WASHINGTON: The Defense and Security Technology Conference organized by the Saudi Arabian Military Industries company (SAMI),in Washington, DC, has concluded its meetings after participants discussed “the development of the defense system,” and how this contributes to the achievement of the ambitious “Vision 2030” plan.
The conference was organized in cooperation with the US-Saudi Business Council under the theme “Fortifying Partnerships, Achieving Value,” and the participation of top speakers and more than 100 experts, specialists and consultants who exchanged views on Saudi Arabia’s strategic vision regarding the future of its defense industry. Technology and security were top items on the conference agenda, which took place amid the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the US.
The conference was inaugurated by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of SAMI, Ahmed Khatib, who stressed the importance of the gathering and the issues under discussion. The conference included three sessions and an additional extraordinary session with the participation of Minister of Trade and Investment Dr. Majid Al-Qassabi, Minister of Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Khaled Al-Falih, and Ahmed Khatib.
The second session was attended by Dr. Andreas Schwer, CEO at SAMI; Leanne Caret, CEO of Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS), Kurt Amend, CEO of Raytheon Saudi Arabia; and Colin Mahoney, Senior Vice President of the Global Solutions and Services Unit at Rockwell Collins. Participants deliberated ways to create a value chain for a sustainable future, discussed the important progress achieved by Saudi Arabia and ways to develop the Saudi-US relations to even higher levels.
The conference final session was entitled “Strategic Outlook and the Road Map,” and was moderated by John Hamri, CEO of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and featured a prominent lineup of panelists, including Mohammed Al-Athel, Secretary General of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI); Kenneth J. Krieg, Former Undersecretary for Defense and Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (ATand L); and Maj. Gen. Arnold L. Punaro, Former Chair of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA).
The SAMI is a state-owned military company launched in May 2017 by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). It provides military products and services and aims to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign purchases of military products. SAMI hopes to contribute about $3.7 billion to the Saudi economy by 2030, and aims to invest about $1.6 billion in research and development, creating nearly 40,000 jobs for Saudi nationals.
Saudi Arabian Military Industries concludes Washington conference focusing on development of defense systems for Vision 2030
Saudi Arabian Military Industries concludes Washington conference focusing on development of defense systems for Vision 2030
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.
Rain for 3 days over most parts of Saudi Arabia
- Warning of high waves along the Kingdom’s coastlines
RIYADH: Rain of varying intensities will fall over most parts of Saudi Arabia from Jan. 10 to 12, the National Center for Meteorology stated 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.
Saudi envoy to US outlines efforts to maintain safety of Saudi citizens amid LA wildfires
LOS ANGELES: Saudi ambassador to the US, Princess Reema bint Bandar, reaffirmed on Thursday the embassy’s commitment to the safety and security of Saudi citizens in Los Angeles and surrounding areas impacted by wildfires, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In a statement, Princess Reema emphasized that the embassy and the consulate general were working tirelessly to support citizens affected by the fires.
She highlighted that ensuring their well-being remains a top priority for Saudi diplomatic missions in the United States.
She said the team was monitoring the situation closely and was prepared to provide immediate assistance to those in need. The embassy and consulate were dedicated to ensuring the security and safety of all Saudi citizens in affected areas, she added.
The embassy and consulate have activated a round-the-clock response team to address concerns and offer necessary support, SPA added.
The wildfires in California have prompted widespread evacuations and caused significant disruptions in the Los Angeles area, with officials working to contain the blazes.
