17 new cases of coronavirus bring total in Saudi Arabia to 62

A Saudi who tested positive after returning from Iran, via Oman, is being treated at a hospital in Al-Ahsa. (AFP)
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Updated 13 March 2020
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17 new cases of coronavirus bring total in Saudi Arabia to 62

  • Latest cases include people who had returned from Portugal, Iran, Turkey and Iraq
  • Another 11 Egyptians who had contact with infected visitor from home country also test positive

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Health on Thursday announced 17 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, bringing the total in the Kingdom to 62.

They include a Saudi citizen who had been in contact with someone who previously tested positive for the virus, and a resident who returned to the country from Portugal, via Turkey. Both patients are in isolation in Riyadh.

A Saudi who tested positive after returning from Iran, via Oman, is being treated at a hospital in Al-Ahsa. The fourth case involves a Saudi woman who had been in Turkey for six days and then spent five days in Lebanon. She first became aware of her symptoms on the night she arrived in Lebanon, and is now in isolation in Jeddah.

Two Saudi women who had traveled from Iraq are in quarantine in Qatif governorate, after testing positive for the virus without showing any obvious symptoms.

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In addition, another 11 Egyptians from a group that had been in contact with an infected visitor from their home country tested positive for the virus and are in quarantine in Makkah. They also showed no symptoms. On Wednesday, it was revealed that another 21 people from the group have the virus.

The ministry repeated its call for anyone who recently visited a country in which the coronavirus has spread to immediately contact its service center by calling the toll-free number, 937.

In addition, it urged members of the public who are concerned about the virus, or want more information about it and precautions that can be taken, to contact the ministry. It stressed that only official sources can be relied on to provide accurate information.
 


Saudi Joint Forces commander meets Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council member for security cooperation talks

Updated 9 sec ago
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Saudi Joint Forces commander meets Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council member for security cooperation talks

  • Meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Joint Forces Command and Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council

RIYADH: Lieut. Gen. Fahd bin Hamad Al-Salman, commander of the Joint Forces, met with Faraj Salmeen Al-Bahsani, member of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, at the Joint Forces Command headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the Joint Forces Command and the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Discussions also centered on enhancing the ongoing support provided by Saudi Arabia through the Joint Forces to promote security and stability in Yemen.

During the reception, Al-Bahsani commended the Kingdom’s role in supporting Yemen’s efforts to achieve stability.

He emphasized the importance of continuing strategic cooperation between the two countries to address the challenges currently facing Yemen.

Al-Bahsani thanked the Saudi leadership for their unwavering support across various fields, noting that this collaboration plays a vital role in advancing stability in Yemen and the wider region, SPA reported.

The meeting underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering peace and stability in Yemen as part of its broader efforts to address regional security challenges, SPA added.


Saudi justice minister announces comprehensive legal system development project

Saudi Justice Minister Walid Al-Samaani. (SPA)
Updated 30 min 58 sec ago
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Saudi justice minister announces comprehensive legal system development project

  • The minister highlighted a range of training programs offered by the Judicial Training Center and Saudi Bar Association, targeting law graduates and practicing lawyers

RIYADH: The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Saudi Bar Association, has announced the launch of a comprehensive project to review and develop the lawyers’ system, according to Saudi Justice Minister Walid Al-Samaani.

The project aims to strengthen the legal profession by empowering practitioners, improving access to legal services, and keeping up with the Kingdom’s legal, social and developmental advances, Al-Samaani, also chairman of the association, said.

On Sunday, Al-Samaani inaugurated the first Saudi Lawyers Conference in Riyadh, themed “Developments in the Lawyers and Legal Consultations Sector.”

About 30 experts and specialists are participating, leading discussions on various aspects of the profession. (SPA)

With participation from government and private entities, the two-day conference focuses on the future of the legal profession within the Kingdom’s evolving legislative landscape.

It also highlights the significant impact of professional and educational developments on enhancing the local legal environment and fostering a vibrant business and investment climate.

About 30 experts and specialists are participating, leading discussions on various aspects of the profession. On Monday, 19 workshops will be held, led by specialists to enrich attendees’ knowledge and professional experience.

Al-Samaani said that the renewal of law licenses will be processed automatically and completed within 15 days of a complete application, aiming to empower and support lawyers.

He said that the demand for lawyers had grown significantly and would likely continue with the Kingdom’s expanding business landscape and ongoing developments.

“This growth is tied to strengthening institutional work, enhancing legal foundations, and developing model contracts, documentation systems and legislative tools,” he said.

The minister highlighted a range of training programs offered by the Judicial Training Center and Saudi Bar Association, targeting law graduates and practicing lawyers.

These programs combine practical and theoretical training, including the Lawyer Qualification Program, Lawyer Development Program, Saudi Professional Accreditation for Legal Practitioners, and Cooperative Training Program for university students, among others.

 


Diriyah Co. partners with Saudi cybersecurity federation to bolster digital infrastructure

Updated 22 December 2024
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Diriyah Co. partners with Saudi cybersecurity federation to bolster digital infrastructure

  • Under the agreement, Diriyah Co. will join BugBounty, the Middle East’s first cybersecurity research platform

RIYADH: The Diriyah Co. signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, known as SAFCSP, on Sunday to strengthen the digital security of Diriyah city, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The partnership will enhance cybersecurity measures and safeguard the city’s digital infrastructure as it continues to evolve into a modern hub of culture and heritage, SPA added.

Under the agreement, Diriyah Co. will join BugBounty, the Middle East’s first cybersecurity research platform.

BugBounty uses the expertise of cybersecurity specialists to identify and address software vulnerabilities, which will allow Diriyah Co. and SAFCSP to implement strategies to mitigate potential digital threats.

To further support this, SAFCSP will provide specialized training programs to Diriyah Co. employees, equipping them with cybersecurity skills and raising awareness about the importance of digital security.

The MoU will grant the company access to SAFCSP’s database of professionals, facilitating the recruitment of cybersecurity talent. The partnership also enables the design of tailored assessments to evaluate candidates’ suitability for cybersecurity roles. In addition, outstanding students with relevant certifications will be identified for potential training opportunities.

Speaking about the collaboration, Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Co., said:
“This MoU aligns with Diriyah’s commitment to realizing Saudi Vision 2030, marking a crucial step toward creating a secure and sustainable digital future for Diriyah. Our collaboration with government and private sectors, especially the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, is essential for empowering the next generation in advanced technology, driving cultural and economic growth.”

The partnership will also involve joint cybersecurity projects, including conferences, workshops, and public awareness initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of digital security.


Saudi Arabia hosts first Council of Arab Ministers of Cybersecurity in Riyadh

Updated 22 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia hosts first Council of Arab Ministers of Cybersecurity in Riyadh

  • Arab League established body following proposal from Saudi Arabia
  • Aim is to enhance collaboration among Arab nations

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is hosting the first meeting of the Council of Arab Ministers of Cybersecurity in Riyadh on Monday, featuring officials and experts from a variety of Arab League countries.

The Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit will participate in the meeting to discuss cooperation in cybersecurity and joint cyber frameworks, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Arab League established the council in September 2023 following a proposal from Saudi Arabia to consolidate Arab efforts in the sector due to increasing cyber threats and computer-related attacks.

The Saudi National Cybersecurity Authority is hosting the event. Established in 2017, the body aims to protect Saudi national security and interests from cyber breaches and attacks.

The Riyadh meeting’s primary objective is to enhance collaboration among Arab nations on all cybersecurity-related matters.

It also aims to function as a platform for exchanging expertise and creating a reliable Arab cyberspace that enables growth and prosperity for all member states of the Arab League.


Riyadh festival strengthens Saudi-Iraqi cultural bonds

Updated 22 December 2024
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Riyadh festival strengthens Saudi-Iraqi cultural bonds

  • ‘Common Ground’ celebrates music, art and shared heritage

RIYADH: A Saudi-Iraqi dialogue on music has been held as part of the “Common Ground” festival at Riyadh Boulevard, which runs until Dec. 31.

The dialogue featured Saudi artist Abadi Al-Johar and Iraqi artist Naseer Shamma, who presented their musical creations.

It highlighted the points of convergence between the rich cultures of both nations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Organized by the Ministry of Culture, the event aims to highlight the shared cultural elements between Saudi Arabia and Iraq through various cultural and artistic activities.

The goal is to strengthen cultural cooperation between the Kingdom and Iraq and provide an opportunity to explore Iraqi culture and its creative landmarks, the SPA reported.

Iraqi visitors expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and the festival’s recognition of Iraqi artists, particularly the honoring of renowned singer Saadoun Jaber and the late poet Karim Al-Iraqi.

Many said that this reflected the festival’s respect for Iraq’s artistic legacy and its role in fostering cultural ties between the two nations.

An art exhibition at the festival showcases dozens of works by Saudi and Iraqi artists, which visitors praised for vividly portraying the historical and cultural diversity of the two countries while highlighting their shared heritage.

The event has also included discussions on the historical roots of economic ties and recent efforts to strengthen them.

Researchers and historians from both countries gathered to discuss their shared history and explored ways to cooperate in the future.

The festival includes a children’s area with heritage games, arts and crafts, and interactive storytelling.

It also offers a culinary experience blending Saudi and Iraqi flavors, while visitors can enjoy Saudi coffee and Iraqi tea, reflecting Arab hospitality.

The event is being held in collaboration between the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives and the Iraqi National Library and Archive.