Saudi Arabia News

1 year ago

Google Pay to Launch in Saudi Arabia in 2025

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has partnered with Google to introduce Google Pay in Saudi Arabia during 2025 via the national payment system mada. Google Pay will offer users a secure and seamless way to make purchases in stores, on apps, and online. It will also allow users to conveniently add and manage their cards through Google Wallet, ensuring enhanced convenience and safety. This strategic agreement aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals to enhance the Kingdom’s digital payments ecosystem. It underscores SAMA’s commitment to creating a robust digital payments infrastructure and transitioning toward a less cash-dependent society by implementing advanced, globally recognized payment solutions. This initiative is part of broader efforts to address market needs and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s leadership as a global pioneer in FinTech.

1 year ago

Saudi Inflation Rate Slightly Falls to 1.9% in December

Saudi Arabia’s Consumer Price Index or inflation rate recorded 1.9 percent during the month of December 2024, a slight fall from the previous month of November when it posted two percent on an annual basis. Saudi Arabia has the lowest inflation rates among the G20 countries. According to the data released on Wednesday by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), the rise in inflation is driven by an the increase in the prices of the housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels by 8.9 percent. It also affected by an increase of 0.8 percent in the prices of the food and beverages, and the prices of the miscellaneous personal goods and services by 2.2 percent, compared to a decrease in the prices of the transport by 2.5 percent. The increase in the prices of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels was affected by the increase in the group of rents paid for housing by 10.6 percent, and the increase in this section had a significant impact on the continuation of the annual inflation rate for December 2024, given the weight that this section represents 25.5 percent. On a monthly basis, the consumer price index in December recorded relative stability compared to […]

1 year ago

Saudi Arabia Trains Thousands Of Music Teachers

Saudi Arabia has initiated a new phase for qualifying thousands of kindergarten teachers in music skills, Saudi media reported. In late 2022, the kingdom’s ministries of education and culture launched a programme under the supervision of the Music Commission to groom music teachers, starting with the kindergarten level. More than 12,000 female teachers in government and private kindergartens were trained during the first phase of the programme, part of a cultural ability development strategy. The new phase entails a comprehensive training programme for about 17,000 female teachers. Teaching music is part of a strategy led by the two ministries to include it and other arts in the educational curricula, gradually starting from the kindergarten stage and early primary school grades. In February last year, the Ministry of Culture launched the first college of arts at the Riyadh-based King Saud University with the aim of providing an educational and artistic environment favourable for research and innovation, and attracting talented students. In 2020, the Music Commission was established as a government agency affiliated with the Saudi Culture Ministry with a view to overseeing the development of a music sector that provides non-discriminatory access to music education, empowers musical talent and contributes to […]

1 year ago

King Fahd Causeway Sees Record 33m Passengers In 2024

More than 33 million passengers last year used the King Fahd Causeway, a vital link between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, the highest number recorded in one year since the opening of the facility in 1986. In addition, the average crossing time of the bridge was cut during peaks to about 21 minutes. Commenting on the milestone, Governor of the Eastern Province, Prince Saud bin Nayef, hailed the efforts made by Saudi and Bahraini government and private sectors operating on the causeway to facilitate passengers and goods traffic. As part of digital services introduced to improve the traveller’s experience, the General Organisation of King Fahd Causeway has launched the E-JESR app, which has boosted the use of the pre-payment- of- fee system to 55% and reduced the time for crossing the toll gates from 15 seconds to 3. In 2020, an e-payment system went operational on the bridge for car passengers, trucks and motorcycles replacing cash payment. Gates installed on the causeway allow users to automatically conduct transit procedures without dealing with the staff. Since its inauguration, the King Fahd Causeway has been vital for movement between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, two members of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council. The 25km-long […]

1 year ago

Saudi Arabia Announces 29 Entertainment Investment Opportunities, Including Amusement And Water Parks

Saudi Arabia’s growing entertainment sector will see further growth as the country announces investment opportunities across the Kingdom. The General Entertainment Authority (GEA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment, has announced the launch of 29 new investment opportunities across various entertainment sectors, including entertainment facilities and destinations, published on the “Invest Saudi” platform for local and international investors to explore across all regions of the Kingdom. The investment opportunities span several cities in KSA and include various projects, such as: Entertainment investments in Saudi Arabia These initiatives aim to enable the private sector to play a pivotal role in enhancing entertainment options in the Kingdom, aligning with the goals of economic diversification and sustainable development outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. The announcement of these promising opportunities comes as the entertainment sector continues to grow rapidly, improving the quality of life for citizens and residents by offering a wide variety of entertainment experiences that cater to all preferences.

1 year ago

Saudi’s First Pro Boxer Ziyad Almaayouf Set For Monumental Riyadh Return During Riyadh Season

Saudi Arabia’s first professional boxer, Ziyad “Zizo” Almaayouf (6-0-1, 1 KO), is set to make his highly anticipated return to the ring on February 22 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. The fight is part of “The Last Crescendo,” a landmark event during Riyadh Season that includes the historic light heavyweight unification rematch between Dmitry Bivol (22-0, 11 KOs) and Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs). The 24-year-old Almaayouf, a trailblazer for Middle Eastern boxing, has steadily built his career since turning professional in 2022, emerging as a lightweight contender and a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global boxing. “This isn’t just about my career – it’s about proving Saudi Arabia belongs at boxing’s highest level,” Almaayouf said at the event’s London press conference, hosted by Saudi General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh. Almaayouf has been training under Hall of Fame coach James “Buddy” McGirt, who highlighted the fighter’s natural talents, including speed, ring IQ, and a developing killer instinct.

1 year ago

Saudi Aviation Authority Imposes $5m In Fines In 2024

The General Authority of Civil Aviation issued 542 fines totaling SR18.8 million ($5 million) in 2024 for violations of civil aviation law, its regulations, and authority instructions, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The report detailed 111 violations by airlines for failing to adhere to instructions, including the advance passenger information system and time-slot compliance, resulting in fines of SR3.65 million. Nine other violations incurred fines of SR290,000. Additionally, 305 violations related to passenger rights protection led to fines exceeding SR14.4 million. Licensed companies faced 17 violations for non-compliance with civil aviation regulations, amounting to fines of SR175,000. Two companies were fined SR40,000 for breaching licensing provisions, SPA reported. The report also highlighted 92 violations committed by individuals, including 15 for unpermitted drone use with fines of SR75,000, 74 for non-compliance with safety instructions and onboard misconduct with fines of SR79,200, and three for trespassing restricted airport areas with fines of SR3,000. Six violations for unauthorized glider operations resulted in fines of SR155,000, SPA added. The authority emphasized its commitment to transparency, regulatory enforcement, and enhancing passenger experiences and air transport services in the Kingdom.

1 year ago

Saudi: Makkah Taxi service launched at Jeddah Hajj Conference

The Hajj Conference and Exhibition marked the launch of Makkah Taxi, a new transportation service developed by the General Transport Center of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites (RCMC), with the first operating license under the contract concession system in Makkah. Deputy Emir of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishal, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, and Minister of Transport and Logistic Saleh Al-Jasser attended the launching ceremony. The RCMC announced that Makkah Taxi began operations on Monday, January 13, rolling out in phases to ensure a smooth transition. The service will operate around the clock, featuring 47 designated locations strategically positioned throughout Makkah at key stations and around the Grand Mosque area for convenient access and efficient service. Minister of Transport and Logistic Saleh Al-Jasser presented the Makkah Taxi operating license to the winning company during the launching of the service at the conference. The fleet is projected to reach approximately 1,800 vehicles by the end of 2025, significantly enhancing transportation services and meeting the growing demand within the holy city of Makkah.

1 year ago

Saudi Rescue Teams Save Drowning Swimmer

Rescue teams saved a man from drowning off the coast of Alkhobar in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province on Monday. The Yemeni man got into trouble in the water while swimming at Al-Sadaf Beach and was rescued by a search-and-rescue team from the Saudi Border Guard. He was rushed to hospital and is now in good health, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The General Directorate of Border Guard urged members of the public to take precaution in the water and not to swim in undesignated areas, and to call 911 in the Makkah and Eastern regions or 994 in other regions in case of emergency.

1 year ago

Al-Falih: 571 Global Companies Moved Their Headquarters To Saudi Arabia

Minister of Investment Eng. Khalid Al-Falih said that the initiative of moving regional headquarters of global companies to Saudi Arabia is proceeding steadily well in a way accomplishing its goals. “The number of international companies licensed to establish their headquarters and moved to the Kingdom has reached 571, most of which have opened their offices in the King Abdullah Financial Center in Riyadh. The largest share of them are industrial companies, and incentives will be provided to these companies through various programs,” he said. Al-Falih made the remarks during a dialogue session in Riyadh on Saturday on the sidelines of the launch of the Standard Incentives Program for the industrial sector. He said the first phase of the incentives was launched two years ago, during which 33 projects worth SR310 billion were provided with incentives. Al-Falih said that the industrial sector contributes 30 percent of the foreign investment balance in the Kingdom, with a growth of 61 percent, and most of the licenses for international companies granted by the Ministry of Investment are also for manufacturing industries. Al-Falih highlighted that the Standard Incentives Program constitutes a significant step toward realizing the ambitions of Vision 2030 and the National Investment Strategy, […]

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Google Pay to Launch in Saudi Arabia in 2025

Saudi Inflation Rate Slightly Falls to 1.9% in December

Saudi Arabia Trains Thousands Of Music Teachers

King Fahd Causeway Sees Record 33m Passengers In 2024

Saudi Arabia Announces 29 Entertainment Investment Opportunities, Including Amusement And Water Parks

Saudi’s First Pro Boxer Ziyad Almaayouf Set For Monumental Riyadh Return During Riyadh Season

Saudi Aviation Authority Imposes $5m In Fines In 2024

Saudi: Makkah Taxi service launched at Jeddah Hajj Conference

Saudi Rescue Teams Save Drowning Swimmer

Al-Falih: 571 Global Companies Moved Their Headquarters To Saudi Arabia

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