It is seen as the social media giant’s move to foster a combination of entertainment and education
Saudi Arabia
IPO
Saudi e-commerce firm Nice One raises $322mn in Main Market IPO
The IPO drew overwhelming interest from institutional investors, with orders surpassing $45 billion
Capital Markets
UAE, Saudi markets eye fresh wave of blockbuster IPOs after record 2024
A key trend emerging in both markets is the increasing appetite for technology and digital-first businesses
Central Bank of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Central Bank awards licence to SEULAH ALAWLA microfinance firm
Saudi Arabia issues licence to 63rd finance company
Aviation
Saudi airline flyadeal announces 5 new routes, plans expansion to Pakistan
Flyadeal launches new domestic routes and reveals expansion to Pakistan in February
music in saudi arabia
A new soundtrack for Saudi: Paul Pacifico on the future of music in the kingdom
The Saudi Music Commission has the task of creating a powerful music ecosystem in the Kingdom, with the support of the creative and commercial innovator Paul Pacifico
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia announces major new ID and visa rule
Saudi Arabia announces new rules for residents with visas and ID cards
Magnitt
Saudi Arabia tops MENA venture capital funding with $750m investments in 2024
Saudi Arabia accounted for 40 per cent of venture capital funding in MENA region last year
commercial real estate
Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Tower to serve as magnet for surge in global investment in the Kingdom, say experts
The ambitious project, projected to be 180 meters taller than the reigning title holder for the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, when completed
saudi tax
Saudi Arabia calls on taxpayers to submit forms by Friday or face fines
Saudi authorities advise withholding taxpayers to submit paperwork by January 10
Diriyah
Diriyah awards $114m architecture contract for Boulevard District
Diriyah Company appoints architecture specialist for Boulevard District project
Almosafer
Saudi Arabia witnesses domestic tourism boom as bookings surge 44%; budget travel thriving
Domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia is thriving as destinations including Abha, Al Jubail, Jizan, Tabuk and Hail gain popularity
music in saudi arabia
Inside Saudi Arabia’s plan to use music to transform the kingdom’s culture and economy
Inspiring new initiatives will offer the Saudi population the chance to learn music and play a part in the Kingdom’s growing music economy
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia to host Royal Rumble in 2026
Saudi Arabia will host the first WWE Royal Rumble wrestling event held outside North America in 2026
Bayt.com
MENA jobs: Men more likely than women to switch roles, despite higher chance of bonuses and salary satisfaction
MENA salary survey identifies job trends and expectations for workers in the region
Saudi Arabia
Saudi retailer Cenomi fined by CMA for non-disclosure of financials
The franchise retailer has presence in more than 1,650 stores across 100 shopping malls in 11 markets
BNPL
Saudi fintech JeelPay raises $6.6mn in Pre-Series A funding
Joa Capital, AlJazira Capital, and other angel investors participated in the startup’s latest funding round