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  • Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli plan on annexed Golan population

    Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned and denounced the Israeli government’s approval of a plan to double the population of the occupied and annexed Golan Heights. Israel’s government “unanimously approved” the $11 million “plan for the demographic development of the Golan... in light of the war and the new front in Syria and the desire to double the population,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said. “The Kingdom renews its call to the international community to condemn these Israeli violations, stressing the need to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

  • Saudi Arabia proposes renaming OAPEC into the Arab Energy Organization

    Members of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) signed a resolution on Sunday to rename the organization to the Arab Energy Organization (AEO), the Saudi Press Agency reported. Saudi Arabia had proposed renaming and restructuring the organization during the 113th ministerial meeting in Kuwait this week. Saudi Arabia's proposal aimed to enhance OAPEC's charter and promote stronger cooperation among its members as part of a larger reconstruction initiative, the SPA added.

  • Another huge airport coming in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – living up to the hype

    Now Saudi Arabia will open what is being billed as one of the world's physically largest airports - King Salman International - in Riyadh by 2030, forming a crucial part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's 'Vision 2030'.  The international companies Foster + PartnersJacobs, and Mace, along with the Saudi company Nera, have already been signed up to design and build it. Coming in at USD29 billion, it will be the one of world's costliest airport projects too. Along with the extension of Dubai World Central (Al Maktoum International Airport) in the UAE; the now mostly completed expansion of Hong Kong International Airport including the third runway; the Long Thanh Airport in Vietnam - a greenfield project; and the expansion of Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport - also in Saudi Arabia. The Asia Pacific region is the world's most populous, and the fact that three of these five projects are in the relatively lightly populated Middle East, rather than there, is testament to the continuing ambition already inherent in that region.

  • FIFA has a human rights policy, so how could it award Saudi Arabia the 2034 soccer World Cup?

    Supporters of the decision, including respected sports journalist Tracey Holmes, argue a World Cup in the kingdom offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to foster positive change. A range of celebrities and players also congratulated the Saudi Arabian Football Association and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. FIFA claims it can encourage positive human rights transformations in host nations, and since 2017 it has enshrined human rights in its guiding principles. In 2017, FIFA’s executive committee signed onto the so-called “Ruggie Principles”, adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council unanimously in 2011.

  • Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity strategy: Building a resilient digital future

    At the heart of this strategy is the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA), which was established to oversee and coordinate the Kingdom’s cybersecurity efforts. The NCA is tasked with ensuring that all sectors, both public and private are aligned in their cybersecurity initiatives. By providing a clear framework and governance structure, the NCA fosters collaboration between government entities, critical infrastructure providers, and private-sector partners to address emerging cyber risks.

  • Saudi Arabia ranks third in global AI policy review, behind US, UK

    Saudi Arabia has been ranked third globally in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s AI Policy Observatory, behind the US and the UK.Al-Ghamdi added that the Kingdom’s AI Ethics Early Adopters initiative and the International Center for AI Research and Ethics were vital in enhancing trust in AI products and establishing ethical standards for AI practices and services. He said that ICAIRE, which is based in Riyadh and sponsored by UNESCO, had been selected as a regional and global partner for advancing the AI ethics agenda. Al-Ghamdi added that UNESCO had praised Saudi Arabia’s advances in the AI sector as part of a recent report evaluating countries’ readiness to adopt AI in accordance with ethical values and international standards.

  • Saudi Arabia hosting World Cup 2034 will harm climate, experts say

    As the newly named host of the 2034 World Cup in men's soccer, Saudi Arabia says it will construct or renovate 15 stadiums, create a futuristic city and expand airports in a massive build-out to accommodate millions of athletes, coaches and spectators. That will emit tons of planet-warming greenhouse gases as concrete and steel are manufactured and transported, diesel-powered excavators and trucks move material, and new buildings are powered and cooled. When all the emissions associated with the world's buildings are grouped together, they are the largest contributor to climate change.

  • Halo AI launches services in Saudi Arabia

    Halo AI, a Saudi-based AI-powered networking platform, proudly announces the launch of its innovative solution designed to revolutionise brand-creator collaborations. Halo AI uses artificial intelligence to connect brands with nano- and micro-influencers who have strong, authentic audience relationships in specific niches. Their unique expertise and genuine connections drive higher engagement rates, helping companies achieve better Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) as they scale their influencer marketing programs.

  • Saudi Arabia reveals Riyadh Declaration for inclusive AI

    Saudi Arabia today announced the Riyadh Declaration at the start of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024, hosted by the United Nations in Riyadh. Backed by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the declaration emphasises inclusive, innovative, and impactful artificial intelligence. It seeks to expand digital access, promote sustainability, and address global challenges. The declaration also highlights AI's role in improving digital literacy, fostering economic inclusion, protecting the environment, and enhancing public health.

  • Saudi Arabian Real Estate: Beyond the Headlines

    In this report, we delve into the transformative potential of Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector, exploring why it is poised to become a cornerstone of the country’s long-term real estate value. While high-profile “giga-projects” like futuristic designs, luxury resorts, and preparations for the 2034 World Cup dominate headlines, the logistics sector offers compelling investment opportunities driven by strong fundamentals and government-led transformation. With the Saudi commercial real estate market projected to grow from over $20 billion in 2023 to $31 billion by 2028, this report identifies zones of opportunity, examines the macroeconomic drivers behind the logistics boom, and provides strategic insights to help investors navigate this dynamic and complex market.