Latest News from Saudi Gazette
Saudi Gazette
4 hours ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
GASTAT: Saudi families occupy 4.4 million homes
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) revealed on Thursday that the total number of homes occupied by Saudi families reached 4.4 million. This figure records an increase of 233,000 houses compared to the houses registered in the census of 2022, with a growth rate of 2.7 percent. The percentage of housing occupied by Saudi families reached 50.6 percent of the total housing occupied by families, while the average size of the Saudi family reached 4.9 individuals. The results of the housing survey for the year 2024 showed that the percentage of housing occupied by Saudi families in the type of apartments is the highest, representing 45 percent, followed by villas, with 31 percent of the total housing occupied by Saudi families. The GASTAT survey indicated that the building materials used for housing by 90 percent of the total housing occupied by Saudi families is reinforced concrete. It noted that the housing occupied by Saudi families whose approximate age ranges between 10 and 19 years is the highest percentage in the Kingdom, reaching 35.1 percent of the total housing occupied by Saudi families. The results indicated that the percentage of housing occupied by Saudi families, and its area ranges between 150 and 299 squares, is the highest in the Kingdom, with 44.7 percent of the total housing occupied by Saudi families. According to the results of the survey, the percentage of housing occupied by Saudi families, whose total number of rooms from 4 to 6 rooms is the highest, as it reached 57 percent, while the percentage of housing in which the number of bedrooms has 3 bedrooms or less is the highest, as it reached 69.1 percent of the total housing occupied by Saudi families.
Saudi Gazette
5 hours ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia showcases investment prospects at ASEAN, GCC and China Economic Forum
Saudi Gazette report KUALA LUMPUR — The Saudi Ministry of Investment showcased its vast investment opportunities during its participation in the Economic Forum of ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China. A delegation from the Saudi public and private sectors took part in the forum, which was held alongside the ASEAN–GCC Summit and the ASEAN–GCC–China Summit, hosted by the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur from May 27 to 29. The participation is part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to maintain a strong presence at major international events to showcase the Kingdom's investment environment and its developments across various economic sectors. It also aimed to highlight Saudi Arabia's investment opportunities and strategic initiatives under the Saudi Vision 2030. On the forum's first day, the ministry organized a special session titled "Enhancing ASEAN-GCC-China Investments" as part of its efforts to develop the investment climate and build strategic partnerships. Saudi Deputy Minister of Investment for International Relations Sara Al-Sayed addressed the session. The ministry presented several initiatives during the session.
Saudi Gazette
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi foreign minister receives head of African Union Commission
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf at the ministry's headquarters in Riyadh on Thursday. During the meeting, they reviewed relations between the Kingdom and the African Union and discussed ways to enhance cooperation across various fields. They also addressed issues of mutual interest. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khereiji and Saudi Ambassador to Ethiopia Dr. Fahd Al-Humaidani attended the meeting.
Saudi Gazette
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
FM Araghchi: Iran won't allow any disruption in relations with Saudi Arabia
Saudi Gazette report TEHRAN — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that relations with Saudi Arabia have become a matter of significant concern in light of recent developments, reported. He emphasized that Tehran is keen on maintaining bilateral relations and ensuring that the Hajj season is not affected. Araghchi emphasized that Iran will continue its fraternal relations with Saudi Arabia and will not allow any disruption to them. "The issue of relations with Saudi Arabia is receiving critical attention due to the recent developments. I am in contact with our friends in the mission of the Supreme Leader as well as with the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization, to ensure that there is no disruption to the process of sending Iranian pilgrims or Hajj-related arrangements," he said. "We are completely serious about relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The neighborhood policy we initiated some time ago is a very important policy, and Saudi Arabia occupies a very important position in this policy," he added. It is noteworthy that the visit of Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to Iran and meeting top Iranian leaders last month was instrumental in further improving the bilateral relations between the two countries. During his official visit to the Iranian capital, the Saudi minister met with Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri.
Saudi Gazette
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Fernando Hierro: Ronaldo renewal a priority, Al Nassr project needs time and stability
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Al Nassr sporting director Fernando Hierro has confirmed that renewing Cristiano Ronaldo's contract is a top priority for the club, describing the Portuguese star's presence as part of a broader 'national project' rather than just a marquee signing. Speaking during a two-hour end-of-season press conference at the club's headquarters in Riyadh on Thursday, Hierro addressed speculation surrounding the future of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, whose contract runs through June 30. He said both the player and the club are keen on an extension, despite interest from European and Asian teams. 'Cristiano is not just a player; he's a phenomenon who changed the perception of the league. His presence helped bring in other players and improved everything around us,' Hierro said. 'We're in ongoing talks and hope he continues with us.'Hierro, a former Real Madrid and Spain legend, outlined his broader vision for the club, emphasizing that building a sustainable football project requires time, structure, and insisted that Al Nassr is undergoing a period of transformation that includes investments in youth development, staffing, and first-team Spaniard defended the club's performance this season, despite missing out on major trophies and finishing third in the pointed out that such a position would qualify for Champions League football in Europe and questioned why it doesn't in Saudi Arabia.'There's too much pressure to win immediately, but real success comes from building. We were close in many competitions. That shows potential,' he said. 'Stability and continuity are essential.'Hierro also addressed the failed negotiations with defender Ali Lajami, who recently moved to Al Hilal, saying both parties had different reiterated confidence in coach Stefano Pioli, confirming that the Italian will remain at the helm with over a year left on his player transfers, Hierro revealed that significant changes are expected this summer, with both foreign and domestic players being also confirmed that goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi, loaned out for national team purposes, is expected to to criticism and calls for his resignation, Hierro said: 'This isn't a one-man job. Everyone needs to be aligned. Replacing the sporting director just for missing one trophy doesn't make sense.'As for Ronaldo's impact, Hierro highlighted the forward's leadership and influence off the pitch. 'Cristiano helped us improve everything—from the training grounds to the mentality of the players,' he a 42-day preseason on the horizon, Hierro concluded with optimism: 'We are planning calmly and smartly. Next season, the goal is clear — titles and progress.'
