Tag: Saudi Arabia

Human Interest

Saudi Arabia’s Oldest Man, Claimed to Be 142, Dies in Riyadh, Leaving Behind 134 Descendants from Multiple Marriages

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Rency Gomes, Team Allycaral

Al Wadaei, widely regarded as Saudi Arabia’s oldest man, passed away in Riyadh on January 11, 2026, at a claimed age of 142, according to family members and local reports. His death marked the end of a life that, as relatives describe, spanned nearly every phase of the modern Saudi state.

Born around 1884 in the Dhahran Al Janub region of southern Saudi Arabia, Al Wadaei was believed to have witnessed the reign of all Saudi monarchs, from King Abdulaziz Al Saud, who unified the Kingdom in 1932, to the current ruler, King Salman bin Abdulaziz. Family members often referred to him as a living link to the country’s past, recalling stories of life before oil transformed the nation.

According to relatives, Al Wadaei performed the Hajj pilgrimage more than 40 times and remained active well into advanced age. He was known for regularly visiting mosques and for mediating disputes within his community, earning respect as an elder whose advice was valued.

He is survived by 134 children and grandchildren from multiple marriages, forming what his family described as a large and close-knit household. More than 7,000 people reportedly attended his funeral in Dhahran Al Janub, reflecting the esteem and recognition he commanded in the region.

Despite widespread belief in his extraordinary longevity, Al Wadaei’s age was never officially verified. Civil birth records in Saudi Arabia were introduced decades after his reported birth, and his claim was not recognised by Guinness World Records. Even so, for those who knew him, his long life, wisdom, and enduring presence remain a powerful legacy that transcends official documentation.

International

Saudi Arabia Discovers 7.8 Million Ounces of Gold Across Four Sites

allycaralgoa

Saudi Arabia has made a major breakthrough in its mining sector with the discovery of 7.8 million ounces of gold across four different sites, reinforcing the Kingdom’s growing role in the global minerals and resources landscape.

The discovery aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the economy beyond oil by unlocking the potential of the mining and minerals sector. Authorities have identified the gold reserves at multiple locations, signalling strong prospects for expanded exploration and long-term commercial development.

Mining has emerged as a strategic pillar for Saudi Arabia, with gold playing a key role in strengthening national revenue streams and attracting foreign investment. The newly discovered reserves are expected to contribute significantly to employment generation, regional development, and industrial growth.

Officials have indicated that advanced exploration techniques and geological surveys were instrumental in identifying the reserves. Further assessments and feasibility studies are expected to determine extraction timelines and production capacity.

The discovery adds momentum to Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global mining hub, positioning the Kingdom as a key player in precious metals production while enhancing economic resilience and sustainability.

As global demand for gold remains strong amid economic uncertainty, the discovery underscores Saudi Arabia’s expanding influence in international commodity markets and marks a significant milestone in its long-term economic transformation journey.

Human Interest

Reaching New Heights: Rise Tower Aims to Be the Tallest Building in the World

Tanisha Cardozo

Saudi Arabia is set to redefine the limits of architecture with the proposed Rise Tower, a two-kilometer skyscraper in Riyadh that could become the tallest building in the world. Designed by HKS Architects, the tower is part of the North Pole Project, a 306-square-kilometer futuristic city north of Riyadh focused on sustainability, smart technology, and urban connectivity.

The Rise Tower embodies the kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy, reduce dependence on oil, and transform Riyadh into a global hub for business and tourism. Its design, named “Lumenis” to symbolize light and transformation, has already earned the 2025 WAFX Prize for Climate and Energy Innovation.

Constructing a two-kilometer tower presents extraordinary engineering challenges. The building must withstand extreme wind loads, shifting temperatures, and desert sandstorms, while incorporating advanced foundation systems to support unprecedented weight. Engineers are exploring aerodynamic shapes, vibration-reduction systems, and possibly magnetic levitation elevators to efficiently transport occupants across hundreds of floors.

Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the Rise Tower will house residences, offices, hotels, entertainment centers, and aerial parks, essentially functioning as a vertical city. Its completion is expected to accelerate Riyadh’s transformation into a leading global city and establish a new landmark for the kingdom, much like the Burj Khalifa for Dubai.

Rise Tower is not just a skyscraper—it is a symbol of architectural ambition, urban innovation, and Saudi Arabia’s vision for the future, inviting the world to reimagine vertical living and sustainable city design.

Fit & Fabulous

Saudi Arabia Unveils the ‘Dubai Dress’: World’s Heaviest 24-Carat Gold Dress Worth ₹9.65 Crore

Tanisha Cardozo

Saudi Arabia has redefined the limits of luxury and artistry with the unveiling of the Dubai Dress — a magnificent 24-carat gold creation worth ₹9.65 crore. Designed and crafted by Al Romaizan, one of the Kingdom’s leading gold and jewellery brands, the masterpiece has officially earned the Guinness World Record for being the heaviest gold dress in the world.

Weighing over 10 kilograms (around 22 pounds), the Dubai Dress is a stunning fusion of craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation. Adorned with radiant precious stones and paired with a full suite of gold accessories — including a crown, earrings, necklace, and the traditional waist ornament known as Hiyar — the ensemble exemplifies grandeur in its purest form. The necklace alone weighs nearly 9 kilograms, adding to the extraordinary craftsmanship that defines this creation.

Drawing inspiration from traditional Emirati culture, the intricate design features fine carvings and patterns that pay homage to the UAE’s artistic legacy. The elaborate crown and extended gold bracelet highlight the precision and attention to detail that went into crafting this record-breaking piece.

The Dubai Dress made its dazzling debut at the 56th Middle East Watch and Jewellery Show in Sharjah — the region’s largest jewellery exhibition — featuring over 500 exhibitors and nearly 1,800 artisans from around the world. The event marked a defining moment for both Saudi Arabia and the UAE in showcasing their growing influence in the global jewellery industry.

“This masterpiece represents the UAE’s vision to lead globally and showcases Dubai as a premier destination for gold and jewellery enthusiasts, while celebrating the distinctive creativity of Emirati artisans,” said Mohsen Al Dhaibani, Deputy Manager at Al Romaizan Gold.

He added, “By setting this record, we are sending a message to the world: the UAE can seamlessly blend tradition with innovation, securing its place at the forefront of the global gold and jewellery industry.”

With the Dubai Dress, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have not only captured global attention but also reaffirmed their commitment to preserving cultural identity through modern expression — setting a new gold standard in fashion and craftsmanship.

International

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled, the ‘Sleeping Prince’, Passes Away at 36 After Two-Decade Coma

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Riyadh | July 19, 2025 – Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, famously known as the “Sleeping Prince,” has passed away at the age of 36, ending a poignant chapter that touched millions around the world. The news was confirmed by his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, on Saturday via the social media platform X.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DMcostLs1en/

In 2005, at just 15 years old, Prince Al-Waleed met with a tragic car accident while undergoing military training in London. The accident left him in a coma due to severe brain injuries. For nearly two decades, he remained unconscious under extensive medical care at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh.

Despite the grim prognosis, the royal family never gave up. Prince Khaled regularly posted hopeful updates on social media, sharing brief moments of movement from his son’s hands or fingers — moments that gave strength to many families facing similar battles.

Born in 1990, Prince Al-Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal and the great-grandson of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. The young prince once had a promising future, enrolling in military training before his life was tragically interrupted.

His passing has drawn heartfelt tributes from across the globe. Social media is flooded with prayers, tributes, and condolences for the royal family. Known not only for his royal lineage but also for his symbolic role as a beacon of hope, Prince Al-Waleed’s legacy is one of resilience, faith, and enduring love.

Funeral prayers for Prince Al-Waleed will be held on Sunday, July 20, 2025.

  • Men’s prayer: Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque, Riyadh
  • Women’s prayer: King Faisal Specialist Hospital

Condolences will be accepted through July 22.