Saudi Arabia announces 11 more COVID-19 deaths

Saudi Arabia announced 11 deaths from COVID-19 and 1,026 new infections on Thursday. (SPA)
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Updated 29 April 2021
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Saudi Arabia announces 11 more COVID-19 deaths

  • The total number of recoveries in the Kingdom has increased to 399,509
  • A total of 6,946 people have succumbed to the virus in the Kingdom so far

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia announced 11 deaths from COVID-19 and 1,026 new infections on Thursday.
Of the new cases, 441 were recorded in Riyadh, 233 in Makkah, 133 in the the Eastern Province, 49 in Asir, 33 in Madinah, 33 in Jazan, 21 in Hail, 18 in Tabuk, 16 in the Northern Borders region, 10 in Najran, and eight in Al-Jouf.
The total number of recoveries in the Kingdom increased to 399,509 after 1,055 more patients recovered from the virus.
A total of 6,946 people have succumbed to the virus in the Kingdom so far.


Head of Saudi National Center for Meteorology elected regional chair of global organization

Updated 3 sec ago
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Head of Saudi National Center for Meteorology elected regional chair of global organization

  • Ayman Salem Ghulam was chosen to lead the Asian branch of the World Meteorological Organization
  • He highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to efforts to improve meteorological and climate services, and address environmental challenges

JEDDAH: Ayman Salem Ghulam, the CEO of the Saudi National Center for Meteorology, was elected on Wednesday as the World Meteorological Organization’s regional chairperson for Asia.

He was chosen during the 18th session of the WMO’s Regional Association II — Asia by representatives of member states and bodies specializing in meteorology and climate services.

After his selection was confirmed, Ghulam highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to efforts to improve meteorological and climate services, and address urgent environmental challenges in Asia and worldwide, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Kingdom plans to introduce training programs and professional qualifications for people working in the field, and improve forecasting and monitoring infrastructure to benefit all members of the WMO, he added.

The Saudi National Center for Meteorology, which uses advanced atmospheric and climate-monitoring technologies for weather research and forecasting, was established in 2019. The World Meteorological Organization is a specialized UN agency responsible for promoting international cooperation on weather and climate-related activities.


Riyadh pavilion showcases Saudi literary, cultural diversity at Argentina book fair

Updated 23 April 2025
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Riyadh pavilion showcases Saudi literary, cultural diversity at Argentina book fair

  • Riyadh’s selection highlights the city’s growing role in the global cultural scene, as well as its commitment to fostering dialogue, embracing diversity, and using culture as a bridge for human connection and knowledge exchange

RIYADH: The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission launched the Riyadh pavilion at the 49th Buenos Aires International Book Fair in Argentina. 

Running from April 22 to May 12, the event features the Kingdom’s capital as guest of honor, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Riyadh’s selection highlights the city’s growing role in the global cultural scene, as well as its commitment to fostering dialogue, embracing diversity, and using culture as a bridge for human connection and knowledge exchange.

Saudi delegation includes representatives from the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the Heritage Commission, and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

The King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex, King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, King Abdulaziz Public Library, and King Fahad National Library are also taking part.

The Riyadh pavilion boosts Saudi cultural presence in Latin America, presenting the capital as a model of civilization aligned with Vision 2030. It features diverse literary and cultural content, including Spanish translations to foster cross-cultural understanding.

The launch was attended by Literature Commission CEO Abdullatif Alwasel, Buenos Aires Chief of Government Jorge Macri, Minister of Culture Gabriela Ricardes, and Fundacion El Libro President Christian Rainone.

During the fair, the Heritage Commission will highlight the richness of Saudi cultural heritage through global promotion and awareness efforts.

Its program includes live artisan demonstrations, panel discussions, and displays of archaeological replicas, along with publications documenting the Kingdom’s cultural legacy.

The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language is showcasing recent publications, including scientific books and research journals, emphasizing its role in enhancing linguistic knowledge.

It also highlights its work in language planning, computational linguistics, education, and cultural initiatives, alongside digital projects and tools.

The academy promotes Arabic publishing in new regions, encourages cultural and linguistic diversity, and fosters collaboration with communities interested in Arab culture.


Saudi ambassador to UK voted MENA diplomat of the year

Updated 23 April 2025
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Saudi ambassador to UK voted MENA diplomat of the year

  • Prince Khalid bin Bandar picked up his award at a ceremony in London attended by the diplomatic community

LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar, has been named “Diplomat of the Year” for the Middle East and North Africa at a ceremony in London.

Prince Khalid was voted for by fellow diplomats representing more than 180 missions accredited to the UK, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The award, run by London-based “Diplomat Magazine,” recognizes ambassadors and diplomats who have made outstanding contributions to diplomatic work in the UK.

Prince Khalid was presented with the award during the magazine’s annual ceremony at London Hilton on Park Lane on Tuesday. The event was attended by ambassadors and high commissioners from more than 90 countries.


Saudi crown prince, Jordan’s king hold meeting in Jeddah

Updated 23 April 2025
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Saudi crown prince, Jordan’s king hold meeting in Jeddah

  • King Abdullah expressed pride in historical relations between Riyadh and Amman
  • Two leaders discussed recent developments in the region, particularly situation in Gaza Strip

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Jordan’s King Abdullah II on Wednesday during an official visit to Saudi Arabia.

King Abdullah arrived in Jeddah, accompanied by Crown Prince Hussein, and was received by the deputy governor of Makkah, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

King Abdullah expressed pride in the historical relations between Riyadh and Amman during his meeting with the crown prince, the Petra news agency reported. He acknowledged the significant role of Saudi Arabia in supporting Arab and Islamic causes.

The two leaders discussed recent developments in the region, particularly the situation in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, Petra added.

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Crown Prince Hussein and Director of the Jordanian King’s Office Alaa Batayneh attended the meeting.


Saudi forces join ‘Desert Flag’ air drill in UAE

Updated 23 April 2025
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Saudi forces join ‘Desert Flag’ air drill in UAE

  • Royal Saudi Air Force and Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces are among units taking part in the exercise, which will continue for several weeks at Al-Dhafra Air Base
  • Other countries participating are Qatar, Bahrain, Turkiye, the US, France, South Korea, the UK, Australia, India, and Germany

RIYADH: Saudi defense forces have joined contingents from 10 other nations in the “Desert Flag” joint air exercise in the UAE, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The Royal Saudi Air Force and Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces are among units taking part in the exercise, which will continue for several weeks at Al-Dhafra Air Base.

Other countries participating are Qatar, Bahrain, Turkiye, the US, France, South Korea, the UK, Australia, India, and Germany.

Commander of the air force contingent, Lt. Col. Pilot Faisal Al-Marwani, said preparations were carried out in line with approved safety standards for military exercises.

Al-Marwani added that the Saudi Air Force deployed six F-15C fighters with full crews to exchange military expertise in realistic combat scenarios, enhance readiness, and strengthen international partnerships.

He said that the exercise includes various air maneuvers, such as defensive and offensive counter-air operations, close air support, and combat search and rescue.

The objectives include exchanging expertise in planning and execution, improving combat readiness, and strengthening ties with participating forces.