Under the clear skies of Saudi Arabia, paragliding is making its much-awaited return after a careful pause that allowed authorities to build the right framework for its safe and sustainable growth. The Saudi Paragliding Federation confirmed that Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal has formally approved the resumption of this thrilling activity, following extensive coordination with various government bodies and experts. The decision comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious drive to expand its sports offerings, diversify entertainment options, and carve out a role as a regional and international leader in air sports, in harmony with the…
Author: Baseerat Talib
In the backdrop of already devastating monsoon floods across Pakistan, fresh warnings have been issued for Punjab, where the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has sounded a high alert regarding the possibility of intense rainfall and flooding in multiple districts of the province. This new wave of bad weather is expected to last until October 7, and authorities have expressed concern that heavy downpours could once again swell streams, nullahs, and rivers, particularly in the northern parts of Punjab. According to officials from PDMA, the recent entry of westerly winds into the upper parts of the province has created a…
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) marked an unprecedented milestone today as the KSE-100 index soared past the historic 168,000 level, closing at 168,489.63 points. This sharp upward movement, which represented a gain of 2,849.29 points or 1.72%, was primarily fueled by aggressive investor activity in the banking sector. The trading day reflected both optimism and volatility, as the index fluctuated between an intra-day high of 168,619.32 and a low of 165,567.22. Market participation remained exceptionally strong, with nearly 776 million shares changing hands, signaling robust investor confidence. Overall, volumes on the All-Share Index reached 1.57 billion, while turnover amounted to…
In an atmosphere of celebration and forward-looking ambition, the Governor of Madinah Region and Chairman of the Al Madinah Region Development Authority, Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, inaugurated a landmark initiative known as the Tourism Identity of Madinah. The unveiling was purposefully timed during the Kingdom’s 95th National Day, highlighting both a spirit of national pride and the deep commitment to strengthening the city’s global stature. This newly launched identity is not limited to a visual or symbolic representation; it embodies a comprehensive vision that seeks to transform how Madinah is experienced, both by its residents and by the…
Every year on the first day of October, people across the world come together to celebrate International Coffee Day. It is more than a symbolic date on the calendar; it represents the remarkable story of one of the most beloved drinks on earth, a drink that has become woven into the fabric of culture, history, and economics. Coffee is not only the morning comfort of millions but also the livelihood of countless communities, the product of centuries of cultivation, and a symbol of hospitality that transcends borders. The official recognition of International Coffee Day was confirmed in 2014 by the…
Saudi Arabia has released its preliminary outlook for the national budget of 2026, presenting a financial roadmap that underscores both the scale of its ambitions and the challenges of balancing growth with fiscal sustainability. According to the figures, the Kingdom anticipates revenues of approximately 1.147 trillion riyals, which equals nearly 305.9 billion dollars, while projected government spending is expected to reach 1.313 trillion riyals, or around 350.1 billion dollars. This creates a forecasted deficit of about 165 billion riyals, roughly 44 billion dollars, highlighting a continuing trend of calculated shortfalls as the country presses forward with its transformative agenda. Unlike…
In Riyadh on September 30, 2025, Al-Yamamah Palace hosted a major diplomatic occasion when His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received the letters of credence from a wide group of foreign envoys. The ceremony took place on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and underscored the Kingdom’s continuing practice of welcoming newly accredited ambassadors to formally begin their missions. Ambassadors representing diverse regions of the world—ranging from Europe and Asia to Africa and Latin America—lined up to present their credentials. Countries represented included Belgium, Ireland, Thailand, Bulgaria,…
A high-level Cabinet meeting took place in Riyadh under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. In his opening remarks, the Crown Prince conveyed profound gratitude to the leaders of brotherly and friendly nations for their heartfelt messages on the occasion of Saudi Arabia’s 95th National Day. He thanked Almighty Allah for the nation’s enduring stability, prosperity, and the remarkable strides it has made in its development journey, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to progress and transformation. During the session, the Cabinet turned its attention to current affairs…
The Cultural Investment Conference in Riyadh—under the auspices of the Saudi Ministry of Culture—proceeded with its seventh plenary, under the title “Global Culture: Influence, Capital and Cohesive Power.” This session drew considerable attention, not only for its distinguished speakers, but for the broader symbolic weight it carried at a moment when Saudi Arabia is aggressively expanding its cultural diplomacy and seeking to embed culture at the heart of its economic transformation. Jean-Yves Le Drian, presently serving as Chairman of the French Agency for AlUla Development (denoted as AFALULA), took center stage, in conversation with the French curator and writer Nicolas…
The city of Jeddah has become the focal point of global attention as the 27th session of the Near East Forestry and Range Commission officially commenced on September 29, 2025. The gathering, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC), brings together a wide spectrum of experts, officials, policymakers, and environmental specialists. The session will run for three days and is being seen as a landmark occasion because it coincides with the commission’s 70th anniversary, a milestone…