The 2024 STEAM Festival at King Salman Science Oasis in Riyadh is celebrating the "father of chemistry," Jabir ibn Hayyan, with a fun chemistry theme and a focus on Vision 2030. With 100 workshops, panel discussions, and interactive exhibits, this event underscores Saudi Arabia's scientific heritage and its future aspirations.

Meanwhile, in Baku, Azerbaijan, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev is urging global unity as climate finance talks intensify. Babayev is emphasizing the importance of a substantial framework to guide negotiations, calling on nations to show leadership and determination.

In other news, Russia and Ukraine have conducted a significant prisoner exchange on September 14, 2024, mediated by the United Arab Emirates. This swap saw the exchange of 206 prisoners, with the returning Russian soldiers now in Belarus receiving necessary assistance.

Speaking of strategic moves, SambaNova Systems is bolstering Saudi Arabia's AI ambitions with significant investments and partnerships. This US-based AI solutions provider is collaborating with entities like Aramco to support the Kingdom's economic growth and establish it as a global AI hub, aligning with Saudi initiatives.

Adding to its developmental strides, Saudi Arabia has unveiled an ambitious recycling plan aiming to boost the economy and create over 100,000 jobs. The plan intends to recycle up to 95% of the country's waste, contributing SR120 billion to the GDP and aligning with the sustainable development goals.

Lastly, in a week-long crackdown from September 5 to 11, Saudi authorities arrested over 22,000 illegal residents across the Kingdom. The Ministry of Interior emphasized severe penalties for those facilitating illegal entry or residence, reinforcing the Kingdom's commitment to lawful regulation.