Accenture‘s recent review of companies’ AI readiness indicated that European businesses are closing the gap on their North American counterparts but face revenue-related fragmentation risks. The professional services player acknowledged the data in its inaugural Accenture AI Progress Barometer would only begin to provide truly meaningful insights in later editions. For now, though, the benchmarking of companies against counterparts in various industries and regions shows greater momentum for European businesses than North American over the past six months. European companies’ AI readiness scores improved by 1.6 points compared with a 1.1-point gain by North American counterparts. Accenture’s measure involves rating…
Author: Editorial Team
Saudi Arabia is entering a defining decade as a global destination for major events. From hosting Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034 to an expanding calendar of international sporting, cultural, and MICE events, the Kingdom is rapidly elevating its profile on the world stage. The hosting of global events reflects the Kingdom’s strong and sustained commitment to Vison 2030. These ambitions place safety at the core of Saudi Arabia’s goals and growth, through ongoing investment and continuous advancement in safety protocols. The scale and diversity of these gatherings introduce distinct fire and life safety challenges which require strong…
MADINAH — More than 1.3 million pilgrims and visitors toured the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an between 2025 and 2026, underscoring its global standing as one of the world’s leading Islamic and knowledge institutions. The high visitor turnout reflects the complex’s continued advancement in production and technology, utilizing the latest printing techniques to produce copies of the Holy Qur’an to the highest standards of quality, precision, and craftsmanship. The complex has also expanded its media and outreach efforts by enhancing delegation reception programs, organizing guided tours, and enriching multilingual educational and awareness content. These initiatives…
In Dubai, there is a growing appetite for a new wave of luxury. It is something we have seen steadily build over recent years, but for a variety of reasons has accelerated significantly in 2026. When I say “luxury”, I think the word itself has evolved. Traditional luxury is so readily available in Dubai that it no longer feels particularly special. Instead, the city’s movers and shakers are seeking experiences that feel personal, exciting, authentic and, above all, unique. Firstly, a disclaimer. This does not by any means suggest that Dubai’s diners are abandoning their tuna crispy rice at Nobu…
JEDDAH — Saudi Border Guard coastal patrols arrested six Bangladeshi residents in Al-Laith governorate in the Makkah region for violating maritime safety regulations by fishing without permits and using prohibited equipment. The Border Guard said legal action was taken against the violators in coordination with the relevant authorities. It urged the public to comply with regulations aimed at protecting the Kingdom’s marine resources and called on anyone witnessing violations against the environment or wildlife to report them by calling 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 994 in the rest of the Kingdom. The Border Guard said…
Foreign private capital investment in Saudi Arabia’s private markets reached SAR 20 billion (USD 5.3 billion) in 2025, representing about 60% of total private capital investment in the Kingdom and marking a significant milestone in the continued expansion of Saudi Arabia’s private capital ecosystem. This was highlighted in a report released by the Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC), titled “Global Investment in Saudi Arabia’s Private Markets,” providing a comprehensive analysis of global capital flows into the Kingdom’s venture capital, private equity, and private debt markets, while examining the factors attracting international investors and the evolution of Saudi Arabia as a…
WhatsApp is making preparations to implement usernames across its messaging platform. This change will allow users to connect without sharing their phone numbers in a move aimed at strengthening privacy. WhatsApp said users can begin reserving optional usernames this week, ahead of a phased global launch of the feature over the coming months. Users who opt-in will be able to message new contacts by exchanging usernames rather than phone numbers. The Meta Platforms-owned service noted the rollout is its “latest step to make WhatsApp even more private” because “a phone number is personal”, adding there will be no searchable public…
KYIV — At least 17 people have been killed and several dozen injured in a Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, which came just hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of an impending “massive” attack by Moscow. Ukraine’s emergency services said the toll had risen to 17, after Zelensky reported several dead and at least 90 injured in the attacks on Thursday. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko declared Friday a day of mourning. Damage from the strikes also included six floors of an apartment building that had partially collapsed after a direct hit from a Russian projectile,…
JERUSALEM — Jewish settlers stormed the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem on Thursday, under the protection of Israeli occupation forces. According to the Palestinian news agency WAFA, a number of settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque, conducted provocative tours of its courtyards, and performed Talmudic rituals, under the protection of the occupation forces. Al-Aqsa Mosque is subjected to repeated incursions by settlers, under the protection of the occupation forces, which constitutes a dangerous escalation and a violation of the sanctity of the mosque. Al-Aqsa Mosque is the world’s third-holiest site for Muslims. Jews refer to the area as the Temple…
Magna AI, Inc., the global integrated‑value‑chain sovereign AI transformation leader established through a partnership between Trend Micro and Wistron Digital Technology Holding Company (WDH), powered by NVIDIA, recently announced a strategic collaboration with Saudi Xerox, official representation of Xerox Trading Company in Saudi Arabia that is redefining the workplace experience by providing solutions to improve business processes, automation, and printing technology. The initiative was formalised during the Global AI Show 2026 in Riyadh by Dr. Moataz BinAli, Chief Executive Officer of Magna AI, and Mehmet Sezer, General Manager of Saudi Xerox. The strategic framework will enable both companies to advance…