AI’s Environmental Cost: A new UN-linked warning says AI could soon use about 3% of the world’s electricity and more water than people need to drink, raising concerns for carbon and water stress as data centres expand. World Cup Pollution Debate: A fresh paper warns the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be among the most polluting ever, with emissions driven largely by fan travel—prompting renewed calls for cleaner planning and smarter offsets. Minerals Push: Saudi Arabia’s Industry and Mineral Resources Ministry qualified 24 bidders for Round 10 exploration licenses across five regions, including gold and copper prospects—an energy-and-environment balancing act for future mining impacts. Urban Greening via Development: Umm Al Qura unveiled Masar Gardens in Makkah, a 1.2 million sq m mixed-use project with green spaces and modern mobility, backed by about SAR6bn in initial investment. Regional Connectivity: Türkiye and Saudi Arabia signed MoUs to expand logistics and railway cooperation, aiming for more sustainable land transport links that could reshape freight emissions. Energy Shock Context: A Fed study finds modern oil shocks hit inflation and jobs less than in the 1970s, but Strait of Hormuz disruptions still threaten supply and price volatility. Saudi EHS Tech Expansion: Cority expanded in Saudi Arabia with a regional HQ, highlighting growing demand for stronger environmental, health and safety compliance in giga-projects.