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…
Author: Editorial Team
RIYADH — Ride-hailing applications recorded significant growth during the first quarter of 2026, exceeding 32 million trips, an increase of 15.77 percent compared to the same period last year. These figures reflect the sector’s continued development and its role in supporting and enhancing the mobility experience, according to statements issued by the Transport General Authority (TGA). These indicators highlight the growing reliance on ride-hailing services as a preferred mode of urban transportation, supported by their widespread availability across the Kingdom and the efficiency and quality of services provided. Source: Saudi Gazette
AlfaNow, a cross-border payments company built for how the world moves money today, has officially signed Al Fardan Exchange as its first UAE partner. The partnership enables customers to access AlfaNow’s international money transfer capabilities across 92+ Al Fardan Exchange branches nationwide. Through this collaboration, customers can send money quickly and securely to over 125 countries, supported by AlfaNow’s global ecosystem of banking partners, payout locations, and digital wallet connectivity. The partnership represents an important milestone in AlfaNow’s growth journey while reinforcing Al Fardan Exchange’s continued commitment to expanding access to trusted, future-ready financial solutions. Hasan Jaber, Chief Executive Officer…
CAIRO — The Council of the Arab League at the level of foreign ministers strongly condemned the blatant attacks carried out by Iran using missiles and drones against the territories of the six Gulf states as well as Jordan and Iraq. In a resolution issued by the extraordinary ministerial-level meeting of the Arab League Council, the foreign ministers also denounced Iranian threats to close the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab Al Mandeb Strait. They called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to assume its responsibility in maintaining regional and international peace and security and to ensure accountability for…
JEDDAH —Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman met with Italian Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto in Jeddah on Tuesday. During the meeting, the ministers reviewed Saudi-Italian bilateral relations and partnership and ways to further enhance them in the military and defense fields. They also discussed the latest regional and international developments, particularly the developments in the region, as well as coordination of joint efforts to enhance regional security and stability. The meeting was attended by a number of officials from both countries. Source: Saudi Gazette
Mostafa Kabel, CTO, Mindware Group, has penned a thought leadership, which takes a much closer look at the concept of Physical AI, and how it designed to bring intelligence into the real world. Mostafa Kabel, CTO, Mindware Group, believes there is a consequential shift underway in the world of AI. Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving beyond screens and software into the physical world. While generative AI has captured public attention, a more consequential shift is underway. One that will reshape industries, infrastructure, and the way humans interact with machines. This shift is toward what we call Physical AI. At its…
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has invited Muhannad Kadi, Chief Marketing Officer at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH), to its 2026 Health & Wellness jury, marking what is believed to be a first for healthcare representation in the festival’s history. This also marks the first participation of a Saudi professional from the healthcare sector at Cannes Lions, reflecting the growing global presence of Saudi talent across creative and marketing industries. The Health & Wellness category recognizes work that demonstrates measurable impact on behavior, patient outcomes, and the overall experience of care, areas increasingly seen as…
ISLAMABAD — The Pakistani capital remains under a strict security lockdown as Islamabad launched a fresh round of back-channel diplomacy to bring the US and Iran back to the negotiation table, according to security sources cited by Anadolu news agency. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump extended the two-week ceasefire with Iran to allow time for Tehran to prepare a “unified proposal,” following a request by Pakistani officials. “Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we…
In a development that highlights Saudi Arabia’s accelerating investment in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Bnoon Network of Fertility & Women’s Health Centers, part of Global Fertility, has announced the first birth in the Kingdom following the use of an AI-enabled sperm selection application during IVF treatment. This is a remarkable milestone that specialists describe as a notable step forward for Saudi Arabia’s assisted reproductive technology sector. The announcement comes as Saudi Arabia designates 2026 the Year of Artificial Intelligence. The birth follows the introduction of an AI-driven solution, Vitruvian MD, within the IVF laboratories of Bnoon. The system used by embryologists…
King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) distributed 200 food baskets to those in need, displaced persons, and people with disabilities in Bamako, Mali, benefiting 1,200 individuals. The assistance forms part of the 2026 food basket distribution program aimed at strengthening food security in the country. The effort reflects Saudi Arabia’s continued humanitarian and relief work, delivered through KSrelief, to support vulnerable and affected communities worldwide. Source: Riyadh Daily