General Authority for Awqaf Promotes Endowment Culture in Saudi Arabia

17:10-4 August 2025 AD ـ 09 Safar 1447 AH

General Authority for Awqaf Promotes Endowment Culture in Saudi Arabia

The General Authority for Awqaf (Awqaf) is continuing its comprehensive awareness campaign to foster a culture of endowments within Saudi society, highlighting the value of endowments as a cornerstone of social solidarity and a strategic tool for achieving financial sustainability.

By funding critical sectors such as education, health, housing, and charitable work, endowments play a significant role in supporting the Kingdom's comprehensive development.

Awqaf announced that it has supervised over SAR2.3 billion in total endowment expenditures, distributed across several key sectors. The largest portion, over SAR1.5 billion, was allocated to the Pilgrim Experience Program, while SAR368 million was directed toward mosque development.

Additionally, SAR133 million supported environmental and water programs, SAR126 million went to the housing sector, SAR87 million was used for education support, and SAR72 million was provided to assist groups in need. The healthcare sector also received SAR15 million.

This comprehensive distribution of funds aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by enabling non-profit financing tools and encouraging sustainable community practices.

Saudi, Palestinian FMs Discuss Latest Developments in Gaza

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Palestinian counterpart Dr. Mohammad Mustafa meet in Davos on Tuesday. (SPA)

17:22-20 January 2026 AD ـ 01 Sha’ban 1447 AH

Saudi, Palestinian FMs Discuss Latest Developments in Gaza

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Palestinian counterpart Dr. Mohammad Mustafa meet in Davos on Tuesday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held talks on Tuesday with his Palestinian counterpart Dr. Mohammad Mustafa on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos.

The officials discussed bilateral ties and cooperation, as well as the latest developments in Gaza and the efforts to address the situation.

Gulf

'Spears of Victory 2026' Exercise Begins at Air Warfare Center in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Region

The “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise kicks off at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)

17:04-20 January 2026 AD ـ 01 Sha’ban 1447 AH

'Spears of Victory 2026' Exercise Begins at Air Warfare Center in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Region

The “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise kicks off at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region. (Saudi Ministry of Defense)

The Saudi Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday the launch of the “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region.

The exercise is being conducted with the participation of branches of the Saudi Armed Forces, including land, air, naval, and air defense forces, as well as the Ministry of the National Guard, the Presidency of State Security, the Unified Military Command of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and military forces from 15 allied and partner countries.

Spears of Victory 2026, one of the largest air exercises in the region, aims to enhance military partnerships, strengthen the exchange of expertise in planning and execution, raise combat readiness, and achieve advanced levels of operational coordination and integration among participating forces.

The exercise focuses on unifying the concept of joint military action, boosting joint operational readiness, and executing and evaluating tactics to address current and emerging threats. It includes a series of advanced training activities, such as joint and combined tactical operations, specialized academic lectures, and operational missions designed to improve the performance of aircrews, technical, and support personnel.

The exercise also evaluates modern military tactics, including electronic and cyber warfare, within a multidimensional operational environment that simulates real operational conditions.

Forces participating in the exercise include those from Bahrain, Bangladesh, France, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Türkiye, the UK and United States.

The Air Warfare Center, one of the most advanced training facilities in the region, supports the development of combat plans, the assessment of capabilities, and the testing and evaluation of systems and weapons.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Condemns Israel’s Demolition of UNRWA Buildings in Jerusalem

Heavy machinery operates as Israeli forces dismantle the Jerusalem headquarters of UNRWA, in East Jerusalem, January 20, 2026. (Reuters)

16:54-20 January 2026 AD ـ 01 Sha’ban 1447 AH

Saudi Arabia Condemns Israel’s Demolition of UNRWA Buildings in Jerusalem

Heavy machinery operates as Israeli forces dismantle the Jerusalem headquarters of UNRWA, in East Jerusalem, January 20, 2026. (Reuters)

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed on Tuesday the Kingdom’s strong condemnation of Israel's demolition of buildings belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in Jerusalem.

“Saudi Arabia reiterates its rejection of Israeli violations of international and humanitarian norms and laws and holds the international community responsible for addressing these practices” and Israel’s continued crimes against international relief organizations, it said in a statement.

“Saudi Arabia expresses its support for UNRWA in its humanitarian mission to provide relief to the Palestinian people and calls on the international community to protect relief organizations, their workers and facilities,” it urged.

General Authority for Awqaf Promotes Endowment Culture in Saudi Arabia