RIYADH: In a resolution at its 21st ordinary session, the Shoura Council on Monday asked for an increase in the number of prosecutors to suit the new powers of the public prosecutor’s office and to achieve the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The public prosecution was also urged to establish a reconciliation office to reduce the number of cases that preoccupy investigation bodies and courts, especially family cases.
The council asked the public prosecution to examine and study the reasons leading to the high rate of certain crimes, to propose solutions in coordination with competent authorities, and to take appropriate measures to speed up the closing of cases.
In another resolution, the council urged the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to initiate the low-cost Hajj program and coordinate with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance to provide a sufficient number of Sharia specialists to educate women during Hajj and Umrah.
It called on the ministry to coordinate with the concerned bodies to provide more locations for fast food and beverages in the area of the holy places and pedestrian roads.
The ministry was also urged to include in its next report information useful for implementing the resolution on banning buses that are older than 10 years according to the mechanism mentioned in the resolution.
In a different resolution, the Council called on the Ministry of Labor and Social Development to focus on creating jobs in the sectors in which concealment is increasing and on investment deals and purchase contracts signed between the Kingdom and other countries. These contracts also include the development of local content for Saudizing jobs and technologies.
One of the members pointed out that Saudi Arabia’s problem does not lie in lack of jobs but in finding a Saudization mechanism.
Another member called on the ministry to develop policies that generate job opportunities and combat unemployment in a way that contributes to achieving Vision 2030. She also demanded that the Saudi Recruitment Agency takes into account exposure to technology and its impact on the future of jobs.
The committee called on the Health Ministry to speed up the establishment of mental health and addiction hospitals, coordinate with the concerned bodies to provide financial support, and ensure that the matter is treated as a top priority.
After the health committee’s report and recommendations were presented, one of the council’s members highlighted the pay gap between Saudi and non-Saudi doctors although Saudi doctors are excellent.
She requested that health centers be supplied with computers and software that serve medical records.
Another member noted the limited number of beds available for cancer patients at some hospitals. He also demanded that the large number of medical errors be addressed.
A different member called on the ministry of health to apply the rules that reduce the impact of inhumane treatment of some nurses working at some of the ministry’s hospitals and clinics.
Saudi Shoura Council recommends increase in number of prosecutors
Saudi Shoura Council recommends increase in number of prosecutors
European Muslims arrive in Madinah
- The Ministry of Islamic Affairs received the pilgrims, who come from 14 different countries
- The 250-strong group will visit the Prophet’s Mosque and tour historic sites
RIYADH: A new group of Muslim pilgrims arrived in the holy city of Madinah from Europe on Thursday to perform Umrah as part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, which supervises the program, received the 250 visitors, who come from 14 different countries. The ministry will provide the group services during their stay.
As well as visiting the Prophet’s Mosque and Quba Mosque the pilgrims will tour historic sites including the King Fahd Glorious Qur'an Printing Complex, the Uhud Martyrs’ Cemetery, and the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization.
They will then head to the holy city of Makkah to perform Umrah rituals.
Australian deputy PM highlights Saudi Arabia’s strategic importance during visit
DUABI: Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Richard Donald Marles underlined the importance of Saudi Arabia as a key partner for Australia, highlighting its position as the country’s second-largest trading partner in the Middle East.
In a statement issued by his office on Thursday, Marles said his visit to Saudi Arabia is focused on enhancing cooperation within the G20 framework and other multilateral institutions, as well as reaffirming Australia’s commitment to a rules-based global order.
Marles described Saudi Arabia as a pivotal partner in addressing shared global challenges, emphasizing the significance of deepening economic and diplomatic ties. He added that the visit offers an opportunity to explore new avenues for collaboration and strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
KSrelief’s humanitarian works benefit individuals from Yemen, Ukraine and Sudan
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s (KSrelief) humanitarian projects in Yemen, Ukraine and Sudan continue to benefit individuals needing medical and therapeutic intervention.
In Yemen, KSrelief provided services through the Prosthetic and Rehabilitation Center in Aden to 562 patients in November as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare sector and help individuals who require prostheses.
The center also delivered 1,395 services, including the manufacturing, fitting, and rehabilitation of prosthetic limbs, along with physical therapy and specialized consultations.
Also in Aden, a team of medical volunteers undertook an adult urology surgery campaign from Dec. 15 to 22, with the nine specialists performing 15 procedures on patients. The project was implemented in collaboration with the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen
In Rzeszow, Poland, KSrelief volunteers fitted prosthetic limbs for 32 Ukrainian refugees between Dec. 8 to 15.
In Sudan’s Port Sudan, volunteers from KSrelief ran a pediatric surgical program and has successfully examined 15 children and performed seven successful surgeries so far.
‘Common Ground’ festival celebrates Saudi Arabia and Iraq cultures
- Art, music and folklore to feature at Riyadh event until Dec. 31
- Over 100 works from Iraqi and Saudi artists will be on display
RIYADH: The Kingdom launched the second “Common Ground” festival on Wednesday to celebrate the rich cultures of Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
Organized by the Culture Ministry, “Common Ground” features a variety of activities including art, music and folklore.
The ministry invited residents to “explore and celebrate Iraqi culture and the historical and cultural bonds between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Iraq through art, music, storytelling and more.”
The festival, which runs until Dec. 31, is being held at Mega Studio in Riyadh’s Boulevard City.
The event includes a tribute to writer Kareem Al-Iraqi, who died last year, for his contribution to art and literature, which includes novels, plays, songs and screenplays.
The opening night featured songs by renowned Iraqi singer-songwriter Kadim Al-Sahir. And Thursday will have several seminars led by heritage experts.
There will also be over 100 works from Iraqi and Saudi artists on display at the festival.
Meanwhile, in AlUla on Wednesday, Iraq’s Prime Minister Shia Al-Sudani was welcomed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for discussions on regional events.
Saudi aid agency KSrelief launches pediatric surgical program in war-ravaged Sudan
- Medical team assesses 15 children and carries out 7 successful operations during first few days of the project, which is staffed by volunteers
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief this week launched a volunteer pediatric surgical program in the Sudanese city of Port Sudan.
By Wednesday, the medical team had assessed 15 children and carried out seven successful surgeries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Sudan is locked in a civil war between two rival factions of the country’s military government that began in April 2023. It has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced about 12 million people.
The conflict has also had a devastating effect on healthcare, with more than two-thirds of major hospitals in out of service, according to the World Health Organization.
