Catalan leader must drop independence by Thursday — Spain Deputy PM
Catalan leader must drop independence by Thursday — Spain Deputy PM/node/1178456/world
Catalan leader must drop independence by Thursday — Spain Deputy PM
Spain’s deputy prime minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria speaks during a news conference at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid, Spain, on October 16, 2017. (REUTERS)
Catalan leader must drop independence by Thursday — Spain Deputy PM
Updated 16 October 2017
Reuters
MADRID: Spain’s government will take control of Catalonia and rule it directly if Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont does not drop a bid to split the region from Spain by Thursday at 10:00 a.m. (0800 GMT), deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria said.
“Mr Puigdemont still has the opportunity to start resolving this situation, he must answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the declaration (of independence),” Saenz de Santamaria said.
Madrid had given Puigdemont until Monday 10:00 a.m. (0800 GMT) to clarify his position on independence with a “Yes” or “No,” but the Catalan leader did not directly answer the question.
Saudi Arabia attracts $32bn in mining investments amid sector reforms
Kingdom has attracted $32 billion in investments in mining projects
Mineral exploration spending has quadrupled since 2018, reaching $100 per sq. km
Updated 1 min 15 sec ago
Nirmal Narayanan
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ongoing mining reforms have helped the Kingdom attract $32 billion in investments for projects in iron, phosphate, aluminum, and copper, a senior official said.
Khalid Al-Mudaifer, vice minister of industry and mineral resources, told financial news outlet Asharq Business that the figure represents nearly one-third of the $100 billion the Kingdom aims to attract in the sector by 2030.
This comes as the country’s mining sector is projected to increase its contribution to gross domestic product from $17 billion in 2024 to $75 billion by 2030. The industry generated $400 million in revenue in 2023 and is now supported by a $100 billion investment roadmap targeting critical minerals by 2035.
“Saudi Arabia has attracted approximately $32 billion in investments in mining projects in iron, phosphate, aluminum, and copper, which are already under construction. This represents nearly a third of the $100 billion targeted for investment by 2030,” Al-Mudaifer said.
The vice minister added that mineral exploration spending in the Kingdom has quadrupled since 2018, reaching $100 per sq. km, with an annual growth rate of 32 percent, significantly above the global average of 6 to 8 percent.
He said the number of exploration firms in Saudi Arabia has grown from just six in 2019 to 138 today, with 60 percent of them being small and medium-sized enterprises.
Foreign companies currently represent approximately 70 percent of all firms operating in the Kingdom’s mining sector, Al-Mudaifer said.
Saudi Arabia is estimated to hold SR9.37 trillion ($2.5 trillion) in mineral reserves, and the Kingdom aims to establish mining as the third pillar of its economy, after oil and petrochemicals.
As part of this initiative, the Ministry of Investment is collaborating with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources through an exploration enablement program designed to simplify investment procedures in the sector, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The program is part of broader efforts to enhance mineral exploration and foster an attractive environment for both local and international mining companies.
Youth-led businesses in Saudi Arabia account for over a third of all commercial registrations
Updated 45 min 41 sec ago
Miguel Hadchity
RIYADH: Saudi youth-owned businesses now represent 38 percent of the Kingdom’s total active commercial registrations as of the second quarter of this year, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
The fastest-growing sectors among the 474,000 youth-led businesses include app development, which led the way with 28 percent annual growth resulting in 18,780 commercial permits. Artificial intelligence technologies closely followed, with a 34 percent increase, reaching 14,409 registrations.
The e-gaming industry also showed remarkable progress, expanding by 32 percent to 8,260 permits, while film, video, and TV production grew by 20 percent, totaling 5,752 registrations by mid-2025.
Saudi Arabia has a predominantly young population, with the latest census data indicating that individuals under the age of 30 constitute 62.8 percent of the population.
Through public-private partnerships and targeted programs, the nation is equipping young Saudis with digital literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and industry-specific expertise in high-growth sectors like AI, renewable energy, and tourism.
Private sector giants, including PwC, NEOM, Aramco, and Red Sea Global, are collaborating with government initiatives to equip Saudi youth with industry-relevant expertise.
Programs such as PwC’s Hemam training, Red Sea Global’s leadership programs, and vocational training schemes ensure hands-on experience, aligning education with labor market demands.
Incubators like The Garage foster startup innovation.
However, challenges persist in aligning education with labor market needs, necessitating ongoing cooperation between businesses and academia to sustain this talent pipeline.
PwC’s Riyadh Al-Najjar emphasized in an interview with Arab News in January that an “entrepreneurial mindset” is critical for private sector growth, while Red Sea Global’s Zehar Filemban highlighted the need for adaptability in a fast-evolving job market.
The government is addressing these needs through vocational training, Saudization programs, and incentives to attract and retain skilled professionals.
Egypt’s mineral revenues rise 131% to $446m on strong gold output, says minister
Gold and silver output reached 640,000 ounces
Ore and mineral production rose to 26 million tonnes
Updated 52 min 55 sec ago
Nirmal Narayanan
RIYADH: Egypt’s revenues from mineral wealth development jumped 131 percent year on year to nearly $446 million in fiscal year 2024/2025, driven by strong growth in gold and silver production.
Speaking at the Egypt Mining Forum 2025, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi said, gold and silver output reached 640,000 ounces during the year, a 14 percent increase from the previous period, generating $1.54 billion in sales, up 57 percent annually.
The gains were attributed to higher production volumes and stronger export performance, according to his statement on Facebook.
Egypt’s mining sector is undergoing a major transformation under the Vision 2030 agenda, as the government seeks to position the country as a regional hub for mineral exploration while boosting its gross domestic product contribution through sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.
“Egypt is a nation distinguished by its unparalleled strategic location and expansive infrastructure. Our rich legacy of mineral resources includes gold, copper, silver, zinc, platinum, as well as a diverse range of other precious and base metals,” Badawi said.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources signed a framework agreement for mine exploitation with the Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority and Canada’s Barrick Mining Corporation on the sidelines of the Egypt Mining Forum 2025 in Cairo. Egypt’s State Information Service
He added: “These enormous potentials are backed by the Egyptian government’s economic reform program, aimed to achieve economic stability, attract investments, and enhance market attractiveness, thus contributing to strengthening Egypt’s position as a distinctive and exceptional destination for international investors and placing it on the global mining investment map, in line with the Sustainable Development Strategy.”
According to the minister, ore and mineral production rose to 26 million tonnes, marking a 39 percent increase from the previous year. Egypt also exported 1.4 million tonnes of ores and mining products in 2024/2025, generating $52.5 million in export revenues.
During the forum, the ministry signed two agreements with major international mining companies to boost exploration efforts.
One licensing contract was signed with Centamin Central, a subsidiary of South African-based AngloGold Ashanti, for the exploration of gold and associated minerals, according to Egypt’s State Information Service.
The second agreement, signed with Canada-based mining giant Barrick, aims to pave the way for expanded collaboration and exploration activities in the country.
“This step clearly demonstrates the strong desire of international companies to expand their investments in the Egyptian mining sector, which serves as global proof of major international companies’ confidence in Egypt’s investment climate, reflecting the success of the state’s policy in attracting foreign investments,” Badawi said.
Sao Paulo provides spectacular stage for the 2025 Global Champions Arabians Tour
Arabian horse heritage on show in Brazil before tour moves to Denver
Updated 16 July 2025
Arab News
SAO PAULO: The 2025 Sao Paulo edition of the Global Champions Arabians Tour came to a close on Monday evening, with Lughan, owned by Haras Paiquere, claiming the prestigious Senior Stallion Gold Championship title.
Held at the Helvetia Riding Center in Indaiatuba, the Sao Paulo stage was the third stop of the 2025 Americas Series. Over two days, the venue was transformed into an international equestrian extravaganza, welcoming more than 100 purebred Arabian horses and their handlers, as well as an audience of VIPs, horse lovers, and international guests.
With a prize purse of $270,000, the Sao Paulo stage was a key qualifier for the GCAT Americas overall ranking. Winners advanced in the race to claim part of the $1.275 million in end-of-season prize purse, allocated to the top 20 male and female horses and handlers, with an additional $50,000 bonus for the highest-scoring horse of the Americas Series. The tour continues to solidify its reputation as the most prestigious and rewarding in Arabian horse sport.
“Sao Paulo has embraced the spirit of the Global Champions Arabians Tour with energy and elegance,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Nasser Al-Thani, deputy CEO, Global Champions Arabians Tour. “This stage celebrated more than just competition; it was a vibrant expression of culture, excellence, and unity that truly elevated the Americas Series.”
The first day of the event concluded with a live performance by Brazilian music legend Gilberto Gil, while the second day featured closing entertainment, followed by the official championship awards ceremony and a show by renowned Brazilian duo Fernando & Sorocaba.
The winning mare and stallion received a custom Sao Paulo champion blanket, vibrant yellow with tropical birds, flowers, and greenery celebrating Arabian strength and the spirit of Brazil.
The Tour’s Americas Series now moves to Stage 4 in Denver, Colorado, on August 8-9, as the journey toward the season’s grand finale in Doha, the World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme, continues.
Gold champions, Sao Paulo 2025
Senior stallions: Lughan HVP, owned by Haras Paiquere, Brazil
Senior mares: Sephora K, owned by Haras Das Paineiras, Brazil
Junior colts: EFC Chaheer W, owned by EFC Arabians, Joao Carlos Inserra Milan, Flavia Torres and Rodrigo Lorenzi de Castro, Brazil
Junior fillies: ALK Merlina TE, owned by Al-Kaisar Stud, Uruguay
Yearling colts: TM Emperor, owned by Akmal Stud, Saudi Arabia
Yearling fillies: Chiarahserondella, owned by Al-Kaisar Stud, Uruguay
Hotel spending drives Saudi POS transactions to $3.5bn
Updated 16 July 2025
Miguel Hadchity
RIYADH: Hotel spending in Saudi Arabia increased by 8 percent in the week ending July 12, helping total point-of-sale transaction values reach SR13.12 billion ($3.5 billion).
The latest data from the Kingdom’s central bank, SAMA, revealed that the sector recorded SR281.56 million in transaction value, while the number of payments rose 4.6 percent to 839 million.
The overall POS value for the week dipped by 8.2 percent, with the number of transactions dropping by 3 percent to 223.57 million.
According to SAMA’s bulletin, the education sector saw the largest decrease, dropping by 27.6 percent to SR102.21 million. Spending on miscellaneous goods and services ranked next, decreasing 15.6 percent to SR1.51 billion, but still accounting for the third-largest share of the POS value.
Restaurants and cafes, the division with the most significant share of total POS value, recorded a 1.7 percent decrease to SR1.92 billion, while the food and beverages sector saw a 13 percent decrease, totaling SR1.84 billion and claiming the second-largest share of this week’s POS.
The top three categories accounted for approximately 40.2 percent of the week’s total spending, amounting to SR5.28 billion.
Other smallest spending drops were in gas stations, slipping by 2.6 percent to SR948.99 million, and spending on building materials, which decreased by 3.7 percent to SR330.83 million.
The health and furniture sectors also saw downward changes, decreasing by 7.6 percent and 4.9 percent to reach SR805.09 million and SR275.70 million, respectively.
Spending on clothing and footwear dipped by 7.3 percent to SR827.14 million, followed by a 6.9 percent decrease in spending on transportation.
Expenditure on jewelry followed the trend, declining 7.9 percent to SR305.49 million.
Geographically, Riyadh dominated POS transactions, with expenses in the capital reaching SR4.47 billion, an 8.1 percent decrease from the previous week.
Jeddah followed closely with a 7.9 percent dip to SR1.89 billion, while Dammam ranked third, down 7.9 percent to SR626.13 million.
Makkah saw the smallest decrease, inching down 1.1 percent to SR530.71 million, followed by Abha with a 3.6 percent decrease to SR209.73 million.
Hail recorded 3.99 million deals in activity volume, down 5.3 percent from the previous week, while Tabuk reached 4.57 million transactions, dropping 15.5 percent.
