Saudi forces arrive in Egypt for ‘Bright Star 2023’ military exercise

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The maneuvers will take place at the Mohammed Naguib Military Base in the city of Hammam, in Marsa Matrouh governorate. (Defense Ministry)
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The maneuvers will take place at the Mohammed Naguib Military Base in the city of Hammam, in Marsa Matrouh governorate. (Defense Ministry)
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The maneuvers will take place at the Mohammed Naguib Military Base in the city of Hammam, in Marsa Matrouh governorate. (Defense Ministry)
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The maneuvers will take place at the Mohammed Naguib Military Base in the city of Hammam, in Marsa Matrouh governorate. (Defense Ministry)
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Updated 01 September 2023
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Saudi forces arrive in Egypt for ‘Bright Star 2023’ military exercise

  • Maj. Gen. Adel Al-Balawi, head of the Armed Forces Training and Development Authority, said the Saudi troops are taking part alongside forces from 34 other countries

RIYADH: Units of the Saudi Armed Forces have arrived in Egypt to participate in the Bright Star 2023 military exercise, the Kingdom’s Defense Ministry said on Thursday. The maneuvers will take place at the Mohammed Naguib Military Base in the city of Hammam, in Marsa Matrouh governorate.

Maj. Gen. Adel Al-Balawi, head of the Armed Forces Training and Development Authority, said the Saudi forces are taking part in the exercise as part of their training plans, which include joint and mixed exercises inside and outside the Kingdom.

“The armed forces, represented by their land, air, naval and air defense branches, are participating in the exercise with actual forces, planning and observer officers, along with forces from 34 sisterly and friendly countries,” he added.

In addition to improving the abilities of the Saudi forces, another aim of the exercise is to facilitate the exchange of expertise and improve coordination and joint operations between the participating forces, Al-Balawi said.

The exercises will help to enhance operational concepts, hone skills, assist in the planning and implementation of counterterrorism and irregular warfare operations, improve logistical support and medical evacuation operations, develop operational training training methods, and boost maritime security, he added.
 


Celestial spectacle in Saudi Arabia’s north on first day of Ramadan

Updated 19 February 2026
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Celestial spectacle in Saudi Arabia’s north on first day of Ramadan

  • Venus-crescent moon alignment visible over Northern Borders Region skies
  • Meteorology Center completes operational plan for the holy month

ARAR/JEDDAH: The holy month of Ramadan has commenced in Saudi Arabia with a striking astronomical display in the Northern Borders Region, setting a serene tone for the month as meteorological authorities confirmed full readiness to support pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

On Tuesday evening, the skies over Arar witnessed a rare alignment as the planet Venus paired with the slender crescent moon marking the first day of Ramadan. Appearing shortly after sunset, the crescent shimmered low on the western horizon above Venus — one of the brightest celestial bodies — in a display enhanced by clear skies.

While the conjunction is a recurring astronomical phenomenon caused by the apparent proximity of the two bodies as viewed from Earth,  its coincidence with the start of the holy month added a special aesthetic and spiritual dimension to the atmosphere in the north, SPA said.

Meteorological readiness

As the faithful began their fasting, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) announced the completion of its operational and technical preparations for Ramadan 1447 AH.

The plan includes heightened performance levels at observatories in the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and aviation safety. (SPA)

NCM Chief Executive Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam confirmed that the center has finalized a comprehensive plan to ensure round-the-clock weather monitoring for Makkah, Madinah, and the roads leading to the Two Holy Mosques. The initiative aims to provide accurate forecasting to enhance the safety and comfort of the influx of visitors and Umrah pilgrims.

The plan includes heightened performance levels at observatories in the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and aviation safety.

To ensure pilgrims have real-time access to information, the NCM has integrated its data with the "Nusuk" and "Tawakkalna" smart applications. Ten-day extended forecasts and real-time alerts will also be available via the "Anwaa" app and displayed on guidance boards along highways.

The center has mobilized 14 media platforms to deliver swift weather alerts, ensuring high standards of security and logistical support throughout the season.