EU pledges financial aid to Ukraine but demurs on Russian assets plan
European Union leaders on Thursday agreed to meet Ukraine’s urgent financial needs for the next two years but stopped short of formally backing the ...
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveiled a new development plan on Sunday, titled the “Saudi Architecture Characters Map,” according to the official Saudi Press Agency. The initiative outlines 19 distinct architectural styles inspired by the country’s diverse geographical and cultural heritag
The plan is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 efforts to modernize urban landscapes and enhance quality of life while celebrating the nation’s rich architectural traditions. “It highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to celebrating the country’s architectural heritage, enhancing quality of life, and modernizing urban landscapes in Saudi cities as part of Vision 2030,” the agency said.
The project is expected to contribute more than 8 billion riyals (approximately $2.13 billion) to the nation’s gross domestic product by 2030 and create over 34,000 new jobs. The Crown Prince, who also chairs the Supreme Committee for Saudi Architecture Design Guidelines, emphasized that the initiative aims to develop sustainable urban centers that merge traditional architectural styles with modern design methods in harmony with the local environment.
“Saudi architecture blends our rich heritage with contemporary design thinking. We are enhancing urban landscapes and quality of life as well as building an architectural framework that balances the past and the present. This model will serve as a global source of inspiration for innovation in architectural design,” he said.
The Saudi Architecture Map identifies 19 architectural styles based on extensive urban and historical studies that capture the building patterns passed down through generations across various regions of the country, irrespective of administrative divisions. Implementation of the design guidelines will begin with major public projects and commercial buildings in provinces such as Al-Ahsa, Taif, Mecca, and Abha.
The new plan is seen as a pivotal step in reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s cultural identity and promoting sustainable development, while positioning the kingdom as a global leader in innovative architectural design.
At least 69 people have died and almost 150 injured following a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Cebu City in the central Visayas region of the Philippines, officials said, making it one of the country’s deadliest disasters this year.
A tsunami threat was issued in Chile after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the Drake Passage on Friday. The epicenter was located 135 miles south of Puerto Williams on the north coast of Navarino Island.
The war in Ukraine has reached a strategic impasse, and it seems that the conflict will not be solved by military means. This creates a path toward one of two alternatives: either a “frozen” phase that can last indefinitely or a quest for a durable political regulation.
A shooting in Nice, southeastern France, left two people dead and five injured on Friday, authorities said.
Snapchat will start charging users who store more than 5GB of photos and videos in its Memories feature, prompting backlash from long-time users.
Russian President Vladimir Putin remained defiant on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies in an effort to pressure the Kremlin to end the war in Ukraine, a move that sent global oil prices soaring by 5%.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Friday that the “military brotherhood” between his country and Russia would continue to advance “without pause,” according to state media outlet KCNA.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday dismissed a push by some Israeli lawmakers to advance annexation of the occupied West Bank, saying Israel was “not going to do anything with the West Bank.”
European Union leaders on Thursday agreed to meet Ukraine’s urgent financial needs for the next two years but stopped short of formally backing the use of frozen Russian assets to provide Kyiv with a major loan, following objections raised by Belgium.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro said on Thursday that a suspension of U.S. aid would make little difference to his country, although reductions in military assistance could have a tangible impact.
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