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Saudi Arabia Ranks 1st Internationally in Internet Usage

GKI ranked Saudi Arabia first in the percentage of the population using the internet and the rate of individuals with standard information and communications technology (ICT) skills (Asharq Al-Awsat)
GKI ranked Saudi Arabia first in the percentage of the population using the internet and the rate of individuals with standard information and communications technology (ICT) skills (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Ranks 1st Internationally in Internet Usage

GKI ranked Saudi Arabia first in the percentage of the population using the internet and the rate of individuals with standard information and communications technology (ICT) skills (Asharq Al-Awsat)
GKI ranked Saudi Arabia first in the percentage of the population using the internet and the rate of individuals with standard information and communications technology (ICT) skills (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Global Knowledge Index (GKI) 2022 ranked Saudi Arabia first in the population using the internet and in the percentage of individuals with standard information and communications technology (ICT) skills.

GKI showed that Saudi Arabia has five strengths including individuals with standard ICT skills, internet users' percentage, households with internet access, research share of research and development expenditure, and the net enrollment rate in higher secondary education.

The Global Knowledge Index was launched by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The Index also highlighted Saudi Arabia's exceptional performance in knowledge infrastructure, placing it at the 43rd position out of 132 nations and the 41st out of 60 countries with a high human development rate.

The Kingdom has also achieved exceptional results regarding a supportive educational environment.

The Index focuses on seven compound sub-indicators that cover the performance of six key knowledge sectors: pre-university education, technical education, and vocational training; higher education, ICT, innovation, research & development, and the economy.

It also covers the environment sub-indicator, mainly focusing on these sectors' social, political, economic, health, and environmental contexts.

Saudi Arabia was ranked first in the technical education and vocational training index for the number of students enrolled in post-secondary non-university education in vocational and technical programs.

It is considered a key contributor to the global knowledge system in creating development indicators.

The GKI is a significant addition to the global body of knowledge development. It offers a range of reliable data that supports nations and decision-makers in comprehending and responding to transformations and challenges and highlights the critical knowledge barriers in realizing sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the 2030 ambitions.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Knowledge Foundation released the GKI 2022 results on the sidelines of the Youth Knowledge Forum, which was held in cooperation with the UNDP. The Index included 155 variables and 132 countries, including 11 Arab nations.

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Business

Tourism Projects Worth $9 Billion Being Implemented in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province

The Saudi Minister of Tourism, along with the President of Aramco, tours the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in the Eastern Province. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi Minister of Tourism, along with the President of Aramco, tours the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in the Eastern Province. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Tourism Projects Worth $9 Billion Being Implemented in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province

The Saudi Minister of Tourism, along with the President of Aramco, tours the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in the Eastern Province. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi Minister of Tourism, along with the President of Aramco, tours the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in the Eastern Province. Asharq Al-Awsat

The Eastern Province is expected to witness the implementation of more than 650 tourism projects valued at over SAR12.7 billion (approximately $3.39 billion).

With the addition of investments in new projects exceeding SAR21 billion ($5.6 billion), total tourism investments amount to around SAR33.7 billion (nearly $9 billion), reflecting a growth in the sector.

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said tourism investments in the region are experiencing qualitative growth, adding that the Eastern Province enjoys competitive advantages that make it attractive for tourism investment.

The minister said the region has achieved positive results in sector performance, welcoming more than 13.4 million tourists whose spending exceeded SAR18.5 billion ($4.9 billion), underscoring the rising demand for tourism services.

Tourism Diversity

Al-Khateeb revealed that more than 650 approved tourism projects would contribute to improved tourism, in addition to strengthening partnerships and supporting private sector participation. This, he said, reflects the rapid growth pace and the achievements that the tourism sector in the Eastern Province has witnessed.

High-quality projects in the region enhance competitiveness, supported by the Tourism Development Fund, said Al-Khateeb. These projects contribute to improving quality of life and offering integrated visitor experiences, reinforcing the region’s position as a leading tourist destination on the Arabian Gulf coast, he added.

The minister met with Eastern Province’s tourism employees, who briefed him on promising opportunities and made proposals aimed at developing career paths for workers in the sector.

Al Khobar Season

Al Khobar Season 2025 has achieved remarkable success since its launch, featuring a seasonal program spanning nearly 90 days. Supported by the Sharqia Development Authority and the Saudi Tourism Authority, the season hosted events across more than 20 locations, attracting over one million visitors and involving more than 50 partners from the private sector.

Al Khobar Season enhances the Eastern Province’s status as a major tourism and entertainment destination through experiences that blend entertainment, culture, arts, and sports. This contributes to improving quality of life, achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, and developing the tourism sector.

Business

Saudi Exports Development Authority Organizes Trade Mission to Syria, Iraq 

Officials are seen during one of the visits to a Saudi company. (Saudi Exports Development Authority on X)
Officials are seen during one of the visits to a Saudi company. (Saudi Exports Development Authority on X)
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Saudi Exports Development Authority Organizes Trade Mission to Syria, Iraq 

Officials are seen during one of the visits to a Saudi company. (Saudi Exports Development Authority on X)
Officials are seen during one of the visits to a Saudi company. (Saudi Exports Development Authority on X)

The Saudi Exports Development Authority (SAUDI EXPORTS) organized a trade mission for Iraq and Syria in conjunction with the Made in Saudi Expo 2025 in Riyadh, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday.

The missions involved 87 Saudi exporters and 32 importing companies, representing key sectors including construction, food products, medical supplies, and packaging industries.

A series of business-matching meetings were held to explore opportunities for cooperation and trade partnerships.

The meetings and bilateral discussions held alongside the exhibition resulted in the signing of seven trade agreements, reflecting the quality and competitiveness of Saudi products.

This was followed by an orientation tour for the visiting trade delegation of the Saudi companies’ pavilions to explore the latest national innovations and products.

Business

Modi Invites Jordanian Companies to Invest in India

Modi speaks at the India-Jordan Business Forum in Amman on Tuesday (X)
Modi speaks at the India-Jordan Business Forum in Amman on Tuesday (X)
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Modi Invites Jordanian Companies to Invest in India

Modi speaks at the India-Jordan Business Forum in Amman on Tuesday (X)
Modi speaks at the India-Jordan Business Forum in Amman on Tuesday (X)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday invited Jordanian companies to invest in India, saying they can look forward to good returns on their investments as the country is growing at over 8%.

Speaking at the India-Jordan Business Forum meet here, Modi said India is soon going to become the third-largest economy in the world, and presents opportunities for Jordanian companies to become part of the growth story, according to news agency Press Trust of India.

The PM said his country’s high GDP numbers are due to productivity-driven governance and innovation-led growth policies.

Modi also said numbers are important in the universe of business, but he has come to Jordan to build a long-term relationship between the two nations.

“The relationship between India and Jordan is one where historical trust and future economic opportunities come together,” he noted.

India is growing at a fast pace, and new doors of opportunities are opening for Jordanian companies as well, the PM added.

“You (Jordan) can become a partner in India's high growth and earn good returns on your investments,” Modi said.

Indian companies in Jordan can manufacture medicines and medical devices. This will benefit the people of Jordan, and the country can also become a reliable hub for West Asia and Africa, he said.

While highlighting potential sectors of bilateral cooperation, Modi said India has a lot of experience in farming in dry climates.

“This experience of ours can make a real difference in Jordan. We can work on solutions like precision farming and micro-irrigation. We can also collaborate on building cold chains, food parks, and storage facilities,” he added.

Modi arrived in Jordan's capital, Amman, on Monday on a two-day visit at the invitation of King Abdullah II. Jordan is the first leg of the Prime Minister's four-day, three-nation tour, which will also take him to Ethiopia and Oman.