Civil Defense warns of heavy rains across KSA this week

The Civil Defense emphasized the need to follow the safety guidelines disseminated through various media outlets and social media. (File/SPA)
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Updated 18 August 2024
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Civil Defense warns of heavy rains across KSA this week

  • Makkah region is expected to be hit hardest
  • Neighboring governorates, including Jeddah and Al-Lith, will experience lighter rainfall

RIYADH: The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued a warning about heavy rainfall in parts of Saudi Arabia, starting Sunday and continuing until Thursday. Residents are urged to avoid valleys and seasonal lakes.

Makkah region is expected to be hit hardest, with heavy to moderate rainfall, flash floods, hailstorms and strong winds that may cause sandstorms in Makkah City and Taif. Neighboring governorates, including Jeddah and Al-Lith, will experience lighter rainfall.

Riyadh region is forecast to receive moderate rainfall, while dusty conditions are anticipated in Al-Sulayyil and Wadi Al-Dawasir.

Madinah, Baha, Asir and Jazan should expect moderate to heavy rain, while Hail, Najran and the Eastern Region can expect lighter precipitation.

The Civil Defense emphasized the need to follow the safety guidelines disseminated through various media outlets and social media.

Meanwhile, the official spokesman of the National Center of Meteorology, Hussein Al-Qahtani, said that with the start of the new school year on Monday, the center is increasing its readiness and coordination with the Ministry of Education to address weather conditions that may affect regions of the Kingdom and will provide all weather information around the clock.

He also called for continued coordination with relevant authorities, mainly between the NCM and the Ministry of Education, to ensure that schools are prepared to handle any potential weather changes, including providing support and information to teachers and administrators to ensure the safety of students throughout the new school year.


Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference

Updated 03 February 2026
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Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference

  • Event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together ministers, governors of central banks, policymakers, economic experts and international financial institutions
  • Emerging-market economies a ‘pivotal element’ in global economic system due to effect they have on growth and stability, says Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan

RIYADH: The second annual AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, which Saudi Arabia will host next week, offers a platform to exchange views on global developments and discuss policies and reforms that support inclusive growth and strengthen economic resilience, the Kingdom’s finance minister said.

The event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together finance ministers, governors of central banks and policymakers, alongside economic experts and representatives of international financial institutions.

Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance in partnership with the International Monetary Fund, it takes place as emerging-market economies face mounting challenges amid rapid global economic change.

Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the decision to host the conference reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to efforts that support global financial and economic stability, and highlights the growing influence of emerging economies on worldwide growth.

Emerging-market economies represent a “pivotal element” in the global economic system due to the direct impact they have on economic growth and stability, he added.

“The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies provides a unique platform for exchanging views on global economic developments, and discussing policies and reforms that will support inclusive growth and enhance economic resilience, in light of broader international cooperation that contributes to confronting common challenges,” Al-Jadaan said.

Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, said the event would help emerging economies deal with growing uncertainty driven by technological change, demographic shifts and geopolitical tensions.

“The AlUla conference provides a vital platform for emerging economies to discuss how they can navigate the risks and embrace the opportunities ahead,” she said.

“In these times of sweeping transformations in the global economy, policymakers face a more challenging and uncertain environment. Countries should work together to strengthen resilience through sound macroeconomic and financial policies.”