Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia announced Wednesday it is ready to open the first part of the Riyadh Metro, a major project intended to help shift the car-centric kingdom to public transport.Three lines will open to the public on December 1, "with gradual launches completing the six-line, 176-kilometre (109...

US president says ceasefire takes effect on Wednesday at 4:00 AM Beirut time, as Lebanese officials accuse Israel of trying to inflict maximum damage through a wave airstrikes in Beirut before the truce deadline.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia has set a Guinness World Record for the largest food cluster in the world with the Jeddah Food Cluster, which spans over 11 million square meters and has set a new global benchmark.The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON) announced ambitious...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The Saudi Space Agency (SSA) announced Sunday the launch of the Centre for Space Futures, the first of its kind within the network of Fourth Industrial Revolution Centers affiliated with the World Economic Forum. This initiative is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to solidify its...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's non-oil exports surged by 22.8 percent in September, according to a report by the kingdom's General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).The September 2024 International Trade Report said national non-oil exports, excluding re-exports, rose by 11.6 percent and the value of re-exported goods increased by 65.4...

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has backed extravagant sports investments -- set to culminate in Saudi Arabia hosting the football World Cup in 2034 -- to diversify its oil-rich economy.

For the nine-month period, net profit increased by 73.3%.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Minister of Education Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan alongside U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney, on Wednesday launched the Saudi-U.S. Higher Education Partnerships Forum.Organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the U.S. embassy in Saudi Arabia and the Institute of International Education (IIE), the...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian Joint Tripartite Committee to follow up on the Beijing Agreement in Riyadh on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement in all its provisions.They also reaffirmed their continued endeavor to consolidate neighborly relations between their countries through adherence...

In the world of real estate, luxury is traditionally linked to opulent homes and lavish design. But luxury in the Saudi market is something deeper and more meaningful than any individual property. It is about a holistic approach that transcends physical spaces. LuxuSuch a vision, therefore, aligns perfectly with the Saudi...

In a big move, Saudi Arabia appoints Aiman al-Mudaifer as NEOM’s interim CEO, a strategic choice to advance the futuristic city’s progress and strengthen Vision 2030.

The summit's closing statement said that "a just and comprehensive peace in the region... cannot be achieved without ending the Israeli occupation of all occupied Arab territories to the line of June 4, 1967," referring to the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem as well as Gaza and the Golan...

Indicating improving ties between the two major powerhouses in the Middle East, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged international community to ensure respect the sovereignty of the "sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran".

Prince Salman also called on Israel not to attack Iran, highlighting improving ties between Saudi Arabia and its former regional rival. Meanwhile, Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati warned that the country was suffering an "existential" crisis and hit out at countries meddling in its internal affairs -- a thinly veiled...

Arab and Muslim leaders are gathering in Saudi capital city Riyadh to discuss Israeli war against Gaza and Lebanon in a bid to send a message to President-elect Donald Trump.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Arab and Muslim leaders have begun arriving in Saudi Arabia for a summit scheduled for Monday that will focus on Israel's wars in Gaza and Lebanon, Saudi state media said.The Saudi foreign ministry announced the summit in late October during the first meeting of an "international alliance"...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Energy giant Saudi Aramco reported a 15 percent year-on-year drop in third-quarter profit on Tuesday, citing prices which have stayed low despite production cuts and war in the Middle East.The fall in net income to $27.56 billion from $32.58 billion in 2023 is the seventh consecutive quarterly...

Since last year Saudi Arabia has been bargaining hard for a defense pact with the United States as well as assistance with a civilian nuclear program. As part of that deal the Gulf kingdom, home to the holiest shrines in Islam, would recognize Israel for the first time.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Two falcons were sold for a combined total of $81,300 (SAR305,000 ) on the tenth night of the Saudi Falcons Club Auction 2024, held at the club's headquarters in Malham and running through November 15.The auction began with a Shaheen falcon from Al-Shuaibah. Owned by Saud,...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's planned futuristic mega-city known as NEOM announced on Sunday the opening of its "first physical showcase": a luxury Red Sea island featuring restaurants, hotels and yachting berths.The opening of the island, known as Sindalah, comes amid persistent doubts about NEOM's viability and ahead of a...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's football body said it was ending the contract of national coach Roberto Mancini after 14 months in the job on Thursday, following a run of poor results.The Saudi Football Federation has reached a mutual agreement to terminate the contract of Mancini, 59, who signed a...

The UAE and Saudi Arabia’s trade with China and India far exceeds their trade with the US and UK. This shift highlights the growing importance of BRICS partners in the Arab economic strategy, signaling a rebalancing of trade priorities to ensure sustainable growth, economic resilience, and diversified global partnerships.

The new entity will address growing staff accommodation demand.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- More than 65 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding worth SAR 16 billion were signed at the inaugural edition of the Global Logistics Forum 2024 that was held in Riyadh from October 12 to 14.The forum, inaugurated by Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser, was...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-- A signing ceremony for Riyadh Season 2024 sponsorships was held on Thursday at Via Riyadh.General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Chairman Turki bin Abdulmohsen AlalShikh and Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb signed a sponsorship agreement with the Saudi Tourism Authority as an official partner of the season. AlalShikh also...

Saudi Arabia and Iran hold discussions on bilateral and regional issues, especially on peace efforts in Lebanon and Gaza. Also, Hezbollah says it agreed for a ceasefire a day before Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli attacks, but the Israeli regime declined.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's arrival in Saudi Arabia aims to address Israeli military aggression in Gaza and Lebanon, seeking solutions to relieve the humanitarian impact on civilians.

Oil prices shoot up as Biden suggests that Israel might target Iranian oil facilities, while GCC Arab states, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, reassure Iran of neutrality in the conflict between Tehran and Israel.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the seventh edition of the Global Health Forum under the theme "Invest in Health" from October 21 to 23 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham. The event will bring together more than 1,200 international and local companies...

With more than 300 luxury rooms, three dining concepts, and various facilities, the hotel will merge global luxury with Madinah’s cultural essence

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Riyadh is currently hosting the third Seasonal Dates Exhibition, a major economic, social, and tourist event. Organized by the National Company for Agricultural Services, the exhibition is being held at Al-Rabwa Markets in the Al-Rabwa neighborhood, east of Riyadh, and will continue daily until the end...

Saudi Arabia anticipates a budget deficit of 2.3 percent of GDP in 2025. Estimates put total government revenues for 2025 at approximately US$320 billion, which would create a deficit of US$27bn.

Doha, Qatar - Qatar has emerged as the leading player in the Middle East tourism sector, boasting an impressive 147% increase in tourist arrivals during the first half of 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels, as reported by UN Tourism. This growth positions Qatar ahead of its regional competitors, with Saudi...

Israeli fighter jets pounded parts of Lebanon and a drone attacked a Sunni neighborhood in central Beirut killing dozens across Lebanon and injuring more than 500 people. Saudi Arabia expresses "great concern".

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's tourism sector, particularly the leisure and holiday segments, witnessed substantial growth in 2024.In a statement marking World Tourism Day, observed every year on September 27, the ministry said that the Kingdom welcomed 17.5 million international tourists between January and July 2024, a 10 percent...

Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the "International Alliance to Implement the Two-State Solution" included Arab and Islamic countries, as well as European partners, the Saudi Press Agency said, without giving details. The Gaza war has revived talk of a "two-state solution" of Israeli and Palestinian states living in peace side...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's non-oil exports, including re-exports, during July 2024 amounted to SAR25.4 billion ($6.76 billion), compared to SAR21.3 billion during July 2023, an increase of SAR4.1 billion, or 19.2 percent, according to the kingdom's General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).The value of merchandise exports increased during July...

The kingdom welcomed 17.5 million international tourists in the first seven months of 2024, leading G20 nations in tourism growth for the period.

Saudi Arabia isn't aiming to be the next Dubai but is forging its own unique path in tourism," Aradhana Khowala tells TRENDS in an exclusive interview.

The Kingdom’s tourism and entertainment investments, including a new star rating system, support growth in hospitality, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leisure destination by 2030.

Experts from the United Nations have warned that Israel might become a pariah state, and its UN membership is under question as Tel Aviv continues to commit genocide in Gaza killing more than 40,000 people since October 7, 2023. Experts also reprimanded the Western countries for double standards on Netanyahu’s...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Standard & Poor's (S&P) affirmed the Kingdom's credit rating in local and foreign currency at "A/A-1" with an improvement in outlook from "stable" to "positive," according to its recently issued report.In its report, S&P explained that its affirmation of the Kingdom's strong credit rating results from...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Aramco Digital Company and Groq, a leader in artificial-intelligence (AI) inference, have announced their partnership to establish the world's largest inferencing data center in Saudi Arabia. The announcement was made on the sidelines of the Global AI Summit (GAIN Summit), which concluded in Riyadh on Thursday.The...

With 93% of Saudi workers considering generative AI essential, alongside 95% in the Middle East and 79% globally, the region's prioritization of AI is evident.

Tourism is a major contributor to the Kingdom's economic diversification efforts, the IMF notes in its 2024 Article IV Consultation report. Tourism revenues reached $36 billion in 2023.

The council aims to align its focus with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the economic agendas of Eastern European countries, promising significant prospects for Saudi investors

The law will ensure equal treatment between domestic and foreign investors, protecting intellectual property and promoting fair competition in line with international standards.

Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The IPO market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remained resilient during the second quarter of this year, with 14 IPOs registering total proceeds of US$2.64 billion, up 45.3 percent compared to the same period last year.According to the Ernst & Young report...

Abu Taleb had qualified for the Games by bagging gold at the 2020 Arab Taekwondo Championship and bronze medals at the Asian and world championships in 2022. Earlier this year she upgraded to gold at the Asian Taekwondo Championships. Saudi women had previously fared badly at Olympics.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Wego, the leading travel app and largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has reported a significant increase in travel interest to India in the first half of 2024. Data from January to June 2024 shows a 40.71% year-on-year rise in...