Stories from Riyadh · Saudi Arabia

Ceramics have played a continuous role throughout the history of human civilization. At least 23 additional prizes, including gold and platinum, are being awarded.

Saudi company Sadap announced a 35% decrease in its profits for the first quarter of the current year, reaching 2.80 million riyals. This is compared to profits of 126 million and 11,000 riyals achieved during the same period last year. A company reported a 31 percent decrease in first-quarter profits, falling to 49 million riyals. The company attributed the drop to a 5 percent increase in revenue costs. The report follows recent market commentary regarding Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The decrease is primarily attributed to a 17% to 22% decline in operational revenues, reaching 204.96 million riyals, impacted by lower average trading values. Profits reached 20,120,000 riyals for the period. Company revenues also declined to 194,500,000 riyals. The company attributed previous accumulated losses of approximately 99 percent of its capital to low sales resulting from weak liquidity.

The Diriyah Gate Development Authority has awarded a contract for the construction of the Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art. The project has a total value of 1.84 billion Saudi riyals. The museum will cover a total area of 5.42 square kilometers and is intended to be a hub for modern and contemporary Saudi art. Saudi ministries are intervening to support artisans, recognizing their importance. Previously, artisans relied on their own efforts and the support of those around them. The intervention aims to showcase products to the external market and provide opportunities for artisans to display their work.

Iran has proposed a unified plan for negotiations through Pakistani intermediaries.

Saudi Arabia has presented an ultimatum to the United States regarding the use of dollars.

The Ministry of Industries in Saudi Arabia has reviewed industrial opportunities within its projects. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has prioritized the service of guests, particularly during religious pilgrimages. This focus is a key aspect of the nation's strategy. The specifics of this ultimatum and its potential implications are not detailed in the provided transcript. The Ministry of Interior and various sectors are working to facilitate the journey for Hajj and Umrah visitors. This includes organizing trips and providing direct services to help pilgrims access historical and religious sites. The next phase will involve launching national sectoral and regional strategies as long-term implementation tools. These strategies will complement Vision 2030 programs with broader focus. Ninety-three percent of vision performance indicators have met their annual targets.

Iran has entered a new phase in its negotiations, which may be related to energy. This development is seen as potentially impacting the stability of the Sahel region.

The Saudi entertainment sector attracted more than 12.6 million visitors during the third quarter of 2025. The sector organized 488 events during this period. These activities contributed to local and foreign investment and provided new job opportunities for young men and women. The sector also aimed to stimulate domestic and international tourism. The World Travel and Tourism Council released its 2025 economic impact report for the Middle East. The report states the travel and tourism sector's total contribution to Saudi Arabia reached approximately $178 billion USD in 2025. The findings were presented during Finance Week sessions. This figure represents 64% of the tourism economy in the Middle East. The sector is showing advanced growth indicators reflecting a qualitative shift in performance.

German Bundestag Vice President Omid Nouri-Purash discussed energy supply stability during a trip to the Middle East. The situation necessitates coordinated international dialogue to address potential supply disruptions. German commentators are criticizing the federal government for being too slow to address energy crises. The German Energy Minister's reported stance of ignoring the scale of the problem is described as unhelpful. Experts are calling for increased dialogue and cooperation with countries heavily affected by the energy situation. A nuclear reactor explosion reached temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Celsius, melting surrounding structures. The resulting fire lasted for nine days. The initial blast caused 31 deaths, though the radioactive cloud released afterward is cited as the primary cause of mortality.

Arabia Media reported a profit of 59.9 million riyals for the first quarter of this year. This marks the company's first profitable quarter following 14 consecutive quarters of losses. The financial turnaround occurred during the first quarter of 2026. The bank attributed the performance to an increase in the average selling price and a reduction in expenses. Shareholders are invited to an ordinary general assembly meeting scheduled for May 19. The meeting will include voting on board member remuneration totaling 16.16 million riyals for the year 2025. The assembly will also vote on the board's recommendation regarding dividend distributions.