The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia announced its forecast of continued atmospheric instability, with rain expected in various parts of the Kingdom extending until the end of this week. This forecast is based on the output of the advanced Saudi numerical weather prediction model, a key tool for monitoring and analyzing weather phenomena with high accuracy.

According to the center's report, the list of regions and governorates affected by this rainfall includes Mecca, Abha, Taif, and Al-Baha, in addition to northern areas such as Sakaka and Arar, and areas in Al-Qassim such as Unaizah and Buraidah, extending as far as Al-Dawadmi Governorate. The center indicated that these rains may be thundery at times and accompanied by active winds that could stir up dust and sand, necessitating caution.

Climate context and the importance of rainfall

These rains come at a crucial time for the Kingdom, which is characterized by its predominantly desert climate. These rainy periods are known for their vital role in replenishing groundwater reservoirs, supporting the agricultural sector, and improving vegetation cover, as well as their contribution to moderating the climate and lowering temperatures. The southwestern highlands, such as Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha, are among the regions that receive the most seasonal rainfall, making them attractive domestic tourist destinations thanks to their lush greenery and temperate climate.

Expected effects and calls for caution

Despite these positive forecasts, which bring good tidings and blessings, the relevant authorities, led by the General Directorate of Civil Defense, are issuing warnings to citizens and residents to exercise caution and stay away from valleys, floodplains, and areas where water accumulates. Drivers are also advised to reduce their speed and maintain a safe distance, especially given the expected fog formation in parts of the highlands and the eastern region, which may reduce horizontal visibility. The chance of thunderstorms and rain is also expected to extend to parts of the highlands of the Madinah region, thus expanding the geographical scope of the weather system.

The National Center of Meteorology continues to closely monitor weather developments around the clock, stressing the importance of following its official reports to obtain the latest information and guidance necessary to ensure everyone's safety.

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing economic efficiency and driving sustainable development, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has appointed new leaders to two key government bodies. The Board of Directors of the Government Spending and Projects Efficiency Authority (EXPRO) appointed Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdullah Al-Bishr as its CEO, while His Excellency the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Mr. Bandar Al-Khorayef, appointed Mr. Bader bin Sulaiman Al-Harbash as CEO of the Saudi Export Development Authority.

Badr Al-Harbash and leading the development of Saudi exports

The appointment of Professor Bader Al-Harbash comes at a time when the Kingdom is strongly seeking to diversify its economy and increase the contribution of non-oil sectors to the gross domestic product, which is one of the main objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The Saudi Export Development Authority plays a vital role in achieving this objective by empowering Saudi exporters and opening new markets for national products and services.

Al-Harbash boasts a rich professional background spanning over 20 years, during which he held prominent leadership positions, including Head of Strategy and Executive Director of Strategy at the Tourism Development Fund, in addition to serving as a Partnerships Advisor at the Fund. His career also included significant roles at Saudi Aramco, providing him with extensive experience in strategy, business development, and project management—skills essential for leading the Authority toward achieving its ambitious goals of increasing Saudi non-oil exports and enhancing its global competitiveness.

Abdulrahman Al-Bashar and the mission of enhancing the efficiency of government spending

On another front, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Bishr heads the Government Spending and Projects Efficiency Authority (EXPRO), the government body responsible for rationalizing public spending and improving the efficiency of government project management. The authority was established as part of comprehensive economic reforms to ensure the optimal use of state financial resources and to guarantee that government projects are implemented according to the highest quality standards and on schedule.

Dr. Al-Bashar possesses extensive and diverse experience in both the public and private sectors, having led strategic initiatives for industrial policy transformation and operational excellence. His expertise encompasses vital areas such as strategy, business development, financial management, and digital transformation. His leadership is expected to enhance the Authority's role in governing procedures, designing innovative business models to improve spending efficiency, and generating financial savings that can be redirected to support other development priorities, thereby strengthening the Kingdom's financial sustainability.

The impact of appointments on the economic landscape

These appointments reflect the leadership's commitment to entrusting vital positions to qualified national talent capable of leading the desired transformation. By boosting non-oil exports and increasing the efficiency of government spending, the Kingdom is taking firm steps towards building a diversified and sustainable economy, capable of meeting global challenges and achieving prosperity for its citizens, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.

The municipality of Al-Khobar Governorate announced the launch of a strategic project aimed at linking its traffic signal network to a central control system based on artificial intelligence, in a qualitative step aimed at enhancing the city’s position within the IMD Smart Cities Index globally, and confirming its ability to harness the latest technologies to serve humanity and improve the quality of life.

General context and Vision 2030

This initiative comes within the framework of the comprehensive national transformation underway in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in line with the goals of Vision 2030, which prioritizes improving quality of life and upgrading urban infrastructure. Adopting smart city technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, is a cornerstone for achieving these goals, as the Kingdom seeks to transform its major cities into smart and sustainable global hubs. The Khobar project represents a practical application of this ambitious vision.

Mechanism of action and expected impact

The new system relies on a sophisticated network of cameras and sensors deployed at major intersections. These devices collect real-time, accurate data on vehicle traffic density and pedestrian flow. This data is transmitted instantly to a central, AI-powered control system, which performs predictive analysis of traffic patterns. Based on this analysis, the system dynamically and automatically adjusts traffic light timing, ensuring smoother traffic flow and minimizing unnecessary delays.

Project importance and dimensions

This project is expected to have a direct and positive impact on the lives of residents and visitors to Al-Khobar. By improving traffic flow, the system will reduce daily commute times and alleviate peak-hour congestion. It will also lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions, thus promoting environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the project will enhance road safety by reducing the likelihood of accidents at intersections and facilitating the passage of emergency vehicles. Internationally, this achievement reinforces Al-Khobar's position as a model smart city in the region and underscores the Kingdom's commitment to innovation and sustainable urban development.