Saudi Arabia

The number of licensed rooms recorded a growth of 69% in 2024 compared to year 2023, reaching 475.970 units; Ministry of Tourism spokesperson underlines the ministry's efforts to streamline the licensing process for operators and investors in the sector

The market for sweets and chocolate is growing, and increased consumer demand for non-traditional options, chocolate and special promotions for Eid Al-Fitr is boosting sales

1,2 million copies of the Holy Quran and its interpretations in 79 languages will be distributed to Islamic or cultural centres and offices of the religious attachés of Saudi embassies abroad, part of King Salman's specific programme

The Saudi Fashion Commission launched the innovative 'Sustainable Ihram' initiative, the first recycling programme for pilgrims' garments, at the Islamic Arts Biennale

Libraries will undergo a major overhaul that will include the construction of public theatres and other cultural facilities following the launch of the Library Commission's national growth strategy in 2021

The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has launched an initiative to raise environmental awareness and showcase the reserve's biodiversity and achievements, especially to sports enthusiasts

At the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran, a professional training programme in generative artificial intelligence was launched for 4.000 Saudi citizens, offered by the Gen AI Academy

The first meeting of the Council of Arab Ministers on Cyber Security will be hosted today in Riyadh and will be attended by officials and experts from several Arab League countries

FIFA announced Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 World Cup, prompting backlash from rights groups due to the country's human rights record

Over 75% of the world's landmass is drying up permanently, according to a report released at the UN summit in Riyadh on combating desertification

An eight-year-old inventor, Lama Al-Badin, from Dammam, won an international competition to design a pair of glasses that help blind people by beating almost 1.000 entries from 19 countries in the 'Glasses of the Future' competition

Nadhmi al-Nasr, the head of the Neom project, the huge 'futuristic city' under construction in Saudi Arabia at the behest of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has unexpectedly resigned; two other managers had resigned in recent months

The Saudi Falcons Club's Hadad programme announced a strategic partnership with NEOM to improve falcon habitat in the NEOM nature reserve