More than 400,000 register for vaccine in Saudi Arabia

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine requires a priming dose followed by a booster shot with an interval of 21 days between each in order to achieve a 95 percent efficacy rate. (AP)

Short Url

https://arab.news/9a2ax

Updated 22 December 2020

Rawan Radwan

December 21, 2020 00:27

More than 400,000 register for vaccine in Saudi Arabia

Number of virus cases dip below 50 in all regions

Updated 22 December 2020

Rawan Radwan

December 21, 2020 00:27

JEDDAH: More than 400,000 people from Saudi Arabia’s high-risk group have registered to receive the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine through the Sehaty app, according to the Ministry of Health.

“Participants who received the first dose of the vaccine are in stable condition with no issues arising,” said the Ministry of Health spokesman Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aly. “We remind all that it’s vital that everyone receives their second dose (booster shots) in order to ensure full immunity against the virus.”
He said healthcare workers would maintain contact and follow up on the status of people who have had the first dose and give them appointments to receive the second, according to the schedule provided by the vaccination’s manufacturers.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine requires a priming dose followed by a booster shot with an interval of 21 days between each in order to achieve a 95 percent efficacy rate to prevent or decrease the symptomatic effects of a COVID-19 infection.
At Sunday’s press briefing the spokesman also noted the change in the rate of infections across the Kingdom’s regions during the past two weeks.
Six of the Kingdom’s regions have shown some stability with a slight increase in numbers, up to 10 percent, whereas Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, Jazan and the Northern Borders have shown a 50 percent decrease in cases.

FASTFACTS

• Saudi Arabia recorded 162 new cases on Sunday.

• There are currently 3,010 active cases, 416 of which are in critical care.

• There were 156 recoveries recorded, raising the total number to 351,878.

• The authorities recorded 10 more deaths due to virus-related complications.

Baha and Jouf regions have shown an increase of 50 to 100 percent in the past two weeks. There were 162 new cases recorded in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, raising the total number of infections to 361,010. There are currently 3,010 active cases, 416 of whom are in critical care.

All regions recorded new case numbers below 50. Riyadh had 40, Makkah had 39 and Madinah had 30. There were 156 recoveries recorded, raising the total number to 351,878. The Kingdom’s recovery rate is 97.4 percent.

There were 10 more deaths due to complications from COVID-19, raising the total number to 6,122. There have been 33,275 PCR tests in the past 24 hours, raising the total to more than 10.6 million so far.

The Kingdom vs. COVID-19

How Saudi Arabia acted swiftly and coordinated a global response to fight the coronavirus, preventing a far worse crisis at home and around the world

Enter

keywords

Topics: Coronavirus Saudi Arabia

Glimpses of Saudi history: Past times in the northern region have left footprints on the landscape

Updated 12 min 1 sec ago

Haifa Alshammari

January 13, 2025 20:41

Glimpses of Saudi history: Past times in the northern region have left footprints on the landscape

On the northeast side of Sakaka is the Camel Site where one can see carved images of animals — mostly camels — said to be about 7,000-7,200 years old

Updated 12 min 1 sec ago

Haifa Alshammari

January 13, 2025 20:41

RIYADH: When one thinks of Saudi Arabia, the first things that spring to mind might be the bustling metropolises of Riyadh and Jeddah, or sacred Islamic sites like the Holy Kaaba in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.

But by venturing further, one can uncover a land rich with history and mystery, particularly in the country’s northern expanses. Often overlooked by tourists, the region is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes and a past waiting to be explored.

This city is unique with its Oldowan tools — stone tools used by humans millions of years ago. (Supplied)

Among them is the Hail province, located in the north of Najd and famous for its monuments, especially in Jubbah and Shuwaymis.

Hussain Al-Khalifah, a Saudi archeologist with more than 30 years of experience, spoke to Arab News about some of the area’s hidden gems.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Al-Shuwaihatiya, 45 km from Sakaka, is one of the oldest archeological sites in the world and considered the oldest human settlement site in the Arabian Peninsula and Asia.

• On the northeast side of Sakaka is the Camel Site where one can see carved images of animals — mostly camels — said to be about 7,000-7,200 years old.

“There are mountains called Al-Raat and Al-Manjor. These two sites contain the oldest rock art ever immortalized on rocks … wonderful images of animals and lions (carved),” he said.

Often overlooked by tourists, Saudi Arabia’s northern region is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes and a past waiting to be explored. (Supplied)

“These two mountains are registered by UNESCO as a rock art site. It is somehow a form of continuous rock art, starting from Shuwaymis moving to Jubbah and ending at Al-Tawil mountain in Jouf.”

Al-Khalifah explained this art form spread to two other cities through migration thousands of years ago. In ancient times, he suggested, people migrated from Hail to Dumat Al-Jandal and Tayma.

Another area near Hail worth discovering is Fayd. This city is at the center of the Hajj road known by locals as Darb Zubaidah, along which people used to travel from Kufa in Iraq to Madinah.

“Fayd is considered one of the important points in the area. It is one of the prettiest destinations, known for its rich Islamic history,” Al-Khalifah said. “It is worth it for me to get in my car and take a trip from Riyadh to explore this place.”

Jouf Province is also ripe for exploration, with Al-Shuwaihatiya, 45 km from Sakaka, among the recommended areas for visitors.

It is one of the oldest archeological sites in the world and considered the oldest human settlement site in the Arabian Peninsula and Asia. According to Al-Khalifah, its history dates back 1.3 million years.

This city is unique, he said, with its Oldowan tools — stone tools used by humans millions of years ago. He recommends making the most of the experience by visiting with an expert who knows the area’s history.

On the northeast side of Sakaka is the Camel Site where one can see carved images of animals — mostly camels — said to be about 7,000-7,200 years old.

“This spot is one of my discoveries, but to visit this location it requires a permit from the Heritage Commission because it is being monitored by environmental security,” explained Al-Khalifah.

Whether you are an adventurer, history buff or cultural enthusiastic, Saudi Arabia’s northern region is the place to go to go.

Topics: Hail Jouf Saudi history Saudi Arabia

Asir reeling in rich Red Sea fish yields

In Asir, a key government initiative involves transferring expertise from veteran fishermen to younger ones. (SPA)

Updated 13 January 2025

Arab News

January 13, 2025 20:55

Asir reeling in rich Red Sea fish yields

Supported by Saudi authorities, local fishermen haul in record revenue of $41m

Updated 13 January 2025

Arab News

January 13, 2025 20:55

RIYADH: Along Asir’s sun-drenched coastline, a remarkable surge in fish production has transformed the region into a bustling hub of marine activity.

With an annual yield exceeding 4,000 tonnes worth over SR155 million ($41 million) in 2024, this growth is testament to the region’s rich marine biodiversity.

It is also the result of the strategic initiatives and programs implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

In Asir, a key government initiative involves transferring expertise from veteran fishermen to younger ones. (SPA)

The director of the ministry’s branch in Asir, Ahmed Al-Majthal, said the region’s coastal areas are key economic assets, citing the rich marine environment and high-quality fish stocks.

“The ministry’s Asir branch has developed a plan to further boost production to 6,000 tonnes, valued at SR165 million, within the next three years,” Al-Majthal told SPA in an interview.

Regarding government backing for the fishing industry, he noted the presence of 126 operational boats along the Asir coast.

NUMBER

$41m

In Asir, the annual yield of fish production exceeded 4,000 tonnes worth over SR155 million ($41 million) in 2024.

Support is also provided to independent Saudi fishermen using private boats, with 35 additional vessels to be distributed in the near future.

Asir's coastline spans approximately 140 km along the Red Sea, including coral reefs, mangrove forests, and resort islands like Kedumbel. (SPA)

A key initiative involves transferring expertise from veteran fishermen to younger ones. Already, 85 experienced fishermen are mentoring those entering the profession, he added.

The ministry recently organized the inaugural fish and marine heritage festival, the SPA noted. The festival featured 39 booths showcasing diverse seafood varieties, alongside the participation of families working in local cottage industries, government agencies, and civil society institutions.

The event included awareness and educational programs, demonstrations of fishing techniques, sea trips, boat races, and traditional folkloric performances.

Asir’s coastline stretches approximately 140 km along the Red Sea, encompassing diverse marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangrove forests, and tourist islands such as Kedumbel.

Topics: Asir Red Sea Saudi Arabia

Saudi crown prince receives Greek PM in AlUla

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis in AlUla on Monday. (SPA)

Updated 23 min 16 sec ago

Arab News

January 13, 2025 20:51

Saudi crown prince receives Greek PM in AlUla

Prince Mohammed and Mitsotakis chaired Saudi-Greek Strategic Partnership Council
Hegra features well-preserved monumental tombs with decorated facades dating from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD

Updated 23 min 16 sec ago

Arab News

January 13, 2025 20:51

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the winter camp in AlUla on Monday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two leaders discussed relations between their countries and ways of developing cooperation in various fields.

They also exchanged views on regional and international developments of concern and efforts made with regard to them.

Prince Mohammed and Mitsotakis also chaired the Saudi-Greek Strategic Partnership Council during which a number of topics were reviewed.

Earlier on Monday, Mitsotakis visited the historic Hegra region in AlUla.

The Hegra Archaeological Site is the first World Heritage property to be inscribed in Saudi Arabia. It is the largest conserved site of the civilization of the Nabataeans south of Petra in Jordan.

Hegra features well-preserved monumental tombs with decorated facades dating from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD.

Mitsotakis visited Qasr Al-Farid, a tomb constructed around the 1st century CE, and Qasr Al-Bint, the most famous necropolis in Hegra. He also visited Mount Athlab, one of the main attractions in the AlUla region.

Topics: Saudi Arabia AlUla Greece

Deputy FM meets Canadian foreign ministry official in Riyadh

Updated 13 January 2025

Arab News

January 13, 2025 21:25

Deputy FM meets Canadian foreign ministry official in Riyadh

They reviewed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries and other topics of common interest

Updated 13 January 2025

Arab News

January 13, 2025 21:25

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji met with Alexander Leveque, assistant deputy minister for Europe, Arctic, Middle East and Maghreb at the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, they reviewed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries and other topics of common interest, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Turkiye’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Emrullah Isler in Riyadh on Monday, and they held talks on various topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Topics: Alexander Leveque Waleed Elkhereiji Saudi Arabia Canada

Fourth Hajj and Umrah conference opens in Jeddah

Updated 13 January 2025

SALEH FAREED

January 13, 2025 19:23

Fourth Hajj and Umrah conference opens in Jeddah

Event highlights innovations in transportation, crowd management and eco-friendly solutions
Agreements with Indonesia, Pakistan, India to welcome more than 575,000 pilgrims

Updated 13 January 2025

SALEH FAREED

January 13, 2025 19:23

JEDDAH: The fourth Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition, hosted by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Pilgrim Experience Program, began on Monday in Jeddah.

Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz inaugurated the event, which was attended by Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Islamic ministers, ambassadors and representatives from 87 countries.

Al-Rabiah announced that the total number of pilgrims and Umrah performers visiting Makkah and Madinah in 2024 reached a historic record of 18,535,689 individuals, including 16,924,689 Umrah performers and 1,611,310 Hajj pilgrims.

The four-day event, themed “The Road to the Nusuk,” features more than 300 local and international organizations showcasing innovations and technologies to enhance the Hajj and Umrah experience.

Key topics include logistics, transportation, crowd management, housing, hospitality and catering — pillars for improving rituals and pilgrim services, according to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

The event includes 47 discussion sessions, 50 workshops, and more than 130 local and international speakers addressing sustainability, eco-friendly technologies, AI in crowd management and digital solutions, while highlighting opportunities for startups and innovators in the Hajj sector.

Saed Al-Jahni, chairman of the Coordination Council for Domestic Pilgrims Service Facilities, told Arab News that the event reflected Saudi Vision 2030’s goal to enhance the experience of the Guests of Allah and provide top-tier services.

He added: “All relevant parties gather to showcase Saudi Arabia’s Hajj efforts, attract thought leaders and innovators to exchange knowledge, anticipate future trends, share best practices, and foster partnerships, agreements and initiatives. The event also engages researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs to tackle challenges and improve services for the Guests of Allah.”

Mohammed Muajini, chairman of Ashraqat Hajj company, said that the aim was to showcase the company’s achievements and future initiatives to enhance Hajj and Umrah services through technology and artificial intelligence, in line with Vision 2030.

On the sidelines of the conference, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a agreement allowing 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims to perform Hajj this year, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs.

The agreement was signed by Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Al-Rabiah.

Saudi Arabia also signed a Hajj agreement with India, enabling 175,025 Indian pilgrims to perform the pilgrimage this year.

Indian Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju finalized the deal with Al-Rabiah. “We are committed to providing the best possible services to all our Hajj pilgrims,” Rijiju wrote on X.

Indonesia will send 221,000 pilgrims under a similar agreement signed by Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar and the Saudi Hajj minister in Jeddah.

Meanwhile, in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Umm Al-Qura University is organizing the “Humanizing the Holy Sites” hackathon, inviting university students, entrepreneurs, engineers, designers and specialists to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that improve the pilgrim experience while reducing environmental impact.

A ministerial session will be held where key ministers and officials from government entities will discuss and present new and ongoing services, projects and initiatives designed to improve the pilgrim journey.

Topics: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition Pilgrim Experience Program

More than 400,000 register for vaccine in Saudi Arabia