Join

Saudi Gazette - Latest News Tracking & Analysis

Latest News Politics , Business , Finance , Technology , World News & Opinion & Tracking & Analysis.

Saudi Arabia
Website
🇺🇸 english
World
#505
Saudi Gazette

Saudi Gazette

Primary focus: World

Recent Reportage

Latest coverage from Saudi Gazette
Two Sudanese arrested in Asir with 106 kg of hashish concealed in vehicle

Two Sudanese arrested in Asir with 106 kg of hashish concealed in vehicle

ASIR — Traffic Police in the Asir Region arrested two Sudanese residents for attempting to smuggle 106 kilograms of hashish concealed inside the vehicle they were driving. The two suspects were taken into custody, the necessary legal procedures were completed, and they were referred to the competent authority. Authorities urged the public to report drug smuggling or trafficking by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, 999 in all other regions of the Kingdom, or 995 for the General Directorate of Narcotics Control. Reports can also be submitted via email at 995@gdnc.gov.sa. Officials said all reports are handled with the utmost confidentiality, and reporters bear no legal liability.

4 hours ago
Saudi Crown Prince reaffirms support for Kuwait, condemns Iran’s attacks

Saudi Crown Prince reaffirms support for Kuwait, condemns Iran’s attacks

JEDDAH — Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call on Wednesday from Kuwait’s Emir, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, during which he condemned Iran’s continued attacks on Kuwaiti territory. During the call, the Crown Prince expressed Saudi Arabia’s solidarity and full support for the sisterly State of Kuwait, and strongly condemned Iran’s continued and unprovoked attacks on its territory. The two leaders also discussed the latest regional developments and reviewed ongoing efforts to enhance regional security and stability.

6 hours ago
OIC, Arab Parliament denounce Houthi threats, reaffirm support for Saudi Arabia

OIC, Arab Parliament denounce Houthi threats, reaffirm support for Saudi Arabia

RIYADH — The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab Parliament have condemned recent threats and accusations made by the Houthi group against Saudi Arabia, reaffirming their solidarity with the Kingdom and calling for the protection of maritime security in the Red Sea. In a statement issued on Tuesday, OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha strongly condemned the Houthi group’s threats against Saudi Arabia, maritime navigation and the freedom of international trade. He called for the implementation of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions concerning Yemen and the protection of navigation rights and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. He said the threats were part of a continuing pattern of attacks and baseless claims by the Houthis against the Kingdom, including recent missile attacks targeting southern Saudi Arabia and threats against maritime navigation. The Secretary-General stressed that the Houthi group’s military spokesperson’s accusations and threats were unacceptable and could not be justified in any form, warning that the continued threat to maritime navigation poses a danger to regional and international security. He reaffirmed the OIC’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its support for all measures the Kingdom takes to safeguard its security and stability. He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to contribute to peace, security and stability in Yemen, alongside the generous humanitarian and relief assistance, and development projects it has provided to ease the suffering of the Yemeni people. Similarily, the Arab Parliament — reiterating its full solidarity with the Kingdom — condemned statements made by the so-called military spokesperson for the Houthi terrorist militia accusing Saudi Arabia of imposing a blockade on the Yemeni people and a ban on maritime navigation. Speaker Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Yamahi rejected what he described as provocative and irresponsible remarks, saying they contradict Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts and ongoing support for the Yemeni people. He reaffirmed the Arab Parliament’s firm rejection of any offensive statements or threats targeting Saudi Arabia or undermining its sovereignty and national security, stressing that the Kingdom’s security is an integral part of Arab national security. Al Yamahi also called on the international community to take the necessary steps to implement the United Nations Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2722, in protecting the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and deter actions that threaten regional and international peace and security.

7 hours ago

Publishing Activity

Daily article output trend
Saudi FM: Diplomacy remains the only path to lasting regional stability

Saudi FM: Diplomacy remains the only path to lasting regional stability

RIYADH — Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the Middle East is at another critical turning point, warning that escalating regional tensions carry consequences that affect global security, energy markets and economic growth. In a video shared by Al Ekhbariya on its official X account, the minister said the region is “once again at a defining moment,” warning that escalating tensions have far-reaching global consequences. Recent developments have demonstrated how quickly tension can spread beyond the regional context and affect global security, energy markets, and economic growth. he said He argued that the recent escalation showed that military force does not produce lasting peace. They have also reinforced a lesson that remains as relevant today as ever: there is no alternative to diplomacy, and lasting stability cannot be secured through military force alone. Rather than settling for temporary ceasefires or periodic de-escalation, Prince Faisal stressed the need for “sustainable diplomatic solutions that provide real security and lasting peace.” He added:The objective should not simply be the containment of tension, but the resolution of the underlying issues that generate tension and instability. According to Prince Faisal, achieving long-term stability will require “confidence-building, responsible statecraft, and a shared commitment to a more predictable and stable regional order. The Prince concluded by outlining the principles that, in Saudi Arabia's view, should underpin any future regional security framework, saying they are already clearly established in the United Nations Charter. He identified respect for sovereignty “sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, good neighborliness, non-aggression, freedom of navigation, adherence to international law, and refraining from providing support to non-state actors are the foundations upon which any stable regional order should be built.

8 hours ago
Italian, Spanish FMs condmend Houthi attack in calls with Saudi FM

Italian, Spanish FMs condmend Houthi attack in calls with Saudi FM

RIYADH — Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held separate phone calls with his Italian and Spanish counterparts to discuss the latest regional developments and condemned the Houthis terrorist attack targeting southern Saudi Arabia. During the Prince’s calls on Tuesday with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, the ministers stressed the importance of protecting the security and freedom of navigation in the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea. They also Rejected any actions that threaten maritime security and the safety of international shipping.

10 hours ago
SDAIA issues AI bias reference guide with over 100 bias types

SDAIA issues AI bias reference guide with over 100 bias types

RIYADH — The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has released the first edition of its AI Bias Reference Guide, identifying more than 100 types of bias that could affect the accuracy and fairness of artificial intelligence systems.The guide defines different forms of AI bias, explains how they arise, examines their potential impact on society, and provides real-world examples and practical strategies to mitigate their effects.SDAIA said the rapid adoption of AI across critical sectors, including justice, healthcare and education, has heightened the need to address biases that may influence decision-making due to the complexity of AI systems and the multiple stages involved in their development.According to the guide, unchecked bias can undermine the effectiveness of AI systems, turning them from tools that promote fairness into mechanisms that reinforce discrimination. It warned that biased AI systems could also damage institutional reputations and expose organizations to legal liability and consumer complaints.The guide identifies several sources of bias, including training data that does not adequately represent all population groups, algorithms that may unintentionally favor certain characteristics, and assumptions made during data interpretation. It cites recruitment tools that may give preference to candidates from elite educational backgrounds over equally qualified applicants from less privileged backgrounds as one example.The publication builds on SDAIA's broader efforts to promote responsible and ethical AI, following the release of its AI Ethics Principles, Generative AI Principles for government entities and the public, the AI Adoption Framework, and its study titled Bias in Artificial Intelligence Systems: Challenges and Solutions.As the Kingdom's national authority for data and artificial intelligence, SDAIA said it will continue supporting specialized knowledge and developing national capabilities in advanced technologies to encourage the responsible use of AI, and strengthen digital innovation.

21 hours ago
Crown Prince congratulates UK's new prime minister

Crown Prince congratulates UK's new prime minister

RIYADH — Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman sent a congratulatory cable to Andy Burnham on his appointment as prime minister of the United Kingdom.The Crown Prince wished Burnham success in his new role and expressed his best wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the people of the United Kingdom.He also praised the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, affirming the Kingdom's commitment to further strengthening and expanding cooperation across all fields.

1 day ago
Absher processes nearly 49 million digital transactions in June

Absher processes nearly 49 million digital transactions in June

RIYADH — The Ministry of Interior electronic platform, Absher, processed 48,854,788 digital transactions during June through its Absher Individuals and Absher Business platforms.The Absher Individuals platform accounted for 46,113,483 transactions, including 38,026,828 digital document viewing services through the platform's Digital Documents Wallet, which is available to citizens, residents and visitors via the Absher app.The Absher Business platform processed 2,741,305 transactions during the month.The General Directorate of Public Security recorded 3,322,837 transactions, including 3,228,059 through the General Department of Traffic. The General Directorate of Passports completed 3,924,073 transactions, while the Ministry of Interior's Civil Affairs Agency processed 684,964 transactions.Through the general services available on the Absher Individuals platform, users issued 151,240 reports through the Absher Reports service and submitted 2,510 fingerprint-related inquiries.The Ministry of Interior noted that the unified digital identities issued through Absher enable citizens, residents and visitors to securely access services offered through Absher Individuals, Absher Business and Absher Government, as well as government and private sector services via the National Unified Access platform, Nafath.

1 day ago
Cabinet condemns Houthi allegations, vows firm action to protect Saudi security

Cabinet condemns Houthi allegations, vows firm action to protect Saudi security

JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia's Cabinet on Tuesday strongly condemned the Houthi militia's baseless allegations and false accusations against the Kingdom, pledging firm measures to safeguard Saudi security and maritime navigation.The Cabinet, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman in Jeddah, said the Houthi militia's involvement in regional conflicts in support of its own agenda had deepened the suffering of the Yemeni people and threatened regional security and stability.It reiterated that Saudi Arabia will continue supporting the Yemeni people and their legitimate government and will take firm measures to protect its security and vessels in accordance with international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.The Cabinet also renewed the Kingdom's full solidarity with Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan over Iranian attacks that violate international law and the principles of good neighborliness, stressing the need for an immediate halt to all forms of military escalation to preserve regional stability.The Council reviewed the contents of a telephone call between Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, during which the Lebanese leader praised Saudi Arabia's support for Lebanon and its efforts to promote regional peace and stability.The Cabinet also reviewed the Kingdom's participation in international forums, commending the national efforts reflected in Saudi Arabia's Third Voluntary National Review presented at the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, which highlighted progress in water security, renewable energy, healthcare, digital government, industrial development and inclusive economic growth.It also noted Saudi Arabia's achievements presented at the UN General Assembly's high-level meeting on the New Urban Agenda, highlighting improvements in homeownership, public spaces, transportation and community participation.The Cabinet welcomed Saudi Arabia's rise to 13th globally among the world's largest recipients of foreign direct investment in 2025, according to the UN Conference on Trade and Development, noting that net FDI inflows increased 53 to 32.6 billion, driven by continued economic reforms and growing investor confidence.Among its decisions, the Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Space Agency and the United Nations on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.It also approved unified GCC rules governing jointly owned properties, transferred authority for issuing import, export, re-export and customs clearance permits for chemicals from the Ministry of Commerce to the Ministry of Interior, the Higher Commission for Industrial Security, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, and endorsed a mechanism to enhance coordination between the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission and the National Cancer Center to strengthen nuclear and radiological oversight.

1 day ago
Saudi ambassador arrives in Paris to assume post in France, Monaco

Saudi ambassador arrives in Paris to assume post in France, Monaco

PARIS — Saudi Ambassador Faisal Al-Mujfel arrived in the French capital, Paris, on Tuesday to assume his duties as the Kingdom's ambassador to France and non-resident ambassador to Monaco.He was received at Charles de Gaulle Airport by Didier Le Bret, chief of protocol at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, along with Chargé d'Affaires Majdi Mahram and members of the Saudi Embassy.Al-Mujfel expressed his gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for the trust placed in him.He pledged to serve the Kingdom's interests and strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and France at all levels.

1 day ago