Saudi Arabia is preparing to host a historic global event in November 2025 that will not only reshape its tourism landscape but also strengthen its diplomatic influence on the world stage. The Kingdom will welcome delegates from across the globe for the *26th General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), scheduled to take place in **Riyadh from November 7 to 11, 2025. The gathering coincides with the organization’s *50th anniversary and will bring together representatives from more than 160 member countries, including ministers, experts, investors, and international organizations — making it one of the most significant global…
Author: Baseerat Talib
In Doha, a new chapter of cooperation unfolded between Saudi Arabia and Turkey as the two nations formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focusing on social development and welfare services. The agreement was signed by Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi and Turkish Minister of Family and Social Services *Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, on the sidelines of the *Second World Summit for Social Development. This initiative symbolizes the shared commitment of both governments to promote social progress, enhance the quality of life for citizens, and expand cooperation in areas that directly impact families and communities. During their meeting,…
Saudi Arabia is preparing to enforce a major legal reform that will transform how foreigners can own property inside the Kingdom. The new Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis, approved in July 2025, will officially take effect in January 2026, marking a significant step toward modernizing the real estate sector under the broader national Vision 2030 program. The law has been developed and will be implemented under the supervision of the Real Estate General Authority (REGA), which is responsible for regulating and monitoring all property ownership and investment activities involving non-Saudis. The purpose of this reform is to strike a…
In the bustling halls of the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, a grand celebration of creativity is unfolding, as the annual World Culture Festival brings together talents from more than 140 nations who are showcasing their art, music, dance and heritage. Amid this swirling international energy, one development has particularly captured attention: the long-awaited return of artists from neighbouring Bangladesh after an absence of eighteen years. The arrival of Bangladeshi performers has added a fresh, emotionally rich dimension to the festival. Among them, acclaimed singer Shireen Jawad enchanted audiences with her lyrical range and emotive delivery. It was her first…
In a move that underscores China’s growing determination to become technologically self-sufficient, Beijing has reportedly ordered all data-centre projects that receive government funds to phase out the use of foreign-made artificial-intelligence chips. This new instruction, which insiders say was communicated quietly to provincial authorities and state-run companies, signals one of the strongest policy pushes yet toward ending China’s reliance on imported computing hardware. According to people familiar with the matter, local administrators were told that data-centre projects supported by public investment must not install or purchase foreign AI chips. Projects that are still in early stages — less than 30…
Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry is undergoing one of the most transformative phases in its history. The pace of growth has accelerated dramatically in recent years, with an increasing emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and smart mobility. Among the most significant recent developments is Delta Air Lines’ announcement of a new direct flight route connecting Atlanta and Riyadh. This is not merely an expansion of air connectivity—it represents a milestone in the Kingdom’s long-term plan to diversify its economy, attract global expertise, and solidify its position as a regional hub for aviation and logistics. The move ties directly into Saudi Arabia’s Vision…
In a significant leap toward Saudi Arabia’s vision of becoming a digitally advanced nation, the Ministry of Interior has unveiled a new milestone under its e-governance transformation program — the *Digital Vehicle Plate Wallet Service, now live on the *Absher platform, one of the Kingdom’s most widely used government portals. The initiative was formally launched in Riyadh by *Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, the **Director General of Public Security, during a ceremony attended by senior officials and held under the patronage of **Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, the *Minister of Interior. This development marks another stride in the Kingdom’s broader…
After several months of inactivity, Pakistan’s northern trade route through the Khunjerab Pass has once again come alive — and with it, the Sost Dry Port has set a remarkable new record in customs revenue collection. During the month of *October, Pakistan Customs reported a **historic recovery of Rs 1.88 billion, marking the *highest-ever monthly revenue in the dry port’s operational history. Located in the remote yet strategically vital valley of Hunza in *Gilgit-Baltistan, Sost Dry Port serves as Pakistan’s main overland trade gateway with China. It sits near the Khunjerab Pass — the highest paved international border crossing in…
The Government of Pakistan is entering a crucial phase of legislation concerning defense laws and constitutional amendments. According to Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, political consensus on the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment is expected within the next two to three days, after which the bill will likely be presented in Parliament next week. In an interview with a private television channel, Khawaja Asif stated that the government is reviewing certain laws related to the armed forces to ensure that they align with modern defense requirements. He explained that a potential amendment to Article 243 of the Constitution is under discussion, as…
In Riyadh, the Saudi Council of Ministers, led by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, held its latest weekly session on Tuesday, focusing on the progress of the Kingdom’s economic transformation and expanding non-oil sectors. The meeting, which followed the high-profile Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference, emphasized the private sector’s critical role in advancing Vision 2030’s long-term objectives. At the beginning of the session, the Crown Prince briefed cabinet members on the outcomes of his recent meetings with international leaders and top officials who visited the Kingdom to attend the FII summit. The ministers acknowledged that the global…