JEDDAH: The Saudi government will from Sunday start implementing a selective tax that includes products that are harmful to health, primarily tobacco, energy drinks and sodas.
Recent statistics show that 6 million smokers in Saudi Arabia will be affected by the tax, Al-Hayat newspaper reported.
Implementation is part of a selective tax agreement the Kingdom signed along with the other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, which was approved by the GCC secretariat last month.
The tax rate is defined according to the danger a product poses to health, with a 100 percent rate being imposed on the most harmful: Tobacco and energy drinks. A 50 percent rate will be imposed on all kinds of soft drinks.
The Kingdom is 64th out of 127 countries in the price ranking of a pack of cigarettes, according to Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported consumer prices. The price of a pack of cigarettes in Saudi Arabia will double from June 11.
Price of cigarettes to double from Sunday
Price of cigarettes to double from Sunday
Early date harvest begins in Al-Ahsa
- Harvest typically spans May 20 to July 20, marking an important period for both local agriculture and the national date market
- Markets across Saudi Arabia are preparing to welcome over 20 varieties of premium dates cultivated in Al-Ahsa
JEDDAH: As temperatures rise, Al-Ahsa is witnessing the early signs of its annual date harvest, with farmers beginning to reap the season’s first rutab — dates in the soft, early-ripening stage of dates.
The harvest typically spans May 20 to July 20, marking an important period for both local agriculture and the national date market.
This year, markets across Saudi Arabia are preparing to welcome over 20 varieties of premium dates cultivated in Al-Ahsa, including the highly favored Khalas, Shishi, and Ghar varieties.
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has confirmed the 2025 rutab season in Al-Ahsa signals a promising yield, with initial quantities already making their way across the Kingdom.
Varieties such as Rutab Al-Tayyar, Majnaz, Ghar, Khneizi, Shishi and Khalas are expected to arrive at different stages throughout the harvest period, offering a steady flow of fresh produce. The harvest of the late-season rutab is set to begin in early July and will continue until mid-August, featuring prized varieties like Um Rahim, Zamli, Shahl, and Hilali.
Following the rutab season, Al-Ahsa will move into the full date (tamr) harvest from mid-August to early October, with popular varieties such as Shishi, Khalas and Raziz forming the core of this stage.
In addition to fresh dates, Al-Ahsa is also known for producing some of the finest varieties for molasses (dibs), including varieties like Marzban, Hatemi and Shahl, highly valued for their rich flavor and syrupy texture.
Al-Ahsa, recognized as the largest palm oasis in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to more than 2 million palm trees. Each year, the region produces over 120,000 tons of dates, making it a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s agricultural landscape.
With its unique blend of fertile land, deep-rooted heritage, and diverse produce, it continues to be a global center for date cultivation and a vital contributor to the Kingdom’s cultural and economic identity.
Second round of GCC-Japan Free Trade Agreement negotiations to take place Monday
- Kingdom along with the GCC nations and Japan will address a wide range of topics
- Negotiations were preceded by coordination meetings of the GCC technical negotiation teams on June 29
TOKYO: Saudi Arabia is set to participate in the second round of negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Japan from June 30 to July 4.
Represented by the General Authority of Foreign Trade and led by Fareed Al-Asaly, the deputy governor for international organizations and agreements, the Kingdom along with the GCC nations and Japan will address a wide range of topics, including trade in goods and services, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, financial services, telecommunications, the movement of natural persons, intellectual property, dispute settlement, general provisions of the agreement, rules of origin, and trade facilitation.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the negotiations were preceded by coordination meetings of the GCC technical negotiation teams on June 29.
The first round of negotiations took place in Riyadh on Dec. 12 last year.
In Saudi Arabia’s ‘Year of Handicrafts,’ passion has no limits
- Local artisans receive government support as industry flourishes
- Handicrafts association aims to bring pottery to a wider audience
RIYADH: Since Saudi Arabia announced 2025 as the “Year of Handicrafts,” the industry has seen a significant focus on artisans and artisanal crafts that showcase domestic and international ventures through festivals and programs, leading to a boost in confidence for aspiring craftspeople.
For artisan and entrepreneur Sheikha Al-Abdulkarim and her two sisters, their interest in pottery went from a weekend curiosity to a local cultural initiative — one of the many shaping the future of traditional crafts in Saudi Arabia.
The idea behind Herfah, which means craft in Arabic, was born out of a love for the ancient clay material as a form of creativity and connection to Saudi heritage.
Today, that passion has transformed into a fully fledged venture that trains aspiring artisans, sells handmade ceramic pieces, and helps preserve one of the Kingdom’s oldest traditions.
“We weren’t thinking about a business at first,” Al-Abdulkarim said. “It was just something we really wanted to learn. But once we started working with our hands, we realized this was more than a hobby.”
In late 2016, the sisters struggled to find pottery workshops in their area, so they contacted an American-Danish ceramic artist who they had discovered online.
That decision led to their first intensive training course and sparked a vision they had not imagined: Creating a space in Saudi Arabia where others could learn, experiment and reconnect with the art of pottery.
Raised in a home where heritage was part of daily life, Al-Abdulkarim credits her upbringing for planting the seed. She was surrounded by handmade textiles, traditional crafts and a family that valued artistry, but turning passion into something tangible was not easy.
“There weren’t many resources,” she said. “Finding materials, equipment, even knowledge — it was all a challenge. But honestly, that made us more determined.”
In 2021, their project Herfah took a turning point when it received backing from Saudi’s Cultural Development Fund, or CDF, a key initiative supporting creative projects across the Kingdom.
With that funding and guidance, the sisters were able to set up a dedicated workspace in the Eastern Province, invest in tools such as kilns and clay-shaping equipment, and offer structured training programs.
“Having that kind of support changed everything,” Al-Abdulkarim said. “It allowed us to dream bigger.”
She advises any aspiring artisan to take advantage of the resources and opportunities that are now abundant in Saudi.
Including CDF’s support programs, the Heritage Commission’s Artisan’s House program offers training courses that seeks to enhance the skills of Saudi artisans, promote innovative craft designs, and encourage participation in festivals and events that attract tourists and visitors from both within and outside the region.
One of the largest annual events in Riyadh is the Saudi International Handicrafts Week — known as Banan — which offers a wealth of live music, interactive experiences and artisanal works from around the world, in addition to Hail’s HARFA festival.
At Herfah, visitors can take part in workshops, experience hands-on pottery sessions, or simply browse handcrafted pieces that blend traditional design with modern aesthetics.
Inclusion is also a priority for the studio, making sure to host sessions for visually impaired participants and encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to explore the craft of pottery.
Their journey reflects a broader movement burgeoning across the Kingdom that highlights the growing importance of cultural preservation, not only for its heritage value but for its economic potential.
The local traditional crafts sector and associated industries have reached an annual market value of SR1.5 billion, according to the Saudi Cultural Development Fund, with efforts to grow that figure through investment and training.
But for Al-Abdulkarim, what matters most is that more people are discovering the joy and meaning behind handmade work. What began as a search for a simple pottery class is now a mission to keep an ancient craft alive, one fired kiln at a time.
“Pottery has taught us patience, resilience and how to connect with our roots,” she said. “Our goal now is to take Herfah further to different cities, different communities, and to show the world what Saudi hands can create.”
As part of Vision 2030, the Saudi Cultural Development Fund continues to back creative businesses such as Herfah, helping to shape a sustainable ecosystem for artists, artisans and cultural entrepreneurs alike.
Saudi leadership extends condolences over death of Kuwait’s Sheikh Fahad Sabah Al-Nasser Al-Sabah
- Sheikh Fahad passed away at the age of 75 and his funeral took place on Monday morning, Kuwait News Agency reported
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman sent a cable of condolences to the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on the passing of Sheikh Fahad Sabah Al-Nasser Al-Sabah.
Sheikh Fahad passed away at the age of 75 and his funeral took place on Monday morning, Kuwait News Agency reported.
King Salman prayed for the deceased’s forgiveness and extended his condolences to Sheikh Fahad’s family, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent similar cables of condolences to Sheikh Meshal and Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah.
Summer festivals in Baha, Najran offer wide array of cultural events
- Summer Festival 2025 inaugurated by Prince Hussam bin Saud
- More than 500 events set to light up Baha festival
RIYADH: A vibrant summer of arts, music and cultural events has arrived in the Baha and Najran regions.
Prince Hussam bin Saud, the governor of Baha, has officially opened Baha Summer Festival, which features more than 500 events aimed at attracting some 2.5 million visitors.
He said everyone involved was working together to deliver an exceptional experience for both residents and those coming to the area.
The lineup for the Baha summer season, being held under the slogan “Color Your Summer,” includes artistic and musical performances, circus festivals, magic shows and a range of recreational and cultural activities.
Preparations for the festival included road maintenance, upgrades to parks and tourist sites, ample parking facilities, clear directional signage and the introduction of free Wi-Fi in public parks. Cleanliness, monitoring and safety measures have also been significantly enhanced across all venues.
Meanwhile, the Summer Festival organized by the Najran municipality begins on Tuesday under the banner “Our Summer is Great.”
Mayor Saleh Al-Ghamdi said preparations ahead of the season included equipping more than 160 parks, gardens, municipal squares and walkways to welcome those attending, carried out in coordination with various government and private entities.
He added the festival featured diverse events in several locations in Najran city and its governorates, which includes a shopping festival, horse shows, paragliding, classic car shows and family and children’s programs, as well as recreational and cultural activities, poetry evenings, sports competitions, handicrafts, plays, programs and training courses.
The activities will be held over 45 days and contribute toward the goals of Vision 2030, said Al-Ghamdi, highlighting that the Najran region’s unique nature and tourist sites made it a major attraction.
