Stories from Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) launched the first Hajj pilgrim service via the Haramain High-Speed Railway on Tuesday. The service operates from King Abdulaziz International Airport station to the Makkah station. SAR announced it has increased the operational capacity of the Haramain High-Speed Railway to accommodate the service. The expansion aims to serve the growing number of pilgrims traveling to Makkah. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched the first trips for Hajj pilgrims to the holy site.

Al-Ittihad finished the league in sixth place, a position considered appropriate given their performance this year. The team faced internal disagreements with the coach and players, and lacked clarity in their technical strategy on the field.

Fahad Al-Mufrej has requested a two-week period to decide whether to join the Saudi national team management. The decision depends on resolving his current commitments with Al-Hilal club before the World Cup.

A major technology company announced plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 10 percent to balance investments in artificial intelligence. The reduction could result in the layoff of about 8,000 employees.

The World Travel and Tourism Council released its 2025 economic impact report for the Middle East. The report states the total contribution of the travel and tourism sector to Saudi Arabia reached approximately $178 billion USD in 2025.

Saudi Arabia has acquired a 46% share of the total tourism economy in the Middle East.

The Metropolitan Opera has canceled its planned three-day residency in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The residency was intended to occur annually every February for eight years.

Fintech companies in Saudi Arabia have seen a fourteen-fold increase in number over the past six years.

The number of fintech companies in Saudi Arabia has increased more than 14 times over a six-year period. In 2019, the country had only 20 fintech companies, according to a report discussed on Radio Riyadh.

The College of Computer Science and Information Technology is hosting its 11th annual alumni forum. This year's edition is described as an exceptional version held in partnership with the Ministry.