Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Al Nassr’s starting line-up on Saturday night and marked the occasion with the opening goal in a 2-0 victory over Al Fateh, reinforcing his influence on the Riyadh club’s title ambitions. Back in action after missing the previous fixture, the Portugal captain needed little time to reassert himself. Leading the line with customary authority, Ronaldo broke the deadlock in […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia has stepped up efforts to localise vaccine and pharmaceutical manufacturing, with Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar Alkhorayef holding high-level talks in Lyon aimed at accelerating biopharmaceutical production within the Kingdom. During meetings with Thomas Triomphe, Executive Vice President and Head of Vaccines at Sanofi, the minister explored pathways for industrial collaboration that would anchor advanced vaccine manufacturing in Saudi Arabia. […]
RIYADH – Ruyah Faidah (Vision Plus), the Saudi subsidiary of the digital tech leader 3D Factory Korea, has reached a historic milestone with its landmark project atop Al-Hada Mountain. The company announced today that the installation has received official pre-approval from Guinness World Records for the “World’s Highest Mountain Media Facade.” Standing at an altitude of 1,738 meters, the massive digital installation functions as a strategic “digital […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Aramco has begun selling oil produced from its Jafurah field, marking the first reported export linked to the kingdom’s $100 billion unconventional gas development and signalling a new phase in one of the world’s largest energy projects. The state-controlled energy giant confirmed that condensate and associated liquids from Jafurah have entered commercial channels, underscoring Riyadh’s push to monetise resources from a field […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Riyadh Air, the new full-service carrier backed by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, has entered into a strategic partnership with Mastercard that both companies say is designed to reshape how travellers and businesses engage with airlines, payments and digital services. The agreement, announced as Riyadh Air advances preparations for its first commercial flights, signals an attempt to integrate financial technology into […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia has emerged as the largest gaming market in the Middle East, accounting for about $1 billion of the region’s $2.52 billion consumer spending on video games, according to industry estimates compiled from market trackers and regional regulators. The scale of spending, combined with the highest average revenue per user in the region, underscores a structural shift in digital consumption driven by […]
Saudi Arabia’s flagship development drive remains anchored to an ambition that exceeds $1 trillion in combined value, even as authorities adjust timelines, scope and sequencing across some of the Kingdom’s most high-profile projects. A new assessment by Fitch Ratings said the combined value of five major giga projects — NEOM, Qiddiya, Red Sea Global, ROSHN and Diriyah — is still expected to surpass that threshold at completion, […]
Greenlogue/AP Saudi Arabia has committed $2 billion to build two large-scale solar power plants in Turkey with a combined capacity of 2,000 megawatts, marking one of the biggest cross-border renewable energy investments announced between the two countries. The plan was confirmed by Turkey’s energy minister following high-level talks in Riyadh, underlining Ankara’s push to accelerate clean power deployment while drawing in long-term foreign capital. The agreement was […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Washington has approved a potential sale of Patriot interceptor missiles and associated equipment to Saudi Arabia with an estimated value of about $9 billion, marking one of the largest US arms packages proposed for the kingdom in several years and underscoring a renewed focus on air and missile defence cooperation in the Gulf. The clearance, granted by the US State Department and […]
Saudi Arabia has begun a broad recalibration of its most ambitious development schemes, signalling a more pragmatic approach to spending after months of official messaging about fiscal discipline. Authorities have ordered sweeping reviews across several headline projects spanning Neom, Jeddah and Riyadh, as pressure mounts to balance long-term transformation goals with near-term economic realities. The shift became visible with the decision to delay the 2029 Asian Winter […]
Saudi Arabia is preparing draft proposals to widen eligibility for its premium residency programme, potentially extending long-term residency rights to groups ranging from superyacht owners and residents of flagship developments to high-performing international students, according to a person with direct knowledge of the deliberations. The plans, which remain under internal review and have not been finalised, are designed to draw sustained foreign capital and skilled residents into […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi-listed Saudi Arabian Refineries Company has moved to expand its property footprint after confirming the acquisition of a commercial land parcel in Riyadh for SAR 33 million, equivalent to about $8.8 million, following a successful public auction. The transaction places the capital’s commercial real estate market back in focus as listed companies selectively add assets aligned with long-term development and diversification strategies. The […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Property Finder has raised $170 million in fresh capital from Mubadala Investment Company alongside other UAE sovereign-backed investors, a funding round that underscores sustained confidence in the region’s digital property platforms amid shifting real estate cycles. The Dubai-headquartered company said the investment will be used to simplify the home-search experience, improve productivity tools for brokers and developers, and reinforce data accuracy, trust and […]
Saudi Arabia’s Real Estate General Authority has brought into force a sweeping set of legal changes that widen access to property ownership for foreign companies and expatriate residents, marking a significant shift in how the Kingdom regulates and opens its real estate market. The new framework, effective from January 22, integrates these provisions into the national real estate legislative system, making all rules immediately enforceable under a […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia recorded a landmark year for tourism in 2025, welcoming more than 122 million domestic and international visitors and generating close to $80 billion in total spending, according to official estimates and sector-wide assessments. The figures underline the scale and pace of change in a country long associated with pilgrimage travel but now positioning itself as a diversified global tourism destination. Data […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai A high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia, led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, is set to take part in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026, underlining Riyadh’s effort to shape global economic and political debates at a time of shifting trade patterns, energy transitions and geopolitical uncertainty. Officials familiar with the plans said the delegation would include […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi-based developer Dar Global has confirmed plans to launch two Trump-branded luxury developments in Riyadh and Jeddah with a combined value of about $10 billion, marking one of the most ambitious foreign-branded property ventures tied to the kingdom’s urban transformation drive. Chief executive Ziad El Chaar said the projects will anchor premium hospitality, residential and leisure offerings in locations central to Saudi Arabia’s […]
Electronic Arts and the creative leadership behind The Sims franchise moved to steady community concerns after confirmation that the US games publisher is in talks over a potential $55 billion transaction involving Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners and private equity firm Silver Lake. While the proposed deal remains subject to regulatory approval and has not been finalised, unease has spread among players […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia has moved to open its real estate market to foreign ownership, marking one of the most consequential shifts in the Kingdom’s investment policy as it seeks to diversify its economy and deepen capital inflows beyond hydrocarbons. The reform allows non-Saudis to buy a broad range of properties, including residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial assets, with the option to purchase land for […]
Riyadh is moving to sideline Abu Dhabi’s influence in Yemen as strains deepen between the two Gulf neighbours, according to people familiar with the matter, marking a sharper turn in a rivalry that has simmered alongside years of cooperation. The push centres on bringing armed factions backed by the Emirates under Saudi control while reshaping the balance of power along vital shipping lanes stretching from the Red […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai OPEC+ decided to keep its oil production levels unchanged after a brief ministerial meeting on Sunday, opting to focus narrowly on market conditions while avoiding discussion of political strains affecting several of its key members. The decision came at a time of sustained pressure on crude prices and mounting concerns over global oversupply, underlining the group’s cautious approach as it seeks to […]
Riyadh Zoo has positioned itself as a family-centred destination within Riyadh Season 2025, offering child-focused environments designed around safety, comfort and controlled engagement with wildlife, according to official details released at the start of the year. The attraction, one of the season’s designated zones, is being presented as a model for how large-scale entertainment events in the capital are adapting to the needs of families with young children.
The zoo’s layout has been organised to prioritise safe movement and visibility, with dedicated pathways that reduce congestion and limit close contact points. Low-height viewing areas have been built to allow children clear sightlines to animals without the need for lifting or crowding, a feature aimed at reducing accidents while improving the overall experience. These design choices form part of a broader emphasis on balancing entertainment with parental reassurance.
Family seating areas are distributed throughout the zone, providing spaces for rest and supervision while maintaining visual access to enclosures. Organisers say this approach allows families to remain engaged without feeling overwhelmed by noise or foot traffic, an issue that has challenged other high-density attractions during the season. The emphasis on controlled flow and defined activity zones reflects planning standards that have been applied across several Riyadh Season venues.
Riyadh Zoo’s children’s facilities include interactive learning areas intended to introduce younger visitors to animal behaviour and conservation in an age-appropriate format. Educational elements are integrated into play-based experiences, with staff trained to manage group sizes and maintain clear boundaries between visitors and animals. This structure is designed to minimise stress for both children and wildlife while encouraging curiosity and awareness.
Safety protocols extend beyond physical design. Organisers have highlighted strict operational standards, including routine checks of barriers, continuous monitoring of visitor movement and the presence of trained personnel in high-traffic areas. Emergency response procedures have been aligned with wider Riyadh Season safety frameworks, ensuring coordination with medical and security teams operating across the city’s entertainment zones.
The focus on child-friendly environments aligns with Riyadh Season’s stated objective of expanding family-oriented destinations as part of the capital’s cultural and leisure transformation. Over successive editions, the festival has broadened its appeal beyond concerts and sporting events to include attractions that cater to younger audiences, reflecting demographic demand and changing leisure habits within the Kingdom.
Urban planners and event management specialists note that such initiatives also serve a longer-term purpose. By embedding safety-first design principles into popular venues, organisers can set benchmarks for future projects, particularly those involving children. The Riyadh Zoo model demonstrates how entertainment infrastructure can be adapted to local expectations while meeting international standards for visitor welfare.
Riyadh Season 2025 has placed increased emphasis on organisation and crowd management following feedback from earlier editions, when high attendance at certain zones led to congestion. The zoo’s structured layout and controlled entry points are intended to mitigate those risks, offering a calmer environment compared with more high-energy attractions elsewhere in the season.
Parents visiting the zoo have highlighted the value of clearly marked routes and viewing points that allow children to engage independently within defined limits. This approach reduces reliance on physical barriers alone, instead combining design, supervision and education to create a safer setting. For organisers, the challenge has been to preserve a sense of exploration while maintaining order, particularly during peak attendance periods.
The zoo’s role within Riyadh Season also reflects broader investment in leisure infrastructure as part of national diversification efforts. Family-oriented attractions are increasingly viewed as essential to building a sustainable entertainment economy, encouraging repeat visits and longer dwell times while appealing to residents and visitors alike.
A landmark entertainment destination has begun operations at Qiddiya City on 31 December 2025, as Six Flags Qiddiya City opened to the public near Riyadh, marking the flagship attraction of the sprawling Saudi project and the first Six Flags theme park outside North America. The launch ceremony took place under the patronage of Prince Faisal bin Bandar, Governor of Riyadh Province, with senior officials and tourism sector leaders attending to celebrate what organisers described as a major milestone in the Kingdom’s leisure and tourism expansion.
Six Flags Qiddiya City debuted with an array of attractions designed to appeal to global visitors and local families alike, with the signature offering being Falcons Flight, a steel roller coaster that now holds records as the tallest, fastest and longest of its kind in the world. The coaster reaches speeds of roughly 155 mph and rises to approximately 640 feet, dwarfing many existing high-thrill installations. Other record-setting rides include Iron Rattler, the tallest tilt coaster, and Spitfire, the tallest inverted coaster, alongside a total lineup of 28 rides and attractions across six themed lands.
Park president Brian Machamer described Six Flags Qiddiya City as more than a collection of rides, pitching the venue as a fully immersive theme park where music, themed environments and guest experience are integrated throughout, distinguishing it from traditional amusement parks in North America. He said the design and storytelling elements aim to create a cohesive environment that extends beyond individual attractions.
The opening is a cornerstone of Qiddiya City’s broader vision as a global entertainment and cultural hub. Spanning hundreds of square kilometres on the edge of the Tuwaiq Mountains roughly 45 km from downtown Riyadh, Qiddiya is envisioned as a master-planned destination where entertainment, sports, arts and education converge. Six Flags Qiddiya City represents the first operational phase of this masterplan, with additional attractions including a water theme park, motorsport and esports facilities, performance venues and residential neighbourhoods planned over the next decade.
Officials noted that the park’s launch aligns with national priorities to diversify the economy under Vision 2030, an ambitious strategy championed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to reduce reliance on oil revenues and accelerate growth in tourism and leisure sectors. Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlighted the significance of the Six Flags project in positioning the Kingdom on the global entertainment map, underscoring efforts to attract millions of visitors annually.
The park offers international food and retail outlets, themed entertainment spaces and technology-enhanced guest services to meet global standards. Ticket pricing was set to attract a broad demographic, with adult entry priced at around SR325 and children’s tickets at SR275, while infants under four are admitted free. Early visitor feedback pointed to enthusiastic reception, particularly for the record-breaking coasters and themed environments.
While the opening has been widely hailed as a transformative moment for entertainment in the Middle East, analysts and industry observers have also pointed to challenges. Six Flags’ broader corporate position following its merger with Cedar Fair includes ongoing portfolio evaluations and adjustments to its existing parks, which have seen closures and operational reassessments in North America. The international expansion represented by Qiddiya carries strategic importance but also introduces new operational and financial dynamics for the company.
Local business leaders have emphasised the anticipated economic impact of the park and the wider Qiddiya development, citing job creation, supply chain opportunities and tourism revenue growth. Community groups in the Riyadh region have expressed optimism about increased cultural and entertainment offerings, while some critics have raised questions about the sustainability of mega-projects in fluctuating economic conditions. Government planners maintain that phased development and diversified attractions will help ensure long-term viability.
United Arab Emirates authorities said they would withdraw remaining military personnel from Yemen, citing operational considerations and safety concerns, a move that underlines shifting dynamics within the Saudi-led coalition as the conflict enters another uncertain phase. The announcement followed a flare-up in tensions with Saudi Arabia over the conduct and coordination of military operations in the war-torn country, according to officials familiar with the matter. The UAE […]
