Category: Economy

Sukkari dates led sales at the Al-Khabra dates festival, accounting for over 70% of August sales, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s agricultural excellence.

Prince Naif International Airport in Qassim now serves 18 destinations via 16 airlines, boosting connectivity and aligning with Vision 2030 goals.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi reaffirms joint efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, enhancing financial integrity and supporting Vision 2030.

Jazan Chamber’s World Entrepreneurs’ Day program leverages AI and expert consulting to empower local businesses, aligning with Vision 2030.

Najran Chamber organized an entrepreneurs’ fair to mark World Entrepreneurs’ Day, featuring workshops and panels to support local business talent and Vision 2030.

Al-Badayea Dates Market in Qassim boosts agricultural trade, supports youth enterprises, and aligns with Vision 2030 goals. Read about its impact on Saudi economy.

Wadi Makkah Company for Technology launches an integrated service to help global companies enter the Saudi market, boosting investment and entrepreneurship in line with Vision 2030.

ZATCA reminds businesses with over SAR40 million supplies to file July VAT returns by August 31, 2026, to avoid fines. Learn how to comply.

GAFT initiates anti-dumping investigation into cardboard imports from India and China to protect domestic industry under Vision 2030.

Saudi Stock Exchange main index gains 28.77 points to 10,954.46, with SAR5 billion in transactions, reflecting robust investor confidence and Vision 2030 progress.

Saudi Arabia issues 1,360 licenses for collective housing, serving one million workers, under new regulations to improve living standards and support Vision 2030.

EXPRO signs framework agreement with Riyadh Air to join government ERCAB, expanding travel options and boosting efficiency.

Al-Khabra Dates Festival in Qassim features over 40 date varieties, with Sukkari leading sales. The event boosts farmers and aligns with Vision 2030.

The Al-Bukayriyah Date Market in Qassim thrives in 2026, boosting the local economy through auctions, diverse varieties, and support for small businesses under Saudi Vision 2030.

The Bukeiriyah Date Market in Qassim, Saudi Arabia, is boosting the local economy in 2026 with record trading, support for farmers, and alignment with Vision 2030.

Buraidah Dates Market in Qassim opens 2026 season, boosting local economy, supporting farmers, and promoting Saudi date varieties under Vision 2030.

Japan’s core machinery orders surged 9.7% in June 2026, reaching ¥1,055.8 billion, signaling robust business investment and economic recovery.

Estidamah organizes a sustainable banana farming workshop in Jazan to enhance crop quality and resource efficiency, supporting Vision 2030.

The US dollar fell to multi-month lows amid easing Treasury yields and awaited Fed minutes, with implications for global markets and Saudi Arabia’s economy.

Saudi dates enter Houston retail market, gaining consumer appreciation. This move supports Vision 2030 export goals and economic diversification.

Oil prices edged higher on supply uncertainty. Brent rose 0.29% to $91.28, WTI to $85.31. Saudi Arabia’s role in market stability and Vision 2030.

Japanese stocks fell sharply, with Nikkei down 2.97%, amid global tech sell-off. Saudi investors are urged to diversify, aligning with Vision 2030.

French 10-year bond yields exceeded 4% for the first time since 2008 amid inflation and geopolitical concerns, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s stable economic vision.

The Central Bank of Syria announced a new electronic payment and digital transformation system to modernize financial transactions, expand options, and enhance security.

Saudi dates see strong demand in Houston, supported by NCPD initiative. Exports exceed 125 countries, valued at SAR 2 billion.

U.S. stock indices fell on August 19, 2026, with the S&P 500 down 0.67%. Saudi Arabia monitors global markets as part of Vision 2030 resilience.

Saudi Aramco and Maaden partner to explore critical minerals for energy transition, boosting Vision 2030 and global mineral supply chains.

The Al-Mithnab date season in Saudi Arabia attracts daily buyers and traders, showcasing over 50 varieties from more than 3,000 farms, boosting the local economy.

Oil prices reached their highest level in three weeks as Middle East tensions persist. Brent crude rose to $91.02, WTI to $84.94, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Saudi Arabia’s Medina region sees agricultural sector growth of 44%, driven by date production, packaging, and exports to 60+ countries, aligning with Vision 2030.

Saudi dates expand in Houston retail markets, driven by high quality and strong consumer interest, supporting Vision 2030 export goals.

Tunisia’s stock exchange index, Tunindex, fell 1.61% to 19,178.96 points on Aug 18, 2026, with trading volume at 11.041 million Tunisian dinars.

Saudi dates are gaining popularity in Houston, Texas, as part of an initiative to boost exports. Learn how this supports Vision 2030 and economic diversification.

Saudi Arabia’s POS transactions hit 249.7 million, worth SAR 14.19 billion in a week, according to SAMA data, reflecting robust consumer spending and digital economy growth.

Saudi Aramco and Ma’aden sign shareholders’ agreement for a joint venture to explore copper and critical minerals in Zone 4, supporting Vision 2030.

Saudi HRDF employs 329,000 citizens in H1 2026, up 23%, with 4.9 billion riyals in support and 171,000 establishments benefited, advancing Vision 2030.

Prince Fahd bin Sultan inaugurates Tabuk Agricultural Products Festival 2026, supporting local farmers, food security, and Vision 2030 goals.

The Al-Mithnab Dates Season in Saudi Arabia receives produce from over 3,000 farms, showcasing more than 50 date varieties and boosting the local economy.

Saudi Arabia’s HRDF enabled 329,000 citizens to join the labor market in H1 2026, a 23% increase, with SAR4.9B in support.

US stocks fell on August 18, 2026, with Dow down 0.20%, S&P 500 0.58%, and Nasdaq 1.12% as oil prices climbed and bond yields stayed high, according to SPA.

Oil prices rose for a third session on supply concerns, with Brent at $91.07 and WTI at $84.99, according to Saudi Press Agency.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad of Hail reviews the Khairat Hail project to support local products, enhance their market presence, and boost regional economic development.

The Khubar and Riyadh Khubar Date Festival showcases over 40 date varieties, with Sukari leading sales. The event supports farmers and aligns with Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia’s Al-Muthanna date season hosts over 3,000 farms, offering 50+ date varieties, supporting farmers, and aligning with Vision 2030.

Amman Stock Exchange closes up 0.32% at 3,978.05 points, with 4.6 million shares traded worth 10.5 million dinars, reflecting regional market stability.

Muscat’s MSX 30 index rose 0.12% to close at 7,549.80 points on August 18, 2026, with market cap up. Learn how this aligns with Vision 2030.

Sudan’s annual inflation fell to 41.61% in July 2026 from 51.28% in June, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics. Urban inflation was 45.24%, rural 39.85%.

Saudi Arabia’s media sector grows 8.2% annually, shifting to a trust-based influence economy aligned with Vision 2030. Discover the Kingdom’s digital transformation.

The Buraidah International Date Carnival in Saudi Arabia has evolved into a key global event, showcasing Qassim’s 580,000-tonne date production and boosting exports to over 100 countries, aligning with Vision 2030.

Gold prices fell on August 18, 2026, due to higher US Treasury yields and rising oil prices. Spot gold dropped 0.5% to $4,391.14. Read more on ksa.com.

Discover how Buraidah International Date Palm Festival evolved into a global platform, boosting Saudi dates’ presence in over 100 countries, supporting Vision 2030.

Bank of Korea report reveals 285,000 fall in youth employment in AI-exposed sectors by June 2026, while older workers gain. Implications for global workforce and Vision 2030.

General Council of Islamic Banks releases 22nd report on statutory reserve requirements in dual banking systems, featuring Malaysia, Indonesia, UAE, Jordan.

Japanese stocks declined on August 18, 2026, as rising oil prices and inflation worries ended a five-session rally. Nikkei fell 1.1%, Topix 0.2%.

Madinah Chamber, Monsha’at, and HRDF hold workshop to support vehicle maintenance sector with programs for SMEs and workforce development.

Gold prices extended gains to a third session, reaching $4,431.09 per ounce, as concerns over US Fed rate hike eased. Investors await Fed minutes for policy clues.

Madinah Chamber, Monsha’at, and Hadaf held a virtual workshop to support vehicle maintenance SMEs, aligning with Vision 2030.

Copper prices climb to near record levels on LME amid 50% drop in inventories and rising demand from EVs and AI infrastructure, highlighting supply crunch.

Brent settles at $90.87, WTI at $84.50, as geopolitical tensions raise supply concerns. Saudi Arabia’s role in stable markets.

U.S. stock indices decline as investors watch retail earnings for consumer spending insights. Explore the implications for global markets and Vision 2030.

Saudi Ports Authority adds PIL’s IRF service at Jeddah Islamic Port, connecting Egypt’s Sokhna and Safaga ports, boosting trade and Vision 2030 logistics goals.

London’s FTSE 100 closed 0.28% lower on August 17, 2026, per Saudi Press Agency. The index fell 29.81 points to 10,720.30, reflecting global market caution.

European stocks ended lower on August 17, 2026, as STOXX 600 fell 0.22%. DAX and CAC 40 also declined. Read ksa.com for market insights.

Gold prices climbed as the dollar weakened and expectations of U.S. rate hikes declined. Spot gold hit $4,387.95, with silver and platinum also gaining.

Canada’s inflation rose to 3% in July, driven by Middle East crisis and gasoline prices. No immediate rate hike expected.

Qatar’s stock index fell 1.52% to 8,892.24 points on August 17, 2026, with 7 stocks rising and 46 falling. Trading data shows market activity remains robust.

Saudi Arabia’s PIF reports 2025 annual results: revenue rises 9% to $120B, net profit doubles to $17B, advancing Vision 2030 goals.

S&P Global Ratings affirms IsDB’s AAA long-term credit rating, citing strong financials, shareholder support, and alignment with Vision 2030.

Diriyah Company and Arab National Bank sign a SAR 2 billion financing agreement to develop luxury residences in Diriyah and Wadi Safar, aligning with Vision 2030.

Karachi Stock Exchange closed 0.22% higher at 180,502 points, with 511M shares traded. Saudi Arabia follows regional markets as part of Vision 2030.

The International Dates Council and Egypt’s Agricultural Research Center hold a regional workshop in Cairo to enhance date sector competitiveness, address geopolitical challenges, and align with Vision 2030.

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) reported robust financial growth in 2025, with revenues rising 9% year-on-year to SAR 450 billion and net profit more than doubling to over SAR 65 billion. The fund’s annual report, released via the Saudi Press Agency, highlights a resilient and diversified portfolio that continues to drive economic transformation in the […]

HADAF announces 329,000 Saudi employees in H1 2026, 23% growth, with 4.9 billion riyals in support and 171,000 enterprises benefiting.

Diriyah Company signs SAR2 billion financing agreement with anb to fund branded residences in Diriyah and Wadi Safar, supporting Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia’s Al-Rass date market records 204 tonnes of sales in 17 days, generating 9.18 million riyals, reflecting agricultural growth under Vision 2030.

Saudi’s Qiwa platform documented 419,381 contracts and 258,829 new users in Q2 2026, boosting Vision 2030 labor market goals with digitalization.

Saudi Arabia’s Al-Rass date market records 204 tonnes of dates sold in the first 17 days, generating SAR 9.18 million, according to official data.

Buraidah International Dates Carnival records SAR98 million in sales during first 15 days of August, with over 8,000 tons of dates sold, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s agricultural strength.

Buraidah International Dates Festival sales exceeded 98 million Saudi Riyal in 15 days, driven by strong visitor turnout and a thriving date market.

Singapore’s non-oil exports rise 24.2% in July, driven by electronics demand. Insights for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Gold prices rose slightly in Asian trading amid a softer U.S. dollar and reduced rate hike expectations, with spot gold up 0.3% to $4,388.62.

Japanese stocks fell as weaker GDP data and Middle East tensions weighed on investor sentiment. Nikkei dips 0.01%, Topix down 0.48%.

Northern Borders Chamber organizes workshop to help businesses leverage seasonal events, boosting local economy and Vision 2030 goals.

Japan’s GDP grew 0.3% in Q2 2026, below expectations, raising BOJ rate hike prospects and impacting global markets.

Standard & Poor’s assigns AAA rating to Islamic Development Bank, affirming financial strength and support for Vision 2030.

Islamic Development Bank receives ‘AAA’ credit rating from S&P, highlighting strong financial position and global leadership in development finance.

Saudi Arabia introduces mandatory cooperative insurance for crowded places and high-risk activities to protect visitors and support Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia’s Environment Fund showcased financing and investment opportunities in Al-Baha, supporting Vision 2030 sustainability goals and private sector growth.

The third Al-Loomi Al-Hasawi Exhibition opens Aug 19 in Al-Ahsa, showcasing the region’s famous lemon and supporting farmers and Vision 2030.

More than 500 marketers boost sales at Buraidah International Date Festival, featuring 27 pathways and 8 auctioneers, highlighting Saudi date industry.

Saudi Arabia’s Al-Mithnab date market opens, offering 50+ varieties, boosting economy and Vision 2030 agricultural goals.

Tunisia’s GDP grows 2.3% in Q2 2026, driven by agriculture and services. Learn about regional impact and Vision 2030 alignment.

Saudi Arabia emerges as a global AI hub, with data center capacity growing sixfold since Vision 2030, major cloud partnerships, and top rankings in digital indexes.

Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure and AI partnerships position it as a global hub, achieving top rankings and advancing Vision 2030.

Over 100 date varieties highlight Qassim’s agricultural diversity at the Buraidah International Dates Carnival, supporting Vision 2030 goals.

Brent crude rises to $88.52, WTI to $82.40 amid Middle East tensions. Saudi Arabia’s role in market stability and Vision 2030 highlighted.

Saudi Arabia’s Buraidah Date Festival welcomes over 100 date varieties daily, highlighting the Kingdom’s agricultural diversity and Vision 2030 goals.

US stocks closed lower on Aug 15, 2026: S&P 500 down 0.17%, Nasdaq down 0.28%, Dow down 0.20%. Learn about the global impact and Vision 2030 alignment.

Prickly pear harvest in Asir supports rural economy and tourism, showcasing local agriculture and Vision 2030 goals.

IsDB Institute and Morocco’s BMICE sign grant to create an Islamic finance window, expanding Sharia-compliant services in the Maghreb, aligning with Vision 2030.