Madinah, April 09, 2026, SPA -- The Madinah Cardiac Center performed 270 open-heart surgeries for patients during the first quarter of 2026. In a statistical report, the Madinah Health Cluster noted that more than 190,000 beneficiaries received medical and therapeutic services across various specializations during the first quarter, reflecting the center's advanced surgical capabilities and commitment to enhancing specialized cardiac care in line with Saudi Vision 2030. The center serves hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries from Madinah and surrounding areas, as well as pilgrims, in accordance with the latest international standards in cardiac treatment and surgery. ...read full article

Makkah, April 13, 2026, SPA -- Clouds blanketed the skies over Makkah today, creating a striking scene and bringing mild weather. The conditions contributed to a noticeable drop in temperatures and added a pleasant atmosphere for residents and visitors. Various districts witnessed a gradual buildup of clouds, ranging from scattered formations to denser clusters. These conditions are typical for this time of year and may be accompanied by surface winds or light rainfall in some areas. The weather provided an opportunity to enjoy outdoor spaces and the holy sites under moderate conditions. Authorities emphasized the importance of following safety guidelines in case of changing weather. Makkah continues to attract attention for its climatic diversity and scenic appeal. ...read full article

Riyadh, April 15, 2026, SPA -- The General Directorate of Education in Riyadh Region announced that in-person classes will shift online on Wednesday via the Madrasati platform and other approved educational platforms for all students and teaching and administrative staff across Riyadh Region and its affiliated governorates. The decision was based on reports from the National Center for Meteorology and was taken to ensure everyone’s safety. ...read full article

Riyadh, April 15, 2026, SPA -- Saudi Energy announced the signing of final agreements to establish a strategic partnership with Kraken Technologies Limited, one of the world’s leading companies in AI-powered digital operating solutions for the utilities sector. Under the agreements, the two parties will establish a joint venture headquartered in Riyadh, while Saudi Energy will acquire a minority equity stake in Kraken. The partnership supports Saudi Energy’s AI-driven digital innovation strategy and the development of advanced operating platforms for the energy and utilities sectors, contributing to improved operational efficiency, enhanced organizational resilience, and long-term sustainable growth. The joint venture will serve as the exclusive distributor of the Kraken operating platform in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with a focus on building advanced re ......read full article

Washington, April 11, 2026, SPA -- A high-level international workshop on AI governance and international cooperation concluded in Washington. The event, organized by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) in collaboration with the World Bank Group, was held from April 6 to 10 and brought together international experts and representatives from various organizations and government entities. The workshop featured sessions on global best practices in AI governance, as well as the development of regulatory frameworks aimed at promoting responsible technology use and supporting a secure and trusted digital ecosystem. Discussions also addressed ways to strengthen international cooperation and knowledge exchange, align national policies with global frameworks, and anticipate challenges associated with the rapid advancement of data and artificial intelligence technologies. ...read full article

Makkah, April 13, 2026, SPA -- The General Transport Center – one of the centers of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites – conducted, in coordination with more than 24 government and operational entities, a virtual simulation of the transport system in the Holy Sites as part of preparations for the Hajj season 1447 AH, aiming to test operational efficiency and enhance coordination among the relevant entities. The exercise was carried out through an operational model simulating pilgrims’ movement between Makkah and theHoly Sites, using 3,000 buses across five main operational phases covering all stages of transport, and through 15 primary routes, enabling the testing of crowd flow and traffic management efficiency at various stages. The simulation aimed to model the transport of more than 1.2 million virtual pilgrims through over 75,000 planned trips ......read full article

Riyadh, April 13, 2026, SPA -- A team of students from the Cybersecurity Master’s program at the College of Computing and Informatics at the Saudi Electronic University secured first place in the “Unithon 2026” competition. The event was organized by King Faisal University under the theme “Innovation for a Better University Life.” It featured teams from local and international universities and was held as part of the 5th International Conference on Computing and Machine Intelligence (ICMI 2026). President of the Saudi Electronic University Dr. Mohammed bin Yahya praised the team’s achievement, describing it as a valuable addition to the university’s record. He said it reflects the institution’s academic standards and its ability to prepare national talent capable of competing globally in artificial intelligence and digital transfor ......read full article

Jeddah, April 14, 2026, SPA -- The General Directorate of Border Guard team secured second and third places in the Ocean Kayak Championship held in Jeddah, organized by the Saudi Canoe and Kayak Federation. The team won four medals, including silver and bronze in the long-distance races, silver in the relay, and bronze in the short-distance races. ...read full article

Riyadh, April 10, 2026, SPA -- The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and Expo 2030 Riyadh signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing joint cooperation in promoting Saudi tourism and attracting visitors to Expo 2030 Riyadh. The MoU was signed by CEO and Member of the Board of the Saudi Tourism Authority Fahd Hamidaddin and CEO of Expo 2030 Riyadh Company Talal AlMarri. Expo 2030 Riyadh Company is the official entity responsible for planning, development, and delivery of Expo 2030 Riyadh. The agreement outlines a joint commitment to develop various tourism activities and products to attract visitors to Expo 2030 Riyadh, promote Saudi Arabia in targeted international markets, and coordinate marketing and media plans to highlight Saudi Arabia as a distinguished global destination. The partnership also aims to enhance the visitor experience through planning d ......read full article

Madinah, April 10, 2026, SPA -- The Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) in Madinah Region was honored at the Minoan RobotSports Competition (MRC) Global Olympiad in Crete, Greece, acknowledging its successful organization of the 2026 Saqr championship, a major event in Madinah that featured over 200 teams competing in robotics, innovation, and programming. The award highlights the corporation’s commitment to empowering young talent and enhancing Saudi Arabia's global standing in STEAM fields. By fostering skills in robotics and artificial intelligence, the corporation continues to raise the international competitiveness of its trainees and solidify the Kingdom's presence in specialized global forums. ...read full article

Kayaking has emerged as a premier attraction at Al-Hareed Festival in the Farasan Islands, offering visitors a unique blend of adventure and nature. The activity is centered at Mangrove Beach, a revitalized site known for its tranquil waterways and dense mangrove and tamarisk forests. These natural channels provide an ideal environment for exploration, taking paddlers deep into a captivating and serene marine landscape. The initiative to develop the site was driven by local investment aimed at transforming the beach into a safe, world-class tourist destination. Managed under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Canoe and Kayak Federation, the site ensures high safety standards, including the presence of certified lifeguards. The rowing route spans a 2,400-meter round trip, typically taking 45 to 60 minutes to complete. Available in both single and double config ......read full article

Al-Baha, April 13, 2026, SPA -- Al-Baha Region yesterday received scattered moderate to light rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and dense fog in the Sarat area that reduced horizontal visibility to zero. The rainfall covered parts of Al-Baha city, its suburbs, and several parks, with water flowing through a number of valleys and the ground left soaked. ...read full article

Hail, April 09, 2026, SPA -- The Aja Mountains in Hail Region have been transformed into a verdant landscape following recent rains, creating a stunning natural spectacle that reflects the region's environmental diversity and highlights its unique natural and tourist attractions. Vegetation has spread across the ravines and valleys, with seasonal grasses and wild plants flourishing, creating visually harmonious landscapes that complement the distinctive rock formations of the Aja Mountains. The recent rainfall has nourished the soil, promoting abundant vegetation growth in many areas. The Aja Mountains are among the most prominent natural landmarks in Hail, renowned for their diverse topography and varied environments. They are a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, particularly in spring. ...read full article

Riyadh, April 10, 2026, SPA -- Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has launched five new logistics routes designed to enhance supply chain efficiency and integrate various transport modes. These routes link Arabian Gulf ports with the Kingdom’s central and northern regions, extending to the Red Sea and northern neighboring countries. By utilizing a multimodal network of road and rail, the initiative supports the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030 goals to establish the Kingdom as a global logistics hub. Managed through an integrated system, including the Riyadh Dry Port and key cargo yards in Dammam, Jubail, Ras Al-Khair, Al-Kharj, Hail, and Al-Qurayyat, the new routes facilitate the transport of petrochemicals and minerals. This infrastructure connects local industrial centers directly to international shipping lines, significantly reducing transit times ......read full article

Jeddah, April 10, 2026, SPA -- Jeddah Governorate will host the Round of 16 and final stages of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025–2026 season from April 13 to 25 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium. The tournament will feature West Region Round of 16 matches in Jeddah on April 13 and 14 in a single-leg format, after being shifted from the home-and-away system. Participating clubs include Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad, as well as Qatar’s Al-Sadd and Al-Duhail, the UAE’s Al-Wahda and Shabab Al-Ahli, and Iran’s Tractor. Asian football fans are also turning their attention to the tournament finals, which will be held in a centralized format from April 16 to 25 amid anticipation of an exceptional edition following the knockout-stage draw at the headquarters of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in Kuala ......read full article

Riyadh, April 10, 2026, SPA -- The ministers responsible for tourism in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states held an extraordinary meeting via videoconference on April 7, 2026, to monitor the latest developments in the region and review their potential implications for the tourism sector across the council states. The ministers of the GCC states reiterated their condemnation, in the strongest possible terms, of the unjustified and illegal Iranian aggressions that have deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure, including ports, airports, energy facilities, desalination plants, residential and commercial areas, and tourism facilities such as hotels. They stressed that these actions represent a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the GCC member states, as well as a flagrant breach of international law and the Charter of the United Nations (UN). The ......read full article

Riyadh, April 9, 2026, SPA -- The Ministry of Interior and Red Sea Global signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) today at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh. The MoU was signed by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Security Capabilities Abdullah Al-Kathiri and Chief Executive Officer of Red Sea Global John Pagano. The agreement aims to enhance integration between the two sides in strengthening public safety requirements and standards. ...read full article

Riyadh, April 9, 2026, SPA -- FIFA has selected the Saudi refereeing crew, comprising referee Khalid Al-Turais, assistant referee Mohammed Al-Abakry, and VAR official Abdullah Al-Shehri, to officiate matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 18. The selection follows the crew's distinguished performances in various regional, continental, and international refereeing assignments, most notably their successful participation in the FIFA U-20 World Cup held last year in Chile. Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Almisehal congratulated the selected officials, wishing them success at the World Cup and expressing hope that they would represent Saudi refereeing with distinction at this global football event. Almisehal affirmed that FIFA's selection of a Saudi refereeing crew reflects the continued con ......read full article

Arar, April 09, 2026, SPA -- Throughout history, camels have been essential to the economy of Northern Borders Region, serving as key means of transportation and trade along desert routes connecting northern Arabian Peninsula with Iraq, the Levant, and Egypt. Notable historical markets such as Linah and Al-Mashahda facilitated trade by providing hubs for caravans that relied heavily on camels to transport goods. The Uqaylat caravans were among the most prominent, traversing overland routes through northern Saudi Arabia, including paths that connected to Iraq and the Levant. The village of Linah played a crucial role as a trading center, supplying caravans with goods. Although modern transportation has reduced caravan traffic, camels remain an important economic resource, with approximately 56,925 in Northern Borders Region. Khalaf bin Jabal Al-Ghafeeli, a tourist guide, highligh ......read full article

Riyadh, April 10, 2026, SPA -- The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) recorded a 6.66% increase in transshipment containers in March 2026, reaching 148,192 TEUs, compared with 138,937 TEUs in the same period last year. Container throughput fell 34.85% to 456,606 TEUs, compared with 700,864 TEUs in the same period last year. Inbound containers declined 42.04% to 163,142 TEUs, while outbound containers dropped 48.20% to 145,272 TEUs. Total tonnage of general cargo, dry bulk cargo, and liquid bulk cargo handled fell 25.70% to 11,278,830 tons, compared with 15,179,503 tons in the same period of 2025. Passenger numbers rose 25.89% to 73,742, compared with 58,576 passengers last year. Maritime traffic declined 20.28% to 1,124 vessels, compared with 1,410 vessels in the same period last year. Vehicle volumes fell 61.74% to 34,534, compared with 90,271 last year. Ports also received 635, ......read full article

Rafha, April 08, 2026, SPA -- Historic Linah continues to strengthen its renewed presence in Northern Borders Region by reshaping its aesthetic landscape. This transformation is rooted in evoking its cultural and architectural heritage and aligning it with modern development goals, reflecting the area’s identity and enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination. Linah is witnessing rapid development efforts aimed at highlighting its unique historical character. These include enhancements to public spaces, the development of facilities and services, and the preparation of heritage sites to preserve their authenticity. The projects include the development of entrances and public squares through the addition of aesthetically inspired sculptures, the installation of modern lighting systems, and the enhancement of paving and supporting services. These efforts reflect the princi ......read full article

Riyadh, April 08, 2026, SPA -- The Saudi Stock Exchange main index ended trading higher today, gaining 251.46 points to close at 11,339.00 points. The total value of trading reached SAR8.4 billion, with 407 million shares traded. The Saudi Parallel Market Index (NOMU) ended higher, gaining 344.31 points to close at 22,633.18 points. Trading value on NOMU reached SAR26 million, with more than two million shares traded. ...read full article

Jeddah, April 08, 2026, SPA -- Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer arrived in Jeddah today. Upon his arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport, he was received by Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz and several other officials. ...read full article

Riyadh, April 08, 2026, SPA -- Under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Princess Fahda bint Falah Al Hathleen spouse of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques honored on Tuesday the winners of the eighth edition of the Princess Nourah Prize for Women’s Excellence. The winners were recognized across several theoretical and applied fields representing the prize’s categories. The ceremony was held at the Conferences and Seminars Center of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. The themes of the eighth edition focused on topics reflecting national priorities and Saudi Vision 2030, including preventive healthcare, green supply chains, and preserving national heritage. Submissions exceeded 500 entries, highlighting growing awareness of the importance of women’s excellence and its role as an active partner in bui ......read full article

08 April 2026 (Singapore) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) published the results of several digital identity Proofs of Concept (PoCs) completed with the support of airlines, airports, technology providers and governments across Europe and Asia-Pacific. The successful PoCs demonstrated that contactless, biometric-enabled international travel is already achievable with digital identity replacing paper documentation. Working together as part of the IATA Strategic Partnerships Program, the partners tested how digital identity stored in mobile wallets and biometric verification can support seamless passenger journeys without repeated paper document checks. Importantly, the PoCs demonstrated that interoperability of systems is sufficiently advanced to support contactless journeys involving multiple carriers and using different digital identity walle ......read full article

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 8 April 2026:  Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia, organiser of Automechanika Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s leading regional automotive aftermarket trade event, has announced the postponement of the upcoming edition. Originally scheduled to take place from 4-6 May 2026, the event will now focus on its return to the Kingdom in 2027. The decision follows a careful and ongoing assessment of the current regional environment and prioritises the safety, wellbeing, and confidence of customers, partners, and staff, while ensuring the event maintains the full international scale, high-calibre, and value for which the global Automechanika brand is renowned. Martyn Cox, Show Director at Messe Frankfurt Middle East (MFME), commented: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly. Automechanika Riyadh has quickly established itself as an important platform for the Saud ......read full article

Riyadh, April 7, 2026, SPA -- Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim met today with Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria Beate Meinl-Reisinger. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation across several fields, reviewed the work of the Saudi-Austrian Joint Committee, and addressed the latest global economic developments of mutual interest. ...read full article

Umluj, 07 April 2026, SPA -- The southern areas of Umluj Governorate in Tabuk Region are witnessing a notable influx of visitors from among citizens and residents as mild weather conditions prevail, offering a spring scene that reflects the natural diversity of the region. Visitors are keen to spend their time at open-air sites and enjoy the natural scenery amid tranquil surroundings, boosting domestic tourism in the governorate and highlighting the environmental features that distinguish its rural areas. The southern areas of Umluj Governorate are among the natural sites that draw visitors during the spring season following rainfall, offering a suitable environment for outings and outdoor activities amid the governorate's geographical and environmental diversity. ...read full article

Riyadh, April 7, 2026, SPA -- The Ministry of Commerce has released its Business Sector Bulletin for the first quarter of 2026, highlighting key developments in the Kingdom's business sector. During this period, over 71,000 commercial registrations were issued, bringing the total active registrations to more than 1.89 million. The bulletin emphasized a 240% increase in commercial registrations over the past five years, with significant growth in sectors targeted by Vision 2030, including e-commerce, virtual reality, and data analytics. The media sector also experienced notable growth, with the number of establishments rising by 10% to over 1.27 million. Limited liability company registrations exceeded 597,000 (a 138% increase), while joint-stock company registrations surpassed 5,000, reflecting a 40% growth since 2021. The full bulletin is available at: https://mc.gov.sa/nl. ...read full article

Riyadh, April 08, 2026, SPA -- The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) held a panel discussion titled “Pulse of Numbers: Statistical Data in the Service of Health” as part of the “Road to Riyadh” events, with the participation of a select group of specialists from the General Authority for Statistics, the Ministry of Health, the Public Health Authority, and the World Health Organization's Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean. The session discussed the pivotal role of statistical data in supporting decision-making in the healthcare sector by enhancing the quality and reliability of health indicators, developing data governance practices, and strengthening integration among relevant entities, thereby contributing to improving the efficiency of health planning. The session also addressed the role of advanced technologies in developing healthc ......read full article