AlUla, June 26, 2026, SPA -- Saudi composer and pianist Abeer Balubaid won the AlUla Music Competition with her composition Passage of Light (Masar Al-Nour), a work inspired by AlUla's natural landscapes, civilizational heritage, and cultural identity. AlUla on Wednesday evening concluded the competition, launched by Arts AlUla, the cultural and artistic arm of the Royal Commission for AlUla. The initiative sought to support Saudi musical composition and inspire original works rooted in the region's heritage, culture, and striking landscapes. The competing pieces were assessed by a specialized jury, with the winning composition, Passage of Light, becoming part of the Musical Road project at AlUla's entrance, where visitors are welcomed by a musical piece that interacts with passing vehicles. The competition encouraged participants to create original works composed sp ......read full article

Jeddah, June 25, 2026, SPA -- Formula E and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) have announced the first calendar for the 2026/2027 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship following its approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council. Formula E will head to the Middle East on December 18-19, 2026, for an unprecedented milestone in the 2026/2027 season. For the first time, the global ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar will begin at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit with rounds one and two, featuring distinctive night races in a country that has developed a strong relationship with the championship. Hosting the season opener at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit reflects the Kingdom's growing role in shaping the future of electric motorsport. With its unique location on the Red Sea coast, high-speed corners, and exceptional fan atmosphere, the circuit is preparing to ......read full article

  Riyadh, June 26, 2026, SPA -- The Film Commission is participating in the 12th edition of the Saudi Film Festival, organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) and supported by the Film Commission, from June 26 to July 2, 2026. The participation reflects the commission's continued efforts to support the local film industry, empower national talent, and advance the Kingdom's cinematic scene. The commission is supporting and sponsoring the festival while also hosting an informational pavilion showcasing its key initiatives and programs. It will present several commission-supported films competing in the festival to empower Saudi talent and expand opportunities for the production and exhibition of Saudi films. The festival's program features more than 25 screenings of feature-length narrative films, s ......read full article

The summer bridal beauty trends everyone will be saying "i do" to. Wedding season has officially arrived, and whether you're the bride, bridesmaid, or simply RSVP-ing with enthusiasm, one thing is certain: this year's bridal beauty is all about looking like the very best version of yourself. Gone are the days of heavy, overly sculpted makeup. Summer 2026 brides are embracing fresh, radiant skin, softly flushed cheeks, and naturally polished brows that look effortless both in real life and in every camera roll moment.  Luckily, Benefit Cosmetics has everything you need to create this season's best bridal beauty trends. The fresh flush A bridal look isn't complete without a healthy, romantic pop of color. This season, brides are opting for soft, fresh blush that mimics the natural flush that comes with saying "yes." For an airy, cloud-like ......read full article

Enjoy More Time for Worship, Reflection, and Meaningful Moments in the Holy City Makkah, Saudi Arabia, June 2026: Address Jabal Omar Makkah invites guests to extend their spiritual journey with an exclusive 25% discount on stays of three nights, available through October 31, 2026. Located just steps from Al Masjid Al Haram, the hotel offers a refined sanctuary where worshippers and families can enjoy a stay centred around faith, comfort, and meaningful connection. Combining contemporary luxury with warm hospitality, Address Jabal Omar Makkah provides seamless access to the Holy Mosque while offering a peaceful retreat for rest and reflection. Guests can unwind in elegantly designed rooms and suites, savour exceptional dining experiences, and spend more time embracing the spiritual significance of Makkah. Whether visiting for Umrah, prayer, or quality time with loved ones, every ......read full article

Dhahran, June 24, 2026, SPA -- The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), an initiative of Aramco, is driving a year-long global design narrative that culminates with Ithra Design Week, taking place from November 16-21, 2026. This event marks the last step of a journey initiated through international engagements in Milan, Spain, Jordan, and Doha, underscoring the pivotal role of design within the global cultural landscape. The journey began with Ithra’s participation in Milan Design Week. Reflecting the center’s aspirations to strengthen the role of design within the cultural landscape, Ithra showcased the exhibition “Default is Not Universal” at the Isola Design Festival. Building on this momentum, Ithra returned to Spain’s Concéntrico Festival from June 18 to 23, 2026, for the third consecutive year. The immersive installation BAYN, created ......read full article

Riyadh, June 25, 2026, SPA -- The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), in collaboration with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), organized a workshop titled “Data and Artificial Intelligence in the Humanitarian and Development Sectors: A Saudi-UK Partnership for Leadership and Impact” at its headquarters in Riyadh on June 23–24, 2026. The workshop was attended by KSrelief Director of Information Technology Eng. Tamim Al-Husain and UK Deputy Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr. Alice Burt. The event brought together experts from the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), and specialists from KSrelief, SFD, and FCDO. The workshop discussed emerging trends and risks, facilitated the exchange of expertise, an ......read full article

Madinah, June 25, 2026, SPA -- A research team at Taibah University has been granted a patent for developing a cost-effective organic solar cell that functions as an infrared sensor. This scientific achievement contributes to advancing innovation in sensing technologies and sustainable energy. The university said the technology provides a cost-effective solution for simultaneously detecting infrared radiation and generating power through a self-powered sensor that operates without an external energy source, helping improve the efficiency of smart systems while reducing operating costs. The technology is characterized by its ease of manufacture using low-cost organic materials, its ability to detect infrared radiation, and its high sensitivity to thermal changes and vibrations. It can also be produced in multiple sizes to suit a wide range of applications. The technology can b ......read full article

The Middle East’s Premier Watch & Jewellery event opens to the public at Dhahran Expo with spectacular showcase of craftmanship, heritage and innovation 23 June 2026; Jewels of the World opened its doors in Saudi Arabia’s Al Khobar on 23 June 2026. Running until 26 June at the Dhahran Expo, the highly anticipated event returns to the Eastern Province, offering visitors the opportunity to discover an exceptional selection of creations from renowned maisons and independent artisans. This year's exhibition marks Jewels of the World's second edition in Al Khobar. Building on the success of last year's event, the 2026 show presents an expanded showcase of high jewellery, bridal sets, everyday jewellery, precious gemstones and timepieces.  Featuring designs from across the world, the event celebrates a rich cross-cultural blend of heritage and contempo ......read full article

Abha, June 23, 2026, SPA -- The Aseer Region Municipality and its affiliated municipalities have raised their level of readiness for the summer season through a comprehensive operational plan aimed at enhancing municipal services and preparing public facilities, tourist attractions, and recreational destinations to accommodate the growing number of residents and visitors. The municipality stated that its preparations included the development and operation of 671 parks and public gardens across the region’s governorates and centers, providing diverse spaces for recreation, leisure, and sports activities while ensuring public destinations are fully prepared to welcome visitors throughout the season. More than 1,500 field, technical, and supervisory personnel have been deployed, supported by equipment, machinery, and operational support points, to ensure uninterrupted services, ......read full article

Houston, June 24, 2026, SPA -- Portugal defeated Uzbekistan 5-0 on Tuesday at Houston Stadium in the second round of Group K matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The win moved Portugal to four points and boosted its chances of reaching the Round of 32, while Uzbekistan remained without a point after suffering its second defeat of the tournament. ...read full article

Jeddah, June 23, 2026, SPA -- The Red Wind, Coral Worlds exhibition, hosted by Hayy Arts at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah, explores the historical, cultural, and environmental interactions that have shaped the Red Sea over centuries. It traces the impact of trade, pilgrimage, and migration routes on the region's memory and cultural connections. The exhibition runs through October 26. The exhibition presents the Red Sea as a space of interconnected worlds rather than an isolated body of water, highlighting the material and cultural legacies left by centuries of movement, trade, pilgrimage, and displacement, as well as the human and cultural connections formed across its shores. Through its various sections, the exhibition examines coral archives, inherited practices, and wind-borne currents, reflecting on the ways memory is preserved, transmitted, and reshaped through both tangible and ......read full article

Riyadh, June 22, 2026, SPA -- The QS World University Rankings 2027 included 22 Saudi universities among the world's leading higher education institutions. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals topped the list of Saudi universities, ranking 63rd globally and securing a place among the world's top 100 universities. King Saud University ranked 107th globally, followed by King Abdulaziz University in 200th place, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University in 421st place, and Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in 474th place. The rankings also included several other Saudi universities with a global presence, including Prince Sultan University, King Khalid University, King Faisal University, Umm Al-Qura University, Qassim University, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Alfaisal University, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Taif University, Effat Universit ......read full article

Riyadh, June 22, 2026, SPA -- Saudi brand NOUG organized an event titled “Camel Milk: From Heritage to Food Security” to mark World Camel Day, attended by representatives of government entities, international organizations, and individuals interested in the camel sector and featuring the participation of United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Country Director in the Kingdom Dr. Nizar Haddad. The event featured a range of activities and interactive experiences showcasing camel milk products and their diverse applications. It also presented examples of modern food innovations based on camel milk and highlighted promising investment opportunities in the sector across food manufacturing, sustainability, and agricultural development. Sawani’s Head of the Agriculture and Camels Sector Fawzan Al-Madhi emphasized that World Camel Day represents an occasion ......read full article

Madinah, June 23, 2026, SPA -- Madinah Region continues to strengthen its position as one of the Kingdom’s leading date-producing regions, with an annual production of 344,000 tons, placing it third among the Kingdom’s regions in date output and contributing to local content and the development of the agricultural and economic sectors. Dates from the region account for about 18% of national date production, while organic date production in the region totals about 4,600 tons annually, reflecting growing interest in organic farming and the application of best sustainable agricultural practices. Dates are among the region’s key economic products, supporting farmers, stimulating commercial activity, and strengthening date-related industries, supply chains, and marketing, in line with the Kingdom’s agricultural development and food security targets. ...read full article

New York, June 12, 2026, SPA -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia affirmed the importance of enhancing international efforts to protect older persons, particularly persons with disabilities, and ensuring they enjoy their rights, dignity, and full participation in society. This came in a statement by Saudi Arabia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Abdulaziz Alwasil, on behalf of the Group of Friends on Ageing and Sustainable Development, during a side event held yesterday in New York on the sidelines of the 19th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Alwasil stated that elder abuse is a global issue requiring collective response, noting that approximately 46% of persons aged 60 and over live with some form of disability, and that one in six older persons experiences some form of abuse, with hig ......read full article

Riyadh, June 22, 2026, SPA -- According to the National Center for Meteorology, thunderstorms with hail and gusty winds are expected to continue in parts of Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, and Makkah regions. Maximum temperatures will continue to rise in Eastern Region, while gusty winds and blowing dust will continue in parts of the region, as well as parts of Madinah, Hail, Tabuk, Al-Jouf, and Northern Borders regions. Winds over the Red Sea will be northerly to northwesterly in the northern and central parts at speeds of 20-45 km/h, and northwesterly to westerly in the southern part at speeds of 10-32 km/h, reaching 45 km/h during thunderstorms. Waves may range from half a meter to two meters, exceeding two meters during thunderstorms; the sea will be slight to moderate. In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be northwesterly to westerly in the northern and central parts, and northwesterly to n ......read full article

Riyadh, June 22, 2026, SPA -- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi received Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Saudi Arabia Lulzim Mjeku at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh. During the meeting, they discussed several issues of common interest and exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments. ...read full article

Yanbu, June 19, 2026, SPA -- Yanbu Industrial City is experiencing a vibrant fan atmosphere during the FIFA World Cup 2026, transforming into a destination for football enthusiasts from across the community and visitors alike to enjoy the tournament through an integrated entertainment and sports experience. The accompanying events have attracted large crowds, supported by comprehensive facilities provided by the organizers, including giant screens and dedicated fan zones, creating a viewing experience that mirrors the excitement surrounding the world's premier football tournament. A variety of entertainment programs, live performances, and interactive activities have enriched the visitor experience. Food trucks and cafés have also contributed to the lively atmosphere at event venues, making Yanbu Industrial City a popular entertainment and sports destination throughout the tour ......read full article

Houston, June 17, 2026, SPA -- Portugal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo played to a 1-1 draw today at Houston Stadium in the opening round of Group K at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. João Neves gave Portugal an early lead in the sixth minute. Yoane Wissa equalized for the Congolese side in first-half stoppage time (45+5). The result earned both teams one point in their opening Group K match. Uzbekistan and Colombia will meet later on Thursday in the other group fixture. ...read full article

Najran, June 20, 2026, SPA -- Markets across Najran Region are witnessing increased economic and agricultural activity with the arrival of the season’s early date harvest, providing returns for farmers and helping meet local market demand. The season coincides with ongoing guidance and technical support efforts by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to improve production efficiency, enhance crop quality, and combat agricultural pests. The harvest is also generating positive economic benefits for retailers, shop owners, and workers in packaging and transportation, while contributing to seasonal employment opportunities. ...read full article