Author: Editorial Team
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority said it carried out 3,041 inspection rounds in April 2026, leading to investigations into 259 suspects and the detention of 97 individuals in corruption-related cases. The authority said some of those detained were later released on bail. Those under investigation and detention were linked to several government entities, including the Ministries of Interior, Defense, Health, Municipalities and Housing, Human Resources and Social Development, and Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance. The suspects face charges including bribery and abuse of authority, the authority said. Source: Saudi Gazette
Kidana Development Company completed the replacement of traditional mist columns with modern and advanced mist fans in the western courtyard of the Jamarat facility, as part of its ongoing strategy to improve the operational environment and enrich the experience of pilgrims. Kidana noted that during the first phase in the 1446 AH Hajj season, 200 columns were replaced, while the 1447 AH Hajj season targeted the replacement of an additional 200 columns, enhancing cooling efficiency and significantly improving air distribution in the area. The new technology is distinguished by its high capacity to cool the surrounding environment for pilgrims, providing…
OpenAI recently collaborated with a software company named Circles to launch an AI concierge tool. This tool utilises a fully AI-native telco stack designed to redefine how operators engage with customers. The AI concierge is built on OpenAI’s API platform, with the intention to provide telcos the ability to move beyond traditional customer support and open “new monetisation opportunities through intelligent, proactive and deeply personalised experiences at scale”. OpenAI and Circles stated the launch commences their collaboration, and outlined plans to accelerate the AI roadmap and advance a vision of a “fully autonomous telco”. For the AI concierge offering, Circles…
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has launched the fourth phase of implementing residential and commercial design guidelines under the Saudi Architecture Charter, expanding coverage to cities and governorates in Riyadh, Makkah, Northern Borders, and Tabuk regions. The initiative is part of the Saudi Architecture Map, launched in March 2025 by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aimed at strengthening national architectural identity, improving urban quality of life, and enhancing the Kingdom’s visual landscape. The architecture map includes 19 architectural styles inspired by Saudi Arabia’s diverse geographical and cultural characteristics, developed through urban and historical studies reflecting the Kingdom’s…
ATHENS — All but two pro-Palestinian activists detained by Israeli forces after their flotilla headed for Gaza was intercepted in international waters have now been released in Greece. On Thursday, around 175 activists aboard 22 ships bound for Gaza carrying aid were taken to Crete after Israeli forces seized the boats in international waters near the Greek island. The organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) denounced the action as “piracy”, saying members were seized unlawfully more than 965km (600 miles) from Gaza, which is under an Israeli naval blockade. All the detained activists have disembarked in Crete, apart from…
From April 20, students across the UAE are back in classrooms after weeks of distance learning, as the Ministry of Education confirms a return to in-person schooling. While safety protocols and logistics have been carefully planned, the questions for many families also lean towards the emotional impact of being back to school: how will children reconnect with friends, rebuild social confidence and feel like they belong again in changed school environments? Experts say the academic catch-up will come in time, but what needs closer attention now are the social and emotional adjustments children require in classrooms and, just as importantly,…
Saudia announced its seasonal destinations for summer 2026, to be operated from June to September, including Salalah in the Sultanate of Oman, Antalya and Bodrum in the Republic of Türkiye, Nice in the French Republic, Athens and Mykonos in Greece, El Alamein in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and Málaga in the Kingdom of Spain. The destinations have been scheduled for optimal timing and operational efficiency within its network of more than 100 destinations. The airline ensures to meet operational requirements and fulfill guests’ preferences during peak seasons while ensuring smooth movement and operations at airports, particularly as the summer…
According to a Bloomberg report, Apple could be preparing a significant AI upgrade to the iPhone camera app in its upcoming iOS 27 release. This launch would include a dedicated Siri mode as a new toggle alongside existing photo, video and portrait options. The update could also involve moving the iPhone’s Visual Intelligence offering from the camera control button to the camera app itself, making the AI feature more discoverable. Users will be able to point the camera at an object and access services such as ChatGPT to ask questions or run a Google reverse image search for additional information,…
RIYADH — Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a message of condolences to Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly on the death of his father. In the cable, the Crown Prince expressed his heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Madbouly and his family following the passing of his father, Maj. Gen. Kamal Madbouly. “We received the news of the passing of your father, Maj. Gen. Kamal Madbouly — may Allah have mercy on him — and extend to you and the family of the deceased our deepest condolences and sincere sympathy,” the Crown Prince said. He prayed…
LOS ANGELES — Prosecutors in California have filed a criminal charge against Britney Spears over her arrest last month for allegedly driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, authorities said. The 44-year-old pop star was charged with a single misdemeanor count of driving under the combined influence of alcohol and at least one drug, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office said. She was arrested on 4 March on a southern California highway after driving her BMW “erratically at a high rate of speed”, authorities said. The criminal complaint does not specify what kind of alcohol or drugs, or what…