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Coalition says it intercepted Houthi missile fired toward Riyadh

RIYADH: The Coalition fighting to restore legitimacy in Yemen said Tuesday that it has successfully intercepted a ballistic missile launched by the Houthi militia toward Riyadh. Earlier, the Saudi Civil Defense said it had lifted a security alert after it issued one earlier in Riyadh warning of a possible aerial…

Esports World Cup opens new global pathways to EWC 2027

RIYADH: The Esports World Cup has announced the 2027 EWC Qualifier Program, a partner program within the Road to EWC that enables tournament organizers and local esports communities worldwide to run official qualifying competitions. The program marks a significant expansion of the Road to EWC. The qualification…

Dubai Basketball earn hard-fought win over SC Derby

DUBAI: Dubai Basketball kept up their perfect record in the ABA League after a 108-90 win over SC Derby in Round 4 of Regular Season at Coca-Cola Arena. Dubai coach Xavi Pascual said of the victory: “We’re happy to have won a game that we clearly didn’t play well for 10 minutes. We attacked well, but everything…

Brent crude holds near five-month high on Middle East tension

BENGALURU: Oil prices advanced on Tuesday, with Brent hovering ​around a five-month high as traders priced in a geopolitical risk premium from Houthi attacks ‌on Saudi infrastructure and reports of vessel attacks in the Gulf. Brent crude futures climbed 55 cents, or 0.50 percent, to $110.10 a barrel by 06:19 a.m…

Second Round of 2026 Saudi Toyota Championship Karting Concludes in Jeddah

Jeddah: The second round of the 2026 Saudi Toyota Championship Karting concluded at Jeddah Corniche Karting Circuit, under the supervision of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, the owner of the championship. The event was managed by Bakhashab Motorsport, in partnership with Jameel Motorsport, the official…

Tottenham’s agonizing wait for a Premier League win ends with Coventry victory

LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur fans have been ‌crying out for a bit of quality this season and they finally got it on Monday as the North London side claimed their first Premier League ​win in 148 days with a 3-1 home success against Coventry City. Tottenham are the last of the 92 clubs in England’s football league to earn…

Australian prime minister says lawmaker critically injured by car is ‘no accident’

MELBOURNE, Australia: An Australian federal lawmaker remained in critical condition Tuesday after undergoing surgery for injuries sustained when she was hit by a car in what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said was an apparently deliberate attack. Helen Haines, a 65-year-old independent politician, was struck by a…

‘Close up your borders’: Trump blames French unrest on immigration

WASHINGTON, United States: US President Donald Trump on Monday again blamed immigration for protests and violence that have rocked France in recent days, urging Europe and French President Emmanuel Macron to tighten borders. “What’s happening in France has to do with immigration, not schools, not anything,” Trump told…

Artful gifts

Participants will work in pairs, painting plates inspired by each other during this relaxed art session on Thursday. Book at experiences.suplift.com .

Tihama views

Nafas is a family-friendly experience at Asir National Park, offering nature, restaurants and attractions with stunning views of Tihama. It runs until Feb. 28. Check abha.platinumlist.net .

Space for all

“Tafasahu: Make Room” is an exhibition inviting visitors to pause, gather and reflect on belonging through the traditional majlis. It runs until March 20, 2027.

Endless play

Day Day Game offers more than 120 games for visitors aged 16 and older, from competitive challenges to casual entertainment. Visit riyadh.platinumlist.net .

Capsizings cause the deaths of 12 migrants off Greek islands

ATHENS, Greece: A dozen migrants died in separate speedboat capsizings off the Greek islands of Lesbos and Samos, Greece’s coast guard said Monday. An infant was among the dead. Six people died when a speedboat ferrying Syrian and Palestinian migrants struck the port side of a Greek coast guard vessel with its bow and…

Hegseth meets Netanyahu in unannounced visit to Israel, reports Axios

WASHINGTON: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an unannounced visit to Israel on Monday, Axios reported, citing two sources with knowledge of the meeting. The visit comes eight days before Israel’s parliamentary election and amid US-Israeli discussions about…

US and Cuba clash at UN ahead of sanctions vote

The United States and Cuba exchanged accusations at the United Nations before a key vote on a resolution to end the US embargo on Cuba. Tensions flared as Cuban and US diplomats clashed at an event featuring Cuban dissidents.

Japan launches spacecraft to mysterious moons of Mars

TOKYO: A Japanese spacecraft rocketed toward Mars on Tuesday on an unprecedented quest to explore its mysterious moons and bring back samples. Five of the world’s space agencies joined forces for the five-year mission that will attempt to land a robotic prospector plus a rover on Phobos, the larger and closer of Mars’…

France announces curfews as government grapples with unrest

The French government has imposed partial curfews in Paris and other cities following severe street violence over rising prices. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has not discounted declaring a state of emergency.

’Accidental’ blast at Libya training center kills eight: official

TRIPOLI: Eight recruits were killed and several others wounded in an accidental blast at a training center for security forces in western Libya, an official told AFP on Monday. The explosion went off during a live-fire exercise late on Sunday in Zawiya, said the official from the city’s security directorate. “The…

US officials plan to travel to Norway for Ukraine talks, sources say

Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are scheduled to travel to Norway for negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expected to participate. This follows rising tensions between the US and Ukraine over recent limitations on the Starshield satellite system, which Ukraine…

US-sanctioned ICC shortlisted for EU’s top rights prize

STRASBOURG, France: Facing US sanctions, the International Criminal Court was shortlisted Monday for the European Union’s top rights prize in what supporters described as a show of support for a fraying rules-based international order. The European Parliament named the Netherlands-based tribunal among the three…

US authorities respond to reported shooting near Ohio mosque

Federal agents are investigating a reported shooting near a mosque in Columbus, Ohio, where local media indicate at least one person has died. Authorities have confirmed another victim is at the scene, but their condition remains unknown.

Martinelli heads late winner to keep Al-Hilal top after Al-Hazem near-shock

KHOBAR: Al-Hazem were mere centimeters away from causing the shock of the season when, in the 84th minute, Ahmed Al-Shamrani was sent through on goal behind the Al-Hilal defense. The pass from Aboubacar Bah was perfectly weighted, beating the offside trap and placing Al-Shamrani in a perfect position in front of…

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Vital Signs’ by Stephen Houston

For two millennia, the ancestral Maya of Mexico and Central America created a rich legacy of image and text. “Vital Signs” explains how this graphic system worked, shedding new light on its design, intent, and authorship. One of the few peoples of the ancient world with hieroglyphic writing, the Maya developed an…

Saudi Red Crescent deploys 166 ambulance teams in Makkah region ahead of rainy season

JEDDAH: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority said it had placed 166 ambulance teams on standby across Makkah region ahead of the rainy season, to ensure a rapid response to medical emergencies. The deployment includes 69 teams in Jeddah, 60 in Makkah and 37 in Taif, which are supported by six specialized response vehicles…

Jordanian king and Iraqi president highlight cooperation on oil pipeline project

King Abdullah of Jordan and Iraqi President Nizar Amidi discussed their nations' ties and potential cooperation, particularly on the Basra-Aqaba oil pipeline project. King Abdullah stressed the importance of regional stability, de-escalating tensions, and supporting the security of Arab states while addressing…

Saudi Arabia’s mental health community unites amid regional tensions

RIYADH: Mental health professionals across Saudi Arabia are encouraging people to prioritize emotional well-being, support one another and seek professional help when needed, as the Kingdom responds to recent attacks with a renewed sense of unity. Experts have used social media and public platforms to highlight the…

Jeddah governor receives Consul General of South Korea

JEDDAH: Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi on Monday received South Korean Consul General Dae Hwan Kim. They exchanged cordial talks and discussed topics of mutual interest. Meanwhile, Fareed Al-Shahri, director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs branch in Makkah region, received Bangladesh Consul…

Saudi Arabia and UAE call for closer Gulf coordination in face of Houthi attacks

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and the UAE on Monday called for stronger coordination among Gulf nations to contain escalating regional tensions amid continuing Houthi attacks on the Kingdom. It came as the Saudi foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and his Emirati counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan…

UAE, France discuss stronger coordination to tackle regional escalation

ABU DHABI: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Monday called for closer coordination to address escalating tensions in the Middle East and their impact on maritime security and global energy supplies. The two leaders discussed diplomatic efforts to contain…

Homs summer tourism sees 40% rise in overnight visitors

HOMS: Overnight visitor numbers at tourism accommodation facilities in Homs province rose 40 percent during this summer season compared with last year, driven by increased demand in the western countryside, Syria’s tourism director, Nizar Al-Taweel, said. The province recorded 26,494 overnight visitors, while Krak des…

Syria and Lebanon discuss refugee returns, child protection and social welfare

DAMASCUS: Officials from the Syrian Arab Republic and Lebanon on Monday discussed cooperation in the return of Syrian refugees, the protection of children and the development of social welfare services, as the countries seek to strengthen ties and expand coordination between their governments. The Syrian minister of…

Drone strikes across Sudan kill more than 100

Drone strikes have killed over 100 people in Sudan, mainly affecting Khartoum and regions controlled by the Rapid Support Forces. The deadliest strike occurred in Al-Dibab in the southwest.

Yemeni forces report new gains in Taiz, 1,164 strikes on Houthis

ADEN: Yemeni government forces captured new positions in Taiz as they intensified their offensive against the Houthis, carrying out 1,164 strikes and neutralizing an estimated 558 militia fighters over the past 24 hours, a military spokesperson said on Monday. Majed Al-Nuzaili, spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed…

Middle East policy weighs on US voters ahead of midterms, Asharq/Ipsos poll finds

Middle East policy could play a significant role in Americans’ choices in next month’s congressional elections, with a majority saying candidates’ positions on US military involvement in the region matter to their vote, according to a new Asharq/Ipsos Poll. The survey found that 57 percent of American adults consider…

FII Institute postpones 10th annual conference to 2027

RIYADH: The Future Investment Initiative Institute has informed participants that the tenth edition of its annual conference, originally scheduled to take place in Riyadh from Oct. 26 to 29, has been postponed to 2027. A new date will be announced “soon.” In a message to participants reviewed by Asharq Bloomberg, the…

Saudi and French ministers call for intensified diplomacy to contain regional conflicts

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and France called on Monday for intensified diplomatic efforts to contain regional conflicts and safeguard maritime security amid escalating attacks by the Yemen-based Houthis. During a meeting in Riyadh, the Saudi foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and his French counterpart, Jean-Noel…

King Salman receives written message from Qatar emir

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman received a written message from the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani concerning relations between their countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The message was received by Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khereiji during a meeting with the Qatari ambassador to the…

Israeli authorities demolish Arab homes in unrecognized Negev villages

Israeli authorities recently demolished three homes in the unrecognized Arab villages of Umm Numaila and Abu Quraynat in the Negev, part of a broader campaign against structures built without permits. Facing heavy fines, a family in Abu Quraynat self-demolished their home to avoid costs of about $19,430. About 55,000…

Where We Are Going Today: Sugar Rhymes brings fairytale charm to Jeddah

Walking into Sugar Rhymes in Jeddah’s Al-Naeem district feels like stepping into a fairytale. With whimsical cottage-style interiors and Disney-like charm, the bakery and cafe is especially appealing to families with children. Breakfast is served from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with familiar morning dishes given imaginative…

Iran had a plan, Saudi Arabia had a better one

Years ago, I argued that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was reshaping the Middle East’s balance of power by transforming Saudi Arabia’s strategic advantages into sources of regional and international influence. The current conflict offers a striking illustration of that argument, revealing how years of investment in…

Arab Views: Should Riyadh negotiate with Houthis?

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia should not expect political negotiations with Yemen’s Houthi militia to deliver a solution, as previous attempts at dialogue have failed to change the group’s behavior, according to Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, chairman of the Gulf Research Center. Appearing on the Arab News program “Arab Views” in…

Tuwaiq Sculpture 2027 names curators, unveils ‘Where Roots Run Deep’ theme

DUBAI: Riyadh’s Tuwaiq Sculpture symposium has announced its curatorial team and theme for its 2027 edition, with Soha Al-Zaid joining Aldo Rinaldi and Auronda Scalera to curate the event. Taking place in January 2027, the eighth edition of the annual symposium will be guided by the theme “Where Roots Run Deep,”…

Philippines reaffirms solidarity with Saudi Arabia in wake of Houthi attacks

MANILA: The Philippine government reaffirmed on Monday its solidarity with Saudi Arabia in the wake of Houthi attacks, as it brought home dozens of nationals affected by the recent strikes on the Kingdom. Filipinos were among more than 300 people injured on Oct. 10 — the deadliest in a recent series of attacks — when…

The Houthis can hurt Saudi Arabia but they cannot break it

Missiles can damage airports, disrupt oil facilities and frighten civilians. They cannot, by themselves, bring a resilient nation to its knees. Yet much of the commentary surrounding the latest Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia seems to confuse the Kingdom’s vulnerability to asymmetric warfare with a fundamental weakness…

Closing Bell: Saudi main index falls 0.65% to 10,123

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index declined on Monday, shedding 66.15 points, or 0.65 percent, to close at 10,123.62. Trading turnover reached SR3.56 billion ($945.9 million), with approximately 302.1 million shares changing hands. Market breadth was negative, with 200 stocks declining and 63 advancing…

Orionid Meteor Shower to peak this week, will light up Saudi skies

RIYADH: If you are an avid skygazer and love watching meteors, experts say the Orionid Meteor Shower 2026 will peak this week, and is expected to light up Saudi Arabia’s skies. The Noor Astronomy Association said the Orionids are active from late October to early November and can be seen with the naked eye from dark…

Israel is still in the game

The stadium is empty but Israel is still in the game. Though any form of isolation of those responsible for genocide is welcome, the growing movement for a sporting boycott of Israel has yet to translate solidarity into meaningful isolation. Two recent developments illustrate this. The first was the decision by…

The refugee policy that could save billions

Perhaps the strangest feature of the modern refugee system is that governments frequently complain about the cost of supporting refugees while simultaneously preventing refugees from supporting themselves. The UN Refugee Agency is facing one of the most serious financial crises in its history. It estimates it needs…

Germany summons Iran envoy over ‘malicious’ assassination plots

Germany summoned Iran’s ambassador following the conviction of two men involved in a plot orchestrated by Tehran to assassinate pro-Israeli figures. The court sentenced a Danish and an Afghan national for targeting prominent community leaders.

Saudi partners involved in 1,640 Bahraini enterprises, chamber chief says

RIYADH: Economic relations between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain extend beyond trade, encompassing significant investment and partnerships between the private sectors of both nations. Data from the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry indicates that 1,640 enterprises involve Saudi partners, spanning a variety of…

New archaeology season opens in AlUla, Khaybar

ALULA: The Royal Commission for AlUla has launched its 2026–2027 archaeology season in AlUla and Khaybar to deepen research into the region’s ancient past, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. Years of excavation, documentation and conservation have already produced significant finds at what the commission calls…

Houthis’ three-pronged attack a threat to the world

The violence perpetrated by the Houthis has three interlocking dimensions whose continuation threatens to produce ever more severe repercussions for Yemen, the region and the wider international system. If left unchecked, they risk embedding patterns of impunity, deepening the humanitarian catastrophe and…

Tara Emad breaks into Hollywood with ‘The Mummy: Book of the Dead’

DUBAI: Egyptian Montenegrin actress and model Tara Emad is set to make her Hollywood debut in “The Mummy: Book of the Dead,” joining returning franchise stars Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in the latest instalment of Universal Pictures’ adventure series. The casting news was confirmed by Emad on her Instagram…

Meet the Saudi surgeon behind Riyadh’s emergency medical response

RIYADH: Around 400 medical professionals were mobilized and 25 surgical procedures carried out in the first 10 hours following the attack on King Khalid International Airport, according to a Saudi orthopedic surgeon involved in the emergency response. Dr. Maad Al-Saati, who heads the Orthopedic Surgery Department at…

‘Practical application’ of Zionism is racist: UK Green Party chief

LONDON: The “practical application” of Zionism is racist, and no country has a right to exist, the leader of the UK’s Green Party has told the BBC. Zack Polanski, who is Jewish, said a recent motion at the party’s annual conference that “Zionism is racism” was “unhelpful” but not “controversial.” He added: “What’s…

Riyadh airport worker braved danger to rescue passengers

JEDDAH: As smoke filled the air and terrified passengers fled for safety, Saudi Ground Services employee Mohammed Saleh Al-Yami made a decision that would leave a lasting impression on those caught up in the attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh: he turned back. Even after being injured, Al-Yami…

Indonesia first foreign country to own property in Makkah

RIYADH: Indonesia has become the first foreign country to own property in Thakher Makkah, after the state’s wealth fund Danantara received ownership certificates for a SR2 billion ($531.4 million) acquisition. According to a press release, Thakher Development, the master developer of Thakher Makkah, handed over the…

Iran says US responsible for ‘insecurity’ in Hormuz strait

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has arrived in Tehran to engage in diplomatic talks with Iranian leaders amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Lavrov’s visit underlines Moscow’s desire to mediate in regional tensions.

Russian FM arrives in Iran as Moscow looks to mediate in war

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has arrived in Tehran to engage in diplomatic talks with Iranian leaders amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Lavrov’s visit underlines Moscow’s desire to mediate in regional tensions.

Arab League backs Lebanon’s negotiations with Israel

DUBAI: The Arab League fully supports Lebanon’s negotiations with Israel and will intensify its political and diplomatic efforts in support of Beirut, Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy said on Monday. Speaking after meeting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Fahmy said Lebanon was a priority for the Arab League, which would…

Saudi CMA proposes tighter fund disclosures on payouts, assets and risks

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s investment funds would need to disclose more details on payouts, holdings and property revenues under proposals aimed at improving transparency across the sector. The Capital Market Authority is considering requiring funds to explain the sources of cash distributions, including income from…

Saudi actress Sarah Taibah brings star power to El-Gouna Film Festival

DUBAI: Saudi actress and screenwriter Sarah Taibah made an appearance at the El-Gouna Film Festival in Egypt at the weekend, where she joined discussions on the creative forces shaping performances. Taibah took part in a panel titled “The Actor’s Choice: Who Gets To Shape a Performance,” which explored the…

‘Those are the games you play football for,’ says Joshua King

AL-HASA: The pressure was mounting on Al-Khaleej head coach Jose Gomes on Sept. 12. Even after holding defending champions Al-Nassr to a 1-1 draw, the question remained: Would this Al-Khaleej side continue to grow over the season, or was the result a one-off? Evidently, it was not. Since the international break that…

Back-to-back Masters champion McIlroy confirmed for 2027 Dubai Desert Classic

DUBAI: Rory McIlroy will return to Emirates Golf Club in January in search of a record-extending fifth Dallah Trophy, after confirming his place at the 2027 Hero Dubai Desert Classic, which takes place from Jan. 21–24. The World No. 2 is now a six-time Major champion, having successfully defended his Masters title at…

Greek expats in Saudi Arabia express pride in homeland’s role in protecting Kingdom

RIYADH: For Greek expatriates living in Saudi Arabia, their home country’s military support for the Kingdom has taken on personal significance, bringing together pride in Greece and a sense of security in the country they now call home. Greece’s continued military cooperation with Saudi Arabia, including the…

Syria, World Bank agree to establish multi-donor recovery and reconstruction fund

RIYADH: Syria and the World Bank Group have agreed to establish a multi-donor trust fund to support the country’s economic recovery and reconstruction, attract investment and encourage private-sector financing to advance sustainable development. The Syria Recovery and Reconstruction Trust Fund, known as START, will…

Riyadh Metro helps drive Saudi rail passenger numbers up 266.5%

RIYADH: Passenger numbers on Saudi railways surged 266.5 percent to 156.4 million in 2025, as the impact of Riyadh Metro was felt in its first year of operation. According to the General Authority for Statistics, intracity traveler numbers jumped to 145.4 million from 31.1 million in 2024, an increase of 368 percent…

How Samar Hejazi is unpicking the concept of identity

DUBAI: Palestinian-Canadian artist Samar Hejazi pulls on the threads of her past to create visually compelling works that explore what it means to cultivate an identity outside the framework of a nation-state. The Dubai-based multi-disciplinary artist made headlines earlier this year when her sculptural work was…