News Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia marks 96th National Day

Miguel Hadchity 23/09/2026

Dubai, UAE — Sept. 2026 — Saudi Arabia is celebrating its 96th National Day on Wednesday, honoring the Kingdom’s founding with a nationwide program of fireworks, air shows, concerts, and cultural events that drew crowds across the country’s major cities. This

Qatar Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Mada cards now accepted in Qatar as Gulf payment integration expands

Miguel Hadchity 16/09/2026

Dubai, UAE — Sept. 2026 — The Saudi Central Bank announced, in cooperation with the Qatar Central Bank, the start of a phased rollout allowing Saudi Arabia’s national payment network card “Mada” to be accepted in Qatar, alongside Qatar’s national payment card “Himyan” being accepted in Saudi Arabia. The move marks a further

Events Saudi Arabia

Billions in tech investment announced on day 3 of LEAP 2026

Miguel Hadchity 03/09/2026

Photo Credit: LEAP Dubai, UAE — Sept. 2026 — Day three of the LEAP 2026 technology conference in Riyadh brought a fresh wave of investment into Saudi Arabia’s tech ecosystem, spanning multi-billion-riyal digital infrastructure projects, new artificial intelligence funds and expansion plans for startups. LEAP is a global platform showcasing Saudi

News Saudi Arabia

LEAP 2026 drives billions in Saudi tech investments across AI, infrastructure and gaming

News Editor 03/09/2026

Saudi Arabia’s technology sector secured billions of riyals in new investment commitments on the third day of LEAP 2026, with announcements covering artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, mobility, gaming, hospitality and startups. NHC Innovation announced a SAR3.3 billion ($880 million) investment in Khuzam Digital Valley, a multi-phase data centre project.

Events Saudi Arabia Tech

LEAP 2026 opens in Riyadh with four days of tech, AI and robotics

Miguel Hadchity 31/08/2026

Dubai, UAE — August 2026 — LEAP 2026, one of the world’s largest technology events, opens in Riyadh today for its fifth edition. The four-day event will run across 16 stages and more than 20 content tracks, covering AI, computing, mobility, gaming and sport. Artificial intelligence will be a central theme throughout, tying into Saudi […]

Saudi Arabia

DP World’s Jeddah terminal hits record monthly volume as Red Sea trade rebounds

Miguel Hadchity 28/08/2026

Photo Credit: WAM Dubai, UAE — August 2026 — The South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, operated by DP World, recorded its highest monthly handling volume since operations began in 1999, processing more than 221,200 TEUs in July 2026. The milestone was driven by growing trade activity and continued investment in capacity, equipment and […]

Saudi Arabia Tech

Saudi Arabia Poised to Become Major Global Exporter of Computing Power, DataVolt CEO Says

News Editor 19/08/2026

Saudi Arabia could become one of the world’s largest exporters of computing power and artificial intelligence services within the next eight to 10 years, according to DataVolt CEO Rajit Nanda. Nanda said the Kingdom has the potential to build a global position in computing comparable to its status as a leading oil exporter. DataVolt’s strategy […]

Energy Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy capacity surges 88% to 12.3GW

News Editor 10/08/2026

Saudi Arabia’s operational renewable energy capacity increased by 88% year-on-year to 12,313 megawatts by the end of 2025, supported by the commissioning of five new solar projects. According to the Renewable Energy Statistics 2025 report issued by the General Authority for Statistics, the Kingdom had 15 operational renewable energy projects at the end of the […]

News Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Al-Harfi Co. signs 760MW solar deal with Syria

Miguel Hadchity 07/08/2026

Photo Credit: SPA Dubai, UAE — August 2026 — Three Power Purchase Agreements were signed Wednesday in Damascus between Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Ahmed Al-Harfi Company and the Syrian Electricity Company, advancing 760 MW of solar capacity under Saudi Ministry of Energy supervision. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the agreements cover Al-Harfi Company’s development of

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia lifts ban on Lebanese exports in major trade thaw

Miguel Hadchity 11/06/2026

Photo Credit: X/@LBpresidency Dubai, UAE — June 2026 — Saudi Arabia has announced the resumption of Lebanese exports into the Kingdom, in a significant diplomatic and economic development that signals a renewed commitment to rebuilding bilateral ties between the two countries. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah conveyed the decision in a phone

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, Turkey sign agreements in logistics and railways

Miguel Hadchity 10/06/2026

Photo Credit: SPA Dubai, UAE — June 2026 — Saudi Arabia and Turkey have signed two agreements covering logistics services and railway technology. The initial agreement centers on logistics services and operations, establishing a structure for sharing expertise, optimal methods, and coordinating sector policies and regulations across every transport mode. The second

Aviation Saudi Arabia

Saudia becomes first MEA airline to receive Airbus A321XLR

News Editor 25/05/2026

Photo Credit : Airbus Saudia has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR, becoming the first airline in the Middle East and Africa to operate the new extra long-range narrow-body aircraft. The delivery marks a significant step in the airline’s fleet expansion strategy as it aims to strengthen international connectivity with more fuel-efficient aircraft capable […]

Logistics Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia launches Red Sea Express cargo service linking Egypt and Jordan

News Editor 20/05/2026

Saudi Arabia has launched a new regional cargo shipping route aimed at strengthening trade and logistics links across the Red Sea, connecting the Kingdom with Egypt and Jordan through a fast-track maritime service. The Saudi Ports Authority, Mawani, announced the launch of the “Red Sea Express” shipping service via King Fahd Industrial Port in partnership […]

Arts & Culture Law Saudi Arabia Travel

Saudi Arabia Social Laws Tourists Should Know

Saba Malik 12/05/2026

For international visitors, the Saudi Visa Online platform has made simpler travel to Saudi Arabia much easier through an online Saudi Arabia visa, an electronic travel authorization, and an electronic permit designed for travel purposes and business purposes. The Saudi e-Visa and Saudi e-Visa Application are part of the launch of the new e-Visa system, […]

Finance Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia posts $33bn deficit in Q1 2026 as spending surges 20%

Miguel Hadchity 06/05/2026

Image Credit: X/@MOFKSA Dubai, UAE — May 2026 — Saudi Arabia recorded a fiscal deficit of SAR 125.7 billion ($33.5 billion) in the first quarter of 2026, as government expenditures climbed sharply while oil revenues declined, according to the quarterly budget performance report released by the Ministry of Finance. Total revenues for the January–March period reached […]

Lifestyle Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Public Holidays 2026

Saba Malik 05/05/2026

In 2026, understanding public holidays in Saudi Arabia is essential for any employer operating in the Middle East, especially across growing business hubs, companies, and industries. Every year, these holidays play a major role in how organizations schedule work, manage payroll, process leave, and maintain continuity. To stay compliant, businesses must rely on an updated

Saudi Arabia Transport

Saudi Arabia New Transport Projects

Seif Kamel 31/03/2026

The journey of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is traveling on a journey that aims to have a more diversified economy. While enhancing its non-oil economic activities, there is a strong emphasis on huge and impressive transportation projects including large expansions in the railway services in the kingdom, the building of […]

Events Saudi Arabia

Global Games Show Riyadh Unveils Star-Studded Speaker Lineup of Gaming Legends and Industry Leaders

News Editor 31/03/2026

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—The Global Games Show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will be held between 20 and 30 June 2026, highlighting e-sports visionaries, game developers, and other industry experts who confirm the Kingdom’s position as an internationally recognized gaming and e-sports destination. These leaders will discuss the future of e-sports and gaming on topics such as […]

Events Saudi Arabia

Global AI Show Riyadh Reveals a Powerhouse Speaker Lineup Shaping the Future of Artificial Intelligence in the Middle East

News Editor 31/03/2026

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia- The Global AI Show Riyadh 2026, taking place June 29-30, has unveiled its first lineup of thought leaders, policymakers, innovators, and global AI experts set to drive the direction of artificial intelligence and put it on the edge of innovation until 2026.  Organized by VAP Group and powered by Times of AI, […]

Events Saudi Arabia

Global Blockchain Show Riyadh Unveils World-Class Speakers Redefining the Future of Web3 and Digital Assets

News Editor 26/03/2026

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will host the Global Blockchain Show on June 29 and 30, 2026. The show will bring together some of the world’s most influential and widely recognized voices shaping blockchain, Web3, and the global digital assets ecosystem. The Global Blockchain Show is produced by VAP Group with support from The Times of Blockchain […]