Author: Mahdeehassan

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

Riyadh, April 10, 2026, SPA — The ministers responsible for tourism in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states held an extraordinary meeting via videoconference on April 7, 2026, to monitor the latest developments in the region and review their potential implications for the tourism sector across the council states. The ministers of the GCC states reiterated their condemnation, in the strongest possible terms, of the unjustified and illegal Iranian aggressions that have deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure, including ports, airports, energy facilities, desalination plants, residential and commercial areas, and tourism facilitie

Jeddah, April 10, 2026, SPA — Jeddah Governorate will host the Round of 16 and final stages of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025-2026 season from April 13 to 25 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium. The tournament will feature West Region Round of 16 matches in Jeddah on April 13 and 14 in a single-leg format, after being shifted from the home-and-away system. Participating clubs include Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad, as well as Qatar’s Al-Sadd and Al-Duhail, the UAE’s Al-Wahda and Shabab Al-Ahli, and Iran’s Tractor. Asian football fans are also turning their att

Riyadh, April 10, 2026, SPA — Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has launched five new logistics routes designed to enhance supply chain efficiency and integrate various transport modes. These routes link Arabian Gulf ports with the Kingdom’s central and northern regions, extending to the Red Sea and northern neighboring countries. By utilizing a multimodal network of road and rail, the initiative supports the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030 goals to establish the Kingdom as a global logistics hub. Managed through an integrated system, including the Riyadh Dry Port and key cargo yards in Dammam, Jubail, R

Hail, April 09, 2026, SPA — The Aja Mountains in Hail Region have been transformed into a verdant landscape following recent rains, creating a stunning natural spectacle that reflects the region’s environmental diversity and highlights its unique natural and tourist attractions. Vegetation has spread across the ravines and valleys, with seasonal grasses and wild plants flourishing, creating visually harmonious landscapes that complement the distinctive rock formations of the Aja Mountains. The recent rainfall has nourished the soil, promoting abundant vegetation growth in many areas. The Aja Mountains are among the most prominen