Stories from Riyadh · Saudi Arabia

Ukrainian drone systems are being used to defend the largest United States Air Force base in Saudi Arabia. The deployment of these systems is currently not being publicly discussed, according to the report. This development occurs amid ongoing regional security concerns. Saudi Arabia has surpassed the global average in the 2026 Economic Freedom Index. Press freedom is declining globally due to restrictions, with the situation in Riyadh being a point of concern. Iran's permanent representative to the UN stated that Iran proposes a new negotiation plan. The United States faces a tariff threat from President Trump.

The King Salman Reserve has received international recognition from the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This follows the launch of a smart biodiversity platform designed for environmental monitoring and analysis.

Abdulaziz launched the 'Musafir Bila Haqiba' (Traveler Without a Bag) application to serve Ministry of Interior personnel and affiliated entities. The app is available for staff located outside Saudi Arabia in 11 countries. These countries include Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, Ivory Coast, Maldives, Senegal, and Brunei Darussalam. The service aims to support personnel stationed abroad. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior has launched a new traveler application. The initiative aims to provide formal identification for pilgrims. The announcement was made by SBA Al-Ekhbariya.

A Saudi entity has announced plans to employ approximately 6,000 new staff members.

The National Center for Health Workforce Planning reported progress in the pharmacy profession in Saudi Arabia. The development aims to refine skills and improve technical production quality. The report was issued by the center in Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia has reportedly begun shutting down oil production in multiple locations. The shutdown process involves high costs regarding both time and material resources required to restart wells.

A financial transparency principle requires cities to disclose their funds and allows designated bodies to track and seize them when necessary.

A Saudi Arabian sports news outlet discussed the strategy for discovering and nurturing talent in various sports, noting that it differs from football due to player availability. The report mentioned the recent opening of a center dedicated to this purpose.

A collection of Saudi currencies, from the era of King Abdulaziz to the present, is on display. The collection also includes historical foreign currencies like French and Arab Riyals. The items are part of a museum in the Al-Shayia region of southern Riyadh. SBA Al-Ekhbariya featured a discussion about young female athletes, said their dedication to sports alongside their studies and family responsibilities. Iranian strikes destroyed all but one radar dome on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. These domes house essential intelligence and defense antennas. The destruction represents a considerable loss in defense capabilities and will be costly to replace. American aircraft, including Boeing planes, were also destroyed at the base.

The Asir region is promoting local specialties, including the 'Qattah Al-Asiri' and unique southern flowers like Jacaranda. These are popular with tourists seeking regional heritage.