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Riyadh Economic Forum to Examine Returns From Expo 2030 and World Cup 2034 RIYADH, August 30 — The 12th Riyadh Economic Forum will examine how Saudi Arabia can maximise the economic and social returns from hosting Expo 2030 Riyadh and the FIFA World Cup 2034, as part of five studies scheduled for discussion on October 12–14, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The study on international events will explore their potential contribution to economic diversification, investment and

Saudi Water Authority to Hold First Water Regulation Forum in Riyadh on November 1 RIYADH, August 30 — The Saudi Water Authority (SWA) will hold the inaugural Water Regulation Forum in Riyadh on November 1, 2026, bringing regulators and policymakers together to discuss water-sector governance, financing and service performance. The event is being organised in strategic partnership with the International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA). The agenda includes managing w

Saudi Ministry of Sport to Showcase Digital Solutions at LEAP 2026 | 📷SPA RIYADH, August 30 — Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport will present digital solutions aimed at improving sports services, facility operations and fan experiences through a dedicated pavilion at LEAP 2026, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The ministry plans to showcase its digital transformation work, focusing on technologies intended to increase operational efficiency at sports facilities and improve ser

LEAP 2026 to Open in Riyadh on August 31 RIYADH, August 30 — LEAP’s fifth edition opens in Riyadh on Monday, with more than 1,900 investors and venture capital representatives expected to participate in the technology event, which runs from August 31 to September 3 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham. The announced lineup includes more than 1,800 technology companies, over 600 startups and more than 1,000 speakers and experts. The event will include dedic

ADIHEX 2026 Opens in Abu Dhabi for 10-Day Run | 📷WAM ABU DHABI, August 28 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition opened at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi on Friday for an extended 10-day edition running through September 6. The exhibition is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club. The 23rd edition is organized by A

Royal Commission for Riyadh City Launches Riyadh Digital Innovation District RIYADH, August 27 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has launched the Riyadh Digital Innovation District, an initiative designed to attract international technology companies, specialist talent and investment to the Saudi capital. The district will concentrate on six fields: Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, Cybersecurity, Computing and Cloud Services, the Interne

DXB First-Half Passenger Traffic Drops 31.3% During Iran War DUBAI, August 26 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport fell 31.3% in the first half of 2026 after the war with Iran disrupted aviation networks across the Gulf, according to figures released by airport operator Dubai Airports. DXB handled 31.5 million passengers during the six-month period, compared with 46 million a year earlier. Second-quarter traffic accounted for 13 mill

LEAP 2026 to Bring More Than 1,800 Technology Companies to Riyadh | 📷SPA RIYADH, August 26 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — LEAP 2026 is expected to bring more than 1,800 technology companies and over 1,900 investors and venture-capital representatives to Riyadh when its fifth edition opens on August 31. The four-day event will run through September 3 under the theme “Into New Worlds” at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, north of the capital. More than 1,0

Saudi Arabia and BIE Sign SEE Agreement for Expo 2030 Riyadh Participants | 📷SPA PARIS, August 26 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Saudi Arabia and the Bureau International des Expositions have signed the “SEE Agreement,” creating the legal and administrative framework under which countries and international organizations will participate in Expo 2030 Riyadh. The framework addresses the practical requirements that participating delegations and their teams will encounter, inclu

Qiddiya Signs MoU to Explore Entertainment Destination in France PARIS, August 25 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Qiddiya Investment Company signed a memorandum of understanding with the French Government on Monday to explore the development of a new entertainment-led, mixed-use destination in France. The MoU begins a joint process to define the project’s scope, development model and contractual framework. Any future development remains subject to applicable procedures and app

BNP Paribas Receives Registration for Saudi Regional Headquarters | 📷SPA PARIS, August 25 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — BNP Paribas has received investment registration for a regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia, providing the financial group with a base for expanding its operations across the Kingdom and regional markets. The registration does not establish that the headquarters is already open or operational. No opening date, location within the Kingdom or investment val

Saudi Real Estate Development Fund Deposits SAR 1.074 Billion in Housing Support RIYADH, August 24 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Saudi Arabia’s Real Estate Development Fund deposited SAR 1.074 billion into the accounts of beneficiaries of the housing support program for August 2026. The support is provided through the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing and the Real Estate Development Fund. The fund said the payments were allocated to support profits on contracts under va

Riyadh to Host Security and History Dialogue Conference in September |📷SPA RIYADH, August 23 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - Under the patronage of Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, the Ministry of Interior will organize the Security and History Dialogue Conference in Riyadh from September 6 to 8, 2026. The event will bring together experts, researchers and academics from Saudi Arabia and abroad to examine the Kingdom’s history through sec

Dubai Real Estate Project Investment Jumps 52% to Over AED111 Billion in H1 2026 DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — August 20, 2026 — Saudi Arabia Breaking News: Investment in completed Dubai real estate projects rose 52% year-on-year to more than AED111 billion ($30.2 billion) in the first half of 2026, as project completions and residential supply increased sharply, Dubai Land Department data showed. A total of 104 projects were completed during the period, up 38.7% from 75 a ye

ZATCA sets August 31 deadline for July VAT returns RIYADH, August 20 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Businesses in Saudi Arabia with annual supplies of goods and services exceeding SAR40 million must file their July value-added tax returns by August 31, with late submissions carrying fines of 5% to 25% of the tax required to be declared. The filing deadline applies to businesses covered by the monthly VAT reporting requirement for the July tax period. Returns and related payme

Al-Ahsa Oasis Maintains Year-Round Produce Output Despite High Temperatures | 📷SPA AL-AHSA, August 20 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Al-Ahsa Oasis maintains year-round production of summer fruits and vegetables despite the region’s high temperatures. Demand for locally grown produce extends across markets in Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries, supporting the commercial value and market potential of the oasis’s agricultural output. Its fruit crops include figs, berries, pap

Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy of Falic Group ABU DHABI, August 20 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Miami-based Falic Group has agreed to acquire 100% of DFS’s luxury travel retail business at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, establishing a major regional operation for Duty Free Americas. Financial terms were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter. Zayed International Airport, the second-largest airport in the Unite

Saudi Arabia Launches Riyadh Action Agenda Community Platform at COP17 | 📷SPA RIYADH, August 19 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Saudi Arabia launched the Riyadh Action Agenda Community Platform at COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, creating a coordination network for around 200 international initiatives concerned with land restoration and drought resilience. The platform is intended to give the Riyadh Action Agenda’s expanding group of partners a shared framework for setting objectives, b