International Monetary Fund calls on Gulf kingdom to continue ‘bold structural changes’ but to resist the temptation to re-expand government spending
Saudi reform
diversify economy
Goldman eyes multibillion dollar deal to fuel Saudi expansion
Goldman Sachs has been building its presence in Saudi Arabia for some time, boosting headcount, securing a stock-trading license and getting involved in key deals including the kingdom’s dollar bond sale
Arab youth
Opinion: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince steps up to his young country’s desire for reform
Arab youth across the region are energised and encouraged by Mohammed Bin Salman’s promise of social reform
Arab Youth Survey 2018
Opinion: Ten years on, how different is the Middle East?
The Arab Youth Survey continues to provide an unrivalled window into the thoughts of the region’s young people
Jassim Alseddiqi
Shuaa, Jabal Omar plan to launch Saudi real estate investment vehicles
Companies say they are seeking avenues of cooperation towards the creation and management of a set of strategic real estate funds in Gulf kingdom
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil revenue jumps 63% to $14bn
Improved tax collection is part of a drive to reduce the economy’s reliance on income from oil exports
Fashion
Princess Noura, the new face of Saudi fashion
Great-granddaughter of Saudi Arabia’s founder this month oversaw her country’s first Arab Fashion Week
cinema ban
World’s first 4D cinema firm signs deal for Saudi debut
CJ 4DPLEX inks agreement with Cinemacity to open three 4DX locations in Gulf kingdom
Al Rajhi Capital
Saudi consumer spending set to take hit as reforms impact
New research says spending will be subdued to 2020 with expats, higher earners hit most
Saudi reform
Saudi Arabia working to address more women’s rights – official
Princess Reema bint Bandar al-Saud says women driving is ‘not the end all, be all’
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Saudi women to start own business without male permission
Crown Prince Mohammed has been leading the drive to expand the role of women in the workforce in recent months
economic reforms
Saudi Arabia boosts citizen benefits as taxes bite
Move aims to cushion the impact of economic reforms including the kingdom’s first ever taxes
Diversification
Other Gulf countries should follow UAE example, says IMF exec
Dr Jihad Azour says reforms, diversification are key to economic success in region
Saudi reform
Opinion: Women scoring more goals
Reforms are needed to bridge gender gaps in the Saudi sports system and improve the health of women
Entertainment
Stand-up comedy scene blossoms in Saudi Arabia
A government sanctioned amateur comedy festival is one of an increasing number of entertainment options for Saudis
Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs chief tweets support for Saudi reform
Lloyd Blankfein called for the nation to address cultural differences with the West to attract more foreign workers