Business

Saudi Arabia is beginning to embrace electric vehicles (EVs), though their adoption remains limited. Currently, EVs make up just over 1% of the nation’s car sales, compared to a global average of 18%. Several obstacles, including high vehicle prices, limited charging infrastructure, and harsh climate conditions, have slowed progress. Efforts to expand EV use are underway. The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure...

Saudi Arabia and Indonesia have announced a landmark set of agreements valued at $27 billion, signaling a new chapter in their partnership. The accords, finalized during the Indonesian president's visit to Riyadh, aim to boost collaboration in energy, technology, and security sectors. Energy initiatives are at the forefront, with both countries agreeing to work together on crude oil supply, petrochemical...

A new family entertainment center, Hop Land, has launched in Al Qadisiyah, Saudi Arabia, offering a range of activities for visitors of all ages. The opening was made possible through a partnership with Falco Playhub Solutions and Semnox Solutions, who provided integrated technology to enhance the guest experience. Falco Playhub Solutions managed the project’s implementation and operations, collaborating with Semnox...

Saudi Arabia’s business travel sector is seeing a notable shift with the appointment of Zara Higgins as General Manager of Arjaa ATPI, marking a first for both the company and the country’s corporate travel industry. This move not only highlights progress in gender diversity but also aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes economic diversification and the empowerment of...

Saudi Arabia has introduced a new non-profit association dedicated to helping industrial and mining companies implement leading standards in sustainability, social responsibility, and governance. This move is designed to boost the country's economic development. The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources stated that the association will work to raise awareness and encourage responsible business practices across the sector. This effort...

The business travel market in the Middle East and North Africa is expanding rapidly, outpacing global trends. In 2024, the sector reached $18.1 billion, with projections of annual growth above 6 percent into 2025. This surge reflects the region’s strengthening role as a hub for international business, fueled by economic growth, improved infrastructure, and digital advancements in travel services. Travel...

Saudi Arabia will introduce anti-dumping duties on steel and stainless steel pipes from China and Taiwan, starting June 30 and lasting five years. These duties apply to pipes with longitudinally welded circular sections and aim to strengthen local industry and attract investment, supporting the country’s broader economic goals. According to official statements, Chinese imports will face duties ranging from 6.5%...

Türkiye is advancing its expansive $300 billion infrastructure initiative by seeking closer collaboration with regional partners. At a major transport forum in Istanbul, Saudi officials invited Turkish firms to participate in key projects aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, signaling a renewed commitment to joint development. During the event, Türkiye’s Minister of Trade Omer Bolat highlighted that extensive investments in...

Howden has secured regulatory approval to launch a reinsurance business in Saudi Arabia, signaling its latest move to strengthen its Middle East presence. The new operation, Howden Re KSA, will be led by Motaz Bukhari, an industry veteran with experience at Marsh Guy Carpenter and Arch, as well as a background in engineering at Saudi Aramco. The company will offer...

Howden, a leading London-based insurance intermediary, has received approval to establish a reinsurance operation in Saudi Arabia. This move marks a significant step in the company’s regional expansion efforts. Motaz Bukhari, an industry veteran with over a decade of experience, will serve as CEO of Howden Re in Saudi Arabia. Bukhari’s background spans leadership roles in reinsurance broking and underwriting,...

Saudia Cargo, Saudi Arabia’s national air cargo carrier, is expanding its reach in China and Asia by targeting sectors such as e-commerce, agriculture, and technology. This move includes a new venture in Hong Kong and plans to increase capacity. The company’s CEO, Loay Mashabi, emphasized that China and the wider Far East region are vital trade partners and will support...

Airbus has secured a significant victory with a major order from Riyadh Air for its A350-1000 aircraft, marking a boost for the manufacturer in the competitive wide-body jet market. Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious new carrier, placed an order for 25 A350-1000 jets with options for 25 more, a deal valued at over $4 billion at list prices. This move...

Saudi leasing company AviLease has made its first direct purchase from Airbus, ordering 30 single-aisle jets and 10 A350 freighters. This move, announced at the Paris Airshow, signals Saudi Arabia's growing ambitions in aviation. AviLease, part of the Public Investment Fund, also secured options that could raise its total order to 77 aircraft. The company’s CEO highlighted the significant growth...

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports has confirmed that fees for exit and re-entry visas are not refundable, even if the visa is cancelled. This clarification affects many expatriates preparing for summer travel. Single exit and re-entry visas cost 200 riyals for two months, with an extra 100 riyals charged for each additional month, provided the resident permit is valid....

A leading global software provider for the architecture, engineering, and construction sectors has entered into a strategic partnership with a prominent Saudi Arabian technology and infrastructure company. The collaboration is designed to drive digital transformation in Saudi Arabia’s construction and infrastructure landscape, supporting the nation’s Vision 2030 goals. Through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding, both organizations will work together...

Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands have signed a series of agreements in Amsterdam totaling over SAR428 million ($114.1 million), targeting advancements in environmental, water, and agricultural technologies. The deals, involving both Saudi and Dutch companies, focus on modernizing and localizing technology in key sectors. The signing ceremony was attended by Saudi Deputy Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Eng. Mansour...

Uzbekistan is seeking to strengthen its environmental partnership with Saudi Arabia, focusing on knowledge exchange and joint innovation to tackle pressing ecological issues. At the Tashkent International Investment Forum, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Ecology, Aziz Abdukhakimov, highlighted ambitions to cooperate on challenges such as dust and sand storms, and to share expertise on ecosystem and species conservation. Saudi Arabia’s environmental initiatives,...

The entertainment sector in Saudi Arabia is experiencing rapid expansion, with market value projected to soar from $2.46 billion in 2024 to $6.10 billion by 2033. This strong growth is being driven by rising disposable incomes and significant technological advancements, particularly in virtual and augmented reality. These innovations are transforming how people engage with leisure activities, fueling demand for immersive...

DHL Group plans to invest over $575 million by 2030 to strengthen its logistics operations in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This move aligns with a trend among global logistics firms increasing their presence in the Middle East, as the region positions itself as a central link in global trade routes. The investment will cover all four DHL...

The Middle East is witnessing rapid advancements in business and technology, highlighted by recent developments across the region. Saudi Arabia is introducing AI-driven drones and expansive cooling systems to support Hajj pilgrims. Additionally, a major Saudi business group has reached a preliminary agreement worth $1 billion to potentially launch flying taxi services in the country. In the beauty sector, entrepreneur...

Portuguese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) recently made a strong impression in the Middle East, showcasing the vitality and innovation of Portugal's business sector. Entrepreneurs from a range of industries demonstrated their expertise and adaptability, forging new connections with Saudi partners and highlighting the country’s export potential. Among the standouts was ACO Shoes, a family-run footwear business celebrating five decades...

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are setting new standards for office fit-out investments, with average spending surpassing $2,400 per square meter—well above the global average. This trend reflects a strong push by companies in both countries to upgrade workspaces as part of their return-to-office plans. According to a recent report analyzing data from 25 countries, businesses in the Middle East...

Saudi Arabia is emerging as a key destination for global business schools, with executive education gaining momentum due to strong demand from both government and private sector leaders. Institutions such as Spain’s Iese have seen a notable increase in Middle Eastern participation, particularly from Saudi Arabia, as organizations prioritize leadership development. London Business School is establishing a presence in Riyadh,...

Blacklane has formed a partnership with electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid Group to expand its eco-friendly transportation services in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration aims to help Blacklane double its presence in the region by the end of 2025, with a focus on growing operations in cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah. Both companies will also work together to enhance electric vehicle...

The Middle East holds a mid-level position in business complexity according to the latest Global Business Complexity Index, which evaluates 79 major markets. Within the region, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are highlighted for their evolving business environments. Egypt has reduced its complexity, aided by new logistics solutions, improved trade corridors, and incentives that attract international companies. Saudi...

The non-alcoholic drinks market in Saudi Arabia is experiencing robust growth, mainly due to increased health consciousness among consumers. Many are moving away from sugary and carbonated beverages, especially younger people concerned about lifestyle diseases like obesity and diabetes. This shift is driving demand for functional and plant-based drinks. Interest in premium and organic beverages is also rising, supported by...

MRM has named Warren Davey as General Manager for its operations in Saudi Arabia, signaling a push to expand in this rapidly evolving market. MRM, part of the global Interpublic network, operates at the crossroads of advertising and consultancy, offering services in creative strategy, branding, digital transformation, and customer relationship management. The company has a significant global footprint, with offices...

Leo Burnett Saudi Arabia has named Tarek Akil as its new Business Lead, entrusting him with the leadership of the Riyadh office. In this position, Akil will oversee client relations, shape commercial strategies, and drive the agency’s expansion across the Kingdom. Akil brings more than 20 years of advertising experience, having managed major brands throughout Egypt, the Levant, North Africa,...

Saudi Arabia is emerging as a major destination for skilled professionals worldwide, thanks to its focus on innovation and economic diversification. Central to this effort is the Premium Residency program, often called the Saudi Green Card, which grants long-term residency to talented workers, entrepreneurs, and investors, offering them benefits similar to those of citizens. This initiative has already attracted thousands...

Saudi Arabia has lifted restrictions on domestic charter flights, allowing international business and private jet operators to fly within its borders. The new policy, set to begin in May 2025, is a significant step in the country’s plan to become a leading global aviation hub and boost its private aviation industry. According to GACA, the move is expected to create...