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  • After Netflix debut, banned Indian film sparks furor on Saudi social media

    An Indian film depicting the true story of a migrant worker caught in miserable conditions in Saudi Arabia is sparking an uproar in Gulf Arab states. Critics say the production tarnishes the Kingdom’s image, while others see a stark portrayal of rights abuses that migrant workers allegedly face. The controversy comes as Riyadh moves to rebrand itself under its ambitious Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda.

  • SparkLabs launches $50 million fund for Saudi AIM-X accelerator

    Global early-stage venture capital firm SparkLabs Group has launched the SparkLabs AIM AI Fund with confirmed investment of $50 million, which will invest in participants in the AIM-X artificial intelligence startup programme. SparkLabs unveiled AIM-X in June, as the official AI startup programme under Saudi Arabia’s Artificial Intelligence Mission (AI.M), which aims to bolster the Kingdom's leadership in AI over the next five years. Originally announced at LEAP24 in March, AI.M was created by Saudi’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology's National Technology Development Program (NTDP), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), and Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA).

  • Olympic victory of naturalized athlete sparks ‘sportswashing’ debate in Bahrain

    Winfred Yavi, a Bahraini runner of Kenyan origin, has bagged the first gold medal for the island nation at the Paris Olympics. The win has sparked mixed reactions among Bahrainis and the wider Arab world. Some view it as highlighting alleged sportswashing by Manama—a term for when sports are used to improve reputations tarnished by issues such as rights abuses. Others point to a claimed trend of naturalization of foreigners in the Gulf Arab monarchy. The latter is a particularly contentious matter in Bahrain, which has long been criticized for stripping indigenous Bahrainis—particularly dissidents—of their nationality.

  • Saudi Space Agency Launches ‘Abaad’ Astrophotography Competition

    According to the release, the competition aims to encourage interest in astrophotography and increase scientific awareness of astronomy and space sciences, building a creative and productive community. Saudi Astronaut Ali AlQarni, supervisor of Abaad, emphasized the competition's role in advancing space education and inspiring a new generation of astronomers. "The Abaad competition also aligns perfectly with SSA's mission to enrich Arabic content in space sciences and foster a community passionate about exploring the cosmos," said AlQarni.

  • Saudi Arabia’s startup appeal spans across diverse sectors

    The Saudi fintech sector has seen its fair share of new entrants during the first quarter of the year, with US-based MoneyHash being the most recent mover. Established in late 2020 by Nader Abdelrazik, Mustafa Eid, and Anisha Sekar, MoneyHash has set its sights on the Saudi market following a successful $4.5 million seed funding round in February.

  • Saudi Arabia to host Halo space balloon test flight

    Halo Space, a Spanish company developing a stratospheric balloon for tourists is to conduct its next test flight in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia this September. This test flight will be Halo Space’s sixth and use the company’s real-size prototype capsule, Aurora, which will ascend 30km above the Earth’s surface. The primary objective of the flight is to validate the integrated operation of all critical systems developed over the past three years.

  • Halo Space Plans Next Test Flight in Saudi Arabia

    Halo Space, a space tourism firm, will reportedly conduct its next test flight in Saudi Arabia. The test, scheduled for September, will feature a life-size prototype capsule named Aurora. This flight will reach an altitude of 30 km above Earth. This will be Aurora’s sixth test flight, a collaboration with the Kingdom’s Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST). The test flight aims to validate all critical systems developed over the past three years. Alberto Castrillo, the chief technology officer at Halo Space, stated that the chosen dates and location ensure reliable equipment operation and safe conditions for ground teams.

  • Lebanon housing costs surge amid property crunch as conflict fears spark exodus, echoing 2006 war

    Panic set in among many residents following a recent strike near Beirut and the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander, reigniting fears of a wider conflict and prompting many to seek temporary accommodations in northern Lebanon and mountainous regions.

  • Airlines avoid some Mideast airspace, cancel Israel flights as tensions mount

    Airlines are avoiding Iranian and Lebanese airspace and cancelling flights to Israel and Lebanon, as concerns grow over a possible conflict in the region after the killing of senior members of militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah this week. Singapore Airlines (SIAL.SI), opens new tab stopped flying through Iranian airspace from early Friday morning and is using alternative routes, saying safety is its top priority, it told Reuters in a statement.

  • NASA Signs US, Saudi Arabia Agreement for Civil Aeronautics, Space Collaboration

    The United States and Saudi Arabia signed a framework agreement that opens new possibilities for cooperation with NASA in areas such as space science, exploration, aeronautics, space operations, education, and Earth science. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson signed on behalf of the U.S., and CEO of the Saudi Space Agency Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi signed on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.