Via Shaheera Anwar in factmagazines.com: When Saudi Arabia said it was going for global domination, it wasn’t just talking about expanding its regional developments. The Kingdom also had its eyes set on shining on the international stage, particularly in sports where Saudi athletes are stepping into the limelight. With the Paralympics Games Paris 2024 in full swing, Saudi Arabia’s talented athletes are ready to compete and make history.

in saudigazette.com: Deputy Foreign Minister Eng. Walid Al-Kheraiji said that the value of donations extended by Saudi Arabia to Gaza reached more than $185 million. Addressing the 50th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in Yaoundé, capital of Cameroon, on Thursday, the deputy minister renewed Saudi Arabia’s condemnation and rejection of all forms of crimes against the Palestinian people by the Israeli occupation forces.

Via Muhammad Ali Syed in qsrmagazine.com: According to Mingora’s Food Panel 2024 data of top 30 KSA QSRs, Saudi brands outnumber American by 15 to 13. Outside of the top 30, local brands dominate the SAR 66.6bn (USD 17.7bn) Saudi fast-food market. Back in 2004, only 5 or 6 Saudi chains would show up in top 30. Large Saudi chains such as Maestro Pizza, Burgerizzr, Shawarmer and Sultan Delight Burger either didn’t even exit at that time or had barely a few stores.

in wamda.com: An alliance of investors and GCC-based family offices launched “Waad Investment, an investment firm with a targeted value of SAR750 million ($200 million), making it the largest private investment firm dedicated to supporting growth-stage startups. The alliance is led by investor Yaser AlGhamdi, the founder and Chief Investment Operations Officer of Waad Investment, in collaboration with the AlMajed and AlMisfer family offices.

Via Esraa Elsheikh in leaders-mena.com: French President Emmanuel Macron launched the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games yesterday at Place de la Concorde Square, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) Vice President Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed has attended the ceremony alongside the International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons, and several other officials from Paralympic sports worldwide.

Via Fahad Abuljadayel in bloomberg.com: Saudi Arabia’s potential interest in eventually hosting the Olympic games comes as the Gulf nation grows its portfolio of sports events, including the inaugural Esports Olympics in 2025. Riyadh clinched a 12-year deal with the International Olympic Committee in July to host that event, signaling a relationship already exists. The Saudis are also due to host the Asian Winter Games in 2029 and is on the brink of hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2034.

in alarabiya.net: During the meeting, the Crown Prince reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to engaging with international and regional parties to help de-escalate the situation, SPA added. He also emphasized the Kingdom’s support for the Palestinian people in their pursuit of legitimate rights, a dignified life, and a just and lasting peace.

in consultancy-me.com: While the sector has shown rapid growth in recent years, Al-Mubarak highlighted how there remains a long road ahead. “At the end of 2023, the non-profit sector contributed just under 0.9% to the economy. The goal of Vision 2030 is to lift the sector’s contribution to 5% of GDP by 2030. Achieving this would require the sector to grow by a factor of five in the next five years.”

in middleeastmonitor.com: The cooperation encompasses a broad range of defence sectors, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), missile systems, electronic warfare and advanced software systems. Turkish defence firms, renowned for their cutting-edge innovations, are expected to play a crucial role in the modernisation of Saudi Arabia’s defence industry. This partnership not only allows Saudi Arabia to acquire sophisticated military technologies but also to develop its indigenous production capabilities through joint ventures and collaborative research initiatives.

Via BashaierAbdullah in webook.com: Saudi Arabia has been making significant strides in the world of art and culture, with a burgeoning scene that is captivating audiences both locally and internationally. The country’s rich history and traditions have laid the foundation for a dynamic and diverse artistic landscape, showcasing a blend of traditional and contemporary influences. From traditional performances to modern art exhibitions, the flourishing cultural scene in Saudi Arabia offers a well-rounded perspective and practical guidance for a diverse audience.

in saudigazette.com: Saudi Arabia is witnessing an exceptional summer season with the continued rainfall, accompanied by showers of hail and active winds in several regions. The southwestern coastal city of Jazan recorded last Friday the highest amount of rainfall in a single day over the past 12 years, reaching 184 mm, breaking the record set in Jeddah in 2022 when it reached 182 mm.

Via Laura Rozen in substack.com: But after repeated rounds of the White House portraying a deal as within reach that seems to slip away, one is left to wonder if the administration is engaged in wishful thinking, including about the Israeli leadership’s commitment to a hostage deal; is overselling the odds of a deal in order to reduce the pressures that could lead to a wider regional war, as well as domestic political pressure on itself; and/or is just ineffective or unable to get it over the finish line.

in saudigazette.com: Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), announced on Thursday the theme of Saudi Arabia’s 94^th National Day, which falls on September 23 each year. The theme “We dream, we achieve,” carried over from last year, highlights the significant projects related to the Saudi Vision 2030 and showcases the Kingdom’s leading role in various fields.

Via John Kemp in thearabweekly.com: In the next few weeks, Saudi Arabia and its OPEC allies must take a delicate decision about whether to proceed with planned production increases from October, or postpone them because of an uncertain economic outlook. The recent slides in front-month Brent futures prices, calendar spreads and refinery margins, amid concerns about the outlook for petroleum consumption, have dramatised the danger of getting it wrong. Boosting production despite downward revisions to consumption growth and a continued output increases from rivals in the United States, Canada, Brazil and Guyana risks another accumulation of inventories and a slump in prices.

Via Yusra Asif in alarabiya.net: “We are now working with the Saudi government and Saudi companies in areas that we would not have imagined in the past, for example, space exploration for commercial purposes,” the US ambassador said. “The Kingdom has huge ambitions in the commercial space, and we as companies want to be there with them.”