AGP Executive Report

Hajj Security Upgrade: Saudi Arabia says it won’t allow the 1447H pilgrimage to be used for anything outside its religious purpose, as more than 1.5 million pilgrims arrive and authorities dismantle 217 fake Hajj campaigns while turning back thousands of violators. AI on the Ground: Drones, aircraft, and AI-powered surveillance are being used to spot unauthorized entry, track crowd movement, and reroute pilgrims to reduce congestion. Regional Pressure Point: Iran is pushing to “cement” long-term control around the Strait of Hormuz via fees tied to transit services, while the US, Israel and Iran reject a UN push for climate reparations. Saudi Health & Pharma: Venus Remedies secured Saudi FDA approval for Plerixafor, and Venus Remedies’ first global Plerixafor approval is positioned for oncology and transplant centers. Business Watch: Uber is reportedly exploring a full takeover of Delivery Hero to strengthen competition in Europe.

SpaceX IPO Frenzy: Elon Musk’s SpaceX has filed for a blockbuster Nasdaq listing, with reports putting the fundraising target around $75B and the company valued up to $1.75T—while it also disclosed steep losses, keeping investors focused on whether the AI-and-space bet can outpace the burn. Hajj Momentum in Saudi: Saudi authorities say 42,000 Iraqi pilgrims have arrived in Makkah, praising smoother services and more electronic sacrificial offerings, as the Interior Minister reviewed Hajj security readiness for 1447 AH. Markets & Liquidity: Ashmore says Saudi market liquidity is shifting toward institutional flows, while Gulf stocks rebounded on Iran-deal hopes and firmer oil. Climate Court Push: The UN General Assembly backed an ICJ climate ruling 141-8, with Saudi among the countries voting against. Trade Boost: The UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement is set to cut about $779M in annual duties, with big day-one savings. Sports Spotlight: Ronaldo’s Al Nassr clinched the Saudi Pro League title after a 4-1 win over Damac.

AI in Healthcare at Scale: KFSH’s CEO Dr. Björn Zoëga told the World Economic Forum that the next AI phase in medicine isn’t more pilots—it’s embedding AI into real clinical and patient workflows, with readiness and responsible rollout as the focus. Private 5G Momentum: A new market outlook pegs global private 5G growth at a 52.8% CAGR, reaching $312.2B by 2035, as enterprises push for dedicated connectivity. Saudi Tech Finance: Saudi AZM secured a SAR 75M Shariah-compliant credit facility from SAIB to back project guarantees and working capital. Smart Cities for Entertainment: Qiddiya and Google Cloud expanded their partnership to power Qiddiya City’s AI-enabled operations and faster decision-making. Hajj Tech Upgrade: NCM says AI is now driving faster weather forecasts for Hajj sites, with new multilingual services rolling out. Geopolitics & Markets: Gulf stocks rebounded on Iran-deal hopes and firmer oil, while UN votes strengthened climate accountability after an ICJ-backed resolution.

SpaceX IPO Shockwave: SpaceX has filed publicly for a Nasdaq IPO, aiming for a record-sized float that could value the company around $1.75T—while the prospectus lays bare massive AI-driven losses (including a $2.47B AI loss in the latest quarter) and shows Elon Musk retaining tight control. Saudi Tech Build-Out: Reuters reports Saudi AI firm Humain has hired Goldman Sachs to arrange financing for data centres in Riyadh worth at least 20B riyals, as the kingdom ramps up computing capacity for the regional AI push. Hajj Modernization: Saudi religious officials say Haj management must keep evolving via “contemporary ijtihad,” with healthcare, tech and pilgrim safety now central to planning. Trade Momentum: The UK and GCC sealed a landmark free trade deal, projected to lift trade by nearly 20% and boost services, fintech and cross-border business. Hormuz Food Risk: FAO warns a Strait of Hormuz closure could trigger a systemic global food price crisis within 6–12 months unless alternative routes and protections kick in.

UK-Gulf Trade Push: British PM Keir Starmer sealed a trade deal with six Persian Gulf states, promising about $5bn in annual export opportunities and an estimated £3.7bn boost, but critics immediately flagged a missing human-rights chapter. Middle East Risk Pulse: Markets stayed jumpy as US-Iran strike talk resurfaced, with Strait of Hormuz traffic reportedly surging and Gulf bourses mixed on the uncertainty. Saudi Tech for Hajj: Saudi authorities say AI and digital systems are powering Hajj operations at scale, with 5,230+ towers and 31,000 km of fiber coverage, while medical teams saved four pilgrims after severe heart attacks. AI/Markets Watch: OpenAI is reportedly preparing for a September IPO filing, and investors are also eyeing Nvidia earnings; meanwhile, BTC traders are watching key resistance levels after a sharp long liquidation. Saudi Business Moves: Saudi Awwal Bank signed a SR6.4bn financing deal with AlBawani, backing Vision 2030 infrastructure plans.

Hajj Tech Push: SDAIA has expanded AI-powered coordination for Hajj, supporting 75 holy-site sites plus sorting and security centers, and helping pilgrims complete procedures via data/AI services across 17 international ports. Airline Launch: Riyadh Air opens public ticket sales for its July 1 London Heathrow route on Boeing 787-9s, aiming to connect Saudi to 100+ destinations by 2030. Digital Pilgrim Access: Tawakkalna now lets users view Hajj permits in 19 languages, with 1,300 services across 350+ entities. Geopolitics Still Driving Markets: Trump says a planned Iran strike was paused after Gulf leaders urged talks, while oil and bond jitters keep regional investors on edge. Regional Business Pulse: Cvent’s 2026 MEA MICE rankings keep Dubai on top, with Riyadh climbing to fifth. Tech & Security Forum: KADEX partners with GLOBSEC to host a Europe–Asia security and defense forum focused on procurement and future battlefield tech.

Iran Tensions, Markets: Trump says a planned US attack on Iran was paused after requests from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, while he warns a strike could return soon—keeping oil and risk sentiment jumpy as US bond yields hit a 16-month high and stocks slip. Saudi Security Posture: Saudi Cabinet reiterates it “won’t hesitate” to protect security and stability, backing GCC coordination and Hajj preparations. Riyadh Air Takes Off: Riyadh Air confirms its first commercial flights start July 1, with tickets now on sale for the Riyadh–London Heathrow route. AI Data-Centre Push: Saudi AI firm Humain picks Goldman Sachs to advise on financing for data centres worth at least 20bn riyals, targeting 2GW capacity by 2034. Hajj Tech & Safety: SFDA and Islamic Affairs services expand digital support and guidance for pilgrims across Hajj cities. Heat Risk Watch: Gulf heat rules may lag reality as wet-bulb danger thresholds are rising and spreading beyond daytime. Travel & Trade: Moscow ramps up halal-friendly services for GCC visitors; flyadeal adds daily Riyadh–Hyderabad flights from July 1.

Middle East Tensions, Markets: Oil and regional stocks are swinging as the U.S. says it paused a planned Iran strike after requests from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, while warning it could still escalate if talks fail—keeping investors on edge. Gulf Geopolitics: Reports also point to growing Saudi-UAE involvement in the conflict, adding strain to GCC cohesion and raising questions over the Israel-UAE relationship. Saudi Business & Tech: Aramco Digital named Dr. Ashraf AlTahini as CEO to push industrial AI and digital transformation. Saudi Aviation: flyadeal will start daily Riyadh–Hyderabad flights from July 1, expanding Saudi–India connectivity. Regional Markets: Dubai’s benchmark slid for a seventh straight session, with real estate and consumer names leading losses, as investors weigh drone-related headlines and the broader risk mood. Construction & Safety Watch: A new market outlook flags scaffolding demand rising with infrastructure and industrial maintenance—an indirect read-through for project activity.

Middle East Flashpoint: Trump says he’s holding off a planned Tuesday strike on Iran after Gulf leaders asked for more talks, but warns the U.S. is ready for a “large scale assault” if no deal lands—while Iran’s parliament is drafting a bounty-style law targeting Trump and Netanyahu. Gulf Security: The UAE reports a drone strike near the Barakah nuclear plant, and Saudi says it intercepted three drones from Iraqi airspace, adding pressure as markets wobble. Regional Politics: Israel warns of a rapidly worsening West Bank terror threat tied to Iran, Turkey and Hamas. Saudi Tech & Industry: Aramco and Pasqal unveiled Saudi Arabia’s first quantum computer and a Quantum Computing as a Service platform. AI in Healthcare: A Saudi study finds pharmacists are aware of AI but still lack training and infrastructure to use it confidently. Hajj Practicalities: Saudi Arabia issues Hajj weather expectations for Mecca and holy sites—hot, dusty conditions with possible thunderclouds near Taif.

Markets & Energy Shock: Asian stocks slid and bonds took a hit as oil jumped above $110 amid Strait of Hormuz fears and fresh Gulf drone activity, with investors bracing for higher inflation and tighter conditions. AI Under Scrutiny: Anthropic agreed to brief global financial regulators on its Mythos AI after concerns it could expose banking cyber weaknesses faster than defenses can be fixed. Saudi Tech & Innovation: WeRide notched a record fifth straight win at China’s Urban Intelligent Driving competition, while Saudi fintech reportedly grew 30x in seven years to over 300 players. Eid al-Adha Dates: Saudi Dar al-Ifta confirmed Dhu al-Hijjah starts May 18 and Eid al-Adha lands May 27 (Arafah May 26). Saudi Business & Culture: Tarshid signed a solar deal with Talco to power Riyadh facilities with 4.5MW rooftop PV, and Saudi journalism pioneer Mohamed Ali Hafez has died. Sports & Society: Pastry Chef of the Year went to Mohammad Sameer, and Saudi Grand Mufti began Hajj-related duties in Makkah.

Eid Al Adha Countdown: Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court confirmed the Dhul Hijjah crescent sighting on May 17, setting Dhul Hijjah’s first day for May 18 and Eid Al Adha for May 27—matching UAE’s official moon-sighting announcement. Hajj Leadership: Saudi Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan has started his Hajj-related duties in Makkah, chairing fatwa sessions to issue clear rulings for pilgrims. Syria Business Push: Noon co-founder Mohamed Alabbar says the e-commerce firm opened its first official office in Damascus, praising Syrian tech talent and urging more investment. Data Center Momentum: A Saudi-Syrian partnership aims to build Syria’s first Tier III data center, positioning data sovereignty and cybersecurity for reconstruction. AI Networking in KSA: Huawei unveiled its upgraded Xinghe Intelligent Network for Saudi Arabia at IP Club 2026, focusing on secure, resilient, more autonomous connectivity. Regional Tech & Security: With Hormuz tensions ongoing, shipping firms are scrambling for emergency land routes as capacity through the strait remains constrained.

Digital Sovereignty: Saudi Arabia is pitching a broader idea of “digital sovereignty” as an operational capability, not just data storage, after ranking top in the ITU’s 2025 Digital Readiness Framework. Clean Energy Buildout: SARCO and China’s Ally Hydrogen Energy signed an MoU to develop a green ammonia plant plus a hydrogen equipment assembly and R&D hub in Jazan, aiming to localize the supply chain. Pilgrimage Tech: Saudi’s Nusuk-linked interactive 3D maps are rolling out to guide Hajj crowds with real-time info like weather, facilities, and site occupancy. Regional Security Tech: The UK rushed a low-cost anti-drone missile system into RAF service for Gulf operations, designed to hit drones cheaply. Hajj Logistics: Qatar’s official Hajj mission delegation arrived in Makkah and is running around-the-clock preparations with Saudi coordination. Markets Watch: Kuwait International Airport fully reopened, restoring near-normal flight schedules after months of disruption.

Hajj Tech Push: Saudi’s Tawakkalna is gearing up for pilgrims with support in 19 languages and 1,300 digital services, linking permits and key services through SDAIA’s wider digital ecosystem. Hormuz Pressure on Energy: India’s Modi urged an “open and safe” Strait of Hormuz during a UAE stopover, as Iran-linked shipping disruptions keep oil and fuel markets jittery. Saudi Science Spotlight: Saudi Arabia grabbed second place globally at ISEF 2026 for a third straight year, winning 12 grand awards and topping fields like computational biology. Healthcare Innovation: KAUST unveiled a nanoscale “drug factory” approach that can deliver multiple proteins into cells to drive a coordinated therapeutic pathway. Space IPO Buzz: SpaceX accelerated its IPO plan toward a June 12 Nasdaq debut, with governance concerns now in the spotlight. Regional Tech & Trade: India reported April exports up 13.6% to $80.8B, while circular-economy efforts in Bangladesh (SACIN) aim to turn sustainability into export muscle.

Gulf Shockwaves: Israel-UAE ties are suddenly in the spotlight as the US says Israel sent Iron Dome gear and staff to help protect the UAE, while Netanyahu’s wartime visit claim was met with a quick UAE denial—showing how discreet alliances are getting harder to keep quiet. BRICS Energy Pressure: BRICS foreign ministers opened in New Delhi amid the Iran-war fallout, with no consensus as Iran and the UAE clash over West Asia and energy markets stay jittery. Saudi Tech & Finance: Saudi Arabia is exploring stablecoin-powered real estate settlements as tokenization moves from talk to pilots. US Politics Meets Markets: New disclosures show Trump made 3,700+ trades in Q1, reigniting conflict-of-interest concerns that could ripple into global investor sentiment. Health & Science: The FDA approved AstraZeneca/Daiichi Sankyo’s ENHERTU for two new HER2-positive early breast cancer indications. Local Security: Saudi customs stopped a truck smuggling 426,000 amphetamine pills at Al Haditha.

Customs Crackdown: Saudi ZATCA stopped a truck at Al Haditha Border Crossing carrying 426,162 amphetamine pills hidden in spare-tire cavities, stressing tighter border controls and public tips. Tokenization Push: Saudi Arabia is exploring stablecoin-powered real estate settlement systems, with plans to tokenize sectors starting with property and aim for an operational system by late 2026. Regional Security Talks: Saudi and Qatar leaders discussed efforts to consolidate regional security, as the wider Gulf order keeps shifting amid Iran-related tensions. Women Empowerment: Saudi highlighted women empowerment reforms at the Asian Women’s Forum, tying progress to Vision 2030 legislative and institutional changes. AI in Healthcare: Korean medtech ROKIT Healthcare and Seers are expanding in the Middle East—Saudi-linked LifeHope integration for kidney-risk prediction and Seers’ ECG device distribution in the UAE. STEM Spotlight: Saudi students won 12 special awards at ISEF 2026 in the US.

US–China Pivot: Trump has left Beijing after selling “fantastic trade deals” and claiming Xi aligned on Iran, while also saying China could help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Energy Shockwatch: With Hormuz tensions still hanging over markets, the week’s coverage keeps pointing to oil-price volatility and knock-on pressure for energy importers. Saudi Tech & Health: iQIBLA is running an Eid al-Adha gift promotion with tiered discounts, while Saudi health officials say Hajj 2026 readiness is ramped up with 5G coverage, AI crowd monitoring, and 20,000+ hospital beds. AI in Healthcare: A Hong Kong team is testing a portable saliva-based, AI cancer-risk device, and South Korean medtech firms are pushing into the Middle East via Saudi and UAE partnerships. Gaming Politics: Gamers and developers protested Saudi PIF’s bid to buy Electronic Arts, as regulators weigh the deal. Security & Geopolitics: Separate reports warn that AI-enabled satellite analysis has been used to map military targets across the Middle East.