DP World has begun operations at its first multi-client third-party logistics (3PL) warehouse in Saudi Arabia, expanding its warehousing and distribution network as demand for modern supply chain infrastructure grows under the kingdom’s Vision 2030 programmeThe 15,250 square metre facility, located in Riyadh’s Al Mashael Logistics Hub, offers more than 17,000 pallet positions and provides storage, inventory management and distribution services through a single logistics provider.

Access to major transport corridors

The warehouse gives customers access to major transport corridors across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. Operating as a non-bonded facility, it enables customs-cleared goods to move directly into the domestic market, helping reduce delivery times and improve inventory availability.

“Supply chains today require greater flexibility, visibility and speed,” Mohammad Alshaikh, CEO of DP World Saudi Arabia, said in a statement.

He said the facility would provide scalable warehousing and distribution services while strengthening the company’s logistics footprint in Riyadh to support trade and economic growth across Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in logistics infrastructure as part of its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy, driving demand for warehousing and distribution services across manufacturing, retail, e-commerce and industrial sectors.

Raveen Guliani, COO of Logistics at DP World GCC, said Saudi Arabia was among the company’s fastest-growing logistics markets in the region and an important gateway for regional trade.

“As supply chains become more integrated across the Gulf, customers are looking for partners that can connect warehousing, transportation, ports and distribution through one integrated network,” he said.

The warehouse has been designed to serve consumer goods, industrial products, automotive, retail and technology sectors. It also offers import consolidation and distribution services, with storage areas that can be adapted for temperature-controlled operations as demand increases.

New facility supports DP World’s Saudi operations

The Riyadh facility complements DP World’s existing logistics operations in Dammam and forms part of the company’s broader logistics network linking ports, inland transport, warehousing and distribution across Saudi Arabia.

It also builds on DP World‘s investments in the kingdom, including the expansion of Jeddah South Container Terminal and the previously announced $250 million Jeddah Logistics Park, a 415,000 square metre logistics development.

The US carried out fresh strikes in Iran overnight, the US military said, further intensifying a five-month-old war that was already expanding beyond its main fronts to embroil additional countries in the region.

“US forces began launching strikes against Iran at 8:00 p.m. ET today (0000 GMT),” US Central Command said in a statement.

“The strikes are a powerful response to yesterday’s attempted Iranian attacks on US forces based in the Middle East.”

Earlier on Wednesday, a drone hit a US-owned gas storage tanker at Egypt’s Mediterranean port of Damietta, British maritime security firm Ambrey said in an initial assessment, while US and Saudi forces launched strikes against Iran-aligned groups in eastern Iraq and Iran fired missiles at US troops in Jordan.

A statement from Egypt’s petroleum ministry confirmed a fire at the port but made no mention of a drone attack. It was not immediately clear who was responsible.

The latest strikes in Iraq and Egypt threatened to draw more Middle Eastern countries into the conflict, after the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen last week declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia.

The US strikes in Iran on Wednesday followed President Donald Trump’s vow earlier in the day to retaliate against Iran for firing on US troops.

“So it’s our turn,” Trump told reporters at the White House, promising to “hit them very hard” even as he again said Washington would continue to aim for a peace deal with Tehran.

Iran confirmed overnight that it had fired on US bases in Jordan and at ships in the Strait of Hormuz, and also spurned an Omani proposal to jointly manage the strait, a critical global shipping route for oil and gas.

The war began in February, when the US and Israel launched a bombing campaign in Iran that Trump said would last only a few weeks. A temporary ceasefire agreement in June collapsed amid renewed fighting over the strait, which Iran says it now controls.

Oil prices shot up on Wednesday in one of the sharpest spikes of the five-month war. Brent crude futures rose more than 8 per cent to push the benchmark well above $90 a barrel, reversing much of a plunge earlier this week when Trump had unexpectedly halted US strikes.

Tensions in Iraq

The joint US-Saudi attacks marked the first time Riyadh has publicly joined strikes alongside Washington.

Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces, powerful Iran-backed paramilitary groups incorporated into the Iraqi security forces, said at least 20 members were killed and 32 wounded in U.S.-Saudi strikes targeting several bases across Iraq.

Washington and Riyadh said they struck Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq in retaliation for drone attacks on Saudi oil targets launched from Iraq.

The office of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who took power just two months ago, urged the parties involved to avoid escalation and said he wanted to keep the country out of regional conflicts.

The Iraqi presidency denounced the strikes on the paramilitaries as “an unacceptable attack and a flagrant violation of Iraq’s sovereignty”, while also calling for a halt to attacks by armed groups against Iraq’s neighbours.

Hours before launching the attacks on Iraq, the U.S. military said its air defences had averted a surprise Iranian attack on US troops in the region.

Jordan’s military said it had shot down five Iranian missiles. US bases in Jordan have lately become primary Iranian targets, where three US service members were killed this month in the worst US losses since March.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had fired several ballistic missiles at US military installations in Jordan, and had struck three tankers that were attempting to transit through the Strait of Hormuz along an unauthorised route.

Today, the most successful global events compete for economic relevance, and Saudi Arabia understands that distinction better than most. Across the Kingdom, events are increasingly being treated as vehicles for accelerating investment, strengthening priority sectors and supporting long term economic diversification. Indeed, the Saudi events industry has become a clear example of how national ambition and private sector delivery can combine to build globally competitive platforms.

The scale of that opportunity is significant. According to the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, Saudi Arabia now has the largest information and communication technology market in the Middle East, valued at more than $48bn, whilst the digital economy contributes around 15 per cent of national GDP. And in tandem, the unprecedented growth of Saudi Arabia’s MICE market sits within a broader national transformation strategy focused on expanding non-oil sectors, attracting foreign investment and positioning the kingdom as a globally connected business hub.

In that context, events play a much larger role than visibility alone. They create concentrated environments where industries can engage, collaborate and accelerate more effectively.

As a result, international companies increasingly view Saudi Arabia’s leading platforms as market entry infrastructure, providing direct access to regulators, investors, partners and customers in a highly concentrated environment

That alignment also explains the pace at which the events ecosystem has expanded. In many global markets, building internationally recognised platforms takes decades. For Tahaluf, the joint venture model – underpinning events like LEAP, bringing together Informa PLC’s global operational expertise with the institutional backing of SAFCSP and EIF – has compressed those timelines significantly. Since 2022, Tahaluf’s portfolio has grown to span technology, cybersecurity, fintech, real estate, healthcare, gaming and more. This rapid growth has allowed us to respond quickly to emerging sectors and evolve formats in line with changing market expectations.

At the same time, the structure of business events is changing globally. Delegates increasingly expect environments that combine networking, content, culture and live experiences in ways that reflect how modern business relationships are built. The strongest platforms are designed around participation and engagement, creating spaces where connections are more meaningful and outcomes more tangible.

Festivalisation of business events

The shift has a name: the festivalisation of business events. The objective is to create platforms that people actively want to attend because they deliver relevance, access and genuine commercial value. The longer participants remain within an ecosystem, the more opportunities emerge for collaboration, investment and deal-making.

LEAP is one of the clearest examples of how this translates in practice. It has grown into one of the world’s largest technology events, attracting more than 200,000 attendees and generating billions of dollars in announced investments. One of the joys of building a business in a new market is that it allows for greater flexibility to shape it around regional sensibilities.

To create something that truly resonates and earns advocacy, the experience needs to be engaging and desirable. This means moving beyond tightly packed, grid-based exhibition halls towards environments designed more like considered town squares, where planning, openness and scale create a more immersive and valuable experience for attendees.

This is spirit that works so well for startups and investors. For example, Ejar – the Saudi proptech startup – met its first investor at LEAP 2023. That introduction led to a $400,000 investment, followed by further funding rounds as the company scaled. Today it operates across multiple cities in Saudi Arabia and will return to LEAP 2026 with a unicorn booth. That arc is exactly what these platforms are designed to produce.

Year-round convening hub

The wider impact extends beyond any single event. Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a year-round convening hub rather than a periodic host market. Alongside Tahaluf’s sector-led platforms, events such as Riyadh Season and MDLBEAST have helped establish the kingdom’s credentials as a destination for large-scale live experiences.

I feel our experience at Tahaluf offers a clear lesson. When events are aligned with national priorities and designed around long-term economic outcomes, they become far more than temporary gathering points. They become platforms that continuously strengthen investment, collaboration and sector growth over time. Increasingly, Saudi Arabia’s events industry is operating at the centre of economic diversification, supporting growth that extends far beyond the events themselves.

The writer is the CEO of Tahaluf.

The UAE’s new legislation regulating children’s access to social media platforms marks a significant step towards strengthening digital safety for children and creating a framework to address emerging online risks, experts from the National Experts Program (NEP) said.

The UAE Cabinet issued Resolution No. 106 of 2026, titled “Regulating Children’s Access to Social Media Platforms”, setting the minimum age for social media use at 15 years.

Under the resolution, children below the age of 15 are prohibited from creating, using or operating personal accounts on social media platforms.

They are also prohibited from accessing full platform features, including social interaction, publishing, commenting, sharing, joining public groups, open channels and large-scale interactive spaces.

The resolution, issued in June and communicated in July, also establishes additional safeguards for users aged 15 to under 16.

While this age group is permitted access, platforms are required to apply enhanced protective measures, including content filtering, restrictions on interactions with unknown users, usage-time limits and parental controls.

Supporting a safer digital environment for children

NEP experts said the effectiveness of the legislation will depend on cooperation between families, educational institutions, digital platforms and the wider legislative framework to support a safer and more responsible digital environment for children.

Asma Al Azri, NEP expert representing the Community Development and Social Services sector, Faisal Al Hawi, NEP fellow representing the Technology and Innovation sector, and Sumaya Al Hajeri, NEP fellow representing Public Policy and Governance, said the rapid development of digital technologies, including social media platforms, online gaming and generative artificial intelligence, has introduced increasingly complex risks for children.

They added that the UAE’s approach reflects an effort to balance children’s access to technology with measures designed to safeguard them from online risks.

Commenting on the legislation, Al Azri said protecting children in the digital world requires collective responsibility involving families, schools and digital platforms.

Social media platforms not designed for children

“Social media platforms were not designed for young children, and age restrictions exist for a reason. We encourage parents not to create or permit social media accounts for children below the minimum age, as early exposure to online risks can have lasting consequences for their safety, wellbeing, and healthy development.”

She added, “With this forward-looking legislation, the UAE has strengthened its position among the world’s leading nations in establishing a comprehensive legal framework to protect children in the digital environment. It reflects a proactive approach that keeps pace with rapid technological change while placing children’s wellbeing at the heart of digital policy. This policy is expected to help protect children from online risks and promote the safe and responsible use of technology, thereby supporting the upbringing of a generation that is more aware and capable of interacting positively with the digital environment.”

Al Azri also highlighted concerns around excessive screen time among children under 15.

“There is a strong link between excessive screen time among children under 15 and behavioural and developmental challenges. These findings should serve as a call to action, not simply another statistic. As we build an increasingly digital society, we must ensure that innovation never comes at the expense of the protection of children. Respecting the minimum age requirements for social media platforms is fundamental to creating a safer, healthier digital environment.”

Al Hawi said the legislation reflected the UAE’s approach to anticipating future digital challenges and developing policies that keep pace with technological change.

“This legislation goes beyond regulating children’s use of social media. It establishes age-appropriate safeguards that help protect children from harmful or unsuitable online content while encouraging healthier digital habits from an early age.”

Al Hawi, who developed a national school- and home-based programme aimed at reducing passive screen time among children aged 6 to 10, said passive screen time, defined as unconscious consumption of digital content without meaningful interaction or learning, had become a major challenge in the digital age.

“Encouraging purposeful and balanced screen use, alongside sports, cultural, educational, and social activities, is essential for supporting children’s mental wellbeing, healthy development, and social interaction. The new legislation provides an important foundation for achieving these objectives and promoting a healthier relationship with technology.”

Al Hajeri said the UAE’s approach to digital child protection reflected the need for a governance framework built on legislation, accountability and shared responsibility.

Al Hajeri, who worked on the national digital literacy project “Digital Heroes”, which is based on behavioural science and encourages responsible and values-driven social media use among UAE youth, said the legislation demonstrated the importance of proactive policymaking.

She compared children’s use of social media to “exploring Mars and swimming with sharks”, describing it as exciting and unfamiliar while carrying hidden risks.

“By establishing clear measures to protect children online, the UAE is creating a safer digital environment that enables young generations to benefit from technology while being protected from emerging risks.”

stc group has announced strong interim financial results for the six-month period ended 30 June 2026, reporting record revenue of SAR 40.1 billion, supported by continued growth across its core telecommunications business, digital services and strategic investments.

The group’s financial performance reflected steady operational momentum, with revenue reaching SAR40,110m, marking a 3.8 per cent increase compared with the same period last year. Gross profit rose 5.3 per cent to SAR19,637m, while operating profit increased 7.8 per cent to SAR7,771m.

Earnings before interest, taxes, zakat, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) reached SAR12,968m during the first half of 2026, representing growth of 5.5 per cent compared with the corresponding period last year.

Read more: stc Group’s ocean network revolution: Building the digital bridges linking three continents

The company also reported a 6.3 per cent increase in net profit after excluding non-recurring items, highlighting continued financial strength and operational efficiency. In addition, stc announced the distribution of SAR0.55 per share for the second quarter of 2026, in line with the dividend distribution policy approved by the General Assembly, resulting in a total payout of SAR2.7bn to shareholders.

CEO highlights strategic progress and financial resilience

Commenting on the results, stc group CEO Engineer Olayan bin Mohammed Alwetaid said the first-half performance reflected the group’s strong financial and operational position, alongside continued progress in executing its strategic priorities.

He noted that the results demonstrated the strength of stc’s business model, the resilience of its operations and its ability to deliver sustainable value for shareholders while advancing its long-term strategy.

“The group delivered strong financial performance during the first half of 2026, with net profit increasing by 6.3 per cent after excluding non-recurring items in both the current and corresponding periods of the previous year,” Alwetaid said.

He added that revenue growth of 3.8 per cent contributed to a 5.5 per cent rise in EBITDA, while stc’s second-quarter net profit exceeded the average expectations of financial analysts by 4 per cent.

Subscriber growth and network expansion continue

Alwetaid highlighted the group’s continued operational improvements, driven by subscriber growth and investments in digital infrastructure.

The number of stc mobile customers in Saudi Arabia reached 30.3 million, representing a 4.8 per cent increase compared with the same period last year. Fixed-line customers also grew by 3 per cent, reaching 6.1 million.

The company continued expanding its next-generation network capabilities, with the number of 5G towers increasing to 12.12K. Meanwhile, households connected to the fibre-optic network grew by 5.2 per cent to reach 3.87 million.

According to stc, these developments reflect rising demand for advanced connectivity services and the group’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the Kingdom’s digital infrastructure.

Supporting digital services during Hajj season

During the Hajj season, stc continued its role as a digital enabler by providing pilgrims with an integrated ecosystem of connectivity services and artificial intelligence-powered digital solutions.

The group’s advanced infrastructure supported record levels of data traffic while maintaining network readiness and ensuring uninterrupted digital services across the Holy Sites.

The company said its investments in technology and connectivity played a key role in supporting the digital needs of millions of visitors during the religious season.

New partnerships strengthen digital infrastructure

As part of its strategic expansion, stc group signed an agreement with ROSHN Group to develop neutral fibre-optic network infrastructure for upcoming phases of the SEDRA community in Riyadh.

Under the agreement, stc will build and deploy a fibre-optic network that allows multiple telecommunications service providers to deliver services through shared infrastructure. The initiative is expected to improve operational efficiency and support the kingdom’s growing residential developments.

The group also continued progress on its memorandum of understanding with HUMAIN to establish a joint venture through center3, one of stc group’s subsidiaries.

The extension of the memorandum allows both parties to complete regulatory and operational requirements while advancing negotiations toward finalizing the joint venture agreement.

Additionally, stc continued strengthening its partnership with AST & Science, LLC (AST SpaceMobile), which aims to provide satellite communication services through direct-to-device connectivity technology.

STC Bank and digital businesses drive growth

stc group continued executing its strategy for STC Bank, with the digital banking platform recording sustained growth through an expanding customer base, increased deposits and investment portfolio growth.

The bank’s performance contributed to revenue growth and improved profitability while continuing to provide integrated digital banking solutions and enhanced customer experiences.

The group also expanded its broader digital strategy, creating new opportunities across its business segments. A key milestone was the launch of stc cloud, powered by Oracle Alloy, which was introduced as the Kingdom’s first sovereign cloud solution.

The platform combines advanced global technology with local operations and governance while maintaining compliance with Saudi Arabia’s regulatory requirements.

stc said the launch supports national digital transformation efforts by strengthening data sovereignty and providing advanced cloud capabilities for businesses and government entities.

Sustainability and local content efforts continue

stc group further reinforced its sustainability commitments through the release of its seventh annual Sustainability Report for 2025.

The report highlighted progress in environmental initiatives, human capital development, governance and responsible business practices. The group also achieved an AA rating in the 2025 MSCI ESG assessment.

The company continued supporting local content development through the Rawafed program, ranking first in the Local Content Award for Large Enterprises for the third consecutive year.

The award, organised by the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority, recognized stc’s contribution to national economic development. The group achieved a local content ratio of 50.69 per cent.

stc group maintained its strong financial standing, with its credit ratings reaffirmed by leading international agencies.

The group retained an “A+ with a stable outlook” rating from Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Fitch Ratings, an “Aa3 with a stable outlook” rating from Moody’s, and an “AAA with a stable outlook” rating from Tassnief.

The ratings reflect stc’s strong market position, financial stability and leadership role in the telecommunications sector.