Local News
Launch of the first global talent index at the Asian Conference in Jeddah 2026
Under the patronage of the Minister of Education, Jeddah will host the Asian Conference on Talent and Creativity 2026. A global event that will witness the launch of the first index for measuring talent, with the participation of 40 countries and a select group of experts.
In a move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leadership in the field of knowledge economy and investment in human capital, the city of Jeddah is preparing to host an exceptional global event, the 19th Asian Conference on Talent and Creativity 2026. This prominent event will launch on Saturday, February 7, 2026, under the generous patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Education, Mr. Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Bunyan, at the University of Business and Technology, and will continue for five days full of scientific and research activity.
A global event of exceptional standards
This conference marks a pivotal moment in the history of talent development, as it will witness the official launch of the first global index for measuring and assessing talent—an unprecedented international initiative aimed at establishing precise standards for monitoring and developing creative abilities. This international forum brings together a distinguished group of leaders, experts, and researchers representing more than 40 countries, making it a global platform for exchanging experiences and perspectives.
The conference's scientific program includes figures that reflect the magnitude of the event, including:
- More than 100 sessions and keynote speeches.
- 350 peer-reviewed scientific contributions.
- Participation of 1200 international speakers and experts.
- 30 accompanying seminars covering various aspects of talent and creativity.
Vision 2030 and the future of gifted education
Under the theme "Towards the Future: A Vision for Gifted Education 2050," this conference aligns directly with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, specifically the Human Capital Development Program. The Kingdom is no longer content with nurturing gifted individuals domestically; it has moved to a position of global leadership in this field. This conference builds upon a rich history of Saudi achievements on the international stage and reflects the Ministry of Education's efforts to create a competitive educational environment that fosters a culture of innovation.
This edition of the conference is of particular importance given the rapid transformations the world is witnessing in the fields of artificial intelligence and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which makes the need urgent to discover and nurture talents according to modern scientific methodologies, which is what the new global index seeks to achieve.
Strategic partnerships and quality initiatives
The conference features a series of accompanying activities aimed at empowering youth, including an enrichment camp for gifted students and an educational innovation hackathon. The event is held under the auspices of the Asian Federation for Giftedness and Creativity, in strategic partnership with the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), a global leader in this field, as well as partnerships with the Salem Bin Mahfouz Charitable Foundation, Fitaihi Holding Group, and organizing partner "Zakaat," with support from the Ministries of Education and Culture.
National leadership and competencies
To ensure the conference reflects the Kingdom's stature, a high-level supervisory committee was formed, chaired by Dr. Abdullah bin Sadiq Dahlan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Business and Technology. The committee includes prominent national figures, among them His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Mishari Al Saud, Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Awad, Dr. Wiam bin Hosni Tunisi, Dr. Ziyad bin Abdullah Al-Drees, Professor Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Jughaiman, Engineer Sami bin Omar Al-Hussain, and Dr. Laila Ahmed Jamjoom.
Commenting on the event, Dr. Abdullah bin Sadiq Dahlan affirmed that the Kingdom’s hosting of the conference reflects its firm commitment to supporting excellence and creativity, noting that talent has become a strategic element in the equation of sustainable development, and that the conference will contribute to shaping the future of gifted education globally and building competitive knowledge societies.
Local News
Riyadh Dispute Resolution Week 2026 concludes: Results and figures
Riyadh Dispute Resolution Week 2026 concluded its activities with the participation of 6,000 experts from 104 countries. Learn about the conference's key outcomes and its role in promoting commercial arbitration and investment.
The Saudi capital, Riyadh, concluded today the activities of “Riyadh International Dispute Resolution Week 2026”, which began at the beginning of February, bringing to a close one of the most prominent legal events in the region, which witnessed high-level participation that included government leaders, ministers of justice, judges, and an elite group of legal and arbitration experts, in addition to business leaders from various countries around the world.
Enhancing the legislative environment in light of Vision 2030
The success of this international event reflects the rapid development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's legislative and judicial environment, in line with the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to create an attractive and secure investment climate. Developing dispute resolution and commercial arbitration mechanisms is a cornerstone for reassuring both foreign and domestic investors. These mechanisms contribute to the swift resolution of complex commercial cases outside of traditional courtrooms, thereby enhancing the stability of economic transactions.
Discussing arbitration issues in a turbulent world
Under the theme “Reliable Dispute Resolution in a Turbulent World,” the conference addressed vital topics focusing on the importance of sound governance and legal clarity in fostering trust and stability. The intensive program included keynote speeches and five specialized panel discussions that explored the growth prospects of the global dispute resolution industry.
The Arab Judicial Forum on the New York Convention was a prominent event, bringing together 50 judges from 22 Arab countries with 20 international experts. Participants discussed challenges in implementing the 1958 New York Convention, the scope of judicial review of arbitration awards, and the interpretation of "public policy" as grounds for refusal to enforce awards. This contributed to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms for enforcing judgments and enhanced judicial predictability.
International partnerships and building future capabilities
The week witnessed an international celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), in a move that reflected the depth of the partnership between the Kingdom and international organizations, and highlighted UNCITRAL’s role in unifying the rules of international trade.
In terms of capacity building, the seventh edition of the International Commercial Arbitration Competition concluded, with the participation of student teams from law and Sharia colleges from 25 countries. The students undertook a nine-month competitive journey, which included preparing legal briefs and oral arguments in hypothetical cases, contributing to the development of a new generation of qualified practitioners according to the highest international standards.
Record numbers and global participation
The final indicators revealed the event's resounding success, with 95 live events featuring 380 speakers. Actual attendance exceeded 6,100 participants representing 104 nationalities, while the week's digital platform recorded over 8,300 active accounts, underscoring Riyadh's growing stature as a leading regional and international hub for legal dialogue and shaping the future of commercial justice.
Local News
Mohammed Al-Rasasmeh appointed as official spokesperson for the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing
Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majid Al-Hogail issued a decision appointing Mohammed Al-Rasasmeh as the official spokesperson for the ministry, with the aim of unifying the media discourse and enhancing communication with the public.
His Excellency the Minister of Municipalities and Housing, Mr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, issued a ministerial decree appointing Mr. Mohammed Al-Rasasmeh as the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing. This strategic step comes as part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to develop its communication system and enhance effective communication channels with all segments of society and various media outlets.
Media skills and academic expertise
The new spokesperson, Mohammed Al-Rasasmeh, possesses a strong academic and professional background that qualifies him to lead the ministry's media strategy at this crucial juncture. Al-Rasasmeh holds a master's degree in media and strategic communication, reflecting a combination of in-depth theoretical knowledge and modern communication practices. He also has a wealth of accumulated practical experience in media work and corporate communications, making him a valuable addition to the ministry's team.
The objectives of the assignment and unifying the media discourse
The ministry explained that this directive comes in support of its ongoing efforts to regulate and unify its media messaging. The decision aims directly to:
- Enhancing the Ministry's communication presence across various platforms.
- Enabling the public and the media to access accurate and reliable information.
- Highlighting the development initiatives and projects launched by the ministry.
- This reflects the vital role the ministry plays in developing the municipal and housing sectors.
General context and importance of institutional communication
This decision is particularly important given the significant transformations taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of Vision 2030. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing is one of the service providers most directly impacting the daily lives of citizens and residents, whether through municipal services and urban development or through housing programs and support initiatives. Therefore, having a highly qualified official spokesperson is essential to ensuring transparency, rapid response to inquiries, and clear communication of facts to the public.
The implications of the decision on the local scene
The appointment of these communicators is expected to enhance interaction between the ministry and its beneficiaries. Strategic communication extends beyond simply disseminating news; it encompasses building trust, explaining new policies, and promoting the investment and development opportunities offered by the ministry. This approach reinforces the concept of effective government, which prioritizes communication with the public, positively impacting the quality of life and services provided in Saudi cities.
Local News
Saudi Arabia weather today: Thunderstorms and dust in 5 regions
Check today's weather forecast for Saudi Arabia. The National Center for Meteorology predicts thunderstorms in Jazan, Asir, and Mecca, and a dust storm affecting Riyadh, Qassim, and Hail.
The National Center for Meteorology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued its daily report on the expected weather conditions for today (Thursday), indicating the continuation of weather fluctuations witnessed in several regions of the Kingdom, which range between thunderstorms and surface wind activity that stirs up dust and sand.
Expected rainfall map
The center explained in its report that the chance of thunderstorms accompanied by surface wind activity and reduced horizontal visibility remains high in parts of the southern and southwestern regions. This weather pattern includes the highlands of Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha of Makkah region and reaching the southern parts of Madinah . These forecasts are part of the seasonal rainy season that affects mountainous areas due to the topography and the flow of moisture.
Surface winds and dust
Regarding the central, eastern, and northern regions, the National Center for Meteorology noted a significant increase in surface winds stirring up dust and sand, which could lead to near-zero horizontal visibility in open areas and on highways. This warning includes the eastern parts of the aforementioned rainy regions, as well as large parts of Najran, Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, and Al-Jawf regions, and the western parts of the Northern Borders .
Possibility of rain in central Saudi Arabia
The report did not rule out the possibility of rain-bearing thunderclouds extending to parts of central Saudi Arabia, noting the possibility of light rain that could cool the atmosphere and contribute to improving air quality after the dust storms.
General context and safety recommendations
These weather fluctuations are part of the Kingdom's typical climatic patterns during transitional periods, as different air masses interact, causing atmospheric instability. These reports are of particular importance to citizens and residents, especially drivers on highways connecting different regions, given the impact of dust and rain on visibility.
Weather experts and relevant authorities always advise caution in such conditions, staying away from flood channels and valleys in rainy areas, using warning lights, and reducing speed while driving in areas experiencing wind and dust activity to maintain public safety.
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