Al-Laith Waterfront has emerged as a key tourism and recreational destination along the Red Sea, supporting community engagement, economic activity, and sustainable coastal development in Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Region

Al-Laith Waterfront has continued to strengthen its role as one of the leading tourism and recreational destinations in Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Region. Overlooking the Red Sea, the waterfront has provided residents and visitors with a year-round public space that combines coastal scenery, leisure facilities, and community amenities while supporting the Kingdom’s broader efforts to enhance quality of life and sustainable tourism.

The waterfront has served as a prominent venue for community engagement, hosting national celebrations, cultural programmes, sports activities, and marketing events throughout the year. Equipped with walking paths, seating areas, and recreational facilities, it has become a gathering place for families, young people, and visitors, reinforcing its role as an inclusive urban space that promotes social interaction and public wellbeing.

Beyond its recreational value, Al-Laith Waterfront has contributed to the governorate’s economic development by creating opportunities for businesses in the hospitality, food and beverage, tourism, and marine recreation sectors. Cafés, restaurants, excursion operators, and water sports providers have benefited from increased visitor activity, while entrepreneurs and family-run cottage industries have participated in seasonal events and community markets.

The waterfront has also reflected Al-Laith’s longstanding connection with the Red Sea, where generations have been engaged in fishing and maritime activities. Its modern development has transformed the coastline into a destination that integrates tourism, recreation, and economic growth while preserving the area’s coastal identity and natural heritage.

Looking ahead, Al-Laith Waterfront is well positioned to attract further investment in tourism, entertainment, hospitality, and the blue economy. Continued development is expected to diversify visitor experiences, encourage longer stays, support local businesses, and reinforce sustainable management of the governorate’s coastal environment as Saudi Arabia advances its long-term tourism and regional development objectives.

Source: Saudi Press Agency (SPA)

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Saudi Ambassador Mohammad Alghamdi met with ST&T International Managing Director Dr. Ammar Angullia to discuss the company’s healthcare services in the Kingdom and opportunities to strengthen future collaboration

Saudi Ambassador to Singapore, H.E. Mohammad Alghamdi received Dr. Ammar Angullia, Managing Director of ST&T International, at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Singapore. The meeting focused on the company’s operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly its healthcare support services for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, as well as opportunities to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

During the discussion, both sides reviewed ST&T International’s contributions to supporting pilgrims through healthcare services and exchanged views on potential areas for future collaboration. They also explored ways to enhance cooperation in support of the Kingdom’s healthcare and pilgrimage sectors.

The meeting reflected the continued engagement between the Embassy and private sector stakeholders in promoting partnerships that contribute to Saudi Arabia’s healthcare ecosystem and support services for pilgrims.

Source:

IN Diplomacy met with the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to discuss plans for the upcoming Saudi National Day 2026 Special Publication, highlighting bilateral cooperation and key developments under Saudi Vision 2030.

Ms Nomita Dhar, Editor-in-Chief of IN Diplomacy, met with His Excellency Ambassador Mohammad Alghamdi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Singapore, on 20 July 2026 to discuss preparations for the Saudi National Day 2026 Special Publication. The meeting focused on opportunities to showcase Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation, strategic industries, and growing engagement with Singapore.

Held as part of IN Diplomacy’s ongoing collaboration with diplomatic missions in Singapore, the meeting provided an opportunity to exchange ideas on the editorial direction of the annual special publication. Discussions also covered plans surrounding the Saudi National Day 2026 Reception and potential areas of coverage.

During the meeting, both parties discussed Saudi Arabia’s strengths in the petroleum, oil, and gas sector, which continues to play a significant role in the Kingdom’s economy and global energy landscape. They also noted the contributions of leading Saudi companies operating within these industries and the sector’s continued importance to the country’s economic development.

The discussion also focused on Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s national strategy aimed at diversifying its economy, promoting innovation, attracting investment, and strengthening sustainable development across multiple sectors. The initiative was highlighted as a key theme that could be featured in the upcoming publication to reflect Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation.

In addition, Ms Dhar and Ambassador Alghamdi exchanged views on the Saudi National Day 2026 Reception, including opportunities to highlight the celebration and its significance in strengthening diplomatic, cultural, and business ties between Saudi Arabia and Singapore.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to producing a comprehensive Saudi National Day 2026 Special Publication that highlights the Kingdom’s achievements, economic priorities, and bilateral cooperation. As preparations continue, both parties look forward to further collaboration in support of this year’s National Day celebrations.

Source: IN Diplomacy Reporter.

Maritime transport, infrastructure development, petrochemicals, business engagement, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, bilateral cooperation

Saudi Arabia Ambassador to Singapore, H.E. Mohammad Alghamdi, conducted a series of official engagements in Singapore with representatives from the maritime, engineering and petrochemical sectors, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with key industry stakeholders. The meetings focused on expanding cooperation, reviewing ongoing activities in the Kingdom, and discussing areas of mutual interest.

The engagements included meetings at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Singapore with Mr. Lars Kastrup, Chief Executive Officer of Pacific International Lines (PIL), and Mr. Omar Shahzad, Group Chief Executive Officer of Meinhardt. Ambassador Alghamdi also visited the Singapore office of SABIC, where he met with the Office Director and staff to learn more about the company’s regional operations.

During his meeting with Mr. Kastrup, the Ambassador reviewed Pacific International Lines’ presence in Saudi Arabia and discussed opportunities to enhance cooperation in maritime transport and logistics. The two sides also exchanged commemorative gifts, reflecting the cordial relations between the Embassy and the company.

In discussions with Mr. Shahzad, Ambassador Alghamdi reviewed Meinhardt Group’s contributions to development and infrastructure projects in the Kingdom. The meeting also explored opportunities to further strengthen cooperation and addressed matters of mutual interest related to the Kingdom’s ongoing development initiatives.

Source: Saudi Embassy In Singapore

At SABIC’s Singapore office, Ambassador Alghamdi received a briefing on the company’s operations in Singapore and its activities across Southeast Asia and East Asia. Discussions covered SABIC’s regional role and a range of topics of mutual interest concerning its business operations and continued engagement in the region.

The series of engagements highlighted Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts to deepen collaboration with international partners across strategic sectors, including maritime transport, infrastructure development and industry. They also reflected the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering long-term partnerships that support economic growth, innovation and regional cooperation.

Source: Saudi Embassy In Singapore

Native plant species, ecological balance, biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, natural resource protection, Kingdom development goals

The Madinah Region is home to a diverse range of native plant species that reflect the area’s varied natural landscapes and contribute to ecological balance and biodiversity. The region’s valleys, plains, lava fields, and highlands provide habitats for numerous wild plants adapted to local environmental conditions.

The region’s diverse terrain supports a rich botanical ecosystem that plays an important role in maintaining environmental quality. Native vegetation contributes to wildlife habitats, helps reduce soil erosion, and supports the long-term health of local ecosystems.

The abundance of indigenous plant species also reinforces broader environmental sustainability efforts across the region. By preserving natural vegetation, the Madinah Region contributes to protecting biodiversity and promoting responsible management of natural resources.

These conservation efforts align with the Kingdom’s wider environmental development objectives, which emphasise the protection of ecosystems, sustainable land management, and the preservation of natural heritage for future generations.

Source: SPA

By H.E. Mohammad Abdullah S. Alghamdi,
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Singapore

For many in Asia, the Red Sea may seem geographically distant. Yet, recent disruptions to shipping routes and energy flows have underscored a strategic reality that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore: stability in the Red Sea is no longer only a Middle Eastern concern. It is becoming an integral component of Asia’s economic security.

This reflects a broader transformation in the geography of global commerce. As trade networks become more interconnected and supply chains more vulnerable to disruption, Southeast Asian economies can no longer view maritime security through the lens of the Indo-Pacific alone. The resilience of shipping corridors stretching from the Gulf and the Red Sea to the Strait of Malacca now plays an increasingly important role in sustaining Asia’s trade, energy security and long-term economic growth.

From the Strait of Hormuz to the Strait of Malacca, the world’s maritime routes are deeply interconnected. Disruptions in one part of this network inevitably affect the others. For economies across Asia that depend heavily on trade, energy imports and maritime shipping, the consequences are immediate: higher freight costs, supply chain disruptions, rising insurance premiums and greater economic uncertainty. This makes it all the more important to keep maritime chokepoints open, uphold freedom of navigation and preserve the continuity of energy and trade flows.

Today, Asia receives the majority of energy exports passing through Gulf shipping lanes. The stability of these maritime corridors is therefore as much an Asian interest as it is a regional one. It also reinforces the importance of safeguarding the security and continuity of global energy supplies, particularly during periods of heightened uncertainty. Developments in the Red Sea are no longer confined to the Middle East; they are increasingly linked to the stability of global commerce and international trade flows.

Recent years have also highlighted the growing importance of resilience in global trade and energy networks. Efficiency alone is no longer sufficient. Increasingly, attention is being placed on diversification, infrastructure development and the ability to sustain trade and energy flows during periods of crisis.

In this context, Saudi Arabia’s western coastline is emerging as an increasingly important anchor for resilient global connectivity. The Kingdom’s investments in its Red Sea ports, logistics infrastructure and transport networks — alongside the East-West Pipeline linking the Gulf to Yanbu on the Red Sea — contribute to greater reliability in energy and trade flows between the Middle East and Asia, especially during periods of heightened uncertainty.

The importance of these projects extends beyond their national dimension. Their impact is also felt across Asian economies that rely heavily on stable supply chains, the security of energy supplies and maritime commerce. At the same time, the growing logistical and commercial connectivity between the Gulf and Asia reflects a broader transformation in relations between the two regions. These ties are no longer defined solely by energy exports, but increasingly by infrastructure, investment, logistics and long-term economic integration.

Importantly, these developments should be viewed through the practical lens of economic resilience and shared connectivity. At its core, the issue is about safeguarding the continuity of global commerce and ensuring that maritime routes remain open, stable and predictable.

For policymakers in Southeast Asia, this reality carries an important implication. Maritime resilience can no longer be understood solely in terms of developments within Asia’s immediate neighborhood. The security of trade and energy flows increasingly depends on cooperation across a wider network of maritime partners, extending from Southeast Asia to the Gulf and the Red Sea.

For Southeast Asia’s maritime and trading economies, the current moment presents an opportunity to deepen cooperation with Gulf partners in areas of shared interest, including maritime security, supply chain resilience, the security of energy supplies and logistics connectivity.

In a world marked by growing uncertainty, resilience has become the new foundation of global trade. As global commerce becomes increasingly interconnected, Asia’s long-term economic security will depend not only on developments within the Indo-Pacific, but also on the resilience of maritime corridors linking Southeast Asia to the Gulf and the Red Sea.

Applications open until August 8 for films seeking post-production funding support.

The Red Sea Fund has opened applications for the fourth cycle of its Post-Production Support Programme, offering financial assistance to filmmakers from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, Africa, and Asia to complete their film projects. Applications will be accepted until August 8.

Administered by the Red Sea Film Foundation, the programme provides post-production funding for feature films, documentaries, and animated productions that have completed principal photography. Eligible projects can receive support for editing, sound design, colour grading, visual effects, and other finishing work needed before release.

The initiative aims to strengthen independent filmmaking while helping regional productions reach international audiences through film festivals, theatrical distribution, and streaming platforms. By supporting projects at a critical stage of production, the foundation seeks to improve the global visibility of films from emerging creative industries.

Eligible submissions must originate from Saudi Arabia, Arab countries, Africa, or Asia and demonstrate strong artistic quality, production value, and international distribution potential. An independent panel of regional and global film experts will evaluate applications based on creative excellence, technical readiness, and overall impact.

The Red Sea Film Foundation said the programme forms part of its long-term strategy to develop Saudi Arabia’s film industry while supporting filmmakers across the wider region. Through funding initiatives, industry partnerships, and talent development programmes, the foundation continues to expand opportunities for creators and strengthen the regional cinema ecosystem.

Since its launch, the Red Sea Fund has supported numerous award-winning films that have screened at leading international film festivals, helping filmmakers secure wider recognition and distribution. The latest funding round reinforces Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a regional hub for film production and creative industries while encouraging diverse stories from across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Kingdom submits third SDG progress review at UN sustainability forum.

Saudi Arabia will present its third Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) 2026, held from 7 to 15 July in New York, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The review outlines the Kingdom’s progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Convened by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the HLPF is the UN’s principal platform for assessing global implementation of the SDGs. This year’s forum is held under the theme, “Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for a sustainable future for all.”

According to SPA, the Saudi delegation will be led by Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal F. Alibrahim and include representatives from government entities, academia, civil society organisations and the private sector. The Kingdom will showcase national policies and initiatives supporting both the SDGs and Saudi Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia’s 2026 VNR follows its previous submissions in 2018 and 2023. The report reviews national achievements, identifies key challenges and outlines future priorities while incorporating contributions from more than 140 stakeholders across multiple sectors.

This year’s HLPF includes detailed reviews of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Saudi Arabia is among 36 countries scheduled to present Voluntary National Reviews during HLPF 2026. The delegation will also participate in ministerial discussions and host side events and an exhibition highlighting the Kingdom’s sustainability initiatives and development achievements, contributing to international cooperation and accelerating global progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Resolution advances women’s role in global cybersecurity.

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has unanimously adopted a Saudi Arabia-led resolution aimed at advancing women’s participation in the global cybersecurity sector during its 62nd regular session in Geneva.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the resolution builds on the Women Empowerment in Cybersecurity initiative launched in 2020 by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The initiative seeks to expand women’s participation in cybersecurity, strengthen technical skills, support career advancement, and help address the global shortage of cybersecurity professionals.

Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila, said the resolution demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting international cooperation, technical assistance, and capacity building to create greater opportunities for women in cybersecurity while supporting national development priorities.

The measure also encourages governments and relevant stakeholders to strengthen access to education, training, and leadership opportunities for women in cybersecurity, recognising that a more diverse workforce can enhance cyber resilience and foster innovation in the digital economy.

According to Arab News, Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and President of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, welcomed the Council’s decision, describing it as recognition of Saudi Arabia’s contribution to international efforts to build a safer and more inclusive cyberspace.

The resolution was adopted during the UN Human Rights Council’s 62nd regular session, held from 15 June to 8 July 2026 at the United Nations Office in Geneva.

As cybersecurity challenges continue to evolve worldwide, the Council’s decision reflects growing international recognition that expanding women’s participation in the sector is essential to building a more resilient, innovative, and inclusive digital future.

By: INDiplomacy Desk

New satellite gateway strengthens global inflight broadband services.

Neo Space Group (NSG), Saudi Arabia’s commercial space services provider owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has deployed Hughes JUPITER™ 3 gateway infrastructure to strengthen its satellite communications network for aviation connectivity.

According to NSG, the deployment will enhance its Satcom capabilities by increasing network capacity, reliability, and scalability, enabling airlines to deliver faster and more resilient broadband services to passengers on international flights.

NSG said the new gateway is built on Hughes’ latest JUPITER™ System technology and forms part of the company’s strategy to develop a resilient, multi-orbit communications ecosystem capable of supporting the growing demand for high-speed inflight connectivity.

“This deployment marks another significant step in expanding our next-generation connectivity infrastructure,” NSG said, adding that the investment reinforces its commitment to delivering advanced satellite communications solutions for the global aviation sector.

Hughes said the JUPITER™ 3 gateway infrastructure is designed to improve service availability, operational resilience, and bandwidth efficiency while providing a scalable platform for future satellite-enabled services.

The partnership also strengthens NSG’s broader ambition to become a leading global provider of commercial space services. According to the company, its portfolio spans satellite communications, Earth observation, positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), and other space technologies aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives to develop a competitive national space industry.

The announcement reflects NSG’s continued investment in international technology partnerships as it expands its global connectivity infrastructure to meet growing demand for reliable, high-performance broadband services in the aviation market.

Source: Saudi Press Agency