Desert Warrior, an upcoming historical action drama billed as the first Hollywood-style feature shot wholly in Saudi Arabia, is finally set to premiere, four years after being filmed. Made for a reported $150m with a cast led by Captain America star Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart and Ben Kingsley, the feature is set to receive its world premiere as a gala screening at Zurich Film Festival.

Saudi Arabia will reportedly lift its ban on alcohol at 600 sites next year as the country aims to win over tourists ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2034. In a shock U-turn, the ultra-conservative nation will allow the sale of wine, beer and cider at licensed venues including luxury hotels, five-star resorts and tourist developments. But booze will remain banned in public, homes, shops, and fan zones, with spirits off the menu altogether under the Kingdom's strict rules.

LG Electronics (LG) CEO William Cho is advancing the company’s Global South growth strategy through a strategic partnership to provide cooling solutions for an AI data center under development in OXAGON, the industrial hub of Saudi Arabia’s NEOM City project.

For decades, oil has been Saudi Arabia’s most valuable asset. But as the Kingdom fast-tracks its Vision 2030 goals, a new resource is emerging at the heart of transformation — data.  Raw data, much like crude oil, needs to be refined, processed and leveraged strategically to yield insights. That is where artificial intelligence steps in; not simply as a tool, but as the refiner, architect and the engine of Saudi Arabia’s post-oil future.

The integration of AI into everyday life is creating a more efficient and responsive society. One of the most significant advantages is in healthcare. AI-powered applications are revolutionizing patient care, providing doctors with advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans. For instance, AI algorithms analyze medical data to predict health issues, enabling early intervention and better health outcomes. The implementation of Mawid, a national appointment booking system using AI, has streamlined patient scheduling and reduced waiting times at hospitals, enhancing the overall healthcare experience.

As construction budgets in Saudi Arabia go, the 100 or so million dollars NEOM have spent building their football team is trifling. Set against the cost of the city the team is set to represent, for example, it scarcely touches the sides. After all, the club is just one piece of the $500 billion mega project underway in the Kingdom’s far north west.

Phase 2 of the construction of OXAGON, a planned floating industrial city and port being developed as part of Saudi Arabia’s NEOM, will start this year.