Riyadh to Host Global Security and Technology Summit in December 2026

The agenda also includes the SAIIF global security and technology innovation competition to be held in Riyadh from November 19-21 - SPA
The agenda also includes the SAIIF global security and technology innovation competition to be held in Riyadh from November 19-21 - SPA
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Riyadh to Host Global Security and Technology Summit in December 2026

The agenda also includes the SAIIF global security and technology innovation competition to be held in Riyadh from November 19-21 - SPA
The agenda also includes the SAIIF global security and technology innovation competition to be held in Riyadh from November 19-21 - SPA

Under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Ministry of Interior will organize the Global Security and Technology Summit (GSTS) in Riyadh from December 18-20, in partnership with Tuwaiq Academy.

Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz expressed gratitude to the Crown Prince for his patronage, saying it reflects the leadership's commitment to bolstering the security ecosystem and enabling digital transformation across national, regional, and international security sectors, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Thursday.

He said the summit will help in strengthening international cooperation, unifying efforts and exchanging best practices. It will allow participants to explore promising opportunities and anticipate transformations in the security and technical fields, in a way that supports raising operational efficiency, boosting readiness, and safeguarding national gains.

The summit will feature specialized programs, knowledge sessions, and technical workshops covering cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, smart surveillance technologies, and crisis management, bringing together government entities, the private sector, and academic institutions.

The agenda also includes the SAIIF global security and technology innovation competition, to be held in Riyadh from November 19-21, with prizes valued at SAR5 million, focusing on AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation in the security sector.

The organization of the Global Security and Technology Summit follows the successes achieved by the Absher 2025 conference, which set three Guinness World Records for the largest hackathon in the world. It featured more than 60 keynote sessions and 80 workshops presented by about 150 speakers, as well as 10 interactive areas that contributed to enriching the experience of visitors and participants.

The summit is expected to consolidate Riyadh's position as a global hub for security and technology innovation, and to strengthen the Kingdom's position as an influential international partner in shaping the future of security and technology, and as a leading platform for developing innovative solutions and building quality global partnerships.



Saudi FM Holds Phone Talks with US Secretary of State

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (SPA)
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Saudi FM Holds Phone Talks with US Secretary of State

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held phone talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The discussions focused on the latest regional developments and stressed the importance of continued coordination and consultation to promote security and stability in the region.


Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Global Water and Sanitation Goal at UN Forum

Deputy Minister for Water at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani. (SPA)
Deputy Minister for Water at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Global Water and Sanitation Goal at UN Forum

Deputy Minister for Water at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani. (SPA)
Deputy Minister for Water at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal Six (SDG 6) through implementing an integrated water resources management approach, improving service efficiency, strengthening water security, and leveraging modern technologies and innovation in water resources management, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The statement came during Saudi Arabia's participation in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The forum brought together member states, international organizations, and development institutions to review progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and accelerate global efforts toward achieving the 2030 Agenda.

During the session dedicated to reviewing progress on SDG 6, Deputy Minister for Water at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani highlighted the Kingdom's efforts to develop and enhance the sustainability of the water sector. He noted that Saudi Arabia has made tangible progress in water sector management, expanding water and sanitation services, and strengthening institutional governance, contributing to greater efficiency across the entire water supply chain and supporting the long-term sustainability of water resources.

Al-Shaibani also highlighted the Kingdom's international initiatives to strengthen global cooperation in the water sector, foremost among them the Global Water Organization, which aims to promote cooperation, facilitate knowledge exchange, and accelerate sustainable solutions to global water challenges. He also noted the establishment of the International Water Research Center, which will support scientific research, innovation, and capacity building.

He emphasized that Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 11th World Water Forum in Riyadh in 2027 represents an important opportunity to advance international dialogue and translate global commitments into practical solutions that enhance water security and sustainable development.

On the sidelines of the forum, several bilateral meetings were held with UN officials, representatives of international organizations, financial and development institutions, and private-sector partners. The meetings explored ways to bolster international cooperation in the water sector, exchange expertise, support joint efforts to achieve the SDGs, and discuss preparations for the 11th World Water Forum.

The High-Level Political Forum serves as the United Nations' principal platform for reviewing progress on the implementation of the SDGs. This year's forum focused on several priority goals, particularly SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation, while also emphasizing international partnerships and the exchange of expertise and best practices to support sustainable development.


Saudi Crown Prince, US President Discuss Cooperation and Regional Developments

 Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia
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Saudi Crown Prince, US President Discuss Cooperation and Regional Developments

 Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received a phone call from US President Donald J. Trump, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

During the call, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation across a range of sectors. They also exchanged views on several regional and international developments, according to the agency.

The two leaders also reviewed the latest developments in the region, including the ongoing talks between the United States and Iran. They stressed the importance of safeguarding maritime security, ensuring the freedom of navigation, protecting vital sea lanes, and supporting efforts aimed at enhancing regional security and stability.