The US approved $1.4 billion in sales supporting Saudi helicopters and Bahrain’s ageing F-16 fleet/Representative Image For decades, the United States has played a central role in strengthening the military capabilities of its Gulf allies, from supplying advanced fighter jets to training local forces. These partnerships are more than a matter of defence, they are […]
Saudi Arabia and Russia signed a visa exemption, allowing citizens 90 day stays for tourism and business/Image: SA MOFA In a historic move aimed at strengthening ties and boosting travel between the two nations, Saudi Arabia and Russia have signed a mutual visa exemption agreement. The deal, formalized during the Saudi-Russian Investment and Business Forum […]
Saudi workplaces to follow clearer attire rules under draft / AI generated image Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) has put forward a draft Code of Appearance and Conduct for public and private-sector staff. The rules say Saudi men should wear the national dress (thawb and ghutra/shemagh), non-Saudi employees should wear […]
Saudi Arabia adopts volumetric tax for sweetened beverages / AI Generated Image Saudi Arabia is set to fundamentally change how it taxes sweet beverages, marking a pivotal step in its public health and economic strategy. Starting January 1, 2026, the Kingdom will replace its current flat-rate tax with a sophisticated tiered volumetric system. Saudi Arabia […]
Expats in Saudi Arabia can now quietly buy alcohol in Riyadh, signaling cautious policy change/Representative Image Saudi Arabia has taken a cautious step in loosening its long-standing restrictions on alcohol, allowing non-Muslim residents under the country’s special residency program to purchase alcohol from Riyadh stores that were previously reserved for diplomats. The move is part […]
Saudi government opens real estate to foreigners starting 2026 / Image: File Saudi Arabia is tearing down decades-old barriers and officially opening its real estate market to the world. Under a massive new law, foreigners, along with international companies, will be allowed to buy, own, and invest in properties across the Kingdom starting in January […]
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced that Saudi Arabia will be designated a major non-Nato ally as he hosted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House.“Tonight, I’m pleased to announce that we’re taking our military cooperation to even greater heights by formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-Nato ally, which is […]
Saudi cuts expat pay premiums as hiring slows / AI-Generated Image Saudi Arabia is quietly reshaping the way it hires foreign talent, scaling back the hefty salary premiums that once defined expat recruitment as businesses tighten budgets and reassess staffing needs across major sectors. Roles that previously came with automatic double-digit pay bumps are now […]
Legal consequences of unrelated men and women alone in a apartment / AI-generated illustration via If unmarried men and women are found alone together in private in Saudi Arabia, they can be investigated and, depending on the circumstances and evidence, face police questioning, short detention, criminal charges, fines or deportation for foreigners. Enforcement varies by […]
MrBeast’s highly anticipated Beast Land is finally open, marking the YouTuber’s boldest leap yet from online entertainment to real-world experiences. The 45-day pop-up theme park, located in Riyadh as part of Riyadh Season 2025, brings his famous YouTube challenges to life through large-scale attractions, obstacle courses, and adrenaline-pumping rides. Open from November 13 to December […]
