Crown Prince Unveils Company that Will Develop Downtowns in Saudi Arabia

Crown Mohammed bin Salman announced the launch of Saudi Downtown Company (SDC) that will build and develop downtown areas and mixed-use destinations in 12 cities throughout Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
Crown Mohammed bin Salman announced the launch of Saudi Downtown Company (SDC) that will build and develop downtown areas and mixed-use destinations in 12 cities throughout Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Crown Prince Unveils Company that Will Develop Downtowns in Saudi Arabia

Crown Mohammed bin Salman announced the launch of Saudi Downtown Company (SDC) that will build and develop downtown areas and mixed-use destinations in 12 cities throughout Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
Crown Mohammed bin Salman announced the launch of Saudi Downtown Company (SDC) that will build and develop downtown areas and mixed-use destinations in 12 cities throughout Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince, and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), announced the launch of Saudi Downtown Company (SDC) that will build and develop downtown areas and mixed-use destinations in 12 cities throughout Saudi Arabia.

The company will aim to improve the infrastructure and build strategic partnerships with the private sector and investors, by creating new business and investment opportunities in key economic sectors, including retail, tourism, entertainment, and housing.

The 12 cities include: Al-Madinah, Al-Khobar, Al-Ahsa, Buraidah, Najran, Jizan, Hail, Al-Baha, Arar, Taif, Dumat Al-Jandal, and Tabuk.

SDC will develop over 10 million square meters of land across all projects, creating modern destinations drawn from Saudi Arabia’s diverse local culture and traditional architectural motifs, while using cutting-edge technology in every project.

By launching SDC, PIF aims to increase trade and investment opportunities in various cities across Saudi Arabia to enhance their attractiveness and create a positive impact in their local economies.

The projects will contribute to creating new opportunities for the private sector and new job opportunities for citizens, as well as localizing knowledge and expertise to help entrepreneurs and companies start and expand their businesses.

The launch of SDC reflects Crown Prince Mohammed’s vision to launch development projects in various regions of Saudi Arabia, highlighting the active role that domestic cities play in supporting the national economy.

The company’s strategy aligns with PIF’s efforts to unlock and enable the capabilities of promising sectors locally that can help drive the diversification of the economy and contribute to non-oil GDP growth, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.



Saudi Royal Order Promotes and Appoints 34 Board of Grievances Judges

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA file)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA file)
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Saudi Royal Order Promotes and Appoints 34 Board of Grievances Judges

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA file)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a cabinet meeting in Jeddah. (SPA file)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued on Friday a royal order promoting and appointing 34 judges at the Board of Grievances.

President of the Board of Grievances and Chairman of the Administrative Judiciary Council Dr. Ali bin Ahmed Al-Ohaydib said the administrative judiciary enjoys the support of King Salman and the attention and follow-up of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

This is reflected in the royal order, which supports the Board of Grievances, motivates its judges and personnel, and advances the administrative judiciary, he added.


Saudi-Malaysian Security Cooperation Foils Smuggling of 505.6 Kilograms of Ketamine

An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)
An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)
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Saudi-Malaysian Security Cooperation Foils Smuggling of 505.6 Kilograms of Ketamine

An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)
An image showing a portion of the seized quantity of ketamine (Saudi Ministry of Interior)

Saudi Ministry of Interior security spokesperson Brigadier General Talal bin Shalhoub stated that intelligence provided by the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to Malaysian authorities enabled the Royal Malaysian Customs Department Anti-Narcotics Unit to thwart an attempt to smuggle 505.6 kilograms of ketamine.

Bin Shalhoub praised the ongoing operational coordination between the two nations in intercepting illicit drugs, emphasizing that this joint success reflects tight security integration to counter transnational organized crime networks, SPA reported on Friday.

He affirmed that Saudi Arabia remains vigilant in tracking and dismantling criminal syndicates that target national security and youth with narcotics, continuing coordinated global efforts to protect societies from the illicit drug trade, SPA added.


UAE President Pardons Abdul Rahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters
UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters
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UAE President Pardons Abdul Rahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters
UAE flag / File Photo- Reuters

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a pardon on Friday for Abdul Rahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, who was convicted by the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal on 27th August 2026 of the offences with which he was charged and sentenced to ten years' imprisonment and a fine of AED200,000.

The ruling was first issued on August 27, 2026, after finding Al-Qaradawi guilty of the charges against him.

According to Friday's announcement, the necessary procedures have been taken to implement the presidential pardon.