Saudi traffic department: Using a cell phone while vehicle is static at lights not a violation

A policeman directs traffic in Asir, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
Updated 19 November 2017
Follow

Saudi traffic department: Using a cell phone while vehicle is static at lights not a violation

JEDDAH: The Saudi General Department of Traffic (GDT) has clarified that using a cell phone with earpieces or external speakers while driving is not considered a traffic violation.

The GDT added that using the mobile while the vehicle is completely static at traffic lights is not a traffic violation either, according to Al-Masdar news website.

The GDT had announced last week that it would soon implement a new mechanism for monitoring the violations of using the mobiles and not fastening the seatbelts through the use of special cameras.


First graduates complete KSGAAL’s linguistic proofreading course

Updated 6 sec ago
Follow

First graduates complete KSGAAL’s linguistic proofreading course

  • Ceremony was held at the academy’s headquarters in Riyadh and attended by prominent academics, students and trainers
  • One-year program is open to professionals working in editing and proofreading roles within government agencies

RIYADH: The first cohort of the Higher Diploma in Linguistic Proofreading program at the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language celebrated their graduation on Tuesday.

The ceremony was held at the academy’s headquarters in Riyadh and attended by prominent academics, students and trainers.

Abdullah Al-Washmi, the academy's secretary-general, said the program reflected the academy’s commitment to empowering the Arabic language within government institutions.

He added the program was a pioneering model in supporting the professional development of Arabic language specialists.

The one-year program is open to professionals working in editing and proofreading roles within government agencies and is accredited by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

The training pathway designed by the academy focuses on preparing specialized national linguistic teams.

Its methodology integrates theoretical and practical aspects to meet the needs of government sectors and enhance the efficiency of Arabic language usage.

Tuesday’s ceremony saw 60 graduates honored for completing the program, which includes 435 training hours delivered by 16 trainers.


Saudi Arabia’s Uruq Bani Ma’arid gains spot on global conservation list

Updated 34 min 45 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia’s Uruq Bani Ma’arid gains spot on global conservation list

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site praised for ecological restoration, biodiversity efforts
  • Uruq Bani Ma’arid has implemented a breeding and reintroduction program for the endangered Arabian oryx

RIYADH: Uruq Bani Ma’arid, one of Saudi Arabia’s most ecologically significant protected areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been admitted to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas.

The recognition confirms the site’s global ecological importance and highlights the Kingdom’s growing leadership in conserving arid-land habitats, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia’s inclusion of Uruq Bani Ma’arid follows earlier Green List achievements, notably the Ibex Protected Area and the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve.

These milestones reflect sustained progress toward excellence in protected-area management, according to the SPA report.

Uruq Bani Ma’arid covers 12,765 sq. km at the western edge of the Empty Quarter — the world’s largest continuous sand desert — and harbors the greatest biodiversity in the region. In 2023, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding natural value.

The union’s Green List sets the global benchmark for effective and equitable protected-area management. To qualify, sites must demonstrate transparent governance, measurable conservation outcomes and meaningful engagement with local stakeholders.

Uruq Bani Ma’arid met the criteria through integrated planning, resilient ecological monitoring and habitat restoration programs, the SPA reported.

Under the stewardship of the National Center for Wildlife, Uruq Bani Ma’arid has implemented a breeding and reintroduction program for the endangered Arabian oryx.

Mohammad Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, said: “Uruq Bani Ma’arid exemplifies what science-guided conservation can achieve in extreme landscapes. Its inclusion on the IUCN Green List reflects our dedication to protecting biodiversity and delivering real conservation impact at both national and global levels.”

He added that the milestone supports Saudi Arabia’s contribution to the global 30x30 biodiversity target — protecting 30 percent of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030 — and aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative, a core pillar of Vision 2030.


Islamic coalition launches training program in Comoros

Updated 49 min 56 sec ago
Follow

Islamic coalition launches training program in Comoros

  • Organized by the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition, the initiative is part of the organization’s broader intellectual strategy
  • Comoros Defense Minister Youssoufa Mohamed Ali reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the coalition in combating extremism and eradicating terrorism

RIYADH: A new training program, “Building the Capacity of Imams and Preachers,” has been launched in Moroni, Comoros, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Organized by the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition, the initiative is part of the organization’s broader intellectual strategy.

Comoros Defense Minister Youssoufa Mohamed Ali reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the coalition in combating extremism and eradicating terrorism.

He highlighted the coalition’s key role, particularly its focus on intellectual engagement, and said the program’s launch was a significant step forward.

Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Moghedi, the coalition’s secretary-general from Saudi Arabia, said the initiative was part of a wider effort involving 15 strategic programs across four areas — intellectual development, media, counter-terrorism financing and military operations.

Recently, the coalition held specialized training on combating terrorist financing in Bamako, Mali. The program aimed to strengthen national capacity to counter terrorist financing and money laundering.


MWL chief, UK speaker hold talks on social unity, countering hate speech

MWL Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa meets with UK House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle in London.
Updated 51 min 29 sec ago
Follow

MWL chief, UK speaker hold talks on social unity, countering hate speech

  • Two officials highlighted importance of combating hate speech, discrimination and exclusion — especially when stemming from influential legal or institutional sources

LONDON: Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa met UK House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle in London.

They discussed the foundations of social cohesion in religiously and ethnically diverse societies, highlighting mutual respect and the need for legislation that protects national unity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The two officials highlighted the importance of combating hate speech, discrimination and exclusion — especially when stemming from influential legal or institutional sources.

Al-Issa said that the vast majority of Muslims in Britain show strong religious and national awareness. He added that discordant voices are isolated cases that reflect individual views, not the values of Islam.

Separately, the UK parliament hosted Al-Issa for a side meeting at its London headquarters, organized by several members of parliament and attended by the speaker.

Talks focused on enhancing integration and harmony in British society, fighting extremism and hatred, and showcasing the league’s efforts to build bridges between civilizations and promote mutual understanding.


Chinese pianist to mentor young Saudi musicians

Updated 24 June 2025
Follow

Chinese pianist to mentor young Saudi musicians

  • Set to take place at the Saudi Music Hub in Riyadh, the month-long program begins on June 29 and will host more than 30 students
  • Program represents a major step in transforming music education in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Music Commission has launched the Kingdom’s first summer piano program, in collaboration with renowned Chinese pianist Lang Lang, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Set to take place at the Saudi Music Hub in Riyadh, the month-long program begins on June 29 and will host more than 30 students from across Saudi Arabia.

It aims to enhance participants’ technical and artistic skills through a comprehensive curriculum, including individual lessons, group classes, hands-on training, and live interactive sessions — all led by distinguished academics and music professionals.

Paul Pacifico, CEO of the commission, said: “This initiative marks a bold new chapter in the evolution of music education in the Kingdom. By partnering with world-class international educators we are not only nurturing the next generation of Saudi talent but also expanding the horizons of our cultural ambitions.”

The program represents a major step in transforming music education in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the commission’s vision to enrich artistic learning and build a strong national talent ecosystem, the SPA added.