Saudi air force joins several allies in UAE for start of multinational military exercise Desert Flag

Six Saudi F-15SA fighter jets, with their full air, technical and support crews, are taking part in the exercise. (SPA)
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Updated 23 April 2024
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Saudi air force joins several allies in UAE for start of multinational military exercise Desert Flag

  • Other nations taking part in the 3-week exercise include Oman, Turkey, the US, France and South Korea

RIYADH: Personnel from the Royal Saudi Air Force joined their counterparts from several allied nations on Monday at the start of Desert Flag, a multinational military exercise taking place at Al-Dhafra Air Base in the UAE.

Over the next three weeks the forces will take part in various flight-related exercises, including defensive and offensive counter-air operations, close-air support, and combat search and rescue missions, the Saudi Press Agency reported. In addition to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the participating nations include Oman, Turkey, the US, France and South Korea.

Lt. Col. Adel bin Saeed Abu Malha, the commander of the participating Saudi air force group, said the exercise is designed to facilitate the exchange of military expertise in strategic planning and execution within a simulated wartime environment. It also aims to enhance the operational readiness and combat efficiency of air and technical-support crews and to bolster the ties between the nations’ forces, he added.

Six Saudi F-15SA fighter jets, with their full air, technical and support crews, are taking part in the exercise, Abu Malha said.

The Saudi air force group arrived at Al-Dhafra Air Base last week to begin their preparations. They were greeted by Brig. Gen. Khalid Alhajiri, the military attache at the Saudi Embassy in the UAE.
 


AlUla fuel stations redefine desert architecture

Updated 15 February 2026
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AlUla fuel stations redefine desert architecture

ALULA: Fuel stations in the AlUla governorate showcase a modern approach to urban planning, with designs inspired by the region’s natural landscape and desert palette.

They harmonize architecture with the environment, enhance the urban landscape, and redefine traditional fuel stations, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The designs use contemporary materials and lines that reflect AlUla’s identity, enriching aesthetics and user experience while preserving the desert setting.

Architect Salwa Samargandi of SAL Architects developed these innovative designs, balancing functionality and aesthetics with inspiration from AlUla’s cultural heritage.

One fuel station project won the World Architecture Award in the Realized Projects category, selected by an international jury.

These initiatives are part of the Royal Commission for AlUla’s efforts to enhance infrastructure, support national talent, and improve services for residents and visitors.

The commission also established the AlUla Design Studio to guide architects and the community in creating projects that harmonize with the natural environment.

The studio offers consultations on new constructions and restorations, ensuring compliance with urban planning and sustainability standards.

This participatory approach preserves AlUla’s architectural heritage while empowering the local community to choose development options that respect the region’s history and uphold safety and sustainability.