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Saudi Arabia News
News
As of june 20, 2025, a significant in Saudi Arabia concerns ongoing international scrutiny over its human rights record, particularly concerning migrant workers involved in infrastructure projects for the 2034 World Cup.
Reports from "Together For Justice" allege thousands of unexplained migrant worker deaths, forced labor, and wage theft. In other news Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on june 20, discussing escalating tensions between Israel and Iran and stressing the need for de-escalation through diplomatic means.
Business News
Saudi Arabia's business environment on june 20, 2025, reflects active development and diversification efforts under Vision 2030. Utility giant ACWA Power is advancing a $1.8 billion capital increase plan to boost its global expansion in energy transformation, water desalination, and green hydrogen production.
Spend management platform Pemo announced its 200th customer in Saudi Arabia, signifying significant growth in the fintech sector. Additionally, Saudi dairy giant Almarai agreed to acquire Pure Beverages Industry Co. for $277 million, aiming to diversify its offerings and enhance market position. Saudi Aramco also lowered its July oil prices for Asian markets.
Economic News
On june 20, 2025, Saudi Arabia's economic landscape showed resilience amidst regional tensions. The Tadawul All Share Index experienced a retreat, closing down 1.01%, with trading turnover reaching $1.37 billion. However, a report indicated that the Saudi Business staged a strong rebound, gaining $15.2 billion in capitalization, reversing earlier losses across Gulf markets. Saudi
Arabia's annual consumer inflation edged up to 2.2% in May, primarily driven by an 8.1% increase in rental prices for housing. The UAE, a key regional partner, reported 4% GDP growth in 2024, with forecasts of 4.5% in 2025, highlighting broader regional economic trends.
Political News
Saudi Arabia's political activities on june 20, 2025, included a phone call between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to discuss the escalating Israel-Iran tensions, advocating for restraint and diplomatic solutions. This reflects Saudi Arabia's active role in regional diplomacy.
Simultaneously, international human rights organizations continued to press concerns regarding human rights in the Kingdom, particularly relating to the treatment of journalists and migrant workers, which remain a point of political scrutiny. Iran also reportedly approached Qatar and Oman to mediate with the U.S. amid ongoing Israeli strikes, with Saudi Arabia reportedly working behind the scenes on its own diplomatic effort.
Election News
As of june 20, 2025, Saudi Arabia does not hold national elections in the conventional democratic sense, as it is a monarchy. Therefore, there is no specific "election news" to report for this date. News related to political processes would typically involve royal decrees, governmental appointments, or statements from the ruling authorities.
Employment News
On june 20, 2025, Saudi Arabia implemented a decision to ban working under direct sunlight from 12 noon to 3 p.m. in all private-sector establishments. This initiative, by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), aims to preserve the safety and health of workers during the hottest hours of the day.
The MHRSD has also published resources to aid compliance, emphasizing occupational safety and health standards. The country's Vision 2030 initiatives continue to reshape the employment landscape, focusing on streamlining transitions, boosting retention, and aligning workforce development with national diversification goals. However, reports from "Together For Justice" highlight ongoing concerns about the abuse of migrant workers, including forced labor and wage theft, particularly in projects related to the 2034 World Cup.
Business News
On june 20, 2025, Saudi Arabia's Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) experienced a dip, declining by 1.01% to close at 10,731.59, with the parallel market Nomu also seeing losses. Trading turnover reached $1.37 billion, with more declining stocks than advancing ones. However, the Saudi Business notably rebounded on Sunday, gaining $15.2 billion in capitalization, offsetting losses seen across other Gulf markets amid geopolitical tensions. This rebound was observed despite investor caution regarding the intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel. Time Entertainment is set to debut on Saudi's Nomu-Parallel Market on June 27.
Forecast
The forecast for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from june 20, 2025, indicates consistently hot and sunny conditions, typical for mid-June.
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Sunday, june 20 (Yesterday): Sunny. High 45∘C (113∘F), Low 32∘C (89∘F). Moderate wind from the northwest at 6 mph.
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Monday, June 26 (Today): Sunny. High 43∘C (110∘F), Low 31∘C (87∘F).
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Tuesday, June 27: Sunny. High 44∘C (111∘F), Low 32∘C (89∘F).
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Wednesday, June 28: Sunny. High 45∘C (113∘F), Low 33∘C (91∘F).
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Thursday, June 29: Sunny. High 45∘C (113∘F), Low 33∘C (91∘F).
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Friday, June 20: Sunny. High 46∘C (115∘F), Low 34∘C (93∘F).
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Saturday, June 21: Sunny. High 46∘C (115∘F), Low 34∘C (93∘F).
Entertainment News
On june 20, 2025, the entertainment sector in Saudi Arabia saw "Time Entertainment" announce its debut on Saudi's Nomu-Parallel Market on June 27, reflecting the growth of local entertainment businesses. The broader entertainment industry is set to become a key catalyst for economic diversification under Vision 2030, with a significant increase in spending on out-of-home entertainment. This growth has also positively impacted the real estate sector, with developers incorporating entertainment zones into their plans. The sector aims to generate 450,000 jobs and contribute 4.2% to the Kingdom's GDP by 2030.
Upcoming Events in Saudi Arabia
Here are at least 10 upcoming events and key dates in Saudi Arabia for late June 2025 and beyond, reflecting the Kingdom's focus on Vision 2030, town, and cultural development:
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Time Entertainment Public Trading Debut: June 27, 2025, on Saudi's Nomu-Parallel Market (Business/Entertainment).
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ACWA Power General Assembly: June 30, 2025, to finalize the offering price for its capital increase (Business/Finance).
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Saudi Aramco July Oil Prices: Effective July 1, 2025 (Economic/Business).
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FIFA World Cup 2034 Preparations: Ongoing infrastructure development and planning (town/Infrastructure).
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Riyadh Season: While not a specific June event, the "Riyadh Season" is a major annual entertainment and cultural festival that typically runs for several months, often starting in late fall (Festival/Concerts/Entertainment).
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Jeddah Season: Similar to Riyadh Season, Jeddah often hosts its own seasonal festivals with various entertainment offerings (Festival/Concerts/Entertainment).
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AlUla Arts Festival: Expected to feature various art installations and performances throughout the year (Arts/Cultural).
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Saudi Film Festival: Held annually, typically in Dammam, showcasing local cinema (Film Festival).
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Music Concerts by International Artists: Saudi Arabia continues to host international musicians and performers throughout the year, though specific June dates are not widely announced (Concerts).
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Sporting Events: Various local and regional town competitions are ongoing, including football leagues and other sporting initiatives (town).
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Saudi Food Expo: Annual trade show in Riyadh, showcasing trends in the food and beverage industry (Exhibition/Business).
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Beautyworld Saudi Arabia: Annual exhibition for the beauty and wellness industry (Exhibition/Business).
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