Latest news with #MohammadBinSalman
Zawya
28-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Riyadh hails oil discovery as step for energy coop. with Kuwait
RIYADH --- The Saudi Cabinet on Tuesday lauded the new oil discovery in in the partitioned zone between Saudi Arabia and State of Kuwait as a positive step towards a further cooperation in the energy sector. This came during the Saudi Cabinet's meeting, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammad bin Salman, according to the kingdom's official news agency. The cabinet said that recent oil discovery would lead to promoting Saudi-Kuwait cooperation in energy and continuing joint discovery and development efforts. The Governments of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia on Monday declared a new oil discovery in the partitioned zone, said the Kuwaiti Ministry of Oil. They announced that Wafra Joint Operations had made a new oil discovery in (North Wafra Wara-Burgan) field, located five kilometers north of Wafra field. Crude oil flowed from the Wara reservoir in the North Wafra (Wara-Burgan-1) well at a rate exceeding 500 barrels per day, with an API gravity of 26 to 27 degrees. API gravity is a scale that defines the gravity or density of liquid petroleum products. All KUNA right are reserved © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Metro
25-05-2025
- Business
- Metro
Saudi Arabia to make major change to alcohol rules ahead of World Cup
Saudi Arabia will reportedly lift its ban on alcohol at 600 sites this year as the country hopes to win over tourists and football fans before the 2034 World Cup. The ultra-conservative nation will end its 73-year ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol in tourist venues by 2026. Visitors will be allowed to drink wine, beer, and cider at licensed locations such as five-star hotels and tourist developments, local media claimed, in plans which were widely reported internationally. The plans form part of the Gulf State's Vision 2030, an initiative to attract tourists and investment in the lead up to hosting major international events, including Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034. Authorities said the goal 'is to welcome the world without losing cultural identity — positioning Saudi Arabia as a progressive, yet respectful player on the global tourism map.' Under the new alcohol regulations, certain venues will be allowed to serve beer, wine and cider. They will by operated by trained staff under tight licensing conditions. Drinks and liquor with more than 20% alcohol content will remain banned. As the new policy is directed at tourists and expats, alcohol in homes, public spaces, retail outlets will also still be outlawed. The government added in a statement: 'Sales will only happen under controlled environments, with licensed service staff and clear operational rules in place to make sure alcohol is handled responsibly and respectfully.' The permitted venues will be concentrated in the futuristic luxury developments being built as part of their tourism drive, such as Neom and the Red Sea Project. The country's leader Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman is hoping the changes will allow Saudi Arabia to compete with other Gulf states that permit alcohol already. The UAE and Bahrain allow alcohol consumption in certain tourist zones. Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the UK had previously said alcohol would be banned when they host the World Cup in 2024. Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud told LBC that hotels, restaurants or stadiums will not be permitted to serve alcoholic beverages during the tournament. When asked if fans would be able to buy alcohol anywhere during the tournament, the prince replied: 'No, no. There is no alcohol at all. 'Rather like our weather, it is a dry country. At the moment we do not allow alcohol, but you know, plenty of fun can be had without alcohol.' This struck down suggestions that Saudi Arabia would follow in the footsteps of Qatar, another Muslim country, when they hosted the football tournament in 2022. Supporters there were able to buy alcohol from selected hotels, but not at the stadiums. International football events are a popular time for British football fans to drink alcohol. Pubgoers drank 364 million pints during the Euro 2020 tournament, with the final between England and Italy seeing 13 million sunk alone. More Trending However the new licensing laws permitting alcohol will roll out in 2026. This is just four years before they host the Expo 2030 in their capital Riyadh. The large international exhibition takes place every five years in different cities and showcases the national achievements while promoting global co-operation. Metro approached the Saudi Arabian government for comment. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: I tried 50 tinnies and found the best canned drink for summer MORE: Morrisons launches UK supermarket first with brand new £1.50 drinks 'on tap' MORE: The 'crowd pleasing' Irish beer set to take Guinness's stout crown
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Saudi Arabia to lift booze ban at 600 tourist locations by 2026 in bid to lure in holidaymakers ahead of World Cup
SAUDI Arabia will lift its long-standing booze ban at 600 tourist sites by 2026 — in a boozy bid to attract visitors ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup and 2030 Expo. In a shock U-turn, the ultra-conservative Kingdom will allow the sale of wine, beer, and cider at licensed locations including five-star hotels, luxury resorts, and expat-friendly compounds. 5 Saudi Arabia will lift its alcohol ban ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup Credit: Getty 5 The move comes as part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 plan to boost international tourism 5 Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Booze will still be banned in public, homes, shops, and fan zones — with spirits off the menu altogether under strict new rules. The dramatic policy shift is part of Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman's Vision 2030 drive to boost international tourism, lure foreign cash and shake off its teetotal image. Officials hope controlled alcohol sales in glitzy areas like Neom, Sindalah Island and the Red Sea Project will help the country compete with Gulf rivals like the UAE and Bahrain — where boozing is already legal in tourist zones. Licensed venues will operate under a tightly regulated system, with trained staff and strict rules to prevent abuse and uphold the Kingdom's Islamic values. The goal, authorities said, 'is to welcome the world without losing cultural identity — positioning Saudi Arabia as a progressive, yet respectful player on the global tourism map.' The plan is set to roll out in 2026 — eight years before the World Cup kicks off — and comes amid growing pressure to modernise the Kingdom's image. Several global hotel chains are already rejigging their blueprints to accommodate booze zones, with tourism bosses eyeing a flood of new jobs and international investment. It follows a dry storm earlier this year when Saudi's ambassador to the UK announced alcohol will be banned entirely at the 2034 World Cup, sparking fury among England fans. Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud told LBC radio in February: 'There is no alcohol at all, rather like our weather, it's a dry country. Saudi's plan for $5b world's tallest skyscraper twice the height of Burj Khalifa "Everyone has their own culture. We're happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture but we don't want to change our culture for someone else. 'It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event and, to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come.' Fan Tim Bailey fumed on X: 'Their country, their rules. But why the f*** would anyone want to go there anyway?' One supporter added: 'Weird . . . they always want everyone else to change their culture for them.' But now, Saudi insiders hope the new booze policy will silence critics and show the country is ready to party — with limits. 5 Officials hope easing the ban will allow the country to better compete with Gulf neighbours such as the United Arab Emirates (pictured) Credit: Getty 5 In Dubai, for instance, boozing is already legal in tourist zones Credit: Alamy Sources say the model is inspired by successful alcohol rollouts in Dubai and Manama, where tight control has boosted tourism and business without trashing tradition. The Kingdom insists this will not be a free-for-all — and anyone caught misusing the system will face swift consequences. 'Sales will only happen under controlled environments, with licensed service staff and clear operational rules in place to make sure alcohol is handled responsibly and respectfully,' a government statement read. Spirits and hard liquor above 20% ABV will remain banned, with no sign of shops, takeaways or home brewing being permitted.
The Irish Sun
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Saudi Arabia to lift booze ban at 600 tourist locations by 2026 in bid to lure in holidaymakers ahead of World Cup
SAUDI Arabia will lift its long-standing booze ban at 600 tourist sites by 2026 — in a boozy bid to attract visitors ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup and 2030 Expo. In a shock U-turn, the ultra-conservative Kingdom will allow the sale of wine, beer, and cider at licensed locations including five-star hotels, luxury resorts, and expat-friendly compounds. 5 Saudi Arabia will lift its alcohol ban ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup Credit: Getty 5 The move comes as part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 plan to boost international tourism 5 Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Booze will still be banned in public, homes, shops, and fan zones — with spirits off the menu altogether under strict new rules. The dramatic policy shift is part of Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman's Vision 2030 drive to boost international tourism, lure foreign cash and shake off its teetotal image. Officials hope controlled alcohol sales in glitzy areas like Neom, Sindalah Island and the Red Sea Project will help the country compete with Gulf rivals like the UAE and Bahrain — where boozing is already legal in tourist zones. Licensed venues will operate under a tightly regulated system, with trained staff and strict rules to prevent abuse and uphold the Kingdom's Islamic values. The goal, authorities said, 'is to welcome the world without losing cultural identity — positioning Saudi Arabia as a progressive, yet respectful player on the global tourism map.' The plan is set to roll out in 2026 — eight years before the World Cup kicks off — and comes amid growing pressure to modernise the Kingdom's image. Several global hotel chains are already rejigging their blueprints to accommodate booze zones, with tourism bosses eyeing a flood of new jobs and international investment. It follows a dry storm earlier this year when Saudi's ambassador to the UK announced Most read in The US Sun Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud told LBC radio in February: 'There is no alcohol at all, rather like our Saudi's plan for $5b world's tallest skyscraper twice the height of Burj Khalifa "Everyone has their own culture. We're happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture but we don't want to change our culture for someone else. 'It is not a Fan Tim Bailey fumed on X: 'Their country, their rules. But why the f*** would anyone want to go there anyway?' One supporter added: 'Weird . . . they always want everyone else to change their culture for them.' But now, Saudi insiders hope the new booze policy will silence critics and show the country is ready to party — with limits. 5 Officials hope easing the ban will allow the country to better compete with Gulf neighbours such as the United Arab Emirates (pictured) Credit: Getty 5 In Dubai, for instance, boozing is already legal in tourist zones Credit: Alamy Sources say the model is inspired by successful alcohol rollouts in Dubai and Manama, where tight control has boosted tourism and business without trashing tradition. The Kingdom insists this will not be a free-for-all — and anyone caught misusing the system will face swift consequences. Read more on the Irish Sun 'Sales will only happen under controlled environments, with licensed service staff and clear operational rules in place to make sure alcohol is handled responsibly and respectfully,' a government statement read. Spirits and hard liquor above 20% ABV will remain banned, with no sign of shops, takeaways or home brewing being permitted. Why is alcohol banned in Saudi Arabia? ALCOHOL is banned in Saudi Arabia because the country's legal system is based on Islamic law, or Sharia, which strictly prohibits the consumption, sale, and possession of alcohol. This ban stems from Islam's teachings, particularly the Qur'an, which considers intoxicants to be haram, or forbidden. Verses in the Qur'an warn against the use of alcohol, culminating in a clear directive for believers to avoid it altogether. Saudi Arabia follows a strict interpretation of Sunni Islam known as Wahhabism, which enforces these religious prohibitions through law. As a result, producing, importing, or drinking alcohol is illegal and punishable by harsh penalties, including fines, imprisonment, deportation for foreigners, and formerly, public flogging. The ban is also deeply rooted in the country's conservative social norms, where alcohol is associated with immoral behavior and societal disruption. The ruling Saudi royal family also relies on support from the religious establishment, and maintaining the alcohol ban reinforces their political legitimacy and alignment with Islamic values. While recent reforms under the Vision 2030 initiative are pushing for modernization, including a controlled rollout of alcohol sales in tourist areas from 2026, the core prohibition remains firmly in place to preserve cultural and religious identity.
The Sun
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Inside Saudi's blood-soaked $8.8TRILLION Neom megacity project plagued by death & chaos as it grinds to humiliating halt
WHEN Saudi Arabia revealed its ambitious $500billion megacity project, set to be a glittering jewel in the heart of the country's desert, the world marvelled. But the Middle Eastern nation's NEOM project - which would see a high-tech utopia built from scratch near the country's border with Jordan - has long been cursed as one worker reveals all. 10 10 10 10 NEOM was announced as part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's Project 2030 in 2017 - a major push to wean the oil-rich nation's economy off its reliance on fossil fuels. NEOM will be a futuristic city across 26,000 sqft on the Red Sea and will include smaller projects The Line, Oxagon, Trojena, Sindalah and the Gulf of Aqaba Projects. Stunning concept art gave a taste of what was to come, from floating structures to luxury holiday and ski resorts, but eight years on and not much progress has been made. The daring project has been plagued by setbacks and controversy ever since the first construction workers descended into the sprawling dunes. The anticipated cost of delivering the gargantuan scheme is reported to have spiralled from $500bn (£386bn) estimate to a head-spinning $8.8 trillion (£6.8 trillion), according to The New Civil Engineer. But even more shocking are the human rights abuses and brutal conditions for workers looming over NEOM - issues that have plagued the country well before the project. As many as 21,000 are reported to have died during construction on various sections of NEOM, although Saudi authorities have disputed this figure. One former employee has shared their story of working at the gigaproject with The Sun, shedding light on the atrocities taking place behind NEOM's doors. Rights organisations have long blasted the Saudi regime's record on workers' welfare, with a recent Human Rights Watch report detailing the "gruesome yet avoidable" deaths faced by many migrant workers. The advocacy group mentions that some workers die falling from buildings, by electrocution, and even decapitation. Human Rights Watch researcher Joey Shea told the Sun: "Unfortunately migrant workers in Saudi Arabia continue to face widespread abuses, some of which may amount to situations of forced labour, including at high profile gigaprojects. "On NEOM, Human Rights Watch has found that ambitious targets set by Saudi authorities have tight and unrealistic deadlines which can lead employers to demand that workers continue to work under dangerous conditions. "Migrant workers in Saudi Arabia experience illegal and exorbitant Recruitment Fees, limits to job mobility, obstacles exiting the country, as well as serious health and safety risks." Michael, whose name has been changed to protect his identity, told The Sun that the project is unlikely to be anywhere near complete before 2055. Talking about delays, Michael said: "From the very beginning, NEOM had a very long timeline. "There were certain objectives they wanted to achieve by 2030, but most of the leadership were aware of a longer timeframe." Michael said NEOM's management has "overspent quite a bit" since its announcement. He says: "They were focusing on way too many things at the same time. "They just wanted everything at the highest level possible. The biggest entertainment complex in the world. The biggest media studio in the region. "No matter how much money you throw at the thing, it takes more than just money to make it work." The much hyped project, aided by an aggressive social media marketing campaign, has sought to big up NEOM as a vision of futuristic city living. Sci-fi ideas from levitating trains to an artificial moon are reported to have been among the features of the project. But NEOM continues to fall chronically behind schedule, with many of its most ambitious projects still looking like a distant dream. Speaking exclusively to The Sun, the former employee described the work culture at NEOM. 10 10 10 He said: "When I started doing the project, I talked to some people and said that it's absolutely crazy. "Then my Saudi friend told me that in this region, things tend to not be the way they seem. In reality, you never know what's going on in the highest echelons of power." NEOM brands itself as the "future of urban living", aimed at providing sustainable living with 100% renewable energy. One of the flagship proposals in the project is The Line - a single-building high-tech "city" that would house nine million people in just 34 square kilometres. Located deep in the desert, NEOM's construction has also seen horrifying reports of forced displacement of tribal villagers from to make way for construction. Those who resisted suffered a brutal crackdown, which has drawn furious condemnation from human rights groups. A report into the matter by Saudi human rights group ALQST reads: "The NEOM project, which has been mired in secrecy from the start and marked by serious rights violations, shows the extent to which the Saudi authorities are prepared to proceed with planned projects at the expense of local inhabitants." Julia Legner, executive director at ALQST for human rights, told The Sun: "While the project faces reported delays and downsizing, the human rights concerns remain as pressing as ever. "These include widespread labour rights abuses and uninvestigated worker deaths, and the continued imprisonment of dozens of local inhabitants who peacefully opposed their forced displacement. "At this critical juncture, companies involved—or considering involvement—must carefully assess the situation and take appropriate action to avoid complicity in these ongoing abuses." Many experts have questioned the viability of the proposals, and Michael is sceptical they will ever be realised. "Maybe the idea of The Line and robot cops is a very expensive marketing ploy. But it's worked," he said. "So what if it's going to be scaled back? They've achieved their objective. It's put Saudi Arabia on the map. "Even if NEOM just becomes a small tourist resort with some hotel and villas, that would already be seen as a massive success." Saudi Arabia has invested vast sums in prestige building projects across the country over the past decade. This isn't just limited to NEOM, with plans to build the world's tallest building in Jeddah and numerous stadiums for the 2034 FIFA World Cup also well underway. Top 5 blunders plaguing NEOM project BY Juliana Cruz Lima, Foreign News Reporter Saudi Arabia's NEOM project, despite its ambitious vision, has been criticized for several major blunders that have raised concerns about its feasibility, ethics, and overall execution. Here are the top five major blunders associated with the project: Forced Displacement of Indigenous Communities: One of the most significant controversies surrounding NEOM is the forced displacement of the Huwaitat tribe. This indigenous community, which has lived in the area for centuries, was forcibly removed from their ancestral lands to make way for the development of the mega-city. The Saudi government's crackdown on those who resisted, including the killing of a tribal leader, Abdul Rahim al-Howeiti, has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organisations. This blunder not only sparked international outrage but also tainted NEOM's image as a forward-thinking, humane project. Environmental Impact and Sustainability Concerns: NEOM has been marketed as an environmentally sustainable city, but the environmental impact of such a massive development is a major concern. The project's scale—covering over 26,500 square kilometers—poses significant risks to local ecosystems, particularly in the Red Sea, which is home to rich marine biodiversity. Critics argue that the construction of artificial islands and extensive urbanisation could lead to irreversible ecological damage. The enormous water and energy demands required to maintain a green city in the desert also raise questions about the project's sustainability. Economic Viability and Cost Overruns: NEOM is one of the most expensive development projects in history. But there are serious doubts about its economic viability. Critics question whether the project can attract the necessary foreign investment and whether it will generate sufficient returns to justify the enormous expenditure. The economic risks are further compounded by potential cost overruns and delays, which are common in megaprojects of this scale. This financial gamble has led some to worry that NEOM could become a costly white elephant if it fails to meet its ambitious goals. Technological Overreach and Ethical Concerns: NEOM is envisioned as a high-tech city, heavily reliant on artificial intelligence, robotics, and extensive surveillance systems. While this technological ambition is central to NEOM's identity, it also raises significant ethical concerns. The level of surveillance planned for the city could lead to unprecedented control over residents' lives, sparking fears about privacy and civil liberties. The lack of transparency about how AI will be used, coupled with concerns about job displacement, has also led to criticism that NEOM's technological vision may be more dystopian than utopian. Cultural and Social Disconnect: NEOM's vision of a futuristic, liberalized society clashes sharply with Saudi Arabia's deeply conservative cultural norms. The project plans to introduce mixed-gender sports, entertainment events, and other liberal lifestyle elements that are rare in the kingdom. This cultural shift has raised concerns about a potential clash between NEOM's globalised vision and the traditional values of Saudi society. The disconnect between the project's ambitions and the broader cultural context has led to skepticism about whether NEOM can truly integrate into Saudi Arabia's social fabric without causing significant friction. But widespread problems with workers' rights have been reported across these projects, with Human Rights Watch blasting a "blatant failure to protect migrant workers" in the country. "These abuses are enabled by Saudi Arabia's kafala, or labour sponsorship, system that ties the legal status of migrant workers to their respective sponsors," the group says. An Amnesty International spokesperson told The Sun: 'With projects like NEOM Saudi Arabia is trying to present a glitzy, futuristic vision of the country, but this should not come at the expense of human rights. 'Governments supporting investment in the project have a clear obligation to ensure they are not contributing to human rights violations and all investors, and companies involved in NEOM have a responsibility to carry out necessary due diligence checks to identify, prevent and address human rights abuses. "No vision of the future can justify trampling on human rights today.' But Michael believes the country is ultimately "heading in the right direction", noting the lifting of a ban on women driving and reduction in policing of religion. "NEOM is an incredibly interesting business story. It's a big story in how big projects sometimes fail," Michael said. The Saudi embassy in London and NEOM were contacted for comment. 10 10
