In the Algerian presidential election held on September 7, 2024, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has been re-elected with 84.3 percent of the vote, according to the final official results released on September 14, 2024.

This final figure represents a significant adjustment from the initial count, which had shown Tebboune with nearly 95 percent support.

The election saw controversy with preliminary results challenged by rival candidates Abdelaali Hassani and Youcef Aouchiche, who alleged fraud and discrepancies. The Constitutional Court, led by President Omar Belhadj, confirmed the official count, affirming Tebboune's decisive victory over his two challengers.

Voter turnout was reported at 46.1 percent, with over 24 million Algerians eligible to vote. Tebboune, who first assumed the presidency in December 2019 amidst widespread protests, emphasized economic advancements during his initial term, despite ongoing reliance on oil and gas revenues and increased government control.

The 2024 STEAM Festival at King Salman Science Oasis in Riyadh is honoring Jabir ibn Hayyan, the esteemed "father of chemistry," known for his groundbreaking work in the field.

Ibn Hayyan, born in 721, is celebrated for his crucial discoveries, including hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, gold water, and silver nitrate.

Running until September 30 under the theme "Fun Chemistry," this vibrant festival offers a diverse array of educational and interactive experiences. It features over 100 workshops, panel discussions, live shows, and interactive exhibits across Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) fields.

The festival underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to scientific advancement, showcasing local innovations and sustainable practices. It also aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, addressing key topics such as the history of chemistry, petrochemical advancements, and sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.

This event aims to foster pride in Saudi Arabia's scientific heritage and demonstrate the Kingdom's dedication to progress and sustainability.

Spain recently hosted a pivotal meeting in Madrid focused on advancing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

On September 13, 2024, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, joined by European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, and the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, convened to discuss strategies for achieving a peaceful resolution.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, a prominent critic of Israel's actions in Gaza, welcomed the international delegates at his official residence. Sanchez underscored the urgency of international action to secure a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
The meeting, held at Spain's foreign ministry, also saw participation from the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Albares emphasized that implementing the two-state solution remains essential for achieving peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine. While Israel was not included in this particular meeting, Albares expressed a willingness to involve Israel in future discussions.

This meeting comes amid intensified calls for a two-state solution as conflict continues. Earlier this year, Spain, alongside Ireland and Norway, officially recognized a Palestinian state.

Looking ahead, Spain plans to host a bilateral summit with Palestine by year-end, aiming to solidify several collaboration agreements.

A deadly attack in central Afghanistan's Shiite-majority region has claimed 14 lives, according to the Taliban.

The Associated Press reports that gunmen targeted travelers between Ghor and Daikundi provinces on Thursday.

The Islamic State group has taken responsibility for the assault, which involved a machine gun, and has reported a higher number of casualties.

This incident is one of the most severe attacks in Afghanistan this year, underscoring the ongoing security challenges in the region.

The Nigerian government has officially declared Monday, September 16, 2024, as a public holiday in observance of Eid-ul-Mawlid, celebrating the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, made the announcement, extending his congratulations to the Muslim community both within Nigeria and internationally.

He emphasized the importance of embracing the values of patience, sacrifice, and resilience during this significant period. The Minister encouraged all Nigerians to use this time for reflection and prayer, seeking enduring peace and national progress.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang to the Kingdom on Wednesday, marking a significant diplomatic event. The leaders conducted a pivotal meeting of the High-Level Saudi-Chinese Committee, focusing on deepening cooperation across multiple sectors.

During the discussions, the two nations explored opportunities for collaboration in political and security matters, as well as advancements in trade, energy, investment, culture, and technology. They also addressed regional and global issues, emphasizing the strengthening of bilateral relations.

Saudi Arabia and China Strengthen Ties with Vision 2030 and Belt and Road Initiative Integration

The ongoing partnership between Saudi Arabia and China aims to align Saudi Vision 2030 with China's Belt and Road Initiative, enhancing bilateral cooperation. This collaboration is supported by recent agreements and high-profile visits, reflecting a shared commitment to mutual growth and development.

In response to the passing of Sheikh Bader Nasser Al-Hamoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Saudi Arabia's King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have sent heartfelt condolences to Kuwait's Emir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

Both leaders expressed their sympathy in individual messages, praying for the repose of Sheikh Bader's soul. Additionally, Crown Prince Mohammed reached out with condolences to Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah.

Sheikh Bader, who was 70 years old, passed away recently. His funeral prayers took place on Wednesday afternoon.

Lucidya, a leading AI and customer experience firm based in Riyadh, has made headlines by adopting a four-day work week, becoming the first private company in Saudi Arabia to implement this progressive work model.

This innovative approach keeps employees' salaries intact while maintaining regular daily hours, focusing on boosting work culture, productivity, and job satisfaction.

CEO Abdullah Asiri highlighted that this shift reflects Lucidya's dedication to fostering an innovative and supportive workplace environment. The new work schedule, initiated in August with a pilot in two departments, provides employees with extended weekends, particularly benefiting those who commute from different cities.

Since implementing the four-day work week, Lucidya has seen increased enthusiasm and task completion, with no decline in performance. Employee feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, noting improvements in morale and productivity.

The company plans to release a detailed report on the long-term effects of this new work model once enough data is available, underscoring their commitment to transparency and continued employee satisfaction.

In a recent development, the Arab League's foreign ministers have demanded international enforcement of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion, which deems Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem illegal. This call for action was made during the 162nd Ministerial Meeting of the Arab League Council held in Cairo on September 10, 2024.

The ministers emphasized the need for Israel to immediately cease all settlement activities and withdraw from these disputed territories. They have urged the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council to implement measures aimed at ending Israel's occupation.

Moreover, the Arab League has appealed to the ICJ to accelerate its review of the case initiated by South Africa, alleging that Israel has breached the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. They have denounced Israeli policies as severe breaches of international humanitarian law, describing them as acts of aggression against Arab countries and detrimental to regional peace.

The Arab League also recommended that Israel be suspended from the UN General Assembly due to its failure to adhere to the UN Charter and its threat to global peace and security.

Additionally, they criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for hindering ceasefire and prisoner exchange negotiations by refusing to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has arrived in Baghdad for his first overseas trip since assuming office in July. This visit highlights Iraq's pivotal role as a key ally of Iran and a host nation to US military forces.

The trip occurs amid escalating regional tensions, including recent attacks on US personnel by Iran-aligned militias and an explosion at a US-led coalition base in Baghdad.

During his visit, Pezeshkian is set to negotiate several agreements with Iraqi officials and plans to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan, a region with past Iranian military engagements.

Since the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, Iran and Iraq, both predominantly Shiite nations, have deepened their relationship. However, ongoing regional conflicts and instability continue to influence their diplomatic interactions.