Local News
Saudi Arabia leads INTOSAI: Presidency of Supreme Audit Institutions
Saudi Arabia assumes the presidency of INTOSAI, strengthening its global standing in financial oversight and positively impacting both the local and international economies. Discover the details!
Saudi Arabia's victory in the INTOSAI presidency election: Implications and economic impact
In a move reflecting international confidence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's competence and leadership in the fields of transparency and financial auditing, the Kingdom has won the presidency of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI). This international achievement adds to its distinguished record of leadership and reinforces its position as a global benchmark in the development of audit institutions.
Significance of the victory and its impact on the local and global economy
The Kingdom's election to the INTOSAI presidency is a strong indicator of its commitment to the principles of integrity and good governance, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Through this leadership role, the Kingdom will be able to direct efforts toward developing modern auditing tools and strengthening international cooperation in financial oversight. These steps will contribute to improving the efficiency of public financial management, not only domestically but also globally.
Domestically, this victory reflects the ongoing financial and regulatory reforms in the Kingdom, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. These reforms aim to enhance transparency and improve the government's financial performance, thereby boosting investor confidence and attracting further foreign investment.
International Awards and Recognitions
In addition to its presidency of INTOSAI, the Kingdom received the INTOSAI Future in recognition of its influential role in developing the financial oversight and accounting system. This award highlights the Kingdom's advanced initiatives in digital transformation and the use of data and artificial intelligence in financial auditing. These modern technologies are vital tools for enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of financial audits, which directly contributes to improving overall economic performance.
The impact of digital transformation and artificial intelligence
The adoption of digital transformation and the use of artificial intelligence represent a paradigm shift in how financial audits are conducted. These technologies provide the ability to analyze massive amounts of data quickly and with high accuracy, reducing the potential for errors and increasing the effectiveness of oversight processes. Globally, the Kingdom's experience can serve as a model for other countries seeking to improve their oversight systems.
Future prospects and Saudi Arabia's leading role
Saudi Arabia is expected to continue strengthening its leading role within international organizations and its active contribution to shaping the future of global financial governance. During its presidency of INTOSAI, it will work to support oversight bodies in developing countries and build their capacity to achieve greater efficiency in public financial management.
This support can significantly contribute to greater financial stability for these countries and help them address increasingly complex global economic challenges. It will also enhance Saudi Arabia's reputation as a global hub for innovation and financial development.
Overall, Saudi Arabia's election to the INTOSAI presidency represents a significant step towards achieving the goals of Vision 2030 and reaffirms its position as a key player on the global economic stage. The Kingdom's continued focus on innovation and sustainable improvement will ensure a pivotal and influential role for decades to come.
Local News
King Fahd Causeway tolls raised to 35 riyals... Details of the new prices
Learn about the new fees for crossing the King Fahd Causeway that came into effect today, 2026, including prices for cars and trucks, with an explanation of the categories exempted from the increase.
The King Fahd Causeway Authority announced today, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the implementation of new toll rates for crossing the causeway linking the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain. This decision comes as part of the Authority's ongoing organizational updates to ensure the sustainability of services and enhance operational efficiency at this vital crossing.
Details of the new vehicle fees
According to the statement issued by the institution, the toll fees have been modified, including several categories of vehicles, and the new price list is as follows:
- Private cars and motorcycles: Fees have increased to 35 riyals instead of the previous price.
- Minibuses: The new fees have been set at 55 riyals .
- Large buses: The toll was 70 riyals .
- Trucks: Fees are calculated at a rate of 7 riyals per ton.
Categories exempt from fee increase
Out of concern for social and humanitarian considerations, the King Fahd Causeway Authority confirmed in its statement that the new increase will not apply to all categories. It has been decided to maintain the current fees without any change for the following categories:
- People with disabilities.
- Students studying in both countries.
- Frequent travelers (daily travelers) who hold special transit cards.
Timeline of bridge toll development
Looking back at the bridge's operational history, the toll for small vehicles remained stable at 20 riyals since its official opening in 1986. This price remained fixed for 30 years, until early 2016, when the toll saw its first increase to 25 riyals. The current increase in 2026 marks the second adjustment in the bridge's history, reflecting economic changes and increasing maintenance requirements over the past four decades.
The strategic and economic importance of the King Fahd Causeway
The King Fahd Causeway is a vital artery in strengthening fraternal and economic ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain. Its role extends beyond simply being a transit route; it has become a cornerstone of trade and tourism among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Historical data indicates that the causeway receives millions of travelers annually, making it one of the busiest land crossings in the Middle East.
The toll revenues usually contribute to funding the periodic maintenance of the bridge, which spans 25 kilometers over the waters of the Arabian Gulf, as well as the development of infrastructure for service facilities on both the Saudi and Bahraini sides, and the modernization of technical systems to facilitate traffic flow and reduce waiting times, which is in the interest of both travelers and the logistics transport sector.
Local News
Medical evacuation of citizens from Cairo to the Kingdom, coordinated by the embassy
A Ministry of Defense medical evacuation plane transported two critically ill citizens from Cairo to the Kingdom. The Saudi Embassy in Egypt followed up on the procedures to ensure their safety and provide them with care.
As part of the ongoing efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to care for its citizens abroad and maintain their safety, the Air Medical Evacuation Plane of the Ministry of Defense Health Services carried out a new humanitarian mission, transporting two Saudi citizens suffering from a critical health condition from Cairo International Airport in the Arab Republic of Egypt to the homeland, in order to complete receiving the necessary health care in specialized hospitals in the Kingdom.
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Cairo closely and directly monitored all aspects of the transfer process from the very beginning. Working in close coordination and cooperation with the relevant Egyptian authorities, the Embassy worked to overcome all obstacles and finalize the necessary administrative and medical procedures to ensure the swift, safe, and smooth transfer of the citizens. This underscores the Embassy's ongoing commitment to monitoring the well-being of Saudi citizens in Egypt and providing them with all forms of support and assistance, particularly in emergency situations and critical health circumstances.
This step comes as an extension of the vital role played by the Saudi Air Medical Evacuation Fleet, one of the largest and most modern medical evacuation fleets in the region. The Ministry of Defense possesses aircraft equipped with the latest medical technologies and staffed by highly qualified personnel, making them essentially "flying hospitals" capable of handling critical cases and transporting them safely over long distances. This initiative reflects the high level of preparedness of the Kingdom's health and military sectors to intervene swiftly and serve citizens wherever they may be.
This event carries significant implications, underscoring the paramount importance the wise leadership places on the health and safety of Saudi citizens. This care extends beyond the Kingdom's borders to encompass citizens worldwide. Medical air evacuations are a cornerstone of the Saudi healthcare system, enhancing citizens' sense of security while traveling and residing abroad, knowing that official bodies are monitoring their situation and intervening immediately when needed.
At the conclusion of the mission, the Kingdom's Embassy in Cairo expressed its sincere thanks and appreciation to the medical and administrative authorities in the Arab Republic of Egypt, who contributed effectively to facilitating the evacuation procedures and providing the necessary care for the two patients before their transfer. The Embassy wished the citizens a speedy recovery and complete health and well-being, praying to God that they would return to their families safe and sound.
Local News
The leadership launches the "Generosity is from us and within us" campaign with a donation of 150 million riyals
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince launch the “Generosity is from us and within us” campaign through the Jood Housing platform with two generous donations worth 150 million riyals to provide housing for deserving families.
In a generous humanitarian gesture embodying the deep bond between the leadership and the people, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, launched the national charitable campaign “Generosity is from us and within us.” The wise leadership inaugurated this campaign with two generous donations totaling 150 million Saudi riyals through the “Jood Housing” platform, reflecting the keenness of the rulers to support national initiatives aimed at strengthening family stability and providing a dignified life for citizens.
Ongoing leadership support for the non-profit sector
This generous donation reflects the great attention the Saudi leadership pays to the housing sector and its ongoing support for efforts aimed at providing suitable housing for the most vulnerable families. This initiative is an extension of a series of charitable contributions undertaken by the Kingdom to promote the values of social solidarity. On this occasion, His Excellency the Minister of Municipalities and Housing, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Housing Development Foundation “Sakan”, Mr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, commending this support which serves as a significant incentive for all sectors of society to contribute to charitable work.
“Jood Housing” platform: A model of transparency and digital giving
Minister Al-Haqil affirmed that this significant contribution from the leadership will have a profound impact on accelerating the achievement of the "Sakān" Foundation's objectives through the "Jood Housing" platform. This platform is a product of the digital transformation in the Kingdom's charitable sector, having successfully established a reliable national model that connects donors and beneficiaries with high transparency. The platform operates within an integrated system of community giving that extends beyond simply providing shelter; it also enhances the psychological and social stability and quality of life for eligible families across the Kingdom.
Strategic and social dimensions of the campaign
The importance of the “Generosity is from Us and Within Us” campaign extends beyond the purely financial aspect; it carries strategic dimensions aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to increase the contribution of the non-profit sector to the GDP and promote a culture of volunteerism and philanthropy. The leadership’s launch of this campaign sends a powerful message about the importance of social responsibility and encourages companies, individuals, and donor institutions to follow suit. Previous donations have already proven their effectiveness in enabling thousands of families to own their first home, directly contributing to social security and sustainable development.
In conclusion, this campaign truly embodies the values of generosity and giving inherent in Saudi society, and affirms that providing suitable housing is a top priority in which the state’s efforts are combined with the private and non-profit sectors to build a vibrant and stable society.
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