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  • Saudi Arabia Reveals New Plans For Budget Tourism Development

    The 1,800-kilometer Saudi Red Sea coast is split into three areas by authorities: the north side for luxury; the center for culture and entertainment at a variety of prices; and the south for mid-market and budget choices. But most of the attention has been on luxury mega projects in the north – the center and south haven’t announced much large-scale development. A new report from the Ministry of Investment and the Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) reveals new details about tourism development for mid-market and budget stays.

  • Saudi Arabia hosts Regional Trade Policy Course for Middle East participants

    Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority of Foreign Trade, is hosting the Regional Trade Policy Course for Middle Eastern countries. Organised in collaboration with the World Trade Organization and King Saud University, the course will run from October 13 to December 5. The eight-week course is designed for government officials from Middle Eastern countries to exchange information, expertise, and enhance communication. It focuses on deepening participants' understanding of the economic and legal aspects of World Trade Organization rules, controls, and procedures.

  • Saudi Arabian film sector can lead on innovation, says agent David Unger

    Speaking at a panel entitled ‘The Growth of International Content and Potential Investment Opportunities’ which took place during the second edition of Saudi Film Confex in Riyadh (October 9-12), Ungar described the energy of Saudi creatives as “like nothing I’ve seen anywhere in the world." “Hollywood has made films the same way for over 100 years, but digital technology has changed those rules,” he said. “That is what is exciting about a country like Saudi Arabia, because it has the support and enthusiasm of the government but it is not beholden by the old systems. It’s going to be AI first, mobile first, all of that innovation is going to come from here.”

  • Hyatt debuts two hotels in Saudi Arabia

    The brand-new Park Hyatt Jaumur and Andaz Jaumur Marina, set to open in 2027, will offer a combination of 350 rooms and suites. Park Hyatt Jaumur will sit at the community’s vibrant epicentre, overlooking the marina. Designed as an oasis of relaxation with 125 rooms, Park Hyatt Jaumur will serve to seamlessly blend entertainment, leisure, and cultural experiences. Andaz Jaumur Marina will be a 225-key project with a blend of rooms and suites.

  • Saudi Arabia’s Muvi Studios Locks Deals at Saudi Confex Including on Hotly Anticipated Satire About ‘Chaotic World’ of Local Stardom

    Muvi Studios, the production arm of Saudi Arabia’s leading exhibition chain, have announced a slew of deals during the ongoing Saudi Film Confex confab, including a partnership with local label Sirb Production on hotly anticipated social satire “Lail Nahar,” directed by local hitmaker Abdulaziz Almuzaini.

  • Shifting Sands in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    One of the most striking aspects of this new Saudi Arabia is its progressive approach toward introducing new laws and inviting foreign investment. The kingdom has rolled out a red carpet for international businesses, showcasing its commitment to creating a dynamic economy. The recent landmark investment law exemplifies this shift — a comprehensive piece of legislation that not only outlines the regulations but also provides a roadmap for investors, answering their queries with clarity and precision. The Saudi Ministry of Investment has crafted a detailed guide, ensuring that the path to doing business in the kingdom is as seamless as possible.

  • Saudi Arabia eyes BPCL refinery investment in India

    Saudi Arabia is considering investment opportunities in Indian Government-backed Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited’s (BPCL) new refinery project, reported Moneycontrol, citing sources. Following the unsuccessful attempt to establish a 60 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) refinery in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India's Oil Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, suggested in May 2023 that the country should consider constructing smaller refineries to circumvent land acquisition challenges.

  • Saudi Arabia’s adoption of fintech makes it an ideal DeFi hub, experts say

    “The financial sector here is heavily reliant on traditional intermediaries, with limited access to financial services for many citizens. DeFi can change this by providing decentralized financial services accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or financial status,” he told Arab News. DeFi can facilitate affordable and accessible services such as lending, borrowing, and investing, and enhance cross-border transactions with instant speed and almost zero fees, he added.

  • How Saudi Arabia is partnering with Denmark in sustainable wastewater management

    Denmark’s approach to water sustainability relies on innovative technologies that reduce water wastage while conserving energy and resources. Danish engineering firms like Grundfos are making an impact in Saudi Arabia by introducing solar-powered pumping systems to supply water to remote and off-grid areas where access to electricity may be limited. According to Morten Riis, the company’s group senior director, their water solutions target not only groundwater and rivers but also focus on reducing water loss and optimizing energy consumption in the process.

  • Pentagon: US approves multi-billion-dollar weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, UAE

    The US has approved new weapons sales to the UAE and Saudi Arabia worth a combined $2.25 billion, the Pentagon announced on Friday. In separate statements, the Pentagon said that the State Department had approved the possible sale of 220 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Tactical Missiles and other related equipment worth an estimated $251.8 million.