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. 



EU-Mercosur Trade Deal to Apply Provisionally from May 1

FILE PHOTO: EU flags flutter in front of European Central Bank (ECB) headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany July 18, 2024. REUTERS/Jana Rodenbusch/File Photo/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: EU flags flutter in front of European Central Bank (ECB) headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany July 18, 2024. REUTERS/Jana Rodenbusch/File Photo/File Photo
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EU-Mercosur Trade Deal to Apply Provisionally from May 1

FILE PHOTO: EU flags flutter in front of European Central Bank (ECB) headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany July 18, 2024. REUTERS/Jana Rodenbusch/File Photo/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: EU flags flutter in front of European Central Bank (ECB) headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany July 18, 2024. REUTERS/Jana Rodenbusch/File Photo/File Photo

The EU said Monday a free trade agreement with South American bloc Mercosur will provisionally enter into force on May 1 -- despite a pending court ruling on its legality.

"Today is an important step in demonstrating our credibility as a major trading partner," EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic said, adding "provisional application will allow" Brussels to start delivering on the promise of "new opportunities for trade, growth and jobs" for exporters.

The key ⁠trade elements of ⁠the accord, which has proven contentious in Europe, will apply from that ⁠date between the 27-nation European Union and the countries in Mercosur that have completed their ratification procedures before the end of March.

"Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay have ⁠already ⁠done so. Paraguay has recently ratified the agreement and is expected to send its notification soon," the Commission said in a statement.


Saudi Arabia’s Mawani Adds 5 Shipping Services

Yanbu Commercial Port. SPA
Yanbu Commercial Port. SPA
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Saudi Arabia’s Mawani Adds 5 Shipping Services

Yanbu Commercial Port. SPA
Yanbu Commercial Port. SPA

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) said Monday that it has added five new maritime shipping services to enhance the connectivity of the Kingdom’s ports with global markets.

The move was done in partnership with major global shipping lines MSC, CMA CGM, Maersk, and Hapag-Lloyd, with a total capacity exceeding 63,000 TEUs, supporting the smooth flow of goods, enhancing supply chain efficiency, and reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub, Mawani said.

It also announced a trade bridge connecting Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates with the Kingdom.

This step enhances logistics integration and supports the smooth flow of goods between the two countries with high operational efficiency, Mawani added.


China Limits Fuel Price Hike to Cushion Impact of Rising Oil Prices

A rider passes by motorists queue to pump gasoline at a petrol station in Beijing, Sunday, March 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
A rider passes by motorists queue to pump gasoline at a petrol station in Beijing, Sunday, March 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
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China Limits Fuel Price Hike to Cushion Impact of Rising Oil Prices

A rider passes by motorists queue to pump gasoline at a petrol station in Beijing, Sunday, March 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
A rider passes by motorists queue to pump gasoline at a petrol station in Beijing, Sunday, March 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

China intervened to cushion rising fuel prices on Monday, increasing regulated ceiling prices for retail gasoline and diesel but limiting the hike to about half what would normally be applied under the government's pricing mechanism.

However, the adjustments brought on by rising oil prices linked to the US-Israeli war on Iran were still the largest on record, lifting price limits close to levels seen in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The state ⁠planner, the National ⁠Development and Reform Commission, said on Monday it would raise the maximum retail prices for gasoline and diesel by 1,160 yuan ($167.93) per metric ton and 1,115 yuan per metric ton, respectively, starting from Monday midnight, Reuters reported.

The NDRC reviews retail gasoline and diesel ⁠prices every 10 working days and applies adjustments reflecting changes in international crude oil prices, while taking into account average processing costs, taxes, distribution expenses, and appropriate profit margins.

Under the current pricing mechanism, gasoline and diesel prices would have been set to rise by 2,205 yuan per metric ton, and 2,120 yuan per metric ton, respectively, according to NDRC.

"To cushion the impact, ease the burden on downstream users, and support ⁠economic ⁠and social stability, authorities introduced temporary controls within the existing pricing framework," the state's planner said in an announcement.

Oil prices rose on Monday after Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they would target Israel's power plants and those supplying US bases in the Middle East in retaliation against any attack on its electricity sector.

Brent crude futures were up $1.57 to $113.76 a barrel by 0731 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate was at $101.32 a barrel, up $3.09, or 3.15%.