Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior has received more than 120,000 applications for driving licenses so far

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Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki of the Interior Ministry, left, and Brig. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami of the Traffic Department at the press conference. (AN photo by Basheer Saleh)
Updated 25 June 2018
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Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior has received more than 120,000 applications for driving licenses so far

  • Six specialized driving schools have been issued licenses to train women in driving in five cities across the Kingdom.
  • Twenty-two centers have been opened in 22 cities and governorates to exchange foreign driving licenses for local ones for Saudi female citizens and residents.

RIYADH:  The Saudi government is doing everything to ensure safe driving, with regulations, laws and punishments applied equally to men and women without discrimination, Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki, spokesperson for the Interior Ministry, said on Sunday.

He said the ministry has received more than 120,000 applications for driving licenses so far and demand is still very high.

“Our preparation for this historic day started after the issuance of the royal decree,” Al-Turki said in a press conference. “We took into consideration the general safety of the traffic across the country.” 

There has been a huge effort put in to reduce the number of accidents, and to address the lack of driving experience among Saudi women, he added.

Al-Turki stressed that: “Six specialized driving schools have been issued licenses to train women in driving in five cities across the Kingdom. Four of these schools have already started operations and the fifth one in Qassim is nearing completion.

“Furthermore, we had already prepared 22 centers in 22 cities and governorates to exchange foreign driving licenses for local ones for Saudi female citizens and residents. We also intensified the use of technology on roads to ensure the ideal execution of all safety measures. We were keen to provide the technology needed to identify female drivers while driving (identifying her without asking her to remove her cover if she is covering).

“We trained 40 Saudi women for traffic checking (field checking) and they will start working within a few weeks as investigation assistants for investigating accidents,” he said. 

The Interior Ministry spokesman said: “Very strict harassment legislation was issued before the implementation of women driving; actually this legislation was issued to stand against harassment in all its forms and in all places, including the ones that can happen on road, and protect everyone, not only women, in the society from this brutal action.

“We took a very important step and I can safely say that we succeeded in achieving all the objectives we had nine months ago to ensure safe driving for everyone. We equally trust both females and males in sticking to the regulations and safety measures.”

The director general of the Traffic Department, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, said his department had sent a number of police officers overseas to get trained on how to investigate car accidents, and since their return, they have been training their peers across the country. 

“We have developed an online site to specify dates for license exchange and have also developed an identity verification system. We closely cooperated with the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority to improve insurance packages and regulations. A strong database has been developed; speed limit signs, radars and CCTV are increased.

“We will announce the readiness of more cities and governorates to train women in more driving schools by next week,” Al-Bassami said.

When asked about the possibility of foreign women visiting Saudi Arabia to rent a car, Al-Turki said: “Yes, definitely, she only has to have a license and then she can.”

Asked whether any accidents or violations had been recorded, he said: “No. Besides, it is too early to start issuing figures. We have noticed in the past few hours that women are very responsible and aware.”

The speakers said that the authorities were studying the possibility of raising fines in order to reduce deaths and accidents.

Asked about the fine when catching an unlicensed woman driving, Al- Bassami said: “What applies for male drivers will definitely apply to females. Equal treatment for both.”

It also becomes a woman’s right to rent a car or make business related to buying, selling and renting cars. He added that Saudi women must immediately exchange their foreign driving license while a female visitor’s case will depend on her paperwork and residence duration. However, they commented that some women who had foreign driving license did not pass the driving test in Saudi Arabia, which is a sign that the Kingdom is following highest standards to ensure safe driving. 


Hira district offers insightful Islamic journey

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Hira district offers insightful Islamic journey

MAKKAH: The Hira Cultural District is a must-visit for the millions of people who come to Makkah each year, offering an experience that engages both heart and mind by bringing history to life, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

At its center is the Holy Qur’an Museum, which features rare manuscripts and historical copies of the Qur’an alongside modern visual displays.

Visitors can explore the Qur’an’s compilation and the meticulous preservation it has undergone through the ages, the SPA reported.

The museum reflects the deep reverence for the Qur’an, using innovative presentation methods to enrich the visitor experience.

A standout feature is the Revelation Exhibition, closely linked to the Cave of Hira — where Prophet Muhammad first received the revelation.

The exhibition includes a dedicated pavilion that tells the story of the Qur’an’s revelation, offering profound insight into this pivotal moment in Islamic history.

Spanning about 67,000 sq. meters, the Hira Cultural District draws visitors from around the world and all walks of life, according to the report.

Beyond its cultural and educational appeal, it offers a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of traditional and modern cafes, restaurants, and diverse shopping options for individuals and families alike.


Art in Madinah through the eyes of a local artist

Updated 24 min 39 sec ago
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Art in Madinah through the eyes of a local artist

  • Spiritual nature of the city inspires Meshal Al-Hujaili to seek simplicity through his work
  • Madinah Art Center a ‘turning point’ for local art scene 

Riyadh: Madinah’s art scene is expanding, featuring a rich blend of traditional and contemporary influences rooted in the Kingdom’s Islamic heritage, cultural identity and historical lineage.

“The art scene in Madinah is constantly evolving, leading artists in the city to keep pace with this development and enter the artistic landscape,” artist and Madinah native Meshal Al-Hujaili told Arab News.

Al-Hujaili described how the art scene in his home town influences his work: “Madinah, with its spiritual nature and simplicity, always leads me to pursue simplicity in my work, despite its artistic depth.”

Born and raised in Madinah, Al-Hujaili contributes to the growth of the local art scene through his solo art exhibitions and collaborations with the Madinah Art Center.

The center “has been a turning point for the art scene in Madinah,” he said.

“Due to its ongoing art sessions, exhibitions and meetings, it has increased my exposure to artists who preceded me in the field,” Al-Hujaili said.

“The center provides a stimulating environment for dialogue and exchange of experiences among artists, which has opened new horizons for me in my expression and in my understanding of the role of art in society,” he said.

Al-Hujaili’s artwork, currently on display in the main gallery of the Madinah Art Center, is a result of the Madinah International Symposium 2023.

“The painting, titled ‘Flow,’ reflects my experience at the symposium, my presence among more than 200 artists from around the world, and the artistic flow that prevailed at the center,” he said.

Al-Hujaili’s latest exhibition, titled “Path,” in collaboration with curator Nouf Al-Balawi explored “reflections, each representing a pivotal stage in the artist’s life as he searches for self.”

The art exhibition shed light on the Madinah native’s life, “documenting the events around him, about the various paths of life, in an individual experience that begins with the embryo and continues through to the impact he creates,” Al-Hujaili said.

When asked where he draws his inspiration from, the artist said his natural curiosity and love for asking questions.

Al-Hujaili’s latest exhibition is inspired by five themes, the first being “From Embryo to Embryo,” a series of four works that explore the circle of life, starting from the moment the fetus is formed in the womb and continuing through parenthood, “where the first fetus never ends, but rather transforms and begins anew as the father of a fetus,” as Al-Hujaili described it.

The second theme is titled “The Child I Was Not.”

“After highlighting the fetal stage, the exhibition moves to the next stage: childhood,” he said.

This is a single work in which the artist tries to reflect on children’s perspectives on art, because “art was not part of their experience as a child,” he said.

One part of the exhibition, titled “Morning Exercises,” shifts from childhood to decision-making and commitment. It features 30 artworks documenting the artist’s dedication to a daily morning art practice, lasting up to five hours of creating new pieces.

Another section titled “What to Do?” looks at the artist questioning the definition of the artwork and discovering where the value in the artwork lies.

In the concluding “Effort and Impact” section, two works represent the artist’s journey in producing art, his commitment to daily work, and his constant questioning and research.

Closing the interview, the artist emphasized how the Madinah Art Center supports his work and the work of other artists across the Kingdom: “The gallery encourages artists to explore new experiences and view the work of other artists,” he said.

“The center also offers numerous training courses and dialogue sessions that help artists become part of the artistic movement taking place in Madinah across various artistic fields,” he said.

When asked what he hopes to accomplish in the Madinah art scene, he said: “I have always dreamed of making a real impact on how people view art and representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Al-Hujaili said he hopes his work will be immortalized in history.


Experts discuss innovations in clinical pharmacy

International Clinical Pharmacy Ambulatory Care Conference brought together more than 700 healthcare professionals and experts.
Updated 45 min 1 sec ago
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Experts discuss innovations in clinical pharmacy

  • Two-day event aimed to showcase innovative solutions to improve healthcare quality and align with global advancements

RIYADH: The International Clinical Pharmacy Ambulatory Care Conference, organized by the Hail Health Cluster, brought together more than 700 healthcare professionals and leading international experts in health and pharmaceutical sciences.

The two-day event aimed to showcase innovative solutions to improve healthcare quality and align with global advancements, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday. It provided a key platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Discussions covered the latest in virtual health, strategies to enhance the patient experience along the medication journey, and future models for expanding pharmacy services.

Conference highlights included research poster presentations featuring innovations and evidence-based practices in clinical pharmacy, the SPA added.

An accompanying exhibition featured cutting-edge technologies and solutions from participating organizations, reinforcing the role of pharmacy in driving primary care innovation.


Najdi doors reflect Kingdom’s craft legacy

Updated 40 min 59 sec ago
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Najdi doors reflect Kingdom’s craft legacy

Riyadh: The year 2025 has been designated the “Year of Handicrafts” in the Kingdom to reinforce traditional arts and crafts as authentic cultural heritage.

The initiative aims to promote the practice, preservation, documentation and integration of handicrafts into modern life, celebrating a cultural legacy central to national identity, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

It seeks to support artisans, enhance their skills and prevent traditional crafts from disappearing. It emphasizes manual crafts made using simple tools, without modern technology.

Prominent crafts include Sadu weaving, mud building, wood carving, pottery, hand embroidery, and palm frond products such as baskets and mats.

Engraving on doors with Najdi motifs is another traditional art for which the Najd region is renowned, the SPA reported.

Artisan Ali Al-Jasser, known for Najdi door engraving, shared his journey from basic wooden installations to intricate three-dimensional pieces blending tradition with contemporary art.

He noted regional variations — at Najdi in the center, Al-Qatt Al-Asiri in the south, Rawashin in the west, Bab Al-Bahr in the east, and Sadu in the north.

Another artisan, Nouf Al-Suwailim, highlighted that Najdi door engravings were key elements of traditional Najdi architecture, reflecting its cultural and urban identity.

She described the doors’ elegant designs, featuring geometric and floral patterns enhanced by decorative iron nails.


Contest boosts Qur’an apps with tech innovation

Updated 49 min 14 sec ago
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Contest boosts Qur’an apps with tech innovation

  • Ayathon brings together programmers, designers, researchers and Islamic scholars to develop digital tools supporting memorization, recitation and reflection on the Qur’an

RIYADH: Ayathon, a Qur’an-focused app development hackathon organized by the Programmers Association, recently concluded in Riyadh.

Abdulaziz Al-Oraij, chairman of the association, described Ayathon as an initiative to use modern technology to serve the Holy Qur’an and improve the digital experience for users worldwide.

He added that Ayathon brings together programmers, designers, researchers and Islamic scholars to develop digital tools supporting memorization, recitation and reflection on the Qur’an.

“It aims to empower Qur’anic communities with interactive tools,” Al-Oraij said.

Mohammed Al-Wadee, chairman of the hackathon’s committee, said the event seeks to improve Qur’anic apps and develop technology that aligns with Islamic values.

He added that the event promotes integrating technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality and user experience design into sustainable projects.

Maha Al-Atwi, chair of the technical committee, said Ayathon combines technical creativity and intellectual depth to motivate participants, and enhance results through interdisciplinary collaboration.

She added that using technologies like AI and data analytics helps create digital solutions meeting diverse user needs and offering a quality Qur’anic experience for the digital generation.

The judging panel includes international experts in technology and Islamic studies, ensuring projects are evaluated on innovation, quality and meaningful content, Al-Atwi said.