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Posts tagged as “Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”

Apple Mac Mini M4 Now Available in Jarir

November 12, 2024

You can now get your Apple Mac Mini M4 from Jarir and below are the pricelist.

M4 Processor (10-core CPU and 10-core GPU

  • 16GB RAM + 256GB Storage – SR2,799
  • 16GB RAM + 512GB Storage – SR3,749
  • 24GB RAM + 512GB Storage – SR4,699

M4 Pro Processor (12-core CPU and 16-core GPU)

  • 24GB RAM + 512GB Storage – SR6,699

Announced last month, the Mac Mini is one of the cheapest Macs that you can buy and the base model M4, 16GB RAM and 256GB Storage is probably the best deal for a new Mac.

Specs of Mac Mini with M4 chips;

  • Dimesnion (DxWxH): 5.0 inches x 5.0 inches x 2.0 inches
  • Processor: M4, M4 Pro
  • 16GB unified RAM, configurable up to 64GB
  • 256GB SSD, configurable up to 8TB
  • Built-in speaker
  • 3.5 mm headphone jack with advanced support for high-impedance headphones
  • HDMI port
  • Two USB-C ports with support for USB 3 (up to 10Gb/s)
  • Thunderbolt 4/Thunderbolt 5 ports
  • USB 4
  • Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • DisplayPort
  • Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet Connectivity
  • Weight:
    • M4 – 1.5 pounds (0.67 kg)
    • M4 Pro- 1.6 pounds (0.73 kg)

Pricing of the New iPad Mini in Saudi Arabia, now available for Pre-order!

October 21, 2024

The new iPad Mini is now available for preorder in Saudi Arabia and here are the pricing in the Kingdom.

Pricing
Wifi Only

  • 128GB: SAR 2,299.00
  • 256GB: SAR 2,749.00
  • 512GB: SAR 3649.00

Wifi + Cellular

  • 128GB: SAR 2,299.00
  • 256GB: SAR 3,449.00
  • 512GB: SAR 4,349.00

Announced last week, the new iPad Mini features the A17 Pro chip and with its advanced neural engine, the new iPad Mini will support Apple Intelligence once the free software update with iPadOS 18.1 becomes available later this month.

Here’s the spec of the new iPad Mini;

  • Display: 8.3-inch FHD+ (2266 x 1488) Liquid Retina display with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) support
  • Processor: Apple A17 Pro
  • Storage: 128GB, 256GB and 512GB
  • Rear Camera: 12MP wide rear camera, Up to 4K video recording
  • Front Camera: 12MP ultra wide front camera, up to 1080p HD video @up to 60 fps
  • Audio: Stereo speakers, 2x microphones
  • Cellular: 5G (sub‑6 GHz) with 4×4 MIMO, Gigabit LTE with 4×4 MIMO
  • Wireless: Wi‑Fi 6E (802.11ax) with 2×2 MIMO and Bluetooth 5.3
  • Location: (All models) Digital compass, Wi-Fi and iBeacon microlocation, (Wi-Fi + Cellular models) GPS/GNSS and Cellular
  • Sensor: Touch ID, Three-axis gyro, Accelerometer, Barometer and Ambient light sensor
  • Sim:eSIM
  • OS: iPadOS 18
  • AI: Apple Intelligence
  • Battery: Built-in 19.3-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery with 20W fast charging
  • Colors: Space Gray, Blue, Purple, Starlight
  • Dimension: 195.4 mm (Height) x 134.8 mm (Width) x 6.3 mm (Thickness)
  • Weight: 293 grams (Wifi), 297 grams (Wi-Fi + Cellular)

Preorders will be ship by October 23rd.

Sony Playstation 5 Pro now available for pre-order in Saudi Arabia

September 30, 2024

More than 2 weeks since being announced, the Sony Playstation 5 Pro is now available for pre-order in Saudi Arabia.

This is what’s included in the box.

PS5® Pro Console Box Contents

  • PS5® Pro console
  • 1x DualSense® wireless controller
  • 2TB SSD built-in storage
  • 2 Horizontal Stand Feet
  • HDMI® cable
  • AC power cord
  • printed materials
  • ASTRO’s PLAYROOM (Pre-installed game)

From Sony World, the official Sony distributor in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said that the PlayStation 5 Pro will be available in store by 7th November 2024 and with a retail price of SAR 3,399.00 or around ₱50,717.15 with the current exchange rate. If the release of the PS 5Pro will be similar to its predecessor, then expect a shortage of the gaming console once it become available, specially this holiday season.

Pricing of the Apple iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max in Saudi Arabia

September 14, 2024

The iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max is now available for pre-order in Saudi and below are the pricing.

iPhone 16;

  • 128GB – SAR 3,799.00
  • 256GB – SAR 4,299.00
  • 512GB – SAR 5,299.00

iPhone 16 Plus;

  • 128GB – SAR 4,199.00
  • 256GB – SAR 4,699.00
  • 512GB – SAR 5,699.00

iPhone 16 Pro;

  • 128GB – SAR 4,699.00
  • 256GB – SAR 5,199.00
  • 512GB – SAR 6,199.00
  • 1TB – SAR 7,199.00

iPhone 16 Pro Max;

  • 256GB – SAR 5,699.00
  • 512GB – SAR 6,699.00
  • 1TB – SAR 7,699.00

The new iPhones are available for pre-order in any of the local retailer and leading telecom in the Kingdom.

To know more about the new iPhones, you can checkout the links below.

Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 Wifi and 4G now in Saudi Arabia

August 22, 2024

Xiaomi Saudi Arabia has announced that the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 Wifi and 4G is now available in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The two new tablets was officially announced earlier this week. Both the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 Wifi and 4G have identical specs except for the Wifi and 4G capabilities.

In a nutshell, the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is a mid-level tablet that’s perfect for first time tablet buyers and looking for the perfect balance of performance and entertainment. Here are the pricing for the two tablets from Jarir;

Redmi Pad SE 8.7 (Wifi)

  • 6GB + 128GB – SAR 549.00

Redmi Pad SE 8.7 4G

  • 6GB + 128GB – SAR 599.00

You can checkout the specs comparison for the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 Wifi and 4G;

Redmi Pad SE 8.7 Redmi Pad SE 8.7 4G
Display 8.7″ LCD, 1340×800 resolution, 5:3 aspect ratio, up to 90Hz refresh rate, up to 600 nits (Outdoor) brightness, 84.41% screen-to-body ratio. 8.7″ LCD, 1340×800 resolution, 5:3 aspect ratio, up to 90Hz refresh rate, up to 600 nits (Outdoor) brightness, 84.41% screen-to-body ratio.
Processor MediaTek Helio G8512nm process, octa-core Arm Cortex-A75 @ 2.0GHz/ Arm Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz MediaTek Helio G8512nm process, octa-core Arm Cortex-A75 @ 2.0GHz/ Arm Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz
GPU Arm Mali-G52 MC2 Arm Mali-G52 MC2
Storage 64GB, 128 GB EMMC 5.1, expandable up to 2TB via microSD 64GB, 128 GB EMMC 5.1, expandable up to 2TB via microSD
RAM 4GB, 6GB 4GB, 6GB
OS Xiaomi HyperOS, Android U Xiaomi HyperOS, Android U
Rear camera 8MP (wide), f/2.0 aperture , 1.12μm pixel size, up to 1080P 1920×1080 30fps video recording 8MP (wide), f/2.0 aperture , 1.12μm pixel size, up to 1080P 1920×1080 30fps video recording
Front camera 5MP (wide), f/2.2 aperture , 1.12μm pixel size, up to 1080P 1920×1080 30fps video recording 5MP (wide), f/2.2 aperture , 1.12μm pixel size, up to 1080P 1920×1080 30fps video recording
Audio 1 mic, dual speakers, Dolby Atmos® supported, 3.5mm headphone jack 1 mic, dual speakers, Dolby Atmos® supported, 3.5mm headphone jack
Network & Connectivity Wi-Fi5 dual-band (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 5.3, FM band Dual SIM + microSD, 2G (GSM)/3G (WCDMA)/4G LTE (FDD/TDD), Wi-Fi5 dual-band (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 5.3, FM band
Sensors Accelerometer, Electronic compass, Hall sensor, IR blaster, Virtual proximity sensor, Virtual light sensor Accelerometer, Electronic compass, Hall sensor, IR blaster, Virtual proximity sensor, Virtual light sensor
Dimensions (HxWxT) 211.58mm x 125.48mm x 8.8 mm 211.58mm x 125.48mm x 8.8 mm
Weight 373 gm 375 gm
Battery 6650mAh battery supports 18W fast charging (USB Type-C) 6650mAh battery supports 18W fast charging (USB Type-C)
Colors Graphite Gray, Aurora Green, Sky Blue Graphite Gray, Aurora Green, Sky Blue

Expatriate Dependents Can Now Seek Employment in Saudi Arabia

July 31, 2024

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced a new program allowing expatriate dependents holding dependent visas to find employment in the country, particularly in the healthcare and education sectors. This initiative aims to regulate the employment of dependents within the country without requiring a sponsorship transfer.

To apply for this free service, individuals can log in to the Ajeer platform, complete the required contract, and obtain a dependent’s permit. Eligibility criteria include the employer being registered and compliant with Ministry regulations, and the dependent being at least 18 years old with necessary qualifications.

The Ministry has also released a comprehensive guide outlining services provided to expatriates by various government agencies, including information on residency, healthcare, education, and more. This guide details all the services provided to expatriates by other governmental entities. The report includes services from the Ministries of Human Resources and Social Development, Interior, Health, Commerce, Education, Foreign Affairs, Municipalities and Housing, Justice, Media, Hajj and Umrah, Communications and Information Technology, Environment, Water and Agriculture, Tourism, and Islamic Affairs, as well as from the authorities of Zakat, Tax and Customs, Human Rights, Communications and Space Technology, and the Capital Market Authority, along with the Board of Grievances and the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA).

Source: Saudi Gazette, Okaz

Esports World Cup Draws Large Crowds

July 31, 2024

Esports World Cup is still on going and will not conclude until 25th August, so the numbers are still under wraps but as of today, the Saudi Press Agency is reporting that Esports World Cup, which is currently being hosted in Riyadh Boulevard City, saw a large number of “guests and visitors from Gulf and other countries.”

There are a total of 500 clubs from different countries and more than 1,500 players participating in the Esports World Cup, the largest event in the history of the gaming and esports sector.

via SPA;

Amer Al-Marri, a visitor from Qatar, expressed his fondness for the distinguished and global organization of the tournament, indicating that coming from Doha along with a group of friends was specifically to attend this global event. He praised the professional level of competitions thanks to the participation of skilled players and qualified teams around the world. The visitor also expressed his admiration for the atmosphere in the Boulevard Riyadh City, through various entertainment activities and events that fit everyone’s taste.

Mohammed bin Mubarak, a visitor from Bahrain, explained that he came with his brothers and other relatives to attend the Esports World Cup. He hailed the great efforts of the Kingdom in receiving the participants and the professional and wonderful organization of the tournament, noting that Riyadh has become a global destination for tourism, entertainment, and sports.

Aside from the usual spots in Boulevard Riyadh City, tourists also explored historical and tourist sites in Riyadh.

Pricing for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 and Galaxy Z Fold6 in Saudi Arabia

July 16, 2024

Samsung official announced the AI powered Galaxy Flip6 and Galaxy Fold6 and if you are in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, these two new folding smartphones from Samsung are now available for preorder and below are the price;

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6

Samsung Galaxy Flip6

  • 12GB RAM + 256 GB Storage – SAR 4,399.00
  • 12GB RAM + 512 GB Storage – SAR 4,899.00

    • Preorders will include 1 Year Samsung Care+, Clear Case with Ring and 15% off Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Buds

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

Samsung Galaxy Fold6

  • 12GB RAM + 256 GB Storage – SAR 7,299.00
  • 12GB RAM + 512 GB Storage – SAR 7,799.00
  • 12GB RAM + 1 TB Storage – SAR 8,799.00

    • Preorders will include 1 Year Samsung Care+, Slim S-Pen Case and 15% off Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Buds

For specs and other details
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

Saudi Arabia to host the first Olympic Esports Games

July 14, 2024

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Saudi Arabia’s National Olympic Committee (NOC) have announced a 12-year partnership to host the Olympic Esports Games.

The Esports Games will be held regularly, but details like specific timing, game titles, qualification process, and venue selection are still under discussion by the IOC Session.

Saudi Arabia is currenting hosting the inaugural Esports World Cup in Riyadh Boulevard City. The Esports World Cup will be 8 week event the started last July 10th.

You can read the full text of IOC press announcement here.

Saudi pricing of the new Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2

September 18, 2023

If you are in Saudi and want to preorder the new Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, below are the pricing from the top retailer in the Kingdom.


Apple Watch Series 9
Aluminum
41mm
GPS – SR1,849.00
GPS + Cellular – SR2,249.00

45mm
GPS – SR1,969.00
GPS + Cellular – SR2,379.00

Stainless Steel
41mm (GPS + Cellular)
Rubber Band – SR3,149.00
Stainless steel Band – SR3,349.00

45mm (GPS + Cellular)
Rubber Band – SR3,379.00
Textile Band – SR3,379.00
Stainless steel Band – SR3,579.00


Apple Watch Ultra 2 on ALL BANDS – SR3,599.00

Just like with the new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pros, the new Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be available on Sept 22nd.

Yellow iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus now available for Pre-Order in Saudi Arabia

March 11, 2023

The recently announced ‘yellow’ iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus is now available for pre-order in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The pricing of the Yellow iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are as follows;

iPhone 14

  • 128 GB – SAR 3,799.00
  • 256 GB – SAR 4,299.00
  • 512 GB – SAR 5,299.00

iPhone 14 Plus

  • 128 GB – SAR 4,199.00
  • 256 GB – SAR 4,699.00
  • 512 GB – SAR 5,899.00

You can place your pre-order to your favorite retailers; Jarir, Extra, Xcite and Virgin Megastore.

Saudi Arabia to celebrate Flag Day on March 11 every year

March 5, 2023

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud announced in a royal decree that the Kingdom will celebrate March 11 every year as a special day for the Saudi flag named “Flag Day”.

Here’s the full text of the royal decree;

The decree said that this is based on the value of the national flag extending throughout the history of the Saudi state since its founding in 1139 AH corresponding to 1727 AD, which symbolizes the testimony of monotheism (There is no God but Allah) in its middle which is the message of peace and Islam on which this blessed state was based; and the sword symbolizes strength, dignity, the height of wisdom and status. For nearly three centuries, the flag is a witness to the country’s unification campaigns waged by the Saudi state, and the citizens of this country have considered it as a banner of pride and lofty out of belief in the great importance of the flag as a manifestation of the state, its strength, sovereignty, and a symbol of cohesion, coalition and national unity.

Whereas, the 27th of Dhu al-Hijjah 1355 AH corresponding to March 11, 1937 AD, is the day when the Founder late King Abdulaziz endorsed the flag in the form that we see today fluttering with its great connotations that refer to monotheism, justice, strength, development and prosperity.

Saudi Arabia launches its own electric vehicle brand – Ceer

November 10, 2022

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced the launching of Ceer – “the first Saudi electric vehicle brand that will contribute to Saudi Arabia’s automotive manufacturing sector.” The announcement is part of PIR and Saudi’s plan to diversify the country’s economy, as it moves away from oil dependency.

Ceer will also contribute to Kingdom’s “efforts towards carbon emissions reduction and driving sustainability to address the impact of climate change.” In the official announcement published by Saudi Press Agency (SPA), his Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) said;

Saudi Arabia is not just building a new automotive brand, we are igniting a new industry and an ecosystem that attracts international and local investments, creates job opportunities for local talent, enables the private sector, and contributes to increasing Saudi Arabia’s GDP over the next decade, as part of PIF’s strategy to drive the economic growth in line with Vision 2030.

Ceer is the first Saudi automotive brand that will will design, manufacture and sell a range of electric vehicles for consumers in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. It is projected that Ceer will attract more than US$150 million of foreign direct investment, and create up to 30,000 direct and indirect jobs. Ceer is projected to directly contribute US$8 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2034.

Ceer motors, the company behind Ceer, is a joint venture between PIF and Foxconn, will be using technology from BMW for its vehicle development process. Foxconn will also develop the electrical architecture of the vehicle, to power its infotainment, connectivity and autonomous driving technologies. Each vehicle will be designed and manufactured in Saudi Arabia, and will be tested to the highest global automotive quality control and safety standards. Ceer vehicles are expected to be on the road by 2025.

Source: SPA, ceermotors.com

Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman appointed as Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia

September 28, 2022

In a Royal Decree, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed Bin Salman have been appointed by King Salman as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s appointment was made with the exemption to the provision of Article 56 of the Basic Law of Governance, and the relevant provisions contained in the Law of the Council of Ministers.

The Royal Decree also states that Deputy Minister of Defense Prince Khalid Bin Salman will be the Kingdom’s Minister of Defense and Yousef Bin Abdullah Al-Benyan as the Minister of Education.

The King appointed Talal Bin Abdullah Al-Otaibi as assistant minister of defense.

Source: Saudi Gazette
Image: SPA

OFW deployment in Saudi Arabia to start on November 7th 2022

September 14, 2022

Great news for our kababayan wanting to find jobs in Saudi Arabia, since the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have agreed to RESUME the deployment of Filipino workers to the Kingdom starting 7th November 2022.

You can read the joint statement of Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) below;

The announcement was posted on official Facebook page of Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia.

GACA issue new guidelines for residents and visitors entering Saudi Arabia and shorten quarantine period

September 14, 2021

Saudi’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued today, Sept. 13th, new instructions to all airliners operating in the Kingdom’s airports to update their respective entry mechanism and procedures, for residents and visitors arriving in the Kingdom from permitted countries and to reduce the period of institutional quarantine.

Here’s the official statemenet from GACA;

First: A non-vaccinated person who has received one dose of the approved vaccines in the Kingdom, provided that he submits a negative (PCR) exam of a sample swab taken within (72) hours before leaving to the Kingdom at the latest, and that institutional quarantine procedures are applied to him for a period of five days. Furthermore, a corona exam to be conducted within (24) hours of arrival, and another exam on the fifth day after arrival (the recipient must adhere to the times of the corona examination based on what appears to him in the “Tawakkalna” application in the chronology service). The period of institutional quarantine ends with the appearance of a negative test result.

Second: Arriving passengers who completed one of the vaccines not approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and not approved in the Kingdom, or who completed one of the vaccines approved by the World Health Organization and not approved in the Kingdom, provided that he submits a negative PCR exam of a sample swab taken within (72) hours before leaving for The Kingdom at the highest estimate, and that institutional quarantine procedures are applied to him for a period of five days, and that a corona examination is conducted within (24) hours of arrival and another examination on the fifth day after arrival (the recipient must adhere to the times of corona examination based on what appears to him in the Tawakkalna application, in the chronology service), and the period of institutional quarantine ends with the appearance of a negative test result.

GACA also stated that dependents can also enter the country with their “immune” relatives, in accordance to the following;

First: Unvaccinated dependents under the age of eighteen shall be subject to home quarantine procedures for a period of five days, provided that a corona exam (for those who have completed eight years and above) is conducted on the fifth day, and that they’re committed to applying all precautionary measures determined by the Ministry of Health.

Second: Institutional quarantine procedures are applied to unvaccinated dependents who are eighteen years of age, or older.

These new guidelines will take effect on Sept 23rd.

GCA also stressed the following;

  • Arriving residents must complete the vaccine doses available in the Kingdom after the end of the institutional quarantine period, and whoever completed one of the vaccines approved by the organization and not approved in the Kingdom (currently the Sinopharma vaccine and the Sinovac vaccine) should obtain a booster dose from one of the vaccines available in the Kingdom after arrival.
  • Arriving passengers must register on “Quddum” platform before going to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Isolation procedures will be applied according to the Ministry of Health protocols, for those who will be tested positive during institutional quarantine
  • Recovery from infection with the Coronavirus is not considered as a justification to not undergo Institutional quarantine procedures.

GACA also added that the amendment of the home quarantine procedures also applies to the non-vaccinated, which requires a home quarantine for a period of five days, and a PCR exam will be conducted on the fifth day in accordance to Ministry of Health protocols. A person will not be allowed to all places, activities, events and government and private facilities and the use of public transportation without being vaccinated with one of the approved coronavirus vaccines in the Kingdom.

Source: GACA

Philippine Embassy Advisory on the Imposition of Curfew in KSA

March 24, 2020

With the recent announcement of the nation-wide curfew, the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia also released an advisory for the OFW in the country.

The advisory provided additional information on the imposed curfew and encourages OFW in the Kingdom to stay at home to prevent the further spreading of COVID-19.

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh also deleted the advisory that they released yesterday regarding “the new rule from Saudi Government that all shops except supermarket and medical store will only be open from 6 am to 8 pm.”

Here’s their official statement;

Saudi Government enforces curfew to slowdown the spreading of COVID-19

March 24, 2020

In an effort to slowdown the spread of the highly contagious novel coronavirus or COVID-19, the Saudi Arabian government has mpose a kingdom-wide curfew for 21 days, which started today, Monday, March 23, 2020.

The curfew will be for the “health and safety of citizens and expatriates” within the Kingdom. Exempted from the curfew “are the employees of the security, military and media sectors, and workers in the sensitive health and service sectors.” The Saudi government released a separate announcement providing additional information on the “Curfews’ Exceptions.” you read the full text of the announcement here.

The Saudi Government is also urging everyone to stay at home during the curfew period and not to leave unless it is extremely necessary.

The curfew was impose a day after the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reported that there have been more than 500 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Source: SPA
Image By lawepw via flickr

Saudi’s Ministry of Education suspends all classes on all levels

March 9, 2020

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education suspends all classes to all levels as a preventive measures against COVID-19.

Here’s what the ministry announced from their official twitter account;

(Translated via Google Translate)

# The Ministry of Education announces the # suspension of study in all public, private, university and technical education schools and institutions in the Kingdom, from Monday 7/14/1441 AH until further notice.

There are now 11 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Kingdom, most are those who came from Iran and entered the country via the UAE.