Latest news with #SR900
Arab News
08-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia boosts industrial output with 103 new factories
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has announced the launch of 103 new factories in January, marking a significant milestone for the Kingdom's industrial sector. These factories attracted a total investment of SR900 million ($240 million), generating approximately 1,504 new jobs and underscoring the continued growth of the country's industrial landscape. The announcement, made on April 8, highlights the increasing number of establishments reaching full operational capacity. In January, the ministry also issued 63 new industrial licenses, according to the National Industrial and Mining Information Center, which operates under the ministry. As part of its Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia is accelerating efforts to diversify its economy, with the industrial and manufacturing sectors playing a key role in reducing the country's reliance on oil. Programs like the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program are central to the Kingdom's strategy, aiming to establish Saudi Arabia as a leading regional hub for advanced manufacturing, with a focus on petrochemicals, mining, and renewable energy. Saudi Arabia is set to transform its industrial landscape with plans to increase the number of factories to 36,000 by 2035, including 4,000 fully automated facilities. This ambitious goal is part of the Kingdom's strategy to foster a dynamic, innovation-driven industrial sector. In January, the country's industrial production index saw a 1.3 percent year-on-year increase, driven by continued growth in manufacturing and waste management, according to the General Authority for Statistics. The index remained stable month-on-month at 103.9, maintaining the same level as in December 2024. The manufacturing sub-index rose by 4 percent annually, supported by a 4.3 percent increase in the production of coke and refined petroleum products, along with a 4.2 percent rise in chemicals and chemical products. The report, which tracks key industrial indicators, showed that investments related to new industrial licenses amounted to SR1.197 billion, with these projects expected to generate over 2,500 new job opportunities across the Kingdom. In 2023, the number of industrial units in Saudi Arabia surged by 10 percent year-on-year, reaching 11,549, according to the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources. Jarrah Al-Jarrah, a spokesman for the ministry, also revealed that the new industrial organizations were established with an investment totaling SR1.54 trillion.
Gulf Insider
20-03-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Man Arrested After Reckless Car Stunts Injure Four
Saudi police said they had arrested a citizen accused of injuring four persons while he performed dangerous car stunts in the kingdom's Eastern Province. The offender appeared in a video clip ramming into people and two parked vehicles while performing the stunts in Khafji governorate. The province's traffic authorities said the accident had left four persons wounded, all of whom were hospitalized. Material damage was reported. The offender has been referred to the public prosecution after legal procedures were completed. There were no immediate details when the accident happened or the medical condition of the authorities have toughened penalties against traffic violations to reduce road crashes. Street race-like car stunts are illegal in Saudi Arabia where the risky practice is punishable for the first-time offender by impounding the vehicle for 15 days and a fine of SR20,000. On repeat, the offender pays a fine of SR40,000 and is referred to the court where the violator could face imprisonment, while the car is impounded for one month. If caught involved in the practice for a third time, the offender pays a fine of SR60,000, stands trial at the court that rules if the car should be confiscated or ordering the violator pay a fine equivalent to the value of a stolen car, or even send him to jail. Authorities have also warned that using a cellphone at the wheel is an offence punishable by a fine of up to SR900, while driving a vehicle with an unclear or damaged number plate is a traffic infringement punishable by fines of SR1,000 to 2,000.
Arab News
06-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia attracts 2.5m sports tourists in last 4 years: Al-Khateeb
RIYADH: Some 2.5 million tourists have been drawn to Saudi Arabia in the past four years thanks to its ever-growing sports offerings, according to a senior government official. In a post on Linkedin, Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said that 80 international events staged in the Kingdom over that time have helped reshape the Saudi economy. According to the minister, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix alone, which debuted in Jeddah in 2021, has brought in spectators from 160 countries, created 20,000 jobs, and generated SR900 million ($240 million) in economic impact. Saudi Arabia is using sports tourism to advance its Vision 2030 goals, reducing reliance on oil while expanding its tourism sector, with a target of 150 million annual visitors by the end of the decade. 'For Saudi Arabia, sports tourism is a pillar of transformation, deeply embedded in Saudi Vision 2030,' Al-Khateeb said. The minister highlighted the Kingdom's pivotal role in the global industry, which now accounts for 10 percent of tourism expenditure across the world and is projected to grow by 17.5 percent by 2030. Major international events hosted in Saudi Arabia include WWE Super Showdown, the Saudi Pro-Golf Championship, Battle of the Champions, and Formula E. It has also staged the E-Prix, the International Handball Federation Super Globe, and the Saudi International Meeting for Disabilities Sport. In November, Saudi Arabia hosted the 2025 Indian Premier League auction, a major cricketing event which features 10 professional clubs. Al-Khateeb called the Kingdom's hosting of the 2034 FIFA World Cup the 'natural next step' in Saudi Arabia's ongoing transformation journey. 'As the first country to host a 48-team FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia will unite more fans from around the world like never before — creating an unprecedented global gathering,' he said, adding: 'With 60 percent of the world's population within an eight-hour flight, this positions us to deliver one of the most accessible and connected tournaments in history.' The minister noted that the Kingdom is investing in 15 new stadiums designed to meet long-term infrastructure needs and accommodate a growing influx of international fans. Al-Khateeb said the collaboration between Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Sports is turning sporting events into platforms for storytelling, expression, and national pride. He added that sustainability is central to the Kingdom's sports tourism strategy, with green principles at its core. 'Through the Saudi Green Initiative, the Kingdom has pledged to source 50 percent of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2060,' he said. 'Saudi Arabia has therefore been ensuring, as well as proving, that not only do sustainability and progress go hand in hand, but sustainable practices remain central to our sporting infrastructure.' The minister said Saudi Arabia is heavily investing in youth and grassroots sports to strengthen the sector. More than 20,000 players are part of the Schools League, supported by 18 regional youth training centers across the Kingdom. Women's sports are also growing, with participation rising 149 percent since 2015, highlighting the Kingdom's commitment to a diverse sports environment. Al-Khateeb added that Saudi Arabia aims to attract 150 million international tourists annually, with direct flights from 250 destinations, reinforcing its position as a global sports tourism hub. 'The road ahead is an unprecedented opportunity — for players, for fans, and for nations harnessing the power of sport as a driver for transformation. As Saudi Arabia continues this visionary journey, it is not only preparing to host the world, it is shaping the future of sports tourism beyond the game,' he said.
Zawya
05-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia attracted 2.5mln sports tourists in four years, says ministry
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has welcomed 2.5 million sports tourists over the past four years, hosting 80 international sporting events as part of its rapid transformation under Vision 2030, according to Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb. In a recent article on LinkedIn, Al-Khateeb highlighted the Kingdom's growing role in the global sports tourism industry, which now accounts for 10% of global tourism expenditure and is expected to grow by 17.5% by 2030. Saudi Arabia has quickly established itself as a key player in global sports tourism, attracting fans and athletes from around the world. Events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Jeddah have drawn visitors from 160 countries, generated 20,000 job opportunities, and contributed SR900 million to the economy. The Kingdom has also hosted a diverse range of major sporting competitions, including the WWE Super Showdown, the Saudi Pro Golf Championship, Battle of the Champions, Formula E, the International Handball Federation Super Globe, and the Saudi International Meeting for Disabilities Sport. 'Our ambitions extend far beyond what we have achieved so far,' Al-Khateeb said, emphasizing Saudi Arabia's landmark role as the first country set to host a 48-team FIFA World Cup in 2034. With 60% of the world's population within an eight-hour flight, Saudi Arabia is positioned to deliver one of the most accessible and connected tournaments in history. As part of its long-term vision, the Kingdom is investing in 15 stadiums designed not only to accommodate global sports fans but also to serve as long-term hubs for sports, entertainment, and community engagement. Al-Khateeb emphasized that Saudi Arabia's sports tourism strategy is about more than just hosting events — it is about creating a long-term cultural and economic impact. The collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Sport has turned sporting events into platforms for storytelling, national pride, and cultural exchange. 'This combination of immersive fan experiences, heritage-driven activities, and world-class entertainment deepens visitors' connection to the Kingdom,' he said. Sustainability is central to Saudi Arabia's sports tourism strategy. Under the Saudi Green Initiative, the Kingdom has pledged to source 50% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060. 'Saudi Arabia has shown that sustainability and progress go hand in hand,' AlKhateeb noted, adding that sustainable practices are embedded in the country's sporting infrastructure. The Kingdom is also investing heavily in youth and grassroots sports. More than 20,000 young athletes participate in the Schools League, supported by 18 regional training centers. Additionally, a $300 million annual investment is fueling the development of football clubs, ensuring long-term sporting excellence. Women's sports are also on the rise, with participation increasing by 149% since 2015, reflecting Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering a diverse and competitive sports environment. Saudi Arabia aims to welcome 150 million international tourists annually by 2030, with direct flights from 250 destinations, further strengthening its position as a global hub for sports tourism. 'The road ahead presents an unprecedented opportunity — for players, for fans, and for nations harnessing the power of sport as a driver of transformation,' AlKhateeb concluded. 'As Saudi Arabia continues this visionary journey, it is not only preparing to host the world, it is shaping the future of sports tourism beyond the game.' © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Saudi Gazette
05-03-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia attracted 2.5 million sports tourists in four years, says ministry
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has welcomed 2.5 million sports tourists over the past four years, hosting 80 international sporting events as part of its rapid transformation under Vision 2030, according to Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb. In a recent article on LinkedIn, Al-Khateeb highlighted the Kingdom's growing role in the global sports tourism industry, which now accounts for 10% of global tourism expenditure and is expected to grow by 17.5% by 2030. Saudi Arabia has quickly established itself as a key player in global sports tourism, attracting fans and athletes from around the world. Events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Jeddah have drawn visitors from 160 countries, generated 20,000 job opportunities, and contributed SR900 million to the economy. The Kingdom has also hosted a diverse range of major sporting competitions, including the WWE Super Showdown, the Saudi Pro Golf Championship, Battle of the Champions, Formula E, the International Handball Federation Super Globe, and the Saudi International Meeting for Disabilities Sport. 'Our ambitions extend far beyond what we have achieved so far,' Al-Khateeb said, emphasizing Saudi Arabia's landmark role as the first country set to host a 48-team FIFA World Cup in 2034. With 60% of the world's population within an eight-hour flight, Saudi Arabia is positioned to deliver one of the most accessible and connected tournaments in part of its long-term vision, the Kingdom is investing in 15 stadiums designed not only to accommodate global sports fans but also to serve as long-term hubs for sports, entertainment, and community emphasized that Saudi Arabia's sports tourism strategy is about more than just hosting events — it is about creating a long-term cultural and economic impact. The collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Sport has turned sporting events into platforms for storytelling, national pride, and cultural exchange.'This combination of immersive fan experiences, heritage-driven activities, and world-class entertainment deepens visitors' connection to the Kingdom,' he is central to Saudi Arabia's sports tourism strategy. Under the Saudi Green Initiative, the Kingdom has pledged to source 50% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.'Saudi Arabia has shown that sustainability and progress go hand in hand,' AlKhateeb noted, adding that sustainable practices are embedded in the country's sporting Kingdom is also investing heavily in youth and grassroots sports. More than 20,000 young athletes participate in the Schools League, supported by 18 regional training centers. Additionally, a $300 million annual investment is fueling the development of football clubs, ensuring long-term sporting sports are also on the rise, with participation increasing by 149% since 2015, reflecting Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering a diverse and competitive sports Arabia aims to welcome 150 million international tourists annually by 2030, with direct flights from 250 destinations, further strengthening its position as a global hub for sports tourism.'The road ahead presents an unprecedented opportunity — for players, for fans, and for nations harnessing the power of sport as a driver of transformation,' AlKhateeb concluded. 'As Saudi Arabia continues this visionary journey, it is not only preparing to host the world, it is shaping the future of sports tourism beyond the game.'
