Saudi Arabia News

Red Sea Film Foundation Launches International Co-Production Funding Programme

The organisation unveiled a new grants initiative to support collaborative film projects between European and Middle Eastern filmmakers and expand Saudi Arabia’s presence in global cinema.

National Cybersecurity Authority Tightens Data Protection Rules for Cloud and Finance Sectors

New regulations introduce stricter encryption and data localisation requirements as Saudi Arabia responds to rising cyber risks and increasing digitalisation across the economy.

World’s Largest Solar-Powered Desalination Plant Begins Operations on Red Sea Coast

The Saline Water Conversion Corporation commissioned a major renewable-energy-powered desalination facility designed to strengthen water security for coastal developments while reducing emissions.

Saudi Arabia Introduces New Foreign Investment Rules to Simplify Business Operations

Updated regulations provide foreign investors with equal legal treatment, streamline licensing procedures and expand access to independent arbitration mechanisms.

Saudi Government Launches National Biotechnology Accelerator in Riyadh

The Ministry of Health and the Public Investment Fund opened a new biomedical campus aimed at attracting international life sciences companies and expanding domestic pharmaceutical research and production.

Red Sea Global Opens Four New Luxury Island Resorts

The tourism developer inaugurated a new collection of high-end resorts along Saudi Arabia’s western coastline, reporting strong demand from European and American travellers.

Lucid Reaches New Production Milestone at Saudi Electric Vehicle Factory

The electric vehicle manufacturer said output at its King Abdullah Economic City facility has increased significantly, supporting efforts to localise automotive production and reduce dependence on imported components.

Royal Commission Reveals Carbon-Neutral Expo 2030 Masterplan for Riyadh

Authorities unveiled detailed plans for the Expo 2030 site, including solar-powered infrastructure and integration with Riyadh’s expanding autonomous public transport network.

Neom Awards Major Construction Contracts for Trojena Winter Resort

The giga-project accelerated development by approving key engineering and tunnelling contracts intended to keep Trojena on schedule for the 2029 Asian Winter Games.

Ministry of Investment Reports 500 Multinational Companies Have Moved Regional Headquarters to Riyadh

Saudi officials said hundreds of global firms have relocated their Middle East headquarters to the capital under the Regional Headquarters Program, strengthening Riyadh’s position as a regional business hub.

Riyadh Air Expands International Network Through New Global Codeshare Agreements

The Public Investment Fund-backed carrier signed additional partnerships with leading Asian and European airlines as it prepares to launch commercial passenger operations later this year.

Saudi Arabia Officially Joins Global Race for Critical Minerals Through Overseas Mining Deals

The Saudi Arabian Mining Company secured major lithium and copper partnerships in South America and Africa as the Kingdom seeks long-term supplies for its growing electric vehicle and battery manufacturing industries.

Saudi Arabia Unveils Advanced Arabic Artificial Intelligence Model for Enterprise Use

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority released a new open-source Arabic large language model designed to support banks, telecommunications companies and government agencies with locally aligned AI capabilities.

Saudi Arabia Launches Nationwide AI Crowd Management Platform Ahead of Hajj

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has activated predictive analytics and biometric monitoring systems across Mecca and Medina to improve transport coordination, enhance safety and manage expected record pilgrim numbers.

Saudi Private Sector Growth Rebounds as Inflation Remains Contained

The Riyad Bank Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 51.5 in April, signalling renewed business expansion and hiring activity while inflation eased to 1.7 percent, supported by softer housing and utility costs.

Saudi Aramco Advances $35 Billion Asset Sale Plan to Fund Gas Expansion Projects

The energy giant is preparing to sell minority stakes in selected midstream assets and property holdings to help finance development of the Jafurah gas field and new petrochemical and advanced materials facilities.

Saudi Non-Oil Exports Top $97 Billion as Trade Surplus Reaches Highest Level Since 2022

Official data showed non-oil exports rose 18.9 percent year-on-year, led by machinery and electrical equipment shipments to China and the United Arab Emirates, lifting the monthly trade surplus to 57.4 billion riyals.

Public Investment Fund Approves New Five-Year Strategy Focused on Tourism and Advanced Industries

Chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Public Investment Fund adopted its 2026–2030 investment plan, directing increased capital toward tourism, entertainment, domestic manufacturing and technology-driven economic diversification.

Saudi Arabia Expands Diplomatic Coordination With Gulf, US and European Partners Amid Regional Tensions

Senior Saudi diplomats and intelligence officials held emergency discussions in Riyadh focused on protecting critical maritime trade routes and developing a coordinated framework to reduce tensions following attacks involving Iranian ene...

Saudi Arabia Reroutes Oil Exports Through East-West Pipeline as Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed

Saudi Aramco said it is maintaining uninterrupted crude exports by moving up to 12.6 million barrels per day through the East-West Pipeline to the Red Sea, allowing the Kingdom to bypass disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and sustain gl...

Public Investment Fund Uses FIFA World Cup Sponsorship to Expand Global Presence

The sovereign wealth fund is preparing to leverage its official supporter status for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s international profile and sports diplomacy efforts.

Saudi Water Authority Expands Solar-Powered Desalination Capacity

New low-emission desalination projects along the Red Sea coast are intended to support population growth, large-scale developments and long-term water security objectives.

Riyadh Advances Urban Cooling Project to Reduce Heat Exposure

Authorities are preparing a major urban climate initiative involving tree planting, cooling materials and water-based mitigation measures aimed at lowering temperatures across the capital.

Saudi Arabia Expands Residential Construction to Support Homeownership Goals

Roshn Group is accelerating development of integrated housing communities nationwide as the Kingdom works toward its target of raising homeownership rates to 70 percent by 2030.

Public Investment Fund to End Financial Support for LIV Golf After 2026

The sovereign wealth fund plans to conclude its backing of the LIV Golf circuit after the 2026 season, signaling a shift toward domestic sports investments and commercially sustainable projects.

Kingdom Holding Acquires Controlling Stake in Al-Hilal Football Club

Kingdom Holding Company has agreed to purchase a 70 percent stake in Al-Hilal from the Public Investment Fund, advancing the commercialisation and private-sector participation goals of Saudi sports reforms.

Saudi Venture Capital Fund Jada Expands Support for Startups

Jada has deployed additional capital across private equity and venture funds, strengthening financing opportunities for technology startups and small businesses across the Kingdom.

Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund Maintains Selective Global Equity Holdings

Recent regulatory filings show the Public Investment Fund retaining major positions in companies including Lucid Group, Uber Technologies and Electronic Arts while directing a growing share of capital toward domestic projects.

King Abdullah Economic City Positioned as Red Sea Logistics Hub

The Ministry of Investment is intensifying efforts to attract manufacturing and logistics companies to King Abdullah Economic City as global supply chains seek alternatives to congested Gulf shipping routes.

Riyadh Air Accelerates Preparations for Commercial Launch

Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier is advancing fleet readiness, route planning and international partnerships as it prepares to support the Kingdom’s tourism and aviation growth targets.

Saudi Aramco and STC Expand Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure

Saudi Aramco and Solutions by STC are deploying a new high-performance computing platform designed to improve hydrocarbon exploration and support the Kingdom’s broader artificial intelligence ambitions.

Saudi Arabia Launches Region’s First Commercial Quantum Computing Platform

The Kingdom has introduced commercial quantum computing services in partnership with French technology company Pasqal, giving businesses and researchers access to advanced computing capabilities for industrial and scientific applications.

Saudi Aramco Maintains $21 Billion Quarterly Dividend Commitment

The state energy company has reaffirmed its record base dividend despite regional geopolitical uncertainty, citing strong operating cash flow and resilient business performance.

Saudi Arabia Opens New Umrah Visa Season Through Nusuk Digital Platform

Authorities have begun issuing Umrah visas for the 1448 Hijri year through the unified Nusuk platform, supporting efforts to expand religious tourism and increase annual visitor numbers under Vision 2030.

Saudi Health Ministry Declares Hajj Season Free of Epidemic Outbreaks

Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel said millions of pilgrims completed this year’s Hajj safely without any infectious disease outbreaks, underscoring the Kingdom’s public health monitoring and medical preparedness systems.

Public Investment Fund Prioritises Oxagon Development as Neom Timeline Is Adjusted

Officials are reallocating $3 billion toward industrial and digital infrastructure at Oxagon port while delaying major construction phases of The Line beyond 2030, reflecting a greater focus on near-term economic and trade objectives.

Public Investment Fund Launches New Vision 2030 Investment Phase Focused on Domestic Growth

Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund has begun its 2026–2030 strategy cycle, placing greater emphasis on integrating investments across key sectors including advanced manufacturing, tourism and clean energy to strengthen non-oil economic...

Saudi Arabia Reassesses Oil Export Routes to Asia Amid Maritime Disruptions

Energy officials and logistics operators are coordinating alternative transport options through Red Sea corridors after new toll measures affected vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the importance of secure trade...

Saudi Aramco Maximises East-West Pipeline Use as Hormuz Tensions Disrupt Shipping Routes

Saudi Aramco says its East-West pipeline is operating at its full capacity of seven million barrels per day, helping maintain crude exports to Asian markets as shipping conditions in the Strait of Hormuz remain challenging.

OPEC+ Members Implement June Oil Output Increase Amid Global Supply Uncertainty

Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman have enacted a combined production increase of 188,000 barrels per day, seeking to support market stability as energy traders monitor geopolitical disruptions and the recen...

Saudi Logistics and Trade Infrastructure Continue to Support Regional Connectivity

Ongoing upgrades to transport corridors, ports, and logistics systems are helping reinforce Saudi Arabia’s position as a key commercial gateway linking regional and international markets.

Saudi Research Institutions Expand Role in Advanced Computing and Technology Innovation

New investments in artificial intelligence and scientific research facilities are strengthening the Kingdom’s efforts to build domestic technological expertise and innovation capacity.

Saudi Arabia Accelerates Development of Cultural and Tourism Infrastructure

Major investments in heritage sites, museums, hospitality projects, and cultural programming are supporting efforts to broaden the Kingdom’s appeal to international visitors.

Saudi Press