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  • Saudi consumers spend $3.11billion during first week of Ramadan

    The number of point-of-sale operations in Saudi Arabia during the first week of Ramadan (March 10-16) reached 168,615,000, with a value of SR11,688,154,000. According to the weekly bulletin for points of sale, issued by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), the number of operations in clothing and shoes reached 6,283,000 with a value of SR914,909,000 while the number of operations in construction materials stood at 1,522,000, with a value of SR307,596,000.

  • Amazon Saudi Arabia expands Ramadan meal support drive with Eta’am, enabling millions of customers to contribute through Amazon.sa

    This Holy Month of Ramadan, Amazon Saudi Arabia expands its longstanding partnership with the Saudi Food Bank (Eta’am), further strengthening its support to serve families in need. Building on four years of collaboration to deliver iftar meals, pack and deliver food essentials, organize community iftars, and more, the company will now offer customers across Saudi Arabia a seamless way to contribute essential day-to-day food items to underprivileged families through Amazon.sa.

  • Two deaths from Mers reported in Saudi Arabia in past six months

    Four new cases of Mers, including two deaths in the Middle East, have been reported to the World Health Organisation. In a twice-a-year update on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – a disease typically transmitted by camels – four confirmed cases were reported by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health in Riyadh and the Eastern and Qassim regions of the kingdom. The deaths occurred between October 19 and December 24, 2023, while all four of those involved, two men and two women aged 59 to 93, had other health conditions.

  • Saudi Aramco raises diesel prices for local consumers by 53 percent

    The global oil producer has raised prices for local consumers three times since 2016. However, the recent jump of 53 percent is unprecedented. According to EFG Hermes Research, diesel prices have been reset at the end of each year since 2021. However, they witnessed increases in the last two years of SAR 0.11-0.12 per liter.

  • Seven announces new Transformers Axis coaster for Saudi Arabia

    Seven, a subsidiary of Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), is opening the new coaster at three of its 21 entertainment destinations as part of the world’s first Transformers-themed indoor entertainment centres. These are in Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah. According to Seven, the attraction will offer a thrilling and unrivalled experience, reaching speeds of up to 55 km/h. Developed by amusement ride and coaster company S&S Worldwide, it will be the world’s first Axis coaster.

  • AlUla’s Ancient Kingdoms Festival: Immersive journey into Saudi Arabia’s rich history

    The Ancient Kingdoms Festival is back for its second edition in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla from November 16 to December 2.

    Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, AlUla is home to extraordinary natural and human heritage. The ancient city includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites, dating back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean Kingdoms reigned.

  • Luxury, Adidas and ‘made in China’: What Saudi fashion consumers are buying

    The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of fashion, but it’s on track to become a serious player — in terms of both creation and consumption. According to a recent report by the Saudi Fashion Commission titled “State of Fashion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2023,” retail fashion sales in the country are expected to expand at an average annual growth rate of 13 percent to $32 billion from 2021 to 2025.

  • Saudi Esports Federation, KFC team up to empower female gamers

    In a move that promises to revolutionise the esports landscape in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) have unveiled a transformative three-year partnership. This groundbreaking collaboration is dedicated to advancing local gaming talent onto the global stage and includes an initiative aimed at empowering women gamers.

  • Man tests positive for MERS in Abu Dhabi near Oman border – WHO

    A 28-year-old man has tested positive for the potentially fatal Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in a city in Abu Dhabi on the border with Oman, the World Health Organization said on Monday. The man in the city of Al Ain was admitted to hospital last month, the WHO said in a statement. Health officials had checked 108 people that he was in contact with, but no secondary infections had turned up so far, it added. The WHO said there were no signs the man had come into contact with dromedary camels, which spread the disease that is separate from COVID-19. It gave no more details on his current condition.

  • Consumers in Saudi Arabia are Conscious of Cyber Risks with 97% of Internet Users Taking Measures to Protect their Home Connection

    Cisco’s latest Broadband Survey has revealed that internet users in Saudi Arabia are conscious of cyber risks, with only 3% of respondents not taking any measure to protect the security of their home connection. The survey of more than 21,000 people in 12 countries, including 2,000 respondents from KSA, looked at how consumers use their broadband connectivity. In Saudi Arabia, 91% of total survey respondents ranked broadband as critical national infrastructure; while 68% of respondents rely on their home Internet to work from home or run a business.