Lulu Retail is making waves in Saudi Arabia with the opening of its 57th store in Dammam, expanding its footprint as part of a grand plan to reach 100 stores within three years. This latest hypermarket, located at Al Fakhriyah and inaugurated by Eng. Fayez bin Ali Al Asmari, promises a wide variety of groceries and electronics, with convenient parking for shoppers.

Meanwhile, in an exciting development for space technology, Saudi Arabia has partnered with Brazil to launch a research initiative focusing on space sustainability and data technologies, as announced at the 2024 International Forum on Non-Terrestrial Networks in Riyadh. This collaboration underscores a commitment to international partnerships and sustainable advancements in orbital resource usage.

In a show of regional diplomacy, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan engaged in a key GCC ministerial meeting aimed at addressing regional conflicts and enhancing strategic cooperation. The discussions, held in Kuwait, covered pressing issues such as the Palestinian situation and the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, along with fostering cooperation among GCC countries.

Turning to Europe, Ukraine is grappling with severe power outages, as over a million citizens face a harsh winter without electricity due to Russian missile and drone strikes targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The ongoing conflict continues to strain international relations, particularly concerning the US's role, as questions arise regarding incoming President Donald Trump's stance on aid to Ukraine.

On the educational front, a delegation from China's Henan University visited King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah to explore opportunities for academic collaboration. This visit marks a step forward in fostering joint research and educational initiatives, aiming to enhance academic ties and share expertise between the two institutions.

Finally, underscoring Saudi Arabia's transformative Vision 2030, the Kingdom has implemented significant reforms that have surpassed gender equality targets, as highlighted by Hala bint Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri in Geneva. These historic changes in laws and policies signify the nation's strides toward achieving justice and equality, especially in increasing female workforce participation.