Author: Mahdeehassan

Riyadh, April 14, 2026, SPA — The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has achieved a new global milestone by ranking first worldwide in the Digital Readiness Framework 2025 issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The Kingdom scored 94 out of 100 within the “Very High” category, advancing to first place globally, compared to 90 points and fourth place in the previous year. The Kingdom topped the global ranking, followed by Finland and Germany in second and third place with 93 points each, then the United Kingdom in fourth place with 92 points, Norway in fifth place with 91 points, and France in sixth place with 90 points

John Crane Performance Plus™ modular framework establishes a complete SAP maintenance data build, enabling reliable operations from day one and supporting long term asset performance Saudi Arabia, 16 April 2025: John Crane, a global leader in flow control technologies and an innovator in solutions for rotating equipment, and a business of Smiths Group plc., has supported a gas storage facility in Saudi Arabia ahead of commissioning by building a complete maintenance data set in Systems, Applications and Products in Data Processing (SAP) to support long-term asset reliability. The project was delivered through John Crane’s Re

Islamabad, April 17, 2026, SPA — Saudi Arabia provided a grant to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to support the “Green Pakistan” initiative, aimed at strengthening center pivot irrigation systems, improving agricultural productivity, creating job opportunities, preserving the environment, and enhancing food security, as part of efforts to advance cooperation in sustainable development. The Saudi delegation was headed by Assistant Deputy Minister for Agriculture Affairs Dr. Sulaiman AlKhateeb. The grant supports improving water-use efficiency, expanding irrigated land, increasing production quality and quantity, diversifying

Madinah, April 17, 2026, SPA — CEO of the Roads General Authority Eng. Badr bin Abdullah Al-Dulami met with Mayor of Madinah Region Eng. Fahad Albulihshi at the headquarters of the Madinah Regional Municipality to discuss coordination to serve pilgrims and review the readiness of the road network ahead of the Hajj 1447 AH season. They reviewed road projects and the authority’s initiatives, including support for operating entities, and discussed enhancing the implementation of the Saudi Road Code to improve road quality, safety, and efficiency. The efforts are part of the authority’s mandate to regulate and develop the road

Riyadh, April 16, 2026, SPA — The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) licensed “Modern Integrated Solutions Financing” company to engage in buy-now-pay-later activity, bringing the total number of finance companies licensed by SAMA to 71 companies. This decision reflects SAMA’s endeavor to support the finance sector, enhance the efficiency of financial transactions, and promote innovative solutions for financial inclusion in Saudi Arabia. SAMA emphasizes the importance of dealing exclusively with authorized financial institutions. To view licensed and permitted financial institutions, visit SAMA’s website.

Jeddah, April 17, 2026, SPA — The International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) reviewed its initiatives during the second scientific forum of social research centers, held Thursday at the Faculty of Science Theater at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah. ICAIRE highlighted initiatives in data and artificial intelligence. It also presented an interactive experience at its exhibition pavilion on the AI and Data Glossary to enhance awareness of concepts and terminology and support researchers and specialists in applying modern technologies in social and human sciences. The participation reflects ICAIRE&rsq

Makkah, April 18, 2026, SPA — The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque announced the completion of routine maintenance of the holy Kaaba and Hijr Ismail, in line with the highest engineering and technical standards.It said the project was carried out under a precise operational plan that ensured smooth pilgrim flow without affecting rituals. The works took about 4,700 man-hours and included 31 main packages and 305 activities, covering maintenance of the Kaaba’s interior, roof, and surroundings, as well as detailed inspections and tests. The scope of work also included the replacement of

Dhaka, April 18, 2026, SPA — The first flight carrying beneficiaries of the Makkah Route Initiative departed today from the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the Kingdom through the initiative’s dedicated lounge at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, heading to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, in the presence of Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Tarique Rahman and Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah bin Abiyah. The initiative aims to provide high-quality services to pilgrims from beneficiary countries by receiving them and completing their procedures in their home countries

Antalya, April 17, 2026, SPA — Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah arrived this evening in Antalya, Republic of Türkiye. The foreign minister will participate in a quadrilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Türkiye, as well as in the G8 ministerial meeting on Gaza, both to be held on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026.

Pristina, April 16, 2026, SPA — The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the religious attaché at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in cooperation with the Islamic Community of Kosovo, is organizing the first edition of a local Holy Quran competition for boys and girls in the Republic of Kosovo. One hundred male and female contestants will participate from various cities across the country from April 17 to 19. The competition targets youth aged 12 to 30, including students from Sharia institutes and public schools. The final rounds and closing ceremony will be held in the c