Category: Economy

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.

European stocks closed mixed on August 14, 2026: STOXX 600 down 0.21%, DAX up 0.51%, CAC 40 down 0.16%. Insights from Saudi Press Agency.

The British pound rose against the US dollar and euro on Thursday, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Read more for implications for Saudi Arabia and Vision 2030.

Moscow’s stock indices declined on August 14, 2026, reflecting global volatility. Learn how this impacts Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic goals.

US retail sales fell 0.6% in July 2026, the largest decline since May 2025, according to the Commerce Department. Learn about the impact on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Najran Municipality announces 8 investment opportunities in Hubona, including commercial, residential, and industrial projects, via the Furas portal. Bidding deadlines set.

France’s annual inflation rose to 2.1% in July, up from 1.8% in June, driven by higher energy and services prices, according to final INSEE data.

Saudi Passports Directorate and banks host financial literacy workshop for staff on Financial Awareness Day, aligning with Vision 2030 goals.

European stock markets opened mixed on August 14, 2026, after US inflation data raised expectations of unchanged interest rates. DAX rises, Milan dips.

South Korea’s ICT exports jumped 140.6% in July to $53.4 billion, driven by global AI investments, reaching a record high.

Unaizah International Dates Season starts with vibrant auctions and cultural events, boosting the economy and aligning with Vision 2030.

The yen is set for its largest weekly loss in three months, nearing 160 per dollar, raising expectations of fresh intervention. Read how global markets react.

Gold prices fell 0.5% to $4,330.37 per ounce on Friday, retreating from a two-month high, as investors took profits. SPA reports on the decline.

Saudi Arabia reports slight oil price increase as Brent hits $87.16, WTI $81.29, amid geopolitical factors and Vision 2030 alignment.

Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Islamic Port strengthens its role as a key hub for Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd’s Gemini consortium on AE15 and AE19 routes, boosting Vision 2030 logistics goals.

The US announces tariffs up to 100% on imported drones and components, citing national security. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aligns with global self-reliance trends.

Fitch Ratings keeps U.S. credit rating at AA+ with stable outlook, citing economic resilience and dollar’s reserve status. Growth projected at 1.9% for 2026-27.

The International Dates Season of Unaizah opened in Qassim, boosting Saudi Arabia’s agricultural economy and Vision 2030 goals.

Saudi Ports Authority announces AE15 and AE19 routes to Jeddah Islamic Port, boosting trade and Vision 2030 logistics goals.

The Dates Market in Al-Mithnab Governorate opens with over 50 varieties from local farms, boosting Saudi Arabia’s palm and dates sector and Vision 2030 goals.

Mawani confirms Jeddah Islamic Port as a key hub for Gemini Cooperation’s AE15 and AE19 services via Bab al-Mandab and Suez, boosting Saudi-Asia-Europe trade.

Moscow’s MOEX and RTS indices decline, while Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ensures economic stability and global investment appeal.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Commerce announces over one million discounted products in the ‘2026 Sales’ campaign, running until October 30, boosting retail and e-commerce.

Bahrain General Index rises 2.49 points to 1,954.11, Islamic Index up 3.07 points to 929.66, with telecom and finance sectors leading gains.

Bahrain’s Central Bank announces 104% coverage for 48th government development bond issue worth 200 million dinars, signaling strong investor confidence.

The ‘Naqwa Unaizah’ date season opens in Saudi Arabia, boosting trade and supporting Vision 2030 through agricultural development.

Al-Baha Region’s 140,000 palm trees produce over 2,000 tons of dates annually, supported by Saudi Reef and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.

Al-Bukayriyah dates market sees daily sales exceed 250 tons, boosting Qassim’s economy and supporting Saudi Vision 2030 agricultural goals.

Japanese stocks closed higher on Aug 13, 2026, with Topix at record high led by chip shares, while Nikkei rose 1.16%. Strong earnings and U.S. data boost sentiment.

Infath announces 95 real estate auctions across Saudi Arabia featuring 1,043 assets from Aug 15-31, 2026, supporting Vision 2030 and market liquidity.

Nikkei and Topix climb as semiconductor stocks rally, signaling robust corporate profits and global tech demand.

Dollar climbs as US July inflation aligns with forecasts, easing Fed rate hike bets; yen drops. Saudi Arabia watches currency shifts amid Vision 2030.

Oil prices fell more than $1 on August 13, 2026, after analysts cut demand forecasts. Brent at $87.69, WTI at $81.97. Saudi Arabia remains resilient.

Saudi investor Abdulaziz Al Jalban invests SAR6 million in the Kingdom’s falconry sector, recovering his capital within the first year amid growing institutional support.

Oman announces new government development bond issuance worth 80 million Omani riyals, with 7-year maturity and 4.5% coupon, open for subscription from August 16.

Gold prices rose to $4,416.29 per ounce as the dollar weakened and Fed rate expectations remained steady. Silver and platinum also gained.

Najran’s Culture House launches Youth Bazaar for International Youth Day, featuring 60+ pavilions of youth projects and products, supporting entrepreneurship and Vision 2030.

The Buraidah International Dates Carnival in Qassim organizes a comprehensive marketing journey from farms to shoppers, supporting Saudi Arabia’s date sector and Vision 2030.

Al-Ahsa limes expand across Saudi and Gulf markets with unified branding, packaging standards, and value-added products like juices, oils, and dried limes.

The International Dates Council will hold a regional date sector workshop in Cairo from August 16 to 18, 2026, with Egypt’s Agricultural Research Center, to address trade and supply chain challenges.

Jeddah Mayor and US Green Deer Capital discuss logistics investments, highlighting Vision 2030 goals and public-private partnership opportunities.

The Al-Ahsa lime, a traditional Saudi crop, is gaining market presence locally and in the Gulf, with value-added products and support from Vision 2030.

The Buraidah Dates Carnival showcases over 100 date varieties, including rare cultivars, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 goals for agriculture and food security.

The US dollar held steady in Asian trading as currency markets awaited American inflation data, with the yen, euro, sterling and crypto assets little changed.

Gold prices climbed nearly 1% as markets awaited key US inflation data, with Saudi Arabia’s mining goals and Vision 2030 adding long-term relevance.

The Communication and Financial Knowledge Center, with the NDMC and Royal Commission for Riyadh City, held a Riyadh lecture on government-supported savings products.

Brent crude rose to 87.84 dollars and WTI reached 82.20 dollars as markets monitored Strait of Hormuz talks and Middle East, Russia energy flows.

The Buraydah International Date Festival recorded first-week sales exceeding 17.9 million Saudi riyals, with over 2.1 million kilograms of dates sold, boosting Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

Saudi Exchange and Madinah Chamber of Commerce held a workshop on listing mechanisms, Nomu, and Sukuk to boost private-sector financing access in line with Vision 2030.

UK consumer confidence reaches 21-month high in July 2026, driven by summer spending, according to Barclays. This positive trend supports global economic recovery and Saudi Vision 2030.

Saudi technology companies showcase innovative travel solutions at WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026, supported by the Billion-Dollar Companies Program, advancing Vision 2030.

European markets closed mixed on Aug 11, 2026: STOXX 600 up 0.01%, DAX gains 0.27%, CAC 40 falls 0.13%. SPA reports from London.

The FTSE 100 Index, London’s premier stock market barometer, closed lower on Monday, August 11, 2026, declining by 0.17 percent, according to the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) report. The index, which tracks the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange, shed 18.31 points to settle at 10,844.19 points. The modest decline reflects […]

The Moroccan Stock Exchange closed lower today, with the MASI index declining 0.68% to 18,703.79 points. Trading volume reached 205 million dirhams.

Riyadh Holding starts expansion of Ibn Qasim Center on over 153,000 sqm, adding commercial space, gardens, and heritage halls to boost Riyadh’s retail and culture.

Jeddah Mayor Ehsan Bafaqih welcomed NHC’s Western Region Director to discuss progress on 30 million sqm of residential projects with over 68,000 housing units.

Saudi tech firms to showcase innovations at WTM Spotlight Riyadh, backed by the Saudi Unicorns program, advancing Vision 2030 digital economy goals.

U.S. stock indices opened mixed on August 11, 2026, with the Dow Jones falling slightly while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite advanced, per Saudi Press Agency.

The British pound edged higher against both the US dollar and the euro at the close of London trading on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Sterling settled at 1.3510 US dollars, a modest gain of 0.03 percent, while it strengthened to 1.1706 euros, up 0.04 percent on the day. The […]

Monsha’at’s Artificial Intelligence Week in Jeddah showcases AI’s role in business, empowering SMEs and aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

The Local Content and Government Procurement Authority signs two agreements to localize manufacturing of security vehicle alert devices and firefighter helmets, boosting Vision 2030.

Tabuk’s fig season flourishes with 55,000 trees producing quality varieties, supporting food security and Vision 2030 goals through sustainable agriculture.

Under the patronage of King Salman, Saudi Arabia will host the second Global Logistics Forum from November 29 to December 1, 2026, in Riyadh, alongside the UN Global Supply Chain Forum.

Dutch exports rose 3.1% year-on-year in June, the slowest growth in three months, while imports increased 1.4%, per Statistics Netherlands.

Saudi Arabia’s Insurance Authority launches first phase of innovation platform to enable startups and innovators in insurance, supporting Vision 2030 goals.

The 12th Riyadh Economic Forum, under King Salman’s patronage, will present five strategic studies on traffic, knowledge localization, smart farming, legislation, and global events to support Vision 2030.

Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries advances warehouse project, enhancing logistics and supply chain sustainability in line with Vision 2030.

The Palestine Exchange closed higher on August 11, 2026, with the Al-Quds Index rising 0.89% to 676.56 points on 67 trades worth $112,681, official data showed.

The Local Content and Government Procurement Authority signs two agreements to localize production of security vehicle warning devices and firefighter helmets, boosting Saudi capabilities.

Najran Region Municipality launches 15 investment opportunities in Bir Askar across tourism, healthcare, and more, boosting private sector partnership and Vision 2030.

Saudi Insurance Authority launches first phase of Innovation Ecosystem, opening registration for startups to test insurance products in a regulatory sandbox.

Italy’s trade surplus narrowed to €4.23 billion in June 2026, as imports grew faster than exports, according to Istat data reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

The 2026 Dates Season opens Saturday at Al-Rabwa Markets in Riyadh, running through September 28 and organized by AgriServ to support farmers and promote Saudi dates.

South Africa’s official unemployment rate rose to 33.6% in Q2 2026, with 8.481 million jobless. Statistics South Africa reports job losses in 7 of 10 sectors.

Czech consumer price inflation rose to 1.7% in July 2026, driven by a 17% surge in fuel prices, according to the Czech Statistical Office.

The Local Content and Government Procurement Authority signs two agreements to localize production of security vehicle warning devices and firefighter helmets, boosting GDP by SAR 195 million and creating 90 jobs.

Al-Baha Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, held a workshop on labor culture, highlighting rights, duties, and Vision 2030 alignment.

Official Dutch data reveals Netherlands’ annual inflation rose to 3.2% in July 2026, driven by transport and energy costs, with implications for global markets and Saudi ties.

European shares edged higher on Tuesday, supported by energy sector gains as oil prices continued to rise, according to official data reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

Asian markets closed mixed Tuesday: South Korea’s KOSPI rose 1.5% on tech gains, while Hong Kong and Shanghai slipped and Australia held rates at 4.35%.

The U.S. dollar held its ground against major currencies in Asian trading on August 11, 2026, as markets digest recent interventions and await economic signals.

Gold prices climb for a third session to a two-month high as investors await US inflation data. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 mining sector benefits.

The Buraidah International Dates Carnival introduces a real-time price and sales screen tracking 27 tracks, enhancing transparency for farmers, traders, and shoppers.

The White House extends a temporary waiver on certain Jones Act provisions for 90 days, aiming to stabilize energy supplies and reduce fuel price volatility amid global market disruptions.

Gold climbs to a nine-week high as investors await U.S. inflation data that could shape interest rate expectations, with silver, platinum and palladium also gaining.

Dr. Eman Al-Mutairi, Vice Minister of Commerce, met with Al-Jouf businessmen and investors to discuss growth, e-commerce, and SME support in line with Vision 2030.

Oil prices held steady near Friday’s close on August 10, 2026, with Brent at $83.53 and WTI at $78.02, as markets await Strait of Hormuz developments. Gold also rose.

The Federation of Saudi Chambers and the Bankruptcy Commission (Eisar) signed an MoU to support the early warning initiative and business sustainability in Saudi Arabia.

The Sports Boulevard signs a SAR700 million fund with Al Jazira Capital and Rikaz Properties to develop a luxury five-star hotel and key assets in Urban Wadi, Riyadh.

Saudi EXIM Bank provided SAR27.67 billion in credit facilities during H1 2026, up 17.20%, with export credit insurance coverage rising 32.09% to SAR19.47 billion.

The British pound rose against the US dollar and the euro at the close of London markets on Monday, August 10, 2026, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The cable rate settled at 1.3523 dollars, marking a 0.22 percent gain, while the pound advanced 0.31 percent against the euro to reach 1.1709 euros. The […]

The Palestine Exchange closed up 0.98% on August 10, 2026, with the Al-Quds Index at 670.56 points. Trading volume reached 127,592 shares worth $378,069.

Sudan’s raw gold prices exceeded 700,000 Sudanese pounds per gram for the first time, driven by global market surges, according to the Sudanese Gold Exporters Division.

First date shipments arrive at the Al-Khabra and Riyadh Al-Khabra Dates Festival in Qassim, with Sukkari dates driving 60% of sales in the opening days.

Muscat Stock Exchange 30 Index closed up 36.1 points at 7,431.63, with trading value rising 14.4% to 53.05 million Omani riyals, reflecting market optimism.

The 18th Al-Baha Honey Festival concluded with 45 beekeepers showcasing nearly 30 tons of premium honey, attracting 100,000 visitors and supporting Vision 2030 goals.