International

Saudi Arabia Discovers 7.8 Million Ounces of Gold Across Four Sites


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


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.