SUSTG.com / Research

Discover stories, topics, and more about Saudi Arebia faster.

Browse Research Topics

Recent stories from sustg

MUST-READS

  • ​​New Report Highlights Saudi Arabia’s Wellness Economy

    The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) has released new insights into Saudi Arabia’s $19.8 billion wellness economy, as part of its Geography of Wellness research initiative. Highlighted by the UN for surpassing its milestone of over 100 million tourists in 2023—seven years ahead of target—the Kingdom’s tourism sector has expanded rapidly under Vision 2030. Since the government program’s launch, tourism’s contribution to GDP has risen from 3 to 7 percent and is on track to reach 10 percent by 2030. GWI’s data underscores this momentum, showing a 66 percent average annual growth in Saudi Arabia’s wellness tourism sector from 2020 to 2022.

  • Snow falls for the first time ever in desert in Saudi Arabia: Video

    Snow accumulates on roads as it falls for the first time in desert in Saudi Arabia. Bizarre weather brought thunderstorms, hail, and rainfall across Saudi Arabia, and led to the snow accumulation.

  • Strengthening Documentary Heritage Preservation in Saudi Arabia

    UNESCO launched this week the first in a series of capacity-building activities aimed at preserving documentary heritage in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Organized in cooperation with the Royal Commission of AlUla (RCU), these activities will explore best practices at strengthening the capacity of national archives and other memory institutions. Featuring the participation of experts from RCU and partner organizations involved in the preservation of AlUla’s heritage, the inaugural workshop trained 16 heritage practitioners from AlUla’s memory institutions, including archivists, librarians, conservators, and cultural heritage managers.

  • Sotheby’s Inaugural Auction in Saudi Arabia to Take Place in Diriyah in February 2025n Saudi Arabia

    Sotheby’s has today announced plans for its inaugural auction in Saudi Arabia – an unprecedented event that will mark the first ever international auction in the Kingdom’s history. Titled Origins, the sale will take place on 8 February 2025, offering an array of Sotheby’s global offerings for new and seasoned collectors. The two-part evening auction will comprise a sale of fine art by both home-grown Saudi artists alongside the leading names in international art history, as well as a showcase of all that luxury encompasses, including jewellery, watches, cars, sports memorabilia and handbags. Prior to the sale, the contents of Origins will be showcased in a free, public exhibition, open from 1 – 8 February, in a week-long celebration of art, luxury and culture.

  • Saudi women at work: progress and obstacles

    The Kingdom’s women workforce is expanding in unprecedented ways. According to the Ministry of Finance, female labor participation has reached 35%—well above the original Vision 2030 target of 30%. This marks a stark economic shift. Yet, despite this progress, deep-rooted structural barriers and societal resistance persist. Female inclusion is still largely concentrated in caregiving and education—sectors prioritized by nationalization policies—which restricts their wider economic involvement. Going forward, the key question is whether Saudi Arabia can overcome these social hurdles while sustaining its rapid economic momentum.

  • Iraq, Saudi Arabia move to shore up military cooperation

    Iraq and Saudi Arabia have inked a new military cooperation agreement, marking a potentially significant step in their evolving rapprochement. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) aims to enhance defense ties between the two neighbors, focusing on addressing shared security challenges. Signed amid mounting regional tension, the agreement signals Baghdad’s interest in forging a middle path, particularly concerning Iran. While details on the MOU are scarce, observers say it may be an initial step in a long journey to redefine Iraq’s role in regional security. 

  • Revealed: The Arabian Business 100 Most Admired Companies for 2024

    This year, we’re spotlighting a wide range of companies, from industry titans to trailblazing disruptors. Take, for instance, The Giving Movement – a brand pioneering sustainable fashion and reshaping the industry’s approach to eco-consciousness. Emirates Airline, a true titan in global aviation, which continues to set new benchmarks, while Neom, Saudi Arabia’s visionary city of the future, stands set to redefine urban living as we know it. The list also features the giants of construction, finance, and technology, such as Emaar, known for its skyline-shaping developments, and e&, whose tech-driven solutions are propelling digital transformation across the region.

  • Saudi Arabia Online Food Ordering and Delivery Analysis Report 2024: Market to Reach $7.95 Billion by 2029

    The online food ordering and delivery market in Saudi Arabia has experienced exponential growth in recent years, undergoing a transformative shift in the way consumers access and enjoy food. Several key factors contribute to the burgeoning success and evolution of this market within the kingdom. The market is characterized by stiff competition among various online food delivery platforms, each vying for consumer attention and loyalty.

  • Goldman, JPMorgan Among China’s Picks for Saudi Dollar Bond Sale

    The sale of up to $2 billion will take place in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, and likely happen next week, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. The move is emblematic of China’s deepening financial ties with Saudi Arabia, the biggest economy in the Middle East, and signals Beijing’s backing for the kingdom’s ambitions to become a magnet for investment. The Chinese Ministry of Finance has hired several banks to manage the issuance of three- and five-year debt, said the people. The group also includes Bank of America, Bank of China, Deutsche Bank AG, HSBC Holdings Plc, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Standard Chartered Plc and First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC.

  • Israel to fetch soccer fans from Amsterdam after apparent antisemitic attacks

    Israel was sending commercial planes to the Netherlands on Friday to bring home Israeli soccer fans after overnight attacks in Amsterdam that officials described as antisemitic, although there was evidence of provocative chanting from Israeli fans. Videos on social media showed riot police intervening in clashes, with some attackers shouting anti-Israeli slurs. But some footage also showed Israeli supporters chanting anti-Arab slogans before Thursday evening's match.