黑料社区

Al-Ahsa governor launches direct flights to Turkish Black Sea region

The governor of Al-Ahsa inaugurates the launch of the first direct seasonal flights between Al-Ahsa International Airport and Rize-Artvin Airport in Turkiye on Thursday. (SPA)
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The governor of Al-Ahsa inaugurates the launch of the first direct seasonal flights between Al-Ahsa International Airport and Rize-Artvin Airport in Turkiye on Thursday. (SPA)
First direct seasonal flights between Al-Ahsa International Airport and Rize-Artvin Airport in Turkiye launched Thursday. (SPA)
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First direct seasonal flights between Al-Ahsa International Airport and Rize-Artvin Airport in Turkiye launched Thursday. (SPA)
The governor of Al-Ahsa inaugurates the launch of the first direct seasonal flights between Al-Ahsa International Airport and Rize-Artvin Airport in Turkiye on Thursday. (SPA)
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The governor of Al-Ahsa inaugurates the launch of the first direct seasonal flights between Al-Ahsa International Airport and Rize-Artvin Airport in Turkiye on Thursday. (SPA)
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Updated 6 sec ago

Al-Ahsa governor launches direct flights to Turkish Black Sea region

First direct seasonal flights between Al-Ahsa International Airport and Rize-Artvin Airport in Turkiye launched Thursday. (SPA)
  • The launch was in cooperation with Turkish Airlines and Al-Ghazal Travel and Tourism Agency, and in the presence of several officials

RIYADH: Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr, governor of Al-Ahsa, inaugurated the launch of the first direct seasonal flights between Al-Ahsa International Airport and Rize-Artvin Airport in Turkiye on Thursday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The launch was in cooperation with Turkish Airlines and Al-Ghazal Travel and Tourism Agency, and in the presence of several officials.

According to SPA, the inauguration is part of the expansion plans for seasonal destinations served by Al-Ahsa International Airport, with the aim of enhancing air connectivity and broadening international travel options for passengers from the governorate and the Eastern Province, particularly during the summer season. It is also part of the efforts by the Al-Ahsa Development Authority to support the development of Al-Ahsa International Airport and enhance its services.

Prince Saud said that this step was an extension of the leadership鈥檚 support for the civil aviation and air transport sector, as well as its commitment to developing infrastructure and enhancing the quality of services provided to citizens and residents.

According to SPA, this aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to grow the tourism and economic sectors and meets the aspirations of the residents of Al-Ahsa governorate to have direct international flights through the local airport.

Prince Saud praised all government and private entities that contributed to activating the flights, stressing the importance of strengthening integration among various sectors to provide high-quality services that reflected the stature of Al-Ahsa, contributed to its tourism and economic development, and reinforced the role of Al-Ahsa International Airport as a growing regional hub in air transport.

The CEO of Dammam Airports Company, Mohammed bin Ali Al-Hassany, said that the new destination to Rize-Artvin Airport came within the plan for seasonal flights for the summer of 2025, which would contribute to enhancing international travel and tourism through Al-Ahsa International Airport.


黑料社区 new property law opens real estate market to foreigners

Property ownership will be permitted in specific geographical zones, particularly Riyadh (pictured above) and Jeddah. (File/AFP)
Property ownership will be permitted in specific geographical zones, particularly Riyadh (pictured above) and Jeddah. (File/AFP)
Updated 22 sec ago

黑料社区 new property law opens real estate market to foreigners

Property ownership will be permitted in specific geographical zones, particularly Riyadh (pictured above) and Jeddah. (File/AFP)

MAKKAH: The Saudi Cabinet recently approved an updated system that will allow non-Saudis to own property in the Kingdom, effective from January 2026.

Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail praised the leadership鈥檚 support for the initiative, describing the updated framework as a natural progression of real estate reforms designed to stimulate sector growth and encourage foreign direct investment, which will increase property supply by drawing investors and development firms to Saudi markets, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The new regulations balance foreign investment opportunities with citizen protections through controlled market mechanisms and compliance procedures aimed at maintaining real estate equilibrium. Property ownership will be permitted in specific geographical zones, particularly Riyadh and Jeddah, while special conditions apply to ownership in Makkah and Madinah.

The General Authority for Real Estate will identify which geographic areas are open to foreign ownership. Implementation guidelines will be published on the Istitlaa platform within 180 days of the law鈥檚 publication in the official gazette, with full system activation scheduled for January 2026.

The comprehensive regulations will outline acquisition procedures for foreign nationals, enforcement requirements, and detailed application processes that consider both economic and social implications across all sectors.

The new system also aligns with the Premium Residency Programme, or Iqama, and the regulation of real estate ownership by Gulf Cooperation Council citizens, which permits cross-border property ownership for investment and residential purposes.

Hamad Al-Shuwaier, chairman of the National Valuation Committee at the Saudi Chambers Federation, told Arab News that the Cabinet鈥檚 approval signals strong support for real estate development initiatives.

鈥淔oreign capital influx and international developer participation will enhance supply quality and market availability, creating the balanced marketplace we have been working toward,鈥  said Al-Shuwaier, who also serves as the chairman of the Saudi-Qatari Business Council, noting the sector鈥檚 role as an economic cornerstone supporting over 80 related industries.

The Saudi market offers compelling investment fundamentals backed by adaptable regulations and profitable opportunities for domestic and international investors alike, positioning the Kingdom to capitalize on Vision 2030 momentum.

Real estate specialist and certified marketer Badr Al-Sulaimani emphasized the strategic importance of utilizing 黑料社区鈥檚 extensive territory, noting that current development covers just 0.36 percent of the Kingdom.

鈥淭hese regulations demonstrate the government鈥檚 commitment to maximizing natural and geographical assets to achieve Vision 2030 targets, while preparing infrastructure for major international events including Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup,鈥 Al-Sulaimani explained.

Real estate expert Fawaz Assiri highlighted the updated system鈥檚 role in enhancing market attractiveness through increased foreign direct investment flows that will diversify property offerings and improve supply dynamics.

Precise geographical boundaries and specialized requirements for holy cities, especially in Makkah and Madinah, ensure market stability while protecting citizen interests, he noted.


Hail Municipality launches smart recycling machine to feed stray animals, cut plastic waste

Hail Municipality has launched smart machine that recycles used bottles and leftover food and water into meals for stray animals
Hail Municipality has launched smart machine that recycles used bottles and leftover food and water into meals for stray animals
Updated 30 min 6 sec ago

Hail Municipality launches smart recycling machine to feed stray animals, cut plastic waste

Hail Municipality has launched smart machine that recycles used bottles and leftover food and water into meals for stray animals
  • The machine allows people to place leftover food and water into designated compartments and insert empty bottles for recycling

RIYADH: In a bid to reduce plastic waste and promote animal welfare, Hail Municipality has launched a smart machine that recycles used bottles, leftover food and water into meals for stray animals.

The Saqya Rahma initiative aims to strike a balance between sustainability and compassion through a simple, tech-driven solution.

鈥淭he primary motivation lies in converting recyclable waste 鈥 such as plastic bottles, leftover food, and water 鈥 into a useful resource that helps hydrate and feed stray animals,鈥 Saud Al-Ali, assistant secretary of Hail Region for Media and Corporate Communication, told Arab News.

鈥淭his achieves a balance between caring for the environment and supporting living creatures,鈥 he added.

The machine allows people to place leftover food and water into designated compartments and insert empty bottles for recycling.

鈥淚nstead of being discarded, these bottles are reused as a raw material for recycling, creating a direct environmental impact by feeding stray animals in a sustainable and responsible way,鈥 Al-Ali said

鈥淭his simple step helps reduce unrecycled plastic waste and transforms it into an environmentally beneficial process.鈥

He said the initiative is also designed to promote long-term behavioral change among residents by encouraging sustainable habits and reducing the environmental burden caused by plastic pollution.

Al-Ali emphasized that the initiative aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the quality of life and environmental sustainability.

鈥淚t supports the vision鈥檚 environmental and sustainable development pillars by reducing waste, promoting recycling, and improving treatment of living creatures. It also enhances community involvement in environmental work and encourages eco-friendly practices in daily life.鈥

Among those who welcomed the initiative is Mohammad Al-Lahham, a resident who looks after stray cats. He said this initiative offers a practical solution that benefits both the environment and animals.

鈥淚 do believe that providing food, in exchange of plastic would encourage people to be more open about their care for the little ones, along with creating an awareness towards the environment,鈥 Al-Lahham told Arab News.

鈥淢aking them (people) know that the more they recycle bottled water, the more cats would find food and water, so it is a win-win situation,鈥 he added.

Al-Lahham also pointed to the public health implications of neglecting stray animals.

鈥淯nfortunately, on a day-to-day basis, you do find a lot of dead cats for multiple reasons, and that invites bugs, ravens, and with that, of course, a lot of reasons for diseases,鈥 he said.

鈥淚 may not be well versed on the topic, but I can at least be aware that those things may affect other animals and maybe other living beings one way or another, so caring for those cats would reduce the chance of that happening.鈥

Al-Lahham also believes that over time, the initiative could inspire a stronger culture of recycling across the Kingdom.

鈥淚 am certain it would make a massive impact with time, and encouragement from the locals, to reduce plastic pollution, and in the process increase awareness to other types of items that need to be recycled, and that would create a culture among the cities and the country as a whole,鈥 he said.

鈥淔or recycling, making cities cleaner, and making those little ones thrive as well, because they will find food, water, and lots of love from the people,鈥 he concluded.


Saudi-made Lucid built without compromise, says Middle East president

Saudi-made Lucid built without compromise, says Middle East president
Updated 13 min 47 sec ago

Saudi-made Lucid built without compromise, says Middle East president

Saudi-made Lucid built without compromise, says Middle East president
  • Faisal Sultan takes Mayman Show through EV maker鈥檚 journey from Silicon Valley to manufacturing in the Kingdom
  • Lucid is training more than 1,000 Saudis to meet increasing production demands

RIYADH: Faisal Sultan, the president of Lucid Motors in the Middle East, has been a key figure driving the region鈥檚 electric vehicle transformation.

With a background in automotive engineering and business leadership, Faisal is at the forefront of Lucid鈥檚 expansion, including the company鈥檚 first international manufacturing facility in the Kingdom of 黑料社区.

Lucid started off as a battery company, Atieva, based in Silicon Valley in California and then moved into motor manufacturing.

 

鈥淏ut we are really a technological company 鈥 a technology company, as I call it. So, you know, we are very much all about, you know, bringing new technology into luxury vehicles and giving an option where we鈥檙e not compromising anything,鈥 Sultan said.

He added that Lucid鈥檚 current slogan is 鈥渃ompromise nothing.鈥 The way the company started off is from their founders鈥 vision where the EV manufacturer wanted to make sure that the customer gained a product with amazing range 鈥攖heir car has the fastest battery charging time of any vehicle so customers do not face an inconvenience when charging the vehicle. The Lucid Air charges more than 300 km in just 10 minutes, which is nearly 40 percent faster than their competitors.

鈥淪o, if you have a DC fast charger 鈥 a 350-kilowatt or a 400-kilowatt charger 鈥 a Lucid Air will definitely give you 300 km plus within 10 or 11 minutes of charging time. Our closest competitors will probably be around 15 to 20 minutes,鈥 Sultan said.

 

He said this reduces the average electric vehicle charging time by about 40 percent. 鈥淎nd it is that initial charge, the speed of the initial charge, that matters most because, as 黑料社区 is going to get more infrastructure installed, we want the customer to park the car quickly, charge enough kilometers on it, and then move on. Because they don鈥檛 want to be plugged in for 40 minutes or 30 minutes,鈥 he said.

鈥淎s a part of our agreement with Human Resources Development Fund, we are looking at an investment of $50 million in human capital for over 1,000 Saudi employees.鈥

Sultan said the goal is to have the longest-range vehicle 鈥 Lucid Air can deliver 838 km on a single charge. He added that everything the company has learned from Lucid Air is perfected in the Lucid Gravity, the company鈥檚 new all-electric SUV designed for adventure and family travel as well as their upcoming midsize sedan that will be revealed soon.

 

鈥淟ucid Gravity is a seven-seater SUV 鈥 a full-size luxury SUV. It is going to be state of the art, with ride-height adjustment, four-wheel drive. The space will be unmatched. Interior space 鈥 all the seats actually fold down and become a flatbed in the back. So, you know, combine that with all the other conveniences that I鈥檝e already mentioned for the Lucid Air, it becomes an amazing product.

鈥淚t鈥檚 already won a few awards in North America,鈥 he added. 鈥淲ithin a few months of the launch, we expect it to continue to dazzle our other consumers here in the GCC also.鈥

There are a lot of things happening in the world right now, he said, that make sense for Lucid to have its first international manufacturing plant in 黑料社区. Located in King Abdullah Economic City, the facility is the Kingdom鈥檚 first car manufacturing plant with a capacity to manufacture 150,000 cars to meet demands.  

鈥淵ou know, the free trade agreements that Saudi has. But quite honestly, when we decided, you know, two years ago to put this plant here, it also made a lot of sense at that time because of the geographical location of 黑料社区 鈥 it鈥檚 kind of the center of the world, if you think about it. And if you have a manufacturing plant, you have the Red Sea,鈥 he said.

 

He added that the Red Sea has about 15 percent of global trade passing through it. 鈥淪o, it really makes sense to have a plant right on the port on the Red Sea, which can then produce and distribute the product all over the world,鈥 he said.

Sultan added that the second reason stems from Saudi Vision 2030 and the transformation that the country is going through. 鈥淭hat transformation aligns perfectly with the vision of Lucid, which is sustainability, which is the progress of human capital. All of those are pillars of Vision 2030. So, what we wanted to do is really benefit from that because if the values of the country are aligning with your brand and with your company, then it鈥檚 much easier to bring a project here and get it done,鈥 Sultan said.

Saudi Vision 2030 has set a target of 30 percent of vehicles in Riyadh to be electric by 2030. The Kingdom is also investing in EV infrastructure with plans to install 5,000 EV charging points by 2030. 

 

Sultan said Lucid is very proud to be the first automotive brand to have the 鈥淪audi Made鈥 brand badge on their cars.

鈥淲e are already assembling these cars 鈥 as you know, the Lucid Air 鈥 and now the Lucid Gravity has also started to be assembled in the Kingdom.鈥

He believes that fact establishes an emotional connection and certifies how Lucid is really embedded in the auto ecosystem of 黑料社区 and has catalyzed the formation of an auto industry.

 

鈥淭hat鈥檚 a badge that will always remain very dear to our workforce and our consumers at the same time. A lot of our customers come in, and they鈥檙e so proud to be buying a Saudi-made product. It is amazing to see that nationalistic pride in play,鈥 he said.

Sultan has always been enamored by cars since playing with toy cars and taking them apart to see how they were made. That curiosity led him to become an automotive engineer.

鈥淚 got my mechanical engineering degree, and then from there, I always wanted to be in automotive, I鈥檝e got about 28 years now in automotive companies. And I think I love what I do because, you know, automotive really motivates me.鈥

 

 


King Salman appoints Majid Al-Fayyad as advisor to the Saudi Royal Court

King Salman appoints Majid Al-Fayyad as advisor to the Saudi Royal Court
Updated 10 July 2025

King Salman appoints Majid Al-Fayyad as advisor to the Saudi Royal Court

King Salman appoints Majid Al-Fayyad as advisor to the Saudi Royal Court
  • Al-Fayyad has been executive general supervisor at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre since 2017
  • He graduated in 1990 from King Saud University鈥檚 medical school and has amassed decades of clinical, academic and administrative experience

JEDDAH: In a royal order issued on Wednesday, King Salman appointed Majid Al-Fayyad as an advisor to the Saudi Royal Court.

Al-Fayyad is the executive general supervisor at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, which has facilities in Riyadh, Madinah and Jeddah. He graduated in 1990 from the medical school at King Saud University in Riyadh, and has amassed decades of clinical, academic and administrative experience.

In the US, he undertook specialized training in pediatrics at Tufts University, and in pediatric cardiology at Columbia University. He holds several certifications and degrees, including a master鈥檚 in medical administration awarded by the University of Southern California in 2015.

He was appointed in 2017 to his current position at King Faisal Specialist Hospital, where he has helped spearhead key reforms to the Saudi healthcare sector. He has also played important roles in national healthcare committees and initiatives, earning recognition for his contributions to research and administration.


Saudi deputy FM receives UK ambassador in Riyadh

Saudi deputy FM receives UK ambassador in Riyadh
Updated 09 July 2025

Saudi deputy FM receives UK ambassador in Riyadh

Saudi deputy FM receives UK ambassador in Riyadh

Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi was visited by UK Ambassador to the Kingdom Neil Crompton in Riyadh on Wednesday.

The ambassador visited to bid farewell on the occasion of the end of his tenure in the Kingdom, the Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X.

Al-Rassi praised the ambassador鈥檚 efforts in strengthening and advancing relations between the two countries.