Stories from Riyadh · Saudi Arabia

The fourth phase of implementing residential and commercial design guidelines for Saudi architecture began today. The guidelines include 19 architectural styles inspired by the kingdom's geographic and cultural characteristics. Implementation will extend to several cities and provinces across the Riyadh, Makkah, and Northern Borders regions, as well as the city of Tabuk. The project is based on urban and cultural studies to enhance innovation. The implementation was initiated via video conference at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. This move is part of the broader Saudi Architecture Map framework.

The condition of Filipino conjoined twins has stabilized seven days after a successful separation surgery. The procedure took place at King Abdulaziz Medical City under the Ministry of National Guard in Riyadh. Dr. Abdul Rabia, the medical and surgical team leader, confirmed the stability of the children. The surgery took place at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. Abdullah Rabia, head of the medical and surgical team for the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, provided the update. The procedure was conducted as part of the Saudi program's efforts to assist pilgrims. The separation procedure was performed last Thursday at King Fahd Hospital. The conjoined twins, Kyelia and Maurice Anne, are reported to be in stable condition.

The Mawhiba organization announced the results for the Kangaroo 2026 competition. A total of 1,981 male and female students won in the competition. These winners were selected from a pool of 3,519 total participants who took the tests.

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre has been named the most valuable health brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East for the fourth consecutive year. The brand value exceeds 1.7 billion USD, which is more than 6.3 billion Saudi riyals.

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund plans to stop financial support for LiveGolf. The announcement was reported by the BBC World Service. The Liv Tour was established as a breakaway from the PGA Tour and has offered billions of dollars to attract top players. The source did not specify the reason for the funding cessation. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund will stop financing live golf at the end of the 2026 season. The fund has invested billions into the league since 2022. This decision creates uncertainty regarding the future of the breakaway league. US media reports suggest the move could impact the league's trajectory. The decision follows controversy surrounding the tour, which critics have described as sportswashing. The decision follows accumulated losses of approximately $1.4 billion within the circuit. The fund reportedly generated only $100 million in revenue in 2025.

Saudi authorities have reportedly assessed and admitted that several architectural ventures are not working as intended due to high costs. The recycled materials are used to create asphalt layers for roads to prevent material waste. Saudi Arabia has executed a journalist as part of a judicial procedure. The execution was reportedly based on the individual's writings. The source noted this is a grave situation occurring amidst efforts to present a more open society. The event occurs amid claims by Saudi Arabia regarding liberal social reforms. Norway remains at the top of the press freedom rankings, maintaining its position for over ten years. The report notes a decline in press freedom across seven Northern European countries, including Norway. The Saudi government's public investment fund has spent approximately £3.7 billion on sports funding over the last four years.

SABIC reported a net profit of 13.1 million riyals during the first quarter. Results were supported by improvements in the chemicals sector despite pressures from rising financing costs and lower profit shares from associates. Quarterly momentum also saw oil-related momentum rise by approximately 1 billion. This figure represents a 10 percent decrease compared to the 121 million riyals earned during the same period last year. The company attributed the decline in earnings to rising costs resulting from new expansions and store openings. The group's board was authorized to distribute cash dividends on a semi-annual or quarterly basis for the current year. The report noted that profits were positively impacted by acquisitions, including the disbursement of member bonuses valued between 1.5 million and 1.8 million riyals.

Hamad Al-Anjari, CEO of the Association for the Implementation of the Holy Quran, spoke at an artificial intelligence conference in Riyadh. The session included participation from technology experts and Sharia scholars. The eighth annual research and innovation forum concluded in Riyadh today. The event featured an exhibition with more than 32 pavilions showcasing modern artificial intelligence technologies. These technologies are intended to assist in the teaching and service of the Quran through modern means. The conference aimed to mobilize programmers to utilize technology for religious education services. Ziad Fayyadh, the conference president, stated that this year's event was held over two separate days. The conference featured over 140 research posters and more than 300 participants.

Saudi Arabia confirmed its ongoing support for the United Nations Centre of Expertise on Counter-Terrorism. The Kingdom serves as a founding donor and holds the position of chair of the advisory board. The announcement was made during a news bulletin in Riyadh.

OPEC-plus members intend to continue working together despite the exit of the United Arab Emirates from the group. The group intends to maintain cooperation moving forward.