Two New Hospitals in Riyadh with 500 Hospital Beds

Prince of Riyadh Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdul Aziz (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Prince of Riyadh Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdul Aziz (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Two New Hospitals in Riyadh with 500 Hospital Beds

Prince of Riyadh Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdul Aziz (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Prince of Riyadh Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdul Aziz (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Arriyadh Development Authority approved the establishment of projects for the private sector, including two hospitals which will supply 500 more beds.

The Authority’s decision came during a meeting chaired by Prince of Riyadh Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdul Aziz, who is also the Chairman of the Authority.

The private sector plans approved by the Authority included Dallah Medical Services project for the establishment of a 300-bed hospital in al-Ared district, with an area of ​​45,000 square meters.

There is also another project for Middle East Medical Company to establish a 200-bed hospital in al-Qirwan district on Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz I Street, with an area of ​​38,000 square meters. As well as the plan by Gulf Oasis for Rehabilitation to establish a project to serve people with special needs, suffering from autism and Down syndrome, in Qirwan covering ​​18 thousand square meters.

The meeting “Development of Riyadh”, approved studying the conditions of furnished apartments and other uses on the streets of 30 to 36 meters. It discussed the decision on the improved building system, whereby an additional floor was allowed with 50 percent use for apartments on commercial streets.

The Authority stressed the units must be used for residential purposes, not including the use of furnished apartments and other uses. It ordered the implementation of a number of procedures in this regard, including the decision on the deadline of June 6 for those who have been licensed as furnished apartments or other uses as office, health and educational units.

Prince Faisal bin Bandar pointed out that regulating the authorities of development of regions and cities and the financial and administrative bodies recently approved by the government contribute to the exchange of experience between Arriyadh Development Authority and other bodies in the country.

The regulation ensures the commercial use of the units within the residential neighbourhoods, according to set conditions. This includes the development of an integrated shopping center with various services for the neighbourhood. One entrance and exit, with a ground floor only, including wooded and lighted pedestrian

CEO of Arriyadh Development Authority, Engineer Tarek al-Fares, said that the meeting lauded the government’s approval for Riyadh to be one of the “city data centers in 2030 for the cities of the world”.

Fares pointed out that the World Council on City Data selected Riyadh to be one of the local data centers in 2030 because of the city's position in providing detailed data. This will make Riyadh one of the world's leading cities in the field of city data.

Members of the Authority also adopted a comprehensive plan for al-Sali Valley which aims to enhance the aspects of the area. The plan was designed to encourage the private sector to develop investment opportunities along the 110 km, which include investment opportunities in recreation, culture and the environment.



Saudi Arabia Downs Drones Fired at Eastern Region, al-Kharj

Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)
Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Downs Drones Fired at Eastern Region, al-Kharj

Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)
Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki. (SPA)

Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki said on Monday that 15 drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Eastern Region.

Thirteen drones were downed in the al‑Kharj governorate, he added.


Saudi FM Discusses Regional Developments with Counterparts from Bahrain, Japan, Pakistan

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)
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Saudi FM Discusses Regional Developments with Counterparts from Bahrain, Japan, Pakistan

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held separate telephone talks on Monday with his counterpart from Bahrain, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani; Japan, Toshimitsu Motegi; and Pakistan Ishaq Dar. 

They discussed the latest developments in the region and the efforts being made towards them. 


Dubai Airport Gradually Resumes Flights after Drone Fire

A smoke plume rises from a fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
A smoke plume rises from a fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
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Dubai Airport Gradually Resumes Flights after Drone Fire

A smoke plume rises from a fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
A smoke plume rises from a fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. (Photo by AFP)

Officials said Monday that Dubai International Airport has gradually resumed some flights after a "drone-related incident" sparked a fuel tank fire, forcing a temporary suspension.

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announced flights are operating to selected destinations, according to the Dubai Media Office.

Emirates airline said it expected to operate a "limited schedule" after 10:00 am Dubai time (0600 GMT) and that some flights had been cancelled.

It had earlier told passengers not to come to the airport and said it was working with authorities "to assess the situation and support the safe resumption of operations when possible.”

In Abu Dhabi, a Palestinian civilian was killed on the outskirts of the Emirati capital when a missile hit their car on Monday, authorities said.

"Authorities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi responded to an incident in the Al Bahia area involving a missile strike on a civilian vehicle, which resulted in the death of one Palestinian national," the Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a statement.