Story perspectives

Humanities Shutdown Paused — PIF Cancels LIV Golf

5/8/2026

Summary

Saud University Pauses

Saud University paused the shutdown of Arabic, history and geography programs after public outcry.
Critics say humanities foster thinking, preserve heritage and support a knowledge economy.
PIF Governor Yasser Rumayyan withdrew funding from the LIV Golf tour, cancelling a tournament in New Orleans.
Since 2024, PIF assets have plateaued while foreign-tourist spending rose about 4 percent in 2025.
Government spending rose 67 percent since 2015, whereas education spending grew less than 3 percent.

Summary

Saudi Tourism Surge

Saudi tourism contributed $178 billion to GDP in 2025, 46% of the Middle East total.
Domestic tourism rose 16% in Q1 2026 as 28.9 million Saudis spent SAR 34.7 billion.
About 100,000 hotel rooms are under construction, backed by Hilton, Marriott, Kempinski, Wyndham.
New rules let foreign buyers purchase freehold villas in Riyadh projects such as Diriyah’s Wadi Safar and Neptune Villas.
Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore are investing in Red Sea and religious-tourism projects.

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Saud University Pauses

Saud University paused the shutdown of Arabic, history and geography programs after public outcry.
Critics say humanities foster thinking, preserve heritage and support a knowledge economy.
PIF Governor Yasser Rumayyan withdrew funding from the LIV Golf tour, cancelling a tournament in New Orleans.
Since 2024, PIF assets have plateaued while foreign-tourist spending rose about 4 percent in 2025.
Government spending rose 67 percent since 2015, whereas education spending grew less than 3 percent.

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