi Arabia.It is the second outdoor tourism project of Grylls’ in the Middle East, who has another outpost in the UAE’s Ras Al Khaimah mountains....AlUla to host first-ever Mideast Tough Mudder Infinity Challenge in February
AlUla, Saudi Arabia – The world's most popular obstacle-course racing challenge, Tough Mudder, announced the launch of a Tough Mudder Infinity race for the first time in the Middle East, to be held on February 24 next year in AlUla Governorate, one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the...Technical glitch stifles production at Volkswagen
According to financial daily Handelsblatt, production came to a complete standstill in Wolfsburg and at the company's plants in Emden, Osnabrueck and Zwickau. Offices at the Wolfsburg headquarters were also affected, Handelsblatt said.Saudi Arabia raises the bar, says 100m tourist goal inadequate
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia has announced its intention to revise its tourism goals, increasing the target number of visitors from the previous 100 million by 2030 to a new goal of 150 million, Mahmoud Abdulhadi, the Deputy Minister of Destination Enablement at the Ministry of Tourism, said during...Lucid Group opens Saudi Arabia’s first-ever car manufacturing facility
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Lucid Group, which is partially owned by the Public Investment Fund, launched Wednesday its first international factory in Jeddah-based King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).The manufacturing unit extends over an area of more than 1.35 million square meters, occupying about 31% of the total area allocated to...US allows visa free entry for Israelis citing less discrimination
The Biden administration made the decision after Israel in July promised a series of steps to comply with longstanding US demands to treat all US passport holders equally -- without discriminating against Americans who are of Palestinian or other Arab heritage or who are Muslim. Visa-free travel marks "a critical...Saudi Arabia launches program to document football clubs’ chants
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The Saudi Commission launched Wednesday "Saudi Football Trouq", a unique initiative that is dedicated to the documentation of Saudi football club chants. This endeavor, driven by the commission's commitment to preserving the Kingdom's diverse musical and artistic heritage, is carried out in collaboration with the Saudi...Saudi EXIM Bank, Trafigura sign pact
The bank will extend three-year credit facility of $500 million.World Bank chief vows to tackle ‘dysfunctionality’ at development lender
The former Mastercard chief executive told the Council on Foreign Relations in New York that the bank should alter its current twin mandate of poverty alleviation and boosting shared prosperity to include climate change. Banga's comments in New York come shortly before global leaders are due to gather for the...Saudi envoy seeks to reassure Palestinians amid Israel talks
Sudairi's delegation, which crossed overland from Jordan, was the first from Riyadh to visit the West Bank since the 1993 Oslo Accords, which had aimed to pave the way for an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. When asked whether there will be a Saudi embassy in Jerusalem, Sudairi recalled there...China grants Approved Destination Status to Saudi Arabia
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – China on Tuesday granted Approved Destination Status (ADS) to the Gulf Kingdom.The bilateral agreement, signed on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia allows Chinese citizens to travel to the Kingdom in group tours in addition to facilitating greater ease of access.ADS is a...Israeli minister in first public visit to Saudi Arabia amid bilateral talks
Israel's Tourism Minister Haim Katz is the first Israeli minister to head an official delegation in Saudi Arabia, where he would attend a United Nations World Tourism Organization event in Riyadh.Saudi Arabia, amid Israel talks, sends envoy to West Bank
The delegation was led by the Saudi non-resident ambassador to the Palestinian territories, Nayef al-Sudairi, who was to meet Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas and top Palestinian diplomat Riyad al-Maliki. Sudairi, the oil-rich kingdom's envoy to Jordan, was last month also named for the Palestinian territories post and appointed consul general for...Saudi Arabia denounces attack that killed two Bahrain soldiers
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia--Saudi Arabia on Tuesday condemned an attack on its territory that killed two Bahraini military personnel near the border with war-torn Yemen.Bahrain's military said late Monday that one officer and one enlisted soldier had been killed in what it described as a drone attack perpetrated by Yemen's Houthi rebels.The...Bahrain says 2 soldiers dead in attack near Saudi-Yemen border
The victims "were martyred while performing their sacred national duty to defend the southern borders of the sister Kingdom of Saudi Arabia", which has led a military coalition against Yemen's Houthi rebels since 2015, the military said in a statement. The incident occurred as Saudi Arabia is pushing for a...Saudi Arabia draws 135m visitors for entertainment events by mid-2023
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia has attracted 135 million visitors to events hosted in 120 cities up to the first half of 2023,Turki Alalsheikh, the head of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority (GEA), announced it on social media.The GEA has been instrumental in transforming Saudi Arabia's entertainment landscape, issuing...


















































