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SAUDI ARABIA BREAKING NEWS


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


UAE rare genetic disorder named after Abu Dhabi specialist at Burjeel Medical City
WAM Abu Dhabi, February 20, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – A rare inherited genetic disorder affecting brain development and muscle strength has been officially named after an Abu Dhabi-based specialist at Burjeel Medical City, in what researchers described as a milestone for the United Arab Emirates’ medical research community. The condition, now known as El-Hattab-Schmidts syndrome, was identified through research led by Prof. Ayman W. El-Hattab, consultant clinical ge
Feb 202 min read


FIFA and Board of Peace sign Gaza partnership focused on recovery through football
WAM Riyadh, February 20, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – FIFA and the Board of Peace (BoP) have signed a partnership agreement aimed at sourcing investment from international leaders and institutions to use football to support recovery, stability and long-term development in conflict-affected regions, starting with Gaza. The agreement was signed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Gaza Executive Board of Peace member Yakir Gabay, High Representative for Gaza Nickolay Mlad
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


Grand Mosque minarets in Makkah rise up to 137 meters, blending Islamic design with modern engineering
SPA Makkah, February 20, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Grand Mosque in Makkah has 13 minarets ranging in height from 98 to 137 meters, forming a skyline shaped by traditional Islamic design and modern engineering, with the towers positioned across major entrances. Each minaret follows a five-part structure consisting of a base, a primary balcony, a slender shaft, a secondary balcony and a crowning cap topped with a crescent moon. The minarets serve the religious fun
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


Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Receives Ramadan Greetings at Al-Yamamah Palace
SPA Riyadh, February 20, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, several princes, scholars, ministers, and citizens at Al-Yamamah Palace to exchange greetings on the occasion of Ramadan. The gathering opened with a recitation from the Holy Quran. HRH the Crown Prince greeted attendees and exchanged Ramadan wishes. SPA During the reception
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


Saudia Airlines Signs Five-Year Strategic Partnership with Six Flags and Aquarabia Qiddiya City
SPA Riyadh, February 18 (SABN) – Saudia Airlines has signed a five-year strategic partnership with Six Flags and Aquarabia Qiddiya City, becoming the official premier partner in the airline category. The agreement includes the development of special travel packages to enable visitors to experience the Kingdom’s world-class attractions. As part of the partnership, Saudia will feature special aircraft branding across its fleet, bringing the spirit of Six Flags and Aquarabia Qid
Feb 181 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
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