Saudi Arabia’s Joy Awards 2026 Celebrates Regional & Global Talent

 The Joy Awards 2026 concluded in Riyadh with an evening that brought together prominent Arab and international artists to celebrate achievements in film, music, and entertainment. The event highlighted the Kingdom’s growing role as a cultural and creative hub in the region, reinforcing efforts to expand arts and entertainment sectors under Vision 2030.

Attendees included celebrated performers and creative professionals, enhancing cross-cultural engagement in the Middle East arts scene.

Sources:
– Al Arabiya English: Joy Awards 2026 brings A-listers to Riyadh, honors regional and global talent Joy Awards 2026 brings A-listers to Riyadh…

National Education Update: Second Semester Begins

 The second semester of the 2025–26 academic year has officially commenced across Saudi Arabia with a schedule of 92 study days followed by 28 days of holiday. This academic calendar structure aims to balance instructional time with rest periods for students.

Ministry of Education officials emphasize continuity in learning outcomes and quality standards across schools, ensuring students remain aligned with national educational priorities.

Sources:
– Saudi Gazette: Second school semester, with 92 study days and 28 days of holiday, commences on Sunday Second school semester…

Saudi Infrastructure & Development: Tender for New Passenger Trains

Saudi Arabia Railways has issued a tender for 10 new passenger train sets to expand the national railway network in the northern region. This move reflects the Kingdom’s continued investment in transportation infrastructure to support economic diversification, ease of mobility, and regional connectivity.

The new trains are expected to enhance public transport capacity and modernize rail services across northern cities, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s broader goals of infrastructure enhancement and sustainable urban mobility.

Sources:
– Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia Railways issues tender for 10 new passenger trains… Saudi Arabia Railways issues tender for 10 new passenger trains…

Saudi Deportation Campaign: Over 18,000 Illegal Residents Detained

Saudi security authorities have continued an aggressive enforcement operation targeting illegal residency and labor violations across the Kingdom. In the past week, officials arrested 18,054 individuals residing illegally and deported 14,621 people, as part of a broader effort to reinforce lawful residency frameworks and labor market regulations.

This intensified enforcement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s strategy to enhance regulatory compliance, protect workers’ rights, and ensure stability within the national labor market. Authorities emphasize that the campaign combines enforcement with legal channels for regularization where applicable.

Sources:
– Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia deports 14,621 illegal residents in a week Saudi Arabia deports 14,621 illegal residents in a week…

Saudi Arabia’s High-Level Delegation to World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, will lead a high-level Saudi delegation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, starting January 19. The delegation’s participation underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to global economic cooperation, investment dialogue, and Vision 2030 strategic objectives.

The WEF summit serves as a platform for government and business leaders to address key global economic and social issues. Saudi Arabia’s involvement is expected to focus on deepening international economic partnerships, showcasing investment opportunities, and reinforcing the Kingdom’s role as a strategic partner in global economic governance.

Sources:
– Saudi Gazette: Foreign minister to lead high-level Saudi delegation attending Davos World Economic Forum 2026 Foreign minister to lead high-level Saudi delegation attending Davos…