Saudi COVID-19 recovery rate remains high despite increase in cases
The total number of coronavirus cases in KSA reached 480,701
A total of 7,743 people have succumbed to the virus in the Kingdom so far
Updated 26 June 2021
Rawan Radwan
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health announced on Friday that five regions in the Kingdom had recorded more than 100 new COVID-19 cases in the previous 24 hours, as authorities continue to warn residents to remain vigilant and abide by official measures.
The ministry reported 1,312 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, raising the total number to 480,701. Makkah was the region with the highest case count at 373, followed by Riyadh with 233, the Eastern Province with 214, Asir with 155 and Jazan with 104.
Jouf was the region with the lowest case count, with only three cases reported.
There are currently 11,331 active cases of COVID-19 in the Kingdom, 1,466 of whom are in ICUs — an increase of 15 in the 24 hours.
The ministry reported 1,290 new recoveries, raising the total number of recoveries to 461,628. The Kingdom’s recovery rate is holding steady at 96 percent.
The ministry reported 13 new COVID-19-related deaths, raising the death toll to 7,743. More than 17.1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered so far, at a rate of 84,158 per day. 49.1 percent of the Kingdom’s population have so far received at least one dose of the vaccine.
The ministry’s statement said that 103,820 PCR tests had been conducted in the previous 24 hours, raising the total number to more than 21.4 million.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance reopened 12 mosques that were temporarily closed for cleaning after coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases were confirmed among worshippers.
The ministry said on Friday that four mosques were reopened in Jazan, three in the Northern Borders region, two in Baha, and one each in Riyadh, the Eastern Province and Asir.
COVID-19 infections have led to 1,665 mosques in the Kingdom being forced to close in the past 139 days. They were reopened after sanitization measures were completed.
Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman inaugurates 3rd World Defense Show in Riyadh
Organized by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), the five-day event will run until February 12
Prince Khalid launched several key initiatives, including the launch of several defense firms and signing of cooperation deals
The show is also serving as a launchpad for cutting-edge security technologies across various government sectors
Updated 09 February 2026
Arab News
RIYADH: Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman inaugurated the third edition of the World Defense Show (WDS) on Sunday on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Organized by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), the five-day event will run until February 12, showcasing the Kingdom’s rapid strides toward strategic independence and technological leadership in the defense sector.
The 2026 edition features a purpose-built venue with a 2,700-meter runway for live air and land demonstrations, underscoring the show’s status as a premier global defense event.
GAMI Governor Ahmad Al-Ohali emphasized that the show reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to localizing over 50 percent of military spending in line with Vision 2030, fostering an integrated ecosystem where government bodies and international partners collaborate on innovation.
The event brings together official delegations, government entities, and leading international companies specializing in the defense and security sectors. (SPA)
Strategic agreements and major launches
The opening day witnessed significant activity at the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) Group pavilion, where Prince Khalid launched several key initiatives:
• New entities: The inauguration of SAMI Land Company, SAMI Autonomous Company, and the SAMI Land Industrial Complex.
• Supply chain: The unveiling of the SAMI Local Content Program (RUKN) and the HEET Program.
• International cooperation: A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Saudi General Authority for Defense Development and the Korean Agency for Defense Development to cooperate on advanced military research.
• Defense deals: The Minister signed cooperation agreements with Slovakia, Malaysia, and Somalia.
Defense Minister Prince Khalid signed cooperation agreements with Slovakia, Malaysia, and Somalia. (SPA)
Technological debuts & innovations
The show is also serving as a launchpad for cutting-edge security technologies across various government sectors:
AI-Powered Lucid Gravity: Public Security debuted its advanced Lucid Gravity electric security vehicle at the Ministry of Interior's pavilion. The vehicle integrates state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and specialized security equipment designed to accelerate emergency response times and support field operations.
Public Security’s advanced Lucid Gravity electric security vehicle is displayed at the Ministry of Interior’s pavilion. (SPA)
This high-tech addition highlights Public Security’s shift toward smart, sustainable security solutions. By leveraging predictive intelligence and advanced command-and-control systems, the Lucid Gravity exemplifies the ministry’s commitment to protecting the Kingdom through integrated technological innovation and sustainable mobility.
Smart Helmet: Also at the Ministry of Interior’s pavilion, the General Directorate of Civil Defense unveiled its smart helmet. Designed to revolutionize public safety and emergency response, the helmet features day-and-night cameras and specialized sensors to detect hazardous materials in hard-to-reach locations.
The device serves as a mobile command node, delivering live video feeds directly to command-and-control centers. By enabling real-time data analysis and faster decision-making, the smart helmet significantly reduces incident response times and enhances personnel safety in high-risk environments.
The smart helmet features day-and-night cameras and specialized sensors to detect hazardous materials in hard-to-reach locations. (SPA)
Border Security: The General Directorate of Border Guard (GDBG) showcased an integrated security system featuring radar and thermal cameras capable of detecting drones and classifying moving targets to protect critical infrastructure.
It also functions as an early warning system for critical facilities and border areas and is fully integrated with command and control systems.
Border Guard's ntegrated security system features radar and thermal cameras capable of detecting drones and classifying moving targets to protect critical infrastructure. (SPA)
Counter-Terrorism: The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) presented a comprehensive framework integrating intellectual, media, and military domains to combat extremism and terror financing.
Visitors are briefed on specialized programs designed to raise the readiness of national personnel and foster sustainable institutional cooperation among member states to combat extremism. On the event’s opening day, the pavilion hosted high-level delegations, including ministers, military leaders, and ambassadors who reviewed the coalition's pivotal role in coordinating international security efforts and commended its initiatives that support regional and global stability.
A view of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition pavilion. (SPA)
Meteorology: The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) displayed advanced weather systems essential for ensuring the safety of the event's air shows and military operations.
At its dedicated pavilion, the NCM is showcasing its latest advanced meteorological technologies and systems. These solutions serve both the military and civilian sectors, providing accurate data to support beneficiary entities' operational processes and highlighting the center's pivotal role in national security and safety.
NCM's latest meteorological technologies and systems serve both the military and civilian sectors
World Defense Show CEO Andrew Pearcey noted that participation is expected to surpass previous records, reflecting the event's growing importance on the international stage. The show continues through February 12.
