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Education & SocietyBack to School: Millions of students across Saudi Arabia return to classrooms today, August 23, marking the start of the 2026–2027 academic year. Exceptions include Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Taif, where classes begin on August 30. The General Traffic Department issued advisories emphasizing road compliance to ensure student safety. Time Out RiyadhUmrah Statistics: The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) reported that the total number of Umrah performers reached 15.2 million during the first quarter of 2026. ArgaamEconomy & BusinessFinancial Markets: The Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) gained 1.1% to close at 11,079 points with total turnover reaching SAR 4.6 billion. The market also recorded four negotiated special deals worth a combined SAR 21.6 million involving shares of Al-Tasnee, Al-Wasael, and Al-Inma REIT Hotel Fund. Argaam+ 1Investment Boom: Investment licenses issued in Saudi Arabia surged by 252% year-on-year to 9,018 in the second quarter of 2026. ArgaamEnergy & Mining: Saudi Energy and Principal Buyer finalized major battery storage agreements totaling over SAR 3.25 billion, with ACWA Power holding stakes in three projects. Meanwhile, mining giant Ma\’aden secured a $1 billion international syndicated loan facility. صحيفة مال+ 1Regulation & GovernanceFinancial Sector Cooperation: SAMA Governor and the Chairman of the Capital Market Authority (CMA) held high-level discussions to expand regulatory coordination between the banking and capital market sectors. ArgaamPharma Violations: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) imposed fines totaling SAR 1.6 million on 17 pharmaceutical establishments for regulatory non-compliance. Argaam