Riyadh to host global falcon auction in August 

Riyadh to host global falcon auction in August 
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The auction has become a key event for falconers worldwide, attracting sellers and buyers of elite local and international breeding stock (SPA) (SPA)
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Updated 15 July 2025
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Riyadh to host global falcon auction in August 

Riyadh to host global falcon auction in August 

RIYADH: The Saudi Falcons Club has announced that preparations are underway for this year’s International Falcon Breeders Auction from Aug. 5 to 25 at the club’s headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. 

The auction has become a key event for falconers worldwide, attracting sellers and buyers of elite local and international breeding stock, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

Last year’s auction featured 56 production farms — 13 from Saudi Arabia and 43 international — with 866 falcons sold to buyers from 19 countries.

Total sales topped SR10.6 million ($2.8 million), and more than 18,000 visits were recorded during the three-week event, the SPA added. 

The 2024 auction included the highest-priced locally bred falcon, sold for SR210,000 by Al-Aradi Production and Protection Center, and the most expensive international falcon, sold for SR400,000 by Pacific Northwest Falcons, US.

Recognized as one of the world’s largest specialized falcon auctions, the Malham event has created investment opportunities in the sector, according to the SPA.

The auction has also helped local farms adopt international best practices and contributed to Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a global falconry hub.


Saudi crown prince donates blood, launches annual campaign

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman donates blood on Thursday. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman donates blood on Thursday. (SPA)
Updated 29 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince donates blood, launches annual campaign

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman donates blood on Thursday. (SPA)
  • The campaign is an extension of his patronage of humanitarian work and an encouragement for all segments of society to take the initiative to donate

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman donated blood on Thursday as part of an annual campaign he launched to encourage voluntary blood donation, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The campaign is an extension of his patronage of humanitarian work and an encouragement for all segments of society to take the initiative to donate, SPA added. 

It also embodies his keenness to enhance community participation, consolidate a culture of voluntary donation, and support national efforts in the health sector, with the goal of raising the percentage of voluntary donations to 100 percent of total donors.

This initiative is an extension of the humanitarian stances of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in various fields, including receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and enrolling on the organ donation program.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of voluntary blood donation and achieve self-sufficiency in blood and its components, ensuring safe and sustainable supplies that meet the needs of beneficiaries across the Kingdom. 

A single donation can save lives by providing a unit of blood, plasma, or platelets. The number of blood donors in 2024 exceeded 800,000.

The crown prince’s donation embodies an inspiring example of humanitarian work and a valuable message that underscores the importance of volunteer initiatives, and an incentive for members of society to embrace a culture of giving, SPA said. 


Riyadh deputy governor reviews latest development projects

Riyadh deputy governor reviews latest development projects
Updated 10 min 13 sec ago
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Riyadh deputy governor reviews latest development projects

Riyadh deputy governor reviews latest development projects

RIYADH: Riyadh Deputy Gov. Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, accompanied by Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser, toured the streets of Riyadh in a self-driving vehicle on his way to King Khalid International Airport. Last month, the Transport General Authority launched the first phase of self-driving vehicle services in several locations in Riyadh, aiming to advance smart and sustainable mobility.

The deputy governor, along with Al-Jasser, toured the airport operations control center. He received a detailed explanation about the center’s pivotal role in making real-time decisions in cooperation with all bodies operating at the airport, with the objective of enhancing operational flow (to and from the airport) and improving the passenger experience by leveraging the latest artificial intelligence systems.


Qassim’s date industry expansion under study

Qassim’s date industry expansion under study
Updated 32 min 26 sec ago
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Qassim’s date industry expansion under study

Qassim’s date industry expansion under study

BURAIDAH: Delegates from the International Date Council recently visited the Qassim region where they surveyed the region’s best practices in production and marketing, as well as efforts to expand the industry.

They toured the food city in Unaizah and examined international export efforts, in addition to reviewing initiatives that support investment and the development of the private sector, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

The delegates participated in events of the Unaizah International Dates Season, which is a marketing and investment platform that brings together producers and investors.

They also attended the Buraidah Dates Carnival and auction to explore how local producers are developing the industry, the SPA reported.


Saudi health minister participates in Saudi-Australian Business Forum meeting

Saudi health minister participates in Saudi-Australian Business Forum meeting
Updated 21 August 2025
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Saudi health minister participates in Saudi-Australian Business Forum meeting

Saudi health minister participates in Saudi-Australian Business Forum meeting
  • Health Holding Co. and the National Unified Procurement Co. signed agreements with major Australian companies specializing in medical diagnostics and clinical research
  • Saudi Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel said these agreements represent a significant step in expanding health cooperation between the two countries

SYDNEY: Saudi Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel attended a meeting hosted by the Saudi-Australian Business Forum in Sydney, also attended by leaders from the health and innovation sectors.

During the event, the Health Holding Co. and the National Unified Procurement Co. signed agreements with major Australian companies specializing in medical diagnostics and clinical research.

Al-Jalajel said these agreements represent a significant step in expanding health cooperation between the two countries.

The partnerships will focus on developing integrated healthcare solutions and clinical research in genomics and biotechnology, which will enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional hub for advanced medical research, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

The minister’s participation in the meeting was part of an official tour of Australia, which also included visits to Melbourne and Canberra, aimed at strengthening health partnerships and supporting investments in medical innovation and scientific research.


Saudi Arabia marks World Entrepreneurs’ Day

Saudi Arabia marks World Entrepreneurs’ Day
Updated 21 August 2025
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Saudi Arabia marks World Entrepreneurs’ Day

Saudi Arabia marks World Entrepreneurs’ Day
  • Number of small and medium-sized enterprises has more than doubled from 429,000 in 2016 to more than 1.2 million
  • Innovation hackathon initiative provides a platform for young men and women to develop creative solutions for labor market challenges

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development marked World Entrepreneurs’ Day, observed annually on Aug. 21, by highlighting its commitment to enhancing the work environment and empowering youth and entrepreneurs through various initiatives that support Saudi Vision 2030.

The number of small and medium-sized enterprises has more than doubled from 429,000 in 2016 to more than 1.2 million, reflecting the ministry’s success in supporting entrepreneurs and expanding self-employment opportunities.

The ministry has implemented several key programs to achieve its goals. An innovation hackathon initiative provides a platform for young men and women to develop creative solutions for labor market challenges.

Additionally, the Youth Development Strategy, launched in 2024, includes more than 20 initiatives to qualify and empower young people, leading to the establishment of the General Administration for Youth Development and a professional certificate for youth work.

The ministry’s social security empowerment program has been highly successful, achieving a 33.7 percent empowerment rate for beneficiaries by qualifying and supporting 23,394 individuals in the first quarter of 2025.