NEOM: Saudi Arabia was ranked first in the Arab world for issuing scientific papers on the coronavirus, the government heard on Tuesday.
King Salman chaired a virtual session of the cabinet which reviewed various aspects related to the fight against the spread of the virus.
The Kingdom ranked 25th globally and 2nd in the Middle East for clinical research and studies on the virus, the cabinet was told.
The Kingdom reported 385 cases of COVID-19 on Monday and 16 deaths. A total of 5,217 people have died in Saudi Arabia of the disease.
The ministers were also updated on the progress of the second phase of the gradual easing of restrictions for umrah pilgrimages and prayers within Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah (the area between Prophet Muhammad's grave and his pulpit) for citizens and expatriates from inside the Kingdom.
The phase will allow up to 15,000 Umrah performers and 40,000 worshipers or about 75 percent of the capacity in consideration of health protocols to prevent the transmission of the coronavirus.
The first phase had allowed those within the Kingdom to perform Umrah at a capacity of 30 percent from Oct. 4., equivalent to 6,000 pilgrims per day.
The ministers also addressed the final communique of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Banks Governors Meeting which reaffirmed determination to continue to use all available policy tools to aid with the recovery from the pandemic.
Separately, the cabinet welcomed the king’s restructuring on Sunday of the Council of Senior Scholars, Shoura Council and Supreme Court.
The decrees appointed 20 people to the Council of Senior Scholars, the Kingdom’s highest religious body.
The cabinet also reviewed the strategic dialogue between the Kingdom and the US.
The meeting focused on strategic issues, including combating extremism and terrorism, and confronting Iran's destabilizing and threatening attitude in the Middle East and disrupting global trade, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Saudi Arabia first in Arab world for issuing scientific papers on virus
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Saudi Arabia first in Arab world for issuing scientific papers on virus
Joy Awards 2026 spotlights arts in Arab world
- Event held annually since 2022
RIYADH: Riyadh hosted its annual Joy Awards on Jan. 17, bringing together stars and creative projects from across the Arab world for an event that has been held annually since 2022.
The 2026 ceremony continued its focus on recognizing storytelling and creative work, while highlighting projects released over the past year.
Awards were presented across six sectors; music, cinema, series, directors, sports and influencers. In addition to the category awards, the ceremony also honored recipients of special accolades, including Personality of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, and Joy Honorary awards.
Previous events have recognized Arab and international figures for their contributions to the arts, including Matthew McConaughey, who received the Personality of the Year Award in 2025.
Amid the Kingdom’s expansion of its entertainment sector — spanning film, music and sports — the Joy Awards reflected Riyadh Season’s role in hosting large-scale cultural events.
This year’s fan-favorite nominees, many of whom were Saudi nationals, were cheered as they walked the Joy Awards’ iconic lavender carpet, where fashion once again took center stage as a key expression of the region’s evolving creative identity.
Among winners who took home the awards was Saudi 14-year-old Rateel Alshehri, who won Favorite Female Influencer. Speaking to Arab News on the lavender carpet, Alshehri shared her excitement, saying: “I’m so excited about being at the Joy Awards. It’s something I’ve been looking forward to. Everyone here deserves to be here.”
Alshehri shared that she was wearing a sky-blue gown by Saudi designer Adnan Akbar.
Alshehri’s excitement was echoed by both Arab and non-Arab guests on the lavender carpet, as many took in the unique atmosphere that Riyadh offers.
Lebanese actor Laila Abdullah also shared her enthusiasm toward both the award show and the Kingdom’s ambitions in creating a hub for creative voices.
Speaking to Arab News, she said the awards had “this mix of culture and luxury. It has that Gulf Arab character, the Saudi touch, you know? And that’s what really makes it stand out.”
The event was filled with a bustling energy that gave a platform to artists and talents who have been waiting to showcase their visions within the Arab world.
It was a celebration that went beyond mere award-giving; reflecting the same ambition and creative momentum that defines Riyadh Season.
Speaking to Arab News, Australian actor Luke Arnold shared his excitement toward attending the event, and added: “What I’m most excited about is kind of what I love about film and television, which is people from all over the world coming together to tell stories and share their expertise.
“It’s really exciting hearing about some of the potential projects happening (and) meeting some of the local talent here. (I am) just really excited to have more stories out in the world.”
Lebanese fashion influencer Karen Wazen reiterated the sentiment on Riyadh giving the Joy Awards a special and unique energy for the arts, saying: “I am so impressed. I’m so proud to be at an event like this in our region, in Saudi Arabia. This is probably the most impressive and big carpet that I’ve ever seen. I’m very excited to watch the ceremony, but also I think to just meet so many people from our industries; it’s a beautiful place to do so.”
Millie Bobby Brown won the Personality of the Year Award while the Lifetime Achievement honor went to actor Forest Whitaker.
On the stage, American pop star Katy Perry performed her iconic songs, while British singer Robbie Williams also gave a standout performance.
The Joy Awards 2026 once again proved that setting new benchmarks in entertainment and creative expression is not only achievable, but celebrated when driven by local talent and support.
As stars from around the world took to Riyadh’s lavender carpet, Arab culture was placed firmly at the forefront — spanning film, music, and digital creativity. The Joy Awards stand as a symbol of the broader cultural transformation that Riyadh is championing across the Arab world’s entertainment industry.
