logo
Youth-led Saudi businesses exceed 474,000

Youth-led Saudi businesses exceed 474,000

Zawya2 days ago
RIYADH — The number of commercial registrations held by young Saudis of both genders has surpassed 474,000, accounting for 38% of all active commercial records in Saudi Arabia as of the end of Q2 2025, the Ministry of Commerce announced.
The ministry highlighted notable growth in several promising sectors led by entrepreneurs aged 18 to 40.
Most significantly, commercial registrations for app development surged by 28% year-on-year, reaching 18,700 registrationsby the end of the second quarter.
Commercial records in the artificial intelligence technologies sector also saw a strong 34% increase, reaching 14,400, while video game development registrations grew by 32%, totaling 8,200 records.
Meanwhile, the number of commercial registrations in film, video, and television production rose by 20%, with the total reaching 5,700 active records by Q2 2025.
© Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

New UAE tax rule: Less sugar to reduce prices of sweetened drinks, says expert
New UAE tax rule: Less sugar to reduce prices of sweetened drinks, says expert

Khaleej Times

time38 minutes ago

  • Khaleej Times

New UAE tax rule: Less sugar to reduce prices of sweetened drinks, says expert

Incentivising manufacturers to reduce sugar levels in their products would not only encourage healthier dietary choices but would also benefit consumers with lower prices, a tax expert told Khaleej Times on Friday. This comes after the announcement by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and Federal Tax Authority (FTA) to implement a selective tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). From early next year, the excise tax imposed on SSBs — including carbonated and energy drinks — will be based on their sugar content rather than their category, replacing the current fixed percentage-based rate. Currently in the UAE, all carbonated drinks as well as powdered and concentrated drink mixes with added sugar or other sweeteners are levied 50 per cent excise tax. Energy drinks and all tobacco products, meanwhile, are charged 100 per cent. Both the MoF and FTA have yet to provide details on the percentage of excise tax on sweetened drinks, but Thomas Vanhee, founding partner at Aurifer Middle East Tax Consultancy, has already called the new scheme a win-win formula for the consumers. 'With the introduction of excise tax that was broadened in 2019, the basis for the (excise tax) calculation has been the retail sales, which is the price at which the final consumer normally buys the product,' noted Vanhee, who is also an affiliate professor of tax law. 'This will be replaced in early 2026 with a system where, instead of looking at the retail sales price, we look specifically at the sugar content. This could indeed provide an incentive for companies to reduce the sugar content so that they can improve their margins, reduce the taxes, and therefore would be more beneficial for the consumers with retail prices being lowered,' Vanhee added. Accelerating reforms 'From the excise tax point of view,' Vanhee continued, 'the importers or manufacturers are mainly going to be the ones that would benefit from the new tax scheme. But ultimately and hopefully they will pass on the savings to the consumers. 'Even the local restaurants or cafeterias will also benefit as they will be buying from the distributors or manufacturers.' Vanhee observed: 'The excise tax was initially meant to reduce the consumption of products which are considered harmful for health such as energy drinks, tobacco, and later on, sugary drinks were added. I believe the UAE now wants to accelerate the effects of this tax by a change in policy, hoping to further decrease consumption of sugar in drinks.'

UAE to introduce sugar tax for beverages from 2026
UAE to introduce sugar tax for beverages from 2026

Arabian Business

time43 minutes ago

  • Arabian Business

UAE to introduce sugar tax for beverages from 2026

The UAE will introduce a new tiered sugar tax from 2026 as it looks to promote public health and reduce consumption of sugary drinks. The UAE Ministry of Finance and Federal Tax Authority (FTA) announced a major revision to the excise tax framework on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), introducing a new sugar-based tiered tax system that will take effect in early 2026. Unlike the current flat-rate model, the new system will link the tax per litre of beverage directly to its sugar content per 100ml—meaning the higher the sugar concentration, the higher the tax. UAE sugar tax This reform aligns with the UAE's national health strategy to reduce sugar consumption, combat lifestyle-related diseases, and promote healthier dietary habits among consumers. The amendment reflects a shift toward data-driven policy that incentivises manufacturers to reduce sugar levels in their products and empowers consumers to make more informed choices. It also supports regional efforts to harmonise tax policy across the Gulf and reinforces the strategic use of taxation as a tool to drive sustainable development. Developed in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the new model is part of a long-term strategy to improve public health outcomes through fiscal legislation. Businesses—including importers, suppliers, and manufacturers—will have sufficient time to adapt, with comprehensive awareness campaigns and technical guidance set to launch ahead of the 2026 rollout. Further details, including implementing legislation and compliance requirements, will be released in the coming months.

Beyond Pixels: How next-gen LED displays are powering immersive brand experiences
Beyond Pixels: How next-gen LED displays are powering immersive brand experiences

Tahawul Tech

timean hour ago

  • Tahawul Tech

Beyond Pixels: How next-gen LED displays are powering immersive brand experiences

Dubai — In a region where innovation is not just encouraged but expected, immersive digital experiences are fast becoming the new language of brand engagement. Across the Middle East, from the glittering retail boulevards of Riyadh to the ultramodern hospitality destinations of Dubai, next-generation LED technology is transforming spaces into dynamic storytelling platforms. This momentum reflects the broader aspirations of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's Smart City strategy, which place customer experience, innovation, and measurable impact at the core of national progress. Fine-pitch LED displays are at the heart of this transformation, enabling a shift from static signage to full-sensory digital storytelling. These high-resolution, dynamic surfaces are not only capturing attention, but they are also retaining it. In retail, hospitality, and corporate spaces, they're helping brands move beyond one-way communication to create immersive environments that respond to visitor behavior, mood, and motion. According to the International Market Analysis Research and Consulting (IMARC) Group, the global digital signage market is expected to reach $45.5 billion by 2032i, with the Middle East seeing double-digit growth driven by smart infrastructure investments and a booming retail sector. This evolution is not just about technology; it's about human connection. In a world where consumers are inundated with content, creating physical spaces that evoke emotion, surprise, and delight can make all the difference. Research from PwC shows that 86% of buyers are willing to pay more for a better customer experience, and 65% find in-store digital engagement to be a key differentiator. Whether it's a hotel lobby that adapts visually to the time of day or a flagship store that immerses visitors in interactive brand stories, LED displays are becoming central to how experiences are designed and remembered. In this landscape, Unilumin's latest innovation, MIP-Visualperfect, represents a pivotal leap forward. Engineered for the demands of Gulf climates, MIP-Visualperfect combines the modular flexibility of traditional SMD technology with the high contrast and visual consistency of COB while avoiding the drawbacks of both. It delivers superior color consistency, flatness, and resilience across indoor and outdoor environments, offering businesses a display solution that is not only visually striking but also commercially scalable. It is more than a screen; it is a medium for real-time storytelling, analytics, and adaptability. As the 'metasight' concept gains traction in the region, the role of digital surfaces is expanding. Walls, ceilings and windows are no longer passive; they're part of the narrative. Unilumin's displays are enabling this shift by providing the visual infrastructure for environments that can sense, engage and evolve. Looking ahead, as AI, spatial computing, and digital twins become part of the built environment, LED display systems will act as interactive bridges between digital intent and physical reality, turning public spaces into intelligent, responsive experiences. Retail in the Middle East isn't just a transaction; it's a destination experience. As competition intensifies and consumer expectations evolve, immersive visual environments powered by advanced LED are turning storefronts into storytellers. MIP-Visualperfect allows retailers to not only capture attention but to sustain engagement measurably and memorably. 'The Middle East is undergoing a visual revolution not just in what people see, but in how spaces perform. The MIP-Visualperfect doesn't just meet today's immersive expectations, it anticipates tomorrow's.' As this next chapter of digital infrastructure unfolds, the opportunity for brands and businesses is clear. In a market defined by innovation and high consumer expectations, the spaces we create must be as intelligent and expressive as the people who move through them. Because in the end, it's not just about being seen, it's about being felt, remembered, and chosen. This opinion piece is authored by Zac Liang, General Manager – Gulf Area, Unilumin Group.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store