Saudi Arabia News

Grand Mosque Muezzin Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Madani Dies at 51

Sheikh Ibrahim bin Adel Al-Madani, a longtime principal muezzin of the Grand Mosque in Makkah known for the dawn call to prayer, has died at the age of 51. ([Saudi Gazette][17])

Saudi Finance Ministry Joins Global Public-Sector Accounting Talks in Ghana

A Saudi Ministry of Finance delegation participated in International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board meetings in Accra covering accounting modernisation and sustainability-related disclosures.

Saudi Foreign Ministry Hosts World Law Day Forum on International Rules and Emerging Technology

The Prince Saud Al Faisal Institute of Diplomatic Studies hosted legal experts and officials in Riyadh for discussions on international law and the regulatory challenges created by emerging technologies. ([sadr.org][16])

Saudi Tourism Campaign Promotes AlUla and Asir Ahead of Cooler Travel Season

Saudi tourism authorities are increasing international promotion of heritage, mountain and luxury destinations including AlUla and Asir as the Kingdom seeks to attract more visitors during the autumn and winter seasons. ([Saudi Press][15])

King Khalid International Airport Advances Terminal Expansion Preparations

Riyadh airport authorities are progressing terminal-capacity upgrades and operational changes as Saudi Arabia prepares for continued growth in international passenger traffic. ([Riyadh Airports][14])

Saudi Capital Markets Maintain Institutional Participation Amid Regional Volatility

Saudi financial markets are recording resilient trading volumes and steady institutional participation as investors navigate shifting energy prices and broader regional uncertainty.

Saudi Aramco Keeps September Gasoline Prices Stable

Saudi Aramco has maintained domestic prices for Gasoline 91 and 95 in September while adjusting contract pricing for propane and butane in response to regional energy-market conditions. ([Aramco][13])

Saudi Foreign Minister Joins GCC Coordination Talks Ahead of UN General Assembly

Prince Faisal bin Farhan joined Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers in New York to coordinate positions on regional security and issues before the 81st United Nations General Assembly high-level week. ([Arab News][12])

Saudi Arabia Expands Artificial Intelligence Data Infrastructure in Riyadh and NEOM

Saudi technology and investment initiatives are accelerating development of large-scale computing infrastructure, including an artificial intelligence data-centre campus under construction at Oxagon as the Kingdom builds domestic cloud a...

NEOM Plans 400-Kilometre Freight Rail Link From Oxagon to National Network

NEOM has invited consultants to work on a freight railway of more than 400 kilometres connecting the Port of NEOM at Oxagon with Saudi Arabia Railways’ North-South network at Al-Baseeta. ([Meed][6])

PIF Launches Tawrid Supply-Chain Finance Platform for Saudi Businesses

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has launched Tawrid, a digital financing platform designed to improve working-capital access and liquidity for companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises. ([PIF][5])

Saudi Economy Forecast to Rebound to 6.1% Growth in 2027

A survey of international economists projects Saudi gross domestic product growth of about 0.6% in 2026 before accelerating to 6.1% next year as oil production normalises and non-oil activity continues expanding. ([Saudi Gazette][4])

Saudi-Led Maritime Defence Coalition Moves Closer to Operational Deployment

Representatives from 41 countries and the European Union met in Jeddah for the coalition’s fourth planning session, advancing capability integration and preparations for operations to protect major regional shipping routes. ([Saudi Gaze...

Saudi Aramco Trims European Crude Allocations After Yanbu Disruptions

Saudi Aramco has reduced some long-term crude allocations to European refiners through the end of September after disruptions at the Yanbu export hub constrained Red Sea shipments.

G7 Condemns Houthi Strikes on Saudi Arabia and Threats to Red Sea Shipping

G7 foreign ministers and the European Union have condemned continuing Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, warning that the conflict threatens regional stability, energy security and freedom of navigation through the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab...

Saudi Arabia Tests East-West Oil Pipeline for Restart After Drone Attack

Saudi Arabia is testing its strategic East-West pipeline after drone attacks forced a shutdown, raising prospects of renewed crude flows to the Red Sea port of Yanbu and easing pressure on global oil markets. ([The Wall Street Journal][1])

Saudi Students Win Four Awards at Balkan Olympiad in Informatics

Saudi high-school students secured four awards at the international programming competition, adding to national efforts to develop advanced computing and technical skills.

Saudi Arabia Marks National Day With Events Across the Kingdom

Riyadh and other Saudi cities are holding cultural, recreational and sporting events for National Day, including public illuminations and celebrations across major urban centres.

Jeddah Prepares to Host Arabian Gulf Cup

Sports authorities are finalising preparations for the Arabian Gulf Cup in Jeddah as Saudi Arabia continues expanding its calendar of major regional and international sporting events.

Saudi Aid Agency Expands Food and Medical Assistance in Gaza and Yemen

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre has increased deliveries of food, medical supplies and temporary shelter to communities affected by conflict in Gaza and Yemen.

Riyadh Hosts UNESCO Global Forum on Artificial Intelligence Ethics

More than 6,000 participants gathered in Riyadh for UNESCO’s fourth Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, focusing on international cooperation, safety and responsible AI governance.

King Fahd International Airport Awards Major Expansion Design Contract

Dammam Airports Company has selected WSP to design expanded passenger terminals, access infrastructure and other upgrades at King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.

Saudia Climbs to 15th in Skytrax Global Airline Ranking

Saudi Arabia’s national carrier rose to 15th in the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, while Flynas remained among the highest-ranked Middle Eastern low-cost carriers.

Saudi Arabia Rises to 13th in IMD Global Competitiveness Ranking

Saudi Arabia climbed four places to rank 13th among 70 economies in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, placing third among G20 members.

Muslim World League Condemns Reported Houthi Attacks Toward Mecca

The Muslim World League and other regional organisations have condemned reported Houthi attacks targeting Saudi territory and Islamic holy sites as fighting between the Kingdom and the Yemen-based group escalates.

PIF Reprioritises Neom Projects Around Near-Term Commercial Delivery

Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund is placing greater emphasis on commercially viable Neom projects and tighter capital discipline, including adjustments to timelines and infrastructure plans associated with The Line.

Saudi Aramco Cancels Ras al-Khair Petrochemical Project as Asia Strategy Expands

Saudi Aramco has dropped plans for a large petrochemical development at Ras al-Khair while redirecting investment toward downstream assets in China and other Asian markets.

Strait of Hormuz Energy Shipments Reach Six-Month High

Oil and gas traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has risen to its highest level in six months as naval protection helps sustain Gulf exports despite continued regional security risks.

Italy Deploys Warships to Protect Shipping Through Bab al-Mandeb

Italy is sending naval assets to help safeguard commercial traffic through the Bab al-Mandeb strait as renewed fighting in Yemen threatens a major trade and energy route linking Europe and Asia.

Britain Agrees to Refuel Saudi Fighter Jets During Houthi Escalation

The United Kingdom will provide limited air-to-air refuelling support for Saudi aircraft engaged in defensive operations as Houthi attacks place additional pressure on the Kingdom’s energy and transport infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia and Egypt Deepen Red Sea Security Coordination

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi have discussed protecting Red Sea shipping routes and strengthening bilateral security and economic cooperation as regional tensions intensify.

Saudi PIF Launches 2026-2030 Strategy Focused on Returns and Domestic Investment

The Public Investment Fund’s new five-year strategy shifts greater emphasis toward investment efficiency, long-term returns, private-sector participation and six interconnected domestic economic ecosystems.

Saudi Arabia Begins Final Five-Year Phase of Vision 2030

Saudi authorities say Vision 2030 has entered its third and final phase after 93% of key performance indicators met or exceeded their 2025 targets, as the government continues its economic diversification programme.

United States Approves Potential $24.3 Billion F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia

The U.S. State Department has approved a possible sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets and related equipment to Saudi Arabia, a deal that would significantly upgrade the Kingdom’s combat-air capabilities if completed.

Saudi Air Defences Intercept Houthi Ballistic Missile Targeting Riyadh

Saudi Arabia says its air defences intercepted a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh as a renewed wave of Houthi missile and drone attacks placed airports and energy infrastructure under heightened security pressure.

Saudi Aramco Halts October Crude Deliveries to European Buyers

Saudi Aramco has suspended contracted October crude shipments to European customers after disruption to the Kingdom’s East-West pipeline tightened supply through its Red Sea export system.

AlUla and Diriyah Expand Tourism Infrastructure Ahead of Peak Season

Saudi heritage authorities are upgrading visitor facilities, hospitality capacity and supporting infrastructure at AlUla and Diriyah as the destinations prepare for stronger international tourism demand.

Qiddiya Prepares Aquarabia and Other Major Attractions for Opening

Developers at Qiddiya City are advancing preparations for Aquarabia and other large entertainment assets as Saudi Arabia expands its domestic tourism and leisure offerings.

Saudi Consumer Spending Holds Above $3.5 Billion a Week

Domestic retail data show weekly consumer expenditure remaining above $3.5 billion, indicating resilient household demand across the Saudi economy.

Riyadh Climbs Global Financial Centre Rankings as Capital Markets Deepen

Saudi Arabia’s capital has advanced in international financial-centre rankings amid market reforms, new equity offerings and stronger foreign institutional participation.

Saudi Arabia Advances Broader Energy Mix Across Renewables, Hydrogen and Nuclear

Authorities are pursuing renewable power, clean hydrogen and civilian nuclear-energy frameworks alongside the Kingdom’s continuing role in conventional global energy markets.

Saudi Railways Expand Freight Links Between Industrial Hubs and Ports

Saudi Arabia Railways is strengthening connections between industrial centres including Jubail, Dammam and Ras Al-Khair and maritime gateways as the Kingdom develops its national logistics network.

PIF Launches Gulf Coast Development Company for Al-Khafji

The Public Investment Fund has created a new company to develop an integrated tourism and residential destination along Al-Khafji’s coastline in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.

Riyadh Hosts UNESCO Global Forum on Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

More than 50 national delegations joined the fourth UNESCO forum in Riyadh to discuss practical approaches to responsible AI governance, institutional capacity and implementation of international ethical principles.