Stories from Riyadh · Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is operating a digital monitoring and control center to track the Hajj pilgrimage in real-time. The center functions as an advanced digital operations room to analyze operational data and support immediate decision-making.

The Saudi delegation for science and engineering is scheduled to depart for the United States tomorrow. They will participate in the 2026 International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) from May 9 to May 15.

A broadcast recounted the historical battle led by King Abdulaziz against Ibn Ajlan. The account states that Abdulaziz's forces set an ambush for Ibn Ajlan and his men. The battle resulted in the death of Ibn Ajlan and the capture of a palace.

Financial forecasts for petrochemical companies are expected to show variance due to fluctuations in end-product prices. The Renminbi (RMB) exchange rate is reported at 6.820. The stock market experienced a sharp decline of 3.5%, while oil prices surged to $145 per barrel. This instability is linked to global economic uncertainty and is being compared to the market reactions during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The situation is being closely monitored and may lead to future interventions. Energy supply shortages are being felt, with gasoline prices rising approximately 37% in Southeast Asia and 42% in the US due to supply tightness. A UK asset protection unit reported potential losses of $1.3 billion due to market volatility, with an additional $300 million provision for future economic outlook deterioration and Middle East conflict uncertainties.

Nexchem is facing challenges due to high fixed costs and declining revenues. The company reported that geopolitical issues in the Strait of Hormuz are causing supply chain disruptions.

US President Trump threatened to 'erase' Iran from the Earth if it fired on US vessels in the Persian Gulf or Strait of Hormuz. Trump also claimed Iran suffered heavy losses while the US experienced none. will strike with stronger and more decisive measures in the future. Trump described the operation as smooth and without damage, claiming Iran suffered heavy losses. military remains on standby, ready to defend U.S. US President Donald Trump stated that recent US military actions against Iran were merely a "minor blow" and do not signal the end of hostilities. Donald Trump has threatened to reignite hostilities, following reports that three American vessels were attacked during the night. The United States and Iran have exchanged fire, but former President Trump stated that the war is still ongoing. The source reported that the war, specifically referring to the bombing, has now stopped.

Global oil reserves are currently sufficient to cover 101 days of global demand. and Israel, making constructive solutions difficult. The UAE's defense ministry detected and intercepted missiles from Iran. Iran's actions are attributed to US military adventurism aimed at controlling transit through the Hormuz Strait, and a decrease in trust regarding nuclear negotiations. The US Central Command commander stated the incident was due to US adventurism to ensure passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Global financial markets are closely watching Iran's actions, with the New Taiwan Dollar appreciating against the US Dollar to 31.605. Reports indicate that Iran's recent missile activity has not reached the threshold for large-scale combat operations. A US military tanker, a Boeing KC-135, reportedly issued an emergency code 7700 over the Persian Gulf off the coast of Iran.

Saudi Arabia has achieved fiscal levels close to expectations despite regional market fluctuations in the Gulf. The plane was flying from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar to an undisclosed destination.

The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has called on entities subject to withholding tax in Saudi Arabia to submit their tax withholding models for April. The initiative aims to ensure compliance for the previous month.

The Saudi Ministry of Finance issued its weekly report for the first week of May. Real estate trading volume exceeded 7,457,000 square meters on the same day. Riyadh recorded the highest price per square meter in the Kingdom at 15,480 riyals.