Author: Mahdeehassan

JEDDAH: Interlocking circular stone formations discovered through aerial imagery in Al-Qunfudhah governorate, in southwestern Saudi Arabia, have drawn researchers' attention to a potentially ancient site whose unusual geometric patterns may have served a mathematical or astronomical purpose. Photographs captured by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) in the Hali area of Al-Qunfudhah show rings of varying sizes and configurations built from local volcanic rock, forming overlapping patterns that are difficult to distinguish from ground level. Historian and researcher Dr. Mohammed Al-Marhabi told SPA that the precision and arrangement of the formations suggest deliberate design rather than random placement. He said their…

RIYADH: Riyadh Air has completed manufacturing of its first Airbus A321neo narrow-body aircraft, marking another milestone in the Saudi carrier’s fleet expansion as it builds a mixed fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft to support its international growth ambitions. The aircraft, registered as HZ-RXFA, emerged from Airbus’ paint facility in Hamburg, Germany, on Friday in the airline’s signature pearl livery, according to an announcement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Its design draws inspiration from Saudi heritage, combining flowing lines modeled on traditional Bedouin tents with elements reflecting Arabic calligraphy. The exterior features shades of indigo and lavender, feather-inspired…

RIYADH: As the Saudi Green Initiative moves from setting targets to delivering results, a central challenge remains: How can the Kingdom grow more than 600 million trees by 2030 without placing further pressure on its scarce water resources? More than 159 million trees had been planted and 1 million hectares of degraded land restored by early 2026, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced in March. Thomas Crowther, professor of environmental science and engineering at KAUST, told Arab News that the target is achievable, but success will depend on more than planting trees. “That scale of regeneration is undoubtedly…

DAMMAM: For the first time, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra, a Saudi Aramco initiative, will transform Dhahran Expo into a winter wonderland. Arab News toured the family-friendly space with Munirah Alsafra, head of outreach programs at Ithra, who told us what to expect. “Ithra Winter is different this year. We used to always present the experience within the Ithra premises, but this time we wanted to be closer to the visitors — we wanted to present a different experience, so we came to you. We moved from the center’s walls to be closer to our community,”…

RIYADH: Saudi customs authorities found 413,450 amphetamine pills hidden in a shipment of canned fava beans entering the Kingdom from Jordan through Al-Haditha border crossing, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Hamoud Al-Harbi, a spokesperson for the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, said the pills were discovered during a routine inspection of a truck at the northern land crossing. The authority continued to work with the Ministry of Interior and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control on efforts to enhance customs controls at land, sea and air ports and combat drug smuggling, he added. Al-Harbi urged the public to report any…

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia expressed its condolences to Turkiye after four military personnel were killed in a helicopter crash in the eastern province of Malatya. In a statement posted on X, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed the Kingdom’s “sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy” to the families of those who died and to the government and people of Turkiye. The Kingdom also expressed solidarity with the victims’ families and with the Turkish government and people. Turkiye’s defense ministry said on Thursday that four personnel were killed when an S-70 helicopter crashed in Malatya. The wreckage was located and search-and-rescue operations…

RIYADH: The Saudi foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and China’s special envoy for the Middle East, Zhai Jun, discussed regional security, diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and the protection of vital shipping routes on Thursday. The talks during their meeting at the Foreign Ministry in Riyadh focused on continuing Houthi attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, and their implications for regional stability, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The officials also reviewed bilateral ties and diplomatic efforts to contain regional crises and prevent further escalation. Maritime security and energy supplies were a particular focus, with both officials…

RIYADH: Two drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Riyadh region in separate incidents on Thursday.One of the interceptions took place in the morning and the second in the evening, according to the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen. The drone that was intercepted in the evening was launched by the Houthis, the coalition added. The coalition's spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki later announced that another drone had been destroyed in the Eastern Province.

RIYADH: The Muslim World League this week held an event in Cordoba, Spain, to celebrate the intellectual and scientific legacy of Muslim scholars. The meeting, in Al-Andalus, focused on the philosopher Ibn Rushd, known in the West as Averroes. The MWL described the gathering as the first of its kind since the end of Muslim rule in Al-Andalus. It chose the Cordoba-born scholar as its central figure because of the recognition his work commands across cultures, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Supported by the UN Alliance of Civilizations, the event brought together academics, intellectuals and religious leaders from Spain and…

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia handed the presidency of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization’s General Conference to Oman on Thursday, highlighting institutional reforms and calling for Arab solidarity amid what it described as continuing Houthi attacks. The handover took place at the opening of the conference’s 28th session in Muscat, attended by ministers and delegation heads from Arab member states. In a speech delivered on his behalf by Education Minister Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan, Saudi Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan condemned attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militia against the Kingdom’s territory, civilian infrastructure and holy sites.…