Saudi Tourism Development Fund Launches AWN Tourism and Hospitality Program 

The Saudi Tourism Development Fund launches the AWN Tourism and Hospitality program to support small and micro tourism businesses in the Kingdom. (SPA)
The Saudi Tourism Development Fund launches the AWN Tourism and Hospitality program to support small and micro tourism businesses in the Kingdom. (SPA)
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Saudi Tourism Development Fund Launches AWN Tourism and Hospitality Program 

The Saudi Tourism Development Fund launches the AWN Tourism and Hospitality program to support small and micro tourism businesses in the Kingdom. (SPA)
The Saudi Tourism Development Fund launches the AWN Tourism and Hospitality program to support small and micro tourism businesses in the Kingdom. (SPA)

The Saudi Tourism Development Fund (TDF) launched on Monday the AWN Tourism and Hospitality program to support small and micro tourism businesses in the Kingdom with the resources they need to realize their objectives and aspirations within the tourism industry, reported the Saudi Press Agency. 

The program aims to support new tourism establishments and remodel the existing ones by leveraging the flexible financing solutions provided by TDF, with allocations of up to 10 million Saudi riyals, and a repayment period of up to 10 years.  

Along with commercial franchising, the initiative will provide the targeted projects the tools they need to meet their needs in the areas of accommodation, restaurants and cafes, and entertainment. 

CEO of TDF Qusai Al-Fakhri, said: “This program aims to unlock the potential of small and micro tourism businesses. Small business owners, too, have great business ideas; all they need from time to time is motivation and financial support to thrive.” 

“We are confident our new initiative will give them this opportunity while encouraging knowledge sharing, entrepreneurship, and job creation in the Kingdom.” 

TDF has previously launched several support programs and financing solutions to assist small and micro tourism development projects in meeting their needs and creating investment opportunities to maximize their long-term impact.  

The pre-financing program by the Tourism Development Center is the first innovative and free educational opportunity for entrepreneurs to support and transform their ideas into sustainable businesses.  

The AWN Tourism Experiences program, designed for tour operators, event organizers, and cultural tourism product providers, offers financing solutions and products with easier mechanisms. 



OPEC+ Credits Voluntary Oil Cuts for Market Stability

The OPEC logo behind a model of an oil excavator. (Reuters)
The OPEC logo behind a model of an oil excavator. (Reuters)
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OPEC+ Credits Voluntary Oil Cuts for Market Stability

The OPEC logo behind a model of an oil excavator. (Reuters)
The OPEC logo behind a model of an oil excavator. (Reuters)

The OPEC+ Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) commended the additional voluntary oil production cuts implemented by eight member states, saying the move played a key role in supporting market stability.

During its 59th meeting, held virtually on Saturday, the alliance opted to keep its current oil output policy unchanged, while underscoring the importance of full compliance with production quotas.

A statement published on the official website of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) confirmed that OPEC+ members showed “a high level of commitment” to crude production targets during January and February 2025.

The committee reviewed production figures for those months and noted general compliance among both OPEC and non-OPEC signatories to the Declaration of Cooperation. However, it also singled out countries that failed to meet their quotas and stressed the need for full compliance and compensation for any overproduction.

Member states were urged to submit updated compensation plans to the OPEC Secretariat by April 15.

The committee reiterated its commitment to monitoring adherence to the production adjustments agreed at the 38th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting in December 2024, as well as the additional voluntary cuts announced during the 52nd JMMC session in February 2024.

The JMMC retains the authority to call additional meetings or request a full ministerial session if needed.

The next JMMC meeting is scheduled for May 28. The body, which includes oil ministers from Saudi Arabia, Russia, and other top producers, typically meets every two months and may recommend policy changes.

Separately, eight OPEC+ countries announced on Thursday that they would accelerate the easing of production cuts by increasing output by 411,000 barrels per day in May—more than triple the previously planned 135,000 barrels.