RIYADH: A Shoura Council member has called for a 20 percent tax on Saudi investments abroad, as is the case with foreign investments in the Kingdom, local media reported.
The proposed tax will generate billions of riyals in state income and contribute to the national economy by offsetting the exit of Saudi capital investments, Fahd bin Jumaa, deputy chairman of the Financial Committee at the Shoura Council, told Al-Hayat daily.
Based on the latest data released by the Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corp. (Dhaman), direct Saudi investments in foreign countries amounted to nearly SR155.3 billion ($41.4 billion) between 2003 and 2015, he said.
There were 526 Saudi projects abroad owned by 240 companies in more than 30 foreign and Arab countries, creating more than 96,000 jobs, he said, adding that this was a loss to the Saudi economy.
Tax evasion could be avoided by signing tax-evasion agreements with countries, and the proposal will help achieve the objectives of Vision 2030, he said.
According to UN Conference on Trade and Development estimates, the cost of Saudi foreign direct investment projects is close to SR155.25 billion.
China, Turkey, the UAE, Jordan, South Korea, Egypt, Lebanon, South Africa, Pakistan and the US are reportedly on the list of countries with Saudi investments.
The Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC) topped the list of Saudi companies investing abroad, implementing 81 projects with investments estimated at SR37.5 billion.
Shoura member urges 20% tax on Saudi investments abroad
Shoura member urges 20% tax on Saudi investments abroad
Saudi Arabia condemns Iranian strikes on targets in Qatar
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Monday condemned strikes launched by Iran on targets in Qatar, a foreign ministry statement said.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the aggression launched by Iran against the sisterly State of Qatar, which constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the principles of good neighborliness,” the statement said.
“It is unacceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstances,” it added.
Iranian consul general commends Saudi Arabia for smooth pilgrim departure
- Smooth procedures reflect the care for pilgrims by the Kingdom and its leadership
- Services provided to Iranian pilgrims confirm the Kingdom’s consistent respect for all nations
RIYADH: Consul General of Iran in Jeddah Hassan Zarnegar praised the organization and facilities provided to Iranian pilgrims during their departure via Arar airport and the Jadidat Arar border crossing in the Northern Borders region.
He said the smooth procedures reflect the care for pilgrims by the Kingdom and its leadership, and demonstrate attention to pilgrims from all countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Zarnegar added: “The streamlined procedures — from disembarkation and swift passport processing to organized bus transfers — reflect efficient pilgrim management.”
He said that the services provided to Iranian pilgrims confirm the Kingdom’s consistent respect for all nations.
He added that Saudi-Iranian relations are rooted in religious and neighborly ties, and the care shown to Iranian pilgrims reflects this spirit of brotherhood.
On behalf of himself and the Iranian ambassador, Zarnegar expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for their care and support, provided as part of an integrated system.
Meanwhile, Director General of the Border Guards Maj. Gen. Shaya Al-Wadaani inspected the work of personnel at the Jadidat Arar border crossing and monitored services supporting pilgrims’ departure after Hajj.
Al-Wadaani reviewed the procedures facilitating Iranian pilgrims’ exit, following directives from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to ensure proper services and support.
He confirmed that the Border Guard has mobilized all resources, in coordination with relevant authorities, to deliver the best services and ensure a smooth departure process.
Hazaa plant flourishes in Saudi Arabia’s northern deserts
- Due to its ability to handle high levels of drought and salinity, Hazaa has proved its ability to survive in difficult climatic conditions
- Plant is known for its captivating aroma, and reaches a height of approximately 35 centimeters
RIYADH: Despite the harsh desert climate in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders province, native plants have found a way not only to survive but to thrive.
Among the local flora is the Hazaa plant, known scientifically as Ducrosia anethifolia.
The plant is native to the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and is part of the Apiaceae family of plants, which includes crops and medicinal plants, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Due to its ability to handle high levels of drought and salinity, Hazaa has proved its ability to survive in difficult climatic conditions.
The plant is known for its captivating aroma, and reaches a height of approximately 35 centimeters.
In addition, its unique appearance comes from its long, oval-shaped gray-green leaves that have sharp points, making the plant easily recognizable among other plants in the wild.
Along with its pleasant smell, the plant produces small, light yellow, umbrella-like flowers during the flowering season, with 12 to 18 flowers on each stem.
The Northern Borders region is also home to other plant species, including Reseda alba, Salsola tetrandra shrubs and lavender.
Kingdom adds 5,969 architectural heritage sites to national register
- Total is now 34,171, reflecting the cultural richness, diversity of all regions
- Sites are added to digital maps for easier management, protection and preservation
RIYADH: The Heritage Commission has registered 5,969 new architectural heritage sites in the National Register of Architectural Heritage, bringing the total to 34,171.
These sites reflect the richness and diversity of architectural heritage across the Kingdom’s regions, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The newly registered sites are: 3,893 in Asir, 761 in Qassim, 499 in Baha, 483 in Makkah, 258 in Riyadh, 60 in Hail, eight in Jazan, four in Jouf, and three in the Eastern Province.
The commission said its registration efforts are ongoing and cover all regions. The process is based on heritage regulations and follows a board decision authorizing the commission’s CEO to register sites.
The initiative aims to protect heritage sites from encroachment or neglect and ensure their preservation for future generations, the SPA reported.
Registering new sites is part of a broader effort to identify, document and manage cultural sites. The sites are added to digital maps for easier management, protection and preservation. A comprehensive database is being built, including documentation and photographic archives.
The commission encouraged citizens and enthusiasts to report urban heritage sites through its reporting platform, X account, or regional branches. It also praised public awareness and participation in preserving national heritage.
Last week, the commission also announced the addition of 744 new archeological sites to the National Antiquities Register, raising the total to 10,061.
The new archeological sites are distributed as follows: Riyadh (253), Madinah (167), Najran (86), Tabuk (72), Asir (64), Qassim (30), Jazan (23), Eastern Province (13), Hail (13), Makkah (11), Jouf (10). and Northern Borders (2).
Saudi royal reserve tightens entry, picnic rules
- Updates aim to protect the environment, vegetation, and wildlife while encouraging ecotourism through public excursions and outdoor activities
- Visitors can access the reserve daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with prior authorization via the authority’s website
RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has updated entry and picnic regulations for the Al-Suman and Al-Dahna areas within the location.
The updates aim to protect the environment, vegetation, and wildlife while encouraging ecotourism through public excursions and outdoor activities.
Visitors can access the reserve daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with prior authorization via the authority’s website, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
Permit requests must be submitted at least two days in advance and include visitor details, companion information, vehicle type, and a commitment to follow environmental rules.
Registered residents of administrative centers within the reserve are exempt from this requirement, the SPA added.
The authority stressed the importance of complying with regulations, including bans on hunting, wood gathering, open fires, driving over vegetation, littering, noise, visual pollution, and any other harmful activities.
These measures aim to limit environmental damage, especially in ecologically rich areas showing notable recovery in recent years.
The update aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for royal reserves and the Saudi Green Initiative, which seeks to protect recent environmental gains and promote wildlife and plant growth in thriving basins and meadows.
