RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has notified the establishments under its supervision that it will begin classifying violations, penalties and values of fine based on the size of the establishment and its commercial activity. In a recent circular, the SFDA announced an update to its schedule of violations, in accordance with its regulations and the corresponding penalties. This update is based on royal order no. 32043, which pertains to classifying violations, penalties, and fines according to the size of the establishment and its economic activity. The SFDA stated that it aims to achieve compliance and enhance…
Author: Editorial Team
Amazon entered into a deal to acquire Globalstar for around 11.6 billion as it looks to bolster its Amazon Leo satellite business with direct-to-device (D2D) services. Amazon stated it will take control of Globalstar’s existing satellite operations, infrastructure and assets, including MSS spectrum licences and global authorisations. It pointed to numerous benefits of the tie-up, including Amazon Leo being able to beef up its connectivity offering for consumer, enterprise and government customers, utilising Globalstar’s existing fleet and its new satellites to operate alongside its broadband system. Beginning in 2028, Amazon Leo said it will deploy its own next-generation D2D satellite…
In recent years, the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Saudi Arabia has steadily deepened, delivering tangible investment outcomes across key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, renewable energy, the digital economy, and advanced manufacturing. This expanding cooperation has not only strengthened bilateral economic ties but also contributed to broader regional growth. However, rising geopolitical tensions—particularly in the context of U.S.–Iran dynamics—have introduced new uncertainties to global energy markets and regional supply chains. These developments have inevitably created short-term pressures on foreign investments, including those of Chinese companies operating in Saudi Arabia. Yet, despite these external challenges, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated…
RIYADH — Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan said that the PIF has contributed one-third of non-oil GDP growth, amounting to SR910 billion. “The PIF aims to develop 100,000 hotel rooms and introduce 70 tourism experiences across various regions of Saudi Arabia, with the objective of strengthening the tourism sector and increasing visitor numbers,” he said. Al-Rumayyan made the remarks while addressing a government press conference in Riyadh, following the approval of PIF’s 2026-2030 strategy by its board of directors, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. He revealed that the PIF’s companies attracted foreign…
iCAUR will host its 2026 International Business Summit in April, bringing together partners, media, and creators for a multi-day immersive experience. Building on strong momentum in Saudi Arabia, the V27 has already gained attention through local test drives. Rather than focusing on speeches, the summit will center on real-world scenarios and interactive experiences, connecting products, technology, and lifestyle in a tangible way. From Introduction to ImmersionThe summit will open with the Global Partner Conference, where iCAUR will outline its brand philosophy, strategic direction, and global approach to new energy mobility. From the start, the event becomes an immersive journey —…
Satellite startup Orbital has laid out plans to launch its first test mission in 2027, which they hope will provide a foundation for operating AI data centres in low Earth orbit (LEO). The company’s first satellite, Orbital 1, is scheduled to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 in April next year. Its aim is to validate sustained GPU operation in orbit, test radiation hardening and eventually run AI workloads commercially. Orbital noted it has secured funding from start-up accelerator a16z Speedrun to support the initial test and was in the process of making an application to the US Federal Communications…
Two researchers from Umm Al-Qura University developed an innovative engineering solution: a smart concrete barrier capable of generating electricity from air currents produced by vehicle movement on public roads. The innovation was developed by faculty member at the College of Engineering and Architecture Raed Shalwala and Director of the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Umm Al-Qura University Fadi Almarghlani. The system harnesses airflow generated by traffic through an integrated design within concrete barriers, converting kinetic energy into usable electrical energy. The solution supports renewable energy sources and reduces reliance on conventional resources. It is expected to improve energy efficiency in road infrastructure and…
RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received on Wednesday a phone call from Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov. During the call, they discussed the latest developments and theefforts being made to enhance security and stability in the region. Source: Saudi Gazette
RIYADH — The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) warned of continued thunderstorms of varying intensity across most regions of Saudi Arabia until next Sunday. The thunderstorms will be accompanied by active downdrafts stirring up dust and sand, with speeds that may exceed 60 kilometers per hour, along with hail, flash floods, and high waves along the coasts. The NCM said in its weather report that the rainy weather condition will affect the Riyadh region and its governorates with moderate to heavy rainfall. This includes Diriyah, Al-Muzahamiyah, Al-Kharj, Al-Dilam, Al-Hariq, Al-Rayn, Al-Qiddiyah, Rumah, Al-Aflaj, and Hawtat Bani Tamim, in addition to…
The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority recorded more than 90 births of various wild species during the first quarter of 2026, in a scene reflecting the vitality of the ecosystem within the reserve. The authority said this demonstrates the effectiveness of reintroduction programs, alongside integrated conservation efforts and natural habitat management, which directly support the reproduction and stability of wildlife in its natural environment. The authority documented more than 40 births of the Arabian gazelle, over 15 births of the Arabian oryx, in addition to more than 17 births of the Cape hare, and the hatching of seven…