Author: Editorial Team

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump on Friday proposed a record $1.5 trillion defense budget for fiscal year 2027, marking the largest military spending request in US history. According to White House budget fact sheets, the proposal includes $1.15 trillion in discretionary defense spending and an additional $350 billion in mandatory resources. At the same time, the administration is seeking a 10% reduction in discretionary non-defense spending, equivalent to about $73 billion, as part of efforts to scale back domestic programs. The proposed increase comes amid growing political pressure linked to the ongoing war with Iran. While Congress is not…

BAGHDAD — Iraq announced Saturday the suspension of trade and passenger movement at the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran after strikes on the Iranian side killed an Iraqi citizen. The attacks also injured five Iraqis, according to Lt. Gen. Omar Al-Waeli, head of the Border Ports Authority, as reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA). Al-Waeli said the injured were transferred to a hospital inside Iran. He added that alternative routes remain available for the movement of goods, including the Safwan border crossing, along with other land ports across different provinces that continue to operate. The suspension followed an earlier…

 The 83rd Saudi relief plane, operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), arrived at El Arish International Airport in Egypt, in a mission coordinated with the Ministry of Defense and the Saudi Embassy in Cairo to provide essential support to the Palestinian people. The aircraft carried large quantities of food baskets destined for the Gaza Strip as part of the Kingdom’s commitment to alleviating the region’s difficult living conditions and humanitarian challenges. Source: Riyadh Daily

RIYADH — The Ministry of Education announced that registration for new students in primary and early childhood education will commence on Sunday. The ministry noted that students born during the COVID-19 pandemic period are eligible to enroll in formal education, provided they meet the approved age admission criteria. The ministry clarified that the eligible age groups for registration include children who had reached six years of age or older before August 24, 2020, falling under the first category for standard admission. The second category comprises children who are under six years of age by no more than 90 days, specifically…

RIYADH — The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) forecasts a drop in temperatures across northern Saudi Arabia. It noted the continuation of light to moderate thunderstorms accompanied by active winds that may stir up dust and sand in parts of the Northern Borders, Eastern Province, Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, and Madinah regions. The center added that moderate rainfall is expected in parts of the Makkah, Asir, and Jazan highlands. The NCM warned of moderate rainfall, accompanied by strong winds, near-zero visibility, flash floods, hail, and thunderstorms in Al-Baha city and the governorates of Al-Qura, Al-Mandaq, Baljurashi, Bani Hassan, Al-Aqiq, and surrounding…

Funded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), the ambulance unit of the Subul Al-Salam Social Association in northern Lebanon’s Miniyeh region completed 39 emergency missions last week, providing vital medical transport for both refugees and the local host community. The missions primarily involved transporting patients to and from local hospitals, ensuring continuous access to healthcare amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis. This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to support medical infrastructure and emergency services in Lebanon’s refugee-hosting regions. Source: Riyadh Daily

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the targeting of Al-Jabalain Hospital in Sudan’s White Nile State by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), an attack that left several people dead and injured, including medical staff. In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said such acts “cannot be justified under any circumstances” and constitute a “flagrant violation of international law, international humanitarian law, and the principles of Islam.” The Kingdom called for an immediate halt to these violations and urged adherence to the Jeddah Declaration on the Protection of Civilians in Sudan, signed on May 11, 2023. Saudi Arabia…

RIYADH — The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) announced on Saturday that its land, sea, and air customs ports recorded 748 seizures of contraband of various types and forms during the last week. The seized items include 59 types of narcotics, 197 types of prohibited substances, 1,722 items of tobacco and its derivatives, two cases involving cash, and four cases involving weapons and related equipment. ZATCA affirmed its commitment to strengthening customs control over the Kingdom’s imports and exports so as to ensure the security and protection of society. This is part of ZATCA’s ongoing efforts to enhance security…

With the arrival of spring in Northern Borders Region, camel milk has regained its prominence as a staple of Bedouin life. The mild weather and flourishing natural pastures have led to an abundance of milk, making it a focal point for locals and campers during desert outings.  Consuming camel milk during this season is a deeply rooted social custom, traditionally offered to guests in spring camps as people move between grazing lands.  Intertwined with desert life since ancient times, camel milk remains a vital food source and a powerful symbol of local culture. The increased seasonal demand reflects a strong…

RIYADH — Cristiano Ronaldo continues his pursuit of a historic milestone after scoring a brace to lead Al Nassr to a 5-2 victory over Al Najmah in the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese star raised his all-time career tally to 967 goals for club and country, moving within 33 goals of the unprecedented 1,000-goal mark. In the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo reached 97 goals in 100 appearances, edging closer to the 100-goal milestone in the competition since joining Al Nassr in January 2023. He made his league debut for Al Nassr against Al Ettifaq on January 22, 2023, in a…