Stories from Saudi Arabia

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.

The Riyadh public transport network is reaching a daily capacity of 3.6 million passengers. A new seventh metro line will connect Riyadh to the Al-Jadidah area. This expansion aims to facilitate visitor access from the airport directly to Al-Jadidah via the public transport network.

The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Authority held a meeting this year to review conservation efforts. Discussions focused on the protection of Arabian Oryx and Reem Gazelles within the reserve. The meeting aimed to strengthen relationships with environmental activists and stakeholders. The initiative serves to enhance environmental awareness within the protected area.

The Minister of Investment participated in the launch of a regional program for digital and e-commerce across the Middle East and North Africa. The initiative aims to drive economic reforms to attract increased investment.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Djibouti Ambassador Diaa al-Din Bamakhrama in Riyadh. The meeting focused on reviewing bilateral relations and discussing regional and international cooperation. Discussions also covered efforts to address shared interests in the region. The meeting followed a phone call between the Saudi Foreign Minister and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani regarding regional security. The Saudi Museums Commission has announced a contract worth 1.8 billion riyals to construct the Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art.

Consumers are advised to report defects in goods like mobile phones and cars immediately upon discovery. Failure to retain invoices can hinder proof of purchase, though alternative confirmations like email receipts are accepted. Sellers are obligated to disclose all defects, whether the item is new or used, and any misleading information constitutes fraud. If a seller conceals a defect, the buyer has the right to cancel the sale or seek compensation. Products that are counterfeit or defective but presented as genuine are considered commercial fraud.

The Al-Liwan farm in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia is being highlighted for its sustainable rural tourism initiatives. The farm offers visitors an immersive experience, including exploring aromatic plants native to the region and a four-story traditional house that functions as a museum. This initiative aims to blend authenticity with innovation in rural tourism.

Saudi Arabian home ownership increased from 63,416 families in 2019 to 851,387 families in 2025. Saudi Arabia's home ownership rate has reached 66.24 percent, according to a report on the Council of Ministers' economic development vision. This figure represents a increase from previous years when ownership levels did not exceed 7.40 percent. The announcement follows the implementation of new regulations and electronic systems aimed at market organization and Vision 2030 goals. Saudi household home ownership reached 6.60% according to a recent report. The report indicates the achievement reflects government housing policies and efforts related to the Saudi Vision 2030 goals. The average price per square meter was recorded at 1,330 riyals last week. The household home ownership rate reached 66.24%, surpassing the 2025 target of 65%.

Real estate transaction values in Saudi Arabia exceeded 4.841 billion riyals over the past week. In Riyadh's Al-Andalus district, 26 operations were recorded totaling 7.8 million riyals. In Al-Muznib, 12 operations were valued at 200,010 riyals. Additionally, 12 operations in Hail involving land or real estate outside district boundaries were valued at 4.6 million riyals. The General Authority for Real Estate announced that the deadline for the first in-kind settlement for 43 real estate plots in nine neighborhoods of Al Wajh governorate in the Tabuk region ends today, Wednesday, April 29. Property owners within these scopes are being called to complete the process. Food and beverage transactions accounted for 52 million of these operations. Hotel transactions exceeded 800,000 operations during the same period.