Author: Editorial Team

RIYADH — The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) warned of continued thunderstorms of varying intensity across most regions of Saudi Arabia until next Sunday. The thunderstorms will be accompanied by active downdrafts stirring up dust and sand, with speeds that may exceed 60 kilometers per hour, along with hail, flash floods, and high waves along the coasts. The NCM said in its weather report that the rainy weather condition will affect the Riyadh region and its governorates with moderate to heavy rainfall. This includes Diriyah, Al-Muzahamiyah, Al-Kharj, Al-Dilam, Al-Hariq, Al-Rayn, Al-Qiddiyah, Rumah, Al-Aflaj, and Hawtat Bani Tamim, in addition to…

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Tuesday launched a stinging criticism of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, one of his main European allies, saying they “do not have the same relationship.” The comments came after Meloni called out the president for his attacks on the Pope and declined to get involved in the US war on Iran. “I’m shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong,” he said in an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera. The interview was published the day after Meloni condemned as “unacceptable” Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV, after the…

Saudi Arabia ranked first globally in artificial intelligence security, privacy, and cryptography, as well as women’s empowerment in AI, according to the 2026 AI Index Report by the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI). The rankings reflect the Kingdom’s progress in developing its technical and research ecosystem and the support provided to the sector by the leadership. The report highlights national efforts led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) in building a competitive AI ecosystem. Saudi Arabia ranked third globally in the percentage change in AI talent concentration and in the share of university students using generative AI in…

Cisco today released its inaugural State of Wireless Report, revealing that wireless has evolved into a strategic growth engine in the UAE, where a single network investment drives compounding returns across operational efficiency, employee productivity, customer engagement, and revenue. Abdelilah Nejjari, Managing Director for Gulf and Levant at Cisco, believes that if enterprises adopt a more strategic approach to wireless technology then it will in turn drive better outcomes for their business. Based on findings from Cisco’s State of Wireless Report in the UAE, organizations across the country are reaching an inflection point in connectivity demand, and those that prioritize…

RIYADH — Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan said that the PIF has contributed one-third of non-oil GDP growth, amounting to SR910 billion. “The PIF aims to develop 100,000 hotel rooms and introduce 70 tourism experiences across various regions of Saudi Arabia, with the objective of strengthening the tourism sector and increasing visitor numbers,” he said. Al-Rumayyan made the remarks while addressing a government press conference in Riyadh, following the approval of PIF’s 2026-2030 strategy by its board of directors, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. He revealed that the PIF’s companies attracted foreign…

iCAUR will host its 2026 International Business Summit in April, bringing together partners, media, and creators for a multi-day immersive experience. Building on strong momentum in Saudi Arabia, the V27 has already gained attention through local test drives. Rather than focusing on speeches, the summit will center on real-world scenarios and interactive experiences, connecting products, technology, and lifestyle in a tangible way. From Introduction to ImmersionThe summit will open with the Global Partner Conference, where iCAUR will outline its brand philosophy, strategic direction, and global approach to new energy mobility. From the start, the event becomes an immersive journey —…

Dar wa Emaar Real Estate Development and Investment Company announced the signing of a sponsorship partnership with Al Qadsiah Club, under which it becomes the club’s Official Real Estate Development Partner, with its logo appearing on the sleeves of the club’s kits across the first football team, the women’s team, and Al Qadsiah Academy. This partnership stems from a shared geographical connection and common vision between Dar wa Emaar and Al Qadsiah Club, as both originate from the Eastern Province and share an ambition to contribute to building a more impactful and sustainable future. While Al Qadsiah continues to strengthen…

Justin Smith, Managing Director at Ansarada. New research finds EMEA Renewable energy infrastructure investment surges, procurement pressures intensify globally  Investment in renewable energy projects in the Middle East has jumped by 28%, year-on-year, according to a new report from Ansarada, a leading M&A and infrastructure procurement platform.   Global renewable energy investment has reached US$496 billion, driven increasingly by rising AI compute demand, according to the 2026 Renewable Energy Infrastructure Outlook Report by Ansarada in partnership with Infralogic. The Middle East is gaining momentum as a key growth market, attracting US$12.9 billion in investments in 2025, up from US$10.1 billion…

RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has notified the establishments under its supervision that it will begin classifying violations, penalties and values of fine based on the size of the establishment and its commercial activity. In a recent circular, the SFDA announced an update to its schedule of violations, in accordance with its regulations and the corresponding penalties. This update is based on royal order no. 32043, which pertains to classifying violations, penalties, and fines according to the size of the establishment and its economic activity. The SFDA stated that it aims to achieve compliance and enhance…

RIYADH — The Saudi Land Bridge project has seen significant progress after the Spanish firm Sener won the design contract. The contract was awarded following a competitive bidding process launched by the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) in 2025, with bids being evaluated until the end of last year, according to MEED magazine. The move represents a major milestone in the Kingdom’s railway program, as this reflects a renewed momentum for the long-awaited project, which aims to connect the Red Sea to the Arabian Gulf, thus bolstering the Kingdom’s logistical ambitions within the framework of Vision 2030. The selection of Sener…