Saudi Space Agency to explore opportunities at 74th International Astronautical Congress

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Updated 02 October 2023
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Saudi Space Agency to explore opportunities at 74th International Astronautical Congress

RIYADH: The Saudi Space Agency will explore opportunities with global bodies at the 74th International Astronautical Congress, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The event, which has over 6,000 participants every year, takes place Oct. 2 to 6 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

This year’s theme is “Global Challenges and Opportunities: Give Space a Chance.”

Saudi Arabia’s pavilion will showcase its astronaut program, history of exploration, and recent achievements in the industry.

It will also highlight the Kingdom’s cooperation with various international bodies.

The IAC’s mission is to highlight the latest advancements in the sector, and foster networking.


Rainfed agriculture booms 1,100% under Saudi rural development initiative

Updated 28 December 2025
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Rainfed agriculture booms 1,100% under Saudi rural development initiative

  • It is one of eight agricultural segments receiving program support

RIYADH: The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Saudi Reef, has announced exceptional growth in its rainfed crops sector, one of eight agricultural segments receiving program support, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The sector has registered extraordinary expansion, surpassing 1,100 percent, with participant numbers climbing to over 13,300 beneficiaries nationwide.

Program spokesman Majed Al-Buraikan identified rainfed agriculture as a cornerstone of Saudi Reef’s achievements, highlighting its role in boosting production efficiency, bolstering food security and self-reliance, enabling sustainable farming in water-scarce regions, and raising income levels and quality of life for smallholder farmers — all consistent with Vision 2030 priorities.

Al-Buraikan outlined the program’s principal aims, including broadening the agricultural production foundation, securing food independence across multiple crop categories, enhancing smallholder farmer prosperity and employment prospects to foster social cohesion, and safeguarding environmental and natural resources throughout rural Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Reef extends support and technical assistance across eight distinct sectors: honey production, fruit cultivation, coffee production, rose farming, rainfed crops, livestock raising, artisanal fishing, and value-added agricultural products.