Author: Editorial Team

The U.S. Commerce Department recently allocated $389 million in R&D funding to four companies working on semiconductor development. This action was in alignment with the government’s CHIPS and Science Act. In a statement, commerce secretary Howard Lutnick explained the funding “will accelerate American semiconductor innovation to enhance our domestic energy and power resources”. As a condition of the close to $400 million outlay, the U.S. government will receive minority, non-controlling and non-equity stakes in the four companies. Washington-based Helion, which develops high-voltage power semiconductors and advanced energy power modules, will receive the biggest investment at $175 million. Commonwealth Fusion Systems…

With the change of seasons, migratory birds are arriving along the Red Sea coast of Jeddah Governorate. Their presence along the shores creates a natural spectacle that reflects the rich biodiversity of the Kingdom’s west coast. The coast is a key stopover on migratory routes linking Asia, Europe, and Africa. In spring and autumn, it hosts a wide variety of species traveling vast distances in search of suitable habitats and food, drawn by Saudi Arabia’s location at the crossroads of three continents. Gulls, terns, herons, egrets, and various wading birds can be seen foraging on Jeddah’s beaches and mudflats. Their flocks…

Cisco, a global technology leader driving innovation in AI-powered digital infrastructure, is advancing its sovereign AI infrastructure vision with a focus on supporting Qatar’s next phase of digital transformation. Working alongside its longstanding technology partner, Mannai Corporation QPSC, through Mannai Technologies – Networking & ELV, Cisco’s approach brings together advanced computing, networking, cybersecurity and infrastructure management capabilities to address the growing demand for secure, resilient and locally controlled AI environments. The initiative reflects the increasing importance of digital sovereignty as governments and enterprises accelerate AI adoption, placing greater emphasis on data control, operational independence and the security of critical digital…

The Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) launched His Majesty’s Ship NEOM (HMS NEOM), the second ship in the second phase of the Sarawat Project, at Navantia’s shipyard in San Fernando, Spain, following the completion of hull construction and assembly. The outfitting, installation and integration of the ship’s systems will be completed in Saudi Arabia, followed by acceptance trials on Saudi lands and in Saudi waters, supporting technology transfer and the localization of military shipbuilding. The launching ceremony was attended by Chief of Staff of RSNF Vice Adm. Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Alghuraiby, Saudi Ambassador to Spain Princess Haifa bint Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf Al…

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Commerce has recalled 1,355 Ford and Lincoln vehicles over a defect in the front windshield wiper arms that could reduce visibility while driving. The recall covers four models from 2021 to 2023: Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, Ford Super Duty F-250 and Ford Super Duty F-600. According to the ministry, the defect involves the installation of the front windshield wiper arms, which could malfunction or detach while driving, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of an accident. Owners of affected vehicles are advised to check whether their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is included in the…

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s domestic non-oil exports increased by 8.5 percent year-on-year in August 2026, despite an overall decline in merchandise exports, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The authority’s International Merchandise Trade Statistics report showed that plastics, rubber and their products accounted for the largest share of non-oil exports at 22.6 percent, recording a 7.5 percent increase compared with August 2025. Meanwhile, the ratio of non-oil exports, including re-exports, to imports edged up to 36.51 percent, compared with 36.48 percent in August 2025. Despite the growth in domestic non-oil exports, total non-oil exports, including re-exports, declined by…

Abdelilah Nejjari, Managing Director for the Gulf, Levant, Türkiye, Caucasus & Central Asia, Cisco. Cisco’s Abdelilah Nejjari discusses how workload priorities, operational skills and agent security shape sovereign AI infrastructure across the UAE and wider region. AI sovereignty is widening the enterprise conversation from where data resides to who can access it, operate the underlying infrastructure and govern its use. Organisations pursuing AI must balance control over sensitive workloads with access to global innovation, while developing the skills and processes needed to manage increasingly autonomous systems. Abdelilah Nejjari, Managing Director for the Gulf, Levant, Türkiye, Caucasus & Central Asia at…

RIYADH — Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman received a written message from President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The message was pertaining to further improving bilateral relations between the two countries. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khereiji received the message during his meeting with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Arman Issagaliyev in Riyadh on Monday. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations. They also discussed issues of mutual interest. Source: Saudi Gazette

Since the beginning of 2026, political developments in Venezuela and statements by the US administration about increasing oil production and global supply have reignited debate over the future of Gulf oil and its position in international markets. Questions have emerged about whether additional supplies from other producing countries could weaken the importance of Gulf crude or undermine its competitiveness. However, beyond production volumes and oil reserves, the numbers reveal another important dimension of competition: the cost of delivering a barrel to its destination, shipping times, and how efficiently refineries can process different crude grades. Speaking to Al Riyadh, Ali Al-Riyami,…

Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sharakat to support the Sharakah Training Programme, helping prepare Saudi graduates for careers in the privatization sector as part of the Bank’s corporate social responsibility initiatives. The collaboration aims to develop graduates’ professional and technical skills, strengthen their understanding of privatization and its requirements, and explore practical training and employment opportunities. Through the partnership, SAB will support a specialized programme designed to bridge academic knowledge with the practical requirements of public-private partnership projects. Commenting on the MoU, Faten Abalkhail, Chief Governance and Corporate Affairs Officer at SAB, said:…