Saudi Tech & Industry: Saudi Aramco and Emerson will co-develop next-gen corrosion management solutions, using ultrasonic online monitoring and real-time data to cut manual checks and improve safety. Saudi Real Estate: Ladun’s consortium with Al-Ayuni won a SAR 6bn ($1.6bn) redevelopment project in Makkah, covering master planning, utilities and infrastructure for serviced land plots. Saudi Finance: SAMA licensed two new finance firms—one for finance aggregation and another for consumer finance—pushing more competition and access. Saudi Labor Policy: The HRSD is raising Saudization to 70% in 12 procurement-related professions, with inspections and penalties for non-compliance. AI & Mobility: WeRide and Uber plan Madrid’s first commercial robotaxi pilot later this year, with rides via the Uber app and fleet scaling tied to performance milestones. Hajj Tech & Health: Saudi Arabia and WHO praised the 2026 Hajj as a public health success, citing surveillance, screening and health-monitoring tech. Regional Tech/Trade: India-Oman CEPA kicks in from June 1, with Oman positioned as a Gulf trade and energy gateway beyond the Strait of Hormuz. Autonomous Logistics: UAE-based CargoX raised $250m to expand driverless delivery across last-mile, middle-mile and long-haul routes. Startup Spotlight: FHS Saudi Arabia’s Startup Den returns, with hospitality-focused finalists pitching for mentorship and funding.