RIYADH: Saudi health officials fighting against false stories regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have warned citizens against the rising “misinfordemic” (misinformation related to COVID-19).
Several Saudi authorities have warned against believing the myths about COVID-19. Experts in many fields have told Arab News that misleading information can cause great damage.
Dr. Ali Al-Farhan, a physician and consultant, said there are a lot of fake stories surrounding COVID-19 on social media.
“False information means that false advice can spread very quickly, and can change human behavior, opening the door to greater risks for patients,” he warned.
“The Kingdom realized early that it needed to limit false information, so the government launched a daily news conference stating the facts. They also dedicated a special number (937) for people who would like to get more information,” he said.
Dr. Ali Alanazi, the chair of the School of Media at King Saud University, said: “Rumors are used sometimes as a weapon to undermine the morale of targeted people. They are extremely dangerous. One should verify the source of news and always rely on trustworthy sources.”
Alanzai said that it was “important for us to analyze a rumor in order to identify its objectives,” adding: “If someone starts rumors about the shortage of a necessary commodity during a crisis, this rumormonger wants to undermine trust in the government and its ability to provide sufficient supplies.”
Fake and misleading information can cause unnecessary panic in society and drive many to stock up on food. This could impact food security and deprive others.
As a result, some will buy food from the black market while those who cannot afford the higher prices will steal.
Turki Abdul Aziz Almatrouk, an assistant professor of sociology at King Saud University, warned that fake news can also cause needless worry. In extreme cases, they could develop obsessive compulsive behavior around cleanliness. He said that some people develop skin issues from using too much sanitizer.
“To have doubts about the reliability of the news coming from official sources can cause mistrust between these sources and individuals. Enemies can benefit from this situation and use it to spread more misleading information in order to destabilize a country,” he said.
Abdul Aziz Alhumaidi, a technology consultant, said it is difficult to control what can be spread on social media due to the absence of unanimous international legislation. He said rumors should be countered with educational messages that urge people to get news from the trustworthy sources. He said that social media websites have made the spread of rumors and fake news easier, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Turki Alrasheed, a legal consultant, said authorities should adopt draconian measures against rumormongers to reassure the general public.
He commended the role the Ministry of Health has played in raising public awareness about COVID-19. The consultant said more measures should be taken to debunk fake and misleading information and arrest rumormongers. He stressed the important role of the Public Prosecution in intensifying awareness campaigns about the consequences of rumors that cause public panic.
Saudis fight misinformation related to coronavirus disease
https://arab.news/wfzhz
Saudis fight misinformation related to coronavirus disease
- Fake and misleading information can cause unnecessary panic in society and drive many to stock up on food
French President Macron arrives in Riyadh for official visit
RIYADH: French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Riyadh on Monday evening for an official visit to Saudi Arabia, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport, Macron was received by Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region, along with the Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Qasabi and Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh.
Also in attendance were Fahd bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaili, Saudi ambassador to France, and Patrick Maisonnave, French ambassador to the Kingdom.
The visit underscores the strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and France, with discussions expected to focus on water resource sustainability and other key areas of cooperation, SPA added.
Saudi FM participates in Cairo conference to support humanitarian work in Gaza
- Prince Faisal says crisis has ‘reached an unbearable limit’
- Kingdom has provided more than 6,600 tonnes of food, shelter, medical supplies, to Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan chaired Saudi Arabia’s delegation at Monday’s Cairo Ministerial Conference to Enhance the Humanitarian Response in Gaza.
Prince Faisal said during his speech that the humanitarian crisis in Palestine had “reached an unbearable limit, and in no way can the deterioration of the situation in the region be allowed any more.”
At least 44,000 Palestinians have lost their lives during Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip since October 2023, and more than 100,000 have been injured.
Prince Faisal said that Israeli actions against children, women and the elderly; the destruction of infrastructure in the Gaza Strip; the forced displacement of 2 million Palestinians and the confiscation of their lands would “perpetuate suffering, fuel extremism in the region … and undermine the chances of coexistence and sustainable peace.”
He said that Israel’s illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and government policies to affect the legal and historic status of Jerusalem “represent direct attacks on international law and threaten the two-state solution.”
Prince Faisal stressed the importance of an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
He also warned that the Israeli-approved law to prohibit the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees from working inside Israel “would have catastrophic consequences for the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.”
Saudi Arabia has provided more than 6,600 tonnes of food, shelter equipment and medical supplies, including ambulances, to Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023.
Prince Faisal said that the “brutal genocide in Gaza is the biggest test of the international order,” and called for the recognition of the Palestinian state and the respect of all UN resolutions.
Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, also attended the conference.
Riyadh forum to address inclusivity in social protection
- Focus on sustainable insurance systems and strengthening regional cooperation
- Initiatives proposed at the forum could reshape the future of social security in the region
RIYADH: The Regional Social Security Forum for Asia and the Pacific will be held in Riyadh from Dec. 3 to 5, under the patronage of Saudi Finance Minister and Chairman of the General Organization for Social Insurance Mohammed Al-Jadaan.
Organized by the International Social Security Association every three years, the forum is a key regional gathering on social security and insurance protection.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting reflects its commitment to addressing future challenges and opportunities in social security, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It also emphasizes the Kingdom’s role as a center for regional and international cooperation, strengthening its leadership in fostering strategic partnerships and knowledge exchange.
The forum will discuss evolving social protection needs, the leadership of social security institutions in developing protection systems, and the impact of economic and demographic changes. It will also discuss the transformation of service management and delivery, and how social security enhances resilience and sustainability.
Representatives from about 30 Asia-Pacific countries, members of the International Social Security Association, will attend. More than 400 participants, including institutional leaders, social protection experts, decision-makers, and representatives from 58 international organizations, will meet to discuss and improve social protection systems.
Marwan Al-Ghamdi, assistant governor for strategy and transformation at the General Organization for Social Insurance, told Arab News that the Kingdom’s hosting of the forum reflects its commitment to strengthening international cooperation to address social insurance challenges and develop innovative policies for inclusivity and sustainability.
“The organization’s mission, focused on achieving social protection for individuals and communities, depends on enhancing sustainable insurance systems, in addition to empowering future generations to build a prosperous future for all,” Al-Ghamdi said.
He added that the Kingdom’s experience in developing social protection systems is as an inspiring model for international institutions and the social insurance sector globally. This experience enriches forum discussions by showing programs that strengthen social protection as part of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Hosting the forum offers an opportunity to reinforce regional cooperation and exchange best practices, strengthening social insurance systems in Asia-Pacific countries, Al-Ghamdi said.
Discussions may lead to innovative services and products that address challenges such as bridging gaps in cover and protecting workers. Successful experiences also raise awareness of the importance of comprehensive social protection and achieving the SDGs, he added.
Al-Ghamdi said that the forum facilitates the exchange of experiences and the formulation of shared policies to address challenges. Participants can launch innovative initiatives to enhance sustainable, high-quality social protection systems in the region.
The initiatives proposed at the forum could reshape the future of social security in the region, as partnerships help develop effective insurance strategies that meet community needs and strengthen the social insurance sector, he added.
Jeddah to host Hajj forum and expo in January
- Event aims to enhance pilgrim services, promote innovation, and foster transparency and competitiveness in Hajj-related industries
- Conference will bring together ministers, diplomats, academics, Hajj service providers, and representatives from 250 entities across 87 countries
RIYADH: Under the patronage of King Salman, the fourth Hajj Conference and Exhibition will be held from Jan. 13-16 in Jeddah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program, the event aims to enhance pilgrim services, promote innovation, and foster transparency and competitiveness in Hajj-related industries.
The conference will bring together ministers, diplomats, academics, Hajj service providers, and representatives from 250 entities across 87 countries.
It will feature 47 panel discussions, 50 workshops, and a specialized exhibition with 280 exhibitors showcasing the latest Hajj technologies and services.
The ministry invites global experts and participants to join the event. Registration details are available at hajjconfex.com.
Water Partnership Forum explores opportunities for public and private sectors
- ‘By bringing together key players we are building a stronger foundation for sustainable water management’ — CEO of SWPC
RIYADH: The Saudi Water Partnership Company hosted a forum and award ceremony in Riyadh, bringing together key stakeholders, government officials and industry leaders for a day of dialogue, innovative workshops and strategic networking aimed at advancing the sustainability and resilience of Saudi Arabia’s water sector.
The forum was a platform for discussing advances in water management and sustainability and exploring opportunities for collaboration in the public and private sectors.
Subjects discussed included water sustainability, government collaboration, and public private partnership legislation. These sessions provided actionable insights and set the stage for future partnerships that will shape the water sector in Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region.
Khaled AlQureshi, CEO of SWPC, said: “The SWPC Forum and award ceremony is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. By bringing together key players from across the water sector, we are building a stronger foundation for sustainable water management and aligning with the Kingdom’s strategic goals for the future.”
The workshops provided participants with in-depth insights into key topics such as optimizing tendering processes, building robust water infrastructure, financing water projects, and exploring long-term off-take partnerships.
Industry experts shared case studies and best practices, fostering knowledge exchange and equipping participants with actionable strategies to address complex challenges in water management.
Panel discussions delved into the nuances of stakeholder engagement, sustainable development, and the integration of advanced technologies.
The exhibition area displayed cutting-edge innovations and solutions, giving attendees a firsthand look at advances shaping the water sector.
These elements collectively positioned the forum as a pivotal event for driving innovation, sustainability and strategic collaboration.
The forum concluded with the SWPC Awards Ceremony inaugurated by Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli, the minister of environment, water and agriculture.
The ceremony celebrated excellence in water management, with awards recognizing innovation, operational excellence, and strategic partnerships.
Notable winners included projects in desalination, sewage treatment, and strategic water storage, all of which underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to water sustainability and infrastructure development.
The awards recognized innovation, operational excellence, and strategic partnerships that are advancing the Kingdom’s water sustainability initiatives.
