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Saudi Arabia: 18 Projects Worth $3.2 Bn to Enhance Quality of Drinking Water

Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Abdul Rahman al-Fadhli at the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce in the Eastern region
Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Abdul Rahman al-Fadhli at the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce in the Eastern region
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Saudi Arabia: 18 Projects Worth $3.2 Bn to Enhance Quality of Drinking Water

Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Abdul Rahman al-Fadhli at the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce in the Eastern region
Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Abdul Rahman al-Fadhli at the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce in the Eastern region

Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Abdul Rahman al-Fadhli, launched a plan to implement 18 water projects of $3.2 billion cost over the next ten years to enhance the quality of drinking water all over Saudi Arabia.

Speaking at the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce in the Eastern region, Fadhli said that Water and Electricity Company (WEC) will change its name soon to the “Water Projects” pointing out that the new company will purchase water and will be tasked with water services, treatment, transport and storage to serve the private sector and investment seekers.

The Minister stressed that the ministry wants an agricultural development that does not affect the status of water, and water development to serve the public in Saudi Arabia, including agriculture.

He pointed out that the ministry has completed a platform to support the private sector, in addition to clarifying the regulations and law, which gives impetus to the participation of the private sector in water projects.

The Ministry is working with international companies in the field of water desalination, noted Fadhli, pointing out that local content in modern projects will reach 40 percent at a minimum, and seeks to reach 70 percent in the field of operation and maintenance.

On environmental issues, the minister pointed out that the latest study showed that the cost of environmental impact on Saudi Arabia is about $24 billion per year, noting the need to pay attention to preserving the environment and conservation and development of resources to achieve sustainability.

Regarding the pesticides, Fadhli revealed that next year will witness the implementation of an accurate program through which all employees will be registered, especially after Saudi pesticide products became within the internationally accepted limits.

The Ministry also indicated that the ministry has a vital and significant program for rural development, in which the ministry will invest more than $2.6 billion over the next 10 years.

During the ceremony, several fishing experts discussed the Saudization of this field, stressing that a Saudi fisherman must be on-board of every boat.

In this regard, the Minister of environment said: "We reject the argument that the Saudi citizen refuses working in fishing,” adding that if they do not accept it now, it will be accepted in the future.

“We have programs for motivation, training and encouragement in this field (fishing)”, concluded the Minister.

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Gulf

Erdogan: Saudi Arabia, Türkiye Eye Joint Investment in KAAN Fighter Jet

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh (Turkish Presidency). 
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh (Turkish Presidency). 
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Erdogan: Saudi Arabia, Türkiye Eye Joint Investment in KAAN Fighter Jet

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh (Turkish Presidency). 
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh (Turkish Presidency). 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said work has begun on a defense cooperation agreement between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia that includes joint investment in the production of the fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet.

Erdogan said Türkiye’s progress in defense industries is being closely followed by Saudi Arabia, as well as by other countries, adding that Ankara is preparing to conclude significant agreements with Riyadh in this field.

Speaking to a group of Turkish journalists on his return from a regional tour that included Saudi Arabia and Egypt, with his remarks published on Thursday, Erdogan said: “We have received many positive comments on the Turkish fighter KAAN, and discussions are under way on joint investment with Saudi Arabia in this regard.”

He stressed that KAAN is not merely a combat aircraft but a symbol of Türkiye’s engineering capabilities and its determination to maintain an independent defense posture. He added that cooperation with Saudi Arabia in this area is likely to expand, including through joint investments.

In February 2024, Türkiye announced the successful first flight of its domestically produced fifth-generation fighter jet, KAAN, manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries. With this milestone, Türkiye became one of only five countries capable of producing fifth-generation fighter aircraft and aims to export the jet.

KAAN is designed to carry out air-to-air combat missions and conduct precision strikes from internal weapons bays at supersonic speed.

Erdogan said he held “highly productive” talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit to Riyadh on Tuesday, noting that Saudi Arabia holds a special place for Türkiye in defense industries, transport, healthcare, investment, and construction services. Bilateral trade reached $8 billion in 2025, while Turkish contractors have completed more than 400 projects in the Kingdom worth a total of $30 billion.

He added that Saudi Arabia and Türkiye share aligned views on regional issues, stressing that both countries oppose any new war in the region and favor peace, stability, and calm, which he said would benefit all parties.

 

 

 

 

 

Gulf

Saudi Crown Prince Receives Letter from Maldives President

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Receives Letter from Maldives President

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a letter from Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on bilateral relations between their countries.

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received the letter on Thursday during a meeting with Maldives Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Sareer at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh.

Discussions during the meeting addressed bilateral relations and topics of mutual interest.

Gulf

Albudaiwi: 'Arabian Gulf Security 4' Exercise Enhances GCC Security Integration

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
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Albudaiwi: 'Arabian Gulf Security 4' Exercise Enhances GCC Security Integration

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi affirmed that the "Arabian Gulf Security 4" tactical exercise serves to bolster Gulf security integration and embodies the unity and shared destiny of member states.

The statement was made Wednesday during Albudaiwi’s participation in the closing day of the exercise, held in Qatar. The event was attended by Qatari Interior Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani along with the GCC Ministers of Interior.

"This fourth edition of the drill, conducted by the GCC Ministries of Interior with the participation of specialized units from the friendly United States of America, is of paramount importance in supporting the collective Gulf security framework," the secretary-general said.

He stressed its role in enhancing coordination and integration among the respective ministries and elevating joint readiness and response to security challenges, thereby contributing to the consolidation of security and stability across the GCC.

He further highlighted that the "Arabian Gulf Security 4" exercise reflects a mutual commitment to advancing security operational mechanisms, exchanging expertise and best practices, as well as unifying efforts to counter transnational risks and threats. He pointed out that such maneuvers constitute a fundamental pillar for strengthening institutional integration and security cooperation pathways among member states.

The secretary-general expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Ministry of Interior of Qatar in hosting and organizing the exercise, noting that the extensive resources and capabilities provided were instrumental to its success.

Closing his remarks, he voiced his aspiration that the exercise achieves its strategic objectives, fulfilling the visions of leaders of the GCC states, and ensuring sustained security and stability for the peoples of the GCC.