Governor of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) Suhail Abanmi reviewed workflow at the customs office of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to assess the implementation of the authority’s operational plan for the Hajj season. During the tour, he reviewed the customs services provided and procedures aimed at facilitating pilgrims’ journeys and completing their entry procedures with ease while maintaining strict customs control through the use of the latest security technologies and in coordination with relevant entities. Abanmi stressed the importance of delivering the highest level of customs services to pilgrims and enhancing readiness across all customs ports,…
Author: Editorial Team
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence has many business leaders feeling ready for the future, but that feeling often masks some pretty significant gaps in the foundation. While it is exciting to see what happens during a small pilot or a quick experiment, moving AI into the heart of daily operations requires a more cohesive data strategy than most companies currently have. This is especially true in regions like Saudi Arabia and across EMEA, where high levels of confidence in data do not always match up with the reality of how that data is governed and shared. Turning AI from…
THERAN — Iran’s parliament speaker said on Wednesday that the US naval blockade of his country’s ports aimed to create division and “make us collapse from within,” state TV reported.Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said US President Donald Trump “divides the country into two groups: hardliners and moderates, and then immediately talks about a naval blockade to force Iran into submission through economic pressure and internal discord.”With the killing of numerous Iranian leaders in US-Israeli strikes, including supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, there has been widespread speculation over the balance of power within the Islamic republic.Ghalibaf was the lead negotiator in the…
With the highest number of robotic surgeries performed by a single facility in 2025, Mediclinic City Hospital brings extensive experience to every patient Published: Wed 22 Apr 2026, 9:58 AM Mediclinic City Hospital continues to strengthen its position in robotic-assisted surgery, combining advanced surgical expertise, ongoing innovation and a strong focus on patient education. As part of its commitment to increasing awareness of surgical innovation, the hospital hosted a display of robotic surgical system, giving patients the opportunity to engage with the technology and better understand how robotic-assisted surgery supports modern, minimally invasive care. With the highest number of robotic…
Located in Hayy Jameel, Hayy Cinema is a cultural platform that redefines the traditional film screening experience. It brings together viewing, learning, and interaction, fostering creative engagement and encouraging artistic dialogue across diverse cultures. In April, the cinematic program featured a selection of films exploring themes of memory, resilience, and solidarity, drawing on both contemporary and classic international works. The program includes distinctive activities, most notably “Rendezvous with French Cinema,” a film club that offers an interactive experience combining film screenings with language development. It also features a special Italian Film Night celebrating Italy’s artistic heritage, further strengthening international cinema’s…
Luxury dining brand GAIA has begun relocating its Dubai-based teams to international destinations as part of its summer 2026 expansion, aiming to preserve jobs while maintaining service standards across markets. The move, led by Fundamental Hospitality, will see staff deployed to seasonal pop-ups in destinations such as St Tropez and Bodrum, aligning operations with where its global clientele travels during the summer months. At a time when many hospitality businesses adjust headcount during quieter periods, the group said it has prioritised continuity for its workforce by offering international placements instead. “Our summer pop-ups are not just about being present in…
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s GDP grew 2.8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, driven by expansion across all major economic sectors, according to flash estimates by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). Non-oil activities recorded a 2.8% increase, emerging as the main driver of overall growth, while oil activities rose by 2.3% and government activities expanded by 1.5% compared to the same period last year. The non-oil sector contributed 1.7% points to total GDP growth, accounting for the largest share, followed by oil activities at 0.7 percentage points, government activities at 0.3 percentage points, and net taxes on products…
RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received on Thursday French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot in Riyadh. During the meeting, the two ministers reviewed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them in a manner that serves shared interests and aspirations. They also discussed regional and international developments and their implications for security and stability. Source: Saudi Gazette
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) distributed 810 cartons of dates to the most vulnerable groups in Chad, benefiting 4,860 individuals, as part of the project to distribute 800 tons of dates in Chad for 2026. This comes within the framework of the humanitarian and relief projects provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its humanitarian arm KSrelief, to assist those in need and affected populations around the world. Source: Riyadh Daily
NEW YORK — Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the United Nations’ efforts to combat terrorism, describing terrorism as a direct threat to international peace and security.Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasel made the remarks while addressing an ambassador-level meeting held under the UN80 initiative to review the capacities of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre. He noted the Kingdom’s continued support for the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre since its establishment in 2011 as a founding donor and chair of the advisory board.Within the framework of the UN80…