RIYADH — The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) has officially declared that Saudi Arabia is free of equine viral arteritis (EVA). This is after the Kingdom fulfilled the technical requirements and international standards for declaring countries free of animal diseases. This official recognition followed WOAH’s evaluation of the technical file prepared by the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plants Pests and Animal Diseases (Weqaa Center), which included the surveillance and preventive measures and epidemiological monitoring programs applied in the Kingdom, in compliance with WOAH’s requirements and standards. This international recognition reflects the level of progress in…
Author: Editorial Team
GENEVA — The head of the UN nuclear watchdog on Thursday welcomed the interim peace deal signed by Washington and Iran, saying it would now be involved in technical discussions to implement the agreement. “We believe the fact that the indispensable role of the IAEA is recognized is a sound point of departure,” said Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, in reference to the reported text of the memorandum. “Now it’s for us to sit down with our American colleagues, our Iranian colleagues and start formulating the concrete steps that will have to be taken. So,…
ROME — Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser said that the Strait of Hormuz crisis had necessitated Saudi Arabia implementing precautionary countermeasures to avert the crisis. “Riyadh had activated 41 business continuity and emergency plans that had been previously prepared and tested to protect supply chains, enabling a swift and effective response from the earliest stages of the crisis,” he said while addressing a session at the European Summit of the Future Investment Initiative in Rome. The region is currently experiencing challenging conditions, Al-Jasser said while emphasizing that Saudi Arabia was well prepared to manage such developments.…
QBS Software Middle East, formerly known as emt, recently announced a strategic partnership with ZINAD, a leading provider of AI-powered Human Threat Intelligence and cybersecurity awareness solutions, to strengthen cyber resilience across META-EURASIA. Through this partnership, QBS Software Middle East will deliver ZINAD’s innovative ZiSoft platform to partners and their end customers across the region, helping organisations transform cybersecurity awareness into an intelligent, real-time layer of defence. At the core of ZiSoft is Reflex 360, a unique capability that integrates directly with SIEM, User Behaviour Analytics (UBA), and Threat Intelligence Platforms (TIP) to connect awareness initiatives with live security events.…
ABU DHABI, 18th June, 2026 (WAM) — Within the framework of the unified GCC media campaign launched under the slogan “Insurance Protection under a Unified GCC Umbrella”, Hind Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Pensions Sector at the General Pension and Social Security Authority and Chairperson of the Technical Committee for Civil Retirement and Social Security Authorities, stated that the GCC Insurance Protection Extension System embodies the vision of GCC leaders to ensure all GCC citizens enjoy a decent, reassuring and sustainable lifestyle that further encourages career orientation in the GCC region. Al Suwaidi highlighted that the system stands as…
[Editor’s Note: This article is part of Khaleej Times’ Schools and Parents, a dedicated section designed to support families in the UAE as they explore educational choices. The section offers explainers, guidance from education leaders, expert advice and insights from parents to help readers make informed decisions about schools, curricula and communities.] For many expatriate families in the UAE, education is treated as a continuous journey — school admission, annual fee payments, graduation plans. But beneath that routine lies a financial curve that often sharpens too late. Experts say the real challenge is not school affordability alone, but the transition into…
ALBAHA — Minister of Interior lays the foundation stone for the headquarters of the Special Force for Environmental Security in the Baha region. Saudi Minister of Interior (MOI), Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, laid the foundation stone for the headquarters of the Special Forces for Environmental Security in the Al-Baha Region, in the presence of Prince Fahd bin Saad and a number of senior officials accompanying the Minister of Interior. The event, which took place on Thursday, was held in the presence of theGovernor of Al-Baha Region, Prince Hussam bin Saud, and the Deputy Governor of Al-Baha Region. Prince Abdulaziz was…
A Dubai-raised student has earned one of the highest honours awarded to graduating seniors at Stanford University. Lamya Sikandar Butt, an alumna of Dubai Scholars Private School, was selected by Stanford University’s Class of 2026 to deliver the student graduation address during the university’s Baccalaureate celebration on June 13. Each year, Stanford chooses one graduating senior to speak on behalf of the entire class, making the role one of the most prestigious student distinctions at the university. Butt addressed an audience of approximately 4,500 graduates, family members and guests during the ceremony. The same graduation weekend also featured a commencement…
WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump on Thursday lashed out at criticism over the terms of the interim peace deal he signed with Iran, saying those who think he hasn’t been tough enough on Tehran were “either jealous, bad people or stupid.” His comments come shortly after the US president and his Iranian counterpart signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding to extend the ceasefire, including in Lebanon, and reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The interim agreement has prompted many to conclude that the terms appear to have strengthened Tehran’s hand and the US media appear unanimous in condemning…
ROME — Public Investment Fund (PIF) Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan said opportunities in Europe continue to outweigh challenges despite regulatory obstacles. He reaffirmed the Saudi sovereign wealth fund’s commitment to international investments under its newly approved strategy through 2030. Speaking at the FII Priority Summit in Rome on Thursday, Al-Rumayyan said the PIF had invested heavily across Europe over the past several years and remained committed to expanding partnerships with European companies and institutions. Conflict underscored importance of long-term planning Asked about the impact of the recent regional conflict, Al-Rumayyan said disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz highlighted vulnerabilities extending far…