Saudi Arabia

Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, has expanded its Indian network by adding Kozhikode as a new destination, strengthening connectivity between India and the Middle East. The move aims to cater to growing passenger demand, particularly from the Gulf-bound expatriate community and leisure travelers. The airline will operate regular flights linking Kozhikode with Jeddah, integrating the city into Saudia’s global network.

Bollywood actor Kriti Sanon drew international attention as she appeared at the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, marking yet another milestone in her expanding global footprint. Her presence at the high-profile event highlighted India’s growing cultural influence in global cinema and underscored Sanon’s evolving journey as an internationally recognized performer and producer.

A devastating bus accident in Saudi Arabia has claimed the lives of 23 Indian nationals, including 18 members of a single family from Hyderabad and five individuals from another family. The group was reportedly traveling for a religious visit when their vehicle met with a catastrophic collision, leaving no survivors onboard. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through their home communities in Telangana, where relatives and local authorities are grappling with the enormity of the loss.

Industrialist Hasmukh Parekh is reportedly considering expanding business ties with Saudi Arabia as heightened tariffs in the United States create headwinds for exporters. The shift reflects a strategic recalibration aimed at reducing reliance on the American market, which has become increasingly volatile due to trade restrictions. Saudi Arabia, with its growing industrial base and diversification drive under Vision 2030, offers a promising alternative.

Senco Gold, one of India’s leading jewelry brands, has announced plans to expand into the Gulf region, with a strategic focus on Saudi Arabia. This move is part of the company’s broader international growth strategy aimed at tapping high-net-worth consumer segments and diversifying revenue streams. The Gulf market, known for its strong gold consumption and appreciation for premium craftsmanship, presents an attractive opportunity for Senco Gold to strengthen its global footprint.

In a significant development for its Middle East operations, Wipro Ltd. has clinched a multi-year technology services contract with Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), the largest utility firm in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The agreement aims to support SEC's digital transformation initiatives by streamlining its business processes and enhancing enterprise-wide efficiency. Wipro will deliver a suite of digital solutions to modernize operations, support agile service delivery, and improve customer experience.

Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has approached India’s Competition Commission to secure approval for its proposed acquisition of a stake in Olam Agri Holdings. The move reflects PIF’s growing appetite for global agribusiness investments, as it aims to diversify beyond oil and reinforce food security strategies. Olam Agri, a key subsidiary of the Singapore-based Olam Group, plays a vital role in international food supply chains.

In a significant policy pivot, OPEC+ announced a faster-than-expected rollback of its 2023 voluntary production cuts, with eight core members led by Saudi Arabia committing to increase oil output by 548,000 barrels per day (bpd) starting August 2025. This surpasses prior expectations and signals a shift from price preservation to market share expansion as global refiners ramp up processing ahead of peak summer demand. However, the alliance’s unity is showing cracks, with Kazakhstan exceeding its production quota by a wide margin.

In a stunning upset that could reshape perceptions of global football hierarchy, Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal defeated European champions Manchester City 4-3 after extra time in a pulsating FIFA Club World Cup 2025 clash in Orlando. The result marked one of the tournament’s most seismic surprises, as Marcos Leonardo’s brace, including a dramatic winner, sealed the victory. Despite City’s early lead and territorial dominance, defensive lapses and inspired performances by Al Hilal — particularly goalkeeper Yassine Bounou — ensured an unforgettable result.

In a significant move to bolster its regional footprint, Indian IT services giant Wipro has announced the relocation of its Middle East regional headquarters from Al Khobar to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The company, renowned for its global technology services, has simultaneously appointed Mohamed Mousa as the Managing Director for the Middle East region. This relocation reflects Wipro’s commitment to expanding its presence in the Saudi market and aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 agenda, which emphasizes economic diversification and digital transformation.