AGP Executive Report

Whistleblower Protection: Saudi Arabia launched a new program under its whistleblower law to safeguard whistleblowers, witnesses, experts and victims, with court procedures allowing testimony to be heard away from defendants and witness identities concealed in high-risk cases, while authorities can arrange measures like relocation, escorts and temporary documents. Regional Security: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke by phone with Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun, reviewing the latest developments and efforts to strengthen stability across the region. Nuclear Safety Diplomacy: Qatar reiterated its condemnation of the attack on the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Power Plant at an emergency IAEA meeting, calling it a violation of international law and warning of serious nuclear safety risks. World Cup Build-Up: Saudi Arabia’s national team continues its 2026 World Cup preparations in Austin, with the Puerto Rico vs Saudi friendly set for Q2 Stadium as the squad’s base camp. Football Spotlight: Yaya Touré is set to take his first major senior coaching role as head coach of Slovan Bratislava, after serving as an assistant coach with Saudi Arabia’s national team.

Saudi Crime & Safety: A 21-year-old Saudi national was arrested in the UK after a man in his 50s was shot with a crossbow at the University of Surrey in Guildford; the victim is in serious condition and police say they are not looking for anyone else. Saudi Business & Investment: ROSHN Group signed a deal with Tatweer Buildings to design, build and supervise a new public educational facility in WAREFA, East Riyadh, for up to 500 students. Saudi Economy & Growth: Saudi Arabia’s events industry is forecast to jump from $6.1bn in 2021 to $17.6bn by 2031, with a projected 8.7% CAGR, driven by sports, concerts and sponsorship. Saudi Energy & Industry: Aramco selected McDermott for a long-term project management consultancy agreement to support large-scale energy and downstream projects across the Kingdom. World Cup Focus (Saudi angle): Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente said his squad is injury-free after a 1-1 warm-up draw with Iraq, with Saudi Arabia listed among Spain’s World Cup Group H opponents.

Saudi Arabia in Global Spotlight: Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman urged stability in global energy markets at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, warning that uncertainty over demand and disruptions from the Iran and Ukraine wars keep energy security central. Aviation & Industry: Riyadh Air took delivery of its first two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, a milestone after months of Boeing delays, as the airline prepares to expand its own long-term fleet. Markets & Tech Buzz: Kingdom Holding shares slid sharply after investors recalibrated around its SpaceX stake ahead of the record $75bn IPO priced at $135 per share. Regional Security: The U.S. issued a fresh travel alert for Americans across the Middle East, keeping Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and others at Level 3 “Reconsider Travel.” Sports & Saudi Connections: Saudi Arabia is in World Cup Group H, and coverage also highlighted the U.S. roster and opponents for Group D. Local Incident: A Saudi national was arrested in the UK after a crossbow attack at the University of Surrey, leaving a campus security worker seriously injured.

Saudi-Linked Energy Deal: KEPCO won the second phase of Aramco’s Jafurah cogeneration project, signing power-and-steam sales with Aramco and completing an EPC contract with Doosan Enerbility for a 331MW plant due by June 2029. Aramco Project Management: McDermott was selected by Aramco for a multi-year project management consultancy LTA, partnering with Saudi firm SLFE for engineering and front-end development across energy and downstream projects. Space & Markets Buzz: SpaceX set a suggested IPO price of $135 per share, aiming to raise about $75bn and value the company around $1.77tn; Saudi Kingdom Holding said it holds a 0.34% stake in SpaceX worth SAR 16.76bn as of March 31, 2026. Regional Security & Oil: Markets in the Gulf edged up on Israel-Lebanon ceasefire hopes, but attention stayed on Iran-related strikes affecting Kuwait and the Strait of Hormuz, keeping energy-price nerves high. Hajj Operations Update: The first group of 329 Malaysian haj pilgrims returned to Malaysia via KLIA, marking the start of the second phase of the 1447H/2026M Haj return journey. Saudi Culture & Food: Gault&Millau launched its first Saudi Arabia guide, featuring nearly 250 restaurants across Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, Abha and Dammam.

Gulf Security: Iran-linked missile and drone attacks hit Kuwait and Bahrain, including a strike on Kuwait International Airport that killed one and injured dozens, prompting Kuwait to expel two Iranian diplomats and issue formal protests as Arab states condemned the escalation. Saudi Economy Watch: The IMF says Saudi Arabia remains resilient despite the Middle East war, citing rerouted oil exports via the East-West pipeline and Red Sea ports, while warning momentum could slow in 2026. Trade Pressure: The U.S. proposes new Section 301 tariffs over forced-labor concerns, listing Saudi Arabia among affected economies with additional duties potentially ranging from 10% to 12.5%. Healthcare Investment: Morocco’s Akdital plans a third hospital in Saudi Arabia after expanding across the Gulf, targeting major bed capacity by 2030. World Cup Build-Up: FIFA data shows Saudi squads lean heavily on home-based players, with only one overseas-based star in the Kingdom’s roster. Regional Sports: Saudi’s Al-Khaleej is set to compete in Kuwait’s Asian Club Handball Championship as organizers confirm the event will proceed.

Saudi Finance & Real Estate: SAB Invest and Retal launched a CMA-regulated real estate investment fund worth SAR 1.9bn (about $502m) for a 19,000 sqm Almalqa project in Riyadh, with SAB funding up to 50%. Makkah Development: An Umm Al Qura-led consortium secured Royal Commission letters of award for two adjacent Makkah sites (Hindawiya West and South) in a deal estimated at about SAR 6bn ($1.6bn), via a real estate investment fund structure. AI Push: Zain KSA unveiled an Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence to embed AI across operations and expand AI services for customers, businesses, and government. Hajj Community Links: An Ilorin-born scholar translated this year’s Saudi Hajj sermon into Yoruba for Yoruba-speaking pilgrims. Regional Context: Gulf markets largely slipped on Iran-war jitters, while Saudi’s TASI edged up, helped by ACWA Power. World Cup Build-Up: FIFA confirmed final squads for the expanded 2026 World Cup with a record 1,248 players, including Saudi Arabia in Group H.

Saudi Pilgrim Care: The Saudi Red Crescent is running round-the-clock emergency medical services in Madinah, with ambulances, rapid response teams, and a dispatch center linked to the unified emergency number. World Cup Build-Up: Saudi Arabia began the final phase of its FIFA World Cup preparations in Austin, Texas, with training at Austin FC facilities as goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi continues rehab. Regional Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia will be the main guest of honor at Russia’s SPIEF 2026 in St. Petersburg, with Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman leading a high-level delegation including Saudi Aramco. Health Tech Push: Saudi Arabia’s health transformation is spotlighted as a shift to value-based care using AI diagnostics, robotics, and virtual hospitals. AI Ethics Debate: A report on the Gulf’s AI boom raises concerns about how fast adoption could affect human “soul” and identity. Makkah Development: Rikaz’ consortium won a major contract for the East Hindawiyah mixed-use project near Al Masjid Al Haram. Al-Aqsa Condemnations: Saudi Arabia joined Muslim countries in condemning Israeli settler incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque and flag-raising inside the compound.

Hajj & Pilgrims: Saudi Arabia marked a major wildlife milestone with the birth of its first onager in over 100 years at the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, boosting biodiversity hopes for the endangered Persian wild ass. Energy & Industry: Emerson will co-develop next-gen corrosion management solutions with Saudi Aramco, aiming to move from manual checks to continuous digital monitoring. Makkah Real Estate: Saudi Ladun’s consortium won a $1.6bn Khalidiyah redevelopment contract in Makkah, while another consortium secured the East Hindawiyah project concession worth about $532m. Regional Security & Shipping: An MSC container ship was damaged by a reported explosion off Iraq, renewing Gulf shipping safety concerns as tensions disrupt routes. Finance: SAMA licensed two new finance companies, expanding finance aggregation and consumer finance options. Sports (Saudi-linked): Boxing star Anthony Joshua confirmed his return fight in Jeddah on July 25 against Kristian Prenga. Humanitarian: KSrelief and UNHCR signed a $3.1m deal to strengthen protection and healthcare for displaced people in Yemen.

Saudi Aviation: Saudia says it will take delivery of 12 new aircraft by year-end, expanding its fleet to 161 as it ramps up capacity for Vision 2030 tourism goals. Hajj Tech & Crowd Management: SDAIA says it used AI systems to manage Hajj 2026 operations, while WHO praised Saudi Arabia for safe, high-health-standard pilgrimage management. Makkah Real Estate: First Avenue consortium won a $533m East Hindawiyah District development contract for mixed-use projects near the Grand Mosque. Energy & Power: Doosan Enerbility secured a $556m contract for the second phase of Saudi cogeneration at Jafurah, boosting electricity and steam output. Regional Security: Kuwait faced major missile/drone attacks with air defenses intercepting threats, as Gulf states—including Saudi—condemned Iran-linked strikes. World Cup 2026 (Saudi): FIFA match schedule confirms Saudi Arabia will play Uruguay in Miami on June 15. Football Transfers: Former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum’s Al-Ettifaq contract was mutually terminated, making him a free agent. Sports (Boxing): Anthony Joshua’s July 25 warm-up vs Kristian Prenga is set for Jeddah, after his Nigeria crash tragedy.

Hajj Tech & Crowd Control: Saudi Arabia deployed KACST’s Roya AI to manage Mecca crowd flows, while SDAIA boosted digital support across 75 operational sites to keep departures smooth after the 1447 AH season. Hajj Outcomes & Health: Saudi officials said the pilgrimage concluded without epidemic outbreaks, with Hajj operations praised for discipline and infrastructure; meanwhile, reports flagged an AI-generated “sea of pilgrims” video circulating online. Hajj Returns Abroad: Bangladesh said 11,613 pilgrims have returned home so far, with deaths reported at 41 total. Urban Cooling Plan: Saudi Arabia is set to launch a Riyadh cooling project aimed at cutting road and building surface temperatures by up to 15°C. Markets & Geopolitics: Gulf stocks eased as US-Iran strikes and Israel’s Lebanon moves raised risk; Saudi TASI slipped slightly. Saudi Business & IPOs: Masqa Investment (Nomu) announced IPO subscription dates (June 17–24) and allocation timing, as Saudi firms continue listing activity. Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia reiterated “No Palestinian State, No Normalization” on ties with Israel. Energy Route Risk: Analysts warned Strait of Hormuz oil flows may not bounce back to pre-war levels, keeping shipping uncertainty high.

Hajj & Umrah Operations: Saudi Arabia’s Hajj 2026 wrapped up with about 1.7 million pilgrims visiting Makkah, with the health ministry saying no epidemic outbreaks were reported; preparations also continue for post-Hajj worshippers at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, including expanded gates, corridors, prayer rugs, escalators and Zamzam distribution. Diplomacy & Regional Security: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke by phone with French President Emmanuel Macron about boosting regional security and maritime freedom of navigation; Macron also urged rapid US-Iran talks amid Lebanon escalation, while Saudi officials met Syrian counterparts to review security cooperation. Trade & Economy: GASTAT reported Saudi wholesale and retail trade operating revenue rose 7.3% in Q1 2026, alongside higher employee compensation in the sector. Maritime & Infrastructure: Saudi Arabia raised its flag on two vessels at Ras Tanura and Jeddah ports, signaling growth of the national maritime fleet. Sports (World Cup build-up): Saudi fans in the US can get free World Cup 2026 tickets, and Spain winger Lamine Yamal said he feared missing the tournament after a hamstring injury.

Hajj Wrap-Up: Saudi authorities say Hajj 1447 AH ended successfully with about 1.71 million pilgrims, with the Interior Ministry citing stable security and no epidemic outbreaks, while the Health Ministry confirmed no suspected or confirmed cases of major threats like Ebola or hantavirus. Final Rituals in Makkah: Pilgrims completed Farewell Tawaf at the Grand Mosque as crowds moved smoothly through mapped routes and crowd-management systems. Sanitation and Food Safety: Makkah Municipality reported removing over 250,000 tonnes of waste, running 38,000+ kitchen inspections, and finding no food poisoning cases. Security Crackdown: Saudi security forces arrested 8,090 illegal residents in a week and deported 7,466, with more referrals to diplomatic missions. Regional Diplomacy: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman sent condolences to the family of Yemen’s former president Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, who died in Riyadh. Culture and Tourism: Saudi Arabia’s literature body said it wants to boost Malay-Arabic translation volumes with Malaysia, and a report says Saudi Tourism Authority CEO Fahd Hamidaddin will depart after seven years. Urban Cooling Plan: Riyadh is preparing a major project to cool roads and surfaces by up to 15°C.

Hajj Wrap-Up: Saudi Arabia marked the end of the 1447 AH Hajj season with major operational milestones, including the completion of pilgrim movement to Arafat, smooth crowd management during the stoning rites in Mina, and the handover of the new Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba ahead of its 1 Muharram replacement. Hajj Service Quality: Saudi Hajj leadership said preparations for next year start before this season ends, with a focus on digital services, housing and transport efficiency, and lessons learned from pilgrim satisfaction surveys. International Recognition: Saudi Arabia’s Hajj sector drew praise and awards, including the Omani Hajj Mission winning the Silver “Labaytum” for service excellence, while regional leaders sent congratulations to Saudi for the season’s success. Saudi Culture Abroad: Saudi Arabia launched its Guest of Honour pavilion at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2026, highlighting literature, heritage displays, live arts, and interactive cultural programs. Tech & Security: A Saudi cybersecurity report says AI is shifting from audit-led compliance to real-time risk management, reflecting the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 push. Diplomacy: Saudi FM met France’s counterpart in Cyprus to review bilateral ties and regional security developments.

Hajj Success & Regional Praise: Arab and Gulf leaders congratulated King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the “resounding success” of the 2026 Hajj, praising Saudi crowd management, integrated services and new tech. Hajj Logistics Update: Saudi-linked reports say Hajj return flights for Bangladeshi pilgrims will start Friday night, with 5,434 people returning on 13 flights on day one, beginning with Saudia SV 5806 from Jeddah. Pilgrim Safety as Heat Rises: A new study warns climate change is shrinking the “safe window” for Hajj, with May temperatures in Mecca now typical of summer in the 1980s. Hormuz & Shipping Risks: Data tracks a surge in “dark” transits through the Strait of Hormuz, with more non-Iranian operators using less visible routes as conflict risk and uncertainty grow. Diplomacy Pressure: Commentary and reporting highlight Trump’s push to link an Iran deal to expanding the Abraham Accords, while regional positions remain divided. World Cup Build-Up: FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to start June 11 across North America, with Saudi-linked sports coverage also spotlighting Ronaldo’s 2030 World Cup hopes.

Hajj & Pilgrims Services: Saudi Arabia’s CST said telecom and internet traffic surged during Hajj, with 17.6 million local voice calls and 2.6 million digital app calls handled across Makkah and the holy sites as networks absorbed the massive demand. Heat & Safety: A new study warns climate change is shrinking the “safe” weather window for Hajj, with May temperatures in Mecca now typical of summer in the 1980s. Hajj Logistics: Saudi authorities reported 1.7 million-plus pilgrims completed Hajj 2026, while the Interior Ministry penalized people for transporting unauthorized pilgrims to Makkah. Regional Diplomacy: Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan met EU counterparts in Cyprus, as talks focused on West Asia developments. Business & Economy: Saudia took delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR, expanding fleet capacity for long-haul travel. Local Culture: Saudi GEA launched an open-air Qatif Cinema on the Corniche, running daily until June 14.

Hajj & Eid al-Adha Operations: Saudi authorities say Hajj 2026 ran safely and smoothly thanks to strict regulation enforcement, tight crowd management and advanced monitoring, as pilgrims reached key rites in Mina and Mecca under extreme heat. Pilgrim Services & Health: Reports highlight large-scale medical and sanitation efforts, including heat guidance for worshippers and continued inspections to prevent food-safety issues. Yemen Leadership: Former Yemeni President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi has died in Riyadh at 80, with Yemen announcing mourning and praising his role in the country’s transitional period. Regional Diplomacy & Maritime Security: India’s Jaishankar and Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan met in Cyprus for talks that included safeguarding freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions. Abraham Accords Pressure: Coverage notes growing U.S. pressure on Saudi Arabia and others to join the Abraham Accords as part of a broader Iran-related push, with regional skepticism over the linkage. Security & Terror Case: An Austrian court sentenced a 21-year-old to 15 years over a foiled Islamist plot targeting a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna.