All Articles with the tag #Economy

Illustration showing key cost of living elements in Saudi Arabia, including housing, groceries, transport, and education, set against the Riyadh skyline.

What Is the Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia for Expats?

For expats considering a move to Saudi Arabia, the cost of living is often framed in broad generalisations. In practice, it is shaped by city choice, housing decisions, and lifestyle more than by national averages. While costs have evolved, Saudi Arabia remains comparatively affordable by Gulf standards, especially for families and those living beyond the main urban centres.

Dec 16, 2025

Digital illustration of a Saudi city skyline emerging from desert dunes, with wind turbines and solar panels symbolizing the country’s shift from oil to renewable energy.

What Drives the Saudi Economy Today?

For decades, oil powered Saudi Arabia’s rise — shaping its economy, cities, and global role. Today, that dominance is slowly giving way to a new vision: one built on diversification, innovation, and opportunity across sectors from tourism to renewable energy. Saudi Arabia’s transformation is visible not just in its mega-projects but in the changing rhythm of its economic life.

Nov 12, 2025

A diptych showing the evolution of art in Saudi Arabia: on the left, schoolchildren in a black-and-white classroom casually drawing; on the right, a young Saudi woman in a modern gallery observing a suspended dove installation.

When Art Became Serious in Saudi Arabia

What was once dismissed as “fun time” in classrooms has become a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s cultural transformation. Today, galleries in Riyadh and Jeddah attract global curators, biennales draw record audiences, and Saudi artists stand on world stages — evidence of how art has shifted from hobby to creative economy.

Sep 4, 2025

Steffen Hertog: The Quiet Reordering of Saudi Society

Saudi Arabia’s biggest changes are not only in its skyline but in its labour market and social fabric. Economist Steffen Hertog explains how Saudis are adapting to private sector realities, new reforms, and shifting ideas of what a good life means.

Aug 31, 2025

The Gulf states: A region defined by shared history, economic ambition, and evolving cooperation amid global challenges. (Source: Shutterstock)

The Gulf’s Story Gets an AI Rewrite

As social media and AI reshape public discourse, journalist Aya Batrawy calls for more nuanced reporting to reflect the Gulf’s rich diversity, emphasizing that the region is far more than a singular narrative. Her insights shed light on how each Gulf state follows a unique path, shaped by distinct ambitions and challenges.

Nov 27, 2024

Flags of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states—Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Oman—arranged in a circular formation around the GCC emblem. (Source: Shutterstock)

The GCC: A Club Everyone Knows, But Few Can Explain

What’s the GCC? For many, it’s that familiar acronym that conjures images of oil-rich monarchies and economic summits. But beyond the headlines, what does the Gulf Cooperation Council actually do? Born out of geopolitical turmoil in the 1980s, the GCC has evolved into a forum for collaboration—though not without its share of contradictions. From a unified tourist visa to ambitious economic goals, the council remains a paradox: much talked about, little understood.

Oct 10, 2024

How Airbnb is Revolutionizing Tourism in Saudi Arabia

Discover how Saudi Arabia’s new regulations are paving the way for Airbnb and transforming the Kingdom’s tourism industry. Explore how cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and authentic hospitality are attracting global travelers.

Mar 1, 2023

World map highlighting Saudi Arabia, illustrating its transformative reforms and their impact on society and economy. (Source: Pexels)

How Saudi Arabia’s Reforms Are Redefining Progress – Insights by Dahlia Rahaimy

In an exclusive interview with Cinzia Blanco for the EU-Gulf Info Center, we discuss the transformative reforms reshaping Saudi Arabia’s economy, society, and culture—reforms that are redefining policies and daily life, marking a pivotal moment in the Kingdom's evolution.

Apr 24, 2019