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  • 55 Saudi companies take part in Baghdad International Fair

    The Saudi Export Development Authority (Saudi Exports), in partnership with the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council, is participating in the 48th edition of the Baghdad International Fair. The Saudi pavilion features 55 national companies representing various export sectors. The exhibition, which kicked off on Saturday and will run through until Feb. 7 in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen trade ties between Saudi Arabia and Iraq while showcasing the Kingdom’s leading products and services. Saudi non-oil exports to Iraq have reached nearly SR20 billion over the past five years (2020–October 2024), with metals and their products, food industries, and electrical machinery and equipment ranking as the top export sectors during this period

  • Nazaha arrests 158 ministry employees over corruption charges

    The Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) officials have arrested 158 employees of various ministries over corruption charges during the last month of January. Some of the arrested employees were released on bail. Those who were arrested included employees of the Ministries of Interior, Defense, National Guard, Justice, Health, Education, Commerce, and Municipalities and Housing. They were accused of charges including bribery and abuse of office. The Nazaha said that it has carried out 1076 inspection tours during the last month and that resulted in carrying out investigations against 396 suspects. The authority initiated a number of administrative and criminal cases following the inspection raids.

  • WhatsApp calls reportedly activated in Saudi Arabia: Permanent change or temporary test?

    Many WhatsApp users in Saudi Arabia reported on Saturday that voice and video calling features had been activated after years of restrictions. However, there has been no official confirmation on whether this is a permanent change or a temporary test. The sudden activation has raised questions, particularly in the absence of an announcement from authorities. Technology expert Abdullah Al Subaie noted that this move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance telecommunications and digital infrastructure, potentially improving communication for users.

  • Acting Deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia Shannon Dolan

    Dr. Shannon Dolan is the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia and a career member of the Senior Foreign Service.  Most recently, she led the management operations of the mission.  For the past three years, she was the U.S. Director of the bilateral Program of Technical Cooperation in Saudi Arabia, leading the interagency team to develop and implement training and advising programs bolstering security, critical infrastructure protection, and counterterrorism efforts in support of U.S national security goals.

  • UAE becomes top global destination for winter tourism: Report

    The UAE has advanced to 18th position globally in the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Travel & Tourism Development Index, whilst maintaining its regional leadership. The nation’s Tourism Strategy 2031 targets AED100 billion in investments and 40 million hotel guests. The World Travel & Tourism Council reports that the UAE received 29.2 million international tourists in 2024, marking a 15.5 percent increase from 2023. The council projects visitor numbers to reach 45.5 million by 2033, WAM said in a statement.

  • Glamping and Boutique Adventure Hotels Gain Ground in Saudi Tourism Push

    The push for adventure-based tourism aligns with consumer preferences for environmentally responsible travel, making boutique adventure accommodations a strategic investment. The appeal of glamping and boutique adventure hotels lies in their ability to balance luxury with sustainability. Unlike large-scale resorts, these properties integrate outdoor activities that allow guests to engage with nature while minimizing environmental impact. According to a report by Blooloop, Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes create ideal settings for adventure tourism. Developers can incorporate outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and stargazing, enriching guest experiences and differentiating their offerings from traditional accommodations.

  • Expat Tales: Experiencing ‘history in the making’ in Saudi Arabia

    I relocated to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in February 2024 because I was eager to join the company I work for. It wasn't until I secured the role and began preparing for the move that I realised it's not just the company I'm working for that’s making history. Living in the Kingdom right now is experiencing history in the making. Living in a compound means my apartment is part of a community of 400 tenants, many of whom have become close friends. Imagine living in a resort with a group of your friends every day - that’s what compound life feels like. Everything in Riyadh comes alive after dark! Due to the heat, the Saudi way of life is to rest during the day and go out at night. Malls are empty during the day, but if you go at 1am, you’ll have a hard time finding parking. I was lucky enough to get tickets to see Tyson Fury in a boxing match here, and he entered the ring at 2am. You can even get a haircut at midnight if you feel like it!

  • Veteran Saudi actor Mohammed Al Towayan passes away

    Mohammed Al Towayan, a leading figure in Saudi television and cinema, has died at the age of 79, the Saudi Ministry of Culture confirmed on Friday. Al Towayan, known for his roles in hit drama series such as Awdat Asweed, Ayal Qariah, and Ghashmshm, played a pivotal role in shaping the Saudi entertainment industry over nearly five decades. His final film, Mandoub Al Layl (The Night Agent), was a major box-office success in Saudi Arabia and was screened internationally. Despite his long-standing presence in television, his transition to cinema marked a significant shift in his career.

  • Why Saudi-Turkish collaboration in Syria is more likely than a clash

    Turkey and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states appear to be filling the void in Syria as Iran’s influence after the fall of Bashar Al-Assad dramatically diminishes. Ankara’s coordination with Gulf Arab capitals stands to bring about growing alignment. Turkey has gone to pains to accommodate the interests of all GCC states in the new Syria, including those which previously saw the foreign policy of Turkey’s “neo-Islamist” government as a threat. In particular, Saudi Arabia—the GCC state taking the lead on shoring up and legitimizing the administration of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) on an international level—shares many of Turkey’s interests. These include helping Syria achieve a smooth transition, preserve its territorial integrity, and not become a haven for violent extremist groups that threaten other countries.

  • Saudi Arabia’s IPO Boom Reshapes Its Market Dynamics

    According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, 41 IPOs were launched in Saudi Arabia last year, raising a total of $4.06 billion. By contrast, only five IPOs took place in 2019, yet they generated a much higher $30.46 billion—largely driven by Saudi Aramco’s record-breaking IPO, which raised $25.6 billion for a 1.5% stake in the state-owned oil giant. “The Saudi stock exchange has become a preferred listing destination due to strong liquidity, robust demand from institutional investors, and alignment with global investment standards,” says Farah el Nahlawi, research lead at MAGNiTT, a leading venture capital data platform for emerging markets. “Moreover, the IPO landscape is no longer oil-centric, with fintech, healthcare, and retail companies successfully listing—indicating broader investor appetite.”