RIYADH: Home to more than 1,400 animals from 190 species, Riyadh Zoo is back for its third year as part of Riyadh Season, offering visitors of all ages new interactive and educational experiences. Beginning Oct. 30, the zoo opened its doors to the public free of charge. Visitors can book tickets through the webook platform and explore a variety of animals in natural habitats that mimic their original environments.

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s (KSrelief) humanitarian activities continue with the delivery of food and medical services in Gaza, Jordan and Yemen. At the Gaza Strip, the Saudi aid agency deployed a convoy of 30 trucks loaded with 10,560 shelter bags filled with essential supplies allocated for the Palestinian people, and to be distributed through the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization.

RIYADH: A Saudi officer and a non-commissioned officer were killed and another officer injured following an attack within a military camp in Sayoun in Yemen, the spokesperson for the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen announced on Saturday. Brigadier General Turki Al-Maliki said that the attack occurred on Friday evening during a sports training session at the camp.

RIYADH: In a world where women’s economic participation is crucial for sustainable development, the W20 initiative is amplifying women’s voices within the G20 framework. A beacon of advocacy and action, the Saudi delegation for Women 20, or W20, is led by Miznah Al-Omair, CEO of Al-Nahda Society, which was founded in 1963 to empower women in Saudi Arabia.

BRASILIA: Deputy Speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Salami met with President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies Lorenzo Fontana at the 10th G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) recently in Brazil. The two officials discussed cooperation, and stressed the need to strengthen parliamentary relations in order to achieve common goals, Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. The meeting was attended by Shoura Council members Dr. Iman bint Abdulaziz Al-Jibreen and Yazid bin Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri.    

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saturday congratulated Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni on his country's Independence Day celebration, the SPA reported. In cable, King Salman wished the Cambodian king good health and happiness, as well as continued progress and prosperity for both the government and the people. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a similar cable. The Southeast Asian nation declared independence from France on November 9, 1953.

JEDDAH: Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani and his accompanying delegation arrived in Jeddah on Saturday to perform Umrah rituals, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The Mauritanian leader was welcomed at King Abdulaziz International Airport by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, the deputy governor of Makkah province, and several other officials. After performing Umrah at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, the Mauritanian president also visited the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah.  

RIYADH: Arab Week will open on Monday at the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization headquarters in Paris, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The two-day event plays a significant role in advancing Arab and international cultural and civilizational efforts, contributing to the progress of education, culture, and science at both regional and global levels.

RIYADH: The municipality of Riyadh will take part in the 12th World Urban Forum, organized by the UN Human Settlements Programme in Cairo, from Nov. 4-8. It will showcase the Kingdom’s role in sustainable urban development, aligned with Vision 2030 goals, including urban planning, reducing visual pollution, and enhancing environmental, health, and urban sustainability standards. The municipality will also highlight the Kingdom’s achievements in sustainable urban goals across various sectors, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji received President of the International Committee of the Red Cross Mirjana Spoljaric in Riyadh on Sunday. During the meeting, they reviewed various aspects of joint humanitarian work, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X. The two sides also discussed regional and international developments. Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi met with Shahin Abdullayev, Azerbaijan’s ambassador to the Kingdom, in Riyadh on Sunday.

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia does not have a favorite in the US presidential race, and would enjoy strong relations with either Republican Donald Trump or Democrat Kamala Harris, Saudi political commentator Ali Shihabi has said. According to him, the Kingdom’s priority is to use its relationship with Washington to address pressing regional issues, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

RIYADH: Riyadh Season’s zone Boulevard World recently unveiled its Iranian area, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of its culture. The space showcases a diverse array of Iranian cuisine, traditional crafts, and cultural performances, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists.    As visitors approach the area they are greeted by an ambiance that will transport them to Iran. The floating Iranian rugs and fountain adorned with a renowned Iranian statue set the stage for a memorable experience.

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Iranian counterpart discussed the importance of avoiding anything that could destabilize the security and stability of the region on Monday. During a phone call with Abbas Araghchi, Prince Faisal discussed the latest developments in the region and the repercussions of an escalation. The two ministers also reviewed Saudi-Iranian relations, Saudi Press Agency said. 

RIYADH: Even if the national climate plans of countries worldwide are successful, carbon emission levels will cause catastrophic effects by 2030, according to the UN’s climate chief. Current plans would result in emissions of 51.5 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030 — only a 2.6 percent reduction on 2019 levels. These emissions would lead to severe human and economic consequences worldwide, according to a statement issued on Monday by Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati received the German Ambassador to the Kingdom Michael Kindsgrab in Riyadh on Monday. Al-Sati also held separate meetings with the Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan and Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Madiyar Menilbekov on the same day, the Foreign Ministry announced on X. Bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them were discussed during the meetings, alongside various other topics of common interest.

RIYADH: Committed to empowering students with the right tools to succeed, Talal Al-Qahtani, 17, founded Saudi Extracurriculars for Students, a nonprofit organization dedicated to help aspiring highschoolers become “changemakers.” To address what he saw as a gap in the market, he founded SEFS to connect Saudi youth with a range of extracurricular activities in the Kingdom, such as community service, internships, music, art and culture.  

BARCELONA: The Saudi deputy foreign minister, Waleed Elkhereiji, spoke at the Union for the Mediterranean’s ninth Regional Forum in Barcelona on Monday about the importance of efforts to enhance regional security, at a time when decisive and practical international action is required to halt a continuous cycle of violence and destruction.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned on Saturday the military targeting of Iran, denouncing it as a violation of Tehran’s sovereignty and a breach of international laws and norms, state news agency SPA reported. In a statement, the Kingdom urged all involved parties to exercise maximum restraint and to work toward de-escalation and warned of the grave consequences that prolonged military confrontations could have on the region.

Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Japan, Ghazi bin Faisal bin Zagr, welcomed the newly appointed Japanese ambassador to the Kingdom, Morino Yasunari, at the Saudi Embassy in Tokyo.  During their meeting, the two ambassadors discussed the robust and longstanding bilateral relationship between Saudi Arabia and Japan, and explored ways to enhance cooperation across various sectors. Ambassador Bin Zagr expressed his sincere wishes for Ambassador Morino’s success in his new role and extended his hopes for a pleasant stay in the Kingdom. 

NEW DELHI: The Saudi deputy minister for political affairs, Saud Al-Sati, held talks with India’s foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, in New Delhi on Saturday. They reviewed relations between their countries and discussed ways in which they might be enhanced, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a message posted on social media platform X. Other topics included the latest regional and international developments and other issues of common interest.

Riyadh: Riyadh Season will allocate sales outlets in key locations this year to productive families and entrepreneurs during major events, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The General Entertainment Authority and the Social Development Bank signed a cooperation agreement that will organize the participation of productive families and entrepreneurs, and allocate sales outlets in key locations throughout Boulevard World.

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency, KSrelief, funded medical services in northern Lebanon and Jordan earlier this month, state news agency SPA reported.  The ambulance service of Miniyeh District, along with the Souboul Al-Salam Relief Team in North Lebanon, conducted 83 emergency medical missions from Oct. 4 to 10 with KSrelief’s support. The services included transferring patients to and from hospitals and providing emergency assistance to traffic accident victims in Miniyeh.

 RIYADH: Saudi aid agency, KSrelief, has continued to provide food assistance to vulnerable communities in Syria, Lebanon, Sudan and Pakistan.  In Syria, the agency distributed 888 food baskets and 888 hygiene kits on Friday in the town of Salqin, located in the Harem district of Idlib Governorate. This initiative benefited 5,328 individuals. 

RIYADH: The Reef National Foundation has launched an initiative to empower rural women by enhancing their skills in managing small and medium enterprises and improving product quality to meet local market demands. The program focuses on capacity building in sustainable development areas like agriculture and crafts, and providing essential equipment to improve rural business operations. It is part of a broader effort by the foundation to promote sustainable rural development across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

RIYADH: Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Palestine to the Kingdom Basem Al-Agha on Sunday in Riyadh, where they held friendly talks. Meanwhile, Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz met with Algerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Sherif Walid in Dammam on Sunday, the Saudi Press Agency reported. During the meeting, the two sides discussed various topics of common interest. The Algerian ambassador thanked Prince Saud for the warm reception.  

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro in Riyadh on Sunday. During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations and cooperation between their countries and ways to enhance them in various fields. They also discussed international developments and efforts made with regard to the developments. 

Riyadh: At least 542 caves and sinkholes discovered in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region offer more destinations for the increasing number of tourists, adventurers and researchers interested in these structures, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday. Of varying shapes, these structures offer a glimpse into the past with their unique geological formations, said the report, quoting Burjas Al-Falih, a speleologist and a member of the Afaq Society for Astronomy.

RIYADH: The second Saudi relief plane, operated by KSrelief, departed on Monday from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, carrying food, medical supplies and shelter aid to Beirut International Airport. This mission follows the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Prince Mohammed bin Salman to support the Lebanese people. This aid aims to alleviate the suffering of those affected in Lebanon and is part of the Kingdom’s support across various humanitarian and relief sectors.

RIYADH: The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued a warning that there will be thunderstorms in several regions of Saudi Arabia until Friday. The Makkah region is expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by flash floods, hail and strong winds, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. Taif, Maysan, Adham and Al-Ardiyat are particularly at risk, while Turabah may have light rainfall.

RIYADH: Tajikistan considers Saudi Arabia an important partner and looks forward to strengthening cooperation at all levels, its ambassador to the Kingdom said. Speaking at a reception at the Culture Palace in the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh to mark Tajikistan’s 33rd Independence Day and the 30th anniversary of its constitution, Akram M. Karimi said: “For over 33 years, my country has been moving forward with strength and determination in its journey to preserve its independence and sovereignty, and achieve the accomplishments it aspires to on the path of progress.”

RIYADH: The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority participated in a dialogue session on AI capabilities at the 79th UN General Assembly in New York, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. The authority’s general manager of strategic partnerships, Rehab Alarfaj, highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts in data and AI, focusing on building national human capacities and its global contributions. Alarfaj said that the authority’s efforts aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the fourth goal on quality education.

RIYADH: Investment in infrastructure is pivotal in fostering sustainable development and facilitating the evolution of smart cities, the deputy minister of environment, water and agriculture has said. Mansour Al-Mushaiti was speaking during “Shaping the Future: Collaborative Infrastructure Initiatives for Saudi Arabia,” a panel discussion at the Saudi Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition.

JEDDAH: The AlUla Wellness Festival is returning from Oct. 17 to Nov. 2, inviting relaxation seekers, nature lovers, and free-spirited individuals to join a like-minded community for an expanded schedule of activities amid the stunning scenery of AlUla. For centuries, AlUla has served as a haven for renewal, reflection, and personal development, benefiting both residents and travelers. This year, the festival celebrates and revives this legacy, offering visitors the opportunity to indulge their senses in harmony with nature.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a written message from Jordan’s King Abdullah on Wednesday relating to relations between their countries. The message was received by Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji during a meeting with Jordan’s ambassador to the Kingdom Haitham Abu Al-Foul in Riyadh. Al-Khuraiji and Abu Al-Foul reviewed Saudi-Jordanian relations and ways to support and enhance them in various fields. They also discussed topics of common interest.

RIADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati received Ambassador of Sudan to the Kingdom Dafallah Al-Hjj Ali in Riyadh on Tuesday. Deputy Minister for Consular Affairs Ali Al-Yousef received Ambassador of Iraq to the Kingdom Safia Taleb Al-Suhail in Riyadh also on Tuesday. During the meetings, all sides discussed respective bilateral relations and various topics of common interest, the Foreign Ministry reported on X.