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  • Saudi Arabia expands scope of Saudi Qualification Verification Program

    On 28 January 2025, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced the full expansion of the Professional Verification service under the Professional Accreditation program. The program now applies to all industries and a broader range of countries. The scope of the Professional Accreditation program has now been expanded to 1,007 professions encompassing all industries, moving beyond its previous focus on sectors such as aviation, construction, health care, media and tourism. Additionally, the MHRSD's recent announcement confirms that the target of 160 countries has been met.

  • Al-Ittihad and CUE Redefine Fan Engagement with Saudi Arabia’s First CUE Light Show

    Based in Nashville, Tennessee, CUE partners with major organizations across the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB, and expanded to Europe in 2022, working with renowned clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, the Boston Celtics, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Kansas City Chiefs. Partnering with a club of Al-Ittihad’s stature marks a significant milestone for CUE’s growing presence in the Middle East. One of the night’s standout moments was Saudi Arabia’s first-ever CUE-powered smartphone light show, sponsored by ROSHN Group. On the first day of promoting the event, over 8,000 fans downloaded the app by scanning a QR code. By the end of the match, more than 33,000 fans had downloaded it. The synchronized phone lights transformed the stadium into an immersive visual experience, ranking this activation among CUE’s largest fan-driven light shows.

  • Red Sea Global brings sustainable aviation fuel to Saudi Arabia in landmark deal

    Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind Saudi regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, announced a deal to bring Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to the Kingdom for the first time. RSG and daa International, the operator of The Red Sea International Airport (RSI), struck the deal with the airport’s fuel supplier, Arabian Petroleum Supply Company (APSCO), to enable airlines operating at RSI to have the option of refuelling using SAF. As part of its ambition to achieve net zero, RSG’s subsidiary air operator, Fly Red Sea, which provides seaplane transfer, charter and scenic tour services across its destinations, will also refuel its fleet exclusively with fuels that ensure aviation is more sustainable such as SAF and Lower-Carbon Aviation Fuel (LCAF).

  • How Saudi Arabia’s NEOM balances futuristic vision with ancient heritage and rewilding

    On the edge of NEOM stands Jebel Safina, or Ship Rock, a 50-meter-high sandstone and limestone formation that resembles a vessel stranded in the desert. This geological landmark, located near the small town of Bajdah in NEOM, near Tabuk, serves as a testament to the region’s rich historical heritage. A key guardian of the site is Abdulaziz al-Sanousi, a Saudi born just miles away, who is tasked with overseeing the preservation of the region’s rich heritage sites and stories for NEOM Tourism, making places accessible to all while ensuring their ongoing protection. “I’m very proud that the name NEOM is famous,” said al-Sanousi, NEOM’ senior cultural tourism manager. His role embodies NEOM’s dual commitment to preservation and accessibility, ensuring these historical treasures remain safeguarded while being shared with the world.

  • Saudi Arabia ranks first globally in government trust and future outlook

    Saudi Arabia ranked as the most trusted government worldwide, with a remarkable 87 percent trust rate, according to the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer. This reflects the Kingdom's continued leadership in global trust indicators. This achievement underscores the success of Vision 2030 in strengthening institutional stability and governance, making Saudi Arabia a global benchmark for public trust. Additionally, Saudi Arabia ranked first globally in future outlook, with 69 percent of citizens believing the next generation will be better off. This optimistic perspective starkly contrasts with less than 50 percent in most other countries, showcasing the positive societal impact of Vision 2030 and the nation’s commitment to sustainable development. In addition to maintaining its leading global position, Saudi Arabia outperformed several countries in trust indicators, including the United States with 47 percent, the United Kingdom 43 percent, and Germany 41 percent.

  • Saudi Arabia opens 1st phase of Sports Boulevard with 5 key destinations

    The launch of the first phase marks a milestone in one of Riyadh’s major development projects, which was unveiled by King Salman bin Abdulaziz on March 19, 2019. Closely overseen by the Crown Prince, the project aims to elevate Riyadh’s global ranking, positioning it as one of the world’s most livable cities. The destinations include Wadi Hanifa Destination, the Promenade Destination, the section between the intersection of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road and Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz I Road, the inner track of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, and the first phase of the Sand Sports Park. The completed sections of the project now span 83 kilometers, with an overall completion rate of 40%.

  • Investors Snap Up Saudi Arabia’s Debut Euro Green Bond

    Saudi Arabia sold a €1.5 billion ($1.58 billion) debut green euro bond after drawing in €7.25 billion of investor bids, as the country seeks to fund its ambitious economic-transformation plan. The transaction, the first such trade from a sovereign in the Middle East and North Africa, was sold alongside a €750 million 12-year conventional bond that priced 145 basis points over mid-swaps, the person said. Books for that tranche topped €2.7 billion.

  • US Air Force Partners with Saudi Arabia to Train Chiefs

    A mobile training team of U.S. Airmen assigned to Air Forces Central (AFCENT) led the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) in completing its inaugural Chief Leadership Course (CLC) Jan. 23, 2025 at a training center in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). “This course is one of many efforts placing emphasis on the professional development of their enlisted force,” said Chief Master Sgt. Joshua Wiener, AFCENT command chief. The 17-day course was led by a team of two U.S. Air Force chief master sergeant instructors with support from 9th Air Force. The curriculum was modeled after the USAF’s own CLC, and incorporated lessons from the First Sergeants’ Academy and Noncommissioned Officer Academies. The material was then tailored to meet RSAF needs.

  • MENA private equity hits $27.6bn as Saudi Arabia leads growth

    Saudi Arabia overtook the UAE in 2023, accounting for 41 percent of transactions, driven by Vision 2030 and increased sovereign wealth fund activity. Together, both markets made up 68 percent of regional private equity transactions, with the UAE securing $13.5bn in deal value and Saudi Arabia $11bn. In 2024, Saudi Arabia contributed more than half of total private equity investment. Private equity activity peaked at 97 deals in 2022 before declining in 2023 and 2024. Deal volume fell 24 percent last year as investors adjusted to rising interest rates and weaker debt markets. While global private equity rebounded in 2024, MENA investors remained cautious, prioritizing strategic growth investments over leveraged buyouts.

  • Saudi Arabia’s PIF Eyes Stake in Leonardo’s Aerostructures Division

    Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is reportedly in preliminary discussions to acquire a stake in the aerostructures unit of Leonardo SpA, Italy’s prominent aerospace and defence company. This potential investment aligns with PIF’s strategic objective to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy by expanding its footprint in the global aerospace sector. The aerostructures division of Leonardo is responsible for the design and manufacturing of critical components for both civil and military aircraft. By investing in this unit, PIF aims to bolster its domestic aerospace capabilities and foster technological advancements within the Kingdom. This move is consistent with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, which seeks to reduce the nation’s reliance on oil revenues by developing high-tech industries.