Author: Editorial Team

RIYADH — The Quality of Life Program Center announced that Riyadh has joined the Global Quality of Life Index (QoLI), a global initiative undertaken by the Center in partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). Riyadh’s inclusion in the Global Quality of Life Index reflects the ongoing efforts of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the Riyadh Mayoralty, and the Quality of Life Program Center to strengthen the capital’s standing among the world’s leading cities for quality of life. It also supports the adoption of standardized measurement frameworks that enable cities worldwide to assess their performance across key…

RIYADH — Entertainment activities and events across Saudi Arabia witnessed a significant surge in popularity during the first half of 2026, attracting 45.7 million visitors. The overall visitor satisfaction rate reached an impressive 96 percent as the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) continued to strengthen the sector’s regulatory and oversight framework in support of the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The GEA announced that it issued more than 2,500 licenses for entertainment and related activities during the period and carried out over 8,500 inspection visits across the Kingdom to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements while enhancing service quality, safety standards, and…

King Khalid University has launched the second phase of its community initiatives project for the 1447-1448 AH academic year, featuring more than 100 programs targeting various segments of society, as part of the university’s efforts to strengthen social responsibility and promote a culture of volunteerism.  General Supervisor of the university’s General Administration of Volunteering and Community Partnership Dr. Mosfer Al-Asmari said this phase includes a diverse package of initiatives and programs spanning cultural, educational, awareness, volunteer, and development fields. He noted that the phase aims to empower community members, strengthen community engagement, and build effective partnerships that contribute to achieving…

Richard Gregory. CEO Richard Gregory explains how privacy, local relevance and culturally aware moderation are shaping Jodel’s growth in Saudi Arabia.Social media often rewards visibility, polished identities and follower counts, but Jodel is pursuing a different model centred on place, privacy and authentic community engagement. The hyperlocal platform enables users to exchange real-time information, opinions, recommendations and support without relying on public profiles. Saudi Arabia has emerged as an important growth and learning market for Jodel, driven by digitally sophisticated users seeking privacy, practical value and locally relevant conversations. In this interview, Richard Gregory, CEO of Jodel, discusses the platform’s…

RIYADH — A total of 1,173 new archaeological sites have been added to the National Antiquities Register, bringing the total to 14,164, the Heritage Commission announced. The newly registered sites, spread across several regions, are part of the commission’s efforts to preserve the Kingdom’s national heritage. Among the regions with newly registered sites, Makkah recorded 87 new archaeological sites, bringing its total to 1,306. Meanwhile Madinah added 388 sites, raising its total to 2,128, and Asir registered 42 new sites, bringing its total to 901. The Tabuk Region recorded 209 newly registered sites, increasing its total to 1,387, while the…

LAGOS — Armed gangs kidnapped at least 52 people, including children, in a weekend attack on a village and military base in northwest Nigeria’s Zamfara state, local sources told AFP news agency on Monday. Kidnappings have become a major source of income for armed groups in Nigeria, including militants in the northeast and criminal gangs known locally as “bandits.” Zamfara is one of the hardest hit states in the northwest. The gunmen on motorcycles swept into Kasuwar Daji village in the Kaura Namoda local government area around midnight on Saturday into Sunday, first attacking a military base on the outskirts…

JEDDAH — High temperatures reaching 48°C are expected to continue across parts of the Eastern and Riyadh regions on Monday, while active winds carrying dust and sand will affect several regions, according to the National Center for Meteorology (NCM). The NCM said the forecast shows Riyadh reaching a high of 45°C, while temperatures are expected to climb to 47°C in Makkah and 48°C in Dammam. Madinah and Jeddah are forecast to record highs of 45°C and 44°C, respectively. In the southwest, Abha is expected to see a high of 32°C, Al-Baha 31°C, Jazan 38°C, and Najran 39°C, with rain-bearing clouds…

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has not only reignited interest in Homer’s epic, it is also inspiring travellers to visit the real landscapes that brought the story to life on screen. Rather than relying heavily on studio sets, the Oscar-winning director filmed across some of the world’s most striking natural and historical locations, including Greece, Sicily, Morocco, Iceland and Scotland. The result is a cinematic journey through ancient castles, volcanic coastlines, secluded beaches and centuries-old settlements that fans can now experience for themselves. Here are some of the real life The Odyssey filming locations you can add to your travel bucket…

RIYADH — The Ministry of Commerce has recalled 96 Audi Q5 vehicles due to a defect in the front seat belt pretensioner that may cause it to loosen after activation. The defect subsequently reduces the belt’s effectiveness and increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident. The recall affects 96 Audi Q5 vehicles from the 2025 model year. The Ministry urged owners to verify whether their vehicles are included in the recall by checking their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through Recalls.sa. Customers were also urged to contact Samaco Motors to have the necessary repairs carried out free…

Qassim Region continues to strengthen its position as Saudi Arabia’s capital of dates, supported by millions of palm trees that produce a wide variety of premium dates, most notably the region’s signature Sukkari variety, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading agricultural products and among the most sought-after dates in local and international markets.  The region’s status is reflected each year through the organization of the world’s largest dates carnival, which brings together farmers, traders, and investors under one roof. The event serves as an economic and marketing platform that boosts commercial activity, increases the added value of Saudi dates, and creates…