#Saudi Arabia

Red Sea

Saudi Red Sea developer weighs public offering as soon as 2026

The firm is in early talks with banks and stakeholders, John Pagano, chief executive of Red Sea Global, said in an interview, without disclosing details on advisers, banks or valuation

Kimpton Riyadh Saudi Arabia signing ceremony (Image: Supplied by IH Hotels and Resorts)

IHG to debut Kimpton brand in Saudi Arabia by 2024

The new-build Kimpton Riyadh will be located within the King Abdullah Financial District

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s economy grew 3.9% in Q1 of 2023

Economic expansion was driven by a 5.8 per cent increase in non-oil activities

Saudi Arabia banking sector

How Saudi Arabia’s banking system is building a solid future

Saudi banks stand to remain on a profitable path in 2023 with corporate lending continuing to drive credit growth in the sector

Abdulla Almoayed, founder and CEO of Tarabut Gateway

Tarabut Gateway raises $32m to fund Saudi expansion

The open banking platform plans to use the proceeds of the Series A funding round to accelerate growth in Saudi Arabia

CBUAE - interest rate

Most GCC central banks raise interest rates tracking US Fed move

Central banks in the GCC usually track the Fed’s policy rate moves as their currencies are pegged to the US dollar

Saudi tourism

From ancient history to modern luxury, Saudi Arabia’s tourism offerings continue to expand

Saudi tourism is set to surge with significant investments being made throughout the kingdom to enhance both religious and non-religious tourism 

Amsa Hospitality

Amsa Hospitality, Accor join forces to bring 18 new hotels to Saudi by 2032

The agreement will see Amsa Hospitality develop a range of Accor’s economy and midscale brands while also acting as the third-party operator by leasing and franchising the assets

Aramco, PIF and China’s Baosteel steel JV

Aramco and PIF set up JV to build steel plant with China’s Baosteel

The steel manufacturing base has a designed annual capacity of 2.5 million tonnes of direct reduced iron and 1.5 million tonnes of steel plate

Rotana at ATM (Image: Supplied by Rotana)

ATM 2023: Rotana to have 120 operational hotels by 2030

Saudi Arabia and Egypt will be the key markets for the group’s expansion in the region

Four Seasons NEOM resort

Four Seasons to develop new island resort in NEOM’s Sindalah

The resort will feature 225 guest rooms and suites with terraces overlooking the beaches of the Red Sea

economy

Insights: The journey of building global businesses from a thriving economy

Jessica Wong, managing partner at eWTP Arabia Capital looks at how Saudi Arabia is uniquely placed to leapfrog innovation hurdles and build businesses with global impact

Aman Wadi Safar (Image: Supplied by Diriyah)

Aman Group to open two properties in Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah

Aman Wadi Safar will include 78 keys, while Janu Diriyah will feature 120 guest rooms

courtesy CMRC twitter Amanat Holdings merger

UAE-based Amanat Holdings acquires majority stake in Sukoon via merger with CMRC

The merger, which creates the largest post-acute care provider in the GCC, places Amanat Holdings in a strong position to benefit from the significant post-acute care bed gap across Saudi Arabia and UAE

Knight Dragon’s Sammy Lee

How Knight Dragon plans to revolutionise Saudi Arabia’s real estate landscape

The developer shares the same vision as the authorities in Saudi Arabia and the company plans to open an office in Riyadh in Q4 2023

Wemade

Saudi Arabia partners with South Korea’s Wemade to enhance gaming and blockchain sector

The partnership will focus on various initiatives such as training programmes, educational content, game localisation and sponsorship of regional events

The Chedi Hegra (Image: Supplied by The Royal Commission for AlUla)

The Chedi Hegra to open in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla

The boutique hotel will feature 35 guest rooms and is expected to open to by Q4 2023

United Group

Saudi Telecom to buy United Group towers for EUR1.2bn

Tawal, which is making its first foray into Europe through the acquisition, already owns more than 16,000 towers

Saudi Arabia, UAE confirm the first day of Eid Al Fitr

The crescent Moon that signals the end of the holy month of Ramadan was spotted in the kingdom and the UAE on Thursday

Kamikochi, Nagano Prefecture (Image: Supplied by Aviareps on behalf of JNTO)

All UAE residents can now apply for eVisas for Japan

New visa application rules have also been announced for Saudi nationals and residents in Saudi Arabia, as well as citizens of Qatar

Saudi construction

An overview of the latest trends in the Saudi construction sector

The Saudi Arabian construction sector is undergoing a period of dynamic evolution, as the monarchy seeks to diversify its economy and increase foreign investment

IHG Hotels and Resorts announces the lunch of Holiday Inn Express brand in Saudi Arabia (Image: Supplied by IHG Hotels and Resorts)

Holiday Inn Express to open first Saudi property in Riyadh

The 200-key new-build property will open in the capital’s Olaya district in 2026

Eid Al Fitr in the UAE

Eid Al Fitr 2023 likely to start on April 22 in UAE

The Eid Al Fitr holiday begins at the end of Ramadan and UAE residents are looking forward to a four or five-day weekend this year

Signing of the upcoming DoubleTree by Hilton Jeddah Al Andalus Mall (Image: Supplied by Hilton)

DoubleTree by Hilton announced for Jeddah

Hilton currently operates 16 hotels in Saudi Arabia and has another 51 under development

Commission for AlUla

Saudi’s Royal Commission for AlUla to restore old mud-brick buildings into high-end hotel

Dar Tantora by The House Hotel, a Kerten Hospitality brand, will open with 30 guest rooms

affordable luxury

Top 12 getaways for Eid this year

With Eid just around the corner, many people in the UAE are already planning their vacations to celebrate the occasion with their loved ones

Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman

Saudi Arabia opens four new economic zones to boost investment

The economic zones are expected to accelerate growth, increase export competitiveness, attract talent and improve the country’s global links

Saudi Eid Break announced for private sector GettyImages-1464744716

Eid Al Fitr 2023: Saudi Arabia announces 4-day holiday for private sector, non-profits

The Eid holiday will start on Thursday, April 20, at the end of the workday

Savvy-backed Scopely LA Office. Image by Scopely

Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games acquires Scopely for $4.9bn

The company will benefit from Savvy’s long-term financial backing to deliver on its strategy to grow and deepen existing franchises

Saudi Arabia launches autonomous vehicle trial

Saudi Arabia launches trial for first autonomous electric vehicle

The launch is one of the initial steps toward the development of AV legislation, regulations and supporting systems in the kingdom