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
Saudi, Japan expanding cultural relations to mark 70th anniversary
- Kingdom’s participation at Expo 2025 Osaka highlighted by Saudi Culture Ministry
RIYADH: Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto on Monday said that cultural relations are expanding with Saudi Arabia as the two nations celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2025.
Matsumoto made the comments during a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Culture Rakan bin Ibrahim Altouq at Diriyah’s Al-Bujairi District, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The two officials discussed events planned for this year, with Altouq highlighting the Kingdom’s participation at the Expo 2025 Osaka.
Matsumoto arrived in Riyadh on Jan. 12 and will travel next to Jordan.
Saudi Arabia, Japan discuss collaboration for 2026 Asian Games
- Meeting at Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee headquarters in Riyadh
RIYADH: Officials representing the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto discussed on Monday plans for the hosting of the 20th Asian Games and the 5th Asian Para Games in Nagoya city in 2026.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the SOPC’s CEO and Secretary-General Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Baeshen attended the meeting at the organization’s headquarters in Riyadh.
The officials discussed ways to facilitate the participation of Saudi Arabia’s sports delegation in the games.
Collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Japan have strengthened following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the SOPC and the Japanese Olympic Committee on the sidelines of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Set to begin in September, the theme of the 2026 Asian Games is “Imagine One Asia.”
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This story was originally posted on Arab News Japan
Crown prince and Brazilian president discuss strengthening ties
- During the conversation, the two leaders reviewed the strong relations between the Kingdom and Brazil
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call on Monday from Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the conversation, the two leaders reviewed the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Brazil and emphasized their commitment to further developing cooperation across various fields.
Discussions also encompassed a range of topics of mutual interest, highlighting the shared vision for addressing global and regional challenges and both leaders reaffirmed their countries' dedication to fostering collaboration that benefits their respective nations and contributes to global progress, SPA added.
Glimpses of Saudi history: Past times in the northern region have left footprints on the landscape
- On the northeast side of Sakaka is the Camel Site where one can see carved images of animals — mostly camels — said to be about 7,000-7,200 years old
RIYADH: When one thinks of Saudi Arabia, the first things that spring to mind might be the bustling metropolises of Riyadh and Jeddah, or sacred Islamic sites like the Holy Kaaba in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
But by venturing further, one can uncover a land rich with history and mystery, particularly in the country’s northern expanses. Often overlooked by tourists, the region is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes and a past waiting to be explored.
Among them is the Hail province, located in the north of Najd and famous for its monuments, especially in Jubbah and Shuwaymis.
Hussain Al-Khalifah, a Saudi archeologist with more than 30 years of experience, spoke to Arab News about some of the area’s hidden gems.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Al-Shuwaihatiya, 45 km from Sakaka, is one of the oldest archeological sites in the world and considered the oldest human settlement site in the Arabian Peninsula and Asia.
• On the northeast side of Sakaka is the Camel Site where one can see carved images of animals — mostly camels — said to be about 7,000-7,200 years old.
“There are mountains called Al-Raat and Al-Manjor. These two sites contain the oldest rock art ever immortalized on rocks … wonderful images of animals and lions (carved),” he said.
“These two mountains are registered by UNESCO as a rock art site. It is somehow a form of continuous rock art, starting from Shuwaymis moving to Jubbah and ending at Al-Tawil mountain in Jouf.”
Al-Khalifah explained this art form spread to two other cities through migration thousands of years ago. In ancient times, he suggested, people migrated from Hail to Dumat Al-Jandal and Tayma.
Another area near Hail worth discovering is Fayd. This city is at the center of the Hajj road known by locals as Darb Zubaidah, along which people used to travel from Kufa in Iraq to Madinah.
“Fayd is considered one of the important points in the area. It is one of the prettiest destinations, known for its rich Islamic history,” Al-Khalifah said. “It is worth it for me to get in my car and take a trip from Riyadh to explore this place.”
Jouf Province is also ripe for exploration, with Al-Shuwaihatiya, 45 km from Sakaka, among the recommended areas for visitors.
It is one of the oldest archeological sites in the world and considered the oldest human settlement site in the Arabian Peninsula and Asia. According to Al-Khalifah, its history dates back 1.3 million years.
This city is unique, he said, with its Oldowan tools — stone tools used by humans millions of years ago. He recommends making the most of the experience by visiting with an expert who knows the area’s history.
On the northeast side of Sakaka is the Camel Site where one can see carved images of animals — mostly camels — said to be about 7,000-7,200 years old.
“This spot is one of my discoveries, but to visit this location it requires a permit from the Heritage Commission because it is being monitored by environmental security,” explained Al-Khalifah.
Whether you are an adventurer, history buff or cultural enthusiastic, Saudi Arabia’s northern region is the place to go to go.
Asir reeling in rich Red Sea fish yields
- Supported by Saudi authorities, local fishermen haul in record revenue of $41m
RIYADH: Along Asir’s sun-drenched coastline, a remarkable surge in fish production has transformed the region into a bustling hub of marine activity.
With an annual yield exceeding 4,000 tonnes worth over SR155 million ($41 million) in 2024, this growth is testament to the region’s rich marine biodiversity.
It is also the result of the strategic initiatives and programs implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
The director of the ministry’s branch in Asir, Ahmed Al-Majthal, said the region’s coastal areas are key economic assets, citing the rich marine environment and high-quality fish stocks.
“The ministry’s Asir branch has developed a plan to further boost production to 6,000 tonnes, valued at SR165 million, within the next three years,” Al-Majthal told SPA in an interview.
Regarding government backing for the fishing industry, he noted the presence of 126 operational boats along the Asir coast.
NUMBER
$41m
In Asir, the annual yield of fish production exceeded 4,000 tonnes worth over SR155 million ($41 million) in 2024.
Support is also provided to independent Saudi fishermen using private boats, with 35 additional vessels to be distributed in the near future.
A key initiative involves transferring expertise from veteran fishermen to younger ones. Already, 85 experienced fishermen are mentoring those entering the profession, he added.
The ministry recently organized the inaugural fish and marine heritage festival, the SPA noted. The festival featured 39 booths showcasing diverse seafood varieties, alongside the participation of families working in local cottage industries, government agencies, and civil society institutions.
The event included awareness and educational programs, demonstrations of fishing techniques, sea trips, boat races, and traditional folkloric performances.
Asir’s coastline stretches approximately 140 km along the Red Sea, encompassing diverse marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangrove forests, and tourist islands such as Kedumbel.
