RETAIL-

Apple inked a lease agreement with Diriyah Company to open a flagship store in Diriyah Square, near the Unesco World Heritage site At Turaif, part of its plan to launch several Apple Stores in Saudi Arabia starting in 2026, Diriyah Company said on X.

We knew this was coming: Apple confirmed plans in December 2024 to a flagship store in Diriyah as part of its Saudi expansion. Apple also launched in July its online store and Apple Store app in Arabic, providing Saudi customers direct access to its full product and service range.

MINING-

Silica sand exploration paused as Industry Ministry launches supply-demand study: Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar Al Khorayef suspended new applications for silica sand exploration as the ministry undertakes a comprehensive review of its resources, supply–demand dynamics, and industrial uses, Akhbaar24 reports, citing an official ministry decision. The assessment will cover sites allocated for mining to ensure the material is optimally exploited.

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MANUFACTURING-

East Pipes Integrated Company for Industry secured a SAR 485 mn, six-month contract with the Saudi Water Authority to manufacture and supply steel pipes, it said in a disclosure to Tadawul yesterday.

INVESTMENT WATCH-

Riyadh-based VC firm Impact46 led a USD 1 mn investment round for Abu Dhabi-based Hypemasters, a mobile game studio specializing in competitive strategy games, with participation from GEM Capital, Jawlah reports. The funding will support the studio’s regional expansion and development of new games, including a major strategy title currently in beta, aimed at markets with strong demand for competitive gaming.

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