Latest news with #Qiddiya
Arab News
2 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
New golf course to boost Saudi Arabia's sports, entertainment vision
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's upcoming entertainment and sports city, Qiddiya, has unveiled plans for an 18-hole golf course designed by English golfer Sir Nick Faldo. The course, set along the 200-meter-high cliffs of the Tuwaiq Mountains, is part of Qiddiya's broader push to develop golf infrastructure in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The announcement follows Qiddiya's new global partnership with the Faldo Series, regarded as the world's leading development pathway for young golfers. The partnership aims to grow the sport in Saudi Arabia and expand youth participation nationally and internationally, the SPA added. Faldo called the partnership a unique opportunity to help shape one of the world's most ambitious cities, where modern lifestyles blend with sports, entertainment, and culture in an innovative urban model. He said: 'The collaboration with Qiddiya City brings together one of the world's foremost sporting communities and a vibrant society passionate about discovering new sports experiences.' The project aligns with Qiddiya's long-term vision to become a premier golf destination in Saudi Arabia, welcoming players of all ages and supporting the next generation of Saudi golfers. Abdullah Al-Dawood, managing director of Qiddiya Investment Co., said: 'Our partnership with Sir Nick Faldo to design a new golf course, along with becoming the global partner of the Faldo Series, affirms our commitment to supporting golf and nurturing the next generation of Saudi golfers.' The course will offer a variety of playing options and accommodate all skill levels. Alongside a layout designed to challenge professionals, it will feature evening lighting for night play and structured training programs for beginners. The design blends traditional elements with contemporary, inclusive features to broaden participation. The larger golf destination will include a clubhouse, extensive training grounds, and an advanced academy developed by Patterson Design. These facilities are tailored to the desert environment, emphasizing sustainability and alignment with global golf standards. Beyond the sport itself, the site is envisioned as a community hub, featuring fitness and wellness centers, social spaces, indoor and outdoor pools, and a variety of restaurants and cafes. At the heart of the site, a green-covered structure open to the public will host events and serve as a central gathering space. It will connect the golf club, the multi-use sports and social complex, and the training academy, creating a unified destination for recreation, learning, and community activity. This distinctive architectural centerpiece will link the three key areas: the golf club as the operational core, a sports and social activity center, and an academy focused on high-level golf instruction and training. Qiddiya City includes more than 20 master-planned districts focused on entertainment, sports, and culture, along with housing, commercial, and hospitality offerings. The golf project joins several other high-profile developments under the Qiddiya umbrella, including the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium — expected to host global sports and entertainment events such as the 2034 FIFA World Cup — the Speed Park motorsports venue, Mercedes-AMG World with public racing experiences, and the Performing Arts Center, which will support diverse cultural and creative programming.
Gulf Business
3 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Saudi's Qiddiya City unveils Faldo-designed golf course and joins global Faldo Series
Image: Saudi Press Agency/Qiddiya City golf course rendering As part of the agreement, Qiddiya City will serve as a host venue for Qiddiya City also unveiled plans for a new Sir Nick Faldo-designed 18-hole championship golf course, which is set to open to the public in 2026. A state-of-the-art clubhouse, academy and practice facilities will follow in 2028. Designed to promote accessibility and inclusivity, the course will feature a unique 'three-hole return' layout, enabling flexible play and encouraging broader participation. Read: Qiddiya Investment Company managing director Abdullah bin Nasser Aldawood said: 'Qiddiya City's partnership with Sir Nick Faldo in designing a new golf course and becoming global partner of the Faldo Series underscores our commitment to growing the game of golf and nurturing the next generation of Saudi golfers.' Sir Nick Faldo added: 'This is a unique opportunity to become involved in one of the most exciting cities being developed today where a new way of city life is fused together with sport, entertainment and culture. Our partnership with Qiddiya City brings together the golf community with a whole nation bubbling with energy to be active and try new sports.' The course The new course will be located against the dramatic backdrop of the 200-metre-high Tuwaiq cliffs, offering floodlit play, advanced learning pathways, and interactive golf entertainment experiences. It has been designed to challenge elite players while remaining accessible to amateurs and beginners. The project will also feature an iconic clubhouse and driving range designed by architecture firm Patterson's. Sustainability is a core aspect of the design, alongside world-class golfing features. The clubhouse will double as a vibrant social and wellness hub, housing amenities such as indoor and outdoor pools, fitness and conditioning zones, wellness facilities, social spaces, and a diverse mix of food and beverage outlets. The entire complex is expected to attract more than 200,000 visitors annually. A green-roofed public structure will link three zones: the Golf Clubhouse, the Social Wellness Hub, and the Academy. This interconnected layout supports Qiddiya's goal of blending recreation, health and community. The golf precinct is situated in a dynamic district within Qiddiya City, one of the world's largest city developments spanning 360 sq km and located just 40 minutes from Riyadh. With more than 20 districts planned, Qiddiya City will integrate entertainment, sports, and cultural landmarks with residential, commercial and hospitality offerings. Other major attractions in Qiddiya include the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, which will host global sporting and cultural events such as the 2034 FIFA World Cup; the Speed Park Track for motorsports; Mercedes AMG World of Performance with its public racetrack; and a landmark Performing Arts Center.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
From 17% to 36%: Female employment in Saudi Arabia surges past Vision 2030 target
Saudi Arabia's labour reforms under Vision 2030 have lifted women's workforce participation from 17% in 2017 to over 35% in 2024 and counting/Representative Image TL;DR: Female labour-force participation jumped from ~17% in 2015 to 36.2% in Q3 2024, well above Vision 2030's initial 30% target . 'Mada' digital payments saw e-commerce sales grow 25.8% to SAR 197.4 billion (USD 52.6 billion) in 2024, driving consumer convenience and financial inclusion . Women now lead 45% of SMEs, supported by legal reforms like equal pay, anti-harassment protections, and expanded maternity/paternity leave . Despite progress, gaps remain in board-level representation, conservative social norms, and wage disparities . Veiled Social Transformation Beneath Mega-Projects While NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea Project dominate headlines, a powerful shift is taking hold within Saudi society: women are entering previously closed career pathways, using digital tools, and driving small businesses—symbolising deep-rooted transformation. Surpassing Targets: Saudi Women in the Workforce GASTAT reports Saudi female labour-force participation at 36.2% in Q3 2024, up from ~17% when Vision 2030 launched. Participation by young women (15–24) reached 18.0%. This rise has exceeded the 30% participation goal achieved ahead of 2030, prompting the government to aim for 40% by 2030 according to Finance Minister Al‑Jadaan. Young women's workforce entry continues its upward trend, reflecting changing societal norms. Private Sector Inclusion & Female Entrepreneurship Nearly 45% of SMEs in Saudi are led by women, per Minister Al‑Jadaan. Legal reforms, including wage parity, anti-harassment protections, expanded leave, and eased guardianship rules, have laid the groundwork for sustainable participation . Payment Infrastructure: Digital Fluency & Financial Access The 'Mada' payments network processed SAR 197.4 billion (USD 52.6 billion) in e-commerce transactions in 2024, a 25.8% increase from 2023. With 47.7 million cards issued and 8.6 billion NFC transactions, the system has enabled contactless payments and reduced cash dependency. This financial modernization spanning POS, ATMs, mobile apps is essential in supporting women's economic autonomy . Education & Training: The Enablers of Change Saudi women now constitute over 52% of university enrolment, often outpacing men. Vocational and technical training programs accessible to women including through institutions like TVTC and HRDF's Doroob equip Saudis with practical workplace skills. Persistent Challenges Amid Progress Despite improvements, women remain underrepresented in executive leadership and board positions. Social attitudes, particularly over guardianship, household roles, and work-life balance continue to impede equal contribution . Wage disparities, though legally addressed, persist especially in private-sector compensation . Economic Impacts: Growth, Diversification, Stability Saudi non-oil GDP now accounts for 52% of total output. Citizen unemployment declined to 7.1% (Q2 2024), with female citizen unemployment dropping to 12.8%. Increased female earnings are boosting household incomes and consumption, reinforcing macroeconomic stability. Verdict: Society in Transition Underneath the grandeur of Vision 2030's flagship projects lies a societal evolution powered by women's advancement and digital modernization. Elevated labour participation, fintech adoption, entrepreneurship, and education reflect a maturing knowledge-based economy. Yet, for this change to be enduring, greater representation in leadership, ongoing workplace protections, and cultural integration remain crucial. If current momentum continues, Saudi Arabia might not only meet but surpass its social goals cementing these reforms as legacy-defining, far more profound than physical megaprojects.
India.com
10-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
New visa rules kicks in Saudi Arabia, expats to be classified in 3 categories, work permits based on..., these people to be affected
Saudi Arabia's new visa policy now takes into account an expat's skills, experience, and salary, categorizing them into three tiers: high-skilled, skilled, and basic, as reported by TOI. This visa policy change coincides with the country's Vision 2030 agenda and supports the country's large national projects such as NEOM and Qiddiya. The new system will certainly favor professionals and high-wage earners; however, it could negatively affect low-wage employees by reducing their opportunities. Also, companies must now comply with previously unused compliance criteria such as more formal documentation and verification. What is the new visa rule in Saudi Arabia? For years, expats in Saudi Arabia were judged on little more than their job titles. Cleaners, technicians, and surgeons with the same iqama (residence permit) were given the same status regardless of their abilities or expertise. That is changing. As of July 2025, Saudi Arabia will have fully implemented a new work permit system that will consider an individual's actual qualifications, work history, and salary. In short, from now on, it is worth more than just a title; jobs will be based on the skills and value an individual can truly provide. How will the new Visa Rule in Saudi impact expats? According to the Times of India report, the new framework classifies workers into a set of three classifications or classes. They are Highly-skilled workers: Experts in areas such as engineering, medicine, AI, etc. Skilled workers: Workers in technical trades, supervisory positions, etc. Basic workers: Workers in physical work, such as:- Drivers, cleaners, or loaders All of this is done through Qiwa, a digital platform run by the Ministry of Human Resources. The new scoring system considers a variety of factors, including educational background, work experience, age, monthly salary, etc. The national plan seeks to move the country beyond its reliance on oil and into new industries: tourism, technology, and innovation. Saudi Arabia needs talent from across the globe to accomplish that change; people who can build, code, design, and lead. The main projects that are central to this vision include: NEOM – a $500 billion smart city of the future, Qiddiya – a large-scale culture and entertainment development, The Red Sea Project – a luxury eco-tourism, and Diriyah Gate – focused on restoring Saudi Arabia's historical and cultural identity. What are the new changes expats have to face? For expatriates already residing in Saudi Arabia, the changes began to take effect in mid-June 2025, and the government has provided current employers until August 3 to update their employees' records. The report further mentions that if an individual is a professional, these changes could be in his/her favour: If your education and experience allow you, you may notice faster permit renewals. One may have more job options in different sectors. One may find it easier to maintain long-term residency and sponsor family. Unfortunately, if one falls into the basic category, one may notice: More documentation to provide. Delays in having your visa processed. Challenges in changing jobs and renewing permits. The change does not mean that people are kicked out; it means the requirements are getting tougher, especially for low-wage. As stated by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the initiative announced by Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed al-Rajhi will categorize foreign workers into three categories — high-skill, skilled, and basic. As per Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the three factors will be based on the extent of the qualifications, the length of service as work experience, skills learned and the salary level, and age. As per SPA, t he ministry stated it developed the new system to 'enhance worker performance, attract global talent to transfer expertise and experience to the Saudi labor market, improve operational efficiency, benefit from international experience, and build an environment that supports innovation and the development of business models.'
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
New visa rules in Saudi Arabia: Here's everything expats need to know
Saudi Arabia introduces a skill-based permit system, transforming the expat workforce/Image: File TL;DR: Saudi Arabia 's new visa policy now considers skills, experience, and salary. Expats are grouped into three levels: high-skilled, skilled, and basic. This change joins with Vision 2030 and big national projects like NEOM and Qiddiya. While professionals may benefit from this system, it could make life harder for low-wage workers. Companies face new compliance rules and documentation responsibilities. Change Has a New Name: Skill-Based Visas Ask any expat who's worked in Saudi Arabia over the last few decades, and they'll likely tell you the same thing: your job title often defined your life. Whether it was a cleaner, a technician, or a surgeon everyone held the same general residency permit, known as an iqama, regardless of their skill set. That era is now coming to a close. As of July 2025, Saudi Arabia has introduced a completely new work permit system that ranks foreign workers based on their actual qualifications, experience, and income levels. In simpler terms, it's no longer just about what's written on your job contract but what you bring to the table. The new structure breaks workers into three categories: High-skilled (specialists in engineering, medicine, AI, etc.) Skilled (those in technical trades and supervisory roles) Basic (labour-intensive jobs like driving, cleaning, or loading) Everything is being managed through the Qiwa platform, a digital system under the Ministry of Human Resources. The scoring system considers multiple factors, from education and professional history to age and monthly pay. Why This Change Now? This reform is tied to something far bigger, that is Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. T his national plan aims to push Saudi beyond oil and into sectors like tourism, technology, and more. And to get there, they need people who can build, code, design, and manage high-level professionals from around the globe. Projects like: NEOM (the futuristic $500B smart city) Qiddiya (a massive culture and entertainment destination) The Red Sea Project (a luxury eco-tourism site) Diriyah Gate (focused on restoring historical identity) These aren't your run-of-the-mill developments. They require talent that fits modern, niche roles: climate specialists, AI ethicists, or urban mobility planners. That's where the new visa tiers come in. The country wants to attract the right minds for the job. What If You're Already Working in Saudi? For expats already living in the Kingdom, the changes started taking effect in mid-June 2025, and the government has given employers a window until August 3 to update records. If you're a professional, this might actually work in your favour: Your experience and education could help with faster renewals You may have more job options across sectors Long-term residency and family sponsorships may be easier to secure But if your job falls under the basic category, you might find yourself facing: More documents to submit Delays in visa processing Potential complications when switching jobs or renewing your permit This shift doesn't necessarily mean anyone is being pushed out—it just means the criteria are tightening, especially at the lower end of the job market. A Look Back: How Saudi Arabia Handled Expats Before To understand where things are headed, it helps to revisit where they began. For decades, Saudi Arabia used the kafala system, where a worker's employer acted as their sponsor. The sponsor had sweeping control over many aspects of the worker's life, from contract renewals to travel permissions. By the early 2000s, the system started facing criticism, especially from rights organisations. And so, the government began tweaking it. First came Nitaqat in 2011, which rewarded businesses for hiring more Saudi nationals. Later, with Vision 2030, came bigger reforms introducing more job mobility, removing some exit visa restrictions, and slowly moving toward a digitised labour market. Now, with this skill-based model, Saudi Arabia is making its boldest move yet, one that's meant to fit the demands of a changing economy. What About Employers? If you're running a business in Saudi Arabia, this reform is a real operational shift. HR teams must now ensure: Educational credentials match job roles Salaries are aligned with the worker's assigned tier Contracts and employee titles are uploaded correctly in Qiwa Mistakes here won't just cause delays, they could result in penalties or rejection of visa applications. For larger firms, these processes might be manageable. But small and medium enterprises will need to adapt quickly or risk falling behind. Is Kafala Really Gone? While the skill-based model is a leap forward, not all older traditions have been removed. In practice, many expats especially in the lower skill brackets still need employer approval to: Leave the country Bring family members over Switch jobs This shows that while the system is evolving, it still has legacy issues that need ironing out. Will Remittances Be Affected? According to data from early 2025, expats in Saudi Arabia send back over SR12.78 billion ($3.4 billion) every month in remittances. Under the new system: Fewer low-income workers might enter, reducing overall numbers But more high-income professionals might send larger amounts individually This could reshape how money flows back to India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines, some of the biggest recipients of Gulf remittances. The Bigger Picture: Going Digital, Going Smart This reform isn't happening in isolation. It's part of a larger digital transformation, which includes: The Professional Verification Program – Ensures all credentials are real before workers even arrive The Wage Protection System – Tracks salary payments in real time Platforms like Qiwa, Musaned, and Taqat – Handle everything from hiring to filing complaints The end goal through this mission is a labour market that is traceable, fair, and more efficient. The Verdict Whether you're a software developer from India, a nurse from the Philippines, or a construction worker from Bangladesh, this change affects you. For some, it may mean greater freedom, faster processing, and better benefits. For others, it might feel like an extra hurdle to stay in a country they've long called home. FAQs Q. What are the three skill levels in the new visa system? High-skilled (specialists like engineers), Skilled (supervisors), and Basic (manual labour roles like cleaners). Q. Can workers challenge their skill classification? Not directly. But their employer can submit updated documents and request a review through Qiwa. Q. Will this make it easier to bring family to Saudi Arabia? Yes, for workers in the high-skill tier, family sponsorship and long-term residency are more accessible.
