MOSCOW: Saudi Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Khalid Al-Falih and his delegation on Thursday met with Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov in Moscow, on the margins of King Salman’s current visit to the Russian Federation.
The meeting discussed the importance of coordination between the Kingdom and Russia in the field of manufacturing, aluminum, boats, and oil and gas drilling equipment, as well as electronics, and communication and navigation controls.
The two ministers also stressed the importance of cooperation in the industry of trains and railroad tracks and the importance of looking to the Russian experience in nationalizing some industrial private sectors, indicating that the king’s visit to Russia will boost bilateral relations and that coordination between the two countries will have positive impacts on the world’s economy, politics, and especially the energy sector.
Al-Falih emphasized the importance of cooperating in non-oil fields as well, such as manufacturing and mining, and reaching to the emerging markets of Africa and the Middle East, stressing the importance of the collaborative work to overcome obstacles and raise the level of the two countries’ commercial exchange, especially since the Saudi political leadership and executive institutions are fully ready and willing to do so.
Al-Falih also stressed that the Saudi companies are oriented toward the Russian market, stressing the importance of the Saudi Export Development Authority’s organization of Saudi industries’ exhibitions in Russia to support this investment orientation.
Al-Falih called for the formation of a joint team to benefit from the Russian experience in developing manufacturing supply chains and small and medium industries.
The Kingdom welcomes all energy resources, regardless of their type or extraction locations, including solar energy. The Kingdom now offers investment in the renewable energy sector, and Russia is welcome to invest, he added.
Al-Falih lauded the visit of King Salman to Russia, saying it will benefit both countries’ interests.
He pointed to the Kingdom’s establishment of a solar electricity facility this week, for the cheapest prices ever recorded, which is enough to attract investors, and especially the fellow Russians.
Al-Falih told the SPA: “Saudi-Russian cooperation in the economic field is continuing, and we are working on promoting this cooperation, the reason why I have already visited Russia three times this year.”
“As we witness an increasing demand on oil from the developed and emerging countries, the world will need all oil resources, including shale oil,” he added.
Saudi-Russian ties will create positive impact on world economy
Saudi-Russian ties will create positive impact on world economy
City governor launches $160m first phase of Madinah Gate project
- Development will comprise apartments, hotel, retail units, bus station
MADINAH: Madinah governor Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz on Monday launched the $160 million first phase of the Madinah Gate project.
The mixed-use development will comprise a 325-bedroom DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, 80 shops, 44 restaurants, apartments, recreational facilities and a bus station, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It will also have a direct connection to the Haramain High-Speed Railway, which links Madinah with Makkah.
Madinah Gate — the first two phases of which will span 37,000 sq. meters — is being developed as a collaboration between Saudi Arabia Railways and developer Knowledge Economic City Co., with support from the city’s authorities.
Amin Shaker, chairman of the development company, said the project — its first in southern Madinah — would help strengthen the city’s status as a global visitor destination.
New partnership set to drive Kingdom’s architecture industry
- Deal will help promote local talent, foster innovation
RIYADH: The Architecture and Design Commission has signed a strategic partnership with contracting firm Nesma & Partners to promote the Kingdom’s architecture and design industry.
The commission’s CEO Sumayah Al-Solaiman and Nesma’s Managing Director Rami Al-Turki on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a framework for collaboration in professional development and industry innovation.
The partnership aims to prepare a new generation of Saudi professionals to compete on the world stage and reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a regional hub for architecture and design excellence.
“The initiative aims to empower architects and designers to develop their skills and enhance their capabilities, creating an environment that nurtures Saudi talent while fostering innovation and creativity in the sector,” Al-Solaiman said.
It would also help to advance the commission’s mission to forge strategic alliances with industry leaders, she said.
Under the deal, the two sides will cooperate in areas such as industry best practice, knowledge exchange and professional workshops. It will also involve the joint sponsorship of competitions, awards and conferences.
“As a leading Saudi contractor, we are committed to providing training and creating employment opportunities for Saudi architects,” Al-Turki said.
“Our strategic partnership with the commission reflects our values of innovation, excellence and social responsibility.”
The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals for sector development, focusing on building a sustainable ecosystem for architecture and design professionals.
The commission emphasized its commitment to advancing scientific research and creating an integrated environment that supports the sector’s creative community.
Kuwait’s deputy prime minister visits Saudi National Cybersecurity Authority
- Visit focused on enhancing cooperation between Kingdom and Kuwait in cybersecurity sector
RIYADH: Kuwait’s deputy prime minister visited the National Cybersecurity Authority headquarters in Riyadh on Monday, accompanied by an official delegation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Sheikh Fahd bin Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, who is also Minister of Defense and Minister of Interior, was received by Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and Chairman of the NCA Board of Directors.
The visit focused on enhancing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in the field of cybersecurity.
Discussions centered on strengthening measures to safeguard cyberspace and protect the vital interests of both nations, SPA added.
Film Commission hosts masterclass with Syrian film veteran in Alkhobar
- Ghassan Massoud shares insights to elevate the next generation of talent in the Kingdom
DHAHRAN: The Ministry of Culture’s Film Commission hosted Syrian actor and filmmaker Ghassan Massoud for a masterclass titled “The Secrets of Acting Art” in Alkhobar over the weekend.
The masterclass, a part of the filmmaker’s program, covered the fundamentals of cinematic and theatrical acting, including academic training and actual practice.
It emphasized the close relationship between acting and the visual arts, music, sociology and psychology.
Reflecting on his training and upbringing, Massoud had praise for the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Damascus, where he studied and later became a professor.
He said Syrian theater and filmmaking drew inspiration from mainstream and alternative sources, including Hollywood and European cinematic traditions.
The masterclass consisted of two question-and-answer sessions. The first round was moderated by scriptwriter and director Abdulaziz Al-Sultan, who guided a discussion on Massoud’s background and his experiences in television and filmmaking.
The second round provided an opportunity for interactions with the audience that included filmmakers from diverse backgrounds, as well as movie enthusiasts.
Massoud shared his thoughts on how actors should approach character development.
“I familiarize myself with the character’s vocation, trade jargon, and tools, as well as their psychological and physical attributes, weaknesses, and illnesses. All these aspects influence the character’s attitude, body language, facial expressions, and overall charisma or presence on set.”
Massoud had praise for the cultural landscape in the Eastern Province. He said he was delighted to have met talented and emerging actors, directors, screenwriters and cinematographers.
The actor has been acclaimed for his performances in several international films including Ridley Scott’s 2005 epic “Kingdom of Heaven,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.”
He said he has enjoyed visiting the Kingdom and collaborating on various cultural and artistic projects. This involvement includes serving as a jury member at the 2023 Saudi Theater Festival in Riyadh.
He also has a part in the upcoming historical epic “Desert Warrior,” which was shot in NEOM in northeastern Saudi Arabia and is set for release in the new year.
When asked about advice he has for aspiring actors, he told Arab News: “Dream a lot but work more.”
The filmmaker’s program, now in its fourth run, has opened new horizons for amateurs and professionals. It features a training program that encompasses all stages of film production, from initial ideas to marketing and distribution.
The program includes both in-person and virtual workshops with experts, as well as artistic residencies and masterclasses in collaboration with international institutes and universities.
European pilgrims visit Prophet’s biography museum, Islamic heritage sites in Madinah
- At the museum the visitors saw interactive displays and multimedia presentations about the Prophet Muhammad and other holy figures, historical events and Islamic culture
RIYADH: A group of 250 people from 14 European countries recently visited the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization in Madinah.
Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Umrah and Visit, the visitors were part of a wider scheme that will see 1,000 people from 66 countries perform Umrah in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
At the museum the visitors saw interactive displays and multimedia presentations about the Prophet Muhammad and other holy figures, historical events, Islamic culture and initiatives to safeguard Islamic history and civilization.
The fair seeks to present Islamic culture in an engaging way for different audiences and the visitors expressed their thanks to the Kingdom’s leadership for facilitating their visits to Madinah and Makkah.
They also commended the Kingdom’s efforts to promote Islam’s message of tolerance and to foster appreciation for its historical and spiritual legacy.
As well as the museum, the group visited the Battle of Uhud site, Mount Al-Ramah, the Uhud Martyrs’ Cemetery and offered prayers at Quba Mosque.
At King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex, the pilgrims learned about the various stages of printing the Holy Qur’an, preservation efforts and its translation into many languages.
At the end of their visit the pilgrims were presented with copies of the Qur’an by representatives of the complex.
