Sandstorm envelops Riyadh skyline

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Though not infrequent at this time of year, the storm still created unfavorable conditions. (AN Photo)
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Though not infrequent at this time of year, the storm still created unfavorable conditions. (AN Photo)
Updated 19 February 2019
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Sandstorm envelops Riyadh skyline

  • Heavy dust clouds hampered visibility, affected temperatures and caused substantial traffic delays
  • Storm created unfavorable conditions, with wind speeds reaching 40 kilometers per hour

RIYADH: A sandstorm hit Riyadh on Tuesday, enveloping the city in heavy dust clouds that hampered visibility, affected temperatures and caused substantial traffic delays.




Traffic police in Riyadh advised motorists to drive slowly, use headlights at all times and exercise restraint. (AN Photo)

Though not infrequent at this time of year, the storm still created unfavorable conditions, with the maximum temperature at 19 and minimum at 6 degrees Celsius, and wind speeds reaching 40 kilometers per hour.

Traffic police in Riyadh warned residents to take care, whilst telling motorists to drive slowly, use headlights at all times and exercise restraint.




Traffic police in Riyadh advised motorists to drive slowly, use headlights at all times and exercise restraint. (AN Photo)

People with respiratory conditions, meanwhile, were also advised to avoid going outside where possible.

 


SDAIA president says Saudi Arabia is building an integrated AI ecosystem

Updated 20 February 2026
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SDAIA president says Saudi Arabia is building an integrated AI ecosystem

RIYADH: Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority President Abdullah Al-Ghamdi says that Saudi Arabia is moving steadily to establish artificial intelligence as a trusted national capability, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Guided by the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, Al-Ghamdi said the goal is to use AI to help develop government services, enhance competitiveness, build human capacity and improve quality of life through a comprehensive strategy based on three main pillars that unlock the potential of this technology and achieve sustainable developmental impact.

“The first pillar focuses on building human capacity and enhancing readiness to engage with AI technologies,” he said.

The second pillar is building an integrated national AI ecosystem that drives expansion and innovation by developing advanced digital infrastructure that enables various sectors to adopt AI applications efficiently, consistently and with effective governance, Al-Ghamdi said.

The third pillar, he said, is governance that ensures responsible and measurable AI through a national framework aligned with international standards.

This came during Al-Ghamdi’s speech at a high-level ministerial session held on Thursday on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi.

He is heading the Saudi delegation, and the session saw broad participation from heads of state, decision-makers and technology leaders from around the world.

Al-Ghamdi also had a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday evening, discussed AI cooperation and expressed his gratitude for hosting the summit and for the hospitality extended to the participants.