RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports increased 0.8 percent in January compared to the same month in 2023, official data showed. According to the report released by the Kingdom’s General Authority for Statistics, the total value of the sector, including re-exports, reached SR24 billion ($6.40 billion). Moreover, the ratio of non-oil trade rose to 35.8 percent in … Read more
RIYADH: Local markets and online shopping will experience a surge during Ramadan activities thanks to an influx of consumers adapting their shopping habits during the holy period. The purchasing power of customers in the Kingdom during the month reflects a unique blend of cultural traditions, religious observances, and economic factors. In line with global consumer tendencies, … Read more
WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund’s executive board on Thursday approved a third review of Ukraine’s $15.6 billion loan program, allowing the release of $880 million for budget support and bringing total disbursements to $5.4 billion, the IMF said.
RIYADH: Saudi banks extended loans totaling SR2.62 trillion ($700 billion) in January, marking an 11 percent rise from the same month in 2023, according to official data. Figures released by the Kingdom’s central bank showed an increase in personal loans accounted for 33 percent of this growth, while the remaining 67 percent was attributed to … Read more
BERLIN: The Israel-Hamas war in Gaza caused a drop in tourism to Egypt compared to expectations in the last quarter of 2023, but the number of visitors picked up in the first two months of the year, the country’s Tourism Minister Ahmed Issa said on Thursday. In addition to affecting tourism, attacks on Red Sea shipping … Read more
RIYADH: After three days of significant announcements, the LEAP conference saw major deals signed in artificial intelligence and innovation localization during its concluding sessions. Inaugurating the final day of the event, Ahmed Al-Suwaiyan, governor of the Digital Government Authority, pointed out that the LEAP has surpassed its previous editions, with agreements worth more than $12 … Read more
Salem Al-Dawsari was the star of the show and N’Golo Kante was sent off as Al-Hilal defeated Al-Ittihad 2-0 in the first leg of their Asian Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, moving them a step closer to a fifth continental title. Two goals in the final few minutes of the first half did all the … Read more
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s international technology conference, LEAP, sets the stage for a thriving startup and venture capital ecosystem in the region, announcing seven new funds worth $848 million. Following in the footsteps of its previous years, the third edition of the event continues to witness several significant announcements that seek to transform the technology sector … Read more
NEW DELHI: The number of Indians traveling to Saudi Arabia has grown by 50 percent following a series of strategic initiatives in 2023, the Kingdom’s tourism authority said, as it participated in India’s main international travel show over the weekend. The 2024 edition of the South Asian Travel and Tourism Exchange — Asia’s leading platform … Read more
RIYADH: Riyadh’s Jewellery Salon, which wraps up on Friday, brought together international and local jewelry houses to meet Saudi clientele before the fair heads to Jeddah from Feb. 27 to March 1. One of those firms was British luxury label Asprey, which collaborated with Saudi brand Nuun Jewel’s founder Princess Noura Al-Faisal to produce a … Read more