JEDDAH: In 2018, Saudi Arabia implemented a number of initiatives and reforms that aim to improve its business environment and enhance its competitiveness.
In this regard, the Executive Committee for Improving the Performance of Private Sector Businesses (Tayseer), headed by Commerce and Investment Minister Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, monitored and implemented initiatives and reforms to provide a stable and motivating environment for the private sector.
Tayseer works with more than 40 government agencies as well as the private sector, represented by the Council of Saudi Chambers, under one umbrella to empower and develop the private sector.
Tayseer follows the most important international reports in order to improve the Kingdom’s regional and global rankings. They include the Doing Business report issued by the World Bank Group, and the Global Competitiveness Report of the World Economic Forum.
Tayseer is working on more than 300 initiatives that aim to improve the business environment. Following the launch of the Meras platform, starting a business now requires only one step and one day. It used to require 17 days and 10 steps.
Also, business and commercial visas are issued within 24 hours of a mission receiving the request, and commercial delegations’ visas are issued within two days. Previously, the issuance of commercial visas took several weeks.
Business visas do not require an invitation letter, and are issued within 24 hours of a mission receiving the request. Commercial visas through visa service offices are issued within 24 hours. For commercial delegations, the duration for visa issuance has been reduced from 30 days to just two.
The time required to begin receiving electricity services has been reduced to nine days through a two-step process, and compensation mechanisms have been developed to address cases of service interruptions or delays.
Regarding trade, the single-window platform Fasah has been launched to facilitate customs clearance and import and export procedures.
The Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration was established to settle disputes according to the best international practices.
Saudi Arabia implements initiatives to improve business environment
Saudi Arabia implements initiatives to improve business environment
- Tayseer working with more than 40 government agencies as well as the private sector
- Tayseer currently working on more than 300 initiatives that aim to improve the business environment
‘Taste of Saudi Culture’ to delight London foodies
- From jareesh to rose-infused ice cream, the Kingdom serves up flavor, tradition, hospitality
RIYADH: For the third year in a row, Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Arts Commission will participate in the Taste of London food festival, held in Regent’s Park from June 18 to 22.
Through its “Taste of Saudi Culture” pavilion, the commission promotes cultural exchange, showcases the richness of Saudi culinary heritage, and highlights the Kingdom’s culinary excellence.
The pavilion will feature immersive activities celebrating the diversity of Saudi cuisine, including live cooking demonstrations by skilled Saudi chefs.
Visitors will have a rare chance to sample a variety of iconic traditional dishes, each with its own story and flavor — such as the national dish jareesh, the slow-cooked haneeth, and the savory street favorite mutabbaq.
HIGHLIGHT
Visitors will have a rare chance to sample a variety of iconic traditional dishes, each with its own story and flavor — such as the national dish jareesh, the slow-cooked haneeth, and the savory street favorite mutabbaq.
Beyond food, the pavilion will include interactive cultural elements reflecting Saudi heritage, such as traditional henna art and colorful Asiri rose headbands.
Guests will be welcomed with premium dates and Saudi coffee — timeless symbols of Saudi hospitality, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Handcrafted ice cream infused with traditional Saudi ingredients like dates, Taif rose, and Jazan mango will also be served, offering authentic flavors with a modern twist.
A variety of refreshing cold drinks made from local ingredients will complement the experience, the SPA added.
A boutique section will feature signature Saudi products like maamoul (date-filled cookies) and unique Saudi coffee, blending retail, culture, and taste into an immersive journey.
This participation underscores the commission’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the depth of Saudi culinary arts and sharing the Kingdom’s vibrant food culture with global audiences.
Saudi crown prince discusses Israeli attack on Iran with British, Turkish leaders
- Prince Mohammed and Starmer discussed latest developments in the region and the importance of resolving disputes through diplomatic means
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the repercussions of Israel’s military operations against Iran with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a phone call on Saturday.
The call comes a day after Israel launched a blistering surprise attack on Iranian nuclear and military sites, killing a number of top generals. The two countries continued to trade blows on Saturday.
Prince Mohammed and Starmer discussed the latest developments in the region and the importance of exerting all efforts to de-escalate and resolve disputes through diplomatic means, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Later on Saturday, Prince Mohammed spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two leaders reviewed developments in the region following Israeli strikes on Iran, SPA said.
Saudi FM receives German counterpart in Riyadh
- During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Riyadh on Saturday.
During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields.
They also discussed regional and international developments and their implications on the security and stability of the region.
Saudi FM, US envoy to Syria discuss latest developments during phone call
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the call, both diplomats discussed discussed measures to support the Syrian people on both humanitarian and economic levels.
Their talks also focused on the latest regional and international updates.
Saudi Arabia arrests 9,639 illegals in one week
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 9,639 people in one week for breaching residency, work, and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
Of those, 5,625 were arrested for residency violations, 2,797 for attempting to cross the border illegally, and 1,217 for labor-related offenses.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found facilitating illegal entry into the Kingdom — including providing transportation or shelter — could face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to SR1 million ($266,000), and the confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported by calling 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, or 999 and 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
