Global technology brand HONOR is set to unveil its groundbreaking HONOR Robot Phone in the Saudi market at LEAP 2026.
First announced last March 2026 at Mobile World Congress (MWC 2026) in Barcelona, the HONOR Robot Phone features an embodied AI interaction system paired with a motorized, multi-axis gimbal camera. Designed for dynamic subject tracking and cinematic capture, the smartphone merges next-generation robotics with flagship mobile performance. HONOR Robot Phone is currently on sales in China for ¥12999.00 (Yuan) or around SAR 7,272.26.
لأول مرة في الشرق الأوسط..
استعدوا للكشف عن HONOR Robot Phone في الرياض، إلى جانب مجموعة من الإعلانات والتقنيات الجديدة والاستثنائية خلال LEAP 2026💫
Choosing LEAP 2026 for the regional debut underscores HONOR’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing position as a global hub for technological innovation and AI leadership. Official local pricing and availability will be shared during the event.
Image: HONOR Robot Phone
The flagship HONOR Robot Phone stands out with its retractable, robotic camera system alongside top-tier hardware specs:
Feature
Specification
Robotic Camera System
Retractable motorized 4DoF (4 Degrees of Freedom) titanium gimbal camera with 3D automated subject tracking
The HONOR Pad 20 Series has officially landed in Saudi Arabia, arriving just in time for the busy back-to-school season. Positioned as a versatile tablet lineup for students, young professionals, and families, the series delivers laptop-like multitasking, vivid display options, and massive battery endurance in an ultra-portable profile.
مكتبك ما عاد مربوط بمكان 🏢
اكتب بالقلم، أنجز بلوحة المفاتيح، واستفيد من أدوات الـAI مع تجربة إنتاجية بمستوى الـPC.
Pre-orders are currently live across major local retailers, including Jarir Bookstore and eXtra KSA, until today August 24, 2026. Shipments and in-store pick-ups are slated to begin between August 22 and August 30, 2026.
HONOR Pad 20 (Standard): Starts at 1,599 SAR and comes bundled with exclusive pre-order gift packages valued at up to 1,296 SAR.
HONOR Pad 20 Pro: Starts at 2,199 SAR, packed with performance upgrades and gift bundles valued at 1,696 SAR.
HONOR Pad 20 Paperlike Edition: Starts at 1,799 SAR, packed with performance upgrades and gift bundles valued at 1,696 SAR.
Flexible Payments: Major retailers are offering interest-free installment options via split-payment services like Tabby and Tamara.
Image: HONOR Pad 20 Pro
Key Features and Specs Across the Lineup
Feature
HONOR Pad 20
HONOR Pad 20 Paperlike Edition
HONOR Pad 20 Pro
Display
12.1-inch 3K LCD (3000 x 1872)
12.1-inch 3K Anti-Glare Matte LCD
12.1-inch 3K LCD (3000 x 1872)
Refresh Rate
Up to 120Hz
Up to 120Hz / 165Hz
Up to 165Hz
Processor
Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
Snapdragon 8s Gen 4
RAM & Storage
Up to 12GB RAM / 256GB
Up to 12GB RAM / 256GB
8GB RAM / 256GB
Battery & Charging
10,100mAh / 45W Fast Charge
10,100mAh / 45W Fast Charge
10,100mAh / 66W Fast Charge
Audio
6 Speakers
6 Speakers
6 Speakers (DTS:X Ultra)
Cameras
Rear: 8MP / Front: 8MP
Rear: 8MP / Front: 8MP
Rear: 13MP / Front: 8MP
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3
Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0
Stylus & OS
Magic-Pencil support / MagicOS 10
Magic-Pencil support / MagicOS 10
Magic-Pencil 4s support / MagicOS 10
Regular Price
SAR 2,197.00
SAR 2,397.00
SAR 3,297.00
Standout Capabilities for Productivity and Reading
PaperLike Anti-Glare Technology: Designed to eliminate glare, the dedicated PaperLike surface cuts ambient reflections by up to 99%, dropping visual fatigue by 24% during long reading or note-taking sessions.
PC-Class Multitasking: Running MagicOS 10, both tablets feature a built-in PC Mode capable of managing up to 15 active windows concurrently alongside split-screen setups. Optional accessories like the Magic-Pencil 4s and magnetic keyboard cover seamlessly turn the tablet into a light workstation.
All-Day Endurance: The 10,100mAh battery supports up to 14 hours of document reading, 10 hours of note-taking, or 71 days on ultra-long standby.
Medical education in the Philippines can cost foreign students roughly $3,000 to $6,000 a year in tuition, while the costs of living are a fraction of what they would pay in Europe or the US.
The Philippine institutions are also globally recognized for their quality, and Saudis are familiar with Filipino medics and nurses, as many of them work in the Kingdom.
That many countries prefer Filipino nurses speaks to both the high standard of Philippine medical education and the strong work ethic of the nurses themselves.
The Ministry of Interior (represented by the General Directorate of Passports) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development have launched flexible residency services for domestic workers. Employers can now issue or renew permits for terms as short as three months and pay fees on a quarterly basis.
Previously, permit renewals were limited to one- or two-year terms. By allowing payments in three-month increments, this initiative provides employers with greater financial flexibility and aligns with ongoing efforts to modernize residency services through digital transformation.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that beginning June 25, 2026, qualified Filipino travelers can secure a visa upon arrival in the UAE.
Eligibility Requirements:
Must hold a valid Philippine passport.
Must possess a valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card from any of the following: United States, EU member states, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Canada, or New Zealand.
Visa options and fees:
14-Day Visa: AED 100 (Can be extended for an additional 14 days for AED 250).
HONOR Saudi Arabia has officially launched the Magic V6 folding smartphone, with pre-orders now live for the premium device. From June 22 to June 30, early buyers can secure theirs to experience the next generation of mobile productivity.
The HONOR Magic V6 sets a new benchmark for ultra-slim foldables, measuring a mere 8.75 mm thick when folded and weighing approximately 219 grams. The device features an upgraded aerospace-grade Super Steel Hinge built to endure 500,000 folds, alongside a robust IP68 and IP69 rating for extreme water and dust resistance.
تجربة فاخرة تبدأ من العلبة.
هاتف HONOR Magic V6 يأتي مع شاحن HONOR SuperCharge بقدرة 80W، كابل USB Type-C، غطاء حماية، وأداة الشريحة، لتبدأ رحلتك مع الهاتف بكل سهولة.
— HONOR KSA | هونر السعودية (@HonorKSA) June 21, 2026
The viewing experience is driven by a 6.52-inch outer screen and a massive 7.95-inch unfolded inner display. Both utilize 1–120Hz LTPO adaptive refresh rates and feature industry-leading eye-comfort technology with peak brightness levels reaching up to 6,000 nits. Under the hood, the device is powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, paired with a massive 6,660mAh silicon-carbon battery that supports 80W wired and 66W wireless charging.
Image: HONOR Magic V6
Here is the official specification of HONOR Magic V6;
Category
Specification Details
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform (Octa-core: 2×Prime 4.6GHz + 6×Performance 3.62GHz) • GPU: Adreno 840
Memory & Storage
16GB RAM + 512GB ROM or 16GB RAM + 1TB ROM versions available
Height: 156.7 mm • Width: 74.5 mm (folded), 145.6 mm (unfolded) • Depth (White version): 8.75 mm (folded), 4.0 mm (unfolded) • Depth (Other versions): 9.0 mm (folded), 4.1 mm (unfolded)
Weight
White Version: Approx. 219g (with battery) • Other Versions: Approx. 224g (with battery)
Rear Camera
Triple Camera Setup: • 50MP Wide Main Camera (f/1.6, OIS) • 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera (f/2.2) • 64MP Telephoto Lens Camera (f/2.5, OIS with 3x optical & 100x digital zoom) • Video: Up to 4K recording with EIS+OIS
Front Cameras
Dual Camera Setup: 20MP Wide Camera (f/2.2) on both the inner screen and exterior screen (Supports 4K video)
5G, Dual SIM (SIM+SIM, SIM+eSIM, or dual eSIM) • Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, Infrared Remote Control
Colors
Red, Gold, White, Black
Consumers who pre-order the 16GB+512GB variant in Saudi Arabia receive an exclusive gift bundle valued at SAR 1,656. The premium gift package includes:
HONOR Pad X9a 11.45 inch WIFI 8GB+128GB Gray
HONOR Magic V6 Pitaka Case Black protective case.
3-Month Google AI One Pro Subscription
The device is priced at SAR 7,499, making this pre-order window the perfect time to maximize value on a top-tier foldable.
The fee will be increased from the current ¥3,000 to ¥15,000 for a single-entry visa and from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000 for a multiple-entry visa. The new fees will apply to applications submitted on or after July 1.
The fact that Japan has not raise its visa fees in 48 years says a lot. Some countries increase fees annually, while others every every 3 years, which means this increase visa fees by Japan is long over due.
The government has proposed raising fees for residency status changes and stay extensions from the current range of ¥5,500 to ¥6,000 to between ¥10,000 and ¥70,000, while fees for permanent residency applications would increase from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000. The government is aiming to implement the changes sometime before the end of the next fiscal year on March 31, 2027.
Well, it’s not just for tourists but also for Foreigners living in the country.
I’ve done the calculations and here’s the Philippine Peso equivalent for the new visa fees in Japan;
single-entry visa – ¥15,000 = ₱5,646.00
multiple-entry visa – ¥30,000 = ₱11,292.00
residency status changes and stay extensions – ¥10,000 and ¥70,000 = ₱3,764.00 to ₱26,348.00
Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, reporting for Philippine News Agency;
MANILA – Filipino conjoined twins Olivia and Gianna Manuel were successfully separated after a six-hour multistage surgery by Saudi Arabian surgeons in Riyadh, the Saudi Arabia Embassy in Manila said on Friday.
The operation was carried out in six phases involving 22 specialized medical staff at the King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital (KASCH) in Riyadh on June 18 under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme (SCTP).
The embassy said the twins are in “stable condition” following the procedure and are being closely monitored at KASCH’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
It added that all costs related to the separation and aftercare were covered entirely by the Saudi government.
Saudi Arabia kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a gritty 1-1 draw against powerhouse Uruguay at Miami Stadium. The Saudi Green Falcons stunned the South Americans in the 41st minute when defender Abdulelah Al-Amri headed home from a corner. Despite safe keeping from Saudi goalie Mohammed Al-Owais, Uruguay’s relentless second-half pressure finally paid off in the 79th minute as Maximiliano Araújo swept home a rebound.
With Cape Verde and Spain also playing out a scoreless draw, Group H stands completely wide open, with all four teams locked on exactly one point. The single point is a massive confidence booster for Saudi Arabia, but their road only gets tougher. The tactical stalemate heightens the stakes for the next round of group stage fixtures. Saudi Arabia will face Spain, while Uruguay will battle Cape Verde in matches scheduled for Sunday, June 21, 2026.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has implemented a new circular regulating domestic worker recruitment, restricting processes to 10 approved source countries.
This decision follows rigorous assessments and recommendations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, and the Public Authority for Manpower; in some cases, restrictions specifically apply to female workers.
Under the revised labor procedures, recruitment is exclusively permitted from:
South Africa
Benin
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Philippines
Sri Lanka
India
Vietnam
Nepal
Senegal (males only)
To streamline applications, all procedures will be processed through governorate-level service centers. This updated policy, which accounts for diplomatic and administrative factors, is currently in effect across all residency affairs departments. Recruitment from any unlisted nations is now strictly prohibited.
من الرياض… إلى كل مكان اطلالة HONOR 600 من برج المملكة أمس ✨
سلسلة HONOR 600 متوفرة الآن للطلب المسبق ابتداءً من 1799 ريال واحصل على هدايا بقيمة تصل إلى 1796 ريال: ⌚ ساعة HONOR Watch Fit 🎧 سماعة Earbuds Clips 📱 حافظة جوال مغناطيسية
Honor has officially announced the HONOR 600 Series, which is now available for pre-order in Saudi Arabia. The series includes the HONOR 600 Lite, HONOR 600, and the HONOR 600 Pro.
HONOR 600 Lite
HONOR 600 Lite
HONOR is positioning the 600 Lite as the accessible entry point to the 600-series, balancing sleek design with reliable performance. It features a vibrant 6.6-inch AMOLED display with a staggering 6,500 nits peak brightness and 3840Hz PWM dimming for eye comfort. Measuring just 7.34mm thick, it manages to house a massive 6,520mAh battery with 45W fast charging, ensuring multi-day endurance for casual users. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 Elite chipset and 24GB of RAM (, it handles multitasking with ease. Photography is led by a sharp 108MP main camera, making flagship-level clarity available at a mid-range price point.
HONOR 600
HONOR 600
The AI Photography PowerhouseThe standard HONOR 600 redefines the “accessible flagship” by introducing a professional-grade 200MP Ultra-clear Night Camera. Designed for low-light mastery, it utilizes the AiMAGE architecture and CIPA 6.0 stabilization to capture stunning detail in the dark. Under the hood, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 Mobile Platform processor powers a suite of generative AI tools, including AI Image to Video 2.0. Its 6.57-inch, 2728×1264 OLED screen reaches an industry-leading 8,000 nits brightness. With a 7,000mAh silicon-carbon battery and 80W SuperCharge, the HONOR 600 is a powerhouse for creators who need high-end performance without the “Pro” price tag.
HONOR 600 Pro
HONOR 600 Pro
The HONOR 600 Pro is the definitive choice for enthusiasts, elevating the series with the cutting-edge Snapdragon® 8 Elite Mobile Platform. While it shares the stunning 200MP main sensor and 8,000-nit display of its sibling, the Pro adds a 50MP Periscope Telephoto lens capable of 120x digital zoom. It also introduces 50W wireless charging to complement its 7,000mAh battery. Built for durability, it boasts IP69K ratings for resistance against high-pressure water jets. Integrated with MagicOS 10 and on-device Gemini AI, the 600 Pro stands as a top-tier contender in the 2026 smartphone market.
As the price, the HONOR 600 Lite will retail for SAR 1,698.00 for the 8GB+256GB model, while the HONOR 600 will be SAR 1,799.00 for the same 8GB+256GB variants, and HONOR 600 Pro will retail at SAR 2,999.00 for the 12GB+512GB model.
All of HONOR’s 600 series are available for pre-order either from a retailer or directly from Honor’s KSA online store via https://www.honor.com/sa-en/shop/.
Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy A37 5G and Galaxy A57 5G in Saudi Arabia, bringing flagship-tier “Awesome Intelligence” (AI) and premium durability to the mid-range market. Both devices hit shelves across the Kingdom on April 10, 2026.
Galaxy A57 5G
Samsung Galaxy A57 5G
The A57 features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with a 1,900-nit peak brightness and 120Hz refresh rate. Powered by the Exynos 1680 (4nm) chip, it introduces a thinner 6.9mm aluminum frame protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+ and an IP68 rating.
Camera: 50MP Main (OIS), 12MP Ultra-wide, 5MP Macro.
Battery: 5,000 mAh with 45W fast charging.
Price: Starts at SAR 1,649 (8GB/128GB).
Galaxy A37 5G
Samsung Galaxy A37 5G
The A37 offers a similar 6.7-inch Super AMOLED experience but utilizes the Exynos 1480 processor. It maintains high-end features like “Circle to Search” and AI-driven photo editing, housed in a slightly thicker 7.4mm body.
Camera: 50MP Main (OIS), 8MP Ultra-wide, 5MP Macro.
Battery: 5,000 mAh with 45W support.
Price: Approximately SAR 1,329
Both phones run Android 16 (One UI 8.5) and come with an industry-leading commitment of 6 years of OS and security updates, ensuring long-term value for the Saudi Markets.
مستعدين للجديد؟! أجهزة Galaxy A57 | Galaxy A37 بين يدينك الحين!
BREAKING: Iran assures the Philippines that it will allow Philippine-bound and Philippine-flagged ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Department of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement Thursday, April 2, that Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi today to discuss “stronger bilateral cooperation on all fronts.”
“During the call, the Iranian Foreign Minister assured the Secretary that Iran will allow the safe, unhindered, and expeditious passage through the Strait of Hormuz of Philippine-flagged vessels, energy sources, and all Filipino seafarers,” the DFA says.
Great work by our DFA specially Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro!
This should “hopefully” limit further petrol price hikes in the country.
Take note, RIYADHizens! RIYADH PARKING has announced new operating hours that took in effect last week. It is uodated to the following:
📆 Saturday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 MN
📆 Friday – FREE
📆 Holidays and National Occasions – FREE
The parking fee is SAR 3.45 per hour and you’ll know you’re parking on a paid slot when you see half of the parking block or wheel stop painted in blue. There will also be the Paid Parking sign. You can pay via the Riyadh Parking app.
When patking in these slots, just pay. Wag na po manghinayang sa SAR 3.45. Because the penalty is SAR 200. 😅
Here’s the official announcement of Riyadh Parking via their official X/Twitter account @Riyadh_Parking;
لتنظيم المواقف بما يتناسب مع احتياجات تنقلكم، سيتم تحديث ساعات تشغيل #مواقف_الرياض ابتداءً من 23 مارس: من السبت إلى الخميس: 8:00 صباحًا – 12:00 منتصف الليل الجمعة والأعياد والمناسبات الوطنية: المواقف مجانية. pic.twitter.com/X8sFeWRooN
— Riyadh Parking مواقف الرياض (@Riyadh_Parking) March 17, 2026
تصوير أو نشر أو تداول معلومات ذات صلة بالتصدي للصواريخ والطائرات المسيَّرة ومواقع سقوطها يُعرِّضك للمساءلة القانونية.
Filming, publishing, or sharing information related to countering missiles and drones and their impact sites exposes you to legal liability#وزارة_الدفاعpic.twitter.com/UVriqWmyVZ
A great website to give us an idea on the price of petrol in different country. It also include the price of electricity per kWh. Of course, I immediately checked the price listed for the Philippines, which is the following;
A drone was intercepted and destroyed as it approached the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh, the ministry said at around midday.
Earlier, a ballistic missile launched toward Al-Kharj Governorate was shot down with debris from the interception falling near Prince Sultan Air Base “without causing any damage,” a spokesman said.
Another two ballistic missiles launched towards the Eastern Province were intercepted and destroyed in the evening.
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in a Facebook post announced that Taiwan has increase the minimum wage for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) to $967 (USD) or around ₱56K per month, and $6.45 (USD) for hourly rate that’s ₱375.04. DMW added that the new minimum wage will take effect on January 1, 2026.
In a report by Focustaiwan, “These wage hikes still require the approval from the Executive Yuan, which is expected to be given.”
Taiwan is known for it’s electronics factories, much like China, and I know a lot of colleague who are working in Taiwan and also planning to work in Taiwan, if approved, this will be another destination for OFW and fully maximized their technical skills.
Here’s the full text of Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announcement from the embedded FB post below;
Trump administration is planning to impose a $100,000 per year for H-1B worker visas. In the official statement of the White House, the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program, intended to bring in high-skilled temporary workers, has been widely misused by companies, particularly in the IT sector, to replace American employees with lower-paid foreign labor. This abuse has artificially suppressed wages and negatively impacted the U.S. labor market, especially for recent college graduates in STEM fields who face high unemployment rates.
According to the provided text, the number of foreign STEM workers more than doubled from 2000 to 2019, largely due to this misuse. H-1B-reliant IT outsourcing firms save a significant amount by hiring foreign workers at a substantial discount, with some companies laying off thousands of American workers while simultaneously hiring thousands of H-1B visa holders. This practice not only harms American workers but also poses a national security threat.
To address these issues, a presidential order was issued on September 19, 2025. It imposes a 12-month restriction on H-1B visas for workers outside the U.S., requiring employers to pay a $100,000 fee for each visa. Exceptions can be made if the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that the hiring is in the national interest. The order also mandates that the Department of Labor revise prevailing wage levels to align with the new policy goals.
As announced, the new Apple AirPods Pro 3 is now available for preorder in Saudi Arabia and will retail for SAR 1,049. You can preorder from the Apple Saudi Arabia website and other local retailers such as Jarir, Extra and Aleph.
Oli’s government lifted the social media ban after protests turned violent, killing 19 and injuring more than a 100 after police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters trying to storm parliament on Monday.
…
“We have withdrawn the shutdown of the social media. They are working now,” cabinet spokesperson and Communications and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung told Reuters.
Nepal has banned 26 major social media and communication platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). The ban was enacted after the Social Media networks failed to register with the government within a seven-day period. This action follows a Supreme Court directive that required all online platforms, both domestic and foreign, to register with the authorities and monitor unwanted content.
Below are the social media networks that are banned within the boundaries of Nepal;
The Supreme Court ruling consisted to multiple petitions which were filed since 2020. The petitions filed seemed restrictions on unlicensed platforms broadcasting ads and content in Nepal. The government’s Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2080 requires platforms to — register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, appoint a local contact person and compliance officer and also setup mechanisms to handle local complaints.
But not all Social media networks are blocked TikTok, Viber, Wetalk, Nimbuzz, Telegram and Global Diary are accessible within the country after completing the government requirements.
In a recent Facebook post by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to Filipino domestic workers in Saudi Arabia, that they take advantage of the six-month grace period for those with irregular status announced by Saudi Government. This window, spanning from May 11 to November 10, 2025, allows workers to legalize their employment without facing any fines or penalties.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and its Secretary, Hans Cacdac, are strongly encouraging all affected Filipino workers to immediately contact the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Al Khobar. The MWO will provide guidance on how to navigate the process using the Musaned system, which is managed by the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
This initiative provides a safe and legal pathway for workers to regularize their status with the full support of the Philippine government. For assistance and more details, workers are advised to get in touch with their nearest MWO.
In a stunning turn of events at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Gilas Pilipinas suffered a disappointing 95-87 loss to Chinese Taipei in their opening game. The Philippine national team was on the back foot from the start, trailing by as much as 17 points in the first quarter and struggling to contain a hot-shooting Chinese Taipei squad.
Despite a valiant comeback effort, Gilas couldn’t overcome the early deficit. Justin Brownlee led the charge with 19 points before fouling out in the final minutes, a major blow to the team’s rally. Kevin Quiambao provided a spark off the bench with 17 points, while Scottie Thompson and Dwight Ramos added 12 points apiece, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. Chinese Taipei’s Chen Ying-Chun was the star of the show, erupting for a game-high 34 points, including six triples, to seal the victory. The loss puts Gilas in a difficult position as they now face a must-win situation against New Zealand in their next match.
Apple has officially launched the Apple Store online and Apple Store app for the Saudi Arabian Market, and for the first time Apple is offering direct support in Arabic, making it easy for local customers to explore and shop their favorite Apple products.
Apple; “We are thrilled to bring the Apple Store online and the Apple Store app to Saudi Arabia, offering customers a new way to explore and shop Apple’s extraordinary lineup of products and services,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail and People. “Our customers in Saudi Arabia are passionate about the things they can do with technology, and our teams can’t wait to connect with customers and help them discover how Apple innovations can meaningfully enrich their daily lives.”
To differentiate their “Personalized Shopping Experience” Apple is making it incredibly convenient to own their products. You can get personalized support via chat or phone, receive help with setting up your new device, and even take advantage of the Tamara “Buy Now Pay Later” option, allowing you to pay for your purchases in four interest-free installments. Plus, the Apple Trade In program lets you get credit for your old devices or recycle them responsibly.
Together with the Apple Store online and Apple Store app, Apple will also open its first physical Apple Store locations in Saudi Arabia starting in 2026, with an iconic store already being planned for Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This move reinforces Apple’s commitment to the region, building on existing initiatives like the Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh.
If you have the Apple Store App installed on your devices, this will automatically update to the Saudi Arabian Market or you can https://www.apple.com/sa-en/store, on your desktop.
Posted on his account on Truth social, US President Donald Trump said that “THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!” The announcement was made just hours after Iran launched an attack on Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military base in the Middle East.
In light of recent developments in the region, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh encourages all Filipinos in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to closely monitor the news through reputable sources and check for advisories issued by Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, and local Saudi authorities.
The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah stand ready to provide the necessary assistance to all Filipinos in the Kingdom.
Iran today launched a missile attack targeting the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a major U.S. military installation. The attack, which Iran’s Tasnim news agency called “Annunciation of Victory,” comes as a direct retaliation for recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Loud explosions and flares were reported over Qatar’s capital, Doha, on Monday evening as the Qatari air defense systems, in coordination with the U.S., successfully intercepted the incoming short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. Qatari and U.S. officials swiftly confirmed that there were no casualties or injuries at the base, and minimal to no damage was reported to the facility itself.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officially claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was a “devastating and powerful” response to what it characterized as “America’s aggression.”
Reports indicate that Iran had warn Qatar regarding the impending attack, a move that analysts suggest points to a desire to demonstrate capability without causing widespread casualties, potentially aiming for de-escalation rather than all-out conflict. This pre-notification, along with the successful interceptions, allowed for precautionary measures to be taken, including temporary closures of Qatari airspace and advisories for U.S. citizens to shelter in place. In a report by NDTV, several other Gulf countries, including Kuwait, Iraq, UAE, and Bahrain, also temporarily closed their airspace as a precaution.
Al Udeid Air Base is the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East, serving as the forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and a critical hub for U.S. operations across the region. It hosts approximately 10,000 U.S. service members, along with Qatari, British, and other allied forces. The base’s strategic importance underscores the gravity of Iran’s direct targeting of the facility.
Reactions to the attack have been swift. Saudi Arabia condemned the “unjustifiable” Iranian aggression, affirming its solidarity and full support for Qatar. Qatar’s Ministry of Defence “considered this a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, its airspace, international law, and the United Nations Charter.”
