Community Jameel Saudi, in partnership with the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), has concluded the Semi-final Challenge of the 2nd edition of the Jameel DeepTech Initiative, held at the “The Garage” incubator headquarters in Riyadh. Selected from a pool of 900 applicants, thirty-three teams competed in the Semi-final Challenge to develop their research-based ventures in scientific and DeepTech fields. This marks significant growth compared to last year’s edition, which featured 30 competing teams out of only 234 applicants. The teams are competing to reach the finals, where 3 winners will share a total prize pool of SAR…
Author: Editorial Team
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 mobile medical clinic of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in Al-Deir district of Hiran, Hajjah Governorate, provided healthcare services to 313 beneficiaries during the period from July 15 to 21, 2026. The infectious disease clinic treated 127 patients, while the emergency clinic received 50 patients and the internal medicine clinic served 95. The reproductive health clinic treated two patients, and the health education and awareness unit benefited 39 individuals. Supporting services included nursing care for 49 patients, two medical waste disposal activities, the dispensing of medications to 269 beneficiaries, and treatment for six patients at…
Junwei Yang, General Manager of Keeta Drone. Junwei Yang, General Manager of Keeta Drone, discusses how autonomous drone delivery can accelerate last-mile services, reduce congestion and support the UAE’s smart mobility ambitions Drone delivery is emerging as a new layer of urban infrastructure in the UAE, offering a faster, cleaner and more direct way to transport everyday goods. Powered by artificial intelligence, autonomous flight systems and multi-modal logistics networks, the technology could improve last-mile efficiency while easing pressure on congested roads. Keeta Drone, Meituan’s autonomous drone delivery solution, has been developing its low-altitude delivery network since 2017. The company received…
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…
RIYADH — Entertainment activities and events across Saudi Arabia witnessed a significant surge in popularity during the first half of 2026, attracting 45.7 million visitors. The overall visitor satisfaction rate reached an impressive 96 percent as the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) continued to strengthen the sector’s regulatory and oversight framework in support of the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The GEA announced that it issued more than 2,500 licenses for entertainment and related activities during the period and carried out over 8,500 inspection visits across the Kingdom to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements while enhancing service quality, safety standards, and…
RIYADH — A total of 1,173 new archaeological sites have been added to the National Antiquities Register, bringing the total to 14,164, the Heritage Commission announced. The newly registered sites, spread across several regions, are part of the commission’s efforts to preserve the Kingdom’s national heritage. Among the regions with newly registered sites, Makkah recorded 87 new archaeological sites, bringing its total to 1,306. Meanwhile Madinah added 388 sites, raising its total to 2,128, and Asir registered 42 new sites, bringing its total to 901. The Tabuk Region recorded 209 newly registered sites, increasing its total to 1,387, while the…
Richard Gregory. CEO Richard Gregory explains how privacy, local relevance and culturally aware moderation are shaping Jodel’s growth in Saudi Arabia.Social media often rewards visibility, polished identities and follower counts, but Jodel is pursuing a different model centred on place, privacy and authentic community engagement. The hyperlocal platform enables users to exchange real-time information, opinions, recommendations and support without relying on public profiles. Saudi Arabia has emerged as an important growth and learning market for Jodel, driven by digitally sophisticated users seeking privacy, practical value and locally relevant conversations. In this interview, Richard Gregory, CEO of Jodel, discusses the platform’s…
King Khalid University has launched the second phase of its community initiatives project for the 1447-1448 AH academic year, featuring more than 100 programs targeting various segments of society, as part of the university’s efforts to strengthen social responsibility and promote a culture of volunteerism. General Supervisor of the university’s General Administration of Volunteering and Community Partnership Dr. Mosfer Al-Asmari said this phase includes a diverse package of initiatives and programs spanning cultural, educational, awareness, volunteer, and development fields. He noted that the phase aims to empower community members, strengthen community engagement, and build effective partnerships that contribute to achieving…
LAGOS — Armed gangs kidnapped at least 52 people, including children, in a weekend attack on a village and military base in northwest Nigeria’s Zamfara state, local sources told AFP news agency on Monday. Kidnappings have become a major source of income for armed groups in Nigeria, including militants in the northeast and criminal gangs known locally as “bandits.” Zamfara is one of the hardest hit states in the northwest. The gunmen on motorcycles swept into Kasuwar Daji village in the Kaura Namoda local government area around midnight on Saturday into Sunday, first attacking a military base on the outskirts…