New annual media forum and awards ceremony to be staged in Kingdom

The event will be held in Riyadh. (File/Shutterstock)
Updated 29 July 2019
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New annual media forum and awards ceremony to be staged in Kingdom

  • The first Saudi Media Forum would be held at the end of November this year in Riyadh
  • Under the title “Media Industry: Opportunities and Challenges,” the two-day conference will provide a platform for prominent Saudi, Arab and foreign media figures

RIYADH: A new media forum and awards ceremony is to be staged in Saudi Arabia as part of efforts to cement the Kingdom as the sector hub for the Arab world.

The Saudi Journalists Association (SJA) announced that the first Saudi Media Forum would be held at the end of November this year in Riyadh in conjunction with the inaugural Saudi Media Awards.

Under the title “Media Industry: Opportunities and Challenges,” the two-day conference will provide a platform for prominent Saudi, Arab and foreign media figures to discuss the latest developments and challenges facing the industry.

Chairman of the SJA, Khalid bin Hamed Al-Malik, said the forum would become an annual event aimed at strengthening Riyadh’s profile as the region’s media capital while also boosting the Kingdom’s reputation as a leading country in the global political and economic arena.

“The media’s role is essential and influential,” Al-Malik said. “This forum will open the way for further discussions, put forward views about the media industry in general and create dialogue with others to better understand global and regional practices.”

He added that the forum and awards were directly supported by the Saudi Minister of Media, Turki Al-Shabanah, who had already held a number of meetings with SJA board members to promote different industry initiatives.

Saudi Media Forum and Awards general manager and SJA board member, Mohammed Fahad Al-Harthi, said the Kingdom’s influential political and economic role on the international stage had to be matched by an effective media that was proportionate to the country’s status and importance.

Al-Harthi added that the assembly would discuss trans-continental media practices and global use of media content as a means of soft influence and power. “The forum will offer the chance to touch on the challenges the media industry and social networking platforms face. The event’s agenda will include major work sessions and panel discussions.”

Examining the developments related to the economics of the media industry and issues faced by local media institutions will also be on the forum’s roster. Plus, the gathering will showcase international knowhow about overcoming challenges and the best ways to adapt to changes in the sector.

The forum is expected to attract media experts and professionals from around the world, and Al- Harthi said that the rapid changes taking place in the industry necessitated certifying local media groups and giving them the chance to be mindful of international advances in order to gain skills and competency.

“Such provisions and interactions will enhance and boost their awareness and understanding of the future and challenges for the media, especially since the media’s role is already rooted as one of the most important and influential weapons within the international arena,” he added.

This year’s forum slogan was consistent with the information age and its numerous and diverse sources and communication networks, Al-Harthi said. “The use of information in a timely manner and objective context makes it important to concentrate on the content and to take the profession’s ethics and values into account.”

The general manager said the conference would provide an opportunity to build a mental image that reflects the new Saudi Arabia with its spirit, vitality and ambitions, in the presence of major influencers in the international media industry.

The event will also promote the role of Saudi media in shaping global public opinion and Al-Harthi emphasized the importance of developing an international network of relationships between local and global media institutions.

He said the media awards would encourage and recognize the value of outstanding and professional work by the Kingdom’s journalists and would be split into four categories: Press, visual production, audio production and personality of the year. Winners would receive financial and supportive prizes.

Al- Harthi added that journalists, academics and media representatives in government and private institutions would soon be able to register for the forum and awards.


KSrelief continues global humanitarian activities

Updated 25 January 2025
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KSrelief continues global humanitarian activities

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continues with its global humanitarian activities including the distribution of basic food items, clothing vouchers as well as the provision of emergency services.

In Pakistan’s Shahdadkot area of Sindh province, the aid agency on Wednesday handed out 1,050 food boxes benefiting 6,524 individuals who mostly have been affected by floods.

In Yemen, KSrelief on Thursday distributed 1,247 double desks, 560 single desks, 56 wheelchairs, computers and office supplies to support 35 centers for people with disabilities and 26 adult education schools across several Yemeni governorates.

The latest initiative is part of the second phase of the project on local capacity building for educating illiterate students and people with disabilities in the governorates of Aden, Hadramout, Dhale, Lahij, Shabwa and Al-Mahra.

In Sudan, 40 tonnes of dates were distributed in Wad Madani, Gezira State as part of a larger project to share 441 tonnes of dates to the most vulnerable families in the states of Kassala, Gedaref, Red Sea, River Nile, Blue Nile, White Nile, Sennar and Gezira.

In the northern Gaza Strip, KSrelief collaborated with the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage to provide shelter bags for Palestinian people and assist them in rebuilding their damaged homes and property resulting from over 15 months of war.

In Poland, the aid agency recently concluded a volunteer prosthetic project and was able to provide 30 prosthetic limbs to Ukrainian refugees from January 15 to January 21.

In Jindires of Syria’s Aleppo governorate, shopping vouchers were given to 1,288 beneficiaries for them to purchase winter clothing from designated stores.

Meanwhile, the ambulance service of Subul Al-Salam Social Association in the Miniyeh district of north Lebanon – which is funded by KSrelief – carried out 82 missions during the past week.

The services, which included transporting patients to and from hospitals and treating burn injuries, were provided to Syrian and Palestinian refugees and the local community.


How Saudi Arabia is making the construction industry greener and more sustainable

Updated 25 January 2025
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How Saudi Arabia is making the construction industry greener and more sustainable

  • The Kingdom is advancing green construction techniques with cutting-edge technologies, local partnerships, and regulatory support 
  • Red Sea Global, SCG International, VEKR Environmental Services, and SABIC are setting the standard for sustainable construction

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is embracing sustainability as a core element of its Vision 2030 economic reform agenda, driving transformative practices across whole industries.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the Kingdom’s construction sector, where innovative solutions and eco-conscious strategies are reshaping the urban landscape.

Through cutting-edge technologies, collaborative efforts and the adoption of environmentally responsible materials, companies like Red Sea Global, SCG International, VEKR Environmental Services and SABIC are setting a high standard for sustainable development.

Red Sea Global has made environmental stewardship a priority across its mega-projects, ensuring that development enhances rather than disrupts the delicate ecosystem.

“At Red Sea Global, we have initiated several critical programs to safeguard endangered species such as the hawksbill turtles and sooty falcons,” Raed Al-Basseet, RSG’s group chief environment and sustainability officer, told Arab News.

“These efforts include habitat conservation, the protection of turtles’ nesting sites, and tagging programs to monitor their behaviors. On birds, we’ve established artificial nesting sites for the sooty falcon and implemented preventive measures to mitigate bird collisions.”

Engineers and construction professionals at a sustainable building site. (AN file)

The organization has also embraced advanced technologies to protect marine ecosystems.

“RSG is leveraging state-of-the-art technologies, including drone surveys equipped with multispectral cameras and satellite imagery for coral reef mapping,” Al-Basseet said.

These tools ensure the real-time monitoring of coral reefs, mangroves and seagrasses, while helping respond swiftly to environmental changes.

DID YOUKNOW?

• Saudi Arabia’s construction sector produces about 38% of the Kingdom’s carbon emissions, highlighting the critical need for sustainable practices.

• Mangroves, like those planted by RSG, can sequester up to 10 times more carbon per hectare than tropical rainforests.

• LEED Gold-certified buildings, like SABIC’s Jubail headquarters, consume 30% less energy than traditional buildings.

• 3D-printed construction reduces material waste by up to 60%, significantly lowering environmental impact.

RSG’s achievements extend beyond conservation. The company’s renewable energy initiatives have resulted in the installation of more than 760,500 solar panels, reducing CO2 emissions by 46,350 tonnes annually.

Additionally, its mangrove nursery produced more than 1 million seedlings in 2024, with a target of reaching 3 million this year.

“Our commitment to achieving a net conservation benefit of 30 percent by 2040 is integral to our vision of creating harmonious development,” Al-Basseet added.

Another key player in Saudi Arabia’s sustainability journey is SABIC, a global leader in materials innovation and environmental solutions.

A modern sustainable building with cascading greenery, representing eco-friendly architectural practices that merge design with nature. (AN File)

SABIC’s Jubail headquarters, which has been certified with LEED Gold, stands as a symbol of green construction.

The building incorporates solar energy systems, wind turbines and electric vehicle charging stations, while also utilizing water recycling systems and low-energy lighting controls.

Beyond infrastructure, SABIC is pioneering efforts in carbon capture and utilization. The company operates the world’s largest CO2 purification and liquefaction plant, capturing 500,000 tonnes annually to convert into valuable products such as methanol and ammonia.

These initiatives reflect SABIC’s broader goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, with an interim target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2030.

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In addition to these efforts, SABIC has launched a circular carbon economy model, promoting renewable energy, chemical recycling and afforestation projects.

The company’s recent exports of low-carbon ammonia to global markets, including Japan and South Korea, highlight its leadership in sustainable industrial practices.

Sustainability in construction is not just about preserving nature but also about adopting technologies that redefine how buildings are constructed. SCG International, a global leader in green building solutions, is paving the way for technological innovation in the Kingdom.

“3D printing technology enables accelerated construction timelines, reducing time by up to 30 to 50 percent and labor requirements by 50 percent,” Abhijit Datta, managing director of SCG International, told Arab News.

“It significantly reduces material waste and ensures no leftover raw materials, contributing to a cleaner and safer working environment, by lowering dust and noise levels.”

Among its innovations, SCG’s concrete fabric offers a sustainable solution for erosion control and water management.

“This flexible material conforms to various shapes, reducing logistics costs and emissions while ensuring durability,” Datta said.

Engineers and construction professionals at a sustainable building site. 
(Shutterstock)

The company’s commitment to local empowerment is equally noteworthy. SCG actively collaborates with Saudi firms to train teams in low-carbon cement and ready-mix consultancy services.

Despite recent progress, the adoption of sustainable construction technologies has faced difficulties.

“One of the primary challenges is the high upfront cost of sustainable building practices, which can be a concern for clients,” Dana Al-Damegh, an environmental consultant at VEKR Environmental Services, told Arab News.

“Many are not fully aware of the long-term benefits, including cost savings and enhanced efficiency, that sustainable materials can offer.”

Another pressing issue is the scarcity of resources.

A modern sustainable building with cascading greenery, representing eco-friendly architectural practices that merge design with nature. (AN File)

“There is currently a shortage of locally sourced materials, which poses a challenge to sustainable construction efforts,” Al-Damegh said.

“This scarcity extends to skilled manpower as well, which further impacts the ability to fully leverage local resources. Addressing these gaps is crucial for achieving greater sustainability in the sector.”

Nonetheless, Al-Damegh is optimistic about the future. “The collaboration between environmental services companies and regulatory bodies has been instrumental in driving progress,” she said.

As the Kingdom advances its Vision 2030 reform agenda, the focus on green construction continues to grow. The integration of advanced technologies, development of local supply chains and investments in education as well as training will be critical to scaling sustainable practices.

“The successful implementation of sustainable methods requires collaboration, commitment and the right resources,” said Al-Damegh. “All of which are becoming increasingly accessible in Saudi Arabia’s evolving environmental landscape.”
 

 


Saudi Arabia to host multinational ‘Spears of Victory 2025’ military exercise

Updated 25 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia to host multinational ‘Spears of Victory 2025’ military exercise

  • Forces from 15 countries will take part, with focus on current and emerging threats
  • Tactical operations seek to enhance combat readiness in electronic warfare 

RIYADH: The “Spears of Victory 2025” military exercise will begin next week at the Air Warfare Center in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The exercise will run from Jan. 26 to Feb. 6, and feature participation from 15 countries, underscoring the global commitment to strengthening military collaboration.

Countries contributing forces include Bahrain, Greece, France, Qatar, the UK, US, UAE, and Pakistan. Seven additional nations — Australia, Egypt, Italy, Jordan, Morocco, South Korea, and Spain — will take part as observers, SPA added.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Ali Al-Omari, the exercise commander, said the aim was to enhance combat readiness, foster the exchange of expertise in planning and execution, and unify the concept of joint military action.

The exercise will focus on addressing current and emerging threats, advancing tactical capabilities, and promoting joint operational strategies, he added.

Participating forces will engage in complex tactical operations designed to simulate threats in an advanced electronic warfare environment, according to SPA.

These operations will integrate branches of Saudi Arabia’s armed forces, the Ministry of the National Guard, and the Presidency of State Security, alongside military contingents from other nations with active forces on the ground.


King Abdulaziz University hosts National Development Fund’s governor at panel discussion

Updated 24 January 2025
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King Abdulaziz University hosts National Development Fund’s governor at panel discussion

  • Stephen Groff looks at achieving aims of Saudi Vision 2030

RIYADH: King Abdulaziz University hosted Stephen Groff, the National Development Fund’s governor, in a panel discussion at the Academic Dialogue Table organized by the Faculty of Economics and Administration.

Groff discussed the role of the NDF and the broader development ecosystem in achieving Saudi Vision 2030, in an event also attended by Dr. Tareef Al-Aama, the university’s president.

King Abdulaziz University hosts NDF Governor at “Academic Dialogue Table”. (Supplied)

Groff said that the fund aimed to enhance developmental impact and improve productivity, highlighting the key strategic priorities and ongoing initiatives being provided to entities under the fund’s umbrella, such as economic diversification and growth stimulation.

He added that the NDF contributed to creating sustainable job opportunities as well as supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurship.

FASTFACT

Groff stressed that one of the fund’s core missions was to develop infrastructure by financing large-scale project.

Groff stressed that one of the fund’s core missions was to develop infrastructure by financing large-scale projects in sectors such as transportation, housing, and public utilities through its affiliated entities, including the recently established National Infrastructure Fund.

He explained that the primary mission of the fund, as a development finance institution, was to empower development funds and banks to achieve their sector-specific objectives, beneficiary goals, and activity targets, while focusing on specific areas and ensuring the financial sustainability of development finance entities in the future.

He concluded by stressing the critical role of the fund in reviewing and evaluating the impact of every program, project, or initiative aimed at addressing developmental needs, economic priorities, challenges, and available opportunities.

 


GCC secretary general meets Lebanese president

Joseph Aoun (R) receives Jasem Albudaiwi at the Presidential Palace in Beirut. (Supplied)
Updated 24 January 2025
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GCC secretary general meets Lebanese president

  • Albudaiwi wished the president success in his efforts to uplift the Lebanese people and fulfill their aspirations

BEIRUT: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Albudaiwi met with President of Lebanon Joseph Aoun at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, Beirut on Friday.

Albudaiwi wished the president success in his efforts to uplift the Lebanese people and fulfill their aspirations, the General Secretariat wrote in a report.

He added that the meeting reaffirmed the GCC’s unwavering support for Lebanon, stressing its commitment to bolstering Lebanon’s security and stability and contributing to the sustainable development and prosperity of the Lebanese people.