RIYADH: Three universities in the Kingdom have received top positions in the QS University Rankings for the Arab Region.
The three universities which received five-star plus rankings include King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), King Saud University (KSU) in Riyadh and King Abdul Aziz University (KAU) in Jeddah.
Dr. Thurayya Arrayed, one of the first 30 women on the Shoura Council, said: “I am very proud of every scientific indication that our established universities are doing well and congratulate them. I am sure other universities such as KAUST are shining too.”
She said that every step Saudi Arabia takes toward excellence in its educational endeavors will be positive, and it is the need of the hour in this age of technology and research. “It is expected that our higher educational institutions should show signs of growing success in aligning their plans, performance, and projects with the National Transformation Program (NTP) 2020 and Vision 2030,” she concluded, saying that she expects better results in the near future.
Shoura Council member Dr. Fayez Al-Shehri told Arab News that the remarkable performance of the three universities bears eloquent testimony to the contributions made by the government toward higher education.
He pointed out that there are 35 universities which include 25 government institutions that receive the best support from the government to produce erudite citizens.
Describing it as excellent news, Spanish Ambassador Alvaro Iranzo Gutiérrez, who holds a degree in law said: “Education is the cornerstone of the economic development and social program.”
Bangladesh Ambassador Golam Moshi, a lawyer turned diplomat said that the achievement demonstrates a clear signal toward the road of a knowledge-based society. “The Kingdom, has been giving top priority to education for both males and females, and now it is bearing fruits,” the envoy added.
A Saudi journalist based in Dubai, Musad Al-Zayani, who follows the region for his newspaper, said this is a sign of the forward march of Saudi Arabia. “It’s a matter for rejoicing when three universities from the same country receive five-star plus ratings,” Al-Zayani, who was a product of the King Abdul Aziz University said, adding that it is because of the integrated Vision of the Kingdom, which is planned by the leadership to forge ahead in the years to come.
Congratulating the management of the three universities, Saudi writer Abdulhadi Habtor said it’s a remarkable achievement, and it clearly portrays the hard work rendered by these academic institutions.
Habtor, who was also a student at the King Abdul Aziz University said it reflects the developmental strides in Saudi Arabia toward Vision 2030. “Let us not be complacent with this situation; we should focus on other universities in the country too,” he concluded.
3 Saudi universities receive top positions in QS rankings
3 Saudi universities receive top positions in QS rankings
Thousands of refugees in Jordan’s Zaatari camp receive treatment from KSrelief in March
- Thousands seen in Zaatari refugee camp for Syrians in Jordan by KSrelief healthcare volunteers
RIYADH: Thousands of people in the Zaatari refugee camp for Syrians in Jordan received healthcare services in March, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Of the 8,428 patients seen by KSrelief carers, general medicine clinics treated 2,657 patients, while the internal medicine clinic dealt with 454 patients suffering from diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.
The pediatric clinics received 668 patients, and the dental clinic attended to 542 patients.
Additionally, the two gynecology clinics welcomed 649 women, while the ear, nose and throat clinic treated 210 patients.
The ophthalmology clinic saw 242 patients and the cardiology clinic attended to 64 patients.
The diagnostic radiology clinic served 123 patients and the dermatology clinic treated 133 patients.
Moreover, the rehabilitation medicine clinic assisted 106 patients.
Throughout the month, 7,204 laboratory tests were conducted for 814 patients, and 701 imaging procedures, including X-rays and ultrasounds, were performed for 627 patients. The vaccination clinic administered 487 vaccines.
There were 241 health education sessions, both individual and group, and 411 physical therapy sessions were conducted.
The pharmacy handled 5,212 prescriptions during this period.
KSrelief team perform 11 cochlear implant procedures on children in Tunisia
- Speech and language rehabilitation services were also provided for 11 children
RIYADH: A volunteer medical team from the Saudi aid agency KSrelief performed 11 cochlear implant operations on children in Tunisia, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Speech and language rehabilitation services were also provided for 11 children, and 11 educational sessions were organized for the children’s families, benefiting 22 individuals, according to the report.
The procedures, carried out by 10 medical volunteers, were part of the “Saudi Hearing” volunteer program for cochlear implants and auditory rehabilitation in Tunisia.
KSrelief distributes 594 food parcels in Yemen’s Hadhramaut Governorate
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief distributed 594 food parcels to needy families in the Eastern Rida and Qusayr districts in Hadhramaut Governorate, Yemen, benefiting 4,158 individuals, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Saturday’s distribution was part of humanitarian and relief projects provided by Saudi Arabia through the agency in various sectors to support the Yemeni people.
Saudi Arabia, Italy explore economic, cultural pacts at talks
- Over 100 Saudi private, public representatives are visiting Italy
- Wide-ranging talks will be held, says chair Kamel Al-Munajjed
MILAN: Saudi Arabia businesspeople and government officials began talks here on Monday with their Italy counterparts on enhancing economic, trade and cultural ties.
Kamel Al-Munajjed, the chairman of the Saudi-Italian Business Council, said at an initial meeting that the visit from April 28 to 30, was organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment and other government entities, in partnership with Italian institutions.
Al-Munajjed said this delegation was the largest Saudi Arabia business mission to Italy to date, comprising 100 participants, including over 20 representatives from ministries and government agencies.
The leaders come from various sectors including renewable energy, manufacturing, logistics, tourism, food, agriculture, real estate, healthcare, and technology.
Al-Munajjed said the three business forums to be held would address industrial transformation, sustainable energy, smart cities, innovation, and supply chain dynamics.
There would also be site visits to prominent Italian companies and projects.
The forums commenced with the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-Italian Business Forum in Milan on Monday.
On Tuesday there would be talks held with representatives of the Italian Confederation of Craft Trades and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises.
And on Wednesday, discussions will be held with the Federation of Industrialists in Turin.
The Saudi Arabia delegation includes various business leaders, among them Abeer Al-Ghamdi, founder and CEO of Hayyak Arabia Travel and Tourism.
Al-Ghamdi told Arab News: “Today we’re in Italy with the goal of attracting more visitors to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, showcasing it as a premier destination.
“Our focus is on managing tourist destinations and providing quality programs that reflect Saudi culture and diversity, creating unforgettable experiences for every visitor.”
Yousef Maimani, a board member of the Saudi-Italian Business Council, told Arab News: “We signed our first cooperation agreement in 1932, and two years ago, we celebrated 90 years of Saudi-Italian relations.
“Our agreements, including those on double taxation and investment protection, play a crucial role in supporting investments. Given Italy’s industrial capacity, we aim to attract investments, especially in the industrial sector.”
Maimani said there are significant opportunities for Italian firms to participate in the projects of the nation’s government and large companies.
He said Saudi Arabia attracted $96 billion in foreign investments recently, underscoring the potential for collaboration between family-owned and medium-sized enterprises in both countries.
Luca Barbi, general partner and chief operating officer of Saudi Technology Ventures, who also participated in the discussions, expressing optimism about the synergy between Saudi Arabia and Italy.
“Both countries share a similar mindset, and Italy’s developed capabilities can significantly benefit Saudi Arabia’s dynamic market, offering vast opportunities across various sectors.”
