Stories from Riyadh · Saudi Arabia

Al-Breve shares are approaching a closing level of 11.02830 riyals. Trading value for the stock has reached 5.5 billion riyals. The market report indicates 135 companies have risen while 90 companies have declined. Approximately 7 companies have seen a decrease in value.

Saudi Arabian authorities executed three Ethiopian men in April for transporting khat plants. The men reportedly traveled from Ethiopia through Yemen to reach the country. Khat leaves are prohibited in Saudi Arabia due to their stimulant effects.

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khulaif met with Turkish counterparts to discuss enhancing cooperation in mining sectors. The meeting focused on developing mining value chains to support global mineral security.

Gulf Cooperation Council countries met in Saudi Arabia to decide on accelerating early warning system projects against ballistic missiles. The meeting addressed security concerns following recent attacks. The decision aims to bolster regional defense capabilities among member states. The meeting also noted that recent attacks have shaken confidence in Iran among Gulf nations. The move is described as a response to the need for self-protection from a military perspective. The decision follows discussions regarding how these countries will protect themselves against ballistic missile threats. Member states also reached a consensus on strengthening military integration. The decision follows concerns regarding the impact of attacks on trust in Iran among GCC member countries. The meeting took place during a period involving US President Donald Trump's visit to the region.

Regional escalations are complicating potential negotiations between the United States and Iran. Negotiations are described as an impasse where Iranian power is not being crushed by American influence.

Badr Hospital provided more than 13,000 emergency services during the first quarter.

Under Saudi Arabian law, unmarried women who give birth risk arrest. A Kenyan domestic worker, Edith, reported being unable to obtain a birth certificate for her daughter, Blessings, due to her marital status.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have announced plans to adopt a joint defense model against missile attacks. Reuters reports that Mohammed bin Salman is pursuing this shared approach to counter missile threats.

Red Sea International has reduced its accumulated losses to 41.024 million riyals, representing 8.5 percent of its capital. The company achieved this following an extraordinary general assembly meeting that approved the conversion of a balance and the issuance of shares. The company attributed previous growth in losses to declining revenues and increased expenses. Herfy announced that its losses decreased to 3.9 million riyals by the end of the first quarter of 2026. This represents a reduction from the 18 million riyals in losses reported during the same period in 2025. The company attributed the decrease in losses to specific operational factors during the current quarter. Red Sea stock led gains with a 10% increase.

Takween Advanced Industries reported a 166 percent increase in losses during the first quarter of 2026. The losses reached approximately 2 billion riyals. The company attributed the growth in losses to declining revenues and rising expenses.