Saudi Supreme Court urges sighting Shawwal crescent on Saturday evening

Supreme Court is calling on Muslims throughout Saudi Arabia to look out for the crescent moon of Shawwal on Saturday evening. (File/Reuters)
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Updated 27 March 2025
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Saudi Supreme Court urges sighting Shawwal crescent on Saturday evening

  • Supreme Court called on anyone who sights the crescent moon the naked eye or through binoculars to report to the nearest court and register their testimony

RIYADH: The Supreme Court is calling on Muslims throughout Saudi Arabia to look out for the crescent moon of Shawwal on Saturday evening, Ramadan 29, 1446, which corresponds to March 29, 2025.

In an announcement on Thursday, the Supreme Court called on anyone who sights the crescent moon the naked eye or through binoculars to report to the nearest court and register their testimony.

The announcement read: “The Supreme Court calls on all Muslims throughout the Kingdom to sight the Shawwal crescent moon on Saturday evening. The Supreme Court requests that anyone who sights it with the naked eye or through binoculars report to the nearest court and register their testimony, or contact the nearest center for assistance in reaching the nearest court. The Supreme Court hopes that those who are able to see it will pay attention to this matter and join the committees formed in the all regions for this purpose, seeking reward and recompense for their participation, as it promotes cooperation in righteousness and piety and benefits all Muslims.”

The sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan that this year began on March 1.


Saudi Arabia signs deals worth more than $300 billion with US, crown prince confirms

Updated 3 min 12 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia signs deals worth more than $300 billion with US, crown prince confirms

  • Trump described crown prince as “very great man like no other” and “greatest representative of his people”
  • Prince Mohammed said Kingdom looking at $600bn of investment opportunities, hoped this would raise to $1tn

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has signed deals with the US worth more than $300 billion, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said at the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh on Tuesday. 

During an address at the event, Prince Mohammed said the Kingdom was looking at $600 billion of investment opportunities, adding that he hoped this would raise to $1 trillion.

He noted that the US was among the largest partners of the Saudi Vision 2030 reform agenda, adding that joint investments were one of the most important pillars of the economic relationship between the two countries.

“The US is a major destination for the Public Investment Fund, accounting for approximately 40 percent of the fund's global investments,” he said.

He also said that cooperation with Washington was not limited to economic cooperation, but also extended to “establishing peace in the region and the world.”

Also speaking at the event, US President Donald Trump praised the transformation underway in Saudi Arabia, as he attributed it to the leadership of King Salman and the crown prince.

Trump described the crown prince as a “very great man like no other” and “the greatest representative of his people,” and highlighted the role of Saudis in driving development in their own country and the region as a whole.

Trump pointed to Riyadh’s rise as a global business hub and noted that the Kingdom’s non-oil sector revenues had now surpassed those of the oil sector.

He said Saudi Arabia deserved praise for preserving its culture and tradition while also embracing its forward-looking, modern Vision 2030 reform agenda.

During his speech, Trump criticized the Biden administration for removing the Houthis from the US terrorist list, calling it a serious mistake.

He contrasted regional developments, stating: “Some (in the Gulf) have turned deserts into farms, while Iran has turned its farms into deserts,” and warned that if Iran rejected Washington’s outreach, the US would be forced to impose maximum pressure.

Condemning Hezbollah for destabilizing the region and looting Lebanon, Trump said: “The biggest and most destructive of these forces is the regime in Iran, which has caused unthinkable suffering in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq, Yemen and beyond.”

He described Lebanon as a victim of Hezbollah and Iran and expressed a desire to help the country.

Trump also praised Saudi Arabia’s role in Russia-Ukraine peace talks and affirmed US support for the Kingdom, saying it has “a great future.”

Earlier on Tuesday, the two leaders signed a strategic economic partnership agreement in Riyadh, the first leg of Trump’s regional visit.

The partnership included the signing of Memorandums of Understanding in the energy, mining, and defense sectors. 

Defense cooperation between the two countries centered on the modernization of the capabilities of the Saudi armed forces, along with an agreement between the Saudi Space Agency and NASA.

Other agreements included an MoU on mineral resources; an agreement with the Department of Justice; and cooperation on infectious diseases.

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Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia Tuesday on what he called a “historic” tour of the Middle East that will mix urgent diplomacy on Gaza with huge business deals.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman warmly greeted Trump as he stepped off Air Force One at King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital and kicked off his Middle East tour.

The two leaders then retreated to a grand hall at the Riyadh airport, where Trump and his aides were served traditional Arabic coffee by waiting attendants wearing ceremonial gun-belts.

Royal Saudi Air Force F-15s provided an honorary escort for Air Force One as it approached the kingdom’s capital. Trump and Prince Mohammed also were taking part in a lunch at the Royal Court, gathering with guests and aides. 

Later, the crown prince will fete Trump with a formal dinner. Trump is also slated to take part Tuesday in a US-Saudi investment conference.

Air Force One took off on a journey that will include visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates — and possibly talks in Turkiye on the Ukraine war.

* With AFP and AP


Fully automated robotic cleaners improve efficiency of Saudi solar farms

Updated 58 min 2 sec ago
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Fully automated robotic cleaners improve efficiency of Saudi solar farms

  • Proper cleaning can improve solar panel efficiency by up to 70%
  • Automated systems keep panels free of dust and other debris

RIYADH: Harsh, dry and hot weather conditions in Saudi Arabia increase the chances for solar photovoltaic cells to get damaged by sand and dust storms, bird droppings, and the “hot spot effect”, which can overheat the panels and cause fires.

“Without proper cleaning, the power reduction can reach 70 percent in one month, according to some professional statistics on the market,” said Chao Kaik, a representative of the robotic cleaner producer Sol-Bright, at the Saudi Arabia Green Energy Week 2025 event in Riyadh on Wednesday.

On the other hand, having the PV cells cleaned greatly increases the amount of energy generated by these panels, according to Kaik.

The cleaning robots complete a fully automated cycle every day, reducing the need for workers to enter PV panel areas.

“It is fully automated and highly efficient … this is why robots are very popular in the MENA region right now,” Kaik said.

Saudi Arabia is increasingly taking a greener approach to energy production, with major projects including the 2.6 gigawatt Shuaibah and 1.5GW Sudair projects among the largest of their kind in the world.

Most of the projects in the region suffer from the effects of the harsh climate, making the robotic cleaners essential.

Saudi Arabia Green Energy Week 2025 kicked off on Wednesday with discussions on green energy in the Kingdom, the sustainable goals of Vision 2030 and the work of Chinese technology companies in Saudi Arabia.

“From the future of solar power to the impact of hydrogen and renewables projects in KSA and MENA, the Saudi Arabia Green Energy Week 2025 has provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration,” said Mohammed Al-Ghazal, chairman of Saudi Arabia Green Energy Week 2025, at the opening session of the conference.

Al-Ghazal added: “Investments in green energy and technology are charting the course to make climate neutrality a reality.”


Saudi Food Show drives innovation, strategic growth to accelerate thriving market

Updated 14 May 2025
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Saudi Food Show drives innovation, strategic growth to accelerate thriving market

  • Kingdom’s cuisine ambassador Areej Al-Shareef captivates the crowds with her expertise
  • Areej Al-Shareef: Cooking is my passion, I don’t really focus too much on recipes and I try to give the real flavour but with a different kick

RIYADH: The Saudi Food Show 2025 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center from May 12–14 transformed the space into a vibrant hub as thousands explored, tested and experienced cutting-edge products and innovations.

The event was designed to showcase and elevate the nation’s billion-dollar food market.

Among those to gather were top business leaders and buyers from around the world who joined experts in the capital to embrace new opportunities and fuel the country’s food sector.

At a time where the Kingdom’s F&B market is projected to reach $24.29 billion by the end of this year, Fawaz Shakaa, CEO of Farm Dairy Company and board member of the Jordan Chamber of Industry, said that he was seeing the benefits of participation.

“Consumption patterns in the country are clearly evolving, as more consumers show a growing preference for international products. At the same time, the Kingdom is growing rapidly and is attracting different tourists from around the world, making it a key market. As such, the Saudi Food Show allows us to network and do business with one another, benefitting both Saudi and Jordan,” he said.

Bandar Okrin, CEO of Saudi-born Kinza, said that consumers were at the forefront of its strategy.

“We focus more on the consumer’s preferences as we believe they are key to success in the future. We are placing more emphasis on utilising Saudi ingredients in our products, which is a top priority, while empowering local talent to grow our brand and contribute to the Vision 2030 strategy.”

Guadalupe Miranda, CEO of Mexico’s iAURA, said that they engaged with more than 100 potential buyers, generating significant interest in its portfolio of products, and confirmed they will return next year after being impressed with the scale of the event.

He said: “We have already decided that we will return every year as we have seen strong interest from businesses in our chickpeas, which are exclusively produced in Mexico. This is no surprise as it is widely used for hummus — one of the most popular dishes in this region.”

At the Saudi Food Summit, the audience gained a fascinating insight into the trends and growth opportunities in the retail sector from expert speakers in the public and private sectors.

Justin Emmanuel Steinbach, CEO of IFFCO Professional, Manuel Garabato, marketing director of Global Emerging Markets, General Mills, Bobby Rajendran, CEO of Tamimi Markets, and Jens Sievert, director — international design and branding — Daymon, spoke about why organizations needed to embrace AI in their day-to-day operations, explaining how it could speed up experimentation, simulation and decision-making.

The interactive Top Table Saudi continued with both Saudi and international chefs delivering engaging masterclasses, and showcased signature dishes while providing a glimpse into the future of gastronomy.

Top Chef Middle East participant and esteemed Saudi cuisine ambassador, Areej Al-Shareef, was among the highly influential culinary experts present, captivating the crowds with her expertise and showcasing the rich, authentic flavors of the Kingdom.

“Cooking is my passion, I don’t really focus too much on recipes and I try to give the real flavour but with a different kick,” she said. “There are so many fresh ingredients in Saudi Arabia which I use, and people will now know which they can put in their dishes.”

Another chef, Azzam Al-Sowayan, sous chef at the Fairmont Riyadh, said: “Saudi cuisine has incredibly rich and abundant ingredients. Blending global cuisine with Saudi flavours may seem easy to attempt but can be challenging to perfect. My advice for anyone wanting to become a chef is that patience and endurance are key to overcoming the challenges that go side-by-side to becoming a successful chef.”

Matthews Matthew, managing director of Matt Media LLC and editor of Food Business Gulf & Middle East, Gulf Agriculture, and Livestock and Poultry Middle East Magazine told Arab News: “Saudi Food 2025, the region’s premier F&B exhibition, was an exceptional platform for networking and relationship-building. We connected directly with industry leaders, including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and decision-makers. It also strengthened our media partnerships, enabling us to build collaborations with event organizers.”

The winners of the Saudi Food Excellence Awards were also announced. Euroaliment Proveedor Alimantos Calidad took the best gourmet product prize for their Pons Janiroc Lecciana Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Neon Sanayi Ve Gida won best coffee innovation for their Turkish Coffee Mocha with Orange Essence. Best Innovative Packaging went to Le Bonheur for their set of three pralines featuring a musical barrel organ.

Coppola Foods won best food innovation for their Fabulous Organic Hazelnut and Cocoa Spread. Best Saudi-made went to Gandour’s Tamria cakes, crafted using premium dates sourced exclusively from Saudi farmers.

Spice Affair/Nutrivilla Foods Inc. was named winner of best health product for their Golden Booster Latte & Smoothie Mix, while Parmafood Group won best plant-based product for their cashew “Tina” plant-based ricotta cheese alternative.

Best dairy product went to Gundogdu for their Poucheese Bohca Peyniri. Best beverage product was awarded to Habso Drinks for their Black Seed Sparkling Infusion; and best snack product went to Nestle for their Fitness Fiber no-added-sugar cereal bar.

The food show, which ended on Wednesday, was inaugurated on Monday by Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor-general of KSrelief, who was accompanied by Majed bin Rafid Al-Argoubi, CEO of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, or MODON, as they toured the exhibition.

Speaking at the food summit, Al-Argoubi said that the Kingdom’s efforts to localize the food industry and ensure food security reflected its commitment to contributing to global food security by empowering research, development and innovation, and strengthening supply chains — positioning Saudi Arabia as a vital partner in securing food for the world.

He added that the number of food manufacturing facilities within MODON’s cities has surpassed 1,400 factories, contributing to the creation of more than 90,000 jobs.

The food show, held in partnership with MODON, has attracted more than 1,300 exhibitors from around the world. The first day saw the signing of several food industry and logistics contracts exceeding SR600 million ($160 million), with Kudu and Yousef Abdul Latif Jameel Group among the organizations to put pen to paper.


Saudi crown prince meets with Abu Dhabi crown prince

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan in Riyadh
Updated 14 May 2025
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Saudi crown prince meets with Abu Dhabi crown prince

  • The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Gulf–US Summit that was held in Riyadh earlier on in the day
  • It focused on the bonds between the Kingdom and the UAE and explored ways to further strengthen cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan on Wednesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Gulf–US Summit that was held in Riyadh earlier on in the day.

The meeting focused on the longstanding bonds between the Kingdom and the UAE and explored ways to further strengthen cooperation across various fields, Abu Dhabi Media Office reported.

The two officials also exchanged views on several regional and international affairs and underscored the importance of consolidating Gulf efforts to address challenges to enhance regional stability and support continued development and prosperity.


Trump’s Saudi visit ‘reflects depth of strategic partnership' with US, says foreign minister

Updated 5 min 33 sec ago
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Trump’s Saudi visit ‘reflects depth of strategic partnership' with US, says foreign minister

  • Kingdom's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan says decades of defense and security ties with Washington will continue to grow

RIYADH: US President Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia reflected the depth of the strategic partnership between US and the Kingdom, Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan in a press conference in Riyadh on Wednesday.

“Our decades-long defense and security partnership with the US will continue to grow stronger,” he said.

Saudi investments in the US are guided by the principle of prioritizing the Kingdom’s national interests, he added.

The minister said Saudi Arabia shared a strong and strategic economic partnership with the United States and aimed to increase trade between the two nations.

Bin Farhan said the Kingdom agreed with the US on the need to stop the war in Gaza and welcomed President Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria.

A meeting between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump, the Syrian leader Ahmad Al-Sharaa, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh on Wednesday "emphasized the importance of supporting Syria,” the foreign minister added.

“The Kingdom will be a pioneer in supporting the Syrian economy,” he said.