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SAUDI ARABIA BREAKING NEWS


Trump says he will raise temporary global tariff rate to 15% after Supreme Court ruling
SPA Washington, February 21, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – President Donald Trump said on Saturday he will raise the temporary global tariff rate on imported goods from 10% to 15% after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against tariffs imposed under an economic emergency law. Trump had earlier announced a 10% global tariff after the court deemed his administration’s reciprocal tariffs illegal. In a 6–3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled Trump overstepped his legal authority b
Feb 211 min read


Saudi Arabia becomes first Arab country to join Global Partnership on AI, SDAIA chief says
SPA New Delhi, February 21, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) President Dr. Abdullah Alghamdi said Saudi Arabia has become the first Arab nation to join the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI). Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Alghamdi described the move as supporting the responsible and reliable use of artificial intelligence. He said Saudi Arabia ranks third globally in contributions to
Feb 211 min read


Saudi King Salman, Crown Prince donate SAR70 million to Ehsan charitable campaign
SPA Riyadh, February 21, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud donated a total of SAR70 million to the sixth edition of the National Campaign for Charitable Work through the National Platform for Charitable Work (Ehsan), which was launched on Friday in Riyadh. King Salman donated SAR40 million and the crown prince donated SAR30
Feb 211 min read


Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled meets France’s Macron on sidelines of AI Impact Summit
WAM New Delhi, February 20, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. The meeting reviewed avenues of cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and France as part of their strategic partnership and explored ways to collaborate further to broaden bilateral ties and advance mutual interests. The two sides discussed strengt
Feb 201 min read


Modi, SDAIA chief Alghamdi discuss expanding Saudi India cooperation in data and AI
SPA New Delhi, February 20, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) President Dr. Abdullah Alghamdi discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in data and artificial intelligence during a meeting on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The talks focused on knowledge transfer and the exchange of expertise aimed at accelerating digital development in both countries. Alghamdi
Feb 201 min read


Grand Mosque Imam urges active devotion and good deeds during Ramadan
SPA Makkah, February 20, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Imam Sheikh Abdullah Al-Juhani told worshippers in his Friday sermon at the Grand Mosque that the Ramadan example set by Prophet Mohammed and his companions was defined by active devotion and good deeds, stressing that the purpose of fasting is to attain piety and protect one’s character from forbidden acts. Al-Juhani urged Muslims to observe Prophetic etiquette during the month, including hastening to break the fas
Feb 201 min read


Saudi defense minister awards King Abdulaziz Medal to former CENTCOM commander Kurilla
SPA Riyadh, February 20, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz awarded the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class to retired General Michael Kurilla, the former commander of the United States Central Command, following directives from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The award was presented during a ceremony held after Kurilla was received at the defense minister’s office in Riyad
Feb 201 min read


Eric Dane, Actor Known for ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Euphoria,’ Dies at 53
Los Angeles, February 19, 2026 (SABN) – Eric Dane, the American actor best known for his roles as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and Cal Jacobs on Euphoria, died Thursday at the age of 53, his family confirmed. Dane had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2025. In a family statement, they said Dane spent his final days surrounded by friends, his wife, and his two daughters, Billie and Georgia. The statement highlig
Feb 202 min read


Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Performs Prayers at Prophet’s Mosque
SPA Madinah, February 20, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, visited the Prophet’s Mosque today and performed prayers at the site. Upon arrival, HRH the Crown Prince was received by Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, President of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque; Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfig Al-Rabiah; and a number of the mosque’s imams and
Feb 201 min read


ZATCA Reminds Businesses to Submit January 2026 VAT Returns by February 28
SPA Riyadh, February 20, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has called on businesses with annual supplies exceeding SAR40 million to submit their Value Added Tax (VAT) returns for January 2026 by February 28. ZATCA warned that late submissions will be subject to penalties ranging from 5% to 25% of the tax due. The authority encouraged taxpayers to file and pay through its official website or mobile application to ensure complianc
Feb 201 min read


International Board of Peace Pledges Aid for Gaza
U.S President Donald Trump attends the inaugural Board of Peace meeting at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 19, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque Washington, February 19, 2026 (SABN) – Several countries announced financial and material support for Gaza during the first meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace. The pledges were made on Thursday by foreign dignitaries attending the session. United States: $10 billion contribution to th
Feb 192 min read


King Charles’ Brother Andrew Arrested Over Misconduct Allegations Linked to Epstein
REUTERS London, February 19, 2026 (SABN) – King Charles’ younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following allegations that he sent conditional government documents to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, was questioned by detectives from Thames Valley Police. The force said earlier this month that it was investigating claims that he passed official documents to Eps
Feb 192 min read


Saudi UN Ambassador Reaffirms Kingdom’s Support for Palestinian Rights at Security Council
SPA Riyadh, February 19, 2026 (SABN) – Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s unwavering support for Palestinian rights during a ministerial session of the UN Security Council focused on the Middle East. During the session, Ambassador Alwasil condemned the Israeli authorities’ designation of lands in the West Bank as “state land,” describing it as a grave violation of international law. He reit
Feb 191 min read


King Salman Orders SAR3 Billion in Ramadan Assistance for Social Security Beneficiaries
SPA Riyadh, February 19, 2026 (SABN) – Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, following the recommendation of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has directed the disbursement of more than SAR3 billion in Ramadan assistance to social security beneficiaries. The initiative aims to support families during the holy month, ensuring their basic needs are met. Under the directive, heads
Feb 191 min read


Prophet’s Mosque Launches Awareness Center to Guide Visitors During Ramadan
SPA Riyadh, February 18 (SABN) – An awareness center focusing on proper etiquette and religious rulings for visiting the Prophet’s Mosque has been inaugurated, coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan. The initiative is designed to enhance religious awareness among visitors and provide structured guidance to ensure correct practices in accordance with the Prophetic tradition. The center has been established at multiple locations within the mosque to ensure accessibility and
Feb 181 min read


ZATCA Encourages Voluntary Zakat Payments via Mobile Application and Website
Riyadh, February 18 (SABN) – The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has urged individuals to pay their zakat voluntarily through its official “Zakat” smartphone application or via the website zakaty.zatca.gov.sa. The platform allows users to calculate zakat due on a variety of assets, including cash, gold, silver, shares, investment funds, and real estate held for trade. It generates a payment invoice, sends reminders for due dates, and calculates zakat on gold based on
Feb 181 min read


King Abdulaziz International Airport Operational Plan Approved for 1447 AH Umrah Season
SPA Jeddah, February 16, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Jeddah Airports Company has approved the operational plan for King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) to manage the 1447 AH Umrah peak season, ensuring the efficient handling of pilgrims during Ramadan. The plan covers three main terminals: the Hajj and Umrah Terminal Complex, Terminal 1, and the North Terminal. To expedite processing, the airport will operate 407 baggage check-in counters and 463 passport contr
Feb 181 min read


King Abdulaziz Public Library to Open Equestrian Exhibition for Founding Day
SPA Riyadh, February 18, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The King Abdulaziz Public Library will open a specialized exhibition on horses and equestrianism on Tuesday to mark Founding Day. The exhibition will be held at the library’s Khurais Road branch and is scheduled to run until the end of August 2026. It will feature an extensive collection of the library’s holdings on equestrian history, including manuscripts, photographs, historical documents, Islamic miniatures, and
Feb 181 min read


Madinah’s Qiblatain Cultural Center Prepares to Welcome Worshippers for Ramadan
SPA Madinah, February 15, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Madinah Region Development Authority has completed preparations at the Qiblatain Cultural Center ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for worshippers. The center’s upper courtyard has been outfitted with over 100 prayer carpets, accommodating an estimated 1,600 worshippers across designated male and female sections. Expanded parking facilities now include space for 56
Feb 181 min read


King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Donate SAR150 Million to Support Housing Initiatives
SPA Riyadh, February 16 (SABN) – Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, provided two donations totaling SAR150 million through the Jood Eskan platform. The contributions support national efforts and initiatives aimed at providing suitable housing for eligible families across the Kingdom. On the occasion, Minister of Municipalities and Housing
Feb 181 min read
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