Saudi Arabia, Switzerland Sign MoU to Bolster Tourism Collaboration

The Saudi Tourism Authority has signed an MoU with Switzerland Tourism. SPA
The Saudi Tourism Authority has signed an MoU with Switzerland Tourism. SPA
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Saudi Arabia, Switzerland Sign MoU to Bolster Tourism Collaboration

The Saudi Tourism Authority has signed an MoU with Switzerland Tourism. SPA
The Saudi Tourism Authority has signed an MoU with Switzerland Tourism. SPA

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has signed an MoU with Switzerland Tourism to bolster collaboration in the tourism sector.
CEO and Board Member of the STA Fahd Hamidaddin and Director GCC at Switzerland Tourism Livio Gotz signed this agreement at the Saudi Tourism Authority headquarters.

Swiss Federal Councillor and Head of Economic Affairs, Education, and Research Guy Parmelin and Swiss Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Yasmine Chatila Zwahlen attended the ceremony.

This MoU, a first-of-its-kind between the two tourism entities, aims to foster the development of the tourism industry, mutual promotion, and enable collaborative tourism projects between Saudi Arabia and Switzerland, setting a new precedent for international tourism cooperation.

A key aspect of this partnership is identifying joint marketing initiatives that highlight the unique attractions of each country. Special attention will be given to specific tourism sectors such as marine activities, culture and heritage, and rural tourism, through combined marketing efforts to attract travelers seeking unique experiences. This strategic promotion aims to highlight both Saudi Arabia and Switzerland as leading destinations for tourism that gratify every tourist, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

Additionally, STA and Switzerland Tourism will work together to utilize the latest technology in the industry to promote a more seamless travel journey for visitors. This will be achieved through amplified cooperation between local tourism agencies and operators, providing opportunities for further partnerships and value between Saudi Arabia and Switzerland, SPA said.



Riyadh to Host 10th Future Investment Initiative Conference in October

Participants during a previous edition of the conference. (SPA)
Participants during a previous edition of the conference. (SPA)
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Riyadh to Host 10th Future Investment Initiative Conference in October

Participants during a previous edition of the conference. (SPA)
Participants during a previous edition of the conference. (SPA)

Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the tenth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Conference will take place in Riyadh from October 26 to 29.

Held under the theme “The Power of Legacy,” FII10 will bring together heads of state, investors, policymakers, innovators and business leaders to explore how today’s decisions can create lasting prosperity for future generations, said the FII Institute in a statement on Monday.

The program will focus on four pillars: capital that builds, technology that elevates, societies that thrive and leadership that inspires.

Princess Dr. Maha bint Mishari Al Saud, Chief Executive Officer of FII Institute, expressed her appreciation for the generous Royal Patronage of the tenth edition.

She noted that the Saudi leadership’s continued support for the Institute’s events and activities, together with the guidance of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, constitutes a fundamental pillar in advancing the comprehensive development envisioned by Saudi Vision 2030 and shaping a prosperous and sustainable economic future.

“For ten years, FII has brought together leaders who recognize the power of investment to advance human progress. FII10 invites our global community to consider the legacy of the choices we make, the partnerships we build and the innovations we support. Our goal is to turn these choices into lasting impact for people and future generations,” she added.

Across four days, FII10 will bring together a diverse global community of leaders, investors, policymakers, innovators, and changemakers for a wide-ranging program addressing the world’s most pressing economic and investment priorities.

Since its launch, FII has evolved into a leading global platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action, convening influential voices from around the world. Major agreements and commitments have been announced through the platform, further reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a global center for investment, collaboration, and action.


Iraq Raises September Basrah Medium Crude OSP to Asia

Workers walk across pipelines at the Rumaila oil field in Basra, Iraq (Reuters)
Workers walk across pipelines at the Rumaila oil field in Basra, Iraq (Reuters)
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Iraq Raises September Basrah Medium Crude OSP to Asia

Workers walk across pipelines at the Rumaila oil field in Basra, Iraq (Reuters)
Workers walk across pipelines at the Rumaila oil field in Basra, Iraq (Reuters)

Iraq has raised the September official selling price (OSP) for Basra Medium crude oil to Asia to minus $4 a barrel against the average of Oman/Dubai quotes from the August OSP of minus $6.50 a barrel, state-owned Iraqi oil marketer SOMO said on Monday, Reuters reported.

Basrah Heavy to Asia was priced at minus $7.30 a barrel to Oman/Dubai quotes, from minus $8.80 a barrel set for August.

Type of North and South European Far East Crude American Market Market Market ($/bbl) Oil ($/bbl) ($/bbl) Basrah ASCI +5.10 Brent Average (Oman Medium (dated)-4.35 & Dubai)-4.00 Basrah ASCI +1.40 Brent Average


Turkish Central Bank Bought $5 billion in Foreign Exchange Last Week, Bankers Say

Central Bank of Türkiye - File Photo/Reuters
Central Bank of Türkiye - File Photo/Reuters
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Turkish Central Bank Bought $5 billion in Foreign Exchange Last Week, Bankers Say

Central Bank of Türkiye - File Photo/Reuters
Central Bank of Türkiye - File Photo/Reuters

The Turkish central bank bought $5 billion in foreign exchange last week, with its net reserves increasing $9 billion to $63 billion, bankers said on Monday, Reuters reported.

According to the calculations of four bankers, the central bank's total reserves increased $14 billion last week to $178 billion, while net reserves excluding swaps increased $9.5 billion to $50 billion. The central bank did not comment on the figures.