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.

RIYADH: A piece of the holy Kaaba’s Kiswa was gifted by the Kingdom to the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, currently on a visit to the Central Asian country, handed over the piece of cloth to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the directive of King Salman.

AMMAN: The Digital Cooperation Organization signed numerous memorandums of understanding during its fourth general assembly in Amman, which concluded on Wednesday. The memorandums were signed between the DCO and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, Hewlett-Packard, the Agency for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Sultanate of Oman and 500 Global. A statement of intent was also signed between the DCO and the UN Office for South-South Cooperation.

RIYADH: US President Donald Trump said Saudi Arabia did a “great job” in hosting talks aimed at moving toward a resolution of the Russian-Ukraine war, and thanked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for facilitating the discussions in Riyadh. Trump said on Wednesday that the conflict, which began three years ago this month, would have never started had he been president.

RIYADH: The King Khalid Royal Reserve boasts rock formations shaped over thousands of years by natural erosion and fluctuating climatic conditions, sculpting its varied terrain into one of Saudi Arabia's most significant and captivating nature reserves. Formerly known as the al-Thumamah Wildlife Park, the royal reserve located northeast of national capital is less than an hour's drive from the city center.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority launched  an integrated digital platform and unveiled a new brand identity on Wednesday. The General Authority of Civil Aviation made the announcements, which also included an updated website, at an event at its headquarters in Riyadh. The new platform, known as “Ajwaa,” provides all civil aviation services, ensuring quick and efficient access for users. It creates a fully digital environment for stakeholders, improving operational efficiency, transparency, and GACA’s regulatory role, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

RIYADH: Valentine’s Day is here! Couples in Saudi Arabia can celebrate the day at some of these unique fine dining restaurants, or plan a romantic getaway.  Chotto Matte offers a captivating blend of Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine in a stunning setting at KAFD (King Abdullah Financial District). With breathtaking views and an atmosphere enhanced by live shows, it is a perfect spot for a romantic dinner. The special Valentine’s menu allows couples to savor innovative dishes while enjoying the city’s impressive skyline, making for an unforgettable evening.

Explore this curated list of romantic gifts for Valentine's Day, featuring exquisite options from Saudi brands. Ofa Jewelry A timeless classic reimagined, this handcrafted ring is made from 18k solid gold and adorned with pink sapphires (SR2,890). Kooheji Jewelry

RIYADH: With South Africa set to host this year’s G20, the ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mogobo David Magabe, commended the Kingdom’s visionary leadership, adding that there were lessons to be learned from Saudi Arabia’s presidency of G20 during the global outbreak of COVID-19.  “There are positive lessons that South Africa itself has learned from countries that have hosted the G20 before it, and one of them will be our strategic partner the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he said.

RIYADH: Artificial intelligence is redefining music, opening up new opportunities to create, innovate, and preserve cultural legacies. From composing new melodies to recreating the voices of late artists, AI sits at the intersection of technology and artistry. According to Alice Eldridge, Thor Magnusson, and Chris Kiefer in their paper, “Artificial intelligence in music and performance: A subjective art-research inquiry,” AI leverages machine learning to analyze patterns in music, enabling it to compose, mimic, or adapt musical styles.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday congratulated Greece’s erstwhile parliament chief Constantine Tassoulas on his election as the country’s new president. In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), King Salman expressed his “best wishes for success” to the new president and also wished “the friendly people of Greece continued progress and prosperity.” The crown prince issued a similar statement.

JEDDAH: The second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025, at King Abdul Aziz International Airport’s Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah, is hosting a unique event where the Kaaba’s complete Kiswa is being displayed for the first time outside Makkah. This exceptional experience at the biennale’s “Al-Bidaya” (The Beginning) section, offers visitors an opportunity to examine the aesthetics of Islamic craftsmanship, in particular the Kiswa’s gold and silver embroidery.

DHAHRAN: Nestled in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom, Qatif is celebrated for its fertile soil, inviting climate, and rich agricultural heritage. One of the region’s most prized crops is the Ramsi tomato, which is native to Saudi Arabia. It is also the main product of Mohammad Al-Ghawy’s Ramsi Tomato Farm, which spans 45,000 sq. meters in Al-Awamiyah and produces other seasonal delights including local watermelon and cantaloupe.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s oil and gas industry is increasingly adopting carbon capture technologies to reduce industrial emissions while enhancing oil recovery. This approach addresses environmental concerns while supporting global demand for cleaner, more reliable energy. Carbon capture technologies are methods to trap and store carbon dioxide — or CO2 — emissions before they reach the atmosphere, helping to reduce greenhouse gases from industrial processes, power plants and other sources.

RIYADH: Salman Khurshid, president of the India Islamic Cultural Center and his country’s former foreign minister, said Indians living and working in Saudi Arabia play a key role in relations between the two countries. He added that he and his team are working on implementing changes and reforms at the cultural center to improve the support and services it provides for all Indians, not only in India but in other countries.

RIYADH: Seasonal rains have turned some of Saudi Arabia’s otherwise dry lands into lush green expanse, providing breeders with abundant forage for their livestock and attracting tourists seeking a scenic escape. Among these places is Al-Hanakiyah governorate in the western region of Madinah, where the mountains and plains have blossomed into vibrant green scenery, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

RIYADH: Highlighting the shared artistic heritage of Saudi Arabia and Brazil, Eltiqa once again captured hearts in the Kingdom’s capital this weekend. Organized by the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, and held under the patronage of Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the event featured Saudi and Brazilian traditional performances and arts at the King Fahd Cultural Center.

MAKKAH: The 10th International Military Qur’an Memorization Competition launched on Saturday in Makkah, attracting 179 participants from 32 countries. Organized by the General Administration of Religious Affairs of the Armed Forces under the patronage of Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, the event promotes the significance of the Qur’an, encourages its memorization, and highlights Saudi Arabia’s role in serving Islam’s holy book and as the custodian of Islam’s holiest sites.

PORT LOUIS: Saudi Ambassador to Mauritius Fayez bin Meshal Al-Temyat recently met with Rubna Daureeawo, member of the Mauritius National Assembly​, according to a post on the Saudi embassy’s account on X. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them, as well as other topics of common interest. In a separate meeting, Al-Temyat met with Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra, speaker of the national assembly, and discussed relations between Saudi Arabia and Mauritius and ways to strengthen them.  

JEDDAH: Athr Foundation’s Bait Shouaib Arts Residency in Al-Balad district brought together a filmmaker, curator and two artists, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration over an eight-week program. The Moving Narratives cycle explored the theme of movement through diverse lenses and transformed the historic Bait Shouaib into an active participant in the creative process.

RIYADH: Women participation in the camel racing event at the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival 2025 has increased by 100 percent compared to the first edition last year, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Encouraged by the significant development, the organizing committee has decided to add a second race, which includes 18 Saudi female camel riders. Organized by the Saudi Camel Federation, the festival's second edition kicked off on January 27 at the Janadriyah Camel Race Track in Riyadh. The competitions will conclude on Wednesday.  

RIYADH: Abdulelah Altokhais, Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to UNESCO, presented his credentials to Audrey Azoulay, the organization’s director-general, at its headquarters in Paris on Sunday. The Kingdom’s mission to the UN-affiliated agency wrote on the X platform that Altokhias is “continuing Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen joint cooperation with UNESCO and member states toward a better-shared future.”

JEDDAH: Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, the governor of Jeddah, received Nuno Mathias, Portugal’s ambassador Saudi Arabia, in Jeddah on Sunday. During the meeting, the two men discussed issues of mutual interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

MUHARRAQ: On a historical preservation tour around the Arabian Gulf region, the World Monument Fund recently visited the city of Muharraq in Bahrain before visiting Saudi Arabia. A historically rich city with a story that dates to the late 19th century, Muharraq is the cultural heart of Bahrain. Prior to gaining independence from British rule in 1971, Muharraq was Bahrain’s capital and center for public and governmental administrative, educational, and planning projects, before being replaced by Manama in 1923.

RIYADH: Ambassador of India to the Kingdom Suhel Ajaz Khan underlined that a mutual appreciation of culture was strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and India during the latter’s 76th Republic Day celebration in Riyadh. “A shared love for culture brings our countries together,” he said. “From Bollywood cinema to yoga, music, and food, we have continued to be inspired by each other.

RIYADH: Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman on Sunday attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding to launch the NovusCrete consortium, a global collaboration to develop and accelerate the adoption of sustainable and durable saltwater concrete. The consortium, led by the Kingdom's Oil Sustainability Program, also seeks to create standards for using seawater in concrete, promote sustainability in construction by recycling waste, extend infrastructure lifespan, and reduce environmental impact.

RIYADH: The Saudi Esports Federation, through the Gamers Without Borders tournament — the largest virtual charity event for gaming and esports — in collaboration with Saudi aid agency KSrelief, donated over $1.7 million to UNICEF’s office in Burkina Faso. The grant aims to provide formal and non-formal education to more than 27,800 children, 50 percent of whom are girls, in areas affected by insecurity.

RIYADH: A new project bringing a range of entertainment offerings to seven Saudi cities has been announced by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority. The City Hub project will begin its journey in Jazan on Jan. 23, followed by stops in Alkhobar, Buraidah, Hail, Al-Baha, Taif, and concluding in Tabuk in August after spending 14 days in each city. The project exclusively works with Saudi companies, creating thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities in the Kingdom’s entertainment industry, according to organizers.

JEDDAH: The first school formally established in the Arabian Peninsula is poised for a new chapter as a museum, according to Ali Al-Sulimani, the managing director. The historical section of Al-Falah School building will be handed over to the Ministry of Culture for its transformation into a cultural landmark.