2024 in Saudi Arabia explained

Events in the year 2024 in Saudi Arabia.

Incumbents

Photo	Post	Name
	King of Saudi Arabia	Salman of Saudi Arabia
	Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia	Mohammad bin Salman

Events

January

• January 1 – Saudi Arabia formally joins the BRICS group.^[1]
• January 24 – Saudi Arabia, where alcohol has been banned since 1952, opens its first alcohol store in the diplomatic quarter of Riyadh.^[2]

March

• March 8 – Anthony Joshua holds a boxing match against Francis Ngannou in Riyadh.^[3]

May

• May 24 – 2024 Cannes Film Festival: Norah becomes the first film from Saudi Arabia to screen as part of the official calendar at the Cannes Film Festival.^[4]

June

• 14–19 June – 2024 Hajj disaster: At least 1,301 pilgrims die from heat-related causes during the Hajj in Mecca according to figures released by various countries. This is the worst in the history of the Hajj.^[5]

July

• 12 July – The International Olympic Committee announce that Saudi Arabia will host the inaugural Olympics Esports Games in 2025.^[6]
• 18 July – Saudia group and Lilium GmbH signed a binding sales agreement for 50 electric Lilium Jets, with options for the purchase of 50 more.^[7]
• July 26–August 11 – Saudi Arabia at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

August

• 9 August – The Biden administration partially lifts a three-year-old ban on US weapons sales to Saudi Arabia.^[8]

December

• 1 December – The first three lines of the Riyadh Metro begin operations.^[9]

See also

• Saudi Arabia
• History of Saudi Arabia
• Outline of Saudi Arabia

Notes and References

1. Web site: 2024-01-01 . Iran joins BRICS group formally in 2024 . 2024-01-02 . Tehran Times . en.
2. Web site: Turak . Natasha . 2024-01-24 . Saudi Arabia opens its first-ever alcohol store — but it's only accessible to a select group . 2024-01-25 . CNBC . en.
3. Web site: Morse . Ben . 2024-03-08 . Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou: former world champion faces MMA star with future title fight potentially on the line . 2024-03-08 . . en.
4. Web site: 2024-05-23 . Saudi film 'Norah' makes history with Cannes Film Festival screening . 2024-05-25 . Arab News . en.
5. Web site: 2024-06-19 . Relatives search for missing in Saudi Arabia as hajj death toll tops 900 . 2024-06-19 . France 24 . en.
6. Web site: 2024-07-12 . Saudi Arabia to host 1st Olympics Esports Games . 2024-07-12 . ESPN.com . en.
7. Web site: Wolfsteller2024-07-18T09:04:00+01:00 . Pilar . Saudia firms order for up to 100 Lilium Jets . 2024-07-18 . Flight Global . en.
8. Web site: August 10, 2024 . US to lift ban on offensive weapons sales to Saudi Arabia . .
9. Web site: December 1, 2024 . All aboard: Riyadh Metro kicks off first phase operations . .