Latest from Leaders
Leaders
4 hours ago
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Reef Celebrates Graduation of 20 Projects from Rural Entrepreneurship Program
The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Saudi Reef, has celebrated the graduation of 20 innovative projects from its Rural Entrepreneurship Program. These projects emerged from two specialized business incubators dedicated to agritourism and rural development, representing a key milestone in the program's mission to foster entrepreneurship across eight priority sectors. Empowering Rural Communities Saudi Reef spokesperson Majid Al-Buraikan highlighted the significance of the achievement, noting that the graduating projects are poised to make a meaningful impact on rural economies. He emphasized that the initiative is helping to empower rural communities by promoting innovative business models, generating new income streams, and creating job opportunities for small-scale producers. Al-Buraikan also shared that the program hosted eight training camps across various regions of the Kingdom, engaging over 200 entrepreneurial projects and ideas in rural tourism, agricultural ventures, and value-added processing industries. Education, Sustainability A core focus of Saudi Reef has been on educating small farmers and producers, equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in entrepreneurship and maintain sustainable production practices. Looking ahead, the program aims to expand its reach by including additional regions in future phases. Related Topics: 10th Saudi Relief Plane Departs to Gaza with 35 Tons of Essential Supplies Saudi Arabia Hosts 'Handling Expo 2025' Event for First Time Assuming ICRI Secretariat: Saudi Arabia Drives Global Coral Reef Conservation Saudi Reef Unveils Initiative to Promote Rural Tourism in Taif Short link : Post Views: 5 Related Stories
Leaders
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Leaders
‘No Specific Date' for US Nuclear Talks: Senior Iranian Official
Tehran announced on Monday it had 'no specific date' for a meeting with the US concerning the nuclear talks, according to AFP. 'For now, no specific date, time or location has been determined regarding this matter,' Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said regarding the plans for a meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff. Iran has held several negations with Washington on Tehran's nuclear program before Israel attacked Iran's nuclear facilities on June 13. The US became directly involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran on June 22 after launching airstrikes on the Iranian nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. Araqchi said that if the US and others wish to resume nuclear talks with Iran, 'first of all, there should be a firm guarantee that such actions will not be repeated.' 'We have been serious in diplomacy and the negotiation process, we entered with good faith, but as everyone witnessed, before the sixth round the Zionist regime, in coordination with the United States, committed military aggression against Iran,' Baqaei said. Meanwhile, Araqchi stated that Tehran would restart nuclear talks with the US if there were assurances of no more attacks against Iran, according to The Associated Press. He also noted that Iran has always been ready and will be ready in the future for talks about its nuclear program. However, 'assurance should be provided that in case of a resumption of talks, the trend will not lead to war.' Related Topics: Russia Denies Backing Iran's Zero Enrichment Nuclear Deal Iranian Cooperation with IAEA to 'Take on New Form': FM Araqchi Israel Warns: Iran Could Retrieve Enriched Uranium After US Strikes Short link : Post Views: 63
Leaders
6 hours ago
- Business
- Leaders
Diriyah Company Awards $600 Million Contract to Salini Saudi Arabia
Diriyah Company has awarded a SAR2.249 billion ($600 million) construction contract to Salini Saudi Arabia, a subsidiary of the Webuild Group, for the development of the retail centerpiece within Diriyah Square. Located at the heart of Diriyah, the City of Earth, Diriyah Square is a flagship retail district inspired by Najdi architectural heritage. The development will host 400 premium retail, dining, and leisure units, blending international luxury with local artisanal culture. This pedestrian-friendly district is designed to offer an exceptional customer experience and redefine the future of retail and lifestyle in Riyadh. Webuild Group This new contract marks the third major contribution from the Webuild Group to the Diriyah project. Salini is already progressing on several key components: Construction of a 10,500-space underground car park, set to be one of the largest globally. Integration of bus stations, taxi and VIP drop-off points, and a four-lane underground gyratory system. Near completion of structural engineering work for above-ground developments, including hotels, retail spaces, branded residences, offices, and the Grand Mosque. Under this latest agreement, Salini will construct: 73 individual buildings 400 shell-and-core retail units A total built-up area of 365,340 square meters The project includes facades, finishes, and fit-outs for each unit, with all structures showcasing traditional Najdi design themes, creating a unique and walkable shopping environment. Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, commented: 'Diriyah Square is one of our most anticipated and prestigious districts. Partnering with Salini brings global expertise to this critical milestone, preparing us to welcome millions of visitors and residents to this transformative retail destination.' Pietro Salini, CEO of Webuild Group, added: 'We are proud to support such a culturally and strategically important project. This enhances our long-standing presence in the Kingdom and reaffirms our commitment to Saudi Arabia's future through complex infrastructure and sustainable development.' Diriyah Square Diriyah Square will house 400 of the planned 1,000 outlets across the broader 14 km² Diriyah development, part of a SAR237 billion ($63.2 billion) masterplan. It will serve as a bridge between global luxury brands and local heritage, combining retail, culture, leisure, and entertainment. Diriyah: Economic, Social Impact Since its inception, Diriyah Company has awarded over SAR100 billion ($26 billion) in contracts, including SAR20 billion ($5 billion) in the first half of 2025 alone. The broader Diriyah development is expected to: Contribute SAR70 billion ($18.6 billion) to Saudi Arabia's GDP Create nearly 180,000 jobs Become home to approximately 100,000 residents Include offices for professionals in technology, media, education, and the arts Key features of development include: Royal Diriyah Opera House Diriyah Arena Greg Norman-designed golf course in Wadi Safar Royal Golf Club Royal Equestrian & Polo Club Museums and a university World-class hotels and restaurants Related Topics: Diriyah Art Futures Launches New Exhibition for Digital Artists Diriyah Unveils Revolutionary Media & Innovation Hub at MIPIM 2025 MBS Project Revitalizes Al-Oudah Mosque in Diriyah Under Historic Initiative Short link : Post Views: 8
Leaders
6 hours ago
- Science
- Leaders
Saudi Team Competes in 66th International Mathematics Olympiad in Australia
The 66th International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO 2025) has officially begun on the Sunshine Coast in Australia, bringing together 600 students from 120 countries, including a team from Saudi Arabia. The prestigious event will continue through July 20. Founded in 1959 in Romania, the IMO is the premier global mathematics competition for high school students. It is renowned for showcasing exceptional young talent in areas such as logical reasoning, probability, statistics, and complex problem-solving—qualities that draw attention from top universities worldwide. Saudi Arabia has participated in the Olympiad since 2004. Over the past 20 years, the Kingdom has earned 12 silver medals, 45 bronze medals, and 19 certificates of appreciation. This year's Saudi team consists of six students who have undergone rigorous training, guided by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. Related Topics: Saudi Team Competes with 90 Nations in 2025 International Chemistry Olympiad 260 Experts Translate Chemistry Olympiad Questions into 50 Languages Riyadh Hosts International Chemistry Olympiad 2024 Short link : Post Views: 5 Related Stories
Leaders
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Al-Makkatain Museum Offers Vivid Images of Makkah & Madinah History
Nestled in the Jeddah Park, the Al-Makkatain Museum traces the history of the two holy cities, Makkah and Madinah, through historical drawings by both Muslim and non-Muslim artists over the past five centuries, according to the Saudi Press Agency. To provide vivid images about both cities, the museum also features the photographic history of the cities from the earliest known images taken in 1297 AH (1880 CE) to the present day. The Al-Makkatain Museum boasts three main halls: Before the Invention of the Camera (1550–1880) Early Photographers of Makkah and Madinah (1880–1920) The Golden Age of Photography (1920–Present) Interestingly, the museum showcases significant drawings that date back to the era before the invention of photography in 1839 and its widespread adoption in Europe. At that time, travelers, orientalists, and artists used to convey their perceptions of the Two Holy Mosques through illustrations. They etched their details onto hard surfaces such as copper and metal. Before the step of publishing the drawings, professional artists used to add some artistic touches to the original works to make them more appropriate for printing. Consequently, the printed versions were a little bit or greatly different from the original illustrations. On the contrary, photographs offered an accurate visual record of what the photographers actually saw and checked. Therefore, photographs stand out as a documentary testimony of a specific era, place, and customs that have undergone many changes over time. Overall, they form a realistic visual memory for viewers. Related Topics: Prophet's Biography: Comprehensive Museum, Interactive Experiences Makkah Inaugurates Holy Qur'an Museum in Hira Cultural District Diriyah's JAX District Hosts Stunning International Art Exhibition Short link : Post Views: 13
