Business

DP World to develop Afghan border hubs

DP World has signed a landmark agreement with the Government of Afghanistan to develop and operate the country’s most important land border facilities at Torkham and Hairatan.

The partnership marks a significant step toward modernising Afghanistan’s principal trade gateways and strengthening its position as a strategic transit corridor linking Central and South Asia.

Torkham and Hairatan serve as essential arteries for Afghanistan’s commerce with its neighbours. Public trade data shows that several billion dollars of goods move across Afghanistan’s borders each year, with Pakistan alone accounting for more than USD 1.6 billion of bilateral trade in 2024. Despite this scale, limited infrastructure and manual procedures continue to constrain flow efficiency. Modernising these crossings is central to unlocking Afghanistan’s potential as a key regional transit route and enabling more predictable, secure and high-capacity trade.

Structured as a Public–Private Partnership (PPP), the agreement will see DP World undertake a comprehensive technical and financial feasibility study ahead of finalising the concession. The project is expected to include extensive infrastructure upgrades, advanced cargo-handling systems and the digitalisation of border processes to enhance the efficiency, safety and reliability of cross-border trade.

The agreement was signed by Alhaj Mufti Abdul Mateen Saeed, Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister of Revenue and Customs and Nasser Al Neyadi, Executive Vice-President, DP World.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and Group CEO of DP World, said: “Efficient trade corridors are fundamental to economic resilience, and Afghanistan is uniquely positioned to benefit from stronger links with its neighbours. These gateways already support significant trade flows, and modernising them will help unlock far greater potential across the region. We believe that smarter, well-managed border infrastructure can create pathways to stability and opportunity, and we are committed to supporting Afghanistan as it builds a more connected and prosperous future.”

The project will also prioritise local employment, skills development and close collaboration with national partners. The Government of Afghanistan will continue to provide sovereign border functions—including customs, immigration, security and regulatory oversight—working alongside DP World to ensure seamless and secure operations.

Story by WAM

Business

Two major parks planned in Riyadh

Authorities in the Saudi capital have unveiled plans to develop two expansive public parks covering more than 310,000 square metres as part of a broader push to increase green spaces across the city.

The Riyadh Region Municipality confirmed on Wednesday that the new developments will be situated in the eastern and southern districts of the capital. The project is designed to transform the city’s urban landscape, shifting away from traditional park layouts toward integrated “urban destinations” that cater to both recreation and environmental sustainability.

Central to the design is a scenic valley that will serve as a functional and visual anchor for both sites. According to municipal officials, the parks are intended to bolster the city’s “urban fabric” by providing high-quality public areas that align with the quality-of-life goals set out in the Saudi Vision 2030 framework.

The facilities planned for the 317,200-square-metre footprint are extensive. Beyond standard greenery, the sites will feature a golf course, multi-purpose sports fields, and dedicated jogging tracks. Families will have access to children’s play areas and water features, while the inclusion of a theatre and designated event spaces suggests the parks will double as cultural hubs for the local community.

“These parks represent high-quality developments aimed at expanding public spaces across the capital,” the municipality said in a statement. The announcement noted that the projects would also include a range of commercial amenities, including restaurants and cafés, to ensure the parks remain active throughout the day.

This latest initiative follows a series of large-scale environmental projects in the Kingdom, where officials are increasingly prioritising “livability” as Riyadh undergoes population and infrastructure expansion. The municipality highlighted that the design focuses on “environmental sensitivity,” incorporating innovative greening techniques to manage the arid climate while maintaining sustainable water use.

Business

Prince William to Official Visit Saudi Arabia in February

Britain’s Prince William is set to visit Saudi Arabia for the first time in an official capacity, Kensington Palace announced on Wednesday. The trip is scheduled from February 9 to 11, 2026.

Strengthening Ties Between the UK and Saudi Arabia

According to Kensington Palace, the visit comes as the UK and Saudi Arabia mark growing trade, energy, and investment partnerships. It also coincides with celebrations of nearly a century of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

A First for the Duke

This will be Prince William’s first official trip to Saudi Arabia, highlighting the importance of the country in the UK’s international relations and economic strategy.

What to Expect

While details of the itinerary haven’t been fully released, the visit is expected to include meetings with Saudi officials and discussions on trade, investment, and energy collaboration.

The visit signals a continued focus on strengthening ties between London and Riyadh, while marking a historic moment in Prince William’s international engagements.

Business

Japan tourist arrivals hit record 42.7 million in 2025

Tourists to Japan hit a record 42.7 million in 2025, exceeding 40 million for the first time, Japan’s Tourism Minister, Yasushi Kaneko, told a press conference.

Total spending by inbound tourists reached 9.5 trillion yen ($60 billion) over the year, also ‌a record high.

WAM