Celebrating the Arrival of Stranger Things Season 5 with Exclusive Limited-Edition Timepieces Casio Middle East and Africa is thrilled to announce the availability of a brand-new limited-edition collaboration with the globally acclaimed Netflix series “Stranger Things.” This marks the second special partnership between CASIO and the hit supernatural mystery franchise, arriving just in time to celebrate the release of Season 5, the final chapter of the series. The collection features two uniquely designed models — DW-5600STT-1 and AQ-800EST-1A — both drawing creative inspiration from the parallel worlds central to Stranger Things, including the dark and enigmatic ......read full article

AlUla, January 20, 2026, SPA -- As part of AlUla Arts Festival 2026, held January 16 to February 14, “Villa Tegra,” the first Saudi-French cultural institution, is contributing to the festival within the framework of cultural events that support tourism activity and strengthen AlUla's presence as a cultural destination. AlUla Arts Festival is among the cultural initiatives that have helped diversify the tourism experience through the exhibitions and art installations, performance art shows, and cultural experiences staged in open-air sites, integrated with AlUla’s distinctive natural and heritage assets. The fifth annual festival features contemporary exhibitions ......read full article

Diriyah, January 20, 2026, SPA -- SAMoCA at Jax, in the Jax District in Diriyah, has opened its new art exhibition, “A Night of a Lifetime,” featuring more than 30 male and female artists from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, and the international contemporary art scene. Running from January 26 to April 18, 2026, the exhibition explores the celebratory and reflective dimensions of wedding ceremonies through contemporary artistic practices. Presented by the Museums Commission and curated by Philippe Castro and Alaa Tarabzouni, the exhibition examines marriage as a space where emotional experience intersects with social rituals. It does so through visual artistic perspectives that ......read full article

Riyadh, January 20, 2026, SPA -- Saudi Broadcasting Authority (SBA) Chief Executive Officer Ali bin Abdullah Al-Zaid yesterday visited the headquarters of the MBC Group in Riyadh, accompanied by several senior officials from the authority. In a meeting with MBC Group Director General Ali Al-Hedeithy, both parties explored ways to bolster cooperation. They reviewed joint media projects and identified new opportunities for integration in key sectors of interest. Following the meeting, the SBA chief and the accompanying delegation toured the group’s departments, where they were briefed on the working environment, familiarized themselves with production mechanisms, and reviewed the l ......read full article

Riyadh, January 20, 2026, SPA -- The January edition of the “Big 5 Construct Saudi” exhibition launched Monday at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center, inaugurating one of the key events in the Kingdom’s construction and building sector agenda for 2026. The event features wide participation from leaders and experts in architecture and construction, with official representation from the Architecture and Design Commission. The opening day featured the second annual “Architect Leaders Forum Saudi,” where speakers discussed the role of architects in shaping communities, integrating heritage and culture into development projects, and exploring oppo ......read full article

Riyadh, January 20, 2026, SPA -- The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) on Saturday, via video conference, with a civil-society organization to implement the tenth phase of the Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation Project in Yemen’s Hodeidah Governorate, benefiting 39,077 individuals. The agreement was signed by Assistant Supervisor-General of KSrelief for Operations and Programs Eng. Ahmed Al-Baiz. Under the project, potable water will be transported and distributed, and water supply and sanitation services will be improved to ensure access to safe drinking water and a healthy, disease-free environment. The project also includes the distribution of perso ......read full article

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 19 January 2026 — AJEX, the Saudi-headquartered partner of DHL eCommerce, has announced a new partnership agreement with Al-Arrab Academy, the Saudi-based football training academy dedicated to youth development and sportsmanship. Building on a partnership first established in 2025, the latest agreement will see AJEX serve as the official sponsor of the Academy's upcoming football league in Riyadh, reinforcing the company's ongoing commitment to community engagement and youth empowerment across the Kingdom. Set to commence on 22 January at Al Mutawa Park Stadium, the 'AJEX Academies League' will span a one-month period. Featuring ......read full article

A 5,000 sqm facility, designed to deliver the end-to-end customer journey in one place Led by Arabian Heritage Motors under Al Ghurair Mobility, the partnership strengthens long-term operations in Saudi Arabia Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – 18 January 2026: Arabian Heritage Motors by Al Ghurair has opened the largest EXEED showroom in the world in Riyadh. The new site brings together sales, after-sales services, and customer engagement into a single, seamless experience, strengthening long-term operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The launch was announced during a launch event hosted in Riyadh recently, attended by John Iossifidis, Group CEO of Al Ghurair, alongsi ......read full article

Riyadh, January 19, 2026, SPA -- President of the General Court of Audit (GCA) Dr. Hussam Alangari attended on Sunday evening the closing ceremony of the second edition of the Innovation in Accounting Forum (IAF 2025) for Students, organized by the Saudi Center for Financial and Performance Auditing (SCFPA) at the GCA. It ran from December 15, 2025, to January 18, 2026, to support and empower national talent in accounting and auditing. The second edition featured two main tracks—Knowledge Development and Innovative Challenges—and included six specialized sub-tracks: Studies, Solutions, Data, Empowerment, Simulation, and Career Development. Approximately 1,600 male and female a ......read full article

Jeddah, January 19, 2026, SPA -- The Saudi national team secured first place in the overall standings of the West Asia Modern Pentathlon Championship, which concluded at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, winning a total of 128 medals (42 gold, 43 silver, and 43 bronze). The Lebanon national team placed second with five medals (two gold, two silver, and one bronze), while the Syria national team finished third with two silver medals. The championship featured 80 male and female athletes competing in swimming, running, and shooting across various age groups, ranging from under nine to over 35. The competitions were overseen by 35 Saudi technical staff members, both men and women, along w ......read full article

Riyadh, January 19, 2026, SPA -- At the heart of the intellectual momentum witnessed at the Saudi Media Forum 2026, a new formulation of media’s role emerges – one that goes beyond transmitting news to shaping the features of the future. Visions converge in two panel discussions around a media industry that uplifts societies economically and integrates with people and place in a unique thematic unity. This journey begins with empowering comprehensive development and creating opportunities, and extends to building a national identity linked to urban planning and tourism investment. Media work here becomes an integrative mission that blends the language of numbers with the aestheti ......read full article

Riyadh, January 18, 2026, SPA -- Saudi Arabia ranked second globally and first in the Arab world among donor countries for humanitarian aid in 2025, leading in contributions to Yemen with 49.3% of total aid and ranking second for aid to Syria, according to the United Nations Financial Tracking Service. A recently released 2024 report on development assistance indicates that the Kingdom ranks second among 16 non-member donor countries and tenth globally in aid volume among all 48 donor countries, including both members and non-members. Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah emphasized tha ......read full article

  Davos, January 18, 2026, SPA -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, through the “Saudi House” pavilion initiative from January 19 to 23, with an expanded program – the largest since the launch of the initiative. The pavilion, organized by the Ministry of Economy and Planning, will host a distinguished group of senior officials, executives, investors, and international experts across more than 20 discussion and dialogue sessions. These sessions will address the most pressing global challenges, explore ways to strengthen international cooperation frameworks, identify opportuniti ......read full article

Hail, January 17, 2026, SPA -- Under the patronage of Hail Region Governor and Hail Region Development Authority Board Chairman Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, Hail Region entered the Guinness World Records yesterday after successfully organizing the world’s largest off-road production cars convoy at the historic Tuwaren area northwest of Hail. The convoy set off with 501 off-road production cars, traversing a 7-kilometer unpaved desert route in an exceptional spectacle that embodied the spirit of adventure, showcased the region’s natural diversity and terrain, and reinforced Hail’s position as a leading winter destination for off-road adventures. The event was ......read full article

Riyadh, January 17, 2026, SPA -- The Klija Festival in Buraidah reflects a long journey of leadership and cultural development, having evolved from a simple initiative to promote a local product into an annual festival that embodies the authenticity and cultural identity of the Qassim Region. The transformation was achieved by elevating the traditional product into an economic symbol, empowering productive families, supporting artisans, and converting heritage skills into sustainable sources of income. The festival has contributed to strengthening the region’s culinary heritage at both the local and international levels, establishing itself as a key annual tourism and cultural event ......read full article

Riyadh, January 17, 2026, SPA -- Fitch Ratings has affirmed Saudi Arabia's Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'A+' with Stable Outlook. The affirmation reflects the Kingdom’s strong fiscal and external balance sheets, with government debt-to-GDP and sovereign net foreign assets (SNFA)considerably stronger than the medians for both the ‘A’ and ‘AA’ rating categories, alongside substantial fiscal buffers in the form of deposits and other public sector assets. Fitch projects that GDP growth will reach 4.8% in 2026, while the fiscal deficit is expected to narrow to 3.6% of GDP by 2027. Furthermore, non-oil revenues will conti ......read full article

Hajjah, January 17, 2026, SPA -- With support from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), Al-Ja'ada Health Center in the Midi District of Yemen’s Hajjah Governorate, provided medical services to 1,796 beneficiaries from December 24 to 30, 2025. During this period, the emergency clinic received 786 patients, the pediatrics clinic 369, the internal medicine clinic 316, the obstetrics and gynecology clinic 255, and the infectious diseases clinic 67, while the delivery room handled three cases. Ancillary and support services also saw significant activity, with the pharmacy serving 1,585 patients and the laboratory conducting 566 tests. Additionally, the ......read full article

North Kordofan State, January 17, 2026, SPA -- The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has distributed 1,000 food baskets in Sheikan Locality, North Kordofan State, Sudan, benefiting 6,625 displaced individuals as part of the 2026 Madad Project in the country. This initiative falls within the framework of the Kingdom’s relief and humanitarian efforts through KSrelief to alleviate the suffering of those in need worldwide. ...read full article

Al-Asyah, January 16, 2026, SPA -- The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority is participating in the activities of the ninth edition of the Qassim Falcons Festival, held at Prince Faisal bin Mishaal falconry venue in Al-Asyah Governorate from January 14 to 21. The festival is held under thepatronage of Governor of Qassim Region Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, with the participation of several government and private entities, as well as enthusiasts of falconry and heritage. The authority’s participation aims to introduce visitors to the destinations and experiences of the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve by showcasing its touris ......read full article

AlUla, January 15, 2026, SPA -- Arts AlUla has announced the lineup of Saudi and international artists participating in the fourth edition of Desert X AlUla, the international open-air art exhibition held in collaboration with Desert X. Running from January 16 to February 28, the exhibition will feature an exceptional selection of specially commissioned artworks, ranging from large-scale installations and sound pieces that stretch across and beneath the desert landscape, to kinetic works and immersive interactive experiences. The showcase reflects a deep connection to AlUla’s unique environment, its dramatic natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Desert X AlUla, the r ......read full article

Riyadh, January 15, 2026, SPA -- His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a written message from Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of the Sultanate of Oman concerning relations between the two brotherly countries. The message was received by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji during his meeting today in Riyadh with Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Najib Al-Busaidi. During the meeting, they reviewed relations and ways to enhance them in various fields, and discussed topics of mutual interest. ...read full article

Riyadh, January 16, 2026, SPA -- His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent a cable of congratulations to Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš on the formation of the new government under his leadership and its winning the confidence of Parliament. HRH the Crown Prince expressed his sincere congratulations and best wishes for success to the Czech Prime Minister, wishing the friendly people of the Czech Republic continued progress and prosperity. ...read full article

Riyadh, January 16, 2026, SPA -- Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has approved the awarding of the King Abdulaziz Medal (Third Class) to 200 male and female citizens in recognition of their vital organ donations, whether from living or brain-dead donors. ...read full article

GISTs are considered rare tumors of the gastrointestinal tract Gastric tumors exceeding 20 cm are classified as uncommon cases worldwide Jeddah: A specialized medical team at King's College Hospital London – Jeddah successfully saved the life of a patient suffering from a giant gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), in one of the most complex gastrointestinal oncology surgeries, led by Prof. Dr. Mohamed Hafez, Consultant Surgical Oncology. The patient arrived at the hospital experiencing severe chronic pain and internal gastric bleeding, resulting from a recurrence of the tumor after a previous surgery performed nearly 15 years ago. This time, however, the t ......read full article

Abu Dhabi, UAE | 14 January — Trinasolar, a global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions, is pleased to announce its collaboration with Haala Energy, a leading solar energy developer and installer in Saudi Arabia, during a signing ceremony held at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2026. The collaboration marks a new strategic collaboration aimed at supporting the Kingdom’s clean energy ambitions and accelerating the deployment of high-performance, integrated solar solutions aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. As part of the collaboration, Haala Energy will implement two agricultural solar projects for Bateel date farms, with a combined c ......read full article

Riyadh, January 15, 2026, SPA -- The Riyadh Municipality launched a unified digital platform to streamline the approval of urban plans across all relevant authorities. The initiative aims to simplify the process for beneficiaries and complete all approval procedures electronically while enhancing transparency and ensuring integration with various government agencies. The platform enables beneficiaries in the real estate development sector to submit approval requests online and track their progress from submission through review and final authorization. This ensures clear, well-governed procedures, shortens the approval process for urban plans, and accelerates the provision of developed ......read full article

Taif, January 15, 2026, SPA -- Folkloric showcases captivated visitors at the Writers and Readers Festival in Taif, an initiative of the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission at Ruddaf Park. The daily program features a rich tapestry of Saudi heritage arts, including Yanbu‘awi, Khabiti, Mizmar, and Samri, with each display highlighting the unique rhythms and traditional character of the region's diverse cultural identity. The folk troupe delivered a seamless, venue- and audience-tailored performance. By blending various art forms with fluid transitions, the sequence offered visitors an engaging experience that balanced high-quality entertainment with cultural enrich ......read full article

Riyadh, January 15, 2026, SPA -- Riyadh Region Mayor Prince Dr. Faisal bin Ayyaf met yesterday with Japanese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Yasunari Morino and his delegation. The meeting was also attended by Expo 2030 Riyadh Company (ERC) Chief Executive Officer Talal AlMarri. The meeting focused on key areas of mutual interest. The Riyadh mayor emphasized the strength of bilateral ties, noting the consistent coordination and growing cooperation that define the relationship between the two nations across various fields. The meeting also addressed Riyadh Expo 2030, emphasizing a mutual commitment to exchange expertise and leverage international experience to support future growth and strat ......read full article

Unaizah, January 15, 2026, SPA -- With more than 80 booths featuring traditional products, the 10th annual Hanini and Traditional Foods Festival, organized by the Unaizah Chamber of Commerce, has attracted large numbers of visitors and shoppers. The festival is being held at the Al Musawkaf Heritage Market in Unaizah The festival aims to introduce the Hanini product, its ingredients, and preparation methods, while also boosting economic activity in traditional winter products. It aims to create job opportunities for young men and women, prepare them for the labor market, and highlight the governorate’s tourist attractions. The festival features a variety of activities, including ......read full article

  Hajjah, January 15, 2026, SPA -- The mobile medical clinics of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in Walan camp in Yemen’s Haradh District, affiliated with Hajjah Governorate, continued providing its medical treatment services in late December. A total of 109 beneficiaries visited the clinic from December 24 to 30. Of these, 73 patients were treated at the epidemic disease control clinic, 13 beneficiaries at the internal medicine clinic, 11 patients at the emergency clinic, and two patients at the reproductive health clinic. Ten beneficiaries visited the awareness and education section.   ...read full article

For one month each year, Saudi changes its rhythm entirely. Days grow quieter and slower, and then, as the sun sets, Saudi comes alive. Streets fill, tables stretch long, music and storytelling echo through historic districts, and cities transform into social spaces shaped by food, family, and shared moments. For visitors, Ramadan offers one of the most immersive ways to experience Saudi, not through landmarks alone, but through how life is lived when the sun sets. Eating Together Is the Experience - Everywhere You Go In Saudi, Ramadan nights revolve around the table - and not just around one main dish. Across the country, iftar (breaking the fast) is a shared, multi-layered expe ......read full article

Enthralled by the celestial vault, Van Cleef and Arpels has dreamed of capturing the poetry of stars. Since the 1950s, creations inspired by the signs of the Zodiac have reflected the symbolism of constellations. Today, the Maison continues this tradition with new interpretations of its medals, in white gold and on bracelets. Expanding the wearing possibilities, these pieces are imbued with the story of their wearer. In 2021, Van Cleef and Arpels presented twelve creations echoing the first yellow gold medals that appeared in its collections in the 1950s. This heritage inspired a new ensemble with a personal touch. Twelve bracelets recall the charm jewelry the Maison has crafted throughou ......read full article

Freetown, January 14, 2026, SPA -- The Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) on Tuesday launched the “Competence” military strategic training for counter-terrorism in the Republic of Sierra Leone. The program launch was attended by Sierra Leonean Minister of Internal Affairs Morie Lengor, IMCTC Secretary General of the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Major General Pilot Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, senior military and security officials, civil representatives, and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Republic of Sierra Leone. The initiative runs from January 13 to February 3, targeting the training and capacity building of 30 m ......read full article

Taif, January 14, 2026, SPA -- The Writers and Readers Festival in Taif, organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission at Ruddaf Park, is witnessing a strong turnout. Featuring 270 events, including literary evenings, art showcases, and interactive pathways for all ages, the festival offers an enriching experience for families and book lovers alike. The “Challenge Yourself” digital quiz attracts around 120 participants daily, providing an interactive way to explore all event zones through seven themed questions. The festival aims to establish reading as a community practice, support literary and knowledge-based content, and highlight Saudi creativity, in ......read full article

Riyadh, January 14, 2026, SPA -- Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef inaugurated on Tuesday the international exhibition accompanying the fifth edition of the Future Minerals Forum, in the presence of several ministers, senior officials, and CEOs of major mining and industrial companies from around the world. As an exceptional global platform, the exhibition brings together over 285 sponsors and exhibitors under one roof, representing leading companies across the mining and minerals value chain, from exploration and extraction to processing and manufacturing. This year, the event features a notable international presence, with official national pavilions from 1 ......read full article

Madinah, January 14, 2026, SPA -- The 40th edition of the Economic Bulletin issued by the Al Madinah Al Munawarah Chamber highlights Madinah Region as a strategic hub for maritime transport and supply chains, benefiting from its prime location on the Red Sea coast and its key role in the Kingdom’s transport and logistics network, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy and strengthen its position as a global logistics center. The bulletin noted that Madinah Region hosts two major ports in Yanbu Governorate: King Fahd Industrial Port and Yanbu Commercial Port. The ports are a key pillar of the Kingdom’s import and export operations, particularly for petroc ......read full article

Riyadh, January 14, 2026, SPA -- Riyadh today hosted the third International Geological Survey Meeting (IGSM), attracting a record number of leaders from geological survey authorities worldwide. The meeting, a key feature of the fifth Future Minerals Forum, was chaired by Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs Eng. Khalid Almudaifer, and attended by CEO of Saudi Geological Survey Eng. Abdullah Al Shamrani. In his opening remarks, Almudaifer emphasized that the global mining sector fundamentally depends on reliable, easily accessible geological data, which he described as the most critical enabler for accelerating discoveries and attracting capital. He explai ......read full article

The festive spirit is in full swing at Mercato and Town Centre Jumeirah as Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2026 delivers an exciting mix of world-class entertainment, unbeatable shopping offers, and rewarding experiences for visitors of all ages. Running until 1 February, Mercato is buzzing with energy, bringing families and shoppers together for unforgettable DSF moments. Taking centre stage is a spectacular entertainment lineup at Mercato, featuring the Rolling Gravity Circus—a modern acrobatic balance show on wheels that leaves audiences in awe. Adding to the excitement is the lively Jay Magic Comedy Show, captivating visitors with enchanting illusions and laugh-out-loud performanc ......read full article

Riyadh, January 12, 2026, SPA -- The Transport General Authority (TGA) revealed Monday that the number of passengers who used public bus transport within the cities and governorates of the Kingdom exceeded 27.8 million during the fourth quarter of 2025. According to a statistical bulletin issued by TGA, Riyadh ranked first in terms of passenger numbers, recording more than 21.15 million passengers, followed by Makkah with 3.42 million, Jeddah with 1.19 million, while Dammam and Qatif recorded 836,000 passengers. Madinah logged 481,000 passengers, with the remaining figures distributed across several other cities and governorates, including Qassim, Taif, Jazan, Al-Ahsa, and Tabuk. Th ......read full article

Jeddah, January 13, 2026, SPA -- Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Saleh Al-Suhaibani received at his office in Jeddah Executive Director of the Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF) Mohammed bin Sulaiman Aba Al-Khail. During the meeting, the two officials reviewed the ISF's efforts, which serve as a key institution supporting humanitarian and development initiatives within the OIC. The fund also functions as an important humanitarian arm of the OIC, implementing various development programs and projects. ...read full article

Freetown, January 13, 2026, SPA -- Secretary General of the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Major General Pilot Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi met on Monday in the Sierra Leonean capital, Freetown, with members of the Security Council Committee of the Republic of Sierra Leone, chaired by Sierra Leonean Minister of Internal Affairs Morie Lengor and attended by several other officials. During the meeting, they discussed the latest security developments in Sierra Leone, reviewed challenges in combating terrorism and transnational organized crime, and examined mechanisms to enhance coordination between security and military agencies, thereby strengthening their technical a ......read full article

Riyadh, January 13, 2025, SPA -- Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef, yesterday held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with ministers from several countries participating in the fifth edition of the Future Minerals Forum, in the presence of Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs Eng. Khalid Almudaifer. The forum will commence on Tuesday in Riyadh. During his meeting with Minister of Mines and Energy of the Federative Republic of Brazil Alexandre Silveira, Minister AlKhorayef discussed strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the mining and minerals sector, while highlighting key opportunities to develop joint min ......read full article

Riyadh, January 13, 2026, SPA -- The Royal Court announced today the death of Princess Hind bint Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who passed away outside the Kingdom. The funeral prayer will be performed on Wednesday, January 14, after the Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh. ...read full article