Author: Mahdeehassan

Riyadh, January 17, 2026, SPA — Fitch Ratings has affirmed Saudi Arabia’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘A+’ with Stable Outlook. The affirmation reflects the Kingdom’s strong fiscal and external balance sheets, with government debt-to-GDP and sovereign net foreign assets (SNFA)considerably stronger than the medians for both the ‘A’ and ‘AA’ rating categories, alongside substantial fiscal buffers in the form of deposits and other public sector assets. Fitch projects that GDP growth will reach 4.8% in 2026, while the fiscal deficit is expected to narrow to 3.6% of GDP

Riyadh, January 17, 2026, SPA — The Klija Festival in Buraidah reflects a long journey of leadership and cultural development, having evolved from a simple initiative to promote a local product into an annual festival that embodies the authenticity and cultural identity of the Qassim Region. The transformation was achieved by elevating the traditional product into an economic symbol, empowering productive families, supporting artisans, and converting heritage skills into sustainable sources of income. The festival has contributed to strengthening the region’s culinary heritage at both the local and international levels, establishing

Hail, January 17, 2026, SPA — Under the patronage of Hail Region Governor and Hail Region Development Authority Board Chairman Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, Hail Region entered the Guinness World Records yesterday after successfully organizing the world’s largest off-road production cars convoy at the historic Tuwaren area northwest of Hail. The convoy set off with 501 off-road production cars, traversing a 7-kilometer unpaved desert route in an exceptional spectacle that embodied the spirit of adventure, showcased the region’s natural diversity and terrain, and reinforced Hail’s position as a leading winter d

Riyadh, January 14, 2026, SPA — Riyadh today hosted the third International Geological Survey Meeting (IGSM), attracting a record number of leaders from geological survey authorities worldwide. The meeting, a key feature of the fifth Future Minerals Forum, was chaired by Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs Eng. Khalid Almudaifer, and attended by CEO of Saudi Geological Survey Eng. Abdullah Al Shamrani. In his opening remarks, Almudaifer emphasized that the global mining sector fundamentally depends on reliable, easily accessible geological data, which he described as the most critical enabler for acceleratin

Madinah, January 14, 2026, SPA — The 40th edition of the Economic Bulletin issued by the Al Madinah Al Munawarah Chamber highlights Madinah Region as a strategic hub for maritime transport and supply chains, benefiting from its prime location on the Red Sea coast and its key role in the Kingdom’s transport and logistics network, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy and strengthen its position as a global logistics center. The bulletin noted that Madinah Region hosts two major ports in Yanbu Governorate: King Fahd Industrial Port and Yanbu Commercial Port. The ports are a key pillar of the Kingdom’s imp

Riyadh, January 14, 2026, SPA — Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef inaugurated on Tuesday the international exhibition accompanying the fifth edition of the Future Minerals Forum, in the presence of several ministers, senior officials, and CEOs of major mining and industrial companies from around the world. As an exceptional global platform, the exhibition brings together over 285 sponsors and exhibitors under one roof, representing leading companies across the mining and minerals value chain, from exploration and extraction to processing and manufacturing. This year, the event features a notable international

Taif, January 14, 2026, SPA — The Writers and Readers Festival in Taif, organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission at Ruddaf Park, is witnessing a strong turnout. Featuring 270 events, including literary evenings, art showcases, and interactive pathways for all ages, the festival offers an enriching experience for families and book lovers alike. The “Challenge Yourself” digital quiz attracts around 120 participants daily, providing an interactive way to explore all event zones through seven themed questions. The festival aims to establish reading as a community practice, support literary and knowledge-

Freetown, January 14, 2026, SPA — The Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) on Tuesday launched the “Competence” military strategic training for counter-terrorism in the Republic of Sierra Leone. The program launch was attended by Sierra Leonean Minister of Internal Affairs Morie Lengor, IMCTC Secretary General of the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Major General Pilot Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, senior military and security officials, civil representatives, and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Republic of Sierra Leone. The initiative runs from January 13 to February 3, ta

Enthralled by the celestial vault, Van Cleef and Arpels has dreamed of capturing the poetry of stars. Since the 1950s, creations inspired by the signs of the Zodiac have reflected the symbolism of constellations. Today, the Maison continues this tradition with new interpretations of its medals, in white gold and on bracelets. Expanding the wearing possibilities, these pieces are imbued with the story of their wearer. In 2021, Van Cleef and Arpels presented twelve creations echoing the first yellow gold medals that appeared in its collections in the 1950s. This heritage inspired a new ensemble with a personal touch. Twelve bracelets recall

The festive spirit is in full swing at Mercato and Town Centre Jumeirah as Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2026 delivers an exciting mix of world-class entertainment, unbeatable shopping offers, and rewarding experiences for visitors of all ages. Running until 1 February, Mercato is buzzing with energy, bringing families and shoppers together for unforgettable DSF moments. Taking centre stage is a spectacular entertainment lineup at Mercato, featuring the Rolling Gravity Circus—a modern acrobatic balance show on wheels that leaves audiences in awe. Adding to the excitement is the lively Jay Magic Comedy Show, captivating visitors with