Latest news with #SAR100
Leaders
14-07-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Diriyah Company Awards $600 Million Contract to Salini Saudi Arabia
Diriyah Company has awarded a SAR2.249 billion ($600 million) construction contract to Salini Saudi Arabia, a subsidiary of the Webuild Group, for the development of the retail centerpiece within Diriyah Square. Located at the heart of Diriyah, the City of Earth, Diriyah Square is a flagship retail district inspired by Najdi architectural heritage. The development will host 400 premium retail, dining, and leisure units, blending international luxury with local artisanal culture. This pedestrian-friendly district is designed to offer an exceptional customer experience and redefine the future of retail and lifestyle in Riyadh. Webuild Group This new contract marks the third major contribution from the Webuild Group to the Diriyah project. Salini is already progressing on several key components: Construction of a 10,500-space underground car park, set to be one of the largest globally. Integration of bus stations, taxi and VIP drop-off points, and a four-lane underground gyratory system. Near completion of structural engineering work for above-ground developments, including hotels, retail spaces, branded residences, offices, and the Grand Mosque. Under this latest agreement, Salini will construct: 73 individual buildings 400 shell-and-core retail units A total built-up area of 365,340 square meters The project includes facades, finishes, and fit-outs for each unit, with all structures showcasing traditional Najdi design themes, creating a unique and walkable shopping environment. Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, commented: 'Diriyah Square is one of our most anticipated and prestigious districts. Partnering with Salini brings global expertise to this critical milestone, preparing us to welcome millions of visitors and residents to this transformative retail destination.' Pietro Salini, CEO of Webuild Group, added: 'We are proud to support such a culturally and strategically important project. This enhances our long-standing presence in the Kingdom and reaffirms our commitment to Saudi Arabia's future through complex infrastructure and sustainable development.' Diriyah Square Diriyah Square will house 400 of the planned 1,000 outlets across the broader 14 km² Diriyah development, part of a SAR237 billion ($63.2 billion) masterplan. It will serve as a bridge between global luxury brands and local heritage, combining retail, culture, leisure, and entertainment. Diriyah: Economic, Social Impact Since its inception, Diriyah Company has awarded over SAR100 billion ($26 billion) in contracts, including SAR20 billion ($5 billion) in the first half of 2025 alone. The broader Diriyah development is expected to: Contribute SAR70 billion ($18.6 billion) to Saudi Arabia's GDP Create nearly 180,000 jobs Become home to approximately 100,000 residents Include offices for professionals in technology, media, education, and the arts Key features of development include: Royal Diriyah Opera House Diriyah Arena Greg Norman-designed golf course in Wadi Safar Royal Golf Club Royal Equestrian & Polo Club Museums and a university World-class hotels and restaurants Related Topics: Diriyah Art Futures Launches New Exhibition for Digital Artists Diriyah Unveils Revolutionary Media & Innovation Hub at MIPIM 2025 MBS Project Revitalizes Al-Oudah Mosque in Diriyah Under Historic Initiative Short link : Post Views: 8
Gulf Today
02-06-2025
- Gulf Today
Saudi announces SAR100,000 fine for sheltering visit visa holders during Hajj
The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced that individuals found sheltering visit visa holders in the Holy City of Makkah or the Holy sites during the Hajj 2025 season will face strict penalties. This measure applies to any form of accommodation — including hotels, apartments, private residences, lodging centres, or Hajj housing sites — or who conceals them or provides assistance enabling them to remain in Makkah and the Holy sites from Dhu Al-Qidah 01 to Dhu Al-Hijjah 14. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Monday, violators may be fined up to SAR100,000. The ministry warned that penalties will increase based on the number of violating individuals accommodated, sheltered, or assisted. A Muslim pilgrim enters the Grand Mosque ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah on Monday. AP The ministry also urged the public to comply with Hajj regulations and instructions, which are designed to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, allowing them to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility. Muslim pilgrims prepare to enter the Grand Mosque in Makkah. AP It also called on the public to report any violations of these regulations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 in other regions of the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia stopped more than 269,000 people without permits for the annual Hajj pilgrimage from entering the Holy City of Makkah, officials said Sunday, as authorities crack down on illegal journeys into the city. The government blames overcrowding at the Hajj on unauthorised participants. It also says they made up large numbers of those who died in last year's searing summer heat. There are currently 1.4 million Muslims in Makkah officially, with more expected to arrive in the days to come.
Gulf News
06-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
UAE: Came empty-handed 40 years ago, Indian expat to return home a millionaire after Dh25 million Big Ticket win
Dubai: After working for 40 years in Saudi Arabia, Indian expat Thajudeen Aliyar Kunju has won the Dh25 million Big Ticket jackpot just before his return to his native Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala. Over the decades, Kunju weathered many ups and downs but never gave up. Now, at 61, he has struck the grand prize in the latest Abu Dhabi draw – and on only his fifth attempt. Reflecting on his journey during a phone call from Hail city in Saudi Arabia, the father of three daughters said God has been kind to him. 'I was my mother's only child. There was no one to help or guide me. With a fire in my belly to work and earn a living, I landed in Saudi Arabia in 1985. Like everyone else, I came to the Gulf with big dreams,' Kunju told Gulf News. Asked how much money he had when he arrived in Saudi Arabia, he paused and recalled: 'I somehow managed the journey via Bombay (now Mumbai). I don't even remember having any money in hand.' He added that Hail was nothing but sand and desert back then. 'My first job was at a farm,' said Kunju, who now runs a waterproofing and transport business. Shared among 16 families Kunju only recently learned about the Big Ticket raffle, and formed a group of 16 people, pooling money to try their luck over the past five months. 'I created this group so that even those who couldn't afford a ticket on their own would get a chance to win. With 16 members, each person's contribution was less than SAR100 (equal to Dh100). It was manageable for everyone.' The group includes 15 expats from Kerala and one from Tamil Nadu. 'We have people from Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur, and Kollam. I'm the only one from Thiruvananthapuram.' Kunju pointed out that all group members have faced financial hardships. 'We've all started from zero, and even after decades here, some of us are still struggling. Many lost savings to failed businesses. Some don't even own a home back in Kerala. This win secures the future of 16 families.' A portion for charity Though 16 people contributed, they will divide the prize into 17 shares, with one part reserved for charity. 'When I formed the group, I made it clear that anyone joining must agree to donate one portion to help the needy if we won,' Kunju said. Why an Indian number? When hosts Richard and Bouchra announced the winner, they described Kunju as living in Kerala because he had listed his Indian phone number. 'I didn't give my Saudi number since I'll be returning home soon. The call first went to my wife in Kerala, who hung up after hearing unfamiliar voices.' Later, his relative in Dubai contacted him after seeing the show and asked if he had purchased a ticket. 'At first, I thought he was joking. But when we checked the number, it matched.' Organisers eventually reached Kunju on Monday. Looking ahead Now, Kunju is looking forward to spending time with his wife and children in Kerala. He plans to start a business and hopes to create jobs for others. 'If it works out, great. If not, I may return. I'm not getting younger, but after spending 40 years here, it's hard to say a final goodbye,' he said with a chuckle. He also plans to keep participating in Big Ticket raffles as well. 'Even from Kerala, I'll continue playing. The group will carry on.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
29-04-2025
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Interior Ministry Announces Fines on Unauthorized Hajj Pilgrims, Facilitators
The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced Monday fines on individuals who violate regulations requiring a permit to perform the Hajj, as well as for those who facilitate such violations. Starting from April 29 until the end of June 10, the following fines will apply: First, a fine of up to SAR20,000 will be imposed on individuals caught performing or attempting to perform the Hajj without a permit, and on holders of all types of visit visas who attempt to enter or stay in Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period. Second, a fine of up to SAR100,000 will be imposed on anyone who applies for a visit visa for an individual who has performed or attempted to perform the Hajj without a permit, or who has entered or stayed in Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period. The fine will multiply for each individual involved. The same fine will apply to anyone who transports or attempts to transport visit visa holders to Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period, as well as to those who shelter or attempt to shelter visit visa holders in any accommodations, including hotels, apartments, private housing, shelters, or Hajj pilgrims' housing sites. This includes concealing their presence or providing assistance that enables their stay. The fine will multiply for each individual sheltered, concealed, or assisted. Third, illegal infiltrators attempting to perform the Hajj, whether residents or overstayers, will be deported to their countries and banned from entering the Kingdom for ten years. Fourth, the relevant court will be requested to confiscate land vehicles used to transport visit visa holders to Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period, if owned by the transporter, facilitator, or any accomplices.
Khaleej Times
28-04-2025
- Khaleej Times
Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia announces stricter penalties, fines against visa violators
To crackdown on those who attempt to perform Hajj without permits, Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced on Monday strict penalties against offenders. Those who will be caught performing the pilgrimage without a permit will face a fine of up to SAR20,000, whereas anyone who applies for a visit visa for another who performed Hajj will be subject to a fine of up to SAR100,000, the Ministry said in a statement published by the kingdom's state news agency. Violators and those who infiltrate to perform Hajj without a permit will be deported and prevented from entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years.
