21st June 2021 Weekly Update from Saudi Arabia The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced on Thursday that a high COVID-19 immunization rate had been achieved among members of the Kingdom’s population aged 60 years and over. MOH will resume scheduling appointments for second doses of COVID-19 vaccine, starting from July. In other news, all foreigners travelling to Saudi Arabia must register their coronavirus vaccination status online before entering the Kingdom. 1. Economy, Budgets and Finance
The National: Aramco closes $12.4bn pipelines deal with EIG-led consortium. Read here
Arab News: Cash will not be used in Saudi energy industry city. Read here
The National: Acwa Power raises $746m through sukuk issuance to fund growth. Read here
Arab News: Saudi National Development Fund targets infrastructure projects. Read here
Trade Arabia: Saudi Arabia’s investment in food sector hits $23bn. Read here
Arab News: Saudi Arabia’s female-only rival to Uber sees growth in first year of operations. Read here
Argaam: Spain’s Minimo plans to invest $250 mln in Saudi Arabia. Read here
Arab News: Saudi courier, delivery industry valued at $970 million. Read here 2. Government & Royal Family
Arab News: Second dose of coronavirus vaccine available from July in Saudi Arabia. Read here
Saudi Gazette: Non-citizens must register covid vaccination status online before arriving in Kingdom. Read here
Arab News: Hajj without smart card, permit will not be allowed. Read here
Saudi Gazette: Shoura to vote on Monday on proposal not to close shops during prayer times. Read here
Arab News: Saudi Arabia approves creation of sports academy. Read here
Saudi Gazette: Ministry links performance of teachers with students results. Read here
Al Arabiya: Socially distanced robots serve Mecca holy water ahead of Hajj. Read here
Saudi Gazette: Overwhelming majority of people aged 60 or over in Saudi Arabia vaccinated: MoH. Read here
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3. Defence & Security
Arabian Business: First Saudi defence summit sees 'overwhelming demand' from global giants. Read here
Saudi Gazette: Crown Prince inaugurates 8 housing projects worth SR4bn for Defense Ministry staff. Read here
Arab News: Saudi Arabia, UAE sign MoU to enhance aviation security. Read here
Saudi Gazette: GACA organizes a specialized workshop on security equipment at airports. Read here 4. Commercial
Saudi Gazette: SAOC, NEOM sign MoU to develop competitive sports ecosystem. Read here
Arab News: Red Sea Film Festival announces $10 million fund to support Arab, African cinema. Read here
The National: Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea project awarded contracts worth 14.5bn riyals last year. Read here
Arab News: AlUla awards $14m housing complex contract. Read here
Trade Arabia: Mobily selects Ericsson to enable seamless smartwatches user experience. Read here
Argaam: Saudi building code for residential projects to apply from July 1. Read here
Trade Arabia: Egypt to soon start work on Saudi power link project. Read here 5. Social
Arab News: Saudi Culture Ministry organizes calligraphy expo. Read here
The National: Egyptian singer Mohamed Hamaki to perform in Saudi Arabia. Read here
Arab News: Paws for thought: Inside Riyadh’s first cat cafe. Read here
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