JEDDAH: Leaders and heads of delegations of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries have pledged to achieve progress in science and technology.
At the conclusion of the 1st Islamic Summit on Science and Technology in Astana, Kazakhstan on Monday, participants expressed thanks to Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev for hosting the summit and his initiatives to enhance the OIC’s role on the global stage, and harness economic and scientific potentials for all.
They also congratulated the Republic of Kazakhstan on its success for the organization of “Astana Expo 2017” which displayed innovative technologies on renewable energy and the importance of alternative technologies to save energy in developing countries.
The participants further agreed to work individually and collectively to boost cooperation between member countries to achieve sustainable development and face community challenges of the 21st century.
They stressed the need to eradicate poverty in their societies, including intellectual poverty, and to highlight creative and innovative power in member countries, taking into consideration some of negative impacts of modern sciences on the communities of the 21st century.
Participants urged all countries to make knowledge and its application a key feature in the way of life, labor and decision making. In this context, they emphasized the need to increase investments in science, technology and innovation, and that technology transfer represents one of the major ways to speed up the pace of economic development in developing countries.
They reaffirmed the importance of the protection of intellectual property to enhance capacities in science, technology and innovation, and to mobilize such potentials to create job opportunities, promote human capital and achieve comprehensive growth.
The meeting expressed keenness to achieve objectives and programs of the OIC’s science and technology 2026 objectives through a series of initiatives and programs in education, basic skills and applied sciences which will be undertaken by the concerned parties in OIC member countries.
Attendees drafted a series of recommendations regarding the increase of funding to develop education, science and health to achieve the objectives contained in the OIC’s work program. In this context, they welcomed the Kazakhstan president’s initiative, which aims to integrate Islamic and political structures in transport, energy, commerce, and investment and encourage OIC member countries to work jointly in drawing up science mega-programs.
The meeting called on OIC member countries to work actively to enhance and support cooperative research programs in agriculture, food security and environmental systems including combating drought and desertification. It also called for revision of the security of digital content through studying and unification of the existing laws and policies, in response to the cybersecurity of the member countries.
They welcomed the role of the OIC in food security and stressed the need to support its activities in accordance with the decisions of the OIC general assembly on food security, which was held in Astana in April 2016.
They praised efforts exerted by the OIC general secretariat and other affiliated agencies, notably the centers of statistical, economic and social research, the Islamic Development Bank, the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, for their role in enhancing inter-cooperation within the framework of the OIC in science, technology and innovation.
OIC countries pledge to achieve progress in science, technology
OIC countries pledge to achieve progress in science, technology
Fourth Hajj and Umrah conference opens in Jeddah
- Event highlights innovations in transportation, crowd management and eco-friendly solutions
- Agreements with Indonesia, Pakistan, India to welcome more than 575,000 pilgrims
JEDDAH: The fourth Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition, hosted by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Pilgrim Experience Program, began on Monday in Jeddah.
Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz inaugurated the event, which was attended by Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Islamic ministers, ambassadors and representatives from 87 countries.
Al-Rabiah announced that the total number of pilgrims and Umrah performers visiting Makkah and Madinah in 2024 reached a historic record of 18,535,689 individuals, including 16,924,689 Umrah performers and 1,611,310 Hajj pilgrims.
The four-day event, themed “The Road to the Nusuk,” features more than 300 local and international organizations showcasing innovations and technologies to enhance the Hajj and Umrah experience.
Key topics include logistics, transportation, crowd management, housing, hospitality and catering — pillars for improving rituals and pilgrim services, according to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
The event includes 47 discussion sessions, 50 workshops, and more than 130 local and international speakers addressing sustainability, eco-friendly technologies, AI in crowd management and digital solutions, while highlighting opportunities for startups and innovators in the Hajj sector.
Saed Al-Jahni, chairman of the Coordination Council for Domestic Pilgrims Service Facilities, told Arab News that the event reflected Saudi Vision 2030’s goal to enhance the experience of the Guests of Allah and provide top-tier services.
He added: “All relevant parties gather to showcase Saudi Arabia’s Hajj efforts, attract thought leaders and innovators to exchange knowledge, anticipate future trends, share best practices, and foster partnerships, agreements and initiatives. The event also engages researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs to tackle challenges and improve services for the Guests of Allah.”
Mohammed Muajini, chairman of Ashraqat Hajj company, said that the aim was to showcase the company’s achievements and future initiatives to enhance Hajj and Umrah services through technology and artificial intelligence, in line with Vision 2030.
On the sidelines of the conference, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a agreement allowing 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims to perform Hajj this year, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs.
The agreement was signed by Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Al-Rabiah.
Saudi Arabia also signed a Hajj agreement with India, enabling 175,025 Indian pilgrims to perform the pilgrimage this year.
Indian Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju finalized the deal with Al-Rabiah. “We are committed to providing the best possible services to all our Hajj pilgrims,” Rijiju wrote on X.
Indonesia will send 221,000 pilgrims under a similar agreement signed by Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar and the Saudi Hajj minister in Jeddah.
Meanwhile, in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Umm Al-Qura University is organizing the “Humanizing the Holy Sites” hackathon, inviting university students, entrepreneurs, engineers, designers and specialists to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that improve the pilgrim experience while reducing environmental impact.
A ministerial session will be held where key ministers and officials from government entities will discuss and present new and ongoing services, projects and initiatives designed to improve the pilgrim journey.
Coalition meeting in Riyadh discusses key initiatives to combat extremism
- Meeting was attended by the IMCTC’s Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi and representatives from member states
- Mansour Al-Qarni, director of intellectual administration, presented the Idmaj initiative, aimed at developing a model program for rehabilitating individuals affected by extremism
RIYADH: The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition held a meeting in Riyadh on Monday, reviewing initiatives to implement in member states.
The meeting was attended by the coalition’s Secretary-General Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi and representatives from member states, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Mansour Al-Qarni, director of intellectual administration of the coalition, presented the Idmaj (Integration) initiative, aimed at developing a model program for rehabilitating individuals affected by extremism, focusing on psychological, social, and religious support.
The initiative includes training, capacity-building, consultancy, and specialized courses for professionals in this field, SPA reported.
Abdullah Al-Doh, director of analysis and follow-up in the intellectual administration, discussed the Wa’ee (Awareness) initiative, which produces materials to combat terrorist ideologies, promote moderate Islam, and refute extremist claims.
This initiative also supports the coalition’s efforts against terrorist financing and military operations, according to SPA.
Al-Moghedi reiterated the coalition’s commitment to providing expertise and training to member states in the fight against terrorism.
Saudi rescue teams save drowning swimmer
- The Yemeni man got into trouble in the water while swimming at Al-Sadaf Beach and was rescued by a search-and-rescue team from the Saudi Border Guard
RIYADH: Rescue teams saved a man from drowning off the coast of Alkhobar in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province on Monday.
The Yemeni man got into trouble in the water while swimming at Al-Sadaf Beach and was rescued by a search-and-rescue team from the Saudi Border Guard.
He was rushed to hospital and is now in good health, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The General Directorate of Border Guard urged members of the public to take precaution in the water and not to swim in undesignated areas, and to call 911 in the Makkah and Eastern regions or 994 in other regions in case of emergency.
Authorities bust drug smugglers across Kingdom
RIYADH: Saudi authorities recently reported multiple drug-related arrests and seizures across the Kingdom, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested three citizens in Jouf for selling amphetamine and a Yemeni resident in Najran for the same offense.
Border Guard patrols in Asir’s Al-Raboah sector detained five Yemenis and Ethiopians for smuggling 110 kg of qat.
In Jazan, authorities foiled the smuggling of 140 kg of qat in Al-Aridah and arrested a citizen in Al-Dayer for smuggling 59 kg of hashish.
Preliminary legal procedures were completed and all seized items were handed to the relevant authorities.
Security authorities urged the public to report drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions.
Reports can also be made to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at [email protected]. All information will remain strictly confidential.
KSrelief extends aid to thousands in crisis zones
- The Kingdom’s aid to Syria from 2011 has exceeded $856 million in value
- On Monday, a relief plane — the 10th so far — arrived in Damascus from Riyadh
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief is helping thousands of people through its humanitarian efforts in Syria, Jordan, Gaza, Pakistan, Lebanon, Mali and Afghanistan.
On Monday, a relief plane — the 10th so far — arrived in Damascus from Riyadh, carrying food, shelter, and medical supplies for Syrians in need.
The Kingdom’s aid to Syria from 2011 has exceeded $856 million in value, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
In Jordan, KSrelief’s community service center marked Arabic Day at the Zaatari camp for Syrian refugees with activities emphasizing its importance as the language of the Qur’an and their mother tongue, including poetry recitations and songs.
In Gaza, KSrelief inspected aid delivered to the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization for transport into the enclave. Measures were reviewed to ensure proper delivery to beneficiaries, SPA reported.
In Pakistan, 450 food baskets were distributed in Punjab’s flood-hit Layyah and Kot Addu districts, benefiting 3,150 people.
In Lebanon, KSrelief provided 175,000 bread bags in Akkar governorate and Miniyeh district, aiding 12,500 families of Syrians, Palestinians, and the host community in one week.
In Mali, 350 food baskets were distributed to 1,400 displaced people in Koulikoro region.
In Afghanistan, 660 shelter kits and tents were provided in Nangarhar province, helping 1,980 returnees from Pakistan and flood-affected families.
Since its inception in 2015, KSrelief has executed 3,208 projects worth $7.2 billion in 105 countries, collaborating with 458 organizations.
