Author: Editorial Team

RIYADH — The eight OPEC+ countries highlighted the critical importance of safeguarding international maritime routes to ensure the uninterrupted flow of energy. The Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) of OPEC+, comprising Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Algeria and Venezuela, held its 65th meeting via videoconference on Sunday. The JMMC meeting reviewed current market conditions and emphasized the essential role of the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) in supporting the stability of global energy markets. In this context, the committee highlighted the critical importance of safeguarding international maritime routes to ensure the uninterrupted flow of energy. The meeting expressed…

WASHINGTON — The United States has asked satellite imagery providers to withhold distribution of photos from the Iran conflict zone, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday. Planet Labs said it is shifting to a managed access model for images of the region, sharing them on a case-by-case basis and only for “urgent, mission critical requirements or in the public interest.” A company spokesperson said the US government has requested satellite firms to delay distributing imagery of the conflict zone indefinitely, adding that the revised policy will remain in effect until the war ends. Planet had already slowed the release of…

Qassim Region is witnessing a significant agricultural transformation as mulberry and berry cultivation rapidly expands under the Kingdom’s strategic push to diversify production and enhance food sustainability, evolving from individual initiatives and limited greenhouse experiments into integrated large-scale production projects that rival imported products in quality.  This shift underscores a broader national commitment to agricultural innovation in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, with Qassim Region becoming particularly known for its production of black mulberries that thrive in its distinct soil and environmental conditions.  Current agricultural projects also include the cultivation of white, red, and blue varieties, while…

StarLink, an Infinigate Group company, is bringing its vision of AI-powered cyber resilience to GITEX Africa 2026, the region’s premier technology event, held from April 7 to April 9. At GITEX Africa, StarLink seeks to build strategic partnerships and demonstrate technologies that drive AI adoption, strengthen cyber resilience, and support a secure, innovative, and future-ready digital ecosystem across Africa. With an impressive portfolio, this year’s featured technologies: BeyondTrust, Commvault, Everpure, Forescout, LinkShadow, Progress, Riverbed, SecurX360, Sophos, and Tenable reflect StarLink’s strong commitment to delivering best-in-class solutions that address the evolving cyber threat landscape.  Mahmoud Nimer, President, StarLink, stated: “GITEX Africa is…

RIYADH — The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has urged the public to verify the trustworthiness of websites and online platforms when sharing personal data, documents, and biometrics to access services offered by these sites or platforms. The authority also cautioned against sharing such personal data with unofficial websites or platforms. The public was warned against sharing personal data, documents, and biometrics with untrusted online platforms and websites, including social media networks and applications, so as to protect individual privacy and personal data. The authority emphasized the importance of this precaution when sharing any personal data, documents, or…

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) yesterday distributed 240 shelter kits and tents in Hadhramaut Governorate, Yemen, benefiting 720 individuals.  This distribution is part of the fifth phase of an emergency food intervention project in Yemen and serves as a direct extension of the Kingdom’s ongoing humanitarian efforts, delivered through KSrelief, to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable populations worldwide. Source: Riyadh Daily

Developed by UNS Farms, the facility aims to boost local tomato supply and food security. Al Ain  — The UAE continues to lead by example in strengthening its focus on local food production, in line with its long-term vision for food security and self-sufficiency. Supporting this national priority, a new high-tech tomato farm has been launched by UNS Vertical Farms in Al Ain, further reinforcing the country’s push towards sustainable, homegrown agriculture. Developed by UNS Vertical Farms, part of the UAE-based Speedex Group, the newly opened 10,000-square-metre facility is designed to produce approximately 150,000 kilograms of fresh tomatoes annually, contributing…

In the UAE, some residents as young as in their 40s are being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. However, doctors point out that it is not necessarily because more people are falling ill, but instead because awareness has improved and healthcare facilities have expanded. Patients are being identified earlier, and even younger individuals are getting answers faster. “Diagnoses of Parkinson’s disease are rising due to better awareness, access to specialists, availability of advanced healthcare facilities and longer life expectancy,” said Dr Jaffar Vali Sayyed, Specialist Neurology at Aster Hospital, Al Qusais. Globally, about 1-2 per cent of people over 65 are…

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has mourned the death of an industrial security worker who was killed while on duty during recent attacks targeting energy facilities in the Kingdom. The Ministry of Energy confirmed the death of Jarrah Mohammed Al-Shalan Al-Khalidi, describing him as a “martyr of duty” who lost his life while protecting one of the Kingdom’s vital energy sites. “With deep sorrow and grief, the Ministry of Energy mourns the nation’s son and martyr of duty,” the ministry said in a statement, praying for mercy upon the deceased and strength for his family. The incident comes amid a wave…

ISLAMABAD — Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Saturday that Tehran approaches upcoming negotiations with the United States with “good intentions but no trust,” ahead of talks in Pakistan. “Unfortunately, our experience of negotiating with the Americans has always been met with failure and breach of contract,” Qalibaf said upon arrival in Islamabad, according to Tasnim News Agency. He accused Washington of attacking Iran during past negotiations, saying: “Twice in less than a year, in the middle of negotiations, despite the good intentions of the Iranian side, they attacked us and committed numerous war crimes.” Qalibaf said Iran remains…