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Saudi Arabia Extends E-Learning till End of School Year

A classroom is seen closed, after the Ministry of Education decided to suspend studies in Saudi Arabia, following the outbreak of the coronavirus, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia March 9, 2020. (Reuters)
A classroom is seen closed, after the Ministry of Education decided to suspend studies in Saudi Arabia, following the outbreak of the coronavirus, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia March 9, 2020. (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Extends E-Learning till End of School Year

A classroom is seen closed, after the Ministry of Education decided to suspend studies in Saudi Arabia, following the outbreak of the coronavirus, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia March 9, 2020. (Reuters)
A classroom is seen closed, after the Ministry of Education decided to suspend studies in Saudi Arabia, following the outbreak of the coronavirus, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia March 9, 2020. (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia extended distance learning for schools, universities, and technical institutions until the end of the current academic year, announced the Ministry of Education.

Minister Hamad Al Sheikh stressed that the decision comes to safeguard the health of students and all education personnel and as part of the country’s efforts to counter the spread of COVID-19.

He indicated that the aim also is to boost the success that has been achieved in distance learning in the Kingdom and strengthen the partnership between parents and civil institutions, resulting in the unique Saudi model in distance education.

The decision was taken after assessing the situation over the past weeks, and in coordination with the Ministry of Health.

The Ministry conducted extensive studies between the joint committees of public and university education to assess the successes achieved in distance learning through the Madrasati platform and various educational alternatives such as Ain educational channels, Youtube lesson channels, the national education Ain portal, and the application for the virtual kindergarten.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health confirmed that coronavirus vaccination centers in various regions of the Kingdom continue to receive citizens and residents who have registered for appointments through “Sehatty” application.

The Ministry recorded 327 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total confirmed infections in the Kingdom to 375,333. It also announced five deaths, taking the total number of virus-related fatalities to 6,466.

The ministry reported 318 recoveries, taking the total number to 366,412, and 2,455 active cases with 497 in critical condition.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Defense inaugurated a new coronavirus vaccination center at Prince Sultan Military Medical City in Riyadh, as part of the 16 new coronavirus vaccination centers in military hospitals throughout the Kingdom.

The centers are part of a campaign to vaccinate employees of the ministry and their families in various regions of the country.

In other news, the Ministry of Commerce increased its inspection rounds by 10 percent compared with the previous week, which resulted in a 12 percent increase in detection of violations.

The Ministry continues its intensive inspection rounds throughout the country to monitor the commitment of commercial establishments to the precautionary measures to confront the coronavirus.

The ministry said it recorded 836 violations during inspections, asserting that businesses were fined for violating the preventive measures.

The Ministry’s supervisory teams monitored various violations including non-compliance with the specified capacity, failure to oblige shoppers to wear masks and maintain social distance, and workers' lack of commitment to the precautions.

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Gulf

Saudi Arabia, Arab and Islamic Countries Condemn Israel’s 'State Land' Decision in West Bank 

The West Bank village of al-Ram is pictured behind Israel's controversial separation barrier from the outskirts of Jerusalem on February 16, 2026. (AFP)
The West Bank village of al-Ram is pictured behind Israel's controversial separation barrier from the outskirts of Jerusalem on February 16, 2026. (AFP)
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Saudi Arabia, Arab and Islamic Countries Condemn Israel’s 'State Land' Decision in West Bank 

The West Bank village of al-Ram is pictured behind Israel's controversial separation barrier from the outskirts of Jerusalem on February 16, 2026. (AFP)
The West Bank village of al-Ram is pictured behind Israel's controversial separation barrier from the outskirts of Jerusalem on February 16, 2026. (AFP)

The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Türkiye strongly condemned on Tuesday Israel's decision to designate lands in the occupied West Bank as so-called "state land".

They also slammed it for approving procedures for the registration and settlement of land ownership across extensive areas of the occupied West Bank for the first time since 1967.

They condemned the moves as “a grave escalation aimed at accelerating illegal settlement activity, land confiscation, entrenching Israeli control, and applying unlawful Israeli sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territory and undermining the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.”

These measures are “a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, as well as a violation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, foremost among them Resolution 2334,” the FMs said in a statement.

“The decision also contradicts the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice concerning the legal consequences arising from Israeli policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which underscored the illegality of measures intended to alter the legal, historical, and demographic status of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the obligation to end the occupation, and the prohibition of the acquisition of territory by force,” they added.

“This step reflects an attempt to impose a new legal and administrative reality designed to consolidate control over the occupied land, thereby undermining the two-state solution, eroding the prospects for the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian State, and jeopardizing the attainment of a just and comprehensive peace in the region,” they warned.

The foreign ministers reiterated their “categorical rejection of all unilateral measures aimed at altering the legal, demographic, and historical status of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”

They stressed that such policies are “a dangerous escalation that will further heighten tensions and instability in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the region as a whole.”

They called on the international community “to assume its responsibilities and take clear and decisive steps to halt these violations, ensure respect for international law, and safeguard the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them their right to self-determination, ending the occupation, and establishing their independent and sovereign State based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.”

Gulf

Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Inspects Ramadan Service Readiness at Two Holy Mosques 

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah and Board Chairman of the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques Tawfig Al-Rabiah during the inspection tour on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah and Board Chairman of the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques Tawfig Al-Rabiah during the inspection tour on Monday. (SPA)
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Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Inspects Ramadan Service Readiness at Two Holy Mosques 

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah and Board Chairman of the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques Tawfig Al-Rabiah during the inspection tour on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah and Board Chairman of the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques Tawfig Al-Rabiah during the inspection tour on Monday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah and Board Chairman of the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques Tawfig Al-Rabiah carried out on Monday a field inspection tour to assess operational and service readiness for the holy fasting month of Ramadan at the Grand Mosque, Prophet’s Mosque, and several other service sites in the holy city of Makkah.

Accompanied by the authority’s CEO Eng. Ghazi Al-Shahrani, the tour included a review of field operations, crowd management plans, and the flow of Umrah performers and worshippers.

It addressed coordination and integration mechanisms among relevant entities, as part of ongoing efforts by the ministry, the authority, and partner organizations serving pilgrims.

Al-Rabiah stressed that these efforts are carried out in line with the directives of the Kingdom's leadership and reflect the country's commitment to caring for the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors.

The level of readiness and the services provided during Ramadan are part of ongoing development efforts and they support the objectives of the Pilgrim Experience Program, part of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to boost the quality of services and the overall experience of pilgrims, he added.

Gulf

SDRPY, EU Sign Strategic Partnership to Improve Living Conditions in Yemen 

Officials are seen at the signing ceremony in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
Officials are seen at the signing ceremony in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
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SDRPY, EU Sign Strategic Partnership to Improve Living Conditions in Yemen 

Officials are seen at the signing ceremony in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
Officials are seen at the signing ceremony in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)

The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) and European Union announced on Monday the alignment of their efforts to improve livelihoods in Yemen.

These efforts focus on investment in economic recovery programs and reforms, job creation, strengthening state institutions, and boosting community resilience, including in the areas of food security, agriculture, electricity, water, and environmental sanitation.

Their strategic partnership is in line with efforts to strengthen international cooperation to support Yemen.

Supporting improved access to water in the Marib governorate is the first outcome of the strategic partnership.

The two parties signed in Riyadh an agreement with the SILA Foundation to implement a SAR9-million project, “Enhancing Water Security in Marib Governorate,” covering nine areas across the districts of Marib Al-Wadi, Marib City, and Harib. Over 350,000 people will benefit from the project.

The agreement reflects the parties’ commitment to joint action and continuous coordination to improve living conditions for all Yemenis.

The SDRPY and EU agreed to continue coordination and explore additional opportunities for cooperation in the water sector, as well as joint development projects and initiatives in other sectors.