Author: Mahdeehassan

Syria’s Ministry of Tourism has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with three Saudi technology companies: Tamkeen, Cipher and Hawaz, to accelerate the digital transformation of the country’s tourism sector through the development of an integrated digital ecosystem that enhances the visitor experience, strengthens institutional capability and enables data-driven tourism development. Representing a major step in the Ministry’s long-term digital transformation strategy, the MoU moves beyond administrative modernisation towards a fully integrated digital operating model for the tourism sector. It will improve serv

Manila, July 24, 2026, SPA — Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji met today with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn on the sidelines of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia conference in Manila, the Philippines. The two officials reviewed Saudi-ASEAN relations and ways to strengthen them.

Riyadh, July 24, 2026, SPA — The General Directorate of Passports continues to receive pilgrims arriving for Umrah through Saudi Arabia’s air, land, and sea ports, utilizing advanced technology, electronic gates, and dedicated staff to ensure smooth entry. The directorate reaffirmed its commitment to providing high-quality services so pilgrims can perform their rituals with ease. It also reminded visitors to adhere to the Kingdom’s regulations and respect the validity periods of their visas.

Jeddah, July 23, 2026, SPA — The “Global Positioning System” exhibition, hosted by Hayy Arts at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah, takes visitors on an artistic experience that moves beyond the concept of navigation as a means of reaching destinations. It offers a contemporary perspective on the relationship between people and place, and how maps, transport networks, and infrastructure have helped shape memory and identity and redefine borders and distances. Running through October 26, the exhibition presents multimedia artworks that explore navigation systems from diverse intellectual and visual perspectives. It traces transformations in

Makkah, July 22, 2026, SPA — Electronic guidance screens installed at the gates and outer courtyards of the Grand Mosque help worshippers and visitors identify available entrances and choose the nearest access points, improving crowd flow and facilitating entry. The screens provide real-time updates on gate availability and crowd density in the Mataf and Masaa, helping worshippers, Umrah performers, and visitors choose the most suitable routes. They also direct visitors to upper-floor entrances, improving traffic flow and reducing access times. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to leverage technology to enhance crowd management

Farnborough, July 21, 2026, SPA — President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Abdulaziz Al-Duailej visited the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, accompanied by vice presidents and CEOs of Saudi civil aviation companies. The delegation toured the pavilions of leading global manufacturers, exploring the latest technologies and innovations in civil aviation, including Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions, sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies, digital innovations, and autonomous flight systems. On the sidelines of the visit, Al-Duailej held a series of bilateral meetings with leaders of major compani

Riyadh, July 21, 2026, SPA — His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent a cable of congratulations to Andy Burnham on his appointment as prime minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. HRH the Crown Prince wished Burnham success and the friendly people of the United Kingdom continued progress and prosperity. He praised the distinguished relations between the two countries and peoples and expressed his desire to strengthen and further develop them across all fields.

Riyadh, July 21, 2026, SPA — Riyadh will host the fourth edition of the International Engineering Conference and Exhibition (IECE 2026) from December 14 to 16. Organized by the Saudi Council of Engineers under the patronage of Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail, the event will bring together engineering leaders, experts, and specialists from Saudi Arabia and abroad. The conference comes amid the rapid advancement of Saudi Arabia’s engineering sector, the expansion of development projects, and the growing integration of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence into engineering practices. It aims to bring to

Arar, July 21, 2026, SPA — The first-quarter moon of the Hijri month of Safar 1448 illuminated the skies over Northern Borders Region on Tuesday evening in a celestial display visible to the naked eye after sunset, with half of the lunar disk illuminated, marking about one week since the start of the lunar month and one of the most prominent phases of the Moon’s monthly cycle. Chairman of the Space and Astronomy Association Zahi Al-Khulaiwi said the first-quarter phase occurs when the Moon forms an angle of about 90 degrees with the Earth and the Sun, causing around 50% of its Earth-facing side to be illuminated. He noted that this

RIYADH, KSA – 22 July 2026 The Visual Arts Commission has marked the conclusion of the Art Bridges 2025-2026 season, following a year of international exchange that strengthened dialogue between Saudi and international visual arts communities. The Art Bridges initiative brought together 40 Saudi and Saudi-based visual artists, cultural practitioners, creative professionals and cultural producers. Dina Amin, Chief Executive Officer of the Visual Arts Commission, said: “Our objective in launching Art Bridges was to create opportunities whose impact would continue long after participants returned home. Throughout the season, we