Saudi forces join ‘Desert Flag’ air drill in UAE

Saudi forces join ‘Desert Flag’ air drill in UAE
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Saudi defense forces have joined contingents from 10 other nations in the Desert Flag joint air exercise in the UAE. (SPA)
Saudi forces join ‘Desert Flag’ air drill in UAE
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Saudi defense forces have joined contingents from 10 other nations in the Desert Flag joint air exercise in the UAE. (SPA)
Saudi forces join ‘Desert Flag’ air drill in UAE
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Saudi defense forces have joined contingents from 10 other nations in the Desert Flag joint air exercise in the UAE. (SPA)
Saudi forces join ‘Desert Flag’ air drill in UAE
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Saudi defense forces have joined contingents from 10 other nations in the Desert Flag joint air exercise in the UAE. (SPA)
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Saudi forces join ‘Desert Flag’ air drill in UAE

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.


UN competition calls on Saudi startups using AI in travel

UN competition calls on Saudi startups using AI in travel
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Updated 5 sec ago
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UN competition calls on Saudi startups using AI in travel

UN competition calls on Saudi startups using AI in travel
  • UN tourism competition aims to drive innovation in the travel industry
  • Saudi entrepreneurs urged to join as sector embraces digital transformation

RIYADH: A Riyadh-based UN tourism official has called on companies to take part in a competition spotlighting startups using AI in the tourism sector.

The Global Artificial Intelligence Challenge runs until Friday and aims to recognize companies that are using AI to improve user experience and sustainability.

“The tourism sector is undergoing a rapid transformation, with artificial intelligence at the forefront, reshaping how we travel, experience destinations and operate within the industry,” said Samer Al-Kharashi, director of the UN Tourism Regional Office for the Middle East in Riyadh.

The competition calls on entrepreneurs who are “integrating AI solutions into their tourism businesses.” It aims to “identify and support start-ups driving innovation with AI technologies that enhance experiences and contribute to the sustainable growth of the sector.”

Al-Kharashi said: “This initiative is part of UN Tourism’s broader mission to innovate and lead digital transformation, drive growth through improved operations and impact; collaborate across sectors; and shape the future of a smarter, more resilient tourism sector.”

Startups that reach the final stages will gain access to a global network of mentors and industry leaders. Winners will pitch at the UN Tourism Demo Day and join an acceleration program at SPARK, the innovation hub of Les Roches. Support also includes connections to more than 90 venture capitalists and institutions across 150-plus countries, as well as potential pilot opportunities and additional backing from Plug and Play.

Al-Kharashi noted the importance of engaging entrepreneurs from the Middle East, saying that the regional office was “committed to recognizing and advancing the region’s innovation, fostering cross-border collaboration, and ensuring that local entrepreneurs are actively engaged in shaping the future of global tourism.”

He also pointed to the Kingdom’s strategic positioning. “Saudi Arabia, under its Vision 2030 initiatives, has placed a strong emphasis on adopting digital solutions ... This competition aligns directly with the Kingdom’s broader objectives, offering a platform for the younger generation, particularly AI enthusiasts and start-ups.”

Examples of AI integration in Saudi tourism include NEOM’s use of the Arena OneBrain system, which combines “the Large Human Behavior Model” and a real-time adaptation engine to create hyper-personalized travel experiences. “These innovations ... exemplify Saudi Arabia’s commitment to driving digital transformation in the tourism sector,” Al-Kharashi said.

AI is also being applied in environmental maintenance. “Red Sea Global introduced an AI-powered beach-cleaning robot ... capable of detecting and removing debris as small as one cubic centimeter,” Alkharashi said. He added that this shift toward “behind-the-scenes efficiency” reflected broader trends in AI-driven tourism innovation.


Saudi, Tunisian officials discuss humanitarian efforts 

Saudi, Tunisian officials discuss humanitarian efforts 
Updated 19 min 23 sec ago
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Saudi, Tunisian officials discuss humanitarian efforts 

Saudi, Tunisian officials discuss humanitarian efforts 

RIYADH: Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief, met with Tunisia’s President Kais Saied in the capital, Tunis.

The two officials discussed humanitarian and relief issues, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saied lauded the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Tunisia, highlighting the two nations’ exceptional medical professionals.

He further commended the Saudi Arabia program for the separation of conjoined twins.

The KSrelief chief also held a meeting with Tunisia’s Minister of Health Dr. Mustapha Ferjani to discuss humanitarian issues, the SPA reported.

Ferjani lauded the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts through KSrelief to help people worldwide.

Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,400 projects worth more than $7.9 billion across 106 countries, in partnership with more than 311 organizations.


Environment Week unites Saudis for a sustainable future

Environment Week unites Saudis for a sustainable future
The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority organized a volunteer trip for more than 550 students to plant
Updated 11 min 38 sec ago
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Environment Week unites Saudis for a sustainable future

Environment Week unites Saudis for a sustainable future
  • Tree planting, coral reef workshops and coastal cleanups drive the Kingdom’s environmental vision for 2030

Riyadh: The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority organized a volunteer trip for more than 550 students to plant more than 3,000 seedlings during Environment Week.

The initiative encourages positive environmental behavior among students, raises early age awareness, and fosters individual and collective responsibility for protecting the environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Held annually from April 20 to 26, Environment Week focuses on environmental awareness and sustainable practices. The 2025 theme, “Our Environment is a Treasure,” reflects the Kingdom’s efforts to conserve natural resources.

The reserve supports sustainability and environmental education. It has planted more than 3 million seedlings, dispersed more than 4 tonnes of seeds and restored 700,000 hectares of land.

At the Environment Week event in Sakaka, the authority is highlighting its achievements, including habitat restoration, seed dispersal and wildlife conservation.

These efforts include reintroducing 1,455 animals and recording 177 new births, including endangered species such as the sand gazelle, Arabian oryx and mountain ibex.

The authority’s exhibition pavilion showcases the biodiversity of the reserve, home to more than 350 wildlife and 290 bird species.

It also highlights initiatives to protect ecosystems, support sustainability and engage the community in conservation efforts.

During Environment Week in Jeddah, government, private, and nonprofit entities showcased initiatives to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainability.

The National Center for Environmental Compliance highlighted the public’s role in environmental protection, compliance with regulations and reporting violations.

The Vegetation Cover Development Foundation, established by the Ministry of Environment and the National Center for Vegetation Cover, presented nine initiatives aligned with the Saudi Green Initiative. These focus on environmental protection, energy transition and sustainability.

Separately, the Islamic Arts Biennale hosted an interactive workshop on Jeddah’s coral reefs, featuring academics from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.

The workshop explored the ecological and historical significance of coral reefs, threats like bleaching, and scientific efforts in reef restoration and biodiversity conservation.

Organized to connect art with environmental issues, the event aimed to foster dialogue between the arts and sciences while promoting awareness of sustainability in line with Vision 2030.

As part of Environment Week, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Umluj, along with partner agencies and volunteer divers, organized a seabed cleanup at Duqm Beach.

The campaign aimed to raise awareness about marine conservation by removing debris to protect coastal wildlife and ecosystems.

Volunteer divers and authorities collaborated in underwater cleanups, highlighting the impact of joint environmental efforts.

The initiative supports Vision 2030 goals of promoting sustainability and encouraging public responsibility for environmental protection.

In Riyadh, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification took part in the Environment Week exhibition alongside public and private sector entities.

The center launched nationwide awareness campaigns featuring interactive booths, educational activities, volunteer opportunities and greening efforts to promote public engagement in environmental protection.

Its initiatives focus on restoring degraded land, conserving biodiversity, managing rangelands and parks and addressing violations like unregulated firewood collection. These efforts aim to build a resilient vegetation ecosystem and support sustainability goals.

The Saudi Investment Recycling Co., a Public Investment Fund subsidiary, also took part in the event.

Through its subsidiaries, the company showcased its role in supporting a green and circular economy in line with Vision 2030, focusing on waste diversion, emissions reduction and advanced recycling technologies.

The group manages companies specializing in recycling, treating various types of waste and producing soil improvers, contributing to the Kingdom’s broader sustainability efforts.


Together, we are building a future of shared prosperity: US charge d’affaires

Together, we are building a future of shared prosperity: US charge d’affaires
Updated 25 min 58 sec ago
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Together, we are building a future of shared prosperity: US charge d’affaires

Together, we are building a future of shared prosperity: US charge d’affaires
  • US Embassy in Riyadh marks 249 years of American independence
  • Celebration a reminder of enduring friendship between nations and shared vision for prosperous future

RIYADH: Celebrating 249 years of American independence, the US Embassy in Riyadh hosted a reception on Tuesday with the theme “America the Beautiful.”  

Charge d’Affaires Alison Dilworth welcomed government officials, business leaders, academics and cultural figures to an evening that highlighted the enduring friendship between the US and the Kingdom.

Dilworth focused on the significance of the occasion, highlighting the natural beauty of both nations, as well as their shared interests and their dynamic people-to-people ties.  
“It is my great honor to welcome all of you tonight to the US Embassy to mark America’s 249th birthday,” she said.

“Although our Independence Day is officially celebrated on July 4th, here in Riyadh we gather in the spring to enjoy evenings as beautiful as this one taking in the beauty that both our nations are proud to share.”

Drawing on her personal experiences across the Kingdom, Dilworth highlighted Saudi Arabia’s distinctive landscapes and warm hospitality.  

“From the turquoise waters of the Red Sea to the roses of Taif and the green mountains of Abha, Saudi Arabia’s beauty is unforgettable — and it’s the generosity of the Saudi people that makes these places truly special.”

She also noted the deep cultural and personal connections that tie both nations: “I often meet Saudis who fondly recall their time in the US — hiking through Yellowstone, surfing in California, or enjoying Chicago’s skyline. These experiences are a testament to the strong bonds between our peoples.”

The evening also celebrated key areas of growing cooperation between the US and Saudi Arabia, including commerce, energy, innovation, artificial intelligence, entertainment and space.  

“Together, we are building a future of shared prosperity,” Dilworth said, adding: “I expect we will soon see even more brave and talented American and Saudi astronauts looking down at America the Beautiful from outer space.”

The celebration served as a reminder of the enduring friendship between both nations and a shared vision for a prosperous future.


Saudi Arabia condemns attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir

Saudi Arabia condemns attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir
Updated 49 min 14 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia condemns attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir

Saudi Arabia condemns attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has condemned a terrorist attack that targeted a group of tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir. 

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns in the strongest terms the terror attack that took place in Pahalgam, in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, which led to killing and injuries of dozens,” the frorigen ministry said in a statement Wednesday.  

The attack left at least 26 people dead Tuesday and more than a dozen injured after gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists, in what was described as the worst assault targeting civilians in years.