Author: Editorial Team
RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received on Tuesday a phone call from Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The ministers discussed recent regional developments. They exchanged views on these developments. Source: Saudi Gazette
Beijing — The Saudi Embassy in China reminded Saudi citizens visiting China to complete the Digital Arrival Card accurately before travel to facilitate entry procedures at Chinese ports. The embassy stressed the importance of complying with the official Chinese authorities’ procedures and instructions to ensure smooth entry. The card can be completed at: https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone It is noteworthy that the Chinese government announced last November the extension of its visa exemption for Saudi citizens until December 31, 2026. This exemption allows Saudi citizens to enter China without requiring a visa in advance, subject to certain conditions. This facilitates travel and enhances…
Instead of speaking to therapists, counsellors, or even family members, many Arab teenagers are increasingly turning to TikTok and social media platforms for mental health advice, something UAE-based startup Elggo says reflects a deeper gap in how emotional wellbeing is being addressed across the region. “When nobody at home or at school opens that door, they go find answers on TikTok and social media instead, which is the worst possible place for it,” Mirna Mneimneh and Luma Makari, co-founders of Elggo told Khaleej Times The founders believe the issue is not that Arab youth are unwilling to discuss mental health,…
The Board of Governors of the Global Research Council has unanimously re-elected the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) Dr. Munir El-Desouki, as Vice Chair of the Board of Governors during the council’s 14th Annual Meeting 2026, held in Bangkok. Saudi Arabia’s election to this position for the third consecutive term reflects the growing international confidence in the Kingdom’s leading role in supporting the research, development, and innovation ecosystem, as well as its active contribution to advancing the Global Research Council’s agenda and future objectives. It also highlights the Kingdom’s efforts…
RIYADH — Deputy Minister of Finance Abdulmuhsen Alkhalaf attended the 2nd High-Level Strategic Dialogue between Saudi Arabia and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), held in Riyadh on Sunday, with the participation of IMF leadership. The participants discussed the partnership between the Kingdom and the IMF in supporting capacity development in the region, as well as the activities of the IMF Regional Office in the Kingdom. During the dialogue, Alkhalaf discussed the important objectives for developing the existing cooperation between the Kingdom and the IMF, and for enhancing the desired impact, while reiterating the strength of the existing partnership. He also…
RIYADH — The Criminal Investigation and Research Department of the Riyadh region police arrested a Yemeni resident for fraud and deception. This was for publishing fake and misleading advertisements for Hajj services via social media platforms. He was referred to the Public Prosecution after taking the necessary legal procedures. The Public Security called on Saudi citizens and expatriates to comply with Hajj regulations and instructions. It urged to report violations promptly by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom’s regions. Source: Saudi Gazette
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was recently spotted visiting Cherry House, a café concept that combines a roastery, bakery, espresso bar, and dining experience. The venue shared photos from the visit on May 17, describing it as “an unforgettable milestone.” In a post shared online, the brand wrote in Arabic: “We were honoured by the visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the first supporter, as we continue following his vision and path.” The café also shared an English message thanking the Dubai Ruler, saying: “We had the privilege of welcoming His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin…
The concepts of human-centered services and integrated care are reflected in the holy sites through the drinking water system development project. The project has introduced a tangible improvement to the pilgrim experience. The project provides more than 2,400 modern water points distributed along pedestrian walkways according to an innovative engineering design. The system ensures the continuous availability of chilled and purified drinking water for pilgrims. The project is implemented by Kidana Development Company, the executive arm of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. It has transformed traditional water distribution points into integrated hydration stations. This was achieved through the application…
RIYADH — The national integrated Tawakkalna application has enabled pilgrims to view Hajj permits through the app, allowing beneficiaries to access permits easily during the Hajj season and facilitating the spiritual journey of pilgrims while enhancing the efficiency of the digital services provided to them. Beneficiaries of this service also include workers participating in the 2026 Hajj season, residents of Makkah, private-sector employees, and domestic workers. Beneficiaries can review Hajj season permits through the app to facilitate and regulate entry and movement within Makkah and the holy sites. These include pilgrim permits, entry for workers based in Makkah, work authorization…
RIYADH — Expo 2030 Riyadh hosted a strategic site walkthrough and executive progress review, bringing together senior leadership from key delivery partners involved in the development of the Expo 2030 Riyadh site. Construction activity continues to scale across the Expo 2030 Riyadh site as preparations advance for one of the world’s largest and most ambitious World Expos. The site walkthrough was led by senior officials from Expo 2030 Riyadh, including Chief Executive Officer Talal AlMarri and Chief Delivery Officer Murad AlSayed. Participating partners included Nesma & Partners CEO Rami Al-Turki, Binyah CEO Fahad Al-Mesfir, Abyatona CEO Nasser Al-Hammad, AlYamama Board…