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. 



Saudi Aramco Signs Development Deal with China’s EV Giant BYD

The Saudi Aramco logo is pictured at Hyvolution exhibition in Paris, France, February 1, 2024. (Reuters)
The Saudi Aramco logo is pictured at Hyvolution exhibition in Paris, France, February 1, 2024. (Reuters)
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Saudi Aramco Signs Development Deal with China’s EV Giant BYD

The Saudi Aramco logo is pictured at Hyvolution exhibition in Paris, France, February 1, 2024. (Reuters)
The Saudi Aramco logo is pictured at Hyvolution exhibition in Paris, France, February 1, 2024. (Reuters)

Saudi oil giant Aramco signed a joint development agreement with Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD to explore collaboration in the development of new energy vehicle technologies, Aramco said on Monday.

The agreement, signed by Aramco unit Saudi Aramco Technologies Company (SATC), aims to enhance vehicle efficiency and environmental performance, as the Kingdom steps up efforts to transition toward cleaner mobility.

The deal comes after US EV maker Tesla launched its presence in Saudi Arabia with an event in Riyadh on April 10. The company is looking to revive global sales, which fell 13% in the first quarter of 2025 amid intensifying competition and ongoing political controversy surrounding CEO Elon Musk.

"Aramco is exploring a number of ways to potentially optimize transport efficiency, from innovative lower-carbon fuels to advanced powertrain concepts", Ali A. Al-Meshari, Aramco Senior Vice President of Technology Oversight and Coordination said.

Saudi Arabia has set an ambitious target to increase electric vehicle adoption from 1% to 30% within five years.

Tesla has announced plans to roll out online sales, pop-up stores, and Supercharger stations in key Saudi cities to support its expansion.

Tesla and BYD, the world’s two largest EV makers, are increasingly vying for global market dominance, as BYD’s rapid growth and lower-cost models pressure Tesla’s share in key regions.