RIYADH: The Shoura Council has asked the General Intelligence Presidency (GIP) to speed up the development of its strategic security plan and revise work policy in a manner that will serve its aims.
This came within a series of recommendations tabled by the House Security Committee based on the annual report of the presidency presented at the 18th ordinary session on Monday.
The council also called on the GIP to raise the efficiency of its human cadres through recruitment and training. In this context, the council members appreciated the role of the GIP in protecting the security and stability of the Kingdom.
In another decision, the Shoura Council called for support of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) that will enable it to upgrade its output of scientific research and creative activity in the public and private sectors. The council called for KACST’s support in raising spending on scientific research by at least 2.5 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) to boost its role in achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The council, further, asked the KACST to expand scientific and technical cooperation programs with leading global institutions and recruit and localize global research cadres.
In another decision, the council called on the Saline Water Conversion Corp. to set up small-scale water plants along the coasts and on the banks of dams using renewable energy. It also asked the corporation to assess its long-term economic plan to shift from purely desalinating water to localizing the desalination industry.
The council urged the Saudi Food and Drugs Authority (SFDA) to fully undertake its responsibility to clear medicines and health products in all ports. It also called on the authority to ask medical firms to report on accidents related to medical products and supplies that may have negative effects on the safety of patients and medical staff.
On human rights issues, the council asked the Saudi Human Rights Commission to work out parameters to determine the level of performance in the light of human rights standards. It also asked the commission to coordinate with mass media to avoid publication of inaccurate information on cases and persons still under investigation.
In another decision, the council called on the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization to issue the required standards for imported or locally made solar energy products.
Saudi Shoura Council lauds role of General Intelligence Presidency
Saudi Shoura Council lauds role of General Intelligence Presidency
Thousands in Lebanon benefit from KSrelief healthcare services
RIYADH: A project by Saudi aid agency KSrelief to improve healthcare services for Syrian refugees and their host community in Bebnine, Akkar Governorate, has continued in Lebanon.
Some 2,689 patients were seen at the Akkar-Bebnine Health Care Center in December with 6,194 services provided under pharmacy, laboratory, nursing, community and psychological health programs.
Of the total number of patients, 68 percent were women and 51 percent were refugees, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief continues aid work in new year
- The work reflects Saudi Arabia's ongoing commitment through KSrelief to help those most in need
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has continued its humanitarian work at the start of 2025, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
In Syria, 892 families received food aid and health kits in the Afrin and Aleppo governorates of the war-torn country, benefiting 5,352 individuals.
The agency also distributed bags of flour, winter kits, and personal-care bags to 211 families in Syria’s Al-Rastan area, benefitting 968 individuals.
In Syria’s Rural Damascus governorate, KSrelief distributed bags of flour, food aid, personal-care bags, and shelter kits to 164 families.
In Pakistan, there were 2,821 food parcels, benefiting 18,638 people, distributed in the Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan areas of Punjab province, and the Hingol area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
KSrelief also distributed 1,082 clothing vouchers to families in Palestinian refugee camps in Jordan’s Amman, Zarqa and Balqa governorates.
Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art to host ‘Manga Hokusai Manga’ exhibition
- Exhibition is homage to renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai
The much-anticipated “Manga Hokusai Manga” exhibition will be held at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art in JAX Diriyah from Jan. 15 to Feb. 8.
Held in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation, the exhibition, ratified by the Kingdom’s Museums Commission, will showcase the works of the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai.
It will highlight the history and evolution of manga, and provide a perspective on how Hokusai’s classical illustrations have influenced modern visual arts, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
Hokusai published his first collection of art in 1814, featuring sketches of “daily life, landscapes and whimsical creatures,” according to a post on X by the museum.
The Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art aims to foster cultural exchange between local and international creators.
Kingdom readies itself for 3 days of rain and high winds
- Warning of high waves along the Kingdom’s coastlines
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is bracing itself for rainfall across most parts of the Kingdom over the next three days after the National Center for Meteorology issues warnings on Thursday.
In a weather bulletin, the NCM warned of downpours accompanied by winds of up to 60 kph, and the possibility of torrential rain and hail. High waves are expected along the nation’s coastlines.
The regions of Al-Jouf, the Northern Borders, and Hail will have rainy conditions on Friday and Saturday.
On Friday, rain is expected in the Tabuk and Madinah regions; on Saturday and Sunday in the Eastern Province, Asir and Jazan; and on Saturday in Qassim.
For the Riyadh and Al-Baha regions, rain is expected from Friday to Sunday.
The NCM urged the public to stay updated on the weather conditions in the Kingdom by checking the daily reports on its website, the Anwaa application, or its social media accounts.
Saudi Falcons Club CEO and Kazakhstan ambassador discuss ways to boost cooperation
RIYADH: The CEO of the Saudi Falcons Club, Ahmed Al-Hababi, met Kazakhstan’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Madiyar Menilbekov, in Riyadh on Thursday to discuss opportunities for cooperation and ways in which these might be enhanced to benefit mutual goals.
One of the topics was the Hadad Program, a leading initiative developed by the club with the aim of returning falcons to their natural habitats and saving the species from the threat of extinction.
Menilbekov praised the club for the important role it plays in enhancing falconry and preserving its cultural heritage.
The club said the meeting was part of its efforts to strengthen international partnerships in keeping with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification.
