JEDDAH: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Jeddah on Tuesday as he embarks on a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia.  Modi’s plane was escorted by Saudi Royal fighter as it entered Saudi airspace, Indian newspapers reported.  “India deeply values its long and historic ties with Saudi Arabia that have acquired strategic depth and momentum in recent years,” said Modi in a statement released by his office. “Together, we have developed a mutually beneficial and substantive partnership.”

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan met leaders from various universities, institutes and research centers in China, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday. He was accompanied by Saudi Ambassador to China Abdulrahman Al-Harbi and Ministry of Education Undersecretary for International Cooperation Nasser Al-Aqeeli. The meeting, part of the minister’s visit to Beijing, aimed to explore new avenues for cooperation to enhance the educational and research systems in both countries.

RIYADH: The dugong, or Dugong dugon, a marine mammal classified as vulnerable, remains a key indicator of marine biodiversity in Saudi Arabia.  Found in the country’s warm coastal waters, the species is considered an important marker of the health and stability of marine ecosystems, the Saudi Press Agency reported.  During Saudi Arabia’s Environment Week, the dugong featured prominently in events, drawing attention to ongoing conservation efforts and the responsibilities shared by researchers, environmental advocates, and policymakers.

JEDDAH: In partnership with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, King Saud University has launched a training program for the upcoming Transformation Hackathon. The three-day program equips participants with essential skills to thrive in high-performing hackathon teams. It focuses on building technical abilities and hands-on experience with AI tools. Participants will learn to develop innovative, functional prototypes that address key challenges during the hackathon, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

RIYADH: King Salman Science Oasis in Riyadh hosted a scientific discussion featuring Japanese professor Sumio Iijima, the discoverer of carbon nanotubes and recipient of the 2025 King Faisal Prize in Science. The session included participation from several high school students, along with various scientists and specialists, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The event was part of the center’s initiatives aimed at enhancing communication between scientists and younger generations, and inspiring students to engage in scientific research and innovation.

RIYADH: What if the answer to wastewater treatment was in the water itself? At King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, a team led by Professor Pascal Saikaly is harnessing the natural power of microbes found in wastewater — not just to clean it, but to generate energy and create valuable resources.

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief continues to provide much-needed humanitarian assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable people. In Sudan, 1,350 food packages were distributed to displaced and needy families in Northern State, benefiting more than 8,000 people, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs is taking part in the 30th Rabat International Book and Publishing Fair, running until April 27 in the Moroccan capital. It reflects the ministry’s efforts to promote the Kingdom’s message of moderation and tolerance, and its commitment to printing, publishing and teaching the Holy Qur’an, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

RIYADH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has stressed that individuals intending to perform Hajj this year must obtain a permit through the Nusuk platform, which is integrated with the unified Tasreeh system for issuing official permits. It also said that no type of visa grants the right to perform Hajj, and that full compliance with regulations is essential to ensure the safety of pilgrims and a smooth Hajj experience, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Riyadh: Saudi authorities arrested 20,688 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. A total of 12,372 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,750 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,566 for labor-related issues. The report showed that among the 1,264 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 61 percent were Ethiopian, 36 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.

MADINAH: Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch arrived in Madinah on Saturday to visit and pray at the Prophet’s Mosque. On his arrival at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport he was received by Undersecretary of Madinah Abdul Mohsen bin Nayef bin Hamid, the Director of the Royal Protocol Office in the region Ibrahim bin Abdullah Barri, and a number of officials, Saudi Press Agency reported.

RIYADH: The Transport General Authority fined more than 400 foreign trucks in several regions of the Kingdom between March 16 and 21 for regulatory offenses. The actions were part of the authority’s field campaigns on land transport activities aimed at enhancing compliance with regulations and laws, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday. The authority reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy, which imposes a SR10,000 ($2,666) fine and a 15-day impoundment for first-time offenders.

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 552 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week. The total included 513 unexploded ordnances, 35 anti-tank mines and four explosive devices, according to a recent report. Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 485,501 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018. The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

RIYADH: The fifth National Campaign for Charitable Work, hosted on the Ehsan platform during Ramadan, continues to attract significant donations, focusing on mosque enhancements and worship services. The campaign has funded more than 3,000 Umrah trips, built five mosques, maintained 46, and provided essential resources to 12, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday. Donations can be made via ehsan.sa or the donor service center at 8001247000, the SPA added.

RIYADH: The historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in the Asir region has been restored as part of a national project, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to protect Islamic heritage and highlight traditional architectural styles. Built in 1760, Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque was renovated to preserve its original design and geometric shape while restoring its sustainable features.

RIYADH: The Saudi Culinary Arts Academy (ZADC) was awarded a full institutional accreditation certificate on Sunday, with the support of Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Governor of the Eastern Province. The recognition was granted during the inauguration ceremony of the academy’s new building on March 16. The accreditation follows an agreement signed on March 10 between the academy and the Education and Training Evaluation Commission to implement institutional accreditation processes.

RIYADH: Under the patronage of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and in the presence of Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji, the Foreign Ministry hosted a gathering of the heads of diplomatic missions, regional offices, and international organizations accredited to the Kingdom to mark the holy month of Ramadan.

RIYADH: The Palestinian and Egyptian ambassadors to Saudi Arabia were awarded with the King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class on Monday.  Basem Al-Agha and Ahmed Farouk Tawfiq were given the awards for their efforts to strengthen relations between their countries and the Kingdom, Saudi Press Agency reported. Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji awarded the sashes on the directive of King Salman, SPA added. 

MAKKAH: Saudi authorities provided almost 11 million iftar meals to Umrah pilgrims and other worshippers at the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madina during the first half of Ramadan. The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque said on Monday, the 17th day of Ramadan, it has provided 10,822,999 iftar meals and 10,290,000 packets of dates so far during the holy month, which is a time of worship for Muslims during which they fast from sunrise to sunset.

RIYADH: The Saudi leadership has approved the disbursement of over SR3 billion ($800 million) to social security beneficiaries as part of an aid initiative during the holy month of Ramadan. Under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the scheme will address the needs of beneficiary families and fulfill their requirements during Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

JEDDAH: Warmth and unity reigned supreme at an iftar organized by the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to celebrate Ramadan. The event featured organic flavors to highlight the theme of sustainability and brought together a distinguished group of guests including representatives of the Saudi government, diplomatic community, Indian diaspora, and leaders from sectors such as business, media and culture.

JEDDAH: With the arrival of Ramadan and many Muslims from around the world performing Umrah, a compulsory garment for male worshippers is the ihram, a simple, white garment symbolizing purity, unity and devotion. The ihram is a critical part of the Umrah and Hajj experience, consisting of two pieces of unstitched cloth. The Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission recently introduced its Sustainable Ihram initiative, which focuses on recycling and repurposing used ihrams.

RIYADH: The historic Al-Roasa Mosque in Al-Majma’ah governorate has been restored as part of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. The mosque, originally constructed between 1946 and 1950 in the traditional Najdi style, has been renovated using clay construction techniques and natural materials.

NEW YORK: Saudi aid agency KSrelief took part in a high-level session at UN Headquarters in New York City recently as part of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. During the session, the agency highlighted its global efforts to empower women, the Saudi Press Agency reported. KSrelief has implemented 1,072 projects to support women in 79 countries, at a total cost of more than $723 million.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's grape production surpassed 122,000 tonnes in 2023, reflecting the growth of the local agricultural sector and its ability to meet a big portion of market demands, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported Saturday. The figure accounts for 66 percent of current market demand in the Kingdom, said the report, citing a statement by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, or MEWA. MEWA said more than 7.13 million grape plants, with more than 6.1 million bearing fruit. 

RIYADH: During the holy month, the Northern Borders region lights up with one of its standout traditions: the Ramadan bonfire. These Ramadan gatherings hold a special place in the community, strengthening family and neighborly bonds. The spirit of Ramadan reflects love, communication, and the strengthening of social values between generations. (SPA)

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture highlighted the importance of purchasing local products to achieve environmental and economic sustainability and enhance food security, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This came during the launch of an environmental campaign through the ministry’s Environmental Awareness Initiative, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The campaign aims to promote healthy behaviors supporting the local economy and raising environmental awareness by encouraging the purchase of national products.

RIYADH: The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued a weather warning for most regions of the Kingdom, with moderate to heavy rain expected to continue until Friday. The affected regions include Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, Tabuk, Hail, Qassim, the Eastern Province, the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, Al-Baha and Asir, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The Civil Defense urged all residents to take necessary precautions, avoid areas prone to flash floods, such as valleys, and refrain from swimming in them.

DAMMAM: Eastern Region Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz received Ambassador of Tajikistan to the Kingdom Akram Karimi in Dammam on Monday. They discussed bilateral relations and issues of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Meanwhile, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Hussein Ibrahim Taha recently received the Permanent Observer of Russia to the OIC Turko Daudov at the organization’s headquarters in Jeddah. During the meeting, both sides explored avenues for further strengthening ties to serve mutual interests.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun on Monday. The pair held a meeting where they discussed the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, in addition to ways of enhancing bilateral relations. An official reception ceremony was held at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh for Aoun, who is making his first visit to the Kingdom as Lebanon's head of state. Senior Saudi and Lebanese officials attended the meeting.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati received Norwegian Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process Torunn Viste, and Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Norway to the Kingdom Kristi Tromsdal in Riyadh on Tuesday. During the meeting, the officials discussed several issues including ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries, the Foreign Ministry posted on X.

RIYADH: Hundreds of members of the humanitarian community are in the Kingdom’s capital for the Fourth Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum as Saudi Arabia strives connect relevant bodies to improve access and funding. Speaking to Arab News, Thomas Fletcher, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator said that the biggest challenges in providing life-saving aid worldwide are the lack of funding, lack of access and, an often sidelined factor: lack of efficiency.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia welcomed the national dialogue conference that took place in Syria on Tuesday, the Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said. The ministry said it hoped the gathering at the presidential palace in Damascus would contribute to achieving the aspirations of the Syrian people and strengthen their national unity.

RIYADH: A new station on the Riyadh Metro opens to the public at 6 a.m. on Wednesday morning. The Royal Commission for Riyadh City said Qasr Al-Hokm is one of four key stations in the Metro network, serving as a vital hub linking the Blue and Orange lines with the city’s bus services. The stop is also conveniently located for government institutions, palaces, historical sites, markets, shopping centers and residential neighborhoods in the heart of the city, it added.

RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the State Department on Tuesday. The pair reviewed Saudi-US relations and the shared vision of both nations. They discussed their nations’ common vision to “overcome shared challenges and promote international peace and security,” the minister wrote on social media platform X. “We also addressed several issues of mutual interest.” Their meeting was attended by senior Saudi and US officials.