Saudi Arabia’s crown prince visits Dubai Expo, meets Dubai ruler

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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. (Twitter/@DXBMediaOffice)
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Updated 09 December 2021
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Saudi Arabia’s crown prince visits Dubai Expo, meets Dubai ruler

  • Saudi Arabia and the UAE issued a joint statement following the crown prince’s visit
  • The two sides agreed to work to coordinate their positions on regional and international issues

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday arrived at the World Expo headquarters in Dubai, on the second day of his official tour of the UAE.
The crown prince was received by UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, where they held a meeting to discuss “ways to strengthen bilateral relations that bind the two brotherly countries and peoples within the framework of the same destiny and common vision,” Dubai Media Office reported.

Sheikh Mohammed said that the world is looking for ward to Saudi Arabia hosting the World Expo 2030 in the capital, Riyadh, with the efforts of Prince Mohammed.
“I assured the prince that we are also looking forward to the upcoming Riyadh Summit,” he said in a tweet, referring to the Gulf Cooperation Council annual meeting, adding: “The peoples of the Gulf are waiting for us with new and great ideas and projects.”




Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. (Twitter/@HHShkMohd)

Saudi Arabia and the UAE issued a joint statement following the crown prince’s visit, which also included a meeting with his Abu Dhabi counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed.
The two sides praised the distinguished level of cooperation between them in the political, security, military, economic and development fields, and the cooperation and integration achieved under the umbrella of the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council.
“The two sides referred to the abundant economic potentials and distinguished opportunities for strengthening the strategic partnership and doubling joint investments, stressing the importance of highlighting the promising areas for investors in the two countries,” the joint statement said.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE commended the close cooperation between them, and the successful efforts of the OPEC+ group, aimed at enhancing the stability of the global oil market. They called on member states to continue cooperating and adhere to the OPEC+ agreement. 




Sheikh Mohammed said that the world is looking for ward to Saudi Arabia hosting the World Expo 2030 in the capital, Riyadh. (Twitter/@HHShkMohd)

They agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of energy, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity, climate change, health, tourism, food security and human development, especially in the youth and women’s empowerment sectors.
On regional and international issues, the two sides agreed to work to coordinate their positions in a manner that serves their interests and enhances security and stability.
They affirmed their full support for all legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost of which is their right to establish an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
On Yemen, the two sides agreed to continue their efforts to find a comprehensive political solution to the crisis and stressed the need to complete the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement. 
“We condemn the continued targeting by the terrorist Houthi militia of airports, objects and vital installations in the Kingdom,” the statement said.
The two sides called for implementing comprehensive political and economic reforms to ensure that Lebanon can overcome its crises and confine weapons to the legitimate state institutions.




Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visits the Kingdom’s pavilion at Dubai Expo. (Twitter/@KSAMOFA)

“Lebanon must not be a launching pad for any terrorist acts and an incubator for organizations and groups that target regional security and stability, such as the terrorist Hezbollah group, nor a source for drugs that threaten the safety of societies in the region and the world,” the statement said.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE welcomed the success of the recent elections in Iraq, and hoped the new Iraqi government will continue to work for the security, stability and development of the country and eliminate terrorism and foreign interference.
“The two sides also welcomed the agreements reached by the parties to the transitional phase in Sudan, and affirmed their continued support for everything that would achieve security and stability in Sudan” and stability and prosperity for its people, the statement added.
They also stressed the need to cooperate and seriously and effectively deal with Iran’s nuclear and missile program with all its components and repercussions in a way that contributes to achieving regional and international security and stability. They emphasized the principles of good neighborliness and respect for UN resolutions and international legitimacy, and sparing the region from all destabilizing activities.




Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman leaves the UAE and is seen off by his Abu Dhabi counterpart Mohammed bin Zayed. (Twitter/@KSAMOFA)

The statement also demanded on parties to the Iran nuclear talks to take into account the interests, security and stability of the countries of the region during negotiations.
The two sides also affirmed that a political solution is the only solution to the Syrian crisis, and pledged support to the efforts of the UN envoy. They also welcomed Libyan and UN efforts to support the implementation of the agreed political outcome, and stressed the need to withdraw mercenaries and foreign fighters from Libya.
The Kingdom and the Emirates also agreed to support security and stability in Afghanistan so it does not become a safe haven for terrorists and extremists. The two sides denounced any acts aimed at recruiting Afghan refugees in the various conflict areas, and pledged to support relief efforts and humanitarian work in Afghanistan. 
The UAE praised the Kingdom for calling an extraordinary meeting for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, which will be held in Pakistan on Dec. 19. Saudi Arabia also praised the the UAE’s efforts in the evacuation operations from Afghanistan.

Prince Mohammed sent separate cables to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, as well as to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, following his visit, thanking them for the warm reception and hospitality he and his accompanying delegation received.
He said the talks he held over the past two days “confirmed the depth of the historical and distinguished relations between the two brotherly countries,” and wished them good health and happiness and the Emirati people steady progress and prosperity, SPA reported.
Prince Mohammed left the UAE for Qatar following a two-day visit to Oman, as part of a wider Gulf tour that also includes stops in Bahrain and Kuwait.


Saudi defense minister, Yemen PM discuss relations 

Updated 06 May 2025
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Saudi defense minister, Yemen PM discuss relations 

RIYADH: Prince Khalid bin Salman, Saudi minister of defense, met with Yemen’s newly-appointed Prime Minster Salem Saleh Bin Braik.

The pair discussed ways to boost Saudi-Yemeni relations, in addition to regional developments and the situation in Yemen. 

”I reaffirmed the Kingdom’s continued support for the government of Yemen in ways that will meet the aspirations of the Yemeni people,” Prince Khalid said in a post on X.

He also conveyed the Saudi leadership’s best wishes to Bin Braik after his appointment as Prime Minister, as well as their hopes for his success and for the stability, security, and prosperity of the people of Yemen. 

Yemen’s internationally recognized government named finance minister Bin Braik as its new prime minister on Saturday.


UNESCO delegation visits North Riyadh Geopark after global network listing

Updated 05 May 2025
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UNESCO delegation visits North Riyadh Geopark after global network listing

  • Destination showcases Kingdom’s natural and cultural diversity, UNESCO official says
  • In April, UNESCO listed North Riyadh Geopark and Salma as part of its Global Geoparks Network

RIYADH: UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, Lidia Brito, visited North Riyadh Geopark on Sunday, praising the destination for preserving both nature and history.

The UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization designated North Riyadh Geopark in April as part of its Global Geoparks Network, which aims to protect geological heritage sites and promote sustainable development.

Hussam Zuhair Al-Turki, director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative, and Hamoud Alnughaymishi, director of the Science Sector at the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, accompanied Brito during her visit.

They explored significant geological features at the North Riyadh Geopark, including the Abu Shaddad Cave and the Edge of the World cliff. They also stopped to explore Ghamra Village, known for its natural adventure routes on the outskirts of Riyadh.

Brito said that the North Riyadh Geopark showcases the natural and cultural diversity of Saudi Arabia, and will enhance eco-tourism in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In April, UNESCO designated North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark as part of its Global Geoparks Network. The Kingdom hopes to register 13 other sites on UNESCO’s network, the SPA added.


Riyadh’s latest group game spot encourages social connection

Pixel Games adds to the Kingdom’s capital’s growing roster of homegrown gaming concepts. (Supplied)
Updated 05 May 2025
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Riyadh’s latest group game spot encourages social connection

  • Center designed to engage people physically, mentally

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia encourages more active and social lifestyles, a group of young Saudi entrepreneurs in Riyadh has created a space that blends movement, mental challenges, and social connection.

Opened in 2024, Pixel Games is a locally developed gaming center designed to engage people both physically and mentally. It is also a testament to the vision and drive of young Saudis, who are shaping the Kingdom’s entertainment landscape.

Pixel Games adds to Saudi Arabia’s capital’s growing roster of homegrown gaming concepts. (Supplied)

Riyadh has no shortage of entertainment options, and Pixel Games adds to the city’s growing roster of homegrown concepts.

While the founders would like to keep a low profile, they are working behind the scenes to address the local appetite for interactive social spaces that go beyond traditional arcades or seasonal pop-ups.

FASTFACTS

• Activities at Pixel Games range from strategic puzzles to movement-based games, all designed for groups of friends and families to enjoy together.

• Each session lasts an hour, and visitors can reserve private rooms for a more personal experience.

The center features nine themed “moving rooms,” with more than 40 group-based physical and mental challenges.

Riyadh has no shortage of entertainment options, and Pixel Games adds to the city’s growing roster of homegrown concepts. (Supplied)

Activities range from strategic puzzles to movement-based games, all designed for groups of friends and families to enjoy together. Each session lasts an hour, and visitors can reserve private rooms for a more personal experience.

Visitors have responded positively to the experience. Nawaf Aloggayel, a recent guest, said: “The place is beautiful, the games are different and fun, and the prices are reasonable.

Pixel Games adds to Saudi Arabia’s capital’s growing roster of homegrown gaming concepts. (Supplied)

“I advise people to come … it’s the best entertainment place in Riyadh so far.”

Ahmed Al-Ahmed, marketing representative for Pixel Games, said: “Pixels is an entertainment center that gathers challenges and fun into a group of different movement activities.

“Groups can enjoy a private room, which makes it more exciting and comfortable.”

What sets it apart is its year-round availability, making it a go-to spot for spontaneous plans or scheduled outings. It provides a safe and stimulating environment where children can burn off energy, develop problem-solving skills, and socialize with their peers.

Whether you are looking for a quick group activity, a family outing, or a way to try something new with friends, Pixels offers a low-key alternative for playful competition and connection.

 


Biotech program to empower Saudi innovators

General view in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (REUTERS)
Updated 05 May 2025
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Biotech program to empower Saudi innovators

  • The seven-month program offers participants mentorship, capacity development, and networking opportunities with local and international investors and experts

RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched a biotechnology accelerator program to empower Saudi innovators in biotechnology and life sciences.

The initiative aims to enhance their scientific and commercial readiness, attract investment, and expand their global market reach, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It also seeks to boost their contributions to healthcare quality, aligning with the National Biotechnology Strategy and the Health Sector Transformation Program under Vision 2030, which envisions a thriving, innovation-driven economy and a vibrant society with sustainable health and quality of life.

The seven-month program offers participants mentorship, capacity development, and networking opportunities with local and international investors and experts.

It includes workshops, seminars, individual consultations, and a chance to present innovations at the BIO 2025 Conference.

The application deadline is May 8. Interviews and initial selection will take place from May 15-20, with final acceptances announced on May 25.

The ministry continues to advance health innovation and accelerate the progress of promising national projects. It encourages all Saudi innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups to register for the program and inquire via redbiotech@moh.gov.sa

 


Insan spends SR55m on beneficiary families in first quarter of 2025

The society deposited SR27.6 million into families’ bank accounts for basic expenses (cash, clothing, and food). (X @ensanorg)
Updated 05 May 2025
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Insan spends SR55m on beneficiary families in first quarter of 2025

  • Programs aim to meet needs through seasonal initiatives, monthly services, direct assistance

RIYADH: The Charitable Society for Orphans Care in Riyadh, also known as Insan, implemented several programs during the first quarter of 2025 aimed at meeting the needs of families through seasonal initiatives, monthly services, and direct assistance.

Total expenditure on services and initiatives provided during the first quarter amounted to SR55.09 million ($14.66 million), which included basic, seasonal, and other services.

The society deposited SR27.6 million into families’ bank accounts for basic expenses (cash, clothing, and food).

It also deposited SR2,790,600 for the Ramadan Basket Project, benefiting 9,251 families to meet their needs during the holy month of Ramadan, and SR1,060,800 for the Eid Gift Project, helping 5,304 through special gifts during Eid Al-Fitr.

There were more than 21,000 beneficiaries from the Zakat Al-Fitr project during the first quarter, covering their food needs before Eid Al-Fitr, at a cost of SR3.86 million.

The quarterly report issued by Insan highlighted the numerous programs and activities provided by it, including Imaniyat, Pioneers of the Future, Be a Human Compass, Mualham, and Medad.

These programs included developmental and empowerment paths, helping 2,853 beneficiaries.

In line with its commitment to meeting the needs of beneficiary families, Insan provided 7,725 diverse services during the first quarter, including emergency assistance, social and health support, bill payments, housing expenses, furnishing and maintenance, contributions to home purchases, healthcare, and other services. The society spent SR19,773,339 on these services.

It also conducted 1,469 visits to families in the first quarter. These assessed conditions, listened to needs, and identified requirements. The family satisfaction rate reached 93 percent.

In an effort to empower beneficiaries in various fields, the society conducted 436 applications for training, diploma, bachelor’s degree, employment, and project financing.