Saudi Cabinet welcomes US-Ukraine talks held in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman chairs Tuesday’s Cabinet session. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman chairs Tuesday’s Cabinet session. (SPA)
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Updated 12 March 2025
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Saudi Cabinet welcomes US-Ukraine talks held in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman chairs Tuesday’s Cabinet session. (SPA)
  • Cabinet also discussed the results of talks between the crown prince and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that took place on Monday

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet on Tuesday welcomed talks between US and Ukrainian officials, which were hosted by the Kingdom as part of its efforts to bring an end to the three-year conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

The talks took place in Jeddah on Tuesday at the direction of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and in the presence of the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

The Cabinet also discussed the results of talks between the crown prince and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that took place on Monday.

The talks included an emphasis on the Kingdom’s support for international efforts aimed at finding a solution to the crisis in Ukraine and achieving lasting peace, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two countries also praised the strength of their economic ties and welcomed the re-establishment of the Joint Business Council during the talks, SPA said.

The Cabinet also reviewed regional and international meetings held in the Kingdom that sought to consolidate the foundations of cooperation and partnership and enhance consultation and coordination to address current challenges in the region.

The Cabinet commended the contents of the statement issued by the recent Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting held in Jeddah and emphasized the Kingdom’s complete rejection of calls to displace the Palestinian people from their land. It affirmed the Kingdom’s continued work with friendly countries to advance the implementation of the two-state solution.

It also commended measures taken by the Syrian leadership to preserve civil peace in the country and complete the process of building state institutions to achieve security and stability. It reiterated the Kingdom’s full support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Syria.

The Cabinet also discussed the positive growth rates achieved by economic activities in 2024, reflecting the success of Saudi Vision 2030 programs and the progress made in major projects and national strategies.

The Cabinet said that celebrating Saudi Flag Day is an affirmation of pride in its value that extends throughout the history of the Saudi state since its founding.

It affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with international organizations in various fields, including chairing the 69th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.


Saudi Cabinet reviews real estate measures, praises oil and gas discoveries during Jeddah session

Saudi Cabinet reviews real estate measures, praises oil and gas discoveries during Jeddah session
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Saudi Cabinet reviews real estate measures, praises oil and gas discoveries during Jeddah session

Saudi Cabinet reviews real estate measures, praises oil and gas discoveries during Jeddah session
  • Discussed ongoing implementation of measures aimed at stabilizing the real estate sector in Riyadh
  • Hailed recent discoveries of oil and natural gas in Eastern Province and Empty Quarter

JEDDAH: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the Saudi Cabinet session on Tuesday in Jeddah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Among the matters discussed was the ongoing implementation of measures announced by the crown prince earlier this month aimed at stabilizing the real estate sector in Riyadh.

The Cabinet stressed the importance of addressing the rise in land prices and rents that have been witnessed in the capital in recent years, reaffirming the Kingdom’s keenness to ensure balanced growth, SPA reported.

The Cabinet also hailed the recent discoveries of oil and natural gas in the Eastern Province and the Empty Quarter, describing them as a "qualitative addition" that will consolidate Saudi Arabia’s economic standing and bolster its ability to meet both local and global energy demands for decades to come.

The Cabinet reviewed the Kingdom’s communications with other countries, focusing on developments in regional and global arenas and exploring ways to enhance joint cooperation and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s active role in promoting international security, stability, and humanitarian support for those in need.

It welcomed the growing international support for the upcoming conference to resolve the Palestinian issue and implement the two-state solution, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France.

It stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the importance of ensuring humanitarian aid reaches civilians without delay.

During the session, the Cabinet approved a number of key agreements and initiatives.

These included agreements with Morocco on mutual assistance in criminal matters, extradition, and the transfer of convicts; and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysia to exempt holders of diplomatic, special, or official passports from short-stay visa requirements.

Further approvals covered environmental cooperation with Jordan, health cooperation with Iran, and education collaboration with South Korea. The Cabinet also authorized the signing of an agreement with Bahrain to avoid double taxation, alongside agreements with Kuwait and Croatia for similar tax purposes.

In technology, an MoU was approved between Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission and Greece’s National Telecommunications and Postal Authority. The Kingdom also agreed to join the Tampere Convention on telecommunications resources for disaster mitigation and relief operations.

Additional MoUs included cooperation on disability care with Djibouti, trade promotion with China, combating terrorism with Kenya, and news exchange between the Saudi Press Agency and Algeria’s News Agency.

In addition, the Cabinet praised the outcomes of the second edition of the Human Capabilities Initiative Conference recently held in Riyadh, which announced more than 100 launches, agreements, and MoUs aimed at stimulating international cooperation and furthering the goals of Vision 2030 in developing human capital.

Other notable decisions included the restructuring of the Primary Committee for the Resolution of Insurance Disputes and Violations in Jeddah, headed by Sultan bin Fayhan Aba Al-Ala, and the establishment of an operations room dedicated to processing financial fraud reports.

The Cabinet approved the final accounts of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University for the previous fiscal year.

It also approved promotions and appointments at the fourteenth rank across multiple ministries, including the promotion of Abdullah bin Saad bin Saleh Al-Ghamdi at the Ministry of Energy and the appointment of Ghaleb bin Ghaleb bin Rajih Abu Khashim as Deputy Emir of Al-Baha Region.

Finally, the Cabinet reviewed a number of general topics, including the annual reports from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, the Royal Commission for Al-Ula Governorate, the Saudi Red Sea Authority, and the Social Development Bank.


Trump to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE from May 13

US President Donald Trump looks on at the White House on April 21, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Reuters)
US President Donald Trump looks on at the White House on April 21, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Reuters)
Updated 17 min 17 sec ago
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Trump to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE from May 13

US President Donald Trump looks on at the White House on April 21, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Reuters)

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump will visit the Middle East next month on a three-country tour, his spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday.
“He will travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates from May 13 until May 16,” Leavitt told a White House press briefing.


Red Sea Global unveils Botanica, its first guest experience dedicated to regenerative tourism

Red Sea Global unveils Botanica, its first guest experience dedicated to regenerative tourism
Updated 37 min 4 sec ago
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Red Sea Global unveils Botanica, its first guest experience dedicated to regenerative tourism

Red Sea Global unveils Botanica, its first guest experience dedicated to regenerative tourism
  • Botanica becomes the latest offering at The Red Sea

RIYADH: Red Sea Global, the developer behind the flagship regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, announced on Tuesday the rebranding of its latest brand, Botanica.

Previously known as The Red Sea Landscape Nursery, Botanica is dedicated not only to supplying sustainable greenery across RSG’s developments but also to offering guests immersive, nature-based experiences.

Operational since 2020, Botanica has already grown and supplied more than 7 million plants to landscape RSG’s destinations, with ambitions to deliver 30 million plants by 2030.

From this month, it opens its doors to guests at The Red Sea, AMAALA, and beyond, offering a new way for visitors to engage with the natural environment.

“Botanica is more than just a nursery, it’s a step toward regenerating Saudi Arabia’s rich biodiversity,” said John Pagano, group CEO of RSG.

“After providing us with more than 7 million plants for landscaping our destinations, the nursery now becomes our first guest experience that caters uniquely to the RSG DNA of regenerative tourism. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy immersive, hands-on experiences that reconnect them with nature,” he added.

Guests visiting Botanica can explore the nursery through guided tours, participate in planting their own flora, and enjoy refreshments at the Botanica Cafe, which serves breakfast and lunch.

They can also visit a garden shop and a tropical area.

Covering over 1.8 million square meters, Botanica is the largest landscape nursery in the region. The nursery also plays a significant role in supporting the local economy, with around 400 people employed on site, 25 percent of whom come from nearby communities.

Botanica becomes the latest offering at The Red Sea, following the launch of WAMA, specializing in water sports; Galaxea, offering underwater adventures; and Akun, which delivers land-based exploration experiences.

The Red Sea welcomed its first guests in 2023 and currently has five hotels open.

Upon full completion in 2030, the destination will feature 50 resorts, providing up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties spread across 22 islands and six inland sites.

The development will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment venues, dining, and leisure facilities.


NCVC launches plan to combat desertification, sand encroachment and drought mitigation

NCVC launches plan to combat desertification, sand encroachment and drought mitigation
Updated 22 April 2025
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NCVC launches plan to combat desertification, sand encroachment and drought mitigation

NCVC launches plan to combat desertification, sand encroachment and drought mitigation
  • Project is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts under its COP16 presidency and aligned with initiatives to address climate challenges
  • Plan aims to strengthen national resilience against desertification and drought by developing and implementing effective strategies

RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, or NCVC, has launched an executive plan for combating desertification, sand encroachment and drought mitigation.

The move is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts under its COP16 presidency and in alignment with global initiatives to address environmental and climate challenges.

According to an NCVC press release, the plan aims to strengthen national resilience against desertification and drought by developing and implementing effective strategies that align with national policies, regional initiatives and international commitments. 

It focuses on formulating sustainable policies and programs based on a comprehensive assessment of current conditions, global practices and an integrated approach to natural resource management, the statement said.

In addition to enhancing readiness and response mechanisms, the plan seeks to develop early warning systems, implement mitigation and adaptation strategies, and foster cooperation among relevant entities in planning and execution. 

It also includes efforts to establish sustainable financing mechanisms and facilitate the transfer of knowledge and advanced technologies to ensure the successful implementation of its initiatives.

The project consists of two primary scopes: The executive plan for combating desertification and the executive plan for integrated drought management.

NCVC continues its mission to restore and preserve vegetation cover by rehabilitating degraded lands and protecting biodiversity in natural ecosystems, the press release said. 

It also oversees the conservation and sustainable management of rangelands, forests and national parks, combats illegal logging, and safeguards Saudi Arabia’s natural resources. 

These efforts align with its vision to foster a thriving and diverse vegetation cover that promotes environmental sustainability and enhances the quality of life.


Tarjama launches Arabic.AI based on model that outperforms GPT-4o in Arabic

Tarjama launches Arabic.AI based on model that outperforms GPT-4o in Arabic
Updated 22 April 2025
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Tarjama launches Arabic.AI based on model that outperforms GPT-4o in Arabic

Tarjama launches Arabic.AI based on model that outperforms GPT-4o in Arabic
  • Arabic-first large language model is said to outperform industry leaders on key benchmarks
  • Software understands “nuances of Arabic across multiple dialects and contexts,” founder says

RIYADH: In a market saturated with English-first large language models, Tarjama is flipping the narrative.

The UAE-based technology company today launched its Arabic.AI platform, based on the Pronoia V2 Arabic-first large language model that it claims has outscored industry leaders ChatGPT, DeepSeek and Cohere on key Arabic benchmarks.

Designed to process Arabic with near-human understanding, Pronoia touts itself as a tool for a range of uses including legal analysis, translation and proposal writing.

“It was a big surprise for us that this small model for specific niche tasks, can be better than (ChatGPT) 4o,” Andrii Klyman, senior AI product manager at Tarjama, told Arab News at a recent event in Riyadh.

Founder Nour Al-Hassan in a statement: “For too long, Arabic has remained an afterthought in the global AI landscape,

“We’ve built something fundamentally different—an autonomous system that actually understands the nuances of Arabic across multiple dialects and contexts.”

In testing, Pronoia V2 achieved an average score of 76.8 percent across Arabic language benchmarks, outperforming GPT-4o by more than 18 percentage points.

While the model can handle multilingual text, its strength lies in high-context Arabic. Tarjama has already developed several applications on top of it, including a spell-checker, legal contract analyzer, and its most recent interface, Arabic.AI — a tool for business users.

In one live demo, the system restructured an Arabic contract and highlighted risks based on local law.

In another, a user uploaded a PowerPoint file, and the system not only translated the slides but reversed their direction — adapting layout and language simultaneously.

A third version, Pronoia V3, is now in testing. Tarjama says it will deliver even stronger performance across Arabic dialects and achieve a COMET score above 94 — a key benchmark for translation quality.

Tarjama’s push to dominate Arabic AI is both technical and cultural. For years, the Arabic language has been underserved by leading AI tools, which often fail to understand its grammar, dialects, or even its script direction. Pronoia, by contrast, was purpose-built to fill that gap.