Saudi Arabia News

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 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 Embassy in Washington Hosts National Day Reception With Senior US Officials

Saudi Arabia's embassy in Washington held a National Day reception featuring cultural exhibitions and attended by senior US diplomats and members of Congress.

Riyadh Season Finalizes Entertainment and Hospitality Program for Winter

Saudi organizers completed preparations for the next Riyadh Season, with international entertainment, dining and cultural attractions expected to draw large domestic and overseas audiences.

Red Sea Global Plans New Luxury Eco-Resorts at The Red Sea and AMAALA

Red Sea Global announced upcoming resort openings featuring off-grid solar systems and marine conservation measures across its west-coast tourism developments.

Diriyah Development Accelerates Work on Hotels, Museums and Cultural Venues

Construction at the historic Diriyah project near Riyadh is progressing ahead of schedule on luxury hotels, museums and performing arts facilities designed to expand cultural tourism.

Saudi Energy Ministry Reaffirms Policy of Supporting Stable Oil Markets

Saudi energy officials reiterated their commitment to petroleum-market stability through supply management, dialogue with international producers and investment in energy-transition technologies.

Saudi Fund for Development Finances Solar Desalination and Irrigation Projects Abroad

The Saudi Fund for Development signed financing agreements for solar-powered desalination plants and agricultural irrigation networks in developing partner countries.

Saudi Arabia Hosts Multinational Cyber Defense Exercise in Riyadh

Saudi cybersecurity authorities convened regional and international experts for a cyber defense drill focused on strengthening critical infrastructure against ransomware and other advanced digital threats.

Saudi Arabia Expands AI Infrastructure Partnerships With Global Cloud Providers

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority secured new agreements with international cloud companies to deploy advanced data-center infrastructure supporting generative artificial intelligence.

Saudi Aramco Advances Expansion Plans for SATORP Refining and Petrochemical Complex

Saudi Aramco began preparatory engineering tenders for an expansion of the Saudi Aramco Total Refining and Petrochemical Company facility aimed at increasing refining integration and higher-value petrochemical output.

Saudi Public Investment Fund Advances 2026-2030 Strategy Focused on Technology and Capital Efficiency

The Public Investment Fund is moving ahead with its five-year strategy emphasizing long-term returns, domestic investment and international partnerships in artificial intelligence and clean energy.

Saudi Unemployment Falls to 6.5% Among Citizens

Official labor data showed unemployment among Saudi nationals declined to 6.5% in the second quarter, supported by job growth in private services and technology sectors.

Saudi Arabia and EU Hold Talks on Trade Barriers and Market Access

Saudi trade officials and European Commission representatives held technical discussions aimed at easing regulatory barriers and expanding market access, building on bilateral trade worth more than $84 billion.

Saudi Arabia Provides $60 Million in Budget Support to Yemen

The Saudi government disbursed $60 million to support Yemen's public finances, basic government functions and efforts to ease humanitarian pressures.

Neom Shifts Near-Term Focus Toward Oxagon and Commercially Viable Projects

Neom executives said the development will place greater emphasis on projects offering clearer commercial returns, with the Oxagon industrial and port development taking a central role in the next phase.

Rolls-Royce Agrees to Establish Jet Engine Production and Maintenance Facility in Saudi Arabia

Rolls-Royce signed an agreement with Saudi industrial authorities to develop a specialized aircraft engine manufacturing and maintenance center, expanding the Kingdom's domestic aerospace capabilities.

Saudi Non-Oil Activities Reach 57.3% of GDP

Finance Ministry data showed non-oil activities accounting for a record 57.3% of Saudi gross domestic product, with the sector expanding 3.2% as economic diversification continues.

Saudi Arabia Projects 3.6% Budget Deficit for 2027

The Finance Ministry's pre-budget statement forecasts spending of 1.392 trillion riyals and revenue of 1.2 trillion riyals in 2027, resulting in a fiscal deficit equivalent to 3.6% of gross domestic product.

Saudi Defense Minister Reviews Strategic Partnership With US Defense Chief

Prince Khalid bin Salman held talks with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on bilateral defense cooperation, military modernization and measures aimed at strengthening regional security.

Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Support for Palestinian Statehood in Crown Prince's Annual Address

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said establishing an independent Palestinian state remains a firm Saudi objective while warning that the Kingdom would act decisively against threats to its stability.

Saudi-Led Coalition Intercepts Missiles and Drones Targeting Southern Saudi Arabia and Medina

The Saudi-led coalition intercepted two ballistic missiles and four drones, including one that damaged a power transformer serving the Prophet's Mosque in Medina without disrupting the wider electricity grid.

Saudi Arabia Reaches Gulf Cup Semi-Finals

The Saudi national football team advanced to the Gulf Cup semi-finals after completing the group stage, setting up a knockout match against regional opposition.

Saudi Arabia Expands Defense and Economic Cooperation With Asian Partners

Saudi defense and trade officials concluded talks with Asian partners and signed memoranda covering supply chains, joint industrial projects and regional security cooperation.

Saudi Central Bank Expands Fintech Regulatory Sandbox

The Saudi Central Bank admitted additional digital payment startups into its regulatory sandbox as it seeks to encourage fintech development while maintaining consumer protection and anti-money laundering safeguards.

Diriyah Development Advances Heritage Restoration and Hotel Construction

Construction is progressing on the Diriyah development near Riyadh, including heritage restoration, luxury hotels and museum spaces centered on Saudi Arabia’s historical identity.

Saudi Press