Royal Order Transforms King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center into Independent Nonprofit Institution

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
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Royal Order Transforms King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center into Independent Nonprofit Institution

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued a Royal Decree on Tuesday, transforming the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center into an independent nonprofit institution.

The move is part of a comprehensive transformation program that aims to transform the facility into one of the best health centers in the world, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The transformation will develop the hospital’s services, capacity and research production in a sustainable manner.

The move is a key enabler of the transformation journey to achieve the target, in line with objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, opening branches and providing its services to everyone in a better way in order to improve the quality of life.

Later on Tuesday, King Salman issued another Royal Decree, appointing Dr. Faleh bin Abdullah Al-Saleh Al-Sulaiman Governor of the General Authority for Defense Development in the role of minister.

The decree is effective immediately.



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.