JEDDAH: Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces on Saturday intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis from Yemen, said the spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
“The missile was supposed to hit the region of Najran” and “target areas populated by civilians,” said Col. Turki Al-Maliki.
“The missile was intercepted and destroyed, causing the splatter of fragments over residential neighborhoods. According to preliminary information, one Indian expat suffered minor injuries,” he added.
“Such hostile and random acts carried out by the Houthi militia prove the continued involvement of the Iranian regime in the Yemeni war,” Al-Maliki said.
“Iran has been, and still is, supporting the armed militia by providing them with qualitative capabilities. This support comes as a clear and explicit defiance of UN Resolutions 2216 and 2231 in order to threaten the Kingdom and regional and global security,” he added.
“The launch of ballistic missiles at populated cities and villages is considered a violation of international humanitarian law.”
The interception follows a seven-missile attack by Houthi militia on the Kingdom on Sunday, March 25, which was widely condemned by the global community.
Three of the seven rockets fired targeted Riyadh, two were aimed at Jazan, and the others were launched toward Khamis Mushayt and Najran. Saudi air defenses intercepted all seven.
Missiles were targeted at residential areas and one Egyptian civilian worker was killed, while two were injured, said the news channel. It did not mention where the casualties were.
On Monday, March 26, the Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia said in a news conference that the debris of missiles fired by Houthi rebels in Yemen carried the features of weapons manufactured near Tehran. The coalition lashed out at the Iranian regime for providing the Houthi militias with sophisticated arms and ballistic missiles, thus undermining regional security.
Al-Maliki displayed the debris of the Houthi missiles that targeted Riyadh. He said forensic analysis of the wreckage of the missiles showed they were supplied to the Houthi militias by Iran.
Al-Maliki noted that 78 percent of 104 ballistic missiles that have been launched targeting the Kingdom came from Saadah in Yemen and areas north of Amran.
The UN Security Council this week condemned “in the strongest possible terms” multiple missile attacks launched by the Houthis on Saudi territory, saying they posed a threat to regional security.
Last month, Houthi militias fired a ballistic missile at Riyadh, targeting Al-Yamamah Royal Palace in the Saudi capital.
In November 2017, militias launched a missile targeting King Khalid International Airport.
Houthi aggression toward Saudi Arabia has increased in recent months and has caused a global outcry, with a number of countries and organizations condemning the launch of ballistic missiles targeting the Kingdom.
Houthi missile targeting Saudi Arabia's Najran intercepted
Houthi missile targeting Saudi Arabia's Najran intercepted
King Abdulaziz Camel Festival starts in Al-Sayahid
RIYADH: The ninth King Abdulaziz Camel Festival began on Sunday in Al-Sayahid in the southern part of Al-Dahna Desert under the theme “Pride of its People.”
The event continues its mission to preserve and promote the camel as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s cultural identity, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Camel Club Chairman Fahd bin Falah bin Hathleen said the one-month festival reflects the significant attention the Saudi leadership gives to national heritage.
He added that this year’s edition is set to be the largest and most diverse in the festival’s history, with more activities and participants.
Bin Hathleen said various cultural and heritage activities blending authenticity with innovation will take place, including camel beauty competitions that attract owners and visitors from around the world.
He emphasized cultural attractions such as the Aqilat Museum, which offers insights into the Arabian Peninsula’s history, and exhibitions that celebrate the creativity of Saudi artisans.
Visitors can engage in interactive experiences such as camel riding, milking and feeding.
Bin Hathleen said poetry holds a central role at the festival, with a poetic duel — a prominent traditional art form — expected to captivate enthusiasts in a lively, engaging atmosphere.
There will also be innovative competitions that highlight camel heritage through photography and filmmaking, presented in a contemporary style to appeal to younger generations.
Prominent artworks at Riyadh Metro stations blend daily life, creativity
RIYADH: Riyadh Art, one of the world’s largest public art programs, has unveiled four monumental public artworks with the launch of the Riyadh Metro, transforming stations into cultural landmarks, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
At the King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station, designed by the internationally acclaimed Zaha Hadid Architects, Alexander Calder’s “Janey Waney” takes center stage.
The lofty and colorful sculpture exemplifies Calder’s pioneering spirit in kinetic art, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors.
Nearby, Robert Indiana’s “LOVE (Red Outside Blue Inside)” — one of the world’s most recognizable artworks — captivates visitors with its vibrant interplay of color and universal themes of connection and hope.
Together, these masterpieces transform the daily commute into a celebration of art, architecture and creativity.
At the Qasr Al-Hokm Downtown Metro Station, designed by the renowned architectural firm Snohetta, Ugo Rondinone’s “The Sun” makes a striking golden centerpiece, symbolizing energy and renewal.
Complementing this is Zaman Jassim’s “When the Moon is Full,” a reflective and poetic piece inspired by Riyadh’s cultural heritage.
“These permanent artworks embody our vision of transforming Riyadh into an open-air gallery that enriches the quality of life and fosters a deeper connection between people and art,” said architect Khalid Al-Hazani, executive director of Riyadh Art.
“By collaborating with some of the most creative minds of our time, we’re not just adding art to public spaces — we’re creating cultural landmarks that inspire and engage generations,” he added.
Led by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, Riyadh Art is championing cultural innovation and economic diversification, and positioning the Kingdom’s capital as a global center for contemporary art and culture.
Since its launch in 2019, Riyadh Art has seamlessly integrated art into the urban fabric, displaying over 500 artworks by more than 500 local and international artists, hosting more than 6,000 community engagement activities, and engaging more than 6 million visitors.
As the program continues to expand, the number of artworks and initiatives is expected to grow significantly, fostering a sense of community, enriching the city’s identity, and elevating Riyadh’s standing as a global arts destination.
World’s falconers set for fierce contest in Riyadh
- With $9.6m in prizes, King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival preserves and promotes Arab tradition
RIYADH: The Saudi Falcons Club has finalized preparations for the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, scheduled to take place from Dec. 3 to 19 at the club’s headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh.
Recognized as the largest world’s gathering of falcons, the festival will feature a distinguished group of falconers, including amateurs, professionals and falcon owners from Saudi Arabia and abroad.
They will compete in Al-Mellwah (falcon racing) and Mazayen (falcon beauty pageant) competitions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The club's CEO, Talal Al-Shamaisi, said that the festival’s primary aim is to advance falconry as a cultural hobby while preserving and promoting this Arab tradition.
He said that the club strives to position falconry as a major heritage tourism attraction, fostering national pride and engaging younger generations in a competitive yet spirited environment.
The festival also aligns with efforts to promote environmental conservation and protect wildlife, Al-Shamaisi added.
He said that the festival has earned a spot in the Guinness World Records three times for hosting the world’s largest gathering of falcons.
This year, the competition will span 17 days and feature 138 rounds, with more than 900 prizes up for grabs, totaling SR36 million ($9.6 million).
In addition to the main competitions, the festival will feature various accompanying events.
The club’s spokesman, Walid Al-Taweel, said that one of the highlights will be the Falconer of the Future Pavilion, aimed at engaging and educating the next generation of falconers.
This initiative will incorporate interactive activities blending modern technologies with traditional falconry knowledge, history and hunting techniques.
Al-Taweel said that the festival will have 10 internal pavilions displaying falconry and hunting gear, as well as trip equipment. These pavilions will offer a comprehensive experience for visitors, combining authenticity with adventure.
Al-Mellwah, the racing competition, will have 49 qualifying rounds, while the Mazayen competition will feature six rounds for falcons sourced from international production farms, in addition to special rounds for emerging young falconers.
Falconers will compete for prestigious prizes, including the King Abdulaziz Cups and the coveted King’s Sword, underscoring the festival’s role in celebrating the cultural heritage of falconry and pushing the boundaries of competitive spirit.
Saudi team wins top Arab spot at World Robot Olympiad in Turkiye
- The Kingdom sent 15 teams of 30 students from various regions, supported by 11 advisers and 15 trainers
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Al-Jawhara Al-Qahtani and Aseel Al-Jasser secured first place among Arab countries and ninth globally on debut in the Future Engineers category at the World Robot Olympiad International Final.
Held in the Turkish city of Izmir from Nov. 26 to 30, the contest drew participants of all ages from more than 90 countries, with a focus on creativity in robotics and artificial intelligence.
The Kingdom sent 15 teams of 30 students from various regions, supported by 11 advisers and 15 trainers, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The collaborative effort involved the Saudi Ministry of Education, the Saudi Federation for Robotics & RC Sports, Tuwaiq Academy, and Tatweer Education Holding Co.
The competition featured categories such Robo Missions, Robo Sports, Innovators of the Future, and Future Engineers.
Al-Qahtani and Al-Jasser credited their success to months of work at a camp at Tuwaiq Academy, SPA reported.
They built the robot using artificial intelligence, machine learning, 3D printing, and sensors connected to camera and radar technologies.
A training camp for Saudi participants was held at Tuwaiq Academy, the training arm of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, aimed at enhancing students’ creativity, design capabilities and problem-solving skills through robotics competitions and activities aligned with educational plans.
Saudi aid supports Nigerian orphans, Yemen’s displaced
Riyadh: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has signed a joint agreement to support orphans in Ilorin, Nigeria.
Under the agreement, 800 orphans aged 2 to 18 will receive housing, food, healthcare and education through orphanages in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Kwara State.
About 150 orphans between the ages of 15 and 18 will be trained in craft trades to help them earn a living, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
KSrelief also signed a cooperation agreement with a civil society organization to establish a residential complex for internally displaced persons in the Midi district of Yemen’s Hajjah governorate.
The project, valued at $3.81 million, will benefit 4,094 people, SPA reported.
The initiative will provide 232 housing units, each consisting of two rooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and an open courtyard.
Additional facilities will include a secondary school, a mosque and a children’s playground to support residents and the host community.
Both agreements were signed by KSrelief’s Assistant Supervisor General for Operations and Programs Ahmed Al-Baiz at the center’s headquarters in Riyadh.
