Saudi CITC Launches Free Local Roaming Service

The Saudi CITC launches the free local roaming service. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi CITC launches the free local roaming service. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi CITC Launches Free Local Roaming Service

The Saudi CITC launches the free local roaming service. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi CITC launches the free local roaming service. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) launched Sunday the local roaming service to ensure operating services in all regions in the Kingdom.

The service enables users to change their operator to another service network if there is no coverage for their primary service operator.

The launch was held at the authority's headquarters in Riyadh, in the presence of CITC Gov. Mohammed al-Tamimi and the chairmen of the boards of directors and CEOs of the three companies providing the service in the Kingdom.

The ceremony included the signing of an agreement between the Saudi Telecom Company (STC), Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily), and Mobile Telecommunications Company Saudi Arabia (Zain).

The authority said local roaming covers all services, such as voice and Internet services and short text messages (SMS), and will be implemented in all regions, including in 21,000 villages, covered by the telecommunications services.

The implementation of the local roaming service will start in the al-Asir region and will be completed in all other regions by the end of 2021.

Al-Tamimi said local roaming is part of the authority's cooperation with all concerned parties to provide the best telecommunications services.

"The local roaming service aims to enable service providers to benefit from the telecommunications networks of others and also to help them meet the requirements of the beneficiaries, as it supports the empowerment of digital transformation in the Kingdom," he added.



Saudi Business and Job Growth Hit 14-Year High

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (AFP)
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (AFP)
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Saudi Business and Job Growth Hit 14-Year High

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (AFP)
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (AFP)

Business conditions in Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector improved notably in June, driven by a marked rise in customer demand and expanded production, according to the latest Riyad Bank Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data.

New business volumes surged, fueling the fastest pace of employment growth since May 2011. This strong demand for workers pushed wage costs to record highs, adding pressure on overall expenses and contributing to a fresh increase in output prices.

The headline PMI climbed to 57.2 in June from 55.8 in May - its highest level in three months and slightly above the long-term average of 56.9. The reading signaled a robust improvement in the health of the non-oil private sector economy.

Companies reported another rise in new orders last month, with growth accelerating following a recent low in April. Many firms cited gaining new clients, alongside improved marketing efforts and stronger demand conditions. Domestic sales were the main driver of the increase, while export sales edged up slightly.

Purchasing Activity Expands

Production continued to expand through the end of Q2, although growth slowed to a 10-month low. Purchasing activity picked up sharply as companies sought to secure additional inputs to meet rising demand, with the pace of purchase growth reaching its fastest in two years.

Employment growth accelerated as businesses rapidly expanded their workforce to keep pace with incoming orders, pushing hiring to the highest level since mid-2011. This strong recruitment trend, which began early in 2025, was largely driven by a rising need for skilled workers, prompting companies to increase salary offers. Consequently, overall wage costs rose at the fastest rate since the PMI survey started in 2009.

Facing mounting cost pressures from higher raw material prices, firms raised their selling prices sharply in June , the biggest increase since late 2023, reversing declines recorded in two of the previous three months. This price hike largely reflected the passing of higher operating costs onto customers, although some companies opted for competitive pricing strategies by cutting prices.

Resilient Economic Outlook

Looking ahead, non-oil private sector firms remained confident about business activity over the next 12 months. Optimism hit a two-year high, supported by resilient domestic economic conditions, strong demand, and improved sales. Supply-side conditions also showed positive momentum, with another strong improvement in supplier performance.

Dr. Naif Alghaith, Chief Economist at Riyad Bank, said: “Future expectations among non-oil companies remain very positive. Business confidence reached its highest level in two years, underpinned by strong order inflows and improving local economic conditions.”

He added: “However, cost pressures became more pronounced in June, with wage growth hitting record levels as companies compete to retain talent. Purchasing prices also rose at the fastest pace since February, partly driven by increased demand and geopolitical risks. Despite these challenges, companies broadly raised selling prices to recover from May’s declines, reflecting an improved ability to pass higher costs onto customers.”