| Building tomorrow’s Saudi entrepreneurs with digital and soft skills
Young talents in Saudi Arabia require a combination of digital and technical skills, including artificial intelligence and data analytics, to thrive in the Kingdom’s dynamic business environment, experts told Arab News. |
|
| GCC experts call for more transparent anti-corruption data
Government agencies across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) should make anti-corruption data more accessible and improve its quality, experts said, as part of a series of recommendations aimed at enhancing integrity and transparency in the region. |
|
| Saudi-US talks spotlight lithium, aerospace, and supply chain during high-level visit
Saudi Arabia and the US explored cooperation in sectors including lithium, aerospace, and supply chain resilience during a high-level visit led by the Kingdom’s minister of industry and mineral resources. |
|
| Kuwait project empowers 1,200 young participants
Over 1,200 young Kuwaitis have pursued their ambitions across 15 different fields this year through the Public Authority for Youth’s “Our Initiatives” project, which provides financial support and training to youth-led initiatives. |
|
| Record lows in Saudi unemployment drive Vision 2030 goals
Saudi Arabia’s labor market is transforming, with unemployment among the Kingdom’s nationals hitting record lows and the nation raising its Vision 2030 employment targets to reflect this accelerated progress. |
|
| New ‘Nusuk Umrah’ service for international pilgrims to simplify visa and travel bookings
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched the Nusuk Umrah service on Wednesday, enabling Umrah pilgrims based outside the Kingdom to directly apply for an Umrah visa and book services online without intermediaries. |
|
| Saudi Arabia’s drive to build a defense powerhouse
Saudi Arabia’s military equipment manufacturing sector is undergoing a significant expansion, emerging as a pivotal element of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy to boost domestic industrial capacity. |
|
| Commerce Ministry’s new organizational structure approved
Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced Wednesday that it has approved a new organizational structure aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and improving services for both citizens and investors. |
|
| Saudi Hajj Ministry activates Nusuk app for offline use by pilgrims
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a new feature enabling full access to the Nusuk app without consuming internet data, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently. |
|
| Kuwait FM, GCC chief discuss boosting Gulf cooperation
Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya met on Wednesday with Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Al-Budaiwi.During the meeting |
|
| Saudi Arabia, UAE cement global standing in AI
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia emerged as the most active private equity market in the Middle East and North Africa during the first half of 2025, accounting for 45 percent of all recorded transactions. |
|
| Jeddah port receives LNG-powered MV BYD HEFEI
Saudi Arabia: Jeddah Islamic Port has received the motor vessel BYD HEFEI, a dual-fuel roll-on/roll-off carrier with a 7,000-unit capacity for vehicles and heavy equipment. |
|
| Saudi Arabia accelerates AI push with HUMAIN at the helm
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is ramping up its artificial intelligence ambitions with the launch of HUMAIN, a flagship initiative backed by the Public Investment Fund, as part of its broader drive to become a global AI powerhouse. |
|
| Saudi Arabia’s high-end dining scene fuels culinary and cultural revival
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia’s culinary heritage is deeply rooted in its diverse landscapes, climates, and tribal traditions — further shaped by centuries of global trade. |
|
| UAE: Stablecoin regulations encourage more users explore digital assets safely
United Arab Emirates: Experts are optimistic the recent signing by US President Donald Trump of the Genius Act — creating a regulatory regime for dollar-pegged cryptocurrencies known as stablecoins. |
|
| Saudi Arabia publishes new law on foreign property ownership
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia has published the full text of a sweeping new law regulating real estate ownership by non-Saudis, marking a significant shift in property regulations across the Kingdom, according to the Saudi Gazette. |
|
| SAF offers dynamic range of family-friendly activities during summer
United Arab Emirates: This summer, Sharjah Art Foundation (SAF) is offering a dynamic range of family-friendly activities and thought-provoking immersive experiences. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge art installations, or looking to develop your artistic skills, there is an exciting activity for everyone. |
|
| Sharjah Police launches 'Travel safely with peace of mind'
United Arab Emirates: Sharjah Police (SP) Headquarters, represented by the Security Media Department and in collaboration with the General Directorate of Criminal Security and Ports, has launched an awareness campaign called "Travel safely and with peace of mind." |
|
| ACWA Power signs major renewable deals with Europe
Saudi Arabia: Saudi utility giant ACWA Power has signed multiple agreements to export renewable electricity and green hydrogen to Europe, marking a major step in the Kingdom’s efforts to become a global clean energy hub. |
|
| KSA's industrial, logistics sectors add $263bn to non-oil GDP
Saud Arabia: Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Development and Logistics Program contributed SR986 billion ($262.8 billion) to the Kingdom’s non-oil gross domestic product in 2024, accounting for 39 percent of the total, according to the program’s annual performance report. |
|
| Kuwait signs landmark health deals with top French hospitals
Kuwait: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health signed five cooperation agreements on Friday with leading French medical institutions, with a focus on improving local healthcare delivery through telemedicine, specialist consultations and advanced training for medical professionals. |
|
| Only 56% Emiratisation could be realised last year, says federal report
United Arab Emirates: A parliamentary report has revealed that 3,971 male and female individuals had been appointed to federal government positions in 2024, out of a total of 6,200 created in last year's budget for government entities. Of these, 2,214 were citizens, representing 56 per cent of the total positions. |
|
| Kuwait and Estonia sign MoU to launch political consultations
Kuwait: Kuwait and Estonia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Friday to establish a framework for ongoing political consultations, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties and opening the door for broader cooperation in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and investment. |
|
| Dubai busts Dhs185 million law firm fraud involving fake companies, forged emails, and cyber intrusion
United Arab Emirates: Dubai Court of Appeal has upheld the first-instance court’s verdict against 18 suspects of various nationalities, convicted of embezzling approximately Dhs185 million from a law firm, money laundering, leaking sensitive commercial data, and using it to establish fake companies in the UAE and abroad. |
|
| stc Bahrain launching new revolutionary travel app
Bahrain: stc Bahrain, a digital enabler, is launching its new app voya by stc, a groundbreaking travel app that demonstrates the company’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions for global travellers. |
|
| Bahrain, US sign agreement on peaceful nuclear energy
Bahrain: The Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear energy, as part of the official visit of Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, to Washington. |
|
| KFF and PAAET discuss enhanced cooperation on firefighter training
Kuwait Fire Force (KFF) Chief Major General Talal Al-Roumi and Director General of the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) Dr Hassan Al-Fajjam emphasized the importance of facilitating registration procedures for firefighter recruits at the Applied Training College (ATC) and enhancing coordination to ensure high-quality educational outcomes aligned with the technical and professional needs of the fire service. |
|
| Saudi Arabia’s road to 30% EVs by 2030 — will Tesla be the game-changer?
Tesla’s arrival in Saudi Arabia signals a turning point in the Kingdom’s ambitious electric mobility strategy, with close to half of its citizens now open to purchasing an electric vehicle. |
|
| Saudi Arabia rolls out skill-based work permits to attract global talent
Expatriates seeking employment in Saudi Arabia will now be assessed under a newly introduced skill-based work permit system as the Kingdom moves to streamline its labor market and attract global talent. |
|
| NBK warns against purchasing airline and concert tickets from unverified websites
National Bank of Kuwait continues its effective participation in the “Let’s Be Aware” campaign launched by the Central Bank of Kuwait in collaboration with local banks and Kuwait Banking Association, with the aim to enhance banking culture and financial awareness and literacy in society. |
|
| Why tech startups should choose Riyadh as their MENA launchpad
Riyadh is becoming a leading destination for tech startups in the Middle East, fueled by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms, an advanced infrastructure, and robust government-backed incentives. |
|
| No radiation detected in Gulf; Kuwait bolsters health, water systems
As military attacks escalate between Iran and the Zionist entity, raising fears of nuclear safety risks across the region, Kuwaiti authorities have affirmed their full readiness to safeguard public health and water supplies. |
|
| Kuwait implements mandatory exit permit for expatriate workers
Kuwait on Wednesday imposed for the first time an exit permit for private sector expatriate workers, which must be obtained prior to travel and with the full consent of sponsors or employers. The decision takes effect from July 1, according to the Public Authority of Manpower. |
|
| Saudi wealth fund, Kings League join forces to reshape sports entertainment
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the Kings League have agreed to form a joint venture to transform sports entertainment in the Middle East, with the Kingdom set to host the inaugural season. |
|
| Advisory work to begin on 3-year Al-Mirqab redevelopment project
The Public Authority for Housing Welfare has signed a contract to begin advisory work on a major redevelopment project in the Al-Mirqab area, aimed at transforming the centrally located site into a hub for non-residential urban investment. Spanning over 428,990 square meters, the Al-Mirqab project is designed to support Kuwait City’s long-term urban and economic development goals. |
|
| Cabinet discusses new reserves system, gives nod to governors’ councils
The Council of Ministers held its weekly meeting on the morning of Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Bayan Palace, chaired by the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah. |
|
| Amir urges stronger GCC-US ties
HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Wednesday called for stronger investment ties between GCC states and the United States, proposing the establishment of a Gulf-American forum for educational and cultural dialogue. Speaking at the US-Gulf Summit in Riyadh, HH the Amir expressed hope the summit would serve as a gateway to address regional challenges. |
|
| Center’s agreement aims at combating desertification
The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has signed an agreement with the Gansu Desert Control Research Institute to enhance cooperation in combating desertification. |
|
| Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan appoints 6 new officials at key government entities
The Dubai Crown Prince announced several new appointments in key government entities of Dubai on Wednesday. |
|
| No more Emirates ID cards? UAE to launch digital ID system using facial recognition
The UAE is set to roll out an alternative digital identification system that will eliminate the need to present physical Emirates ID cards to access key services. The system, expected to launch within a year, will use facial recognition and biometric identification to streamline service access across various sectors. |
|
| Gulf Bank concludes traffic law awareness campaign with MoI
Gulf Bank has successfully concluded its awareness campaign on the new traffic law, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior. |
|
| Qatar welcomes over 1.5m international visitors in Q1 2025
Qatar received more than 1.5 million international visitors in the first quarter of 2025, according to newly released figures, as the country continues to push forward with its comprehensive tourism strategy anchored in major events, strategic partnerships, and diverse travel offerings. |
|
| Strict Hajj rules for pilgrims’ safety says ministry
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has stressed that individuals intending to perform Hajj this year must obtain a permit through the Nusuk platform, which is integrated with the unified Tasreeh system for issuing official permits. |
|
| MoFA organizes UPR workshop to boost reporting efficiency
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) organized a technical cooperation workshop aimed at enhancing the efficiency of members of the National Standing Committee responsible for preparing Kuwait’s national reports for the upcoming fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the UN Human Rights Council, scheduled to take place in May 2024. |
|
| Saudi Arabia’s HR ministry’s virtual labor services reduce office visits by 93% in 23 months
The virtual branch launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has reduced visits to labor offices by 93 percent over 23 months, with monthly users dropping from 60,000 to 3,000. |
|
| Coded aims to train 1,000 students at 5th edition of ‘Kuwait Codes’ program
Coded launched the fifth edition of Kuwait Codes on Thursday, an initiative that has been running for over four years, aimed at equipping Kuwaiti youth with essential programming skills. |
|
| How Saudi Arabia is engineering a water-secure future
Saudi Arabia is tackling water scarcity with bold steps toward a sustainable future. Through its National Water Strategy and Vision 2030, the Kingdom is pioneering solutions to ensure long-term water availability. |
|
| NBK raises alerts against online job offer scams
National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) remains steadfast in its dedication to enhancing financial literacy and fostering inclusivity across diverse societal groups. |
|
| How Saudis are balancing work and spirituality during Ramadan
While working hours are shorter, to-do lists are longer during Ramadan —which includes family obligations, additional prayers and enticing cultural events — so it can be difficult to find a steady footing during the holy month. |
|
| Ambassador praises Kuwait, Lesotho ties
Ambassador of Lesotho to Kuwait, Manthabiseng Phohleli, highlighted the longstanding and cordial relationship between Kuwait and the Kingdom of Lesotho during a statement on Thursday. |