RIYADH: Finance ministers from the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will meet in Manama, Bahrain, on Thursday to explore a unified tax system, also known as VAT.
The Committee for the Financial and Economic Cooperation (Finance Ministers) of the GCC countries will hold their 106th meeting in Bahrain, according to Ahmed Al-Kaabi, a spokesman at the GCC General Secretariat.
“The meeting will discuss recommendations of the specialized technical committees on the application of the two unified agreements on the Value Added Tax (VAT) and selective taxation, which have been signed by the member countries,” Al-Kaabi said.
The meeting to be held by the committee will address recommendations submitted by the Committee of the Governors of the Monetary Agencies and Central Banks of the Gulf States on the linkage of the GCC payment systems, the recommendations of the Customs Union Authority on the completion of Customs Union’s requirements and recommendations of the joint GCC capital market committee.
Ministers will also look into the deepening of the economic integration between the GCC countries and uniformity of incentives provided to the private sector in the GCC countries, the official informed.
Meeting participants will discuss other recommendations submitted by technical committees from the committee of financial and economic cooperation and proposals offered by the GCC countries on the activation of economic cooperation and integration between the member states.
Al-Kaabi said that finance undersecretaries will hold a meeting in Manama on Wednesday, a day ahead of the ministerial meeting to set the agenda, whereas a preparatory ministerial committee of the GCC Commission for Economic and Developmental Affairs will hold its meeting in Manama on Tuesday.
The meeting will explore key issues related to joint GCC economic and developmental work, which were referred to the GCC Commission for Economic and Developmental Affairs.
Participants will also touch on issues notably steps taken by the office of the GCC Commission for Economic and Developmental Affairs on the development of the joint GCC work in economic and developmental areas up to 2025.
The committee also plans to explore proposals submitted by the GCC member countries and General Secretariat on the activation of economic integration between the member countries.
GCC finance ministers to explore unified VAT, selective taxation
GCC finance ministers to explore unified VAT, selective taxation
Jazan Education Department focuses on tennis
- A total of 47 physical education teachers have undergone specialized training in systematic and advanced tennis instruction methodologies
JAZAN: The Jazan Education Department has launched an ambitious tennis program across its schools. The initiative, developed in partnership with the Saudi Tennis Federation and the Sports for All Federation, targets both male and females.
The initiative aims to enhance school athletic programs, improve physical education standards, and introduce students to the importance of sports in developing their physical and mental capabilities, with a special focus on popularizing tennis among the student population.
A total of 47 physical education teachers have undergone specialized training in systematic and advanced tennis instruction methodologies. These educators will spearhead the program’s initial implementation across 47 schools.
The program reflects the Saudi Ministry of Education’s strategy to transform school athletics while aiming to diversify sports offerings and uncover emerging athletic talent. It is also attempting to instill lifelong healthy habits among students.
Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs attends Shariah conference in Nigeria
- The ministry is a guest of honor and chair of the conference’s first scientific session
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs is participating in the 16th International Conference of Daaru-Na’im Academy for Shariah Science in Nigeria.
The ministry is a guest of honor and chair of the conference’s first scientific session. The conference runs from Jan. 1-3.
The conference began with a speech by Imran Abdul Majeed, the conference chairman and general supervisor of the academy, in which he praised Saudi Arabia’s role in sponsoring and participating in international conferences, in line with its leadership in Islamic work and keenness to spread the moderate approach of Islam.
The acting undersecretary at the ministry, Awad Al-Enezi, said in his speech that the Kingdom is keen to participate in these conferences, confirming its consistent approach in supporting Islamic work and dedication to the unity of Muslims.
He said the Kingdom is making great efforts to serve Islam and Muslims, fulfilling its mission of spreading Islam, peace, love and goodness and calling for unity and non-divisiveness.
Ministry of Culture launches crafts hackathon as part of Year of Handicrafts
- Registration open until Jan. 31
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Culture has launched a crafts hackathon to bring together creators and innovators from diverse fields.
The event aims to generate innovative solutions for various aspects of the handicrafts sector, including marketing, design and production, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
It aligns with the broader objectives of the Year of Handicrafts 2025.
The Ministry of Culture annually celebrates a distinctive Saudi cultural element, highlighting and celebrating it through projects and events.
The year 2025 has been designated as the Year of Handicrafts to solidify the position of handicrafts as authentic cultural heritage while promoting the practice, preservation and documentation of the craft, as well as its presence in contemporary life.
Registration for the hackathon is open until Jan. 31.
The selection of qualified participants will begin in early February, followed by a two-day training camp on Feb. 14-15.
It targets a diverse range of participants, including artisans, designers, developers and programmers. Teams must consist of at least three and no more than five members.
All participants must be at least 18 years old.
Handicrafts have long held a special place in Saudi Arabia’s cultural fabric, representing a prosperous heritage passed down through generations.
Throughout 2025, the ministry will organize an array of events, exhibitions, educational programs and competitions under the banner Year of Handicrafts.
Saudi Foreign Minister meets with his Syrian counterpart
- Al-Shibani arrived with a high-level Syrian delegation on Wednesday night
RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his Syrian counterpart Asaad Al-Shaibani in Riyadh on Thursday to discuss the latest developments in Syria.
Prince Faisal reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to supporting Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity while emphasizing efforts to achieve security, stability, and prosperity for the Syrian people, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The discussions also focused on preserving Syrian state institutions, enhancing its capabilities, and facilitating its reintegration into the Arab and Islamic worlds, SPA added.
Senior Saudi officials including Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan and ambassadors Saud Al-Sati and Faisal Al-Majfal were also in attendance.
Al-Shibani arrived with a high-level Syrian delegation on Wednesday, including Defense Minister Marahf Abu Qasra and Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab.
They were welcomed at King Khalid International Airport by Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji.
This marks Al-Shibani's first foreign trip since the ouster of former Syrian president Bashar Assad on Dec. 8.
The visit comes after Syria’s new leader, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, praised Saudi Arabia's potential role in shaping Syria’s future during an interview with Al Arabiya on Sunday.
Saudi Arabia launches air bridge to deliver urgent aid to Syria
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Wednesday launched an air bridge to deliver essential aid to Syria, supporting efforts under the new leadership to rebuild the country after years of civil war.
Two planes carrying relief supplies landed at Damascus International Airport, Saudi aid agency KSrelief told Arab News.
The planes, which left from King Khalid International Airport, carried food, shelter and medical supplies, along with a KSrelief team to help address the difficult conditions faced by the Syrian people, KSrelief said.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of KSrelief, said: “The air bridge launched on Wednesday will be followed by a land bridge in the coming days to provide urgent relief to the Syrian people.”
Al-Rabeeah said that the humanitarian initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting those in need worldwide, reaffirming the Kingdom’s dedication to assisting nations in crisis.
He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s consistent support since the Syrian crisis began in 2011 and its significant role in international humanitarian efforts.
Al-Rabeeah said that, through KSrelief, Saudi Arabia has continuously provided aid to internally displaced Syrians, refugees in neighboring countries, and victims of the northern Syrian earthquake in February 2023.
According to KSrelief, the Kingdom’s total aid to the Syrian people from 2011 to the end of 2024 exceeds $856 million.
The first aircraft was received by Abdullah Al-Harees, charge d’affaires of the Saudi Embassy in Syria; Mohammed Hazem Bakleh, president of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent; and several media representatives.
Al-Harees emphasized that this assistance is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian efforts through KSrelief, aimed at alleviating the suffering caused by the crisis in Syria.
Bakleh expressed deep gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its humanitarian aid, noting that the relief will be distributed to those in need in all Syrian territories, without discrimination.
