Latest published and human-reviewed Gulf Pulse reporting from Saudi Arabia.
The UAE has strongly condemned a drone attack launched from Iraq targeting a key Saudi Arabian oil pipeline, which caused several injuries.
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Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Civil Defense has advised the public to remain cautious and stay away from valleys, floodwaters, and swimming areas, as thunderstorms and varied rainfall are expected across several regions of the Kingdom through Monday.
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Saudi Arabia highlighted its rapidly expanding tourism landscape at the three-day "Spotlight" World Travel Market exhibition in Riyadh. The event showcased the Kingdom's diverse travel, cultural, and natural offerings, fostering global partnerships and investment in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.
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The Saudi Border Guard land patrols apprehended five Yemeni nationals in the Jazan and Najran regions for attempting to smuggle 150 kilograms of khat, 30 kilograms of hashish, and over 4,000 regulated medical tablets.
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Saudi Arabia's mining and quarrying sector grew by 19 percent in July 2026 compared to June, driving a 10.4 percent monthly increase in the country's Industrial Production Index. However, the index experienced an annual decline of 8.1 percent compared to July 2025 due to downturns in mining, quarrying, and manufacturing.
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Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned ongoing, unjustified Iranian attacks on Jordan, labeling them as clear violations of international law. The Kingdom declared its full solidarity with Jordan and supported all measures it takes in response.
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Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Commerce has issued a recall for 51 Toyota Supra vehicles from the 2026 model year because of a defect in the spare tire that prevents it from being installed and used during emergencies.
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The Special Forces for Environmental Security (SFES) arrested five Pakistani residents in the Makkah region for illegally extracting sediment. Authorities seized five pieces of excavation and transport equipment and initiated legal proceedings against the suspects.
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The Saudi Cabinet, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its sovereignty, citizens, and residents. During the session, the council condemned Houthi attacks on civilian targets and international shipping, while also addressing key diplomatic, economic, and technological developments.
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Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi voiced his country's solidarity with Saudi Arabia during a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, strongly condemning recent attacks on southern Saudi civilian and economic sites.
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The Chairman of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad Al-Alimi, has cautioned against transforming the Bab Al-Mandab Strait into a second Strait of Hormuz. Meeting with European ambassadors, Al-Alimi urged international partners to bolster Yemen's state capabilities to protect the vital trade corridor against Houthi military actions and Iranian geopolitical influence.
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The Saudi Ministry of Energy reported Tuesday morning attacks on several energy facilities in the southern region. The strikes caused fires and temporarily suspended some operations. Separately, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Houthi attacks across Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran that injured 73 civilians.
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Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned Houthi militia attacks on civilian and economic targets in its southern regions, which injured 73 civilians. The Kingdom asserted its legitimate right to defend its sovereignty and called on the international community to enforce relevant UN Security Council resolutions to halt the escalation.
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Estimates from GASTAT show Saudi Arabia's non-oil and government sectors both grew by 0.9 percent year-on-year in Q2 2026. However, a significant 24.8 percent drop in oil activities led to a 4.7 percent overall decline in real GDP compared to Q2 2025.
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The National Center for Inspection and Monitoring (NCIM) has processed more than 11 million citizen submissions through its consolidated inspection platform, moving forward with its mission to streamline and modernize Saudi Arabia's regulatory oversight framework.
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Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with German Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche in Berlin to discuss strengthening bilateral economic ties, expanding energy partnerships, and securing global maritime trade routes.
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Major General Mohammed Al-Moghedi, Secretary General of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), met with Turkish Ambassador Emrullah Isler in Riyadh to discuss strengthening collaboration, disrupting terrorist networks, and utilizing the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement to bolster security.
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The Ministry of Interior has warned individual employers in Saudi Arabia of severe legal consequences, including a maximum six-month prison sentence and a fine of up to SR100,000, if they permit their employees to work for other parties or for personal benefit.
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The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has flagged an advertisement containing exaggerated claims about an osteoarthritis medical device. The offending company faces potential legal penalties, including fines reaching up to SR5 million and facility closure.
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Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khereiji represented the Kingdom at the 166th ordinary session of the Arab League Council in Cairo. The meeting focused on enhancing Arab cooperation, countering regional violations, and securing crucial international maritime waterways.
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Two rehabilitated Eurasian Griffon vultures released from the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve in 2023 have settled in Armenia and Iraq after a massive journey spanning eight Middle Eastern countries. Satellite tracking revealed their successful integration into local wild populations.
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Saudi Arabian authorities deported 12,363 violators of residency, border, and labor laws during a week-long joint security campaign. A total of 14,165 individuals were apprehended as part of the nationwide inspections, with thousands more undergoing legal processing.
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Saudi Arabia and seven other nations have issued a joint statement strongly condemning remarks by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The official's calls to forcibly displace Palestinians and build settlements in the Gaza Strip were denounced as violations of international law that threaten regional peace efforts.
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Seven OPEC+ nations met virtually on Sunday and decided to keep October 2026 oil production levels unchanged from September 2026. The participating countries reaffirmed their commitment to the Declaration of Cooperation.
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Saudi Arabia's Council of Economic and Development Affairs reviewed Q1 2026 performance reports, highlighting the resilience of the Saudi economy under Vision 2030, a low inflation rate of 1.8 percent, and progress in privatizing health services.
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The Saudi Border Guard intercepted three separate smuggling attempts in the Jazan and Asir regions, arresting 13 individuals. The security operations led to the seizure of 280 kilograms of khat, 37 kilograms of hashish, and 45,000 regulated medical tablets.
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The National Center for Meteorology has issued red alerts for severe rain and potential flash floods across Makkah, Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha. Additional warnings for moderate rain, dust, and varying temperatures have been issued for other provinces, including the Eastern Province and Madinah.
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Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan conducted separate telephone discussions with the foreign ministers of Iran and Pakistan, focusing on regional developments and joint efforts to lower tensions and preserve security in the region.
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The Saudi municipal and housing sectors recorded more than three million volunteer hours in the first half of 2026. Over 179,000 male and female volunteers engaged in 6,700 distinct activities, which were supported by various municipal authorities, housing entities, and nonprofit organizations.
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Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha met with UN Undersecretary General Li Junhua in New York to discuss enhancing digital government partnerships, driving global digital transformation, and supporting capacity building in developing nations.
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Saudi Arabia and Malaysia have successfully cooperated to intercept an attempt to smuggle more than 505 kilograms of ketamine. The operation was made possible through crucial intelligence provided by Saudi drug control authorities to their Malaysian counterparts.
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Saudi Arabia's Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority intercepted 18,549 amphetamine pills hidden inside a postal parcel at Dammam's King Fahd International Airport. Following the seizure, four individuals were arrested.
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Saudi Arabia is scheduled to host the second European Union-Gulf Cooperation Council (EU-GCC) Summit on October 24, 2026. The multilateral gathering will bring together leaders from the six Gulf nations and the 27 EU member states to strengthen their strategic, political, and economic partnerships.
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The Saudi Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has introduced new municipal regulations for commercial data centers. The standard framework aims to enhance digital infrastructure, streamline operations, and encourage investment by establishing clear requirements for standalone data centers across the Kingdom.
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The Saudi Embassy in the United Kingdom is monitoring the condition of a Saudi national who was seriously wounded in a knife attack during an attempted robbery in London's Mayfair district on Friday. Officials have urged citizens to avoid displaying luxury items.
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A security incident in the Strait of Hormuz involving the Saudi vessel SIDR has resulted in the deaths of two Filipino seafarers, according to a statement from the shipping company Bahri.
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The Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition (MMDC) has entered its operational phase from its command headquarters under Saudi leadership. This milestone follows a key planning meeting in Jeddah with 39 countries, marking the transition from institutional planning to active maritime security operations.
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Saudi Arabia has condemned an Iranian attack on the Saudi-owned supertanker Sidr in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday night, which resulted in the deaths of two Filipino crew members. While Iran claims the vessel and another tanker struck mines on an unauthorized route, maritime firms reported projectile strikes.
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Saudi Arabia and Nepal have signed a bilateral air transport services agreement in Kathmandu to establish a safe and orderly operational framework. The pact aims to adapt to modern regulations, while officials also met to discuss broader aviation and tourism cooperation.
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The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has been named the strategic partner for the first WTM Spotlight Riyadh, scheduled for September 2026. The collaboration aims to accelerate local tourism growth, attract international investments, and foster global partnerships in alignment with the economic objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
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Saudi Arabia and Serbia have signed an agreement granting mutual visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic, special, and service passports. The treaty was signed during a diplomatic meeting in Belgrade aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
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Saudi Arabia's National Center for Meteorology predicts thunderstorms across multiple regions from Saturday to Wednesday. Areas such as Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah are expected to see moderate to heavy rainfall, potentially causing flash floods, strong winds, and hail. Residents are advised to stay updated and follow official safety directives.
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The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia has issued red alerts for severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms, hail, and flash floods, which are expected to impact multiple regions of the Kingdom, including Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah, through Friday.
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Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned an Iranian attack on the Saudi tanker SIDR in the Strait of Hormuz, which claimed the lives of two Filipino crew members. The Kingdom also expressed solidarity with Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait against Iranian threats, calling for restraint and the protection of international navigation.
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The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia has declared red weather alerts for heavy rainfall in parts of the Asir and Al-Baha regions, alongside orange and yellow alerts in Makkah and the Eastern Province. Thunderstorms, potential flash floods, hail, and dusty winds are forecasted across multiple areas.
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The Saudi Border Guard intercepted three smuggling attempts in the Jazan and Asir regions, seizing 154 kilograms of khat, 24 kilograms of hashish, and 19,120 regulated medical tablets, resulting in the arrest of Ethiopian nationals.
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Saudi Arabia recorded a remarkable array of international accomplishments in August 2026, earning global recognition, certifications, and medals across key sectors including technology, healthcare, aviation, education, and sports.
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Saudi Arabia's Real Estate General Authority (REGA) has cautioned brokers and service providers that breaking industry rules could lead to license cancellation or suspension, alongside financial penalties reaching up to SR200,000.
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At a high-level Non-Aligned Movement meeting in Serbia, Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Eng. Waleed Al-Kheraiji emphasized that reducing regional tensions is essential for sustainable development, while reaffirming the Kingdom's commitment to national sovereignty, peaceful dispute resolution, and a comprehensive settlement for Palestine.
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The National Program to Combat Commercial Concealment identified 239 suspected cases of commercial cover-up in Saudi Arabia during August. Following 5,161 inspection tours across multiple retail and service sectors, authorities have referred the violators for investigation and potential legal penalties.
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Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Commerce conducted over 20,000 inspection tours in August to monitor compliance with regulations during the 2026 commercial discount season, which runs from early August until October 31.
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The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia has declared red alerts for intense rainfall across various areas, alongside a forecast of dust-laden winds and high temperatures peaking at 47°C.
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RIYADH — Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in food security and agriculture, with both sides expressing their shared aspiration to raise the value of Pakistani agricultural and food exports to Saudi Arabia to $3 billion. The agreement was announced in a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the official visit of the high-level Saudi delegation to Pakistan from August 26 to 28. The delegation was headed by Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fadhly and included senior officials from the ministry, the General Authority for Food Security, and other relevant entities. The Pakistani side was headed by Minister of State for Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and included senior government officials and representatives of the private sector in Pakistan. Both sides affirmed the strength of their long-standing historical relations and commended the level of integration in advancing food security priorities by enhancing the export capabilities of the agricultural and food sector. Discussions focused on priority sectors, including rice, red meat, fruits and fruit concentrates, green fodder, and water-efficient agricultural technologies. Pakistani rice imports to the Kingdom in 2025 reached approximately 169,000 tons, valued at an estimated $163 million. Both sides expressed interest in expanding bilateral trade in the coming years. Pakistani meat imports to Saudi Arabia reached approximately 30,000 tons annually, valued at $167 million, with the Saudi side expressing its desire to double these imports in the future. The two sides also identified promising opportunities in the fruit sector and agreed to increase Pakistan's share of exports in the Saudi market, empower the private sector, facilitate communication between businesspeople, and expand mutual recognition of quality certificates.The Saudi side highlighted green fodder as a promising sector for expanding trade and developing long-term supply partnerships. The Saudi delegation also encouraged Pakistan to join the International Date Council, an invitation welcomed by the Pakistani side. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the completion of the first phase of the "Water-Saving Irrigation Program" in the Bhakar region of Punjab province and expressed interest in the proposed second phase aimed at supporting small farmers. They also reviewed investment proposals from Pakistani private sector companies in livestock, agricultural processing industries, and rice value chains. Both sides agreed to coordinate and work together to explore and capitalize on these investment opportunities. The Saudi delegation's visit included a briefing on the Strategic Plan for Agriculture and Food Security between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, meetings with the Pakistan Private Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the Fauji Foundation, and the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Agricultural Business Council, as well as a visit to the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC). Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. The Pakistani side welcomed the invitation to attend the 43rd Saudi Agriculture Exhibition, to be held in Riyadh in October. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the visit and agreed to continue joint coordination to follow up on the implementation of the understandings reached.
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RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has launched the Kingdom’s first Food Composition Database, providing accurate nutritional data on local foods and traditional dishes consumed across Saudi Arabia. Represented by the National Nutrition Committee and developed under the Health Sector Transformation Program, the Saudi Food Composition Database is based on approved scientific methodologies and high-quality standards. The database serves as a national reference for food composition data across the health, research and nutrition sectors, providing comprehensive information on energy, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. As part of broader efforts to advance national food data systems, support evidence-based decision-making and improve nutritional health and quality of life, the initiative aims to strengthen food and nutrition policymaking, support scientific research and health studies, and raise community awareness of health and nutrition. It also supports the food manufacturing sector in developing local products and enhancing their nutritional value. By making nutritional data more accessible, the database contributes to digital transformation across the health and food sectors, enabling developers to create digital tools to assess dietary patterns and nutritional status. This, in turn, will strengthen the integration of data, technology and public health.
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RIYADH — Regulations governing shared housing for individuals prohibit its construction in specific areas and neighborhoods. The building must be located at least 300 meters away from schools and hospitals and must not be situated in designated areas where activities are prohibited. Residents must comply with the population densities stipulated in urban and local master plans. The building entrance must be located on a main road, arterial road, or local street with a minimum width of 20 meters, while ensuring privacy and preventing direct views of neighboring properties. The requirements also include connecting shared housing to main roads and public transportation networks. In addition, one parking space must be allocated for every 40 residents, while bus parking spaces must have sufficient capacity for 50 percent of the building’s residents. Designated parking spaces for people with disabilities must also be provided near the main entrances and elevators. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing recently approved the health, safety, and technical requirements for shared housing for individuals. Operating licensees have been granted a grace period of at least one year, or until the expiry of their license, to rectify any deficiencies and ensure compliance with health, technical, and safety standards. The ministry exempted buildings and residential complexes that had previously been issued building permits as shared housing for individuals, or as private or gated residential complexes, from spatial planning requirements, provided they comply with health, technical, and safety standards. The regulations classify shared housing for individuals into three categories based on capacity and the nature of their basic facilities and services. The first category comprises a building consisting of one or more floors, with a total height not exceeding 23 meters from ground level, and containing a number of residential units.The second category consists of a group of independent residential buildings, such as apartment buildings and villas, surrounded by an external wall with security gates for entry and exit, along with guards.The third category comprises mobile cabins within projects that can be transported from one location to another and are used temporarily at project sites to accommodate workers. The operating license is valid until the completion of the project or for a maximum period of one year, which is renewable.
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RIYADH — The Ministry of Tourism launched the Unified Tourism Services Platform during the LEAP 2026 conference. The Tourism Platform aims to become the premier digital destination for tourism services by unifying access to the services required by investors, tourism professionals, and sector employees. It will streamline procedures, enhance the user experience, and improve the efficiency of accessing services. The initiative reflects the ministry’s commitment to enhancing the user experience and advancing digital transformation in the tourism sector by providing tourism services through a comprehensive and user-friendly digital platform. The platform offers a range of services that support digital integration across the tourism ecosystem in collaboration with various stakeholders. This will provide a more seamless user experience by facilitating access to and utilization of services through a unified digital interface. The platform provides a wide range of services, including tourism licensing, compliance, investment, training, and development, in addition to several other digital services, enabling users to manage their tasks through a unified and seamless experience. The platform also includes Tourism X, a smart, AI-powered service designed to facilitate access to services and respond to user inquiries, further enhancing the digital user experience. The ministry spokesperson Nasser Al-Ansari said that the launch of the “Tourism Platform” builds on ongoing efforts to develop digital government services, strengthen integration among various stakeholders in the tourism sector, and enhance the efficiency of service delivery. This, he noted, will support the growth of the tourism sector and align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. He clarified that the official website https://mt.gov.sa/ar will continue to serve as the official platform for information, news, initiatives, and regulations related to the ministry, while the “Tourism Platform” will serve as the unified destination for accessing tourism services.
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JEDDAH — Thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected over parts of several regions on Sunday, while temperatures are forecast to reach up to 48°C in other areas, according to the National Center for Meteorology (NCM). In its daily forecast, the NCM said moderate to heavy thunderstorms that may lead to flash floods, accompanied by active winds raising dust and sand, are expected over parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha and Makkah regions. The NCM said rain-bearing thunderclouds may also form over parts of the Najran, Riyadh, Qassim and Madinah regions, as well as parts of the northeastern areas. The NCM also said weather is expected to remain hot to very hot over parts of the Eastern Province. For temperatures, Dammam is forecast to record the highest temperature at 48°C, followed by Riyadh at 46°C, Madinah and Buraidah at 45°C, and Makkah at 44°C. Temperatures are expected to reach 40°C in Najran, 39°C in Hail, 38°C in Jeddah and Jazan, 37°C in Tabuk, 36°C in Arar, 35°C in Sakaka, 31°C in Al-Baha and 29°C in Abha. For individual cities, Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah are forecast to be partly cloudy with active winds, with suspended dust also expected in Makkah and Jeddah. Riyadh and Hail are forecast to be partly cloudy with active winds, while Buraidah is expected to be partly cloudy with active winds and blowing dust. Abha, Al-Baha and Jazan are expected to experience thundery rain and active winds, with blowing dust also forecast in Jazan. Arar and Sakaka are forecast to see active winds and blowing dust, while Tabuk is expected to experience active winds. Najran is forecast to be partly cloudy to cloudy with active winds, while Dammam is expected to be clear. For humidity, levels are forecast to reach 80 percent in Jeddah and Abha, 75 percent in Dammam, Al-Baha and Jazan, 50 percent in Tabuk and Najran, 35 percent in Makkah and Sakaka, 30 percent in Arar, and 20 percent in Riyadh, Madinah, Buraidah and Hail.
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RIYADH — Saudi security forces arrested a total of 14,434 illegal residents in a week. The arrests were made in joint inspections, carried out in collaboration with the relevant government agencies, during the period between Aug. 20 and Aug. 26, the Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday. Those who were arrested include 6,976 violators of the Residency Law, 4,110 violators of the Border Security Law, and 3,348 violators of the Labor Law. The total number of people who were arrested while trying to cross the border into the Kingdom accounted for 1,450, of whom 41 percent were Yemeni nationals, 58 percent Ethiopian nationals, and one percent belonged to other nationalities. About 44 people were arrested while attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally. A total of 14,905 illegal residents were deported while 18,914 violators were referred to their diplomatic missions to obtain travel documents and 2,867 violators were referred to complete their travel reservations. Twenty seven people, who were involved in giving transportation, shelter, and employment for violators, were also arrested. A total of 29,938 expatriates, including 27,957 men and 1,981 women, are currently undergoing procedures to enforce legal measures. The Ministry of Interior has warned that any person, who facilitates the illegal entry of individuals into the Kingdom, transports them on its territory, provides them with shelter or any other assistance or service, will be penalized with up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to SR1 million, and that the vehicles used for transportation or houses used for giving shelter will be confiscated. The ministry urged the public to report any cases of violation by calling the number 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province and the numbers 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom’s regions.
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RIYADH — Coastal patrols of the Border Guard in Qunfudhah governorate in the Makkah region arrested four persons for fishing without a permit and using prohibited equipment. The Myanmar and Bangladeshi nationals were found violating the safety and security regulations governing maritime activities in the territorial waters of Saudi Arabia. Legal procedures were initiated against them in coordination with the relevant authorities. The Border Guard urged the public to comply with the regulations and instructions concerning the protection of living aquatic resources and to report any violations against the environment or wildlife by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province and 994 in the rest of the Kingdom.All reports will be treated with complete confidentiality, and the whistleblower will bear no responsibility, it said.
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RIYADH — Saudi Arabia and Pakistan affirmed the importance of strengthening cooperation in agriculture and food security, supporting investment opportunities within the framework of the well-established bilateral relations between the two countries, and increasing trade exchange in a manner that serves their mutual interests. This was emphasized during the official visit of Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fadhly to Pakistan, leading a high-level delegation. The visit aimed to explore avenues for cooperation in agriculture and food security, enhance the efficiency of irrigation and water systems, and support investment opportunities, thereby contributing to the growth of trade exchange between the two countries. During the visit, Al-Fadhly met with Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. During the meeting, they reviewed various aspects of cooperation between the two countries in agriculture and food security. They also discussed ways to further strengthen these areas, and explored opportunities to increase investment across their respective sectors. These efforts aimed to advance the economic partnership between the two countries to broader horizons and support promising investment opportunities in the agriculture and food security sectors. Al-Fadhly also witnessed a review of the strategic plan for agriculture and food between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, with the participation of the Pakistani ministers of food security and national research, and commerce, as well as representatives from the Pakistani provincial governments. The Saudi minister participated in the Saudi-Pakistani Agricultural Business Forum, with the presence of the Pakistani ministers of finance and commerce and representatives from the private sector. The forum discussed ways to further strengthen investment partnerships between the two countries in the agriculture and food sectors. It is noteworthy that the Saudi minister’s visit comes within the framework of both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding areas of economic and investment cooperation.
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ISTANBUL — The first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee established under the Makkah Joint Defense Pact between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan will be held in Istanbul on Monday, according to Turkish Foreign Ministry sources.The high-level meeting is expected to bring together the foreign and defense ministers and chiefs of general staff of the three countries to set the strategic direction for implementing the landmark defense pact signed in Makkah earlier this month.The committee was established under the Makkah Joint Defense Pact to provide strategic direction for activities and cooperation among the three countries, Anadolu Agency reported.Monday's meeting is expected to address international security developments and discuss measures to strengthen joint defense capabilities and increase interoperability among the Saudi, Turkish and Pakistani armed forces.Officials are also expected to discuss expanding defense industry cooperation, including joint production and research and development, as well as strengthening cooperation in counterterrorism.The meeting is expected to establish a framework for a secretariat and other mechanisms responsible for coordinating areas of joint activity identified by the committee.Participants are also expected to draw up a roadmap for implementing the pact and advancing trilateral defense cooperation in the coming period.The meeting is expected to underscore the pact's role in promoting regional security, peace and stability through a cooperative security framework, while remaining open to countries that respect international law and share its vision of peaceful cooperation.Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the Makkah Joint Defense Pact in Makkah on Aug. 7.At the heart of the pact is a collective defense provision stipulating that an attack against any one of the three countries will be considered an attack against all.
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RIYADH —The Saudi Organization for Certified Public Accountants (SOCPA) has referred seven individuals and entities to the Public Prosecution since the beginning of this year for their suspected involvement in various types of offenses. This was after initial monitoring and investigation procedures revealed that they committed offenses falling under the crimes stipulated in Article 10 of the Accounting and Auditing Profession Law. The SOCPA warned that falsifying or providing misleading information is punishable by a maximum jail term of five years and fine of up to SR2 million. It emphasized the responsibility of certified public accountants for the financial reports and information they certify. The organization stressed that a certified public accountant’s certification of financial reports that they, or those working under their supervision, have not audited constitutes a crime stipulated in Article 10 of the Accounting and Auditing Profession Law. Anyone who commits one or more of these offenses is subject to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years and/or a fine of up to SR2 million, without prejudice to any other penalties stipulated under other laws. The article also criminalizes the following offenses such as providing false information or forged certificates to obtain a license; misleading the public in any way regarding the right to practice the profession; a certified public accountant providing false information or concealing information that must be disclosed while being aware of it; certifying a report that is contrary to the truth or contains untrue facts in a document that must be issued by law or pursuant to the requirements of practicing the profession; disclosing the secrets of the entity to which they provide services; providing false information about the qualifications and experience of their employees; or contributing to the provision of such information. Dr. Ahmed Al-Mughamis, CEO of SOCPA, said: “The reliability of financial reports is a fundamental element of financial health and the protection of entities, beneficiaries, and users of financial statements.” He emphasized that the integration of the authority’s roles within the accounting and auditing system with regulatory and judicial bodies contributes to enhancing compliance and curbing irregular practices, thereby strengthening the integrity of financial information and the quality of professional services.
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RIYADH — Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah Alswaha announced that the Freedom of Information Law, which aims to enable creativity and innovation while preserving sovereignty and confidentiality, will be announced in the near future. Addressing a government press conference, organized by the Ministry of Media in Riyadh on Sunday, the minister said that the Saudi digital economy has grown by more than 75 percent since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, reaching 522 billion and the number of jobs in the digital sector has risen to 410,000. Alswaha said that the LEAP 2026 Conference, with the support of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, has become the largest technological movement of the 21st century. The fifth annual global technology event, with the theme "Into New Worlds" will be kicked off at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, on Monday. The four-day event would feature around 2,000 participating global tech brands, 1,000 speakers, and hundreds of startups. It will showcase artificial intelligence, smart infrastructure, logistics tech, and digital government services. Alswaha said that the Kingdom has emerged as a global leader in digital competitiveness and spectrum liberalization. “The National Technology Development Program has supported more than 1,500 entrepreneurs and 5,000 companies, including nine billion-riyal companies,” he said. The minister noted that more than 3,000 servers have been exported from the Kingdom to neighboring countries, in addition to the presence of more than 80 technical schools across the Kingdom and the training of approximately 30,000 talented individuals in the field of artificial intelligence. Alswaha stated that the overall communications gap in the Kingdom has declined from 50 percent to one percent, while the gap in services has fallen to 5 percent over the past 10 years. He said that the number of complaints has decreased by 15 percent. According to the minister, fiber optic penetration in the Kingdom has reached 32 percent, with 5.8 million homes covered. However, subscription rates remain below expectations, he said while urging families to subscribe to enhance their children's opportunities for success and leadership. “Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in data centers, which constitute its primary market in artificial intelligence, accounting for up to 60 percent of its total investments. Approximately 60 percent of technological investments are directed toward these centers, and more than 80 square kilometers have been allocated for them,” he said.Alswaha noted that Saudi Arabia has the capacity to reach 3 billion customers in the artificial intelligence sector from within its borders and to serve one billion customers in the primary market. He affirmed that the Kingdom is on track to become the primary energy provider for data centers. He stated that 5G coverage in Al-Baha currently stands at 49 percent and will reach 64 percent by 2028, with 50,000 homes in the region connected to fiber optics. He also noted that the Salla platform represents a national success story valued at SR36 billion, contributing to the creation of 100,000 jobs and enabling 120,000 online stores. The launch of mega-projects will be announced during LEAP 26 in partnership with Amazon, NVIDIA, and several other global companies, along with the launch of Microsoft's Azure cloud platform at the inaugural day of the conference on Monday.Alswaha stated that the Kingdom has become the world's leading nation in digital readiness for 2025 and 2026, moving from a lower global ranking to first place in digital preparedness and organization. He emphasized the Kingdom’s transformation into a technology exporter rather than an importer.The minister affirmed that the Kingdom is rising to the top global ranking in the application of data and artificial intelligence across both the public and private sectors and is striving to become the largest magnet for innovators and investors in this field. He noted that the Kingdom is continuing its leadership and pioneering role, achieving significant leaps forward in artificial intelligence.
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RIYADH — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Saudi Arabia's condemnation and denunciation of the rebellious attacks that took place in Niamey, capital of Niger. In a statement, the ministry affirmed the Kingdom's solidarity with the government and people of Niger against any attempt to undermine its security and stability. "Saudi Arabia affirms its support for all efforts that contribute to preserving the security and sovereignty of the Republic of Niger and protecting its resources from the meddling of rebel groups,” the ministry said, while wishing continued security and prosperity for Niger and its people. Mutinous soldiers in Niger attacked the airport and the presidency in the capital, Niamey, early on Saturday, triggering hours of gunfire and explosions and briefly knocking state television and radio off air.
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ISTANBUL — Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said Monday that Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan had reaffirmed their commitment to activating the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement in a way that strengthens integration and advances regional security and stability.Prince Khalid, who led the Kingdom’s delegation to the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee in Istanbul, said the talks marked an important step toward implementing the agreement.“I was pleased to lead the Kingdom’s delegation in the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee,” Prince Khalid said.“We affirmed our commitment to activating the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement pathways in a way that strengthens integration and advances security and stability.”Prince Khalid also highlighted the depth of the strategic relations between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, stressing that the security of the three countries is interconnected.He said confronting common challenges and threats requires political coordination, defense integration and collective military readiness.The meeting brought together the foreign and defense ministers and military chiefs of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan as the three countries began establishing the institutional mechanisms needed to implement the trilateral defense agreement.Following the meeting, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the pact had launched a process to establish a new security and cooperation architecture in the region.“With this agreement, the process of testing a new security and cooperation architecture in our region has begun,” Fidan said.He stressed the need for regional countries to work together to achieve security, stability, prosperity and lasting peace, adding that greater stability would also create stronger conditions for investment and development.Fidan said the agreement was designed to allow other countries to join in the future, but stressed that the founding members must first establish a strong institutional framework and clear conditions, procedures and standards for accession.“The alliance was established with the aim of expanding. But at the outset, its foundations need to be laid very well, and its institutionalization also needs to be carried out very well,” he said.Fidan said Saudi Arabia and Pakistan shared Türkiye’s view that the agreement should first develop into a strong and effectively functioning structure capable of addressing regional challenges before admitting additional members.He said the three countries were working on a roadmap for the accession process and that discussions would be required with both prospective members and the existing parties.“We are now working together to complete the difficult part, which is the establishment phase,” Fidan said.Alongside Prince Khalid, Saudi Arabia was represented by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Chief of the General Staff Gen. Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili.Türkiye’s delegation included Fidan, National Defense Minister Yasar Guler and Chief of General Staff Gen. Selcuk Bayraktaroglu. Pakistan was represented by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.The Strategic Political and Defense Committee was established to provide strategic direction for activities under the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement and oversee the development of mechanisms for trilateral defense and security cooperation.Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the agreement in Makkah on Aug. 7.The agreement establishes a collective defense commitment under which an attack against any one of the three countries is considered an attack against all parties.
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ISTANBUL — The first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee established under the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement began in Istanbul on Monday, bringing together the foreign and defense ministers and military chiefs of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan.Türkiye is hosting the inaugural session of the committee, which was created to provide strategic direction for activities carried out under the agreement signed by the leaders of the three countries earlier this month.The Saudi delegation includes Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Chief of the General Staff Gen. Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili.Türkiye is represented by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yasar Guler and Chief of General Staff Gen. Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, while Pakistan is represented by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.The meeting began following a family photo of the participating delegations.Discussions are expected to cover international security developments, strengthening defense capabilities and increasing interoperability among the armed forces of the three countries.Officials are also expected to discuss expanding defense industry cooperation, including joint production and research and development, as well as strengthening joint counterterrorism efforts.The committee is also expected to define the framework for a secretariat and other mechanisms that will coordinate work in areas identified under the agreement and set out a roadmap for future cooperation.The meeting is expected to reaffirm the agreement's aim of promoting security, peace and stability through a cooperative regional security framework and strengthening collective deterrence.Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement in Makkah on Aug. 7.The agreement stipulates that an attack against any one of the three countries will be considered an attack against all parties.It also provides for broader cooperation with actors that respect international law and share the three countries' vision of peaceful regional cooperation.
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ISTANBUL — Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan agreed Monday to establish the secretariat of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement in the Kingdom as the three countries moved to institutionalize their defense partnership and strengthen the credibility and effectiveness of collective deterrence and defense.The decision was announced in a joint statement following the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee in Istanbul, attended by the foreign and defense ministers and military chiefs of the three countries.The secretariat will be headed by a secretary-general and based in Saudi Arabia. During its initial phase, a Pakistani secretary-general will lead the body for a three-year term.The three countries reaffirmed their determination to work together under the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement to achieve sustainable peace and stability in the region.They pledged to continue supporting efforts toward de-escalation and restraint to encourage peaceful solutions to regional crises.“Today, the three countries agreed to take further steps to institutionalize their cooperation under the Makkah Agreement in a manner that strengthens their solidarity, ensures the credibility and effectiveness of collective deterrence and defense, and contributes to regional and cooperative security efforts aimed at achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace,” the statement said.Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan also agreed to strengthen their defense capabilities and the cohesion of their armed forces through joint activities.The three countries will pursue closer defense industry cooperation, including the development of joint production and technologies.The statement said the institutional and effective implementation of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement would enable the three countries to make significant contributions to regional peace and stability.Earlier Monday, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, who led the Kingdom’s delegation to the committee meeting, said the three countries had reaffirmed their commitment to activating the agreement.“We affirmed our commitment to activating the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement pathways in a way that strengthens integration and advances security and stability,” Prince Khalid said.In his address to the meeting, Prince Khalid highlighted the depth of the strategic relations between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, stressing that the security of the three countries is interconnected.He said confronting challenges and threats requires political coordination, defense integration and collective military readiness.Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, meanwhile, said the agreement had begun a process of establishing a “new security and cooperation architecture” in the region.Fidan also said the agreement was designed with the possibility of expansion, with the three founding countries working to develop the institutional structure and a roadmap governing the potential accession of additional members.Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement in Makkah on Aug. 7.The agreement establishes a collective defense commitment under which an attack against any one of the three countries is considered an attack against all parties.
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JAZAN/ASIR — Border Guard land patrols arrested 18 Ethiopian nationals and thwarted the smuggling of a total of 320 kg of khat and 79,300 regulated tablets in four separate operations across Asir and Jazan. In Asir, Border Guard land patrols in the Al-Raboua Sector arrested four Ethiopian nationals, violators of the Border Security Law, for smuggling 80 kilograms of khat. **media[2758458]** In Jazan, Border Guard land patrols in the Al-Dayer Sector arrested 12 Ethiopian nationals for smuggling 240 kilograms of khat. In a separate operation in the same sector, two Ethiopian nationals were arrested for smuggling 20,800 tablets subject to medical circulation regulations. Border Guard land patrols also thwarted a separate attempt in Al-Dayer to smuggle 58,500 tablets subject to medical circulation regulations. **media[2758459]** Authorities said initial legal procedures were completed in all four cases, with the suspects, where applicable, and seized items handed over to the competent authority. The public can report information by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, 999 in the rest of the Kingdom, 994 for the Border Guard, or 995 for the General Directorate of Narcotics Control. **media[2758456]** Reports can also be submitted to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control via email at 995@gdnc.gov.sa. Authorities stressed that all reports will be handled with complete confidentiality and that informants will bear no responsibility for the reported incident.
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Saudi Arabia and France have extended their strategic partnership for AlUla’s development through 2035 under an amended intergovernmental accord covering culture, environment, tourism, human development, the economy and heritage.
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Saudi Arabia’s consultation on a proposed amendment to Article 13 has passed its stated feedback deadline, with the proposal focused on clarifying senior-management no-objection requirements.
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