UK Saudi student clubs organize Ramadan Qur’an recitation competitions

Organizers hope the competitions will help raise awareness and interest in the Holy Qur’an among Saudi scholarship students in the UK. (File/Pexels)
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Updated 21 March 2024
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UK Saudi student clubs organize Ramadan Qur’an recitation competitions

LONDON: Saudi student clubs in the UK have organized a series of Qur’an recitation competitions during the holy month of Ramadan.

Along with various other activities arranged by the clubs, the competitions are aimed at strengthening spiritual and cultural ties between Saudi scholarship students based in Britain.

Members of 21 clubs — which are supervised by the Saudi Cultural Bureau — are taking part in the events, which will be held remotely to allow greater participation. Qualifying heats will see five people from each group progress to a final stage, the date of which will be announced later.

A judging committee of Qur’an memorizers and those certified in memorization will evaluate those taking part. Assessment criteria include intonation, starting, stopping and good performance, with an emphasis on high quality and professionalism.

The first stage of the qualifiers took place last weekend, with women and children competing on Saturday and men on Sunday.

Organizers hope the competitions will help raise awareness and interest in the Holy Qur’an among Saudi scholarship students in the UK, which is one of the main destinations for students from the Kingdom.


Saudi Arabia to introduce AI education at all grade levels starting this year

Saudi Arabia will integrate artificial intelligence education throughout the country’s public school system.
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Saudi Arabia to introduce AI education at all grade levels starting this year

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will integrate artificial intelligence education throughout the country’s public school system beginning in the coming academic year.

The introduction of this nationwide AI curriculum will support the Kingdom’s Human Capability Development Program, part of the Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification, which is designed to create a comprehensive education system that strengthens core values and boosts the nation’s global competitiveness and AI leadership.

Students will learn how to develop innovative technology solutions, beginning in elementary school and continuing through secondary education, university studies, technical training and lifelong-learning programs, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The curriculum unveiled by the National Curriculum Center, with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, features age-appropriate AI modules in the form of interactive and hands-on teaching. They are designed to connect between grade levels to ensure progressive development of skills and comprehensive student-evaluation systems.

It follows the announcement by the SDAIA in April, during the Human Capability Initiative conference in Riyadh, of an “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence” course for third-year high school students in the general track, in collaboration with the Curriculum Center and the Education Ministry.

This introductory course will serve as the initial phase of the curriculum development and establish the groundwork for the incorporation of AI concepts throughout academic programs, the Saudi Press Agency added.


Makkah deputy governor washes Holy Kaaba on behalf of King Salman

Washing ceremony of the Holy Kaaba was carried out on Thursday by the deputy governor of Makkah.
Updated 7 min 45 sec ago
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Makkah deputy governor washes Holy Kaaba on behalf of King Salman

  • Deputy governor washed interior of Holy Kaaba with Zamzam water mixed with rose water, gently cleansing inner walls with cloth pieces soaked in a sacred blend

MAKKAH: The washing ceremony of the Holy Kaaba was carried out on Thursday by the deputy governor of Makkah, Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, on behalf of King Salman.

Upon his arrival, the deputy governor washed the interior of the Holy Kaaba with Zamzam water mixed with rose water, gently cleansing the inner walls with cloth pieces soaked in the sacred blend prepared by the General Authority for the Two Holy Mosques. He also performed Tawaf.

During the washing ritual, the prince was accompanied by several officials, accredited Islamic diplomatic corps members to the Kingdom and the hereditary keepers of the Holy Kaaba.


Saudi Arabia and Hungary lay foundations for enhanced defense collaboration

Updated 10 July 2025
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Saudi Arabia and Hungary lay foundations for enhanced defense collaboration

  • Hungarian minister of defense lauds Saudi Arabia’s stabilizing role in the region

RIYADH: Hungarian Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky’s landmark visit to Saudi Arabia marks the first official defense dialogue between the two nations, signaling a pivotal moment in bilateral relations.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, the minister emphasized Saudi Arabia’s growing influence as a regional stabilizer and commended its proactive approach to diplomacy.

His discussions with Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman centered on strengthening military ties, launching joint training initiatives, and exploring areas of technological cooperation. Both sides expressed a shared commitment to advancing defense collaboration and formalizing their partnership through a strategic memorandum of understanding.

Visit Objective

This is a historic visit because it is the first time that our two countries’ defense ministers meet.

I came here upon the invitation of His Royal Highness. And this invitation came at a very important, and I also dare say, historic time. We are now in a situation where the world has substantially changed even compared to just a few years ago.

And this place needs, I mean, the whole world needs, stable regions and strong governments with visions who hold events in their hands and are able to project that stability to the places and regions where it has been lost. And we look at Saudi Arabia, your king and your Kingdom as such a stabilizing factor.

And then we all know, of course, that the peace talks in the Ukrainian-Russian war is taking place here. And these are very important to us.

Saudi Arabia has shown significant leadership and a very wise, forward-looking neutrality and, the opening and, and constant using of communication channels to all concerned parties, which the Hungarian government and the Hungarian people have been long calling for in this war or in any other armed conflict in the world that instead of fighting wars … and in this particular case, Ukraine and Russia, should immediately stop fighting and start peace talks because there is no military solution of that war, but it can only be a diplomatic solution.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, the minister emphasized Saudi Arabia’s growing influence as a regional stabilizer. (AN Photo/Jaafar Saleh)

Desired Outcome 

The defense-related relationship so far between our two countries has been limited. And we have now set the tone, made the personal acquaintance. And we started to build something together.

We are now discussing a memorandum of understanding between our two teams, which will set the scene for future cooperation.

We have offered training positions in our Hungarian defense, related training, quite sophisticated, where lots of foreign students attend.

And, then we can go to exercise. And also a very important aspect of our, potential cooperation is the defense industry, including innovation. Now, defense-related innovation is something where your country, Saudi Arabia is a leading power again.

And I have the honor to meet the leaders of SAMI (Saudi Arabian Military Industries). And we’ve been introduced to the work that they are performing there, which is remarkable.

And the defense innovation in the 21st century where we can look at all the wars that are happening around us, with new technology, unmanned and very sophisticated, sensors and striking capabilities, need a lot of studying and a lot of cooperation with advanced countries like Saudi Arabia.

The visit of the minister is historic because it is the first time that the two countries’ defense ministers have met. (AN Photo/Jaafar Saleh)

Saudi-Hungarian Defense Cooperations

At this current moment, it is limited. And that’s exactly (why) we have agreed that there will be a delegation coming to Hungary soon.

An expert team is expected to come and see us in Hungary and we will show them everything that is relevant. And from then on we’ll export them and expand the relationship.

Saudi Arabia Regional Stabilizer

Saudi Arabia is a leading power in the region, but also in the world. The stability that Saudi Arabia is performing with its firm and constant leadership with the vision until 2030, which has been, not only discussed and made public, but also is being implemented.

And with that, strengths in diplomacy, with which both countries of the region, including Iran, which is a major concern for the Western world, but also farther away, with countries like Turkiye, the United States, Russia, and others, Saudi Arabia is a trusted partner for all of these, all of these countries whose voice is important in bringing parties to the table, which is necessary, because, for instance, the Ukrainian-Russian border, which concerns us very much because it is in our neighborhood and because it causes all the economic and soon political troubles in the European Union and in countries of Europe.

To achieve peace is extremely important. And in this case, Saudi Arabia is providing a platform and not only a platform, but active leadership in those meetings between the Americans, the Russians, and the Ukrainians, which hopefully will lead to peace.

Szalay-Bobrovniczky’s discussions with Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman centered on strengthening military ties. (SPA)

Visit to Saudi Arabia

It is my second time in this wonderful country — it was almost a decade ago when I was first here, as part of a delegation.

And the difference is striking, the country has developed, an already very developed country developed hugely the vision that has been dreamed and, presented to, Vision 2030 is being very visibly worked on.

The city has changed enormously architecturally. Also, feelingly, a lot more people. And this country, with its huge history, with huge economic power, with a huge international weight, is very visibly joining the league of the largest and most important countries in the world.


Al-Ahsa governor launches direct flights to Turkish Black Sea region

First direct seasonal flights between Al-Ahsa International Airport and Rize-Artvin Airport in Turkiye launched Thursday. (SPA)
Updated 10 July 2025
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Al-Ahsa governor launches direct flights to Turkish Black Sea region

  • The launch was in cooperation with Turkish Airlines and Al-Ghazal Travel and Tourism Agency, and in the presence of several officials

RIYADH: Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr, governor of Al-Ahsa, inaugurated the launch of the first direct seasonal flights between Al-Ahsa International Airport and Rize-Artvin Airport in Turkiye on Thursday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The launch was in cooperation with Turkish Airlines and Al-Ghazal Travel and Tourism Agency, and in the presence of several officials.

According to SPA, the inauguration is part of the expansion plans for seasonal destinations served by Al-Ahsa International Airport, with the aim of enhancing air connectivity and broadening international travel options for passengers from the governorate and the Eastern Province, particularly during the summer season. It is also part of the efforts by the Al-Ahsa Development Authority to support the development of Al-Ahsa International Airport and enhance its services.

Prince Saud said that this step was an extension of the leadership’s support for the civil aviation and air transport sector, as well as its commitment to developing infrastructure and enhancing the quality of services provided to citizens and residents.

According to SPA, this aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to grow the tourism and economic sectors and meets the aspirations of the residents of Al-Ahsa governorate to have direct international flights through the local airport.

Prince Saud praised all government and private entities that contributed to activating the flights, stressing the importance of strengthening integration among various sectors to provide high-quality services that reflected the stature of Al-Ahsa, contributed to its tourism and economic development, and reinforced the role of Al-Ahsa International Airport as a growing regional hub in air transport.

The CEO of Dammam Airports Company, Mohammed bin Ali Al-Hassany, said that the new destination to Rize-Artvin Airport came within the plan for seasonal flights for the summer of 2025, which would contribute to enhancing international travel and tourism through Al-Ahsa International Airport.


Saudi Arabia new property law opens real estate market to foreigners

Property ownership will be permitted in specific geographical zones, particularly Riyadh (pictured above) and Jeddah. (File/AFP)
Updated 10 July 2025
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Saudi Arabia new property law opens real estate market to foreigners

  • Property ownership will be permitted in specific geographical zones, particularly Riyadh and Jeddah
  • Special conditions apply to ownership in Makkah and Madinah

MAKKAH: The Saudi Cabinet recently approved an updated system that will allow non-Saudis to own property in the Kingdom, effective from January 2026.

Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail praised the leadership’s support for the initiative, describing the updated framework as a natural progression of real estate reforms designed to stimulate sector growth and encourage foreign direct investment, which will increase property supply by drawing investors and development firms to Saudi markets, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The new regulations balance foreign investment opportunities with citizen protections through controlled market mechanisms and compliance procedures aimed at maintaining real estate equilibrium. Property ownership will be permitted in specific geographical zones, particularly Riyadh and Jeddah, while special conditions apply to ownership in Makkah and Madinah.

The General Authority for Real Estate will identify which geographic areas are open to foreign ownership. Implementation guidelines will be published on the Istitlaa platform within 180 days of the law’s publication in the official gazette, with full system activation scheduled for January 2026.

The comprehensive regulations will outline acquisition procedures for foreign nationals, enforcement requirements, and detailed application processes that consider both economic and social implications across all sectors.

The new system also aligns with the Premium Residency Programme, or Iqama, and the regulation of real estate ownership by Gulf Cooperation Council citizens, which permits cross-border property ownership for investment and residential purposes.

Hamad Al-Shuwaier, chairman of the National Valuation Committee at the Saudi Chambers Federation, told Arab News that the Cabinet’s approval signals strong support for real estate development initiatives.

“Foreign capital influx and international developer participation will enhance supply quality and market availability, creating the balanced marketplace we have been working toward,”  said Al-Shuwaier, who also serves as the chairman of the Saudi-Qatari Business Council, noting the sector’s role as an economic cornerstone supporting over 80 related industries.

The Saudi market offers compelling investment fundamentals backed by adaptable regulations and profitable opportunities for domestic and international investors alike, positioning the Kingdom to capitalize on Vision 2030 momentum.

Real estate specialist and certified marketer Badr Al-Sulaimani emphasized the strategic importance of utilizing Saudi Arabia’s extensive territory, noting that current development covers just 0.36 percent of the Kingdom.

“These regulations demonstrate the government’s commitment to maximizing natural and geographical assets to achieve Vision 2030 targets, while preparing infrastructure for major international events including Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup,” Al-Sulaimani explained.

Real estate expert Fawaz Assiri highlighted the updated system’s role in enhancing market attractiveness through increased foreign direct investment flows that will diversify property offerings and improve supply dynamics.

Precise geographical boundaries and specialized requirements for holy cities, especially in Makkah and Madinah, ensure market stability while protecting citizen interests, he noted.