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Saudi Arabia

Saudis say cautious approach to restoring OPEC+ output paid off

Crude futures are trading at a two-year high above $70 a barrel

Saudi non-oil economy rebounded to 2.9% growth in first quarter

In the first quarter, Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy grew at its fastest pace since 2019

Saudi wealth fund makes senior hires, including Goldman banker

Goldman banker Eyas AlDossari will head investment advisory within the MENA Investments Division of the fund

Armed drone from Yemen lands on school in Saudi’s Asir

No injuries were reported in the incident

Saudi Arabian hospitality firms weigh $2.4bn merger

Assilah Investment is the top shareholder in both companies

Saudi wealth fund PIF leads investment in $800m Middle East infrastructure fund

Aberdeen and Investcorp announced the fund two years ago with a view to channel investment into the Middle East’s health care, education and utilities industries

Saudi to create new public transport project with more than 400 buses in Makkah

The bus network consists of two stages and aims to serve pilgrims and residents of Makkah

Hajj 2021

Saudi Arabia to allow only residents and citizens to attend Hajj 2021; limits number of pilgrims to 60,000

The first phase of online registrations for Hajj will be open from June 13-23

Aramco sells $6bn of dollar-denominated Islamic bonds

The state-controlled company sold sukuk due in three, five and 10 years

Saudi wealth fund appoints deputy governors to spur growth

The PIF has made several high-profile investments in recent years

Saudi Arabia Visas

Saudi to extend validity of visas until July 31 for expats stranded abroad

The extension will be done automatically and at no cost to the visa holders

Saudi Aramco

Aramco starts debut sale of dollar-denominated Islamic bonds

The firm is raising cash to help finance its plans to pay out $75bn in dividends

Saudi Aramco hires banks for debut dollar Islamic bond sale

The firm is raising cash to help fund its commitment to pay out $75bn in dividends

Saudi bottled water company is said to join list of IPO hopefuls

The IPO could add to a string of listings in Saudi Arabia

Saudi business activity expands at fastest pace since 2017

The kingdom’s Purchasing Managers’ Index survey compiled by IHS Markit rose to the highest since January

Co-Founders Urban Company

Urban Company raises $255m in Series F funding round

Founded in November 2014, the company with operations in several countries including the UAE and Saudi Arabia is now valued at $2.1bn

Virgin Mobile Middle East and Africa

Virgin Mobile Middle East and Africa to eliminate single-use plastics in SIMs and recharge cards

It is aiming for its operations to become carbon neutral by the end of 2021

Aramco said to plan bond sale to help fund $75bn dividend

The price of oil has doubled since October to more than $70 a barrel

Saudi’s ACWA Power inks agreement with Neutral Fuels for Red Sea project

According to the agreement with ACWA Power, Neutral Fuels biofuel is set to power the site’s entire transportation network

Air Arabia Egypt to introduce direct flights from Sharm El Sheikh to Jeddah

Customers can book their flights on the carrier’s website or by calling the call centre or through travel agencies

Saudi Arabia Quarantine

Saudi lifts entry ban for travellers coming from UAE, UK, other countries

The directive is effective from 1am, on Sunday, May 30

Philippines resumes sending migrant workers to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is the Philippines’ top destination for migrant labour

ACWA Power set to bid in South Africa’s next renewable auction

ACWA has proposed various projects in South Africa, from a coal-fired plant to a solar and battery project

Saudi Arabia to restart issuing tourist visas soon, official says

Encouraging foreign tourism is a key factor in the kingdom’s efforts to reduce its reliance on oil

Saudi Jeddah port eyes overseas deals after wealth fund backing

The Red Sea Gateway Terminal plans to invest in at least three international ports in the next five years

John Pagano, CEO of The Red Sea Development Company and Amaala

Exclusive interview: John Pagano, CEO of The Red Sea Development Company and Amaala

Saudi Arabia’s mega vision for its tourism industry is thoroughly embodied by way of two large-scale developments along its Red Sea coast, led by the far-sighted John Pagano

Saudi Arabia Visas

Saudi offers automatic extension of residency, visit visas for stranded expats

The General Directorate of Passports will extend the validity of visas of expatriates from countries where entry to the kingdom is currently banned

Saudi’s tourism ministry appoints Gloria Guevera Manzo as chief special advisor

Manzo was most recently the CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)

Lebanon Foreign Affairs Minister Charbel Wehbe

Lebanon foreign minister steps down over Saudi insults

Gulf nations were once Lebanon’s main financial benefactors

Saudi backs Palestinian state based on 1967 borders – foreign minister

Israel and Hamas are near a possible cease-fire deal, according to media reports