Weekly Update from Saudi Arabia 1. Economy, Budgets and Finance 2

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Weekly Update from Saudi Arabia 1. Economy, Budgets and Finance 2 2nd August 2021 Weekly Update from Saudi Arabia The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) directed that only those citizens who took two doses of any of the coronavirus vaccines approved in the Kingdom will be allowed to travel abroad effective from 9 Aug. Ministry of Interior also warned Saudi citizens against traveling to countries that have been put on the no- travel list. In other news, Saudi Arabia will begin applying the decision on making COVID-19 vaccination mandatory to enter government and private entities from 1 Aug. 1. Economy, Budgets and Finance The National: Saudi Arabia to use Fourth Industrial Revolution tech for energy transition. Read here Arab News: Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector aims to bring 100 million visitors annually. Read here Saudi Gazette: Finance, insurance sectors to implement total Saudization, replacing 91,000 expats. Read here Arab News: Saudi Arabia to introduce insurance on domestic labor contracts in 2022. Read here The National: Saudi telco Mobily reports 32% jump in second-quarter profit as revenue grows. Read here Arab News: Saudi car rental facilities to issue e-contracts starting July 25. Read here Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia, UK seek to boost cooperation in space economy. Read here 2. Government & Royal Family Saudi Gazette: COVID-19 vaccination mandatory to enter government, private entities. Read here Arab News: Saudi aviation authority issues update for citizens’ travel procedures abroad. Read here Al Arabiya: COVID-19 patients can take vaccine 10 days after recovery: Saudi health ministry. Read here Saudi Gazette: Foreign Umrah pilgrims from non-banned countries allowed to enter Kingdom. Read here Al Arabiya: Saudi Arabia to ban citizens who break COVID travel rules from traveling for 3 years. Read here The National: Saudi Arabia to welcome vaccinated tourists from August 1. Read here 3. Defence & Security Naval News: Navantia Launched Fourth Corvette for The Royal Saudi Navy. Read here 4. Commercial Trade Arabia: Saudi ICT infrastructure market set for 9pc growth by 2030. Read here Arab News: Saudi Arabia increased support for housing sector in July. Read here Trade Arabia: Saudi sweets, chocolate investment at $9.3 billion. Read here Commercial in Confidence 02/08/2021 AEIMD068v1.0 Page 1 of 2 Office 14/15, 6299 Al Ihsa Street, Al Ihsa Commercial Center, P.O. Box 26090, Riyadh 11486 Capital – SAR 1,000,000 CR – 1010385257 Saudi Gazette: 7 routes unveiled for public transport buses in Makkah. Read here Arab News: Saudi tourism fund adopts cloud computing. Read here Trade Arabia: Saudi Arabia dairy market to grow at 5.66% CAGR. Read here Arab News: Saudi Arabia sets new rules for fruit, vegetable imports. Read here Saudi Gazette: First cruise ship terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port inaugurated to accommodate 2,500 passengers. Read here 5. Social Al Arabiya: Tickets for Saudi Arabia’s first ever Formula One race goes on sale: Sports ministry. Read here Arab News: Tracks ready for camel race in Taif. Read here Commercial in Confidence 02/08/2021 AEIMD068v1.0 Page 2 of 2 Office 14/15, 6299 Al Ihsa Street, Al Ihsa Commercial Center, P.O. Box 26090, Riyadh 11486 Capital – SAR 1,000,000 CR – 1010385257 .
Recommended publications
  • Saudi Arabia.Pdf
    A saudi man with his horse Performance of Al Ardha, the Saudi national dance in Riyadh Flickr / Charles Roffey Flickr / Abraham Puthoor SAUDI ARABIA Dec. 2019 Table of Contents Chapter 1 | Geography . 6 Introduction . 6 Geographical Divisions . 7 Asir, the Southern Region � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �7 Rub al-Khali and the Southern Region � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �8 Hejaz, the Western Region � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �8 Nejd, the Central Region � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �9 The Eastern Region � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �9 Topographical Divisions . .. 9 Deserts and Mountains � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �9 Climate . .. 10 Bodies of Water . 11 Red Sea � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11 Persian Gulf � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11 Wadis � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11 Major Cities . 12 Riyadh � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �12 Jeddah � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �13 Mecca � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
    [Show full text]
  • Developments on E-Invoicing
    Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Developments on E-Invoicing December 2020 Insights Tax and Legal Services PwC Middle East In brief The Electronic Invoicing (‘E-Invoicing’) regulation was published on 4 December 2020 and will come into force for all registered entities from 4 December 2021. Moreover, the General Authority of Zakat and Tax (‘GAZT’) has published on its portal the Guide on e-invoicing and a list of FAQs to help taxpayers comply with the new requirements in relation to E-invoicing. All above documents are issued in Arabic language at the moment and can be accessed through the following link: https://gazt.gov.sa/ar/RulesRegulations/UnderConsultations/Pages/Rule_004.aspx In detail a) E-Invoicing Regulations (‘Regulations’) After completing the public consultation process in relation to the E-invoicing regulation, GAZT board of director has approved the final version of the E-invoicing regulation and published it in the official Saudi gazette on 4 December 2020. These Regulations, which entered into force from the date of their publishing, contain the framework of the E-Invoicing mechanism GAZT is anticipating to apply within the effective date and expects persons subject to the E-invoicing regulation to comply with as of 4 December 2021. It is expected that further details would follow prior to the effective date to help taxpayers comply with the new E-invoicing requirements. b) Guide on E-Invoicing The guide issued by GAZT provide additional information over the requirements established under the E-invoicing regulations. It includes i) The definition of an E-invoice, ii) The timeline to implement E-invoicing in KSA, iii) The taxpayers who will be subject to the regulations of E-invoicing, iv) The Preliminary and basic requirements for technical solutions related to E-invoicing, and v) The violations and penalties.
    [Show full text]
  • Saudi Arabia List of Issues Prior to Reporting
    Saudi Arabia List of Issues Prior to Reporting Report submitted to the United Nations Committee against Torture in the context of the third periodic review of Saudi Arabia June 2021 Table of Contents 1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 3 2 2016 Concluding Observations and implementation of priority recommendations ........................ 3 3 Definition and criminalisation of torture (articles 1, 2 and 4) ......................................................... 6 4 Duty to prevent torture (article 2) ................................................................................................... 7 4.1 Fundamental legal safeguards .................................................................................................. 7 4.2 Torture in the context of counter-terrorism .............................................................................. 8 4.3 Enforced disappearances and secret detention ....................................................................... 10 5 Accountability and redress (articles 12, 13, 14) ............................................................................ 13 5.1 Failure to investigate allegations of torture (article 12) ......................................................... 13 5.2 Failure to provide redress to victims (article 14) ................................................................... 13 6 Failure to exclude torture tainted confessions from criminal proceedings,
    [Show full text]
  • Associational Life Under Authoritarianism: the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Elections
    This is a repository copy of Associational Life under Authoritarianism: The Saudi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Elections. White Rose Research Online URL for this paper: http://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/92453/ Version: Accepted Version Article: Kraetzschmar, HJ (2016) Associational Life under Authoritarianism: The Saudi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Elections. Journal of Arabian Studies, 5 (2). pp. 184-205. ISSN 2153-4764 https://doi.org/10.1080/21534764.2015.1129723 This is an author produced version of a paper published in Journal of Arabian Studies. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. Reuse Unless indicated otherwise, fulltext items are protected by copyright with all rights reserved. The copyright exception in section 29 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 allows the making of a single copy solely for the purpose of non-commercial research or private study within the limits of fair dealing. The publisher or other rights-holder may allow further reproduction and re-use of this version - refer to the White Rose Research Online record for this item. Where records identify the publisher as the copyright holder, users can verify any specific terms of use on the publisher’s website. Takedown If you consider content in White Rose Research Online to be in breach of UK law, please notify us by emailing [email protected] including the URL of the record and the reason for the withdrawal request. [email protected] https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/ Associational Life under Authoritarianism: The Saudi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Elections HENDRIK J. KRAETZSCHMAR Abstract: This article is concerned with the dynamics of internal leadership elections in one of Saudi Arabia’s oldest and most prominent network of professional syndicates, the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCIs).
    [Show full text]
  • OSAC Country Security Report Saudi Arabia
    OSAC Country Security Report Saudi Arabia Last Updated: August 10, 2021 Travel Advisory The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication indicates travelers should not travel due to COVID-19. The advisory further highlights that travelers should reconsider travel due to the threat of missile and drone attacks on civilian facilities. Exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Do not travel to within 50 miles of the Yemeni border, including Abha, Jizan, Najran, Khamis Mushait, and the Abha airport due to missile and drone attacks; and terrorism. In addition, do not travel to Qatif in the Eastern Province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah due to terrorism. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System. The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Peace Index 2021 ranks Saudi Arabia 125 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as being at a Low state of peace. Crime Environment The U.S. Department of State has assessed Riyadh as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Saudi Arabia. Emergency contact information differs in regions and cities. In the Riyadh and Makkah regions, call 911 police and fire department/civil defense. Elsewhere in Saudi Arabia, call 999 for police and 998 for the fire department/civil defense. Review the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure. Crime: General Threat Crime in Saudi Arabia has increased over recent years, but remains at levels far below most major metropolitan areas in the United States.
    [Show full text]
  • Saudi Arabia. REPORT NO ISBN-0-93366-90-4 PUB DATE 90 NOTE 177P
    DOCUMENT RESUME ED 336 289 SO 021 184 AUTHOR McGregor, Joy; Nydell, Margaret TITLE Update: Saudi Arabia. REPORT NO ISBN-0-93366-90-4 PUB DATE 90 NOTE 177p. AVAILABLE FROM Intercultural Press, Inc., P.O. Box 700, Yarmouth, ME 04096 ($19.95, plus $2.00). PUB TYPE Reports - Descriptive (141) EDRS PRICE MF01 Plus Postage. PC Not Available from EDRS. DESCRIPTORS Cultural Differences; Cultural Opportunities; *Foreign Countries; *Foreign Culture; Intercultural Communication; International Relations; Overseas Employment; Tourism; Travel IDENTIFIERS *Saudi Arabia ABSTRACT A guide for persons planning on living in or relocating to Saudi Arabia for extended periods of time, this book features information on such topics as entry requirements, transportation, money matters, housing, schools, and insurance. The guide's contents include the following sections: (1) an overview; (2) before leaving; (3) on arrival; (4) doing business; (5) customs and courtesies; (6) household pointers; (7) schools; (6) health and medical care; (9) leisure; (10) cities in profile; (11) sources of information; and (12) recommended readings. Three appendices are also included: (1) chambers of commerce and industry in Saudi Arabia; (2) average celsius temperatures of selected near eastern cities; and (3) prior to departure: recommended supplies. (DB) ***********************************************1!*********************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * *********************************************************************** U.S. DEPARTMENT OP EDUCATION Office of Educitional Research Ind Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) ty,thls document has been reproduced Se Keived from the person or worn/aeon I (Quieting it O Minor changes Aare been made to improve reproduction Quality Points of view or opinions stated in this docu .
    [Show full text]
  • Weekly Update from Saudi Arabia 1. Economy, Budgets and Finance 2
    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.
    [Show full text]
  • Saudi Arabia in Transition from Defense to Offense, but How to Score?
    v BELFER CENTER PAPER Saudi Arabia in Transition From Defense to Offense, But How to Score? Karen Elliott House SENIOR FELLOW PAPER JULY 2017 Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs Harvard Kennedy School 79 JFK Street Cambridge, MA 02138 www.belfercenter.org Statements and views expressed in this report are solely those of the author and do not imply endorsement by Harvard University, Harvard Kennedy School, or the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Design & Layout by Andrew Facini Cover photo and opposite page 1: Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrives at the Hangzhou Exhibition Center to participate in G20 Summit, Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016 in Hangzhou, China. (Etienne Oliveau/Pool Photo via AP) Copyright 2017, President and Fellows of Harvard College Printed in the United States of America BELFER CENTER PAPER Saudi Arabia in Transition From Defense to Offense, But How to Score? Karen Elliott House SENIOR FELLOW PAPER JUNE 2017 About the Author Karen Elliott House is a senior fellow at the Belfer Center and author of “On Saudi Arabia: Its People, Past, Religion, Fault Lines—and Future,” published by Knopf in 2012. During a 32 year career at The Wall Street Journal she served as diplomatic correspondent, foreign editor and finally as Publisher of the paper. She won a Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting in 1984 for her coverage of the Middle East. She is chairman of the RAND Corporation. Her April 2016 report on Saudi Arabia, “Uneasy Lies the Head that Wears a Crown,” can be found at the Belfer Center’s website: http://www.belfercenter.org/publication/uneasy-lies-head-wears-crown The author, above, in rural Jizan Province in April 2009 with an elderly farmer and some of his 35 children (from three wives) and 30 grandchildren.
    [Show full text]
  • Algren, Mark S. TITLE Adult Education in Saudi Arabia. PUB DATE NO
    DOCUMENT RESUME ED 322 382 CE 055 566 AUTHOR Griffin, Tim D.; Algren, Mark S. TITLE Adult Education in Saudi Arabia. PUB DATE 88 NOTE 21p. PUB TYPE Information Analyses (070) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC01 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Adult Basic Education; *Adult Education; Adult Literacy; *Cultural Influences; Educational History; Foreign Countries; *Government School Relationship; Labor Force Development; *Literacy Education; Religious Education; Teacher Characteristics; *Womens Education IDENTIFIERS *Islam; *Saudi Arabia ABSTRACT Religion pervades all aspects of Saudi Arabia, the conservative home of Islam, where the constitution is the Quran and law is interpreted by religious scholars. A formal adult basic education program was initiated in 1960. As part of the country's modernization since the early 1970s, the Saudi government has begun an enormous nation-building plan that includes universal education and adult literacy education programs. The Quran remains the primary reading material for literacy training. The governmentoffers financial incentives to program completers and pays the entirecost of the programs for all students. Literacy rates have increased tenfold during the last 25 years. Oth: training programsare also an integral part of the adult education process, but not to theextent literacy programs are. Although as recently as 30 yearsago, women were not permitted to become literate in formal programs and 99 percent were illiterate, women now total over one-third of all adult education students. Religious leaders are primarily responsiblefor women's education, but only blind imams are allowed to teachwomen the Quran. (The document includes a chronology of events in the development of Saudi Arabian education, a table showinggovernment expenditures for education in selected years from 1945-1983, anda 30-item bibliography.) (CML) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best thatcan be made from the original document.
    [Show full text]
  • A New Case for Wastewater Reuse in Saudi Arabia: Bringing Energy Into the Water Equation
    The Dubai Initiative Policy Brief A NEW CASE FOR WASTEWATER REUSE IN SAUDI ARABIA: BRINGING ENERGY INTO THE WATER EQUATION Arani Kajenthira, Laura Diaz Anadon, and Afreen Sidiqqi A NEW CASE FOR WASTEWATER REUSE IN SAUDI ARABIA: BRINGING ENERGY INTO THE WATER EQUATION Dubai Initiative – Policy Brief Dr. Arani Kajenthira Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program Dr. Laura Diaz Anadon Associate Director, Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program Director, Energy Technology Innovation Policy research group Project Manager, Energy Research, Development, Demonstration & Deployment Policy Project Dr. Afreen Sidiqqi Affiliate in the Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program Research Scientist in the Engineering Systems Division Massachusetts Institute of Technology. June 2011 2 | Dubai InitiativE – PolIcy BRIEf AcknowledgMents The research for this report for the Energy Technology Innovation Policy (ETIP) is generously supported by The Dubai Initiative and by The Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program of the Belfer center for Science and International Affairs. All responsibility for any errors or misjudgments rests solely with the authors. CITATION INFORMATION © 2011 President and fellows of Harvard college; Printed in the united States of America. This policy memo may be cited as: Kajenthira, Arani, Diaz Anadon, laura, and Sid- diqi, Afreen, “The case for cross-Sectoral Water Reuse in Saudi Arabia: Bringing Energy into the Water Equation.” Dubai Initiative Policy Brief.c ambridge, Mass.: Energy Technol- ogy Innovation Policy Program, Belfer center for Science and International Affairs, Har- vard Kennedy School, Harvard University, June 2011. A nEW cASE FOR WASTEWATER REuSE In SAuDI ARABIA | 3 Industrial and urban water reuse should be considered along with desalination as options for water supply in Saudi Arabia.
    [Show full text]
  • Profile of a Prince Promise and Peril in Mohammed Bin Salman’S Vision 2030
    BELFER CENTER PAPER Profile of a Prince Promise and Peril in Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 Karen Elliott House SENIOR FELLOW PAPER APRIL 2019 Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs Harvard Kennedy School 79 JFK Street Cambridge, MA 02138 www.belfercenter.org Statements and views expressed in this report are solely those of the author and do not imply endorsement by Harvard University, the Harvard Kennedy School, or the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Design and layout by Andrew Facini Cover photo: Fans react as they watch the “Greatest Royal Rumble” event in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Friday, April 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) Copyright 2019, President and Fellows of Harvard College Printed in the United States of America BELFER CENTER PAPER Profile of a Prince Promise and Peril in Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 Karen Elliott House SENIOR FELLOW PAPER APRIL 2019 About the Author Karen Elliott House is a senior fellow at the Belfer Center and author of On Saudi Arabia: Its People, Past, Religion, Fault Lines—and Future, published by Knopf in 2012. During a 32-year career at The Wall Street Journal she served as diplomatic correspondent, foreign editor, and finally as publisher of the paper. She won a Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting in 1984 for her coverage of the Middle East. She is chairman of the RAND Corporation. Her earlier Belfer Center reports on Saudi Arabia, “Saudi Arabia in Transition: From Defense to Offense, But How to Score?” (June 2017), and “Uneasy Lies the Head that Wears a Crown” (April 2016) can be found at www.belfercenter.org.
    [Show full text]
  • Saudi Arabia Beyond Oil: the Investment and Productivity Transformation
    SAUDI ARABIA BEYOND OIL: THE INVESTMENT AND PRODUCTIVITY TRANSFORMATION DECEMBER 2015 In the 25 years since its founding, the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) has sought to develop a deeper understanding of the evolving global economy. As the business and economics research arm of McKinsey & Company, MGI aims to provide leaders in the commercial, public, and social sectors with the facts and insights on which to base management and policy decisions. MGI research combines the disciplines of economics and management, employing the analytical tools of economics with the insights of business leaders. Our “micro-to-macro” methodology examines microeconomic industry trends to better understand the broad macroeconomic forces affecting business strategy and public policy. MGI’s in-depth reports have covered more than 20 countries and 30 industries. Current research focuses on six themes: productivity and growth, natural resources, labor markets, the evolution of global financial markets, the economic impact of technology and innovation, and urbanization. Recent reports have assessed global flows; the economies of Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and Japan; China’s digital transformation; India’s path from poverty to empowerment; affordable housing; the effects of global debt; and the economics of tackling obesity. MGI is led by three McKinsey & Company directors: Richard Dobbs, James Manyika, and Jonathan Woetzel. Michael Chui, Susan Lund, and Jaana Remes serve as MGI partners. Project teams are led by the MGI partners and a group of senior fellows, and include consultants from McKinsey & Company’s offices around the world. These teams draw on McKinsey & Company’s global network of partners and industry and management experts.
    [Show full text]