Author: Editorial Team

RIYADH — The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) recorded remarkable increase in its reserve assets during March this year, reaching SR1.86 trillion ($496 billion). This figure marks the reserve assets’ highest level since February 2020, according to the bank data. On an annual basis, reserve assets shot up 9.4 percent compared to SR1.7 trillion ($453 billion) in March 2025, while registering monthly growth of 4.5 percent compared to SR1.78 trillion ($474.6 billion) in February 2026. Investments in foreign securities topped the list of these assets, representing 56.6 percent of the total, and grew by 9.2 percent to reach SR1.05 trillion, up…

RIYADH — The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi expressed the council’s full solidarity with Bahrain in all sovereign measures it takes to enhance and protect the security of its people and the stability of the Kingdom. Albudaiwi emphasized that the security of Bahrain is a top priority for the GCC member states and constitutes an integral part of the collective security and stability of the GCC. He underscored that the GCC states stand as one in confronting anything that might undermine Bahrain’s security or threaten the safety of its citizens. Source: Saudi Gazette

ABU DHABI, 3rd May, 2026 (WAM) — ADNOC today confirmed it is accelerating growth and delivery of its strategy with AED200 billion ($55 billion) in new project awards for 2026-2028. The planned project awards reinforce delivery of ADNOC’s five-year capital expenditure (CAPEX) plan approved by its Board of Directors last year and will usher in a new phase of world-scale project execution across its value chain to meet growing global energy demand. The announcement was made at the ‘Make it With ADNOC’ Forum, which connected top engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors with 70 local manufacturers included in ADNOC’s ‘Local+’…

Sunday, May 3, saw a lucky winner win a whopping Dh25 million — the grand prize during the Big Ticket Abu Dhabi draw this month. The prize belongs to Dubai resident Abdul Rasheed Abdu from India, with ticket number 012318 bought on April 19. The hosts Richard and Bouchra called and shared the great news with the winner, who said that he works as a driver and has been living in the UAE for 15 years. He has been buying Big Ticket entries for the last four years. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp…

SEOUL, 3rd May, 2026 (WAM) — Industrial sources in South Korea reported today that the founding family of the Samsung Group has completed the payment of inheritance taxes amounting to approximately 12 trillion won ($8 billion) on the assets left by the late Chairman Lee Kun-hee. These payments, which were scheduled to be settled over a five-year period starting from 2021, mark the conclusion of one of the largest inheritance tax obligations in South Korean history. According to the sources, Lee Jae-yong, the late chairman’s only son, along with other heirs, funded the tax burden by selling additional shares in…

RIYADH — The Saudi Energy Efficiency Center (SEEC) announced on Sunday the launch of an awareness campaign titled “A label you know,” aimed at introducing the updated fuel economy label for cars starting with 2027 models. The center explained that the two-week campaign comes as part of the center’s commitment to raising awareness among individuals and the community about the importance of the vehicle fuel economy label and its contribution to helping individuals choose the most fuel-efficient car. This aims to improve energy efficiency in the Kingdom’s transportation sector, which contributes to preserving natural resources and achieving sustainability. The SEEC…

RIYADH — Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman received a written message from President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The message is pertaining to further improving bilateral relations between the two countries. Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received the message from Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov during their meeting at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday. From the Saudi side, the meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed Al-Kheraiji and Undersecretary at the Ministry for Political Affairs Dr. Saud Al-Sati. Source: Saudi Gazette

DUBAI, 3rd May, 2026 (WAM) — The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) will showcase the emirate’s advanced, future-ready manufacturing ecosystem at the Dubai Pavilion during ‘‘Make it in the Emirates 2026’,’ the fifth edition of the UAE’s flagship industrial forum, taking place from 4–7 May at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The participation comes at a time when Dubai continues to demonstrate operational continuity and economic resilience, reinforcing its position as a stable and globally connected industrial hub. Held under the theme ‘Advanced Industry. Emerging Stronger’, the forum reflects the UAE’s commitment to building a sustainable, technology-driven industrial base…

RABAT — Two U.S. service members went missing near the Cap Draa Training Area close to Tan Tan in Morocco while participating in the multinational African Lion 2026 exercise, according to US Africa Command. In a statement, the command said U.S., Moroccan and other multinational forces have launched coordinated search and rescue operations involving ground, air and maritime assets. It added that the incident remains under investigation and that the search efforts are ongoing. Media reports said the service members went missing in an accident unrelated to the exercise. African Lion 2026, one of the largest military drills on the…

RIYADH — The General Directorate of Passports has made it possible for the Hajj pilgrims to obtain a digital visitor ID to travel anywhere within Saudi Arabia. The ID serves as an official document, eliminating the need for carrying a paper passport. The directorate said that the Hajj pilgrims can register on the Ministry of Interior’s Absher platform to obtain a digital visitor ID, facilitating safe and easy movement within the Kingdom. The directorate explained that the digital visitor ID is an officially recognized document that allows pilgrims to move around easily and safely during their stay in the Kingdom.…