Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The number of employees in tourism-related activities in Saudi Arabia increased by 5.1 percent in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, reaching 959,175, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). GASTAT's Tourism Establishments Statistics bulletin for the second quarter...

The occupied Golan is home to about 23,000 Druze Arabs, whose presence predates the occupation and most of whom retain Syrian citizenship, as well as around 30,000 Israelis.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Fireworks and drones depicting the iconic golden World Cup trophy lit up the sky in Saudi Arabia's capital Wednesday after FIFA confirmed the Gulf kingdom would play host to the tournament in 2034. While the news was hardly a surprise, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the sole...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Landmark talks on desertification are set to conclude in Saudi Arabia this week amid doubts that pledged funds will make a meaningful difference in the fight against the growing scourge. The 12-day meeting of parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), known as COP16, has...

London, United Kingdom -- Britain's leader Keir Starmer makes his first trip to the Gulf as prime minister from Sunday, seeking to attract investment from the region's oil-rich states, Downing Street announced. Starmer will first visit the United Arab Emirates and then travel to Saudi Arabia, before stopping off in Cyprus...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Artificial intelligence (AI) has contributed to saving 150 million sheets of paper and conserving 1.5 billion liters of water, Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) President Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi said on Wednesday.In a speech at the Saudi Green Initiative Forum 2024 held on the sidelines...

The French president said they want to involve both European and non-European allies who are ready to move in this direction but who are waiting for France.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- French President Emmanuel Macron and over 100 CEOs besides members of OPSWF, asset managers, and private equity fund representatives attended the seventh annual summit for the One Planet Sovereign Wealth Funds (OPSWF) Group in Riyadh on Tuesday. Among the attendees was Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor Public Investment...

While developing countries paid a record US$1.4 trillion to service debts, the non-oil sectors in the GCC countries are fueling growth and diversification,

According to World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, “The new Knowledge Hub being created by the World Bank Group and Saudi Arabia is a key step forward to scale up".

An agreement for the purchase of 10% equity stake was signed in June 2024.

Macron is beginning the first state visit by a French president to Saudi Arabia since Jacques Chirac in 2006, cementing what the presidency calls a "very close relationship". He arrives as France's less than three-month-old minority government faces the prospect of being forced out by a no-confidence vote in the...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia will host the COP16 UN conference on land degradation and desertification next week as the top oil exporter pitches itself as an environmental defender despite criticism of its role at climate talks. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called the meeting for the United Nations Convention...

The 22-member OPEC+ group led by Saudi Arabia and Russia was due to decide on its 2025 output policy at a ministerial meeting originally scheduled for Sunday.

Cities must adopt EVs alongside shared transport, robust infrastructure, clean energy, and inclusivity, says Jamie Wylie, an urban mobility expert.

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...

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...

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),...

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...

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. Luxu Such a vision, therefore, aligns perfectly with the...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...