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RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel in Riyadh on Tuesday.
Saudi-Portuguese cooperation and ways to support and develop it in various fields were discussed, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The two officials also discussed the most prominent regional and international developments and efforts being made with regard to them..
RIYADH: The National Institute for Educational Professional Development has launched a specialized training program in the tourism and hospitality industry, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, the program aims to expand professional development in key national sectors, supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.
Starting on Thursday, teachers across all disciplines and educational levels will be able to enhance their understanding of tourism and hospitality, and their role in the national economy.
The program also seeks to equip educators with skills to integrate the Kingdom’s historical, natural, and cultural tourism resources into teaching, fostering national pride and identity.
The program aligns with the institute’s efforts to build strategic partnerships across sectors to improve educational practices and enrich teachers’ professional content, the SPA reported.
The initiative supports the Ministry of Education’s goal of upskilling citizens so they can contribute to sustainable development objectives.
RIYADH: In October, º£½ÇÖ±²¥ marks World Sight Day and White Cane Safety Day to raise awareness about eye health and promote the rights and care of people with visual impairments.
These observances highlight the causes of blindness, stress the importance of prevention and treatment, and encourage regular eye check-ups for early detection, especially as people age.
Ebsar Foundation CEO Amal Al-Hunaiti said the association is organizing several events throughout October to educate the community on vision health, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
She added that the foundation has launched a program for mothers of visually impaired children, highlighting their key role in supporting their children’s development.
The association has also arranged recreational outings for young blind people to promote social inclusion and teach the public how to interact with them.
It will also take part in the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh later this month, reaffirming its commitment to raising awareness and advocating for better eye care.
Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha met with Mark Zuckerberg, founder, chairman and CEO of Meta, during his official visit to the US.
The visit is part of the Kingdom’s efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships in artificial intelligence and innovative digital solutions, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The two discussed collaboration opportunities in AI, large language models, the metaverse, and generative AI, as well as initiatives to empower innovators and developers, enhance national capabilities and reinforce the Kingdom’s leadership in future technologies.
RIYADH: The Saudi Aviation Club unveiled the details for its General Aviation Airshow 2025, titled “Sand and Fun†during a press conference on Tuesday.
Held under the patronage of Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, governor of Riyadh, the event is poised to be the largest of its kind in the region.
The airshow will take place Nov. 25-29 at Al-Thumamah Airport on the outskirts of Riyadh, and organizers expect more than 200,000 visitors to attend.
The press conference was attended by Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, founder and chairman of the Saudi Aviation Club, and Ahmed bin Fahad Al-Fahid, member of the board of directors and general supervisor of the club.
Reflecting on the event’s significance, Prince Sultan, also chair of the Saudi Space Comission, said: “The Saudi Aviation Club’s journey of 25 years is a living embodiment of the unlimited support from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the crown prince, which has transformed general aviation from a specialized interest into a strategic sector.â€
He added that the Kingdom’s commitment to investing in aerospace will ensure the nation remains a premier global hub for fostering innovation and empowering talent.
This year’s edition will include spectacular aerial displays and educational aviation content.
Visitors can look forward to “Sky Ventures,†featuring more than 90 aerial performances by Saudi and international aerobatic teams, and nightly shows that will illuminate the Riyadh sky.
Displays will allow enthusiasts to get up close with a collection of iconic aircraft, exploring their details hands-on and engaging directly with pilots and engineers.
The exhibitions zone will act as a strategic business hub, featuring more 100 leading companies showcasing the latest technologies and innovations in general aviation.
For forward-looking insights, the “Hangar Talks†forum will host elite experts and Saudi astronauts to discuss the future of sustainable aviation, including advanced technologies like electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft and artificial intelligence.
Families can visit the “Aviatainment Zone,†which includes virtual reality simulators, workshops and interactive cockpit tours.
Prince Sultan announced a special inclusivity initiative, offering complimentary admission to people with disabilities and children under six.
MAKKAH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s rising chess prodigy Basil Al-Salman is not your typical teenager.
While most his age are focused on school routines, the 11-year-old is competing internationally, leading tournaments, and speaking with the confidence of someone intent on becoming a world champion.
In a recent interview with Arab News, Al-Salman spoke about his journey so far, the sacrifices behind his rapid rise, and belief that young players like him can challenge — and even surpass — the legends of the game.
“I discovered my passion for chess in 2023,†he said.
“It was during a family gathering when I watched my relatives play. I was fascinated by their focus and strategies. Out of curiosity, I turned to YouTube and began watching tutorials and games.
“That’s when I realized chess wasn’t just a pastime — it was something I wanted to dive into deeply.â€
That spark quickly grew into a steady interest. “I’m motivated by my dream to become the best chess player of all time,†he said.
“I want to show the world that chess isn’t just for adults. Kids and teens, no matter where they’re from, can compete with and even beat the greatest players through hard work, strategy, and passion.â€
Balancing school and chess is a challenge, but Al-Salman tackles both with discipline.
After finishing homework and review sessions in the afternoon, he dedicates his evenings to practice — playing online games, studying openings, and analyzing positions. Weekends are reserved for deeper study sessions to refine his tactics and stay ahead of competitors.
His proudest moment so far came at the Abu Dhabi Open B Tournament in 2025. “That was my breakthrough,†he said.
“I played the best chess of my life, scoring 3.5 out of 4 and holding the sole lead for two rounds. Being at the top of the leaderboard in such a competitive event showed me what my hard work and dedication could achieve.â€
Not every match has been easy. He recalls a particularly tough game, also in Abu Dhabi: a four-hour duel against the top seed.
“I lost because of a devastating fork under time pressure. It was painful, but it taught me the importance of time management. Since then, I always double or triple check my moves in high-pressure situations,†he said.
Al-Salman’s inspiration comes from one of chess’ boldest legends. “Mikhail Tal is my biggest role model,†he said.
“He was a magician on the board. His daring attacks and fearless creativity forced opponents to constantly rethink. For me, he’s the GOAT (greatest of all time), and I strive to bring that same spark of brilliance into my own games.â€
Looking ahead, Al-Salman’s ambitions are clear. In the short term, he hopes to become the Saudi chess champion and represent his country internationally.
“Long-term, I want to become the greatest chess player of all time, surpassing legends by winning world championships and pushing the boundaries of the game,†he added.
To prepare for tournaments, Al-Salman keeps a steady routine. He ensures a good night’s sleep, solves chess puzzles to sharpen his mind, and reviews his opening repertoire before each match.
“That routine helps me stay calm and focused, ready to play my best,†he said.
With his focus, discipline, and confidence, Al-Salman embodies a new generation of Saudi talent ready to compete globally.
