Saudi Arabia News

Riyadh Season Unveils Winter 2026 Entertainment and Sports Calendar

Organizers announced a schedule featuring championship boxing, international music concerts and large-scale cultural exhibitions for the upcoming Riyadh Season.

French Companies Expand Investment in Saudi Digital and Renewable Infrastructure

French technology and renewable energy companies signed new investment agreements in Saudi Arabia covering artificial intelligence infrastructure and cultural projects alongside broader economic cooperation.

Saudi-Egypt Trade Reaches $82.2 Billion Over Five Years

Bilateral trade between Saudi Arabia and Egypt totaled $82.2 billion over the past five years, supported by private investment and joint infrastructure projects.

Neom Opens Tenders for Freight Rail Network Serving Oxagon Port

Neom launched international tenders for the design and construction of a freight railway intended to connect the Oxagon industrial port with wider regional logistics corridors.

SABIC Expands Advanced Petrochemical Investment in Jubail and Yanbu

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation increased spending on higher-value petrochemical processing and more sustainable manufacturing technologies across its industrial operations.

Saudi Arabia Raises U.S. Treasury Holdings to $142.5 Billion

Official U.S. Treasury data showed Saudi holdings of American government debt increasing to $142.5 billion as sovereign investors adjusted portfolio and liquidity allocations.

Saudi Business Confidence Rises to 56.7 on Strong Non-Oil Activity

Economic surveys showed business confidence reaching 56.7 points, supported by domestic consumption, non-oil manufacturing and continued private-sector expansion.

Saudi AI Business Registrations Rise 31% as Digital Economy Expands

Saudi authorities reported a 31% year-on-year increase in new artificial intelligence and digital technology business licenses across Riyadh and Jeddah.

Saudi Arabia to Require 70% Saudization in Project Management Roles From February 2027

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced that project management positions across public and private organizations will be subject to a 70% localization requirement from February 2027.

Saudi Arabia and U.S. Review Defense Partnership in Pentagon Talks

Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held talks with U.S. defense officials focused on bilateral security cooperation, military modernization and regional stability.

Saudi Aramco Accelerates Gas Processing Investment in Eastern Province

Saudi Aramco is increasing upstream spending and drawing international interest in new gas-processing projects intended to expand domestic energy supplies and petrochemical feedstock.

Saudi Aramco Raises October Propane and Butane Prices

Saudi Aramco increased its October contract price for propane by $55 to $680 per metric ton and butane by $70 to $730 as global energy markets tighten.

Saudi Arabia Announces 110 Million-Tonne Rare Earth and Uranium Resource in Madinah

Government geological authorities identified and mapped a 110 million-tonne mineral resource containing rare earth elements and uranium in the Madinah region as the Kingdom expands its mining ambitions.

Neom Shifts Investment Focus Toward Oxagon, Green Hydrogen and AI Infrastructure

Neom is redirecting more capital toward commercially focused projects including the Oxagon industrial hub, green hydrogen facilities, ports and artificial intelligence data centers.

Saudi PIF Shifts 2026-2030 Strategy Toward Greater Domestic Investment

The Public Investment Fund is targeting roughly 80% of capital deployment inside Saudi Arabia and 20% internationally under its updated five-year strategy, increasing its focus on domestic economic development.

Saudi Arabia Projects 2026 GDP Contraction While Maintaining Vision 2030 Spending

The Ministry of Finance expects the economy to contract in 2026 because of oil production cuts while projecting state expenditure of about $370 billion in 2027 to sustain major development programs.

Saudi-Led Coalition Intercepts Houthi Missiles and Drones Targeting Southern Cities

The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted and destroyed ballistic missiles and explosive drones launched by the Houthi movement toward Khamis Mushait, Taif and regional power infrastructure.

Riyadh Unveils Autumn and Winter Entertainment Calendar

Event organisers in Riyadh announced a programme of international music performances and cultural exhibitions aimed at attracting domestic, regional and overseas visitors.

Saudi Arabia Prepares Major International Boxing and Golf Events

Sports authorities have completed logistical preparations for upcoming international boxing competitions and professional golf tournaments as Saudi Arabia continues expanding its sports tourism calendar.

Saudi Arabia Expands Telehealth and Robotic Surgery Services

The Ministry of Health is rolling out upgraded telehealth platforms and robotic surgical systems across regional medical centres to improve access and clinical capabilities.

Saudi Universities Expand Research Partnerships With US and European Institutions

Leading Saudi universities signed agreements with academic partners in the United States and Europe covering biotechnology, renewable energy and advanced engineering research.

Saudi Arabia Expands AI Training for National Technology Professionals

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority launched new training programmes focused on advanced artificial intelligence, software development and enterprise technology skills.

King Salman Park Prepares for Initial Opening Phases in Riyadh

The authority overseeing King Salman Park has completed preparations for initial soft-opening phases, introducing new green space and recreation facilities in the Saudi capital.

Saudi Airports Report Double-Digit Passenger Growth

Saudi aviation authorities reported double-digit increases in passenger traffic at major airports in Riyadh and Jeddah, supported by new international routes and tourism promotion.

Global Hotel Groups Expand Luxury Resort Investment in AlUla and Red Sea

International hospitality companies and Saudi tourism agencies are accelerating luxury resort development in AlUla and along the Red Sea as the Kingdom seeks to attract more international visitors.

Saudi Industrial Development Fund Backs Advanced Manufacturing and Green Technology Startups

The Saudi Industrial Development Fund approved new financing packages for manufacturing startups, automotive supply-chain projects and sustainable technology companies across the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia Calls for Deeper GCC Cooperation on Housing and Construction

Saudi officials urged Gulf Cooperation Council members to expand collaboration on residential development and urban planning as governments seek to accelerate housing delivery.

SABIC Expands Downstream Petrochemical Investment in Jubail and Yanbu

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation is increasing investment in downstream petrochemical assets in Jubail and Yanbu to reduce exposure to volatility in global commodity markets.

Saudi Arabia Accelerates Desalination and Water Storage Projects

National water authorities are advancing large desalination plants and strategic reservoir projects in Riyadh and the Eastern Province to strengthen long-term municipal water security.

Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Oil Market Stability

The Saudi Energy Ministry reiterated its commitment to stable crude export channels and continued cooperation with international producers to support balanced global energy markets.

Saudi Arabia and Asian Partners Expand Clean Energy and Hydrogen Cooperation

Saudi and Asian officials held talks on joint investment in green hydrogen, solar generation and cross-border clean energy supply chains as the Kingdom broadens its energy partnerships.

Saudi PIF and Banks Adjust Lending Strategies as Deposit Liquidity Tightens

The Public Investment Fund and major Saudi lenders are recalibrating financing and asset deployment strategies in response to tighter deposit liquidity while maintaining commitments to strategic national projects.

Saudi Arabia Assumes Presidency of Arab Chambers Union

Saudi Arabia has taken over the presidency of the Arab Chambers Union, with business leaders pledging to deepen intra-Arab trade, private-sector cooperation and regional investment.

Saudi Arabia Reports Continued Foreign Investment Growth in Manufacturing, Logistics and Technology

Official data showed sustained foreign direct investment inflows into advanced manufacturing, logistics and technology sectors as Saudi Arabia continues to promote regulatory and industrial reforms.

Saudi Non-Oil Private Sector Continues to Expand Despite Lower Crude Revenues

International financial research reports indicate continued growth in Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector, helping offset broader economic pressure from weaker oil export revenues.

Saudi Aramco Steps Up Upstream Spending as Global Firms Bid for Major Gas Project

Saudi Aramco is increasing upstream capital expenditure and has attracted strong international bidding interest for a major gas processing plant contract as it expands long-term production capacity.

Neom and Red Sea Projects Shift Priorities Toward Oxagon as Saudi Contract Awards Top $68 Billion

Leadership across Saudi Arabia’s major development projects is placing greater emphasis on Oxagon, while national project contract awards exceeded $68 billion during 2026.

Mohammed bin Salman Says Saudi Vision 2030 Programmes Have Reached 93% of Strategic Targets

Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman said Saudi Arabia has achieved 93% of the targets set for its Vision 2030 programmes, pointing to progress in economic reform and resilience over the past decade.

Saudi-Led Air Defences Intercept Ballistic Missile Targeting Khamis Mushait

Saudi-led coalition forces said they intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by Houthi forces toward Khamis Mushait, with officials reporting limited material damage and no casualties.

US Deploys Additional Patriot Systems to Protect Saudi and Qatari Energy Infrastructure

The US Defense Department has sent additional Patriot air-defence systems to protect critical energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar amid heightened regional security risks.

Saudi Finance Ministry Projects 3.6% GDP Contraction in 2026 and $370 Billion Spending in 2027

Saudi Arabia’s Finance Ministry expects real GDP to contract by 3.6% in 2026 as oil production declines, while projecting $370 billion in government expenditure for 2027 to support non-oil growth and fiscal stability.

Saudi Press