Author: Editorial Team

PHOENIX — King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) launched special awards for the first time as part of its participation in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF 2026). This initiative is part of KACST’s and Academy 32’s efforts to provide an advanced scientific environment that enhances students’ scientific, technological, and innovative skills, in turn empowering them to develop their research projects and preparing them for global competitions. KACST participated in the exhibition with 10 students from its Apprenticeship Program, one of its specialized programs supporting and qualifying gifted students, within the Saudi Science and Engineering Team.…

Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail met with Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Samir Sharifov on the sidelines of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, discussing prospects for bilateral cooperation in economic and urban development.  The two sides reviewed opportunities to develop joint projects in urban planning, housing, and smart city management, and exchanged views on sustainable development pathways that enhance city efficiency and quality of life. They also highlighted the Kingdom’s achievements in reshaping cities and building sustainable urban environments based on innovation and infrastructure efficiency, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.  The meeting reflects the…

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) on Saturday launched its naming rights and sponsorship project for the Haramain High Speed Railway stations. The project specifically covers the stations in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah (Sulaimaniyah), and King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). The initiative — focused on elevating the passenger experience by developing the stations and activating new commercial services — is designed to open new investment opportunities in partnership with the private sector and enhance asset utilization. Operating at speeds of up to 300 km/h, the Haramain High Speed Railway ranks among the 10 fastest electric trains globally. Utilizing a fleet of…

RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Saturday received a phone call from his Qatari counterpart, during which they discussed joint efforts to preserve the region’s security. During Prince Faisal’s call with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani, the two reviewed regional developments and both countries’ efforts to preserve security and stability in the Gulf region. Source: Saudi Gazette

Under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mushaiti, the Environment Fund concluded the activities of the environmental technology innovation hackathon “Environment Thon,” aimed at enhancing the digital infrastructure in the environmental sector.  The hackathon witnessed competition among more than 330 teams, with the participation of over 1,100 young men and women from various regions of the Kingdom, competing for six awards across two tracks: “Developing a Unified Environmental Data Platform” and “Improving the Environmental Impact of Technological Practices.”  “Environment Thon” aims to promote technological innovation, leverage data, and build an integrated ecosystem…

President of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais offered a number of religious and guidance recommendations to Muslims at large, and to those making their way to and visiting the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims, on the significance of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.  He urged them to make the most of the virtues of these blessed days, fulfil the objectives of Hajj, and adhere to regulations and instructions in a manner that contributes to performing the rituals with ease, safety, and peace of mind.  He noted that…

Director of Public Security and Chairman of the Hajj Security Committee Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Bassami inspected the Hajj security forces and supporting military entities participating in serving pilgrims during this year’s Hajj season of 1447 AH in the holy sites.  During his inspection tour, Al-Bassami affirmed the readiness of the security and organizational plans aimed at ensuring the safety, security, and comfort of pilgrims, facilitating the performance of rituals with ease and peace of mind. Source: Riyadh Daily

The Rabiah Kidana project marks a new step in developing pilgrim accommodation in Mina by offering a modern lodging model to improve comfort and make more efficient use of space within the holy sites.  The project was implemented by Kidana Development Company, the executive arm of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, in cooperation with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Ithraa Hospitality Holding. It aims to provide an advanced residential environment that ensures privacy and comfort while supporting operational readiness during the Hajj season.  The development includes eight modern two-story buildings spanning more than 33,000…

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared an international health emergency over a rare strain of Ebola that has killed dozens in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but stopped short of calling the outbreak a pandemic on Sunday.  The WHO said the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency but said countries sharing land borders with DRC are at high risk for further spread. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. “WHO…is hereby determining that the Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of…

The Film Commission has announced the updated cash rebate program as part of efforts to support the growth of the Kingdom’s film production sector, attract high-quality projects, and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global destination for filmmaking. The update includes raising incentive rates to up to 60% of eligible expenditures, alongside enhanced evaluation mechanisms to ensure sustainable value for film projects.  The announcement was made during the commission’s participation at the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, where filmmakers, producers, and investors from around the world gather each year.  The updated cash-rebate program introduces a set of practical…