Saudi Arabia issued 274 thousand licenses in the first half of 2026
Saudi Arabia issued and renewed more than 274,000 commercial licenses in the first half of 2026, reflecting continued business growth and economic activity across the Kingdom.
Visa rules, Nusuk and Rawdah changes, transport and season dates — short, with what it means for your trip.
Saudi Arabia issued and renewed more than 274,000 commercial licenses in the first half of 2026, reflecting continued business growth and economic activity across the Kingdom.
THE HARVEST OF ONE OF THE BEST HONEY VARIETIES IN SAUDI ARABIA HAS BEGUN IN UMLUDJ Beekeepers in the Umludj province of the Tabuk region have started harvesting samr honey, which is considered one of the best varieties in Saudi Arabia. It is obtained from the nectar of samr trees (Vachellia tortilis), widely spread on the plains and in the valleys of the region. Since the beginning of the season, over 5 tons of this honey have been produced, and harvesting continues. The development of beekeeping in the region is supported by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, which implements sustainable rural development programs aimed at increasing production efficiency, improving product quality, and supporting beekeepers. Due to its high quality and valuable nutritional properties, samr honey is in great demand, and Umludj is becoming known as a center for its production.
SAUDI ARABIA HAS LAUNCHED A MULTIPLE-ENTRY VISA FOR UMRAH VALID FOR ONE YEAR. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia has introduced a new multiple-entry visa for Umrah, valid for 365 days from the date of issuance. During this period, pilgrims can enter the Kingdom multiple times, spending a total of up to 90 days in the country. Before each trip, a new service package must be arranged through the Nusuk platform to obtain permission for Umrah. The visa is not valid during Hajj. This innovation aims to simplify pilgrimage and enhance digital services. 🌴 @SaudiaUAE
THE DATE SEASON 2026 STARTS IN MEDINA From July 20 to August 2, the date season 2026 will take place in Medina, uniting economic, cultural, and historical events dedicated to one of the main symbols of the region. The main venue will be the Central Date Market of Medina. The program will include daily date auctions, exhibitions of date palm products, and demonstrations of traditional crafts. The event aims to support local farmers and promote Medina's dates in domestic and international markets. 🌴 @SaudiaUAE
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Commerce has launched a three-month exceptional discount season from Aug. 1 to Oct. 31 that will not count toward retailers' annual discount allowance.
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia ranked first globally for growth in international tourism receipts during the first quarter of 2025, while the Quality of Life Program contributed SR78 billion to the Kingdom's GDP according to the program's 2025 annual report. The Quality of Life Program — which helped create 387,000 jobs — highlighted major achievements across tourism, urban development, culture, sports, entertainment, and municipal services, underscoring the Kingdom's progress in enhancing quality of life and advancing sustainable development. According to the report, the program's contribution to non-
Saudi Arabia has reduced the mandatory declaration threshold for cash, gold, jewelry, and other valuables entering or leaving the Kingdom from SR60,000 to SR40,000 under updated anti-money laundering regulations.