Middle East

BELGRADE — The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has announced its first foray into Serbia by signing three development loan agreements valued at $205 million. These agreements, aimed at boosting the agriculture, education, and energy sectors, mark the beginning of SFD’s presence in the country and are part of a …

Saudi Gazette report ROME — Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef has concluded an official visit to Italy. He held bilateral meetings with government officials and private sector leaders in the country to discuss enhancing economic relations and industrial and mining cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Italy. The …

BRUSSELS — The 27 leaders of the European Union gave on Thursday their most explicit endorsement yet of the contentious project of outsourcing migration policy, even if they offered scant details on how the idea would work in practice and how authorities would be able to respect human rights while …

Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Hunter’s Supermoon graced Saudi Arabia’s skies on Thursday, captivating astronomy enthusiasts across the Kingdom as it painted a beautiful scene with its silvery rays. The Saudi Press Agency’s (SPA) lens captured the full moon’s display as it illuminated the Asir region’s heavens this evening. …

President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon met on Thursday with HE Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani. During the meeting that was held on the sidelines of the Qatari Cultural Week in Tajikistan, they discussed aspects of joint co-operation between the two countries in cultural fields …

Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Riyadh has been named the “Arab Environment Capital” for two years in recognition of the Saudi capital’s pioneering efforts in environmental preservation and sustainability. The decision was taken by the 35th session of the Council of Arab Environment Ministers. The session, which was chaired by …

Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Tadawul All Share Index (TASI), the Saudi main stock index, declined 131 points (one percent) at the end of trading this week on Thursday to record its lowest level in a month to 11,907 points. The fall is mainly attributed to the pressure from the …

Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman has approved granting citizenship to Dr. Richard Mortel, editor-in-chief of the Darah Journal of Arabian Peninsula Studies, a popular English cultural magazine based in Riyadh. Prince Faisal bin Salman, special advisor to Custodian of the Two Holy …

Saudi Gazette report BEIJING — The Saudi Heritage Commission and China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration have signed an amendment to extend the archaeological excavations cooperation project. Heritage Commission was represented by its CEO Dr. Jasir Al-Herbish in signing the deal in a ceremony held in the presence of Saudi Minister …

Saudi Gazette report BEIJING — Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission has signed separate executive programs with China’s National Museum and Palace Museum in Beijing on Thursday. The deals were concluded in the presence of the visiting Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah and Chinese Minister of Culture and …