KSA concludes ‘Learn and Play’ week in Osaka

The theme weeks at Expo 2025 Osaka are an initiative that seeks to solve global problems and issues through purposeful dialogue between different countries of the world. (SPA)
The theme weeks at Expo 2025 Osaka are an initiative that seeks to solve global problems and issues through purposeful dialogue between different countries of the world. (SPA)
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KSA concludes ‘Learn and Play’ week in Osaka

KSA concludes ‘Learn and Play’ week in Osaka
  • The fifth week at Expo 2025 Osaka, “Learn and Play,” closely aligned with the objectives of the Kingdom’s pavilion’s participation, emphasizing ’s transformational journey within the framework of Vision 2030

RIYADH: ’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka concluded its interactive business events, which it organized as part of the fifth thematic week at Expo 2025 Osaka, titled “Learn and Play.”

Through these events, the pavilion aimed to enhance cooperation and forge global partnerships, showcasing the future of digital transformation and advanced digital initiatives in , along with the Kingdom’s path to improving learning.

The theme weeks at Expo 2025 Osaka are an initiative that seeks to solve global problems and issues through purposeful dialogue between different countries of the world.

The sessions enabled international participants to exchange insights on advanced digital innovation and its impact on future societies.

This week’s event at the Kingdom’s pavilion addressed a range of transformative initiatives, most notably the role of innovative technologies in transforming education, towards a more sustainable future, and empowering youth in the age of artificial intelligence.

The participating global experts highlighted the role of educational technologies in transforming the concept of lifelong learning at the national and international levels.

Through interactive discussions and presentations, the event showcased the technological advancements achieved by and Japan, reflecting the two countries’ shared efforts to advance digital transformation and technological development.

The fifth week at Expo 2025 Osaka, “Learn and Play,” closely aligned with the objectives of the Kingdom’s pavilion’s participation, emphasizing ’s transformational journey within the framework of Vision 2030.

It also showcased the Kingdom’s rich heritage, pioneering mega-projects, and environmental initiatives.


Saudi authorities arrest foreigners for drug offenses

Police in the Asir region have arrested individuals carrying prohibited drugs. (SPA)
Police in the Asir region have arrested individuals carrying prohibited drugs. (SPA)
Updated 7 sec ago

Saudi authorities arrest foreigners for drug offenses

Police in the Asir region have arrested individuals carrying prohibited drugs. (SPA)
  • Border guard land patrols in the Ad-Daer sector in Jazan arrested three Ethiopian nationals for smuggling 73,500 unregulated medical tablets

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s authorities arrested several foreign nationals across the country this week for drug offenses, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Security patrols in Asir region arrested two Sudanese residents for possessing 16 kg of qat in Al-Farsha governorate.

In addition, the General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested two Bangladeshi residents in the Eastern Province for selling methamphetamine, also known as shabu.

Meanwhile, border guard land patrols in the Ad-Daer sector in Jazan arrested three Ethiopian nationals for smuggling 73,500 unregulated medical tablets.

And in the Al-Rabou’ah sector in Asir they arrested 17 Ethiopians for smuggling 255 kg of qat.

The security authorities called on citizens and residents to report drug-related activities by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 and 994 in other regions of the Kingdom.

All reports will be handled confidentially, the authorities said.

 


welcomes announcement that UK will recognize Palestinian state in September unless Israel acts

Britain’s PM Keir Starmer delivers a statement on the day the cabinet was recalled to discuss the situation in Gaza, in London.
Britain’s PM Keir Starmer delivers a statement on the day the cabinet was recalled to discuss the situation in Gaza, in London.
Updated 48 min 13 sec ago

welcomes announcement that UK will recognize Palestinian state in September unless Israel acts

Britain’s PM Keir Starmer delivers a statement on the day the cabinet was recalled to discuss the situation in Gaza, in London.
  • Kingdom renews call to international community to take serious steps that affirm right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state: Ministry

RIYADH: on Tuesday welcomed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement that the UK will formally recognize the State of Palestine in September unless Israel takes various “substantive steps.”

In a statement, the foreign ministry said: “The Kingdom renews its call to the international community and peace-loving countries to take serious steps that affirm the inherent right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.”

Starmer said on Tuesday that the UK will recognize a Palestinian state if Israel has not taken the steps demanded by the time the UN General Assembly is held in September.

It must “end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term, sustainable peace, reviving the prospect” of a two-state solution, he added.

“I’ve always said we will recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process, at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution,” Starmer said.

“With that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act.”


Saudi interior minister visits Paris Operation Center responsible for security during Olympics

Saudi interior minister visits Paris Operation Center responsible for security during Olympics
Updated 29 July 2025

Saudi interior minister visits Paris Operation Center responsible for security during Olympics

Saudi interior minister visits Paris Operation Center responsible for security during Olympics
  • Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif met separately with Laurent Nunez, head of Paris Police Prefecture, and Guillaume Cardy, chief of RAID elite police unit

LONDON: Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif visited the Paris Operation Center during his official trip to France this week, where he held meetings with ministers and officials to enhance security cooperation between the two countries.

He was received on Tuesday by Laurent Nunez, the head of the Paris Police Prefecture, who briefed him on the workflow and technology of the center. Last summer, during the Paris 2024 Olympics, French authorities conducted a massive operation, deploying nearly 45,000 police officers for the event.

Prince Abdulaziz also visited the headquarters of the elite unit, RAID, which conducts research, provides assistance, intervenes in counter-terrorism efforts, and handles hostage rescues as well as high-risk criminal situations. He met with Guillaume Cardy, the chief of RAID, and observed a security strategy to address threats using the latest tactical methods and supporting techniques.

On Monday, Prince Abdulaziz discussed ways to enhance security cooperation with his French counterpart, Bruno Retailleau. The two interior ministers signed an executive document outlining future security cooperation between Riyadh and Paris.


Six Saudi trucks carrying food aid for Gaza cross Rafah border crossing

Six Saudi trucks carrying food aid for Gaza cross the Rafah border crossing. (SPA)
Six Saudi trucks carrying food aid for Gaza cross the Rafah border crossing. (SPA)
Updated 29 July 2025

Six Saudi trucks carrying food aid for Gaza cross Rafah border crossing

Six Saudi trucks carrying food aid for Gaza cross the Rafah border crossing. (SPA)
  • Humanitarian aid, provided by KSrelief, is destined for the Gaza Strip as part of ’s ongoing campaign to deliver assistance to Palestinian people

RIYADH: Six Saudi trucks carrying food aid for Gaza crossed the Rafah border crossing, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The humanitarian consignment, provided by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, is destined for the Gaza Strip as part of ’s ongoing campaign to deliver vital assistance to the Palestinian people.

A worst-case scenario of famine is unfolding in Gaza and immediate action is needed to avoid widespread death, a hunger monitor warned on Tuesday, as the number of Palestinians reported killed in the conflict crossed the 60,000 threshold.

Facing mounting international criticism over conditions in Gaza, Israel announced steps over the weekend to ease aid access. But the World Food Programme said on Tuesday it was not getting the permissions it needed to deliver enough aid since Israel began humanitarian pauses on Sunday.

Gaza health authorities have been reporting more and more people dying from hunger-related causes. The total stands at 147, among them 88 children, most of whom died in the last few weeks.


Saudi cabinet backs Palestinian statehood, welcomes France’s recognition pledge

Saudi cabinet backs Palestinian statehood, welcomes France’s recognition pledge
Updated 29 July 2025

Saudi cabinet backs Palestinian statehood, welcomes France’s recognition pledge

Saudi cabinet backs Palestinian statehood, welcomes France’s recognition pledge
  • The cabinet voiced support for a high-level international conference on the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue, co-chaired by and France

The Saudi cabinet reaffirmed on Tuesday the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving lasting peace in the Middle East, voicing support for a high-level international conference on the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue, co-chaired by and France.

The cabinet expressed hope the forum would accelerate international recognition of a Palestinian state and pave the way for implementing the two-state solution. It also welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent pledge to recognize Palestine, urging other countries to take similar steps in support of Palestinian rights and regional stability.

Chaired by King Salman, the cabinet condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli Knesset’s call to impose control over the occupied West Bank and Jordan Valley. It stressed that such actions violate international law and undermine efforts to achieve peace.

The cabinet also reviewed recent diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening ties with regional and international partners. It praised the outcomes of the Saudi delegation’s visit to Syria, conducted under the directive of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which led to the signing of 47 investment agreements worth nearly 24 billion riyals and the formation of a joint business council to boost cooperation between the two nations' private sectors.

Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosari, in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, highlighted the Kingdom’s participation in the United Nations High-Level Political Forum. He noted that has recorded the fastest progress among G20 countries in sustainable development over the past decade, underscoring its leadership in international initiatives that promote prosperity and progress.