RIYADH: The Royal Saudi Naval Forces and the US Navy have completed a joint naval drill in the Red Sea, the Kingdom’s defense ministry said on Wednesday.
The 10-day Indigo Defender — 21, which involved the Kingdom’s Western Fleet, concluded on Tuesday in the presence of the exercise’s directors, Brig. Gen. Saad Al-Ahmari and Col. Carl Haywood from the US Navy.
Al-Ahmari said the maneuvers were designed to strengthen relations and military cooperation between the Saudi and US navies, enhance combat readiness, and to exchange expertise in the field of port protection and the clearing of land and sea mines.
“It also contributes to developing security capabilities by protecting and securing the seas and regional and international waterways to ensure freedom of maritime navigation in the Red Sea,” he added.
The exercise included a number of scenarios in which naval units, support boats, landing ships and helicopters carried out practical tasks and tactical maneuvers, during which the participants demonstrated the highest standards of readiness and great skill, Al-Ahmari said.
He added that this portrayed the RSNF in a way “that reflects the image of development and excellence of our armed forces internationally,” adding that this success reflected the support of the Saudi leadership.
Saudi and US navies conclude 10-day exercise in Red Sea
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Saudi and US navies conclude 10-day exercise in Red Sea
- The 10-day Indigo Defender — 21, which involved the Kingdom’s Western Fleet, concluded on Tuesday
- The drill is designed to strengthen relations and military cooperation between the Saudi and US navies
Saudi Arabia now has over 1,900 care centers for 60,000 children
- Nationwide care for children from birth to age 10
- 24-hour support for pilgrims in Makkah, Madinah
RIYADH: There are now more than 1,900 licensed childcare centers in Saudi Arabia providing services to over 60,000 children, the Ministry of Human Resources said on Monday.
The ministry supervises the centers across 13 regions to ensure high quality services. They provide safe havens for children when their parents are not present, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Childcare centers in the Kingdom offer a range of programs aimed at improving children’s cognitive and social skills, so they can speak clearly and express feelings.
The growth of services in 2025 reflects increased demand for early childhood development support, the SPA said.
The ministry’s services include independent centers that run from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. for children from birth to the age of 10.
There are also workplace centers that serve the children of employees during office hours, and mobile ones for those between 1 and 10.
Home centers care for children from birth to the age of 6; and there is also 24-hour provision for pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah.
The ministry has improved its online application process for those seeking licenses to operate. And is supporting providers financially through the Human Resources Development Fund.
It also provides consultations and guidance through specialized training workshops.
The ministry is updating legislation and raising the level of oversight to ensure a safe environment for the development of children.
