The wire

DAKA — Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed El Khereiji was received by Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman, beofre discussing bilateral relations and efforts made in regards to both regional and international developments. At the outset of the meeting, El Khereiji conveyed the greetings and appreciation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to the government and people of Bangladesh. **media[2746318]** In turn, the Bangladeshi prime minister asked him to convey his greetings and appreciation to the the Crown Prince and to the government and people of Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, the two officials discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to strengthen and develop them across all fields. Additionally, the latest developments on both the regional and internatio…

JAZAN/ASIR — Saudi authorities arrested a total of 18 Border Security Law violators in separate anti-smuggling operations in Jazan and Asir, seizing 244 kilograms of khat and 149,400 tablets. In Jazan, Border Guard land patrols in the Al-Aridah Sector arrested nine Yemeni Border Security Law violators for attempting to smuggle 144 kilograms of khat. **media[2746287]** In a separate operation in the Al-Dayer Sector of Jazan, Border Guard land patrols arrested four Ethiopian Border Security Law violators for attempting to smuggle 149,400 tablets subject to the Law Regulating Medical Preparations and Pharmaceutical Products. Meanwhile, in Asir, Border Guard land patrols in the Al-Rabouah Sector arrested five Ethiopian Border Security Law violators for attempting to smuggle 100 kilograms of kh…

RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Commerce has imposed final anti-dumping duties on imports of hollow pipes and tubes of cast iron (ductile iron pipes) with diameters ranging from 100 mm to 1,000 mm and technical specifications K9 and C Class to C40. The decision was issued by Minister of Commerce and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority of Foreign Trade (GAFT), Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi. The duties apply to pipes used in water distribution networks, stormwater drainage systems, wastewater networks, irrigation systems, and fire protection networks that originate in or are exported from the Republic of India. The final anti-dumping duties will apply to imports of the product for five years, effective August 4, 2026. The decision imposing the final duties, along with t…

RIYADH — Under the Green Riyadh Program, 15,000 native trees and shrubs have been planted in Shayb Ghudwanah, reducing temperatures by approximately 5°C compared to the rest of the city. The initiative has transformed Shayb Ghudwanah, one of the tributaries of Wadi Hanifah, into a natural summer destination. In addition to planting trees and shrubs, the tributary underwent comprehensive environmental rehabilitation, including the development of a 5-kilometer natural park featuring 22 kilometers of walking tracks, seating areas, pedestrian bridges, children's play areas, and sports facilities. The project reflects the Green Riyadh Program's goals of enhancing quality of life, increasing vegetation cover, and transforming natural valleys into sustainable urban destinations.

RIYADH — Red Sea Global (RSG) has partnered with DarkSky International to launch the world's first certification program specifically designed for resorts that protect natural night skies through responsible outdoor lighting, setting a new global standard for sustainable tourism.The new DarkSky Approved Lodging & Resort certification recognizes hospitality destinations that minimize light pollution, helping preserve ecosystems while offering visitors exceptional stargazing experiences.Here's what it means.What is light pollution?Light pollution is the excessive or poorly designed use of artificial outdoor lighting at night. While lighting improves visibility and safety, unnecessary illumination can disrupt natural ecosystems, waste energy and obscure the stars.DarkSky International promote…

RIYADH — The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) warned of a heatwave hitting parts of the Riyadh region on Tuesday, with temperatures ranging between 47 and 48 degrees Celsius. The affected areas include the capital city of Riyadh, and the governorates of Diriyah, Thadiq, Huraymila, Rumah, Dhurma, Marat, Al-Hariq, Al-Kharj, Al-Dalam, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Al-Muzahamiyah, Al-Dawadmi, Al-Rayn, Al-Quwayiyah, Afeef, Al-Aflaj, and Al-Sulayyil. The NCM explained that the heatwave will begin at 9:00 in the morning and continue until 7:00 in the evening.

MAKKAH —Nusuk Marhaba, one of the qualitative initiatives of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, welcomes pilgrims at Saudi Arabia’s entry points through reception, guidance, and orientation services that ensure a smooth start to their spiritual journey. Nusuk Marhaba helps organize pilgrims' movement and facilitate their transition through various stages of their journey by operating at over 25 land, air, and sea entry points, the ministry noted. It strengthens coordination among entities operating at the Kingdom's ports of entry and ensures better services for pilgrims.Serving Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, the initiative supports the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Program. The ministry said Nusuk Marhaba is built on a direct field presence at arrival and departure poin…

JEDDAH —Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman held a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Monday. During the call, Erdoğan welcomed the establishment of the Saudi-led multinational maritime defense alliance and wished the alliance success in achieving its objectives. He also reaffirmed Türkiye’s condemnation of the attacks carried out by the Houthi militia against vessels in the Red Sea and expressed his country’s full support for the Kingdom.The two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Türkiye across a number of fields. They also discussed the latest developments in the region.

RIYADH — Around 95.3 percent of online purchases in Saudi Arabia were made through local retailers, compared with 55.4 percent through international shopping websites. This was revealed in the Saudi Internet Report, issued by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST). The fifth edition of the report highlighted the growing adoption of digital channels among consumers, with 76.9 percent purchasing products or services online, including 85.6 percent of women and 70.2 percent of men. The report found that 95.3 percent of online purchases were made through local retailers, compared with 55.4 percent through international shopping websites. Clothing and footwear were the most purchased online products at 87.7 percent, followed by cosmetics at 46.2 percent, groceries at 41.8 perc…

JEDDAH — Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman has sent a cable of congratulations to Nikol Pashinyan on the occasion of his reappointment as prime minister of Armenia. The Crown Prince expressed his sincere congratulations and best wishes to Pashinyan for his success and prosperity as well as to the friendly people of Armenia for their further progress and welfare. Armenia President Vahagn Khachaturyan has re-appointed Pashinyan as Armenian prime minister, after the decisive victory of his Civil Contract party in parliamentary elections held in June. During a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Yerevan, President Khachaturyan signed a decree on the appointment of Pashinyan as prime minister of the country.

RIYADH — The Quality of Life Program Center announced that Riyadh has joined the Global Quality of Life Index (QoLI), a global initiative undertaken by the Center in partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).Riyadh’s inclusion in the Global Quality of Life Index reflects the ongoing efforts of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the Riyadh Mayoralty, and the Quality of Life Program Center to strengthen the capital’s standing among the world’s leading cities for quality of life. It also supports the adoption of standardized measurement frameworks that enable cities worldwide to assess their performance across key areas, including health, well-being, the urban environment, and economic and social opportunities.The Global Quality of Life Index is a compreh…

RIYADH — Land patrol units of the Border Guard in the Al-Dayer sector of the Jazan region apprehended 11 Ethiopian nationals for violating border security regulations after they attempted to smuggle 220 kilograms of the narcotic plant khat. The Border Guard completed the necessary legal procedures against the violators before handing them, along with the seized contraband, over to the relevant authorities. Security authorities reiterated their call for the public to report any information related to drug smuggling or trafficking by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in the rest of the Kingdom. Reports can also be submitted to the General Directorate of Border Guards through its designated reporting number or to the General Directorate of…

RIYADH — Prince Badr bin Abdullah, Minister of Culture, has appointed Dr. Mohammed bin Hassan Alwan as President of Riyadh University of the Arts (RUA). Dr. Alwan previously served as CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, a position he assumed in November 2024 after leading the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission from 2020 to 2024. He holds a Ph.D. in International Business Management from Carleton University in Canada, an MBA from the University of Portland in the United States, and a bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems from King Saud University. As president, Dr. Alwan will strengthen RUA's role in advancing specialized higher education in the arts, culture and creative industries in the Kingdom. He will also oversee the launch of academic program…

JEDDAH — High temperatures reaching 48°C are expected to continue across parts of the Eastern and Riyadh regions on Monday, while active winds carrying dust and sand will affect several regions, according to the National Center for Meteorology (NCM). The NCM said the forecast shows Riyadh reaching a high of 45°C, while temperatures are expected to climb to 47°C in Makkah and 48°C in Dammam. Madinah and Jeddah are forecast to record highs of 45°C and 44°C, respectively. In the southwest, Abha is expected to see a high of 32°C, Al-Baha 31°C, Jazan 38°C, and Najran 39°C, with rain-bearing clouds forecast over all four cities. High humidity is also expected along parts of the coastal areas stretching from Al-Qunfudhah to Jazan. The active winds are forecast to impact parts of the Riyadh, Makka…

RIYADH — The Ministry of Commerce has recalled 96 Audi Q5 vehicles due to a defect in the front seat belt pretensioner that may cause it to loosen after activation. The defect subsequently reduces the belt’s effectiveness and increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident. The recall affects 96 Audi Q5 vehicles from the 2025 model year. The Ministry urged owners to verify whether their vehicles are included in the recall by checking their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through Recalls.sa. Customers were also urged to contact Samaco Motors to have the necessary repairs carried out free of charge.

OTTAWA — Saudi Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs Khalid Al-Biyari met with Canada's Deputy Minister of National Defence, Stefanie Beck, during his official visit to Canada to discuss ways to strengthen military and defense cooperation between the two countries.The meeting, held at the Canadian Department of National Defence headquarters, reviewed bilateral defense relations and explored opportunities to enhance cooperation, in addition to discussing issues of mutual interest.During the visit, Al-Biyari also toured the University of Ottawa, where he was briefed on the university's artificial intelligence programs and initiatives, including their academic and medical applications.He also met with Saudi physicians from the Ministry of Defense's health services who are studyi…

RIYADH — The Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has approved the registration of Foundaio, a once-daily oral medication to support long-term weight loss and weight maintenance in adults with obesity or overweight accompanied by at least one weight-related medical condition.The drug contains the active ingredient orforglipron and is intended to be used alongside a healthy diet and regular physical activity.According to the SFDA, Foundaio works by activating glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors, helping regulate appetite and blood sugar levels, reducing food intake and supporting sustained weight loss. Unlike many GLP-1 therapies, the medication is taken orally once a day.The authority said the approval followed a comprehensive assessment of the drug's safety, efficacy and quality, supporte…

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia reaffirmed to Iran on Sunday its commitment to continuing its regional role in promoting security and stability in a way that serves the shared interests of all countries and peoples in the region.The message came during a phone call between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. The two ministers reviewed the latest regional developments and discussed diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions.Prince Faisal also held separate telephone conversations with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.The ministers discussed regional developments and stressed the importance of supporting diplomatic efforts a…

AL BAHA — The third stage of the Al Baha Cycling Tour concluded on Saturday with more than 130 cyclists taking part in the five-stage event held under the patronage of Al Baha Emir Prince Dr. Hussam bin Saud.Organized under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport's Al Baha branch, the stage took riders through Al Baha city and the governorates of Al Mandaq, Al Makhwah and Bani Hassan along mountain routes showcasing the region's natural landscapes and panoramic views.The tour covers more than 370 kilometers across five stages and combines competitive racing with sightseeing opportunities, allowing participants to explore Al Baha's natural attractions, heritage sites, moderate climate and diverse terrain.The event forms part of efforts to promote sports tourism, encourage physical activity…

RIYADH — Irish Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Gerry Cunningham paid a farewell visit to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed El Khereiji on Sunday at the ministry's headquarters, marking the end of his tenure in the Kingdom. During the meeting, El Khereiji expressed his appreciation for Cunningham's efforts to strengthen and deepen relations between the two friendly countries and wished him continued success.