This week, FIFA announced that Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 has achieved an evaluation score of 419.8 out of 500—the highest in the tournament’s history. The announcement comes ahead of the official awarding of the FIFA World Cup hosts for 2030 and 2034, set to take place during the FIFA Cong8ress on December 11, 2024.
In other news, Riyadh Metro, officially opened to the public on Sunday. The network includes six fully automated metro lines, 85 stations, and 176 kilometres (109 miles) of new track, making it the world’s largest self-driving public transportation project. Designed to transport 3.6 million passengers daily, the metro is expected to reduce Riyadh’s traffic by 30%, according to the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC).
Economy, Budgets and Finance
Arab News: Saudi Arabia pledges $932m boost to 17 tourism projects in Al-Ahsa. Read Here
Arab News: KSA reveals a 33.8% annual spending boost on Vision 2030 projects. Read Here
Arab News: Saudi Arabia approves the FY2025 budget and forecasts a deficit of $27 billion amid expansionary spending. Read Here
Government & Royal Family
Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s FIFA World Cup 2034 bid achieves the highest evaluation score in history. Read Here
Arab News: Saudi Arabia to introduce VAT refunds for tourists starting in 2025. Read Here
Commercial
Arab News: Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Co. set to attract new wave of investors with $500m ticket sizes. Read Here
Business Standard: Saudi Arabia signs $9 billion metals deal. Read Here
Social
Alarabiya News: Riyadh Metro welcomes passengers as the first phase launches. Read Here
Arabian Business: Saudi Arabia has attracted 2.5 million tourists to 80 international sports events in the last 4 years. Read Here
Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia unveils program for 4th Saudi Green Initiative Forum. Read Here
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