Riyadh, January 2, 2026, SPA — 2025 was not an ordinary year for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s digital government journey. The Kingdom ranked second globally in the World Bank Group’s GovTech Maturity Index (GTMI) 2025 and ranked first, for the third consecutive time, in the 2024 Government Electronic and Mobile Services (GEMS) Maturity Index issued by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). In 2025, digital government continued its steady advance toward global leadership and services closer to beneficiaries, supported by advanced digital infrastructure. With unlimited support from the wise

Riyadh, January 2, 2026, SPA — The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2025 enters the decisive crowning stage on Friday with the King Abdulaziz Cup heats for each category in the Milwah Race. International competitors will race in both the owners’ and professionals’ tracks, competing directly for the King Abdulaziz Cups across the different categories. This year’s festival brings together competitors from nine countries, led by falconers from Gulf Cooperation Council states, alongside participants from Italy, Ireland and Syria. The festival continues to strengthen its global presence after earning three Guinness World Records