Author: Mahdeehassan

CNTXT AI, a UAE-based data and AI company that enables companies and institutions to develop AI solutions while maintaining full sovereignty over their data, announced the successful closing of a $60 million Series A funding round. The round was co-led by two of the region’s most active AI investors: AI71, Abu Dhabi’s applied AI company focused on sovereign, domain‑specialized AI, and BlueFive Capital, a global asset manager originating out of the GCC. The funding will support continued product development, expansion into new markets, and global deployment of secure AI infrastructure for enterprise and public-sector environments. CNTXT AI was founded by…

Riyadh, June 11, 2026, SPA — The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) has established its first office dedicated to cybersecurity. Through training, research, policy development and knowledge exchange, the Riyadh-based UNITAR Cybersecurity Office will support efforts to strengthen cyber resilience globally. The new office is the third office in the UNITAR network, joining those in Hiroshima, Japan, and Bonn, Germany. Its establishment reflects Saudi Arabia’s expanding role in hosting platforms for international collaboration and supporting global initiatives in cybersecurity. Assistant Secretary-General of

Jeddah, June 11, 2026, SPA — The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) will host the 20th IsDB Global Forum on Islamic Finance in Baku, Azerbaijan, on June 17, 2026, under the theme “Achieving Sustainable Prosperity through Islamic Finance,” in conjunction with the IsDB Group Annual Meetings. Marking its 20th edition, the forum serves as a flagship platform for high-level dialogue, convening policymakers, regulators, development practitioners, academics, and industry leaders to advance innovation and development in Islamic finance. This year’s forum will focus on strengthening regional integration and unlocking sust

Al-Ahsa, June 13, 2026, SPA — The first yields of the fresh date harvest have arrived at central markets across Al-Ahsa Oasis, marking the start of a highly anticipated agricultural season that produces over 120,000 tons of dates annually from more than two million palm trees for distribution across Eastern Region and the wider Kingdom. Driven by high summer temperatures that accelerate early ripening, farmers are actively harvesting over 20 renowned date varieties. The early produce is currently being sorted and sold at varying price points based on quality, size, color, and taste profile. To ensure the economic success of the harvest

Al-Baha, June 12, 2026, SPA — The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission’s Literary Partner Program organized a cultural evening in Al-Baha Region on Wednesday, focusing on the Arabian leopard and its relationship with wildlife and humanity. The event explored the Arabian leopard’s place in cultural memory, wildlife in Al-Baha, and responsibility toward endangered species.

Astana, June 13, 2026, SPA — Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef held a series of bilateral meetings in Astana yesterday with leaders of several Kazakh mining and metals companies, in the presence of Vice Minister for Mining Affairs Eng. Khalid Almudaifer. Discussions focused on opportunities for cooperation in the mining sector, particularly in strategic minerals and rare earth elements. The talks also covered mineral exploration, geological surveying, and sustainable mining. Participants included representatives of Tau-Ken Samruk National Mining Company, KAZ Minerals, and Kazatomprom. The meetings are part

Madinah, June 11, 2026, SPA — The Almunawarah platform is a unified digital gateway that brings together services, information, initiatives, and experiences related to Madinah in one place, making it easier for residents and visitors to quickly and clearly access what they need. Overseen by the Madinah Region Development Authority, the platform offers a smoother, more efficient digital experience by providing one access point for services and opportunities. The platform allows users to explore tourist routes, cafes, and arts and cultural activities, as well as initiatives and programs that support economic growth and improve quality of lif

Paris, June 11, 2026, SPA — The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), took part for the first time as a member of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) in the partnership’s fifth meeting, hosted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris from June 9 to 11, with the participation of member states, experts, and AI policymakers from around the world. The Kingdom was represented at the meeting by General Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Indices at SDAIA Rehab Alarfaj, who took part in sessions and discussions on AI governance, the imple

Sakaka, June 11, 2026, SPA — The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Houbara Conservation Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in environmental protection and wildlife development. The MoU aims to support biodiversity conservation efforts through programs focused on the restoration and reintroduction of houbara birds. It also includes measures to protect their natural habitats and establish safe flight corridors to help sustain their populations. The MoU also includes joint monitoring, survey, and scientific research programs, as wel

Arar, June 10, 2026, SPA — An exhibition section dedicated to painting traditional and household utensils attracted significant attention at the tourism forum in Arar, where local artist Shahd Al-Salal showcased handcrafted works blending fine art with heritage-inspired designs. Al-Salal explained that the initiative transforms earthenware and everyday household items into artistic pieces featuring motifs drawn from the local environment and folklore, highlighting creative ways to preserve cultural heritage. The section drew visitors of all ages, offering insights into painting techniques and local craftsmanship. The forum aims to prom