Author: Mahdeehassan

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is accelerating efforts to develop an integrated marine knowledge system for the Red Sea, combining scientific research, environmental protection and economic development as part of broader plans to maximize the region’s environmental, tourism and commercial value. Covering about 186,000 square kilometers and home to thousands of islands, the Red Sea is considered one of the Kingdom’s most important strategic assets. Recent investments have expanded marine exploration programs and shifted scientific efforts from basic observation toward ecosystem management, conservation and sustainable development. A recent study conducted by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), King Abdullah University of Science…

RIYADH: When Alejandro Diaz-Patch left France for the Middle East, he intended to stay for just one year to study Arabic. Instead, he stayed for decades. “The only problem is that I left and never came back. It was a one-way ticket,” he told Arab News. Diaz-Patch’s life has unfolded across cultures and continents. Born in Jordan to a Spanish diplomat father and French mother, he spent five years in Morocco, 14 in Syria, and the past 12 in Saudi Arabia, a country he now considers home. He describes himself as “half Spanish through my father, half French through my…

RIYADH: The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen has delivered 33 development projects and initiatives in the transport sector, connecting Yemeni cities and governorates, facilitating the movement of people and goods, and improving access to essential services and markets. The projects strengthen land, sea, and air transport networks and logistics, support trade and economic activity, and improve access to healthcare facilities, schools, markets, and economic hubs. The program has expanded and rehabilitated about 200 km of strategic roads across several governorates, improving infrastructure, road safety, and connectivity between cities and regions. A key project is the Al-Abr Road, a…

RIYADH: Three young shaheen falcons were sold for a total of SR310,000 ($83,000) on the 19th night of the National Falcons Center Auction in Riyadh. The auction runs until Nov. 30 and has so far attracted large crowds. The two-month event brings together falcon trappers and buyers. The center receives locally captured birds throughout the season, with teams operating across different regions to welcome falcon owners and coordinate their participation. Bidding for all three birds started at SR50,000. The first falcon sold was caught in Sha’ba Nisab in the Northern Borders region and sold for SR102,000, the same price as…

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia showcased its historical heritage, rare manuscripts and traditional crafts during its participation as Guest of Honor at the 2026 Algiers International Book Fair, which concluded on Nov. 7 after 11 days of cultural activities and public engagement. Led by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the Kingdom’s pavilion brought together several cultural institutions and commissions. Commission CEO Dr. Abdullatif Alwasel said: “Our participation as Guest of Honor reflects the deep historical ties between the Kingdom and Algeria and the expanding cultural cooperation between the two countries. This initiative has helped build sustained bridges with Algerian publishers and readers…

RIYADH: The Riyadh Metro project, supervised by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, has been ranked among the top four global transport initiatives at the Smart City Expo World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. The recognition comes after a rigorous selection process featuring 533 entries from 68 countries, highlighting a new international milestone that underscores the Saudi capital’s leadership in developing modern, sustainable urban mobility systems. The recognition comes after a rigorous selection process featuring 533 entries from 68 countries, highlighting a new international milestone The high ranking acknowledges the scale and advanced technical standard of the network, which stands…

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's air defenses shot down a drone in the Riyadh area late on Friday. Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki, spokesman for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, said the drone was "intercepted and destroyed." The drone attack comes amid ongoing strike attempts on Saudi Arabia by the Houthi militia in Yemen. Two ballistic missiles targeting Saudi Arabia’s Najran province were shot down on Friday morning and a drone was intercepted in the Makkah region a few hours later. The Iran-backed militia has been targeting civilian facilities, including airports, energy infrastructure and Islam’s holiest cities in Saudi Arabia.

JEDDAH: Across Saudi Arabia’s date-growing regions, the annual harvest season is more than an agricultural cycle. For many farming families, it is a continuation of traditions, skills and knowledge passed down through generations. As dates begin to ripen, farmers closely monitor the fruit before harvesting, sorting and preparing it for sale or processing. While modern technology has transformed many aspects of the industry, growers say the expertise behind producing high-quality dates remains rooted in experience handed down within families. “Dates are part of our identity as Saudis, especially here in Madinah,” said Fahad Al-Raddadi, CEO of Naqwat Alnanaa Farms Co.…

RIYADH: Diplomats of Mexico, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia celebrated a major milestone as Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Tourism jointly announced that nationals from all four countries are now eligible for instant tourist e-Visas and visas on arrival. Citizens of Mexico alongside Serbia, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina can now skip the embassy application process entirely and apply for a multiple-entry tourist e-Visa online or obtain a visa on arrival directly at any Saudi port of entry using their national passports. The visit visa allows citizens of the four countries to perform…

JEDDAH: Thousands of automotive enthusiasts, collectors and prospective buyers descended on the Jeddah Center for Exhibitions and Events for the 20th Jeddah International Motor Show, which ends today, Nov. 7. From cutting-edge concept vehicles and regional premieres to gleaming vintage classics, the four-day showcase brought the full spectrum of automotive culture under one roof. Beyond standard vehicle reveals, visitors explored aftermarket performance upgrades, interactive virtual reality drives, and even fine art installations by members of the Saudi Association for Fine Arts. For many attendees, the exhibition served as a one-stop destination to test the pulse of the market and eyeball…