SYDNEY — New Zealand said on Thursday it would express its concerns to Beijing after China unexpectedly barred four New Zealand lawmakers from entering Hong Kong, Macau and the Chinese mainland as punishment for visiting Taiwan last month. China has banned four New Zealand Members of Parliament for a year over their visit to Taiwan, New Zealand’s foreign ministry said. The visit in May comprised lawmakers from the ruling coalition — Maureen Pugh, David Wilson and Laura McClure — as well as Duncan Webb from the opposition Labour Party. The MPs learned of the ban, which the Chinese Embassy said…
Author: Editorial Team
RIYADH — More than 1,700 artifacts have been uncovered at the archaeological site of Miqat al-Juhfah by the Heritage Commission. The abundance of artifacts was uncovered during the Commission’s completion — in collaboration with the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom— of the first season of survey and documentation work at the archaeological site of Al-Juhfah Miqat. The discoveries included pottery, glass, and stone fragments, as well as shells, crafted objects, and other archaeological remains, underscoring the site’s significance along the historic Egyptian Hajj route. The variety of artifacts was used in different aspects of daily life, including shells,…
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) central kitchen continued distributing hot meals in the Gaza Strip as part of the Saudi campaign to provide relief for the Palestinian people in the Strip. The kitchen has distributed 24,500 hot meals to the most vulnerable groups in the central and southern Gaza Strip, benefiting 24,500 individuals. These efforts come within the framework of the humanitarian role carried out by the Kingdom through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief, to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and support affected families amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Source: Riyadh Daily
SEOUL — North Korea has unveiled a new facility to produce weapons-grade nuclear material as the South Korean military said it was closely coordinating with the United States to monitor Pyongyang’s nuclear activities. Kim Jong Un inspected the new plant on Wednesday and announced plans to “beef up our state’s nuclear forces at an exponential rate,” according to a report from state-run media on Thursday. The North’s official Korean Central News Agency said the facility used “more sophisticated technology” but didn’t provide further details. It’s not clear where the plant is or when it began operations. State media photos showed…
Dubai’s planned smart medical visa could make it easier and faster for overseas patients to travel to the emirate for treatment, according to healthcare providers. Hospital leaders told Khaleej Times that the initiative could reduce paperwork, improve coordination between hospitals and government authorities, and create a smoother experience for patients seeking specialised care in Dubai. Dr Shanila Laiju, group CEO of Medcare Hospitals and Medical Centres, said the new visa could eventually serve as a single digital gateway for patients. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels “A truly smart medical visa platform should…
KYIV — Ukraine’s key European allies are working on plans with Kyiv to engage Russia in negotiations to end the war as they see a shift in momentum strengthening President Volodymyr Zelensky’s position. Officials from Europe’s three biggest economies — Germany, France and the UK — have been discussing the possibility of holding talks involving both sides, according to people familiar with the matter. They have also talked about the matter with their Ukrainian counterparts, said the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations. The mediation efforts come as Russia’s air attacks have grown in sheer…
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture’s Makkah Region branch conducted more than 15,504 inspection tours of markets, slaughterhouses, and related facilities during this year’s Hajj season, resulting in 462 violations. The total number of animals slaughtered during the season reached 90,825 head, as part of efforts to safeguard public health and consumer safety. Volunteer work was prominent during the season, with 327 volunteer opportunities organized and 1,161 male and female volunteers participating. Through these efforts, 1,585 meals and more than 305,191 bottles of water were distributed, reflecting the values of solidarity and giving that characterize Saudi society in its…
BEIRUT — The Israeli army said Thursday it will continue its ongoing offensive in southern Lebanon despite a trilateral declaration issued in Washington announcing an agreement on a ceasefire, while Defense Minister Israel Katz said military operations will continue until Hezbollah is removed from areas south of the Litani River. Several people have been wounded in an Israeli drone attack on a vehicle after Israel and Lebanon officials agreed to halt the war after a series of meetings in Washington. “Fighting in southern Lebanon is ongoing, and the Israeli army continues to target Hezbollah facilities and infrastructure located in and…
RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received on Thursday phone calls from Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty and Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. During the call, Prince Faisal and Abdelatty discussed the latest regional developments. They reviewed the continuation of bilateral coordination and consultation, which contributes to strengthening regional security and stability. In their phone conversation, Prince Faisal and Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah discussed regional developments and related efforts. Source: Saudi Gazette
A cultural seminar on Islamic scripts and rock inscriptions was held with the participation of specialists in Islamic history, heritage, and archaeology, as part of the cultural program through which the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission is leading Saudi Arabia’s participation as guest of honor at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2026. The seminar addressed the origins of Arabic script and the development of early Arabic writings in the Kingdom as among the oldest civilizational records documenting cultural and religious transformations in the Arabian Peninsula, alongside the characteristics and artistic aesthetics of Arabic calligraphy. It highlighted that Islamic rock…