RIYADH — Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar discussed the latest regional developments amid escalating tensions during a phone call on Saturday. The two ministers stressed the importance of supporting mediation efforts, resuming U.S.-Iran negotiations and containing regional tensions, according to the Saudi Foreign Ministry. They also emphasized the need to intensify efforts to reach comprehensive and peaceful solutions that enhance regional and international security and stability. Source: Saudi Gazette
Author: Editorial Team
BEIJING — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Saturday called for closer strategic coordination and expanded cooperation with North Korea during talks with North Korean Premier Pak Thae Song in Beijing. According to state-run Xinhua News Agency, Li said China is ready to continue upholding the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance by increasing high-level exchanges, strengthening political mutual trust and expanding practical cooperation. Pak is on a three-day official visit to China as the two countries mark the 65th anniversary of the treaty, which was signed on July 11, 1961, and includes a mutual defense provision. Li said…
Meta Platforms recently broke ground on a CAD13 billion ($9.2 billion) data centre in Canada. The work here is a first in the country for the company and its 33rd globally. It plans to use the site to handle AI workloads. Initial capacity is due to be 1GW, with the ability to scale to 1.8GW. Meta Platforms stated the project would support more than 3,000 workers at the peak of the building process and more than 300 operational jobs. It also pledged to invest CAD60 million in infrastructure improvements for the local community, and provide grants and funding to local…
Historic Jeddah is strengthening its position as a cultural platform for Saudi crafts, blending Hijazi architecture with traditional industries and serving as a vibrant space for introducing national crafts and showcasing their cultural and economic value to international visitors. On Gold Street, the Saudi Artisanal Company, a government initiative, empowers local artisans by offering products inspired by Red Sea culture and Hijazi motifs. The company’s store features handcrafted items that combine traditional skills with modern standards for everyday use and gifting. These efforts support Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to develop the creative economy, enhance local content, and preserve national heritage. Source: Riyadh…
MUSCAT — Qatari officials have joined talks between Iran and Oman in Muscat on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Axios reported Saturday, citing a diplomat familiar with the negotiations. According to the report, the parties are discussing a possible statement supporting the full reopening of the strait’s median shipping lane, which lies in international waters, to allow the unrestricted movement of commercial vessels. The talks come as diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions continue following renewed hostilities in the Gulf. ABC News reported Friday that negotiations between the United States and Iran are expected to resume after Iranian officials privately acknowledged…
GAZA — A Palestinian was killed and two others were injured on Saturday in an Israeli drone strike targeting a civilian vehicle west of the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, medical sources said. The attack came amid continued Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement that has been in effect in the Gaza Strip since October. The victim’s body and the two injured Palestinians were taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah after the strike hit a vehicle traveling near Al-Nuwairi Hill, west of the camp, according to the sources. Eyewitnesses said an Israeli drone fired at least four…
ALULA — The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), home to an annual production of 130,000 tonnes of dates and 14,000 tonnes of citrus fruits, has launched the 2026–2027 Khairat AlUla agricultural season. The initiative is part of the commission’s efforts to strengthen the competitiveness of AlUla’s agricultural sector, boost production efficiency, and empower farmers in support of sustainable development. AlUla’s cultivated land spans more than 20,500 hectares, producing nearly 130,000 tonnes of dates annually and around 14,000 tonnes of citrus fruits from more than 400,000 citrus trees. Across the oasis, more than 4.2 million palm trees have been surveyed and…
Micron Technology recently showcased plans to invest more than $250 billion in the U.S. until 2035. This move was likely driven by the surging demand for memory chips in the AI era. The latest announcement adds a further $50 billion to a previous commitment to pump $200 billion into the country’s semiconductor manufacturing. Micron stated the increased investment would support its long-term goal of producing 40% of its DRAM in the U.S., creating jobs in the country and reflecting confidence in continued demand for its memory products. In a series of announcements, the company stated construction of a new semiconductor…
Chairman of the Saudi-Canadian Business Council Mohammed bin Nasser affirmed that Saudi Vision 2030 has driven a qualitative economic transformation and opened promising opportunities in the mining, industry, energy, infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), and financial services sectors. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on the sidelines of the Saudi-Canadian Investment Forum, held yesterday in Jeddah, he said the forum serves as an important platform for translating government directions into tangible investment partnerships and projects. He stressed that the Saudi-Canadian Business Council is working to strengthen communication between the public and private sectors. It also seeks to transform…
BEIRUT — The Israeli military launched a fresh wave of airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday despite a US-backed framework agreement between Beirut and Tel Aviv aimed at easing tensions and facilitating a phased Israeli withdrawal. According to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), three airstrikes targeted the Al-Mashaa neighborhood in the town of Al-Mansouri in the southern Tyre district. Israeli forces also demolished homes in the town of Houla in the Nabatieh district, while a separate Israeli drone strike targeted the town of Kfar Tebnit, the state news agency reported. The attacks came despite Lebanon and Israel signing a US-sponsored…