Saudi News Update: Week 24

This week, the Saudi Central Bank announced that tourism spending has seen an increase of 23 percent in the first quarter of 2024, hitting USD 12 billion.

In other news, the Esports World Cup is set to take place in Riyadh, with another 1,500 esports athletes from across the globe participating.

Economy, Budgets and Finance

Arab News: Tourists’ spending in Saudi Arabia up 23% to $12bn. Read here

Arab News: Saudi Arabia keen to get more women in the workforce. Read here

Arab News: Saudi POS spending regains momentum with 48% rise. Read here

Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia announces major oil and natural gas discoveries in Eastern Province, Empty Quarter. Read here

Government and Royal Family

Arab News: Riyadh governor receives Sri Lankan ambassador. Read here

Arab News: Saudi housing minister concludes official visit to Turkiye. Read here

Arab News: Saudi crown prince holds talks with US Senator Cory Booker in Jeddah.  Read here

Defence and Security

Arab News: Saudi Arabia participates in nuclear conference. Read here

Al Arabiya: Saudi defence firm SAMI signs 3 MOUs with Turkish companies. Read here

Commercial

CNN: Trump Tower is coming to Saudi Arabia. Read here

Arab News: Saudi Arabia developing concrete that absorbs carbon dioxide ultrafast. Read here

Arab News: Saudi Arabia to turn 3m tonnes of waste into fuel annually with new management project. Read here

Social

Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia prepares for Esports World Cup: Local stars share their excitement.  Read here

Arab News: Saudi citizenship granted to selection of researchers, innovators, and specialists.  Read here

Arab News: Saudi Arabia and Jordan airdrop food aid to the Gaza Strip.  Read here

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