RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has approved the executive and regulatory provisions of its new General Education Law, marking one of the most significant overhauls of the Kingdom’s K-12 education system in recent years. The legislation establishes a comprehensive legal framework governing public education from nursery through Grade 12, while introducing new governance structures, strengthening quality standards, expanding private sector participation, and aligning the education system with the goals of Vision 2030. Here is what the new law means. A new governing body for general education A key feature of the law is the creation of the General Education Affairs Council,…
Author: Editorial Team
MUSCAT — Oman on Thursday called for de-escalation in the Red Sea region after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis attacked two oil tankers in the area, as the Iran conflict widens. “The Sultanate of Oman is following with great interest the recent developments related to the situation in the Red Sea region,” the country’s foreign ministry said in a statement. The ministry expressed the need to “avoid escalation and any threats that could exacerbate the situation and endanger freedom of navigation.” The Houthis, one of Iran’s principal allies in the region, have long warned they could take action to block the Bab…
Abu Dhabi – The National Experts Program’s AI Track (NEP-AI) launched its first technical learning phase today, in the presence of His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and His Excellency Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology. 32 Emirati experts will take part in NEP-AI Module 1, “AI Foundations and the AI Stack,” where they will be introduced to the technologies, infrastructure, and data that underpin modern artificial intelligence. His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, said that investing in national talent is fundamental to strengthening the UAE’s long-term leadership in artificial intelligence and building a…
Al-Ahsa’s summer markets are seeing high demand for locally grown okra, a crop harvested three months after planting and highly prized for its small size, tender texture, light green color, and rich nutritional value. Farmers harvest early in the morning and sort pods daily, as consumers prefer small-to-medium okra. King Faisal University professor Dr. Mohammed Al-Mouji explained that daily harvesting is essential; leaving large pods on the plant degrades fruit quality, hardens seeds, and slows new growth. Agricultural specialist Abdullah Al-Salem noted that the summer harvest is the most productive, running through early August. Beyond okra, the historic Al-Ahsa Oasis…
WASHINGTON — A group of Russian hackers has spent the last year targeting nuclear scientists, defense contractors, and government employees in a cyber-espionage campaign, CNN reported citing private-sector researchers and warnings from spy agencies released Thursday. Their targets suggested an interest in nuclear fusion technology and intelligence that may aid in the Kremlin’s war with Ukraine. US email security firm Proofpoint, which investigated some of the activity, said the hackers went after email servers used by “nuclear installations and the defense industrial base” in the US. The hackers were “targeting entities and users with an interest in nuclear fusion,” Proofpoint…
DHAKA — Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin is set to resign nearly two years before completing his term, as concerns grow that his former ally Sheikh Hasina will return to the country. A senior BNP leader said that Shahabuddin could step down soon, but did not provide further details. The possibility of his resignation emerged after several Bangladeshi media organizations reported that discussions were underway over appointing a new president. Speculation over his resignation has grown over the past two days, with several Bangladeshi media outlets reporting that the government is no longer comfortable with the president remaining in office. According…
The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission on Friday evening concluded the fifth edition of the Literary Partner Initiative for 2025–2026 during a closing ceremony held at the King Fahad Cultural Center in Riyadh. The event was attended by the commission’s CEO Dr. Abdullatif Al-Wasel and CEO of the Quality of Life Program Khalid Al-Baker, along with a distinguished group of writers, intellectuals, initiative partners, and representatives of cultural and media organizations. Al-Wasel said the Literary Partner Initiative has established a national model for cultural partnership between the private and nonprofit sectors, helping expand community participation and strengthen the presence of…
Delegates at the first substantive plenary meeting of the UN Global Mechanism on ICT Security at UN Headquarters in New York. Forming part of broader capacity-building efforts, the program will equip delegates with the knowledge and skills to meaningfully engage in UN discussions on ICT in the context of international security New York – The UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) announced their partnership to implement the United Nations (UN) Global Mechanism on ICT Security Delegate Training Program – a multistakeholder initiative that will equip official delegates with the knowledge and practical skills needed…
RIYADH — A Saudi official said Friday that the Saudi-owned commercial vessel NCC MASA was targeted while sailing in the Red Sea, sustaining minor damage before safely continuing its voyage. In a statement, the official said the vessel suffered slight damage to its hull as a result of the attack. After confirming the safety of the ship and its crew, the vessel continued to its intended destination. The official described the continued targeting of commercial vessels as a violation of international laws and norms that guarantee the safety and security of commercial shipping and their crews. Source: Saudi Gazette
For decades, the fitness industry revolved around one goal — helping people lose weight. Today, the growing popularity of GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro is changing that equation. Across Dubai, fitness coaches say they are seeing a sharp rise in clients using the medications, forcing gyms to rethink everything from training programmes to nutrition advice. Instead of chasing rapid weight loss, the focus is increasingly on preserving muscle, improving body composition and supporting long-term health. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Sarah Lindsay, founder of Roar Fitness and a three-time…