Stories from Saudi Arabia

The Nusuk application has reached over 51 million users, according to Ahmed Al-Humaid, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The app provides more than 100 services for pilgrims. Al-Humaid described the platform as a artery for both regional and global economies. The application provides services for pilgrims, including a simulation of the Prophet's migration journey. The project aims to enhance the quality of services provided to visitors in Mecca and Medina. The Nusuk application has contributed to an increase in Umrah visitors from 3.8 million to over 13 million. Officials noted that 16 million Umrah pilgrims have visited within a short period. Development of the application continues to support these numbers.

Riyadh is discussing developments regarding the situation in light of Pakistani mediation. The discussions include exchanging views on the future foreign policy of Gulf states toward Iran. An advisor to UAE President Anwar Karagash criticized the weak position of allied nations. The discussions are taking place in light of Pakistani mediation, according to German news reports citing Gulf sources. Anwar Karjash, an advisor to the UAE President, criticized the perceived weak position of allied nations regarding maritime navigation.

The Saudi Arabian Sports Federation has formed a new board of directors. Prince Khalid bin Al Waleed will serve as the chairman of the board. The move aims to increase physical activity rates across the country.

The General Directorate of Prisons and Mini Training Company signed an agreement in Riyadh to provide specialized training programs. The initiative will offer diplomas in artificial intelligence and human resources for employees and their families. The agreement was signed at the Directorate's headquarters. The agreement also includes qualifying programs to enhance the professional skills of inmates to facilitate their social reintegration.

The number of real estate transactions in Saudi Arabia fell by 39.15% compared to the same day last week. The average price per square meter reached 2.84 riyals, with Jeddah recording the highest average price per square meter. In Riyadh, the average price per square meter was 3.696 riyals. The Saudi Council for Economic Affairs and Development reviewed these figures as part of the Vision 2030 updates. The General Authority for Real Estate has also released a draft model for usufruct rights via the Istitlaa platform.

The Saudi General Authority for Real Estate has released a draft model for usufruct rights in the real estate register via the Istitlaa platform. The project aims to boost regional economies and tourism, specifically benefiting Turkey. The initiative aligns with visions to establish the Middle East as a central economic hub. The proposed network would branch from the Gulf through Saudi Arabia into Jordan, then split toward Egypt, Syria, and Turkey. Technical studies for the connection are reportedly nearing completion. The General Authority for Real Estate has approved new regulatory frameworks for real estate marketing and advertising. The regulations aim to organize advertising practices, enhance transparency, and protect market participants. The new rules mandate obtaining specific licenses for marketing activities.

The average price per square meter in Jeddah has decreased by 38.16 percent compared to the same day last week. In the capital city of Riyadh, the average price per square meter was recorded at 3,696 riyals. This decline reflects a shift in the local real estate market transaction volume. The data indicates a downward trend in the Jeddah sector.

The Tadawul Group reported a 54 percent decline in profits for the first quarter of 2026. Operating revenues for the group decreased by approximately 10 percent. Total profits also saw a decline of 26 percent due to various items affecting performance. Financial expert Dr. Abdullah bin Saud discussed these results, noting the drop compared to previous periods.

Several Saudi companies have reported financial results and related-party transactions. United Insurance Cooperative incurred losses of 256.22 million riyals in 2020, with a 18% drop in revenue. Red Sea Global reported dealings with Al Dabbagh Holding exceeding 33.75 million riyals, primarily through an interest-free loan. Tadawul Group's profits fell to 55.6 million riyals in Q1 2026, despite increased operating revenues. South African golf commentator Dean Burmester has expressed support for the LIV Golf league despite rumors regarding Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). Reports suggest the PIF could withdraw financial support due to growing losses totaling more than $5 billion. Burmester's comments come amid uncertainty regarding the league's future funding.

Saudi Arabia will no longer fund golf, and the WTA tennis finals are moving out of the country after this year. The kingdom has spent approximately $5 billion on these projects so far without seeing the expected returns. The shift indicates a reluctance to continue spending at previous levels. Scott O'Neill stated that beyond 2026, LIV Golf will face an imperative to source investment from sources other than Saudi Arabia. The future of the league currently feels uncertain due to this potential shift in funding. The report was cited by George Wallace during a news segment. Saudi backers will no longer bankroll the live golf circuit after the current season. The decision was reported by a general just moments ago. According to the Wall Street Journal, the fund will officially notify players and staff of this decision tomorrow.