OPEC+ ministers, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, meet as oil output hike looms despite falling prices
The 22-nation group began a series of cuts in 2022 to prop up crude prices, but Saudi Arabia, Russia and six other members surprised markets recently by sharply raising output for May and June.
KSA outsources work worth US$693m for achieving Saudi Vision 2030
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - The Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Center for Non-Profit Sector, Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, praised the contributions of the non-profit sector in achieving Saudi Vision 2030.The Saudi Arabian government has outsourced certain type...Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal signs Wolves captain Neves for reported $60m
Neves, who arrived at Wolves from Porto, had one year on his contract left at Molineux. He joins in the Saudi Pro League Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, 35, and Cristiano Ronaldo, 38, in what is expected to be just the start of a series of move for stars based in...SAMI, Safran sign helicopter pact
Paris, France -- SAMI, a PIF-owned national defense and security organization of Saudi Arabia, has signed an agreement with Safran Helicopter Engines for engine maintenance and repair.The agreement includes technical assistance and qualification, development of technical infrastructure, and technical training for Saudi talents who will earn their top qualifications through...The hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, will start on Sunday
Mecca, Saudi Arabia - The annual hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, will start on Sunday with more than two million Muslims from around the world expected to take part this year.It will be the largest pilgrimage since the coronavirus pandemic forced Saudi authorities to dramatically downsize...Sipchem to pay 12.5% H1 dividend
The total dividend of $241.63 million will be paid on July 19.Rise in executions and raids as Saudi Arabia intensifies war on drugs
Saudi Arabia has seen an influx of the addictive amphetamine captagon flooding in from war-torn Syria and Lebanon. After becoming a major market, Saudi Arabia is hitting back, ending a moratorium on the death penalty for drug cases and launching a zealous crackdown.Three UAE lenders among top five GCC banks
Both countries attract a high level of foreign investment, which provides capital for their banking sectors. The UAE is the second-largest FDI recipient in the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia is the largest one in the region.NEOM and Volocopter conduct successful flight trials of air taxis
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- NEOM and Volocopter have announced a series of successful flight trials of electric vertical vehicles (eVTOL), commonly known as air taxis, marking the first ever testing of an electric and zero-emission urban air mobility (UAM) system in Kingdom's futuristic city.The project, a result of an 18-month...Resumption of Saudi-Iran relations: A step towards regional, economic stability or a strategic play?
The peace deal has ignited debates on its potential to transform Middle East from a region hit by conflicts to a peaceful place. Dive into an in-depth analysis from TRENDS.French football star Kante joins Saudi champions
A dynamic and industrious midfielder Kante, won the World Cup with France in 2018, said said he was "very excited to play for the Tigers". Current Ballon d'Or holder Benzema joined Al-Ittihad earlier this month, after 14 seasons with Real Madrid in which he won five Champions Leagues, four La...Resumption of Saudi-Iran relations: A step towards regional, economic stability or a strategic play?
The bilateral peace agreement has sparked intensified debates about its potential to transform the Middle East from a conflict-ridden region to peaceful and prosperous place.Saudi Arabia unveils Expo 2030 plans at BIE Assembly
The Kingdom emphasizes the Riyadh Expo's potential in enhancing global collaborations and reinforcing actions on impactful projects.US supports China’s bid to advance Middle East peace
Saudi-Iran peace deal will reduce tensions in the region and would solve some of the problems if not all, says US Secretary Antony J. Blinken in an interview.Iran blames US, France and many others for fomenting Amini protests
Kazemi alleged that the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Belgium, Italy and Iran's arch-foe Israel were among the countries involved in inciting the protests, according to excerpts of an interview published by state media. Saudi Arabia, with which Iran has recently resumed diplomatic ties after a seven-year rupture,...US supports China’s bid to advance Middle East peace
Saudi-Iran peace deal will reduce tensions in the region and would solve some of the problems if not all, says US Secretary Antony J. Blinken in an interview.Saudi-French Investment Forum signs $2.9 billion worth of agreements
The Saudi-French Investment Forum witnessed the signing of 24 MoUs and investment agreements, collectively valued at approximately $2.9 billion. The forum has assembled key players from both nations, fostering enhanced bilateral relations and providing opportunities for increased investment and collaboration.Expo 2030: All eyes on Riyadh as it makes a big pitch
With ongoing mega-projects and economic diversification, Riyadh's strong Expo 2030 candidacy has already garnered support from 90 of 170 member states.Combined profit of capital market institutions in Saudi Arabia falls
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - The combined profit of capital market institutions in Saudi Arabia dropped 19 percent to US$306 million (SAR 1.15 billion) in Q1 2023, from US$381 million (SAR 1.43 billion) in the same period last year, the Capital Market Authority (CMA) said in a recent report.Revenues fell 2...UAE, Qatar restore ties, after six-year-long estrangement
According to Qatar's foreign ministry, Doha will reopen embassy in Abu Dhabi and its consulate in Dubai immediately. The UAE too will throw it embassy open in Doha. The UAE's Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, spoke to Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Qatar's Prime Minister and also its Foreign...Saudi Arabia to celebrate International Yoga Day in Riyadh City: Indian daily
Dubai, UAE - Saudi Arabia is gearing up to celebrate International Yoga Day on June 21 in Riyadh City, an Indian daily The New Indian Express reported. The Indian diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia has been actively promoting and organizing various yoga events as part of their Quality of Life and...Saudi Arabia unveils AROYA Cruises to boost tourism industry
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-- Saudi Arabia has unveiled its own cruise-line brand called AROYA Cruises to fuel growth in its tourism sector, luring 1.3 million cruise visitors by 2035.According to media reports, AROYA, though a part of Cruise Saudi, will run as an independent business unit. Its name was formed by...Iran-Saudi relations ‘are based on mutual respect’
"Efforts are underway to reopen diplomatic and consular missions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, including the reopening of Iran's embassy in Riyadh and consulate in Jeddah," highlights Prince Faisal, adding that the Kingdom's embassy in Tehran will also reopen soon.Saudi healthcare needs 175,000 professionals by 2030
The Kingdom is modernizing healthcare with national e-health initiatives, integrated plans for virtual and remote healthcare, and the implementation of AI at service provider levels.Macron special envoy heads to Lebanon in bid to end crisis
Paris, France -- President Emmanuel Macron's new special envoy for Lebanon heads to Beirut in the coming week as France seeks a new push to end a political crisis that has left the country without a president for over half a year, a diplomatic source said Sunday.Former foreign minister Jean-Yves Le...Rivals in Yemen discuss possible prisoner swap in Jordan, says Red Cross
DUBAI, UAE - Yemen's government and Iran-backed Houthi rebels are locked in talks in Jordan to set the ground for a possible prisoner exchange, a Red Cross official told AFP on Sunday.Yemen's conflict began in 2014 when the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene the following...Gulf Union Alahlia Q1 profit $7.5m
Results were due to a fall in insurance services expenses.Jamjoom Tadawul debut on Jun 20
Jamjoon Pharma IPO was launched on May 25 at SAR 60 per share.Bupa renews contract with SABIC
It will provide health insurance to SABIC staff and their families.Saudi Arabia’s international reserve assets up first time in 6 months
Foreign currency reserves, representing 94 percent of total assets, fell nearly 2 percent year-on-year in May to SAR 1.56 trillion ($416 billion). The majority of Saudi Arabia's reserve assets are held in US dollars (about 70 percent)New 72-hour ceasefire takes effect in Sudan after spurt in fighting
Several truces have been agreed and broken during the two-month war, including after the United States slapped sanctions on both generals after a previous attempt collapsed at the end of May. A 24-hour ceasefire from June 10 to June 11 provided Khartoum residents with a brief respite from the air...First flight with Yemeni pilgrims to touch down in Jeddah since 2016
A Yemenia Airways plane carrying 277 travelers departed at around 8 pm, seven years after Sanaa's international airport was blockaded by the Saudi-led coalition. Two more flights will depart on Monday and Tuesday, officials said. The Houthis' Works Minister Ghaleb Mutlaq said about 200 flights would be needed to accommodate...Crisis hits investments in MENA startups
While the startup ecosystem flourishes in the Middle East and North Africa region, concerns arise over the durability of investments and the ability of banks to sustain SME support amidst a global banking crisis.ZATCA sets criteria for target firms to apply phase II of e-invoicing
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has set the criterion for selecting target establishments in the sixth group to apply the integration phase of e-invoicing which includes all establishments with revenues (subject to value-added tax (VAT)) exceeding SR70 million during 2021 and 2022. ZATCA has...Iran-Saudi reconciliation advances with high-level diplomatic visit
In a significant step towards reconciliation, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan conducted a landmark visit to Iran to hold talks with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, focusing on regional security. This visit comes after both nations agreed to mend ties in a Chinese-brokered deal, following a diplomatic severance in...Saudi astronauts Rayana Bernawi, Ali Al-Qarni, Mariam Fardous, Ali Al-Ghamdi return home
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The Saudi astronauts Rayana Bernawi, Ali Al-Qarni, Mariam Fardous, and Ali Al-Ghamdi arrived in Riyadh today after the successful scientific mission they led at the International Space Station (ISS).Upon their arrival at the King Khaled International Airport, the astronauts were received by the Chairman of the...Saudi Arabia scouts Europe for business tie-ups in healthcare, mining sectors
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-- Saudi Arabia is aiming to establish a slew of business partnerships in healthcare and mining sectors with companies in the UK, Germany, besides discussing humanitarian cooperation in Spain.In this connection, Saudi officials are engaged in productive meetings to strengthen partnerships and explore collaborations. Saudi minister of health discussed...Govt investments play key role as gaming revolution sweeps MENA with 60% population embracing esports
MENA region boasts one of the highest shares of gaming mobile app downloads, accounting for 50 percent compared to the global average of 40 percent, says a latest BCG report.Ukraine, Lebanon top agenda as Saudi crown prince meets French president
Saudi Arabia has maintained a cautious stance throughout the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, stopping short of condemning the assault while emphasizing the importance of Ukraine's territorial integrity. MBS hosted President Volodymyr Zelensky last month in Jeddah during an Arab League summit, the Ukrainian leader's first visit to the Middle...Saudi securities disputes compensation $586 million in four years
Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority (CMA) has revealed a staggering 4275 percent surge in the value of compensation for individuals affected by errors and violations in securities disputes, reaching 2.2 billion riyals ($586 million) over the last four years. In 2022 alone, the compensation value amounted to 1.75 billion riyals,...Saudi Arabia’s SVC invests $30m in Bedaya Fund II
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - Saudi Venture Capital (SVC) announced its investment of US$30 million in Bedaya Fund II, which is managed by Shorooq Partners.The fund will mainly back early-stage startups with a focus on several sectors.The subscription agreement was signed by Dr. Nabeel Koshak, CEO and Board Member at SVC,...Saudi Public Investment Fund owned KAFD to sponsor Al Nassr Football Club
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC), a company wholly-owned by Public Investment Fund, has become the Platinum Sponsor of Al Nassr Football Club (FC) for the next three years, its first foray into the sporting world.The partnership is set to come...Sri Lankan economy contracts 11.5 percent in Q1 2023
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA - Crisis-hit Sri Lanka's economy shrank by 11.5 percent in the first quarter just before an IMF bailout kicked in, official figures showed Thursday.The contraction in the first three months compared with shrinkage of 0.5 percent in the corresponding period of 2022, and a decline of 12.4 percent...Tawuniya Q1 2023 net profit $20m
Insurance services results in Q1 improved by US$55 million.Saudi inflation in May rises slightly to 2.8% on higher rents
Dubai, UAE -- Saudi Arabia’s inflation increased by 2.8%, compared to May 2022, slightly higher than April 2023 (2.7 percent), the kingdom's General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) said Thursday.The main driver of Consumer Price Index inflation in May was the higher prices of housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels...Mawani to set up $533m petroleum products storage center
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Ports, known as Mawani, has joined forces with Albanova International Company, in collaboration with Taraf Al-Aghar Company, to establish an SAR 2 billion ($533 million) integrated center for the storage of petroleum products. This initiative is part of a project aimed...SABIC okays $1.43bn H1 dividend
SABIC's board cleared an 18 percent cash dividend at $0.48 per share.Saudi foreign minister to visit Iran on Saturday
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, is scheduled to visit Tehran on Saturday, according to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency. The visit is seen as a significant step in the ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two countries to mend their strained relations. The...High oil prices fuel Saudi Arabia’s economy as GDP grows to 8.7% in 2022
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-- Saudi Arabia has recorded an 8.7 percent increase in gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022, as against a 3.9 percent jump in 2021, on the back of high oil prices.The kingdom's economy successfully emerged from the Covid-19 crisis and the policies undertaken by the government accelerated the...Saudi embrace of China signals shift in Middle East geopolitics
China's approach, characterized by a combination of economic incentives and a focus on development, contrasts with the more assertive and unilateral approach often associated with the United States. For Arab nations, China's appeal also lies in its geo-economic-centric relationship, he adds.Investments focus as KSA gets Civil Transactions Law
The new law seeks to provide a robust legal framework governing all contracts and transactions, instilling confidence in business sector and fostering growth across industries