Saudi Arabia and UK forge deeper ties in trade, tourism and innovation

The Saudi Tourism Authority and VisitBritain signed a declaration of intent to collaborate and share expertise on domestic and international tourism in May 2024. (Supplied)
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The Saudi Tourism Authority and VisitBritain signed a declaration of intent to collaborate and share expertise on domestic and international tourism in May 2024. (Supplied)
Saudi Arabia and UK forge deeper ties in trade, tourism and innovation
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The Saudi British Joint Business Council and E-Commerce Council at "The Role of E-Commerce in Strengthening the Saudi-British Economic Partnership" meeting in London in May 2023. (Supplied)
Saudi Arabia and UK forge deeper ties in trade, tourism and innovation
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UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds during his visit to Riyadh in September 2024. (Supplied)
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Updated 08 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia and UK forge deeper ties in trade, tourism and innovation

Saudi Arabia and UK forge deeper ties in trade, tourism and innovation
  • Kingdom has welcomed more than 165,600 British tourists since 2019
  • Trade reaches £17.6 billion ($22.4 billion) in year ending March 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom are solidifying their partnership through expanded collaborations in key sectors, including finance, trade, tourism and innovation.

The strategic alignment reflects both countries’ shared aspirations for economic growth and diversification, with Saudi Arabia leveraging its Vision 2030 initiative and the UK seeking stronger ties in the Gulf region.

Recent high-level discussions underscore a mutual commitment to bolstering bilateral trade, setting ambitious targets, and fostering cross-industry synergies.




Lucy Frazer, Former UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport

These efforts are underpinned by cultural exchanges, increased tourism flows, and cooperative initiatives in emerging sectors such as clean technology and heritage preservation.

According to data from the UK government’s Department for Business and Trade, total trade in goods and services with Saudi Arabia reached £17.6 billion ($22.4 billion) in the year ending March 2024.

During a top ministerial meeting in Riyadh in September between Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Qasabi and the UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds, officials discussed a target to increase bilateral trade to £30 billion ($39.6 billion) by 2030.

We’ve always had a very strong relationship, but that relationship is getting closer as Saudi Arabia undergoes this huge societal and economic change.

Lucy Frazer, Former UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport

After the meeting, Al-Qasabi noted the implementation of 79 initiatives in 13 economic sectors to strengthen Saudi-British relations that have led to more than 30 percent growth between 2018 and 2023.

“Economic growth is this government’s driving mission, and boosting trade and investment with some of the world’s biggest economies is crucial to that,” Reynolds said in a statement.

The Kingdom was the UK’s 23rd largest trading partner in the four quarters to the end of the year’s first quarter, accounting for 1 percent of total UK trade.

Chairwoman of the Saudi British Joint Business Council Jennie Gubbins spoke to Arab News in November 2023 and said that bilateral trade between Saudi Arabia and the UK had increased 68 percent in the previous year.

She said at the time: “This is just a really exciting time. The relationship between Saudi Arabia and the UK, I think, is better than I’ve ever seen it, and I’ve been working between the UK and the Middle East for a long time.

“People who don’t know what’s going on in Saudi Arabia think maybe it’s oil stuff. but it’s all about … a huge growth in the technology (sector). Things like clean tech, fintech, healthtech, huge interest in all of those things,” Gubbins said.

She also said that the council uses Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 as a “blueprint” to direct them toward the areas to focus on with continual growth.

Gubbins highlighted that Saudi mega-project NEOM opening its first international office in London is not surprising considering that Britons are the second-largest group of expatriates working at NEOM.

During a November event at the British Embassy, Neil Crompton, the ambassador to Saudi Arabia, pointed out that the partnership between the two countries has expanded from traditional defense partnerships to include variable sectors such as tourism, people-to-people relations, and sports, especially since Vision 2030 was announced.

The tourism sector is an area of promising growth, with more British sports personalities, such as the cricketer Kevin Pietersen, visiting Saudi Arabia and many Saudis regularly traveling to London for holidays.

“I think the affection between the two countries is amazing,” Crompton said. “Since we introduced the visa waiver system in June 2022, over 500,000 Saudis have used it to go to London, in addition to the 100,000 who already had a 10-year visa or another passport.”

At the Great Futures Conference in May, the Saudi Tourism Authority and VisitBritain, the UK’s national tourism agency, signed a declaration of intent to develop and grow tourism.

VisitBritain has predicted there will be 240,000 visitors to the UK from Saudi Arabia this year, a 9 percent increase from 2019.

At the event, Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said that the Kingdom had welcomed more than 165,600 British tourists and issued 560,462 e-visas for British visitors since 2019.

The former UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport Lucy Frazer told Arab News: “We’ve always had a very strong relationship, but that relationship is getting closer as Saudi Arabia undergoes this huge societal and economic change.”

She added: “It’s so dynamic and it’s got so many ambitions for the future. And in the UK, we would like to be a strong partner in that. So we’re collaborating in a number of areas sharing knowledge, sharing expertise, sharing best practice.”

A heritage agreement between Historic England and the Saudi Ministry of Culture was also discussed to encourage joint training and sharing expertise in terms of the restoration of palaces and historic buildings.

 


Jouf businesses to feed Hajj pilgrims transiting province

Jouf businesses to feed Hajj pilgrims transiting province
Updated 13 sec ago
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Jouf businesses to feed Hajj pilgrims transiting province

Jouf businesses to feed Hajj pilgrims transiting province
  • Health products will also be provided when they visit Pilgrim’s City in Al-Shaqiq

RIYADH: The Jouf Chamber of Commerce has launched an initiative to support pilgrims passing through the region on their way to perform Hajj.

The organization in the northern Saudi Arabia province will supply pilgrims with around 300 care packages, including essential hygiene products, when they visit Pilgrim’s City in Al-Shaqiq, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Additionally, local businesses will be stepping up to provide meals and refreshments for the pilgrims as they pass through the province, heading to Makkah and Madinah.

The climax of the Hajj season, known as Arafat day, will possibly be on June 5, depending on the sighting of the moon.

Volunteers will be on hand to assist the visitors.

On Monday, Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court called on Muslims in the country to look for the new moon of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah around dusk on Tuesday.

The Hajj is one of the key pillars of Islam and requires pilgrims to perform various rituals at the holy sites in Makkah.

After completing the Hajj, many pilgrims travel to Madinah to visit the Prophet’s Mosque, before heading home.


Saudi, US security agencies sign agreements

Saudi, US security agencies sign agreements
Updated 27 May 2025
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Saudi, US security agencies sign agreements

Saudi, US security agencies sign agreements

RIYADH: Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, Saudi Minister of Interior, has signed a number of agreements with US counterpart agencies, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The agreements fall within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control and the Facilities Security Forces' mandate to develop human capital, transfer knowledge, and enhance the capabilities of security agencies in drug control, training, and vital facilities security.

The minister signed the agreements under the directives of the Saudi leadership, SPA said.

The agreements fall within the framework of strengthening international partnerships with counterpart agencies.


Saudi ministers announce full Hajj readiness with 1.07 million pilgrims already in Kingdom

Saudi ministers announce full Hajj readiness with 1.07 million pilgrims already in Kingdom
Updated 27 May 2025
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Saudi ministers announce full Hajj readiness with 1.07 million pilgrims already in Kingdom

Saudi ministers announce full Hajj readiness with 1.07 million pilgrims already in Kingdom
  • ‘Our goal is a safe, efficient pilgrimage for all,’ Hajj and Umrah minister says
  • Health, media, transport ministers outline preparations for seamless experience

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its full readiness to serve pilgrims during Hajj 1446H, with more than 1.07 million pilgrims already in the Kingdom and advanced digital systems deployed across sectors to ensure a safe and seamless experience for them.

At a joint press conference on Monday, ministers from Hajj and Umrah, Health, Transport and Media outlined the strategic and operational plans for the pilgrimage season, which align with Vision 2030’s goals for service excellence.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said that more than 1.4 million Nusuk smart cards had been issued and more than 30 new digital services launched via the Nusuk app this year. The digital platform supports the entire pilgrim journey, from arrival to departure, including permits, mobility, guidance and real-time updates.

Al-Rabiah said that pilgrim camp allocations in Mina and Arafat were now fully integrated with crowd flow systems.

“We began preparing for this season immediately after the last one ended,” he said. “From digital permits to onsite inspections, our goal is a safe, efficient pilgrimage for all.”

As part of the operational strategy, the ministry has conducted more than 37,000 inspections of service providers this month, identifying 3,400 violations and resolving them immediately.

To assist pilgrims on the ground, more than 120 guidance points have been established, including the “Ask Me” service and more than 400 electric carts for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel said that more than 50,000 healthcare services had been delivered, with no epidemic cases detected so far.

A 60 percent increase in clinical capacity has been implemented this year, supported by three field hospitals, 71 emergency points, 900 ambulances and 11 air ambulances. Since the start of the season, the ministry has performed 140 surgeries, 65 heart catheterizations and six open-heart operations.

“Our focus is prevention first, followed by rapid response,” Al-Jalajel said. “We are committed to protecting every pilgrim from harm.”

Minister of Transport Saleh Al-Jasser announced the integration of smart monitoring systems, including the use of drones to monitor crowd movement and sensor-enabled roads to reduce heat by up to 12 degrees Celsius.

The Mashair Train will carry up to 72,000 pilgrims per hour, while Haramain High-Speed Railway is offering 2 million seats, up by 400,000 from last year. Additionally, rubberized and cooled road technologies have been expanded by 30 percent to improve comfort and reduce heat exposure.

Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosari said that the Kingdom had launched Hajj awareness campaigns in 50 languages and was now hosting international broadcasters from more than 25 countries. More than 10,000 Wi-Fi access points have also been activated in the holy sites to keep pilgrims connected.

Al-Dosari emphasized the role of AI this year in managing crowd flow and optimizing decision making in real time through data analysis, all handled by trained digital teams.

“Serving pilgrims is a duty we inherit and honor,” he said. “Every detail matters and this year, every tool of technology and collaboration is in place to ensure a successful Hajj.


Saudi health minister: No epidemic threats detected during Hajj season so far, no risk of outbreaks

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel. (MoH)
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel. (MoH)
Updated 26 May 2025
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Saudi health minister: No epidemic threats detected during Hajj season so far, no risk of outbreaks

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel. (MoH)
  • Saudi Arabia began Hajj readiness months in advance, conducting global health risk assessments for diseases such as yellow fever, polio, and meningitis

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel confirmed on Monday that there have been no public health concerns during the Hajj season so far and that the public health situation remains stable.

“We are pleased to announce that no epidemic cases have been detected so far and there is no risk for outbreak of diseases. The health and safety of pilgrims remain our highest priority,” said Al-Jalajel in an official statement.

He said the Kingdom is proactively preparing to ensure a safe pilgrimage experience for everyone and the health ministry continues to closely monitor the health situation.

Saudi Arabia’s extensive preparedness has been guided by the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and is made possible by close cooperation across public, private, and non-governmental sectors, the ministry said.

Saudi Arabia began Hajj readiness months in advance, conducting global health risk assessments for diseases such as yellow fever, polio, and meningitis. These efforts led to the implementation of strict health entry requirements and the introduction of new “health capability” criteria to ensure pilgrims are medically fit to perform their rituals safely, the ministry added.

Al-Jalajel thanked all countries for cooperating and adhering to the guidelines. “Our story with Hajj is long-standing, but every year we write a new chapter—with greater readiness, deeper awareness, and smarter technology,” the minister said.

Health teams have been stationed at 14 entry points across land, air, and sea to provide immediate medical services since the first flight under the Makkah Route Initiative arrived, the ministry said.

So far, over 50,000 healthcare services have been delivered, including 140 surgeries, 65 cardiac catheterizations, and six open-heart procedures.

As part of preventative measures against extreme heat, the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites has planted over 10,000 trees, expanded shaded walkways, and installed 400 water stations and mist fans.

The Ministry has also launched many multilingual public health awareness raising campaigns through media, field engagement, and international medical missions.

It has also significantly boosted the health infrastructure at the holy sites. Bed capacity has increased by 60 percent compared to last year. A new emergency hospital with 200 beds was recently inaugurated in Mina, while three field hospitals — totaling more than 1,200 beds — were deployed in collaboration with the Ministries of Defense, Interior, and National Guard.

This year has also seen the highest-ever private sector involvement in Hajj healthcare, with three major private hospitals operating at the holy sites.

To ensure rapid emergency responses, 11 medical evacuation aircraft, 900 ambulances, and 71 new emergency points have been activated, with more than 7,500 paramedics on the ground.

Advanced digital solutions are being deployed, including smart monitoring devices for high-risk pilgrims connected to Seha Virtual Hospital and telemedicine services for remote consultations. More than 50,000 healthcare and technical professionals are behind these efforts.

In a direct message to pilgrims, Al-Jalajel said: “You are the most important part of Hajj. Your awareness, prevention, and responsibility matter. Stay hydrated, avoid prolonged walking and overcrowded areas, wear your mask, use an umbrella, and follow movement instructions. If you feel unwell, seek help immediately. We are always by your side.”

“Awareness, prevention, and responsibility are not only personal choices—but religious and humanitarian obligations to protect the health and safety of all pilgrims,” he added.


Saudi energy minister meets COP30 president-designate in Riyadh

Saudi energy minister meets COP30 president-designate in Riyadh
Updated 26 May 2025
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Saudi energy minister meets COP30 president-designate in Riyadh

Saudi energy minister meets COP30 president-designate in Riyadh
  • Prince Abdulaziz highlighted the Kingdom’s adoption of the circular carbon economy framework and other national and regional programs to address climate change

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman met with COP30 President-designate Andre Correa do Lago in Riyadh on Sunday.

The two officials discussed cooperation on climate action and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the goals of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Their talks emphasize the importance of inclusive and balanced outcomes that consider national circumstances.

The meeting also reviewed Saudi Arabia’s climate initiatives, including its efforts to expand renewable energy and to manage, reduce and remove emissions through the Saudi Green and Middle East Green initiatives.

Prince Abdulaziz highlighted the Kingdom’s adoption of the circular carbon economy framework and other national and regional programs to address climate change.

COP30 is scheduled to take place in November in Belem, Brazil.