A recent survey has found that while 84 percent of parents say bath time is some of the best quality time they get with their child, many underestimate its power and benefits. The online survey of more than 3,500 parents of young children around the world, conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of Johnson’s, found less than half of parents (42 percent) believe bath time to be an extremely important routine in their child’s brain development. Furthermore, the survey revealed that 93 percent of Saudi mothers see bath time as so much more than just a bath, a significantly higher statistic compared to the global average. According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, infants who experienced routine touch and massage (compared to those who did not) were 50 percent more likely to make eye contact, and three times more likely to have an overall positive expression (smiling, eye contact, etc). The research findings suggest that Saudi mothers are ahead of the curve when it comes to understanding the significance regular massage has on baby, with 34 percent recognizing the practice as being extremely important for their child’s brain development, compared to 23 percent globally and only 13 percent in the UK. Dr. Zainab A. Malik, a consultant pediatrician, said: “Mothers in Saudi Arabia enjoy the quality time they spend with their children during bath time. With research identifying 85 percent of a baby’s brain to be developed by 3, it is important for parents to recognize opportunities, such as bath time, to engage in touch, sight, smell and sound. Moments like these are crucial in helping to shape their baby’s brain.” Studies have also shown that babies bathed with a fragranced bath product displayed 30 percent more engagement cues with their parent after bath and spent nearly 25 percent less time crying before sleep compared to those who were not. A study of 58 mother-infant pairs found that infants who followed a bedtime routine, including a warm bath with a fragranced bath product, took 37 percent less time to fall asleep and had a significant improvement in mood in the morning.
Saudi Arabia launches key projects at World Defense Show in Riyadh
Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman unveils initiatives
New firms set up and deals inked at event running to Feb. 12
Updated 09 February 2026
Arab News
RIYADH: Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman unveiled new initiatives and signed several agreements on the opening of the third World Defense Show in Riyadh on Sunday.
Prince Khalid opened the show on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Organized by the General Authority for Military Industries, the five-day event will run until Feb. 12, showcasing the Kingdom’s rapid strides toward strategic independence and technological leadership in the defense sector.
The 2026 edition features a purpose-built venue with a 2,700-meter runway for live air and land demonstrations, underscoring the show’s status as a premier global defense event.
The GAMI’s Gov. Ahmad Al-Ohali said the show reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to localizing over 50 percent of military spending in line with Vision 2030, and fostering an integrated ecosystem where government bodies and international partners collaborate on innovation.
The event brings together official delegations, government entities, and leading international companies specializing in the defense and security sectors. (SPA)
Strategic agreements and major launches
At the Saudi Arabian Military Industries Group pavilion, Prince Khalid launched several key initiatives.
New entities: The inauguration of the SAMI Land Co., SAMI Autonomous Co., and the SAMI Land Industrial Complex.
Supply chain: The unveiling of the SAMI Local Content Program and the HEET Program.
International cooperation: A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Saudi General Authority for Defense Development and the Korean Agency for Defense Development on advanced military research.
Defense deals: The minister signed cooperation agreements with Slovakia, Malaysia, and Somalia.
Defense Minister Prince Khalid signed cooperation agreements with Slovakia, Malaysia, and Somalia. (SPA)
Technological debuts and innovations
The show is also serving as a launchpad for cutting-edge security technologies across various government sectors.
AI-Powered Lucid Gravity: Public Security debuted its advanced Lucid Gravity electric security vehicle at the Ministry of Interior’s pavilion.
The vehicle integrates state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and specialized security equipment designed to accelerate emergency response times and support field operations.
Public Security’s advanced Lucid Gravity electric security vehicle is displayed at the Ministry of Interior’s pavilion. (SPA)
By leveraging predictive intelligence and advanced command-and-control systems, the Lucid Gravity exemplifies the ministry’s commitment to protecting the Kingdom.
Smart helmet: Also at the Ministry of Interior’s pavilion, the General Directorate of Civil Defense unveiled its smart helmet.
Designed to revolutionize public safety and emergency response, the helmet features day-and-night cameras and specialized sensors to detect hazardous materials in hard-to-reach locations.
The device serves as a mobile command node, delivering live video feeds directly to command-and-control centers. By enabling real-time data analysis and faster decision-making, the helmet reduces response times and enhances personnel safety in high-risk environments.
The smart helmet features day-and-night cameras and specialized sensors to detect hazardous materials in hard-to-reach locations. (SPA)
Border security: The General Directorate of the Border Guard showcased an integrated security system featuring radar and thermal cameras capable of detecting drones and classifying moving targets to protect critical infrastructure.
It also functions as an early warning system for critical facilities and border areas and is fully integrated with command-and-control systems.
Border Guard's ntegrated security system features radar and thermal cameras capable of detecting drones and classifying moving targets to protect critical infrastructure. (SPA)
Counter-terrorism: The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition presented a comprehensive framework integrating intellectual, media, and military domains to combat extremism and terror financing.
Visitors were briefed on specialized programs designed to raise the readiness of national personnel and foster sustainable institutional cooperation among member states to combat extremism.
On the event’s opening day, the pavilion hosted high-level delegations, including ministers, military leaders, and ambassadors who reviewed and praised the coalition’s pivotal role in coordinating local and international security efforts.
A view of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition pavilion. (SPA)
Meteorology: The National Center for Meteorology displayed advanced weather systems essential for ensuring the safety of the event’s air shows and military operations.
At its dedicated pavilion, the NCM is showcasing its latest advanced meteorological technologies and systems. These solutions serve both the military and civilian sectors, providing accurate data to support beneficiary entities’ operational processes.
World Defense Show CEO Andrew Pearcey said that participation is expected to surpass previous records, reflecting the event’s growing importance on the international stage.
NCM's latest meteorological technologies and systems serve both the military and civilian sectors
