RIYADH: The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission will lead Saudi Arabia’s delegation at the 38th Moscow International Book Fair from Sept. 3 to 7. The event will showcase the growth of the Kingdom’s cultural sector, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Abdullatif Alwasel, the commission’s CEO, said the fair is an opportunity to present Saudi Arabia’s literary and creative talent to an international audience.

RIYADH: The National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases, known as Weqaa, held a forum on plant health in Buraidah, focusing on the sustainable management of palm trees. The forum aimed to promote a sustainable future for the palm sector, recognizing it as a key pillar for food security and the national economy, in line with Vision 2030.

RIYADH: Rural tourism in Hail is thriving and offers visitors tranquility, natural beauty, and the authentic experience of Saudi country life. The region’s farms have been preserved by their owners, allowing guests to connect with traditional agriculture and heritage, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

ALKHOBAR: As Vision 2030 accelerates Saudi Arabia’s health transformation, experts say success will depend on blending investment, innovation and patient-centered care. The Kingdom’s healthcare sector is at a crossroads. Rising rates of chronic disease, surging patient numbers, and a shortage of medical professionals are straining capacity. Billions of riyals are being poured into new hospitals and clinics, but leaders say bricks and mortar alone will not be enough.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s most famous resident Cristiano Ronaldo is the face of a new Saudi Tourism campaign to showcase the Kingdom’s packed events calendar as the country grows into an attractive sporting and cultural destination for foreign and domestic travelers. Branded “Unreal Calendar,” the marketing campaign features a short video narrated by Ronaldo, who plays for Riyadh side Al-Nassr.

RIYADH: Vibes AlUla, an entrepreneurship and innovation hub launched in partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla, has opened registration for a sustainable tourism hackathon, set for Aug. 10 to 12. The hackathon is aimed at empowering national talent and fostering innovative solutions to support AlUla’s tourism sector, according to a Saudi Press Agency report. Participants will benefit from a comprehensive training program, including specialized workshops, mentoring sessions, and expert guidance in innovation, tourism, and entrepreneurship.

MADINAH: The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission has empowered the nation’s authors and publishers at the fourth Madinah Book Fair, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The week-long event, held from July 29 to Aug. 4, hosted more than 300 local and international publishing houses and agencies across more than 200 exhibition booths. Abdullatif Alwasel, the commission’s CEO, thanked the Kingdom’s leaders for their continued support of the nation’s arts and culture sector.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Sri Lankan Ambassador Omar Lebbe Ameer Ajwad and his accompanying delegation in Riyadh. The officials discussed various topics related to Islamic affairs and ongoing cooperation between the two countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Speaking to the media after the meeting, the envoy praised the Kingdom’s leading role in supporting Islamic causes and promoting the values of tolerance and moderation globally, particularly in Sri Lanka.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah at NEOM Palace on Monday. The two officials reviewed the historic relations between their countries, aspects of bilateral cooperation, and ways to enhance and develop it in various fields. They also exchanged views on a number of topics of common interest, Saudi Press Agency reported. The prime minister left the Kingdom on Monday evening.

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has launched an empowerment program for nonprofit organizations, offering 26 specialized workshops across 11 regions of the Kingdom. The program aims to enhance civil associations’ operational efficiency and strengthen their developmental role in line with Vision 2030, according to a Saudi Press Agency report. The ministry said that eight workshops will be held in Riyadh, eight in the Eastern Province and Makkah region, and four in Madinah and Asir.

RIYADH: Manga Arabia, a subsidiary of the Saudi Research and Media Group, has signed a licensing agreement with leading Japanese manga publisher HERO’S Inc. to deliver compelling content for manga fans across the Arab world. Through this collaboration, Manga Arabia will license, translate, and publish several prominent Japanese manga titles in Arabic, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The agreement includes rights to “Akari,” “Gin no Kun,” and “Grendizer U,” a remake of the iconic series by Japanese artist Go Nagai.

RIYADH: The Raghadan Historical Market in Baha has opened with a lineup of vibrant cultural and entertainment programs under the auspices of Prince Hussam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, the region’s governor, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Running daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., the market features folk performances, historical artifacts, and programs portraying traditional life in the region.

JEDDAH: Jeddah Summer Season is in full swing, offering a mix of entertainment, sports, shopping, and cultural experiences that continue to attract locals and tourists despite the summer heat. Running until Aug. 31 under the “Color Your Summer” initiative by the Saudi Tourism Authority, the season features a rich lineup of events that highlight Jeddah’s coastal charm, family appeal, and commercial energy.

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received EU Ambassador to the Kingdom Christophe Farnaud in Riyadh on Monday. During the meeting, they reviewed relations between the Kingdom and the EU, as well as regional and international developments of common interest, the Foreign Ministry said in a post on X.

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 1,559 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week. The total included 1,513 unexploded ordnances, 45 anti-tank mines and one anti-personnel mines, according to a recent report. Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said that 504,295 mines have been cleared since the project began in 2018. The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

RIYADH: As part of Saudi Arabia’s Year of Handicrafts, a traditional handmade leather container used to store food before the advent of refrigeration is making a comeback in the Northern Borders region. For generations, Al-Samil played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water.

RIYADH: As Riyadh sizzles under peak summer heat, residents are turning to the city’s new metro system for a faster, cooler way to get around, proving that public transport can thrive, even when temperatures soar. Arab News spoke to Riyadh residents about why the summer sun is no issue when it comes to commuting. For the past couple of months, Rashid Alikhan has opted to use the metro to get to work, hopping on at SABIC Station and getting off at King Abdullah Financial District.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has maintained its position as the top-ranked country in global cybersecurity, according to this year’s edition of the International Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Yearbook. The cybersecurity indicator ranking reflects what officials describe as continued support from the country’s leadership, including King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Officials added the leadership’s national digital transformation strategy has helped propel the Kingdom to the forefront of international benchmarks.

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 1,139 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week. The total included 1,080 unexploded ordnances, 56 anti-tank mines, two improvised explosive devices and one anti-personnel mine, according to a recent report. Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said that 498,683 mines have been cleared since the project began in 2018. The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

RIYADH: The Film Commission announced its membership in the International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives, a step aimed at supporting its work in audiovisual archiving. The association includes members from 70 countries and represents institutions that preserve materials such as visual content, musical works, historical and literary recordings, and oral histories. According to the Saudi Press Agency, this membership supports the commission’s efforts to preserve Saudi Arabia’s audiovisual heritage.

MADINAH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, who also chairs the region’s Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah, conveyed the greetings and appreciation of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to security personnel and entities taking part in Hajj missions in Madinah. Prince Salman visited the Prophet’s Mosque to review readiness for the arrival of the first groups of pilgrims from Makkah after completing this year’s Hajj rituals, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.  

RIYADH: The Didier Aaron Gallery in New York, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Saudi Arabia, is hosting an art exhibition by French architect Jean-Pierre Heim. The exhibition showcases AlUla’s culture and heritage through a collection of sketches depicting Saudi Arabia’s archaeological landmarks. It runs until June 20, reported the Saudi Press Agency. A special event at the exhibition featured Heim speaking about his visits to AlUla and the surrounding region.

MADINAH: The National Water Co. has confirmed it is operationally ready for the post-Hajj season. The company said it would distribute more than 630,000 cubic meters of potable water daily to pilgrims at the Prophet’s Mosque and throughout Madinah and said its readiness built on ongoing efforts to serve pilgrims and visitors. The plan involves more than 1,200 employees, including technical, administrative and engineering staff, working to provide water and environmental services.

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh on Sunday. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations as well as prominent developments in regional and international arenas, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X. Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Christophe Varno in Riyadh.  

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia — in partnership with the Maldives — is organizing the tourism sector’s inaugural Saudi-Maldives International Forum on Integrity, which is set to take place in the Maldives from May 6 to 7. The forum is jointly organized by Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, and the Maldives’ Anti-Corruption Commission, in cooperation with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

RIYADH: A Riyadh fashion seminar on Sunday brought together industry leaders and creatives to explore the future of Saudi Arabia’s fashion economy. Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief continues to launch volunteer programs throughout the Arab world to address humanitarian crises and improve the health of Yemeni and Syrian people. In Damascus, the team completed three volunteer initiatives that supported hundreds with disaster response, administrative training, and psychosocial support for women and children. The program ran from April 26 to May 3.

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief completed medical programs in Tajikistan, Turkiye, and Tanzania, in line with the organization’s aim to support injured people worldwide. The Saudi Noor Campaign, which will conclude on May 6, is tackling blindness in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The medical team examined 1,731 cases, assigned 198 prescription glasses, performed 60 operations and provided medication to 857 patients. In Reyhanli district, Türkiye, KSrelief carried out a prosthetics and rehabilitation program.

RIYADH: The International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition will take place in Riyadh from Oct. 2–11, the Saudi Press Agency reported. This prominent global event brings together falconry and hunting enthusiasts from around the world at the Saudi Falcons Club in Malham, north of the capital. The exhibition highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cultural heritage by showcasing the significance of falconry, promoting environmental awareness, and encouraging economic contributions.

RIYADH: The National Water Co. has completed two major water supply projects in Diriyah governorate, Riyadh, at a cost of more than SR140 million ($37 million). It is part of efforts to enhance water and environmental infrastructure, and expand service coverage, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The projects, covering more than 26 km, will boost supply to Diriyah and nearby Riyadh districts, including Hittin, Al-Nakheel and Al-Khuzama, while also supporting the Diriyah Gate project.

JEDDAH: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Jeddah on Tuesday as he embarks on a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia.  Modi’s plane was escorted by Saudi Royal fighter as it entered Saudi airspace, Indian newspapers reported.  “India deeply values its long and historic ties with Saudi Arabia that have acquired strategic depth and momentum in recent years,” said Modi in a statement released by his office. “Together, we have developed a mutually beneficial and substantive partnership.”

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan met leaders from various universities, institutes and research centers in China, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday. He was accompanied by Saudi Ambassador to China Abdulrahman Al-Harbi and Ministry of Education Undersecretary for International Cooperation Nasser Al-Aqeeli. The meeting, part of the minister’s visit to Beijing, aimed to explore new avenues for cooperation to enhance the educational and research systems in both countries.

RIYADH: The dugong, or Dugong dugon, a marine mammal classified as vulnerable, remains a key indicator of marine biodiversity in Saudi Arabia.  Found in the country’s warm coastal waters, the species is considered an important marker of the health and stability of marine ecosystems, the Saudi Press Agency reported.  During Saudi Arabia’s Environment Week, the dugong featured prominently in events, drawing attention to ongoing conservation efforts and the responsibilities shared by researchers, environmental advocates, and policymakers.

JEDDAH: In partnership with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, King Saud University has launched a training program for the upcoming Transformation Hackathon. The three-day program equips participants with essential skills to thrive in high-performing hackathon teams. It focuses on building technical abilities and hands-on experience with AI tools. Participants will learn to develop innovative, functional prototypes that address key challenges during the hackathon, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

RIYADH: King Salman Science Oasis in Riyadh hosted a scientific discussion featuring Japanese professor Sumio Iijima, the discoverer of carbon nanotubes and recipient of the 2025 King Faisal Prize in Science. The session included participation from several high school students, along with various scientists and specialists, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The event was part of the center’s initiatives aimed at enhancing communication between scientists and younger generations, and inspiring students to engage in scientific research and innovation.