Riyadh, April 23, 2026, SPA -- The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued a warning of moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by hail and strong winds in a number of Riyadh Region governorates. The General Directorate of Civil Defense urged all to exercise caution, adhere to its instructions, and avoid flood-prone areas and valleys. ...read full article

Arar, April 24, 2026, SPA -- The skies over Northern Borders Region witnessed a celestial conjunction yesterday evening between the Moon and Jupiter, visible in the western horizon after sunset, where the two bodies appeared close together, attracting astronomy enthusiasts and photographers. The Moon and Jupiter, along with the stars Castor and Pollux, formed a harmonious quadrilateral pattern that stood out clearly in the sky, offering observers a striking scene combining planetary brightness with a geometric alignment of stars. Jupiter, one of the brightest objects in the night sky, appeared as a luminous point near the Moon. This apparent proximity reflects the natural motion of celestial bodies in their orbits around the Sun. Such phenomena help foster interest in astronomy and provide an opportunity to observe the movement of the Moon and planets. Observation of these ev ......read full article

Riyadh, April 23, 2026, SPA -- Saudi Post (SPL) is playing an active logistics role within the Makkah Route Initiative—one of the Ministry of Interior’s initiatives under the Pilgrim Experience Program of Saudi Vision 2030—across 10 countries through 17 international ports by sorting and coding pilgrims’ luggage in beneficiary countries and transporting it under precise arrangements to ensure smooth delivery to their accommodations in the Kingdom, enhancing the Hajj experience and improving service efficiency for visitors. The process begins with sorting and coding luggage according to transportation and accommodation plans, followed by direct delivery to pilgrims’ residences in Makkah and Madinah, facilitating their journey and improving service quality. This role reflects SPL’s continued efforts to support the Hajj ecosystem and enhance the exp ......read full article

Riyadh, April 23, 2026, SPA -- Saudi Arabia has secured top global rankings in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2025–2026 report, reflecting a highly competitive environment and reinforcing its position as a premier global hub for entrepreneurship. The Kingdom led all high-income economies in Entrepreneurial Finance, highlighting the efficiency of its financing tools for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, Saudi Arabia ranked third globally in the National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI), cementing its status as an elite destination for entrepreneurial investment and growth. Total early-stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) has seen rapid expansion, jumping from 12.1% in 2018 to 28.9% in 2025. Similarly, entrepreneurial intentions nearly doubled, rising from 26.8% to 48.5% over the same period. This growth is mirrored in the academic sector, ......read full article

23 April 2026 - Cargo Network Services Corporation (CNS) is gearing up to host its annual Partnership Conference in San Francisco (USA) from 18-20 May 2026. Being held under the theme “Elevating Air Cargo: Partnerships, Progress & Possibilities”, the conference is the premier networking event for the US air cargo industry, bringing together around 700 stakeholders and representatives from across the air cargo value chain. The CNS Partnership Conference combines informative plenary sessions and presentations focused on innovation and challenges in the cargo business, with a variety of networking and social events. CNS President Alicia Lines will open the event and will be joined by numerous recognized leaders of the cargo and aviation community, including: Brandon Fried, Executive Director, Airforwarder Association, who will deliver thi ......read full article

Riyadh, April 22, 2026, SPA -- The Saudi Stock Exchange main index ended trading lower today, losing 99.97 points to close at 11,244.99 points. The total value of trading reached SAR4.9 billion, with 280 million shares traded. The Saudi Parallel Market Index (NOMU) ended higher, gaining 1.18 points to close at 22,861.47 points. Trading value on NOMU reached SAR15 million, with more than two million shares traded. ...read full article

Jeddah, April 20, 2026, SPA -- AROYA Cruises will resume operating its voyages in the Red Sea from Jeddah starting May, in a step that reinforces the city’s status as one of the Kingdom’s principal gateways for marine tourism and contributes to invigorating maritime tourism activity in the region. The company indicated that its vessel AROYA is currently heading to its main port in Jeddah in preparation for launching its new voyage schedule, set to begin on May 14, with diverse itineraries ranging from three to five nights and covering several regional destinations, including Yanbu in the Kingdom, Sharm El-Sheikh in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and Aqaba in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The programs include a special five-night voyage coinciding with Eid al-Adha holiday, combining Sharm El-Sheikh and Aqaba into a comprehensive tourism experience that caters to guests&# ......read full article

Riyadh, April 23, 2026, SPA -- Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Turki Alalshikh announced the premiere date of the Saudi edition of “Million Riyal Menu,” set to launch on April 28 via the MBC Shahid platform and MBC1 channel, with the support of Riyadh Season. He stated that the program represents the largest Saudi adaptation of the global format “Million Pound Menu,” produced jointly by the Saudi company BigHouse and IMP, in collaboration with Sony Pictures Television, reflecting a strong direction toward delivering content with world-class standards within the Kingdom. The program features 24 contestants competing across eight episodes in a format that combines entertainment and entrepreneurship, as participants strive to realize their dream of launching their own restaurants by presenting their ideas to a distinguished panel of leadin ......read full article

Buraidah, April 23, 2026, SPA -- Light to moderate rain fell across Qassim Region yesterday evening, including Buraidah, the region’s governorates, and affiliated centers. Cumulus clouds formed over the region, with a chance of rain in the coming hours. ...read full article

Al-Asyah, April 20, 2026, SPA -- Rainfall brought scenes of natural beauty to the valleys and ravines of Al-Asyah Governorate, located northeast of Qassim Region, reviving waterways and contributing to the flow and accumulation of water across the area. The rainfall affected several locations in the governorate, with streams running between elevated terrain and rocky formations, creating a picturesque rural landscape alongside mild weather that encouraged residents and visitors to head outdoors and enjoy open spaces. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) documented the flow of water along the banks of Wadi Dhaidah and nearby ravines such as Hanidhal and Abalurood, highlighting environmental diversity, varied terrain, and natural formations. These conditions contributed to the revival of wild vegetation and the emergence of green spaces along slopes and valley edges. Several visitors expr ......read full article

Riyadh, April 21, 2026, SPA -- Boulevard Flowers has begun welcoming visitors, offering one of the largest and most prominent natural-flower experiences in the world across a total area of 214,000 square meters. The main garden covers 94,000 square meters in a setting that blends nature, art and entertainment. Located opposite Boulevard World on Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Al Awwal Road, the zone features more than 2,000 three-dimensional sculptures in different shapes and designs, extending the visual experience throughout the site. Boulevard Flowers is home to tens of millions of natural flowers and plants inmore than 100 varieties and 50 different colors. Planting beds stretching more than 8,500 linear meters form integrated natural displays throughout the zone. The zone has also been equipped with a high-quality sound system to play music throughout the site, along with a nig ......read full article

Makkah, April 21, 2026, SPA -- The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has provided an advanced digital service that allows visitors to the Grand Mosque to instantly view the crowd density status in the Mataf and Masaa areas, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the experience of pilgrims and facilitate the performance of Umrah rituals with ease and tranquility. The authority noted that the service enables users to monitor density levels through simplified color indicators, allowing them to choose the most suitable times and routes to perform Tawaf and Sai, contributing to crowd distribution, reducing congestion, and improving the efficiency of crowd management within the Grand Mosque. The service can be accessed via the following link: https://alharamain.gov.sa/public/?module=module_794625. ...read full article

Jakarta, April 22, 2026, SPA -- The first flight carrying beneficiaries of the Makkah Route Initiative departed today from Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia, for Saudi Arabia via the initiative lounge at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, bound for Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. The initiative aims to provide high-quality services to pilgrims from beneficiary countries by receiving them and completing their procedures in their own countries with ease. The process begins with biometric data collection and electronic issuance of Hajj visas, followed by passport procedures at the airport of departure after verification of health requirements, and the tagging and sorting of luggage in line with transportation and accommodation arrangements in the Kingdom. Pilgrims then proceed directly to buses that transport them along designated routes to their accomm ......read full article

–  GWC Group posts robust Q1 2026 figures –  Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad: Rapid response demonstrates the founding principles of GWC Group — present, reliable and responsible for Qatar and the region when it matters most –  Sheikh Abdulla Bin Fahad: In partnership with the Qatar Government, GWC Group opened new sea, land and air corridors to safeguard strategic food supplies and protect Qatar’s supply chains –  Matthew Kearns: GWC Group drew on the full strength of its GCC network to build end-to-end supply chains in real time, closing the quarter with a safe workforce and customer commitments upheld   Gulf Warehousing Company Q.P.S.C. (GWC Group), one of the region’s leading logistics groups providing cross-border and integrated logistics solutions, released its financial performance data for the first quarter o ......read full article

Dubai, UAE – April 2024: G-SHOCK has announced the launch of the GA-2100CM Series, a new addition to the iconic 2100 line, featuring a bold camouflage concept designed to elevate everyday style. The series reimagines the streamlined GA-2100 silhouette with an original G-SHOCK camouflage pattern, bringing a fresh and distinctive visual identity. The design incorporates a metallic print finish, adding depth and sophistication while subtly integrating the brand’s signature G-mark within the pattern. Available in contemporary colour variations, including the GA2100CM-5A and GA2100CM-8A, the collection is designed to complement modern urban outdoor fashion trends such as gorpcore, while maintaining the versatility expected from G-SHOCK timepieces. In addition to its design innovation, the GA-2100CM Series reflects attention to materials, with key components of the bezel a ......read full article

Jizan, April 12, 2026, SPA -- The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, through its Jazan Region branch, implemented 405 volunteer opportunities in March, with the participation of more than 2,100 volunteers. The total volunteer hours reached 40,631, generating an estimated economic return of SAR3,729,000. The activities included preparing mosques, organizing worshippers during Taraweeh, Qiyam, and Eid Al-Fitr prayers, and distributing iftar meals and water bottles. These initiatives support the ministry branch’s contribution to Saudi Vision 2030, which targets one million volunteers and promotes a culture of volunteerism and community service. ...read full article

Riyadh, April 20, 2026, SPA -- Saudi Venture Capital (SVC) announced its investment in Growth Catalyst Fund, a private equity fund managed by the CMA-licensed Growth Catalyst Investment Company. According to a press release issued by the SVC, the fund aims to invest in companies at the growth and expansion stage in Saudi Arabia and across the GCC, providing capital and operational expertise to support sustainable growth, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen market competitiveness. It focuses on key sectors, including healthcare, education, consumer, defense industries, environment and renewable energy, as well as food and beverage, targeting opportunities with strong growth potential and innovative capabilities. Deputy CEO and Chief Investment Officer at SVC Nora Alsarhan stated: “The investment in Growth Catalyst Fund reflects SVC’s continued role in deepenin ......read full article

Riyadh, April 21, 2026, SPA -- The General Administration of Education in Riyadh Region announced that in-person classes will shift online on Tuesday via the Madrasati platform and other approved educational platforms for all students and teaching and administrative staff in the governorates of Thadiq, Huraymila, Rumah, Durma, Marat, Al-Dawadmi, Al-Zulfi, Al-Majmaah, Al-Ghat, Shaqra, Afif, Al-Rayn, and Al-Quwaiyah. The move was based on reports from the National Center for Meteorology and was taken to ensure everyone's safety. ...read full article

Riyadh, April 21, 2026, SPA -- Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi affirmed that relations between the GCC countries and the Central Asian countries are based on solid foundations of shared history and mutual interests, expressing his confidence that this partnership will witness further growth and prosperity in the coming years, in a way that reflects the aspirations of its peoples for a more stable, prosperous and integrated future. He made these remarks during his participation in the workshop "Strengthening the Strategic Partnership between the GCC Countries and Central Asian Countries: From Historical Ties to Comprehensive Cooperation," organized by the Gulf Research Center in cooperation with the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, yesterday in Riyadh. The workshop wa ......read full article

April 21, 2026 : Tamatem, the leading mobile games publisher in the MENA region, today announced the full acquisition of Playable Factory, one of the world’s most advanced and widely deployed playable ads platforms, serving top gaming companies globally and generating more than 30 billion impressions. Founded in Istanbul in 2018, Playable Factory has created over 90,000 playable ads and built industry-leading technology. This technology enables game developers and publishers to scale user acquisition through interactive ad formats, delivering up to 8x higher install conversion rates, 40% higher retention, and significantly stronger lifetime value. The acquisition positions Tamatem to integrate one of the most powerful ad tech capabilities in the gaming industry, bringing best-in-class global technology into its platform. “Today is a defining moment for Tamatem,&rd ......read full article

Makkah, April 19, 2026, SPA -- Hira Cultural District in Makkah stands out as one of the most prominent cultural and tourism projects celebrating World Heritage Day, observed on April 18 each year. The project embodies an integrated vision for preserving the historical value of the site and presenting it in a contemporary cultural form. The district is located adjacent to Jabal Hira, which houses Hira Cave where revelation descended upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), giving it exceptional religious and historical significance and making its development a priority to enhance visitors’ experience and enrich their knowledge of Islamic history. The district includes a number of distinctive facilities, most notably the Holy Quran Museum, which offers rich content on the history of the compilation of the Holy Quran and its development across different eras, as well as inter ......read full article

Riyadh, April 17, 2026, SPA -- The Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) has won Edison Awards for the sixth consecutive year in recognition of its excellence in innovation for five innovative solutions across three categories: Materials Science, Energy and Climate Resiliency, and Water, Food and Agriculture. SABIC received one gold award, two silver awards, and two bronze awards during the ceremony held in Fort Myers, Florida, United States, with the participation of a select group of innovation leaders and experts from various sectors. SABIC CEO and Executive Board Member Dr. Faisal Al-Faqeer stated: “Our recognition for the sixth consecutive year reflects our relentless pursuit of innovation by prioritizing innovative solutions that focus on market needs, ensuring that innovation remains the main driver of our growth. This achievement reinforces our progress toward re ......read full article

Riyadh, April 19, 2026, SPA -- Saudi airports completed preparations to receive pilgrims for the Hajj season of 1447 AH through an integrated plan to facilitate their journey from arrival until departure. The preparations include six main international airports designated by MATARAT Holding: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Taif International Airport, and Prince Abdulmohsin bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Yanbu. The plan includes 13 dedicated terminals for Hajj pilgrims and more than 22,000 male and female employees to ensure efficient procedures and smooth movement within airports. It also includes specialized services to ease the journey, such as the “Hajj Without Luggage” service, which allows ......read full article

Antalya, April 18, 2026, SPA -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah participated in the quadrilateral ministerial meeting held in Antalya, Republic of Türkiye, attended by Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Dr. Badr Abdelatty, and Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan. The ministers discussed the latest regional developments, including support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts and its endeavors to reach a permanent ceasefire between Iran and the United States, thereby contributing to de-escalation and sparing the region and the world the serious security and economic repercussions of war. ...read full article

Pristina, April 16, 2026, SPA -- The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the religious attaché at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in cooperation with the Islamic Community of Kosovo, is organizing the first edition of a local Holy Quran competition for boys and girls in the Republic of Kosovo. One hundred male and female contestants will participate from various cities across the country from April 17 to 19. The competition targets youth aged 12 to 30, including students from Sharia institutes and public schools. The final rounds and closing ceremony will be held in the capital, Pristina, on Sunday, April 19. ...read full article

Antalya, April 17, 2026, SPA -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah arrived this evening in Antalya, Republic of Türkiye. The foreign minister will participate in a quadrilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Türkiye, as well as in the G8 ministerial meeting on Gaza, both to be held on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026. ...read full article

Dhaka, April 18, 2026, SPA -- The first flight carrying beneficiaries of the Makkah Route Initiative departed today from the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the Kingdom through the initiative’s dedicated lounge at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, heading to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, in the presence of Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Tarique Rahman and Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah bin Abiyah. The initiative aims to provide high-quality services to pilgrims from beneficiary countries by receiving them and completing their procedures in their home countries with ease and convenience. This begins with taking biometric data and electronically issuing the Hajj visa, followed by completing passport procedures at the airport of departure after verifying compliance with health requirements, as well as cod ......read full article

Makkah, April 18, 2026, SPA -- The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque announced the completion of routine maintenance of the holy Kaaba and Hijr Ismail, in line with the highest engineering and technical standards.It said the project was carried out under a precise operational plan that ensured smooth pilgrim flow without affecting rituals. The works took about 4,700 man-hours and included 31 main packages and 305 activities, covering maintenance of the Kaaba’s interior, roof, and surroundings, as well as detailed inspections and tests. The scope of work also included the replacement of more than 30 linear meters of expansion joints (silicone) around the Kaaba, the re-grouting of more than 50 meters of marble joints, as well as polishing and finishing the surrounding marble floors from all directions. The project was implemented ......read full article

Jeddah, April 17, 2026, SPA -- The International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) reviewed its initiatives during the second scientific forum of social research centers, held Thursday at the Faculty of Science Theater at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah. ICAIRE highlighted initiatives in data and artificial intelligence. It also presented an interactive experience at its exhibition pavilion on the AI and Data Glossary to enhance awareness of concepts and terminology and support researchers and specialists in applying modern technologies in social and human sciences. The participation reflects ICAIRE’s role in supporting the research and innovation ecosystem and strengthening the use of artificial intelligence in social studies. It contributes to developing research methodologies and improving the quality of scientific outputs in line with on ......read full article

Riyadh, April 16, 2026, SPA -- The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) licensed “Modern Integrated Solutions Financing” company to engage in buy-now-pay-later activity, bringing the total number of finance companies licensed by SAMA to 71 companies. This decision reflects SAMA's endeavor to support the finance sector, enhance the efficiency of financial transactions, and promote innovative solutions for financial inclusion in Saudi Arabia. SAMA emphasizes the importance of dealing exclusively with authorized financial institutions. To view licensed and permitted financial institutions, visit SAMA's website. ...read full article

Madinah, April 17, 2026, SPA -- CEO of the Roads General Authority Eng. Badr bin Abdullah Al-Dulami met with Mayor of Madinah Region Eng. Fahad Albulihshi at the headquarters of the Madinah Regional Municipality to discuss coordination to serve pilgrims and review the readiness of the road network ahead of the Hajj 1447 AH season. They reviewed road projects and the authority’s initiatives, including support for operating entities, and discussed enhancing the implementation of the Saudi Road Code to improve road quality, safety, and efficiency. The efforts are part of the authority’s mandate to regulate and develop the road sector through implementing modern technical standards and enhancing road network efficiency across the Kingdom.   ...read full article

Islamabad, April 17, 2026, SPA -- Saudi Arabia provided a grant to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to support the “Green Pakistan” initiative, aimed at strengthening center pivot irrigation systems, improving agricultural productivity, creating job opportunities, preserving the environment, and enhancing food security, as part of efforts to advance cooperation in sustainable development. The Saudi delegation was headed by Assistant Deputy Minister for Agriculture Affairs Dr. Sulaiman AlKhateeb. The grant supports improving water-use efficiency, expanding irrigated land, increasing production quality and quantity, diversifying crops, and providing technical and training support to improve living conditions and create job opportunities. The project covers 500 hectares and includes 10 center pivot irrigation systems, along with fertilization units, generators, and power e ......read full article