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Saudi defense minister discusses Syrian political transition with officials

Saudi defense minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held a high-level meeting on Thursday in Riyadh with senior officials from Syria's new administration. (SPA)
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Saudi defense minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held a high-level meeting on Thursday in Riyadh with senior officials from Syria's new administration. (SPA)
Saudi defense minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held a high-level meeting on Thursday in Riyadh with senior officials from Syria's new administration. (SPA)
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Saudi defense minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held a high-level meeting on Thursday in Riyadh with senior officials from Syria's new administration. (SPA)
Saudi defense minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held a high-level meeting on Thursday in Riyadh with senior officials from Syria's new administration. (SPA)
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Saudi defense minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held a high-level meeting on Thursday in Riyadh with senior officials from Syria's new administration. (SPA)
Saudi defense minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held a high-level meeting on Thursday in Riyadh with senior officials from Syria's new administration. (SPA)
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Saudi defense minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held a high-level meeting on Thursday in Riyadh with senior officials from Syria's new administration. (SPA)
Saudi defense minister discusses Syrian political transition with officials
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The delegation, which includes Defense Minister Marahf Abu Qasra and Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab, was received by Saudi Deputy FM Waleed Elkhereiji at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. (MOFA)
Saudi defense minister discusses Syrian political transition with officials
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The delegation, which includes Defense Minister Marahf Abu Qasra and Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab, was received by Saudi Deputy FM Waleed Elkhereiji at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. (MOFA)
Saudi defense minister discusses Syrian political transition with officials
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The delegation, which includes Defense Minister Marahf Abu Qasra and Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab, was received by Saudi Deputy FM Waleed Elkhereiji at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. (MOFA)
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Updated 02 January 2025

Saudi defense minister discusses Syrian political transition with officials

Saudi defense minister discusses Syrian political transition with officials
  • Syrian delegation was led by foreign minister Asaad bin Hassan Al-Shaibani
  • Al-Shibani also held meeting with Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan

RIYADH: Saudi defense minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held a high-level meeting on Thursday in Riyadh with senior officials from Syria’s new administration, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The discussions focused on advancing Syria’s transitional political process to meet the aspirations of the Syrian people while ensuring the nation’s security, stability, and territorial integrity, SPA added.

The Syrian delegation was led by foreign minister Asaad bin Hassan Al-Shaibani, accompanied by defense minister Major General Marhaf Abu Qasra and Chief of the General Intelligence Service Anas Khattab.

The meeting also included prominent Saudi officials, among them Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Prince Abdulrahman bin Mohammed, Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of General Intelligence Khalid bin Ali Al-Humaidan; 

The high-level Syrian delegation arrived in Ƶ Wednesday night.

The delegation was received by Saudi Deputy FM Waleed Elkhereiji at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.

Al-Shibani, said on X on Monday that he had accepted an invitation from his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan to visit the Kingdom, in what would be his first foreign trip since the ouster of former president Bashar Assad on Dec. 8.

It follows comments made by Syria’s new leader, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who said Ƶ had a major role to play in his country’s future during an interview with Al Arabiya, which aired on Sunday.

“Ƶ has a major role in Syria’s future, and I take pride in everything it has done for us,” he said, adding that he spent his early childhood in Riyadh and hoped to visit the city again.

Al-Sharaa also praised recent Saudi statements as “very positive” and commended Riyadh’s efforts toward stabilizing Syria.


Ƶ launches trial of autonomous vehicles in the capital 

Ƶ’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser launches a trial of autonomous vehicles in Riyadh.
Ƶ’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser launches a trial of autonomous vehicles in Riyadh.
Updated 17 sec ago

Ƶ launches trial of autonomous vehicles in the capital 

Ƶ’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser launches a trial of autonomous vehicles in Riyadh.
  • Driverless cars to operate at King Khalid airport and key Riyadh locations in real-world test

RIYADH: Ƶ’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Transport General Authority Saleh Al-Jasser launched a trial of autonomous vehicles in Riyadh on Wednesday. 

It marks a major step toward enabling advanced technology and developing a smart and safe transportation ecosystem in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The initiative supports the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Vision 2030 goals by adopting sustainable mobility solutions powered by artificial intelligence.

In this phase, autonomous vehicles will operate in real-world conditions, covering King Khalid International Airport and key locations across Riyadh, including major highways and selected city-center destinations. 

The Transport General Authority is supervising the project. During this stage, vehicles will carry passengers with a safety officer onboard to monitor systems.

Al-Jasser said the launch reflects the Kingdom’s ambitious vision to build a smart, integrated transport system that supports economic growth and improves quality of life.

He added that enabling modern technologies and developing regulatory and operational frameworks are essential to transforming the transport sector. 

The project stems from a partnership between the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Data and AI Authority, and the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information.

Other key participants include the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, along with private-sector partners Uber, WeRide, and AiDriver. 

Al-Jasser emphasized said the project showcases pioneering public-private partnerships, paving the way for safer and smarter mobility.


Saudi foreign minister receives written message from Russian counterpart

Saudi foreign minister receives written message from Russian counterpart
Updated 23 July 2025

Saudi foreign minister receives written message from Russian counterpart

Saudi foreign minister receives written message from Russian counterpart
  • Russian Ambassador to Ƶ Sergey Kozlov delivered the message to Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji in Riyadh

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji received a written message on behalf of Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan from his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, addressing strengthening ties between Riyadh and Moscow.

Russian Ambassador to Ƶ Sergey Kozlov delivered to Al-Khuraiji the written message, which discussed ways to strengthen ties in various fields, at the ministry’s headquarters on Wednesday.

During the meeting, Al-Khuraiji and Kozlov reviewed bilateral relations and discussed topics of common interest between the two countries.


Kingdom opens first public arts and culture school

Kingdom opens first public arts and culture school
Updated 23 July 2025

Kingdom opens first public arts and culture school

Kingdom opens first public arts and culture school

RIYADH: Ƶ’s ministries of culture and education have launched an Arts and Culture Academy, the first government-run school of its kind in the Kingdom. 

The initiative aims to identify and develop talented young people, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently. 

In its inaugural year, the academy will operate in Riyadh and Jeddah, admitting students in the fourth grade of primary school and first grade of intermediate school.

The academy combines accredited academic curricula with specialized cultural programs in a stimulating and enriching learning environment, the SPA added. 

Initially, it will target students with talent in drawing, acting, music and singing. The plan is to expand to all educational levels and regions of the Kingdom. 

Students will follow the standard Ministry of Education curriculum alongside intensive cultural programs in a balanced daily schedule. 

The school day is divided into two sessions: morning for academic work and afternoon for cultural activities, according to the SPA. 

The academy will open in the 2025/2026 academic year at Al-Nakheel district in Riyadh for boys, and Al-Sheraa district in Jeddah for girls.

Admission has three stages: online registration, performance evaluation and interview, and admission notification. Students are admitted based on seat availability.

Students can apply at: engage.moc.gov.sa/cultural-talents-schools/#faq.


Program connects youth to Saudi heritage in Abha

Program connects youth to Saudi heritage in Abha
Updated 23 July 2025

Program connects youth to Saudi heritage in Abha

Program connects youth to Saudi heritage in Abha
  • The program emphasizes the preservation of artifacts and responsible engagement with cultural heritage

RIYADH: The Heritage Commission launched the Little Explorer program in Abha, aiming to connect younger generations with the Kingdom’s heritage and introduce them to elements of national cultural identity.

Running until July 26 at Al-Muftaha Village, the event encourages curiosity and appreciation for heritage among children through interactive educational activities. It includes cultural, artistic, sports, and adventure events, as well as workshops.

The program emphasizes the preservation of artifacts and responsible engagement with cultural heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Little Explorer is one of the commission’s key initiatives to promote national identity and build a generation that values heritage. It is designed for young audiences, combining scientific knowledge with interactive learning.

Participants learn the basics of archeology, artifact handling, and excavation through practical tools and realistic simulations, allowing creative and hands-on interaction with heritage.


UN report praises Kingdom’s achievements in integrated water resources management

UN report praises Kingdom’s achievements in integrated water resources management
Updated 23 July 2025

UN report praises Kingdom’s achievements in integrated water resources management

UN report praises Kingdom’s achievements in integrated water resources management

RIYADH: Ƶ shared its experience of advancing water security and sustainability in a region of extreme water scarcity during the SDG 6 Water Action Agenda Special Event in New York.

The event was held on the sidelines of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the UN’s headquarters, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

It followed UN-Water’s recognition of Ƶ as one of the countries showing clear and measurable progress in integrated water resources management under SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) 6.

The Kingdom’s delegation, led by Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani, the deputy minister for water at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, presented Ƶ’s approach to accelerating the progress of SDG 6.

The event spotlighted successes in the sector and countries making significant strides. Ƶ was highlighted in the report as a success story for its rapid progress in integrated water resources management, the SPA added.

Al-Shaibani said that the Kingdom’s efforts had brought notable improvements in efficiency, coordination, and service quality between 2017 and 2023.

The Kingdom’s integrated water resources management indicator rose from 57 percent to 83 percent during this period, marking one of the fastest global increases under SDG indicator 6.5.1, he said.

Al-Shaibani stressed that strong support from the Kingdom’s leadership had enabled significant structural and organizational reforms to aid sustainable water management.

With substantial investments to expand and modernize water infrastructure, these efforts had raised the Kingdom’s “enabling environment” score from 42 percent in 2017 to 87 percent in 2023, he added.