Latest from Saudi Gazette
Saudi Gazette
18 hours ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Deputy Minister highlights UK investment potential in education at IPSEF London 2025
LONDON — Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Hajri, Deputy Minister of Education for Saudi Arabia, showcased the Kingdom's robust education investment opportunities during his participation at the International and Private Schools Education Forum (IPSEF) in London on Wednesday, underscoring the deepening Saudi-UK educational partnership. In his keynote speech, Al-Hajri emphasized the Kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030 goals, detailing the regulatory reforms and government support mechanisms designed to attract foreign investment and strengthen private sector participation in Saudi Arabia's education landscape. He specifically invited British and international education providers to establish and operate schools in the Kingdom through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and land allocation schemes. 'We are seeing growing momentum from UK-based education institutions and school operators eager to expand into the Saudi market,' Al-Hajri stated. 'Our education transformation is backed by regulatory reform, strong demand, and government commitment—creating a fertile environment for global investors and partners.' On the sidelines of the event, Al-Hajri held a series of bilateral meetings with leading UK school groups and educational institutions to explore models for operating in the Kingdom, including licensing, investor facilitation, and regulatory navigation. Saudi Arabia, home to a population where over 60% are under the age of 30, is witnessing rising demand for quality education options particularly in underserved regions. The government aims to raise the private sector's contribution to education from 16% to 25% by 2030. This objective is driving the development of a comprehensive ecosystem that includes streamlined procedures, dedicated support services, and designated land for international education projects. The Ministry's participation at IPSEF London 2025 reaffirms Saudi Arabia's long-standing educational ties with the UK. British curricula remain among the most popular offerings within the Kingdom's growing private education sector, especially across K-12 and international school segments. The Deputy Minister noted that the government is committed to building an attractive, transparent, and investor-friendly environment. The Ministry continues to publish detailed investor guides, implement regulatory clarity measures, and offer a proactive approach to supporting new educational entrants into the Saudi market. — SG
Saudi Gazette
18 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia opens airspace to over 1,300 daily flights amid regional crisis
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has opened its airspace to ensure the smooth flow of air traffic and flight routes amid escalating tensions in the region, mobilizing all human and material resources to accommodate a surge in transit flights. On average, more than 1,330 daily flights have crossed Saudi airspace in recent days, nearly double the traffic levels seen before the regional crisis. These additional flights were managed safely and efficiently, backed by cutting-edge technologies and stringent security protocols, in full alignment with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. During this heightened period, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) took proactive measures to open supplementary air corridors to absorb the increased traffic. The Kingdom expanded its airspace capacity and optimized flight paths through advanced navigational systems that enhanced both safety and operational efficiency. Over 220 air carriers have passed through Saudi skies since the onset of the crisis, prompting the activation of strategic contingency plans. These included rigorous airport and airspace security procedures, supported by high-tech surveillance systems and infrastructure. Real-time crisis management was handled by teams using advanced data processing tools to facilitate seamless communication and coordination among operators, both locally and regionally. This allowed Saudi Arabia to respond rapidly to evolving conditions while maintaining uninterrupted flight operations at the highest safety levels. The Kingdom's air navigation network is among the most advanced globally, comprising 20 control towers, two regional control centers covering 15 sectors, and 10 approach control centers. More than 1,200 navigation devices are deployed across the country, managed by over 1,900 aviation professionals including 700+ certified air traffic controllers.
Saudi Gazette
18 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia facilitates return of 65,000 Iranian pilgrims after Hajj
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has successfully facilitated the return of nearly 65,000 Iranian pilgrims following the completion of Hajj 1446, with another 11,000 scheduled to depart in the coming days. The coordinated effort reflects royal directives by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aimed at ensuring safe and efficient travel procedures for all pilgrims. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that over 2,000 shuttle trips were organized between Arar Airport and the Jadidat Arar Port, while 200 buses completed more than 1,500 journeys across Iraqi territory to the Iranian border. The Ministry of Interior and General Directorate of Passports also deployed extensive support to ensure the process proceeded safely and smoothly.
Saudi Gazette
18 hours ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
IMF praises Saudi economic resilience, inflation control, and Vision progress
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Finance has welcomed the Concluding Statement issued by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) following the completion of its 2025 Article IV Consultation with the Kingdom. The statement highlighted the resilience of Saudi Arabia's economy amid global uncertainty, driven by robust non-oil sector growth, low inflation, and record-low unemployment, all aligned with the strategic goals of Vision 2030. In a press release, the ministry noted the IMF's commendation of the Saudi government's efforts to reinforce fiscal sustainability and its ability to absorb economic shocks. The experts observed that strong domestic demand continues to fuel economic momentum despite global headwinds, reflecting the effectiveness of major Vision 2030 projects supported by both public and private investments. The IMF experts highlighted the Kingdom's success in containing inflation, which stood at 2.3% in April 2025, and is expected to remain near 2%. This stability is underpinned by several factors, including the riyal's peg to the US dollar, supportive government policies, lower transportation and communication costs, and a cooling of residential rent inflation. Imported inflation, largely stemming from global tariff increases, remains under control. The report also praised the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) for enhancing its liquidity management framework, noting its role in maintaining stable monetary conditions. The experts acknowledged SAMA's continuous efforts to improve regulatory and supervisory mechanisms and further strengthen oversight in the financial sector. A key focus of the statement was the Kingdom's reform trajectory since 2016. The IMF noted the wide-ranging progress in business regulation, governance, labor markets, and capital market reforms. It cited new regulations enacted in 2025, including an updated investment law, labor law amendments, and a modernized commercial registration system. These initiatives are expected to enhance investor confidence, stimulate productivity, and support sustained non-oil sector growth. The IMF stressed the need for continued fiscal reform and a strong medium-term fiscal framework to maintain the sustainability of public finances and achieve Vision 2030's long-term objectives. The Concluding Statement represents the preliminary findings of the IMF mission and forms part of its annual economic consultations with member countries under Article IV of the IMF's Articles of Agreement. These consultations aim to assess economic developments, policy directions, and structural reforms. The Ministry of Finance reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the IMF and other international institutions to ensure economic resilience, strengthen fiscal governance, and continue progress on structural reforms in support of the Kingdom's long-term development vision.
Saudi Gazette
19 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
ZATCA foils smuggling of over 730,000 amphetamine pills at Jeddah Islamic Port
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) at Jeddah Islamic Port has thwarted an attempt to smuggle 732,015 amphetamine pills hidden inside a shipment of wardrobes. ZATCA spokesman Hamoud Al-Harbi said the shipment was uncovered using advanced inspection equipment during routine customs procedures. Following the seizure, coordination with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control led to the arrest of four intended recipients inside the Kingdom. ZATCA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening customs security in cooperation with relevant authorities to protect society from illicit substances. The Authority also urged the public to report smuggling attempts through its confidential hotline 1910, email [email protected], or international number 009661910, noting that informants may qualify for financial rewards.
