China’s Ori Group establishes Saudi regional HQ with $540m investment

The Riyadh hub will serve as a center for investment and operations across five sectors: film, education, fashion, tourism, and cultural events. Supplied
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Updated 30 September 2025
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China’s Ori Group establishes Saudi regional HQ with $540m investment

RIYADH: China’s Ori Group, a leading firm in culture and creativity, announced the opening of its regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia, investing over SR2 billion ($540 million).

Announced at the Cultural Investment Conference, held by the Ministry of Culture at the King Fahad Cultural Center in Riyadh, the move underscores the group’s commitment to expanding its regional presence and supporting the growth of Saudi Arabia’s cultural and creative sectors, according to a press statement. 

The move underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing appeal as a destination for international cultural companies and investors, aligning with efforts under Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and build a sustainable cultural ecosystem.

In a post on its official X account, the Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture stated: “China’s Ori Group announced the establishment of its regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia, with an investment exceeding SR2 billion.” 

It added: “The new HQ will drive growth in film, education, fashion, tourism, and cultural events, positioning the Kingdom as a hub for international cultural investment.”

The Riyadh hub will serve as a center for investment and operations across five sectors: film, education, fashion, tourism, and cultural events. 

Ori Group said the initiative aims to deliver innovative content, develop specialized educational programs, organize cultural and tourism activities, and strengthen the Kingdom’s film and fashion industries.

By attracting global expertise and capital, initiatives like Ori Group’s regional hub aim to energize the Kingdom’s creative industries while creating new investment opportunities in cultural production, education, and entertainment.

Since its launch in 2021, the Kingdom’s RHQ Program has attracted nearly 600 foreign companies, cementing Saudi Arabia’s position as the region’s premier destination for headquarters.


Operational challenges bring Riyadh Airport to a near standstill

Updated 19 December 2025
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Operational challenges bring Riyadh Airport to a near standstill

  • Airlines issue statements, while sources tell Arab News rain is to blame

RIYADH: Thousands of passengers travelling to and from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh were left stranded as major airlines struggled to offer alternative flights following a slew of cancellations and delays.

Saudia and flyadeal were among the aviation firms who faced difficulties, with the two airlines putting out statements blaming temporary operational challenges for the issues.

A statement from the airport on its official X account urged travelers to contact airlines directly before heading to the aviation hub to verify the updated status and timing of their flights.

The statement said: “King Khalid International Airport would like to inform you that, due to the concurrence of a number of operational factors over the past two days —including several flights diverting from other airports to King Khalid International Airport, in addition to scheduled maintenance works within the fuel supply system — this has resulted in an impact on the schedules of some flights, including the delay or cancellation of a number of flights operated by certain airlines.”

The airport added that operational teams are working “around the clock in close coordination with our airline partners and relevant stakeholders to address developments and restore operational regularity as soon as possible”, while taking all necessary measures to minimize any impact on the passenger experience.

Airport sources told Arab News that the issue has to do with the heavy rain Riyadh experienced earlier on Friday. Water apparently got into the fuel tankers supposed to refuel jets before they fly, and then several airlines struggled to re-schedule passengers. 

It its own statement on X, Saudia said: “Affected guests are being contacted through various communication chanels, with all ticket changes processed at no additional cost.”

Arab News reached out to Saudia for further information.

Also in a post on X, flyadeal said any of it passengers impacted by the disruption “will be notified directly by emails and SMS with rebooking and support options.”