Marine & Coastal Enforcement: Saudi Arabia approved updated executive regulations for sustainable management of the marine and coastal environment, raising penalties for leaks and violations to as high as SR5 million and requiring offenders to fix damage and pay compensation; the rules also ban harmful marine wildlife hunting and several damaging fishing and anchoring practices. Green Hydrogen Push: Saudi Arabia says it has completed the world’s largest green hydrogen project at NEOM, moving into commissioning with commercial output planned for 2027 and ammonia exports aimed at cutting emissions in shipping and heavy industry. Water Security Cooperation: China and Arab states launched a five-year action plan to fight drought, desertification and land degradation, including grassland conservation, watershed and wetland protection, and better sand-and-dust monitoring. Gulf Water Links: A GCC workshop in Kuwait highlighted growing urgency for Gulf water interconnection, pointing to diversification via Red Sea sources in Saudi Arabia and Arabian Sea sources in Oman. Education & Climate Resilience: Saudi Arabia’s new school year begins with millions of students returning, alongside tighter attendance monitoring and implementation of a new public education law. Regional Trade Routes: Reporting on IMEC logistics notes Saudi Arabia’s role in a land corridor to Israel, with Haifa Port positioned as a key maritime link—raising questions about future competition with Egypt’s Suez route. Shipping Security: MSC expanded its Himalaya Express to add Saudi ports (King Abdullah Port and Jeddah) while keeping routing around the Cape of Good Hope rather than Bab el-Mandeb.