Browsing: Business

New Delhi, February 20, 2026, SPA — President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) Abdullah Al-Ghamdi affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, guided by the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, is moving steadily to establish artificial intelligence (AI) as a trusted national capability. The goal is to use AI to help develop government services, enhance competitiveness, build human capacity, and improve the quality of life through a comprehensive strategy based on three main pillars that unlock the full potential of this technology and achieve sustainable developmental impact. This came during Al-Ghamdi’s spee

Madinah, February 20, 2026, SPA — The Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has announced the start of registration for I’tikaf at the Prophet’s Mosque for men and women during the holy month of Ramadan, beginning Friday, 03 Ramadan, 1447 AH, at 11:00 a.m. The authority clarified that I’tikaf will commence on 20 Ramadan and continue until the end of Ramadan, according to the approved organizational plan. Registration can be completed by accessing the following link: https://eservices.alharamain.gov.sa/login, or via the Nafath platform for citizens and residents. Applicants should select the I&rsq

Riyadh, February 20, 2026, SPA — The Saudi Esports Federation signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with ROC Esports and Team Stallions to support sector growth, develop national talent, and expand academic and professional cooperation. The MoUs focus on empowering professionals and athletes in the esports sector through programs and initiatives led by the Saudi Esports Academy. These efforts include specialized training programs and joint initiatives to prepare professionally qualified talent and identify career pathways for graduates. They also cover knowledge exchange; educational, technical, and artistic programs; and community

Riyadh, February 19, 2026, SPA — The Ministry of Health has achieved a new international milestone by winning the “Global Impact and Healthcare Transformation Award” presented by Press Ganey. The award was presented this February during Press Ganey’s Human Experience Conference, held in Florida, United States, in recognition of the ministry’s efforts to develop the healthcare system and enhance the beneficiary experience. This recognition resulted from the ministry’s transformative initiatives to improve healthcare quality and facilitate access to services, in alignment with the objectives of the Health Secto

Dakar, February 21, 2026, SPA — The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the religious attaché at the Saudi embassy in Senegal, commenced implementation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ programs for the distribution of dates and Iftar meals. The launch took place during a ceremony held in the capital, Dakar, on Wednesday. The event was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Senegal Saad Alnofaia and Senegalese officials, imams, and preachers. A total of 30 tons of dates were allocated to Senegal, benefiting 120,000 individuals, while nearly 25,000 beneficiaries will benefit from the Iftar program. Am

Makkah, February 20, 2026, SPA — The 13 minarets of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, ranging in height from 98 to 137 meters, stand as architectural masterpieces that blend traditional Islamic design with modern engineering, while their strategic placement across major entrances creates a harmonious skyline. Each minaret follows a precise five-section anatomy: a sturdy base, a primary balcony, a slender shaft, a secondary balcony, and a crowning cap topped with a radiant crescent moon. These minarets not only fulfill the religious function of the call to prayer but also reflect centuries of evolution in Islamic architecture, showcasing the

Taif, February 20, 2026, SPA — In a special report from Taif University, mental health specialist Abdulkarim Al-Dakhil highlights Ramadan as a prime opportunity to enhance psychological balance and emotional regulation, noting that consistent worship and spiritual reflection can significantly reduce stress and anxiety while fostering a sense of contentment. Al-Dakhil recommends a holistic approach to the holy month, including structured time management, balanced nutrition, and healthy sleep patterns to support stable mood and concentration. Furthermore, he emphasizes that strengthening social bonds through family gatherings and volunteer

Riyadh, February 19, 2026, SPA — The Saudi Fencing Federation has renewed its partnership and cooperation agreement with the Italian Fencing Federation as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral sports relations and support technical and competitive development pathways in fencing. The agreement builds on the existing collaboration between the two federations and includes several programs aimed at enhancing the exchange of technical and organizational expertise. It also provides training and qualification opportunities for national cadres, including the participation of Saudi coaches in accredited courses organized by the Italian federati

18 February 2026 (Geneva/Madrid) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Spanish Airline Association (ALA) called for an annual reduction of 4.9% (excluding inflation) in Spanish airport charges over the next five years (2027-2031), a level compatible with maintaining an airport investment plan of nearly €10 billion over the same period, and enhancing Spain’s economic competitiveness. AENA, the operator of most airports in Spain, has proposed an annual increase of 3.8% (excluding inflation) for the five-year period covered by the Third Airport Regulation Document (DORA III). Airlines reject this proposal, ci

Riyadh, February 19, 2026, SPA — Tuwaiq Academy announced the opening of registration for the Tuwaiqthon, dedicated to building innovative solutions without writing code. The hackathon targets both technical and non-technical participants and will be held at the academy’s headquarters in Riyadh as part of its Ramadan activities from March 6 to 8, with the aim of building and empowering national capabilities in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. The hackathon offers real opportunities for individuals from various disciplines, fields, and sectors to participate in a competitive environment that supports national talent