Expats welcome end of ban on running Saudi firms

Minister of Justice Dr. Walid Al-Samaani
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Updated 09 January 2021
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Expats welcome end of ban on running Saudi firms

  • It’s a step forward in achieving the goals set under Saudi Vision 2030, and also delivers financial support to expatriates

RIYADH: Expat workers and business people have welcomed a Saudi government decision allowing foreign nationals to run Saudi-owned firms, saying the move will strengthen and broaden economic activity in the Kingdom.

The announcement of the policy change was made after the Ministry of Justice lifted a previous ban on expatriates managing Saudi companies.

Minister of Justice Dr. Walid Al-Samaani said in a circular that the ministry had received a telegram in this regard from the Minister of Commerce and Chairman of the National Competitiveness Center (Tayseer), Majed Al-Qasabi, which read: “A working team constituted by the Ministry of Commerce to study the issue came to the conclusion that there is no objection to appointing non-Saudis as managers of Saudi-owned companies, as well as in authorizing foreigners to act in place of Saudis in running companies.”

Zakir Azmi, an Indian expat who has worked in Saudi Arabia for more than two decades, told Arab News the decision to lift the ban is “judicious and timely.”

“At a time when the Kingdom plans to diversify its economy, this will definitely contribute to achieving sustainable development of the country’s economy,” he said.

Azmi said that the move will also encourage foreign investment in the Kingdom by boosting overall confidence in the Saudi market.

HIGHLIGHT

A working team constituted by the Ministry of Commerce to study the issue came to the conclusion that there is no objection to appointing non-Saudis as managers of Saudi-owned companies, as well as in authorizing foreigners to act in place of Saudis in running companies.

“This will enhance overall economic activity in the country. It’s a step forward in achieving the goals set under Saudi Vision 2030, and also delivers financial support to expatriates,” he said.

Raafat Oun, a Lebanese expat working in the construction industry in Jeddah, said that the move will strengthen the Saudi economy.

“I know some Lebanese who left the Kingdom because of the ban on running Saudi-owned superstores. I am sure that when they hear this news they will be delighted,” he told Arab News.

“Now that it’s no longer illegal, I am also thinking of leaving my present job and enter into one business.”

Faiz Al-Najdi, a Pakistani expat working in Yanbu, described the policy change as “a good omen for expats.”

“This decision will help energize small and medium business enterprises in the Kingdom,” he said.

Al-Najdi urged fellow expats who have left the Kingdom to reconsider and look for new opportunities in the local market now that the ban has been lifted.

 


Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art to host ‘Manga Hokusai Manga’ exhibition

Updated 11 sec ago
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Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art to host ‘Manga Hokusai Manga’ exhibition

  • Exhibition is homage to renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai

The much-anticipated “Manga Hokusai Manga” exhibition will be held at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art in JAX Diriyah from Jan. 15 to Feb. 8.

Held in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation, the exhibition, ratified by the Kingdom’s Museums Commission, will showcase the works of the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai.

It will highlight the history and evolution of manga, and provide a perspective on how Hokusai’s classical illustrations have influenced modern visual arts, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Hokusai published his first collection of art in 1814, featuring sketches of “daily life, landscapes and whimsical creatures,” according to a post on X by the museum.

The Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art aims to foster cultural exchange between local and international creators.


Rain for 3 days over most parts of Saudi Arabia

Updated 10 January 2025
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Rain for 3 days over most parts of Saudi Arabia

  • Warning of high waves along the Kingdom’s coastlines

RIYADH: Rain of varying intensities will fall over most parts of Saudi Arabia from Jan. 10 to 12, the National Center for Meteorology stated on Thursday.

In a weather bulletin, the NCM warned of downpours accompanied by winds of up to 60 kph, and the possibility of torrential rain and hail. High waves are expected along the nation’s coastlines.

The regions of Al-Jouf, the Northern Borders, and Hail will have rainy conditions on Friday and Saturday.

On Friday, rain is expected in the Tabuk and Madinah regions; on Saturday and Sunday in the Eastern Province, Asir and Jazan; and on Saturday in Qassim.

For the Riyadh and Al-Baha regions, rain is expected from Friday to Sunday.

The NCM urged the public to stay updated on the weather conditions in the Kingdom by checking the daily reports on its website, the Anwaa application, or its social media accounts.


Saudi Falcons Club CEO and Kazakhstan ambassador discuss ways to boost cooperation

Updated 10 January 2025
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Saudi Falcons Club CEO and Kazakhstan ambassador discuss ways to boost cooperation

RIYADH: The CEO of the Saudi Falcons Club, Ahmed Al-Hababi, met Kazakhstan’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Madiyar Menilbekov, in Riyadh on Thursday to discuss opportunities for cooperation and ways in which these might be enhanced to benefit mutual goals.

One of the topics was the Hadad Program, a leading initiative developed by the club with the aim of returning falcons to their natural habitats and saving the species from the threat of extinction.

Menilbekov praised the club for the important role it plays in enhancing falconry and preserving its cultural heritage.

The club said the meeting was part of its efforts to strengthen international partnerships in keeping with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification.
 


Saudi envoy to US outlines efforts to maintain safety of Saudi citizens amid LA wildfires

Updated 10 January 2025
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Saudi envoy to US outlines efforts to maintain safety of Saudi citizens amid LA wildfires

LOS ANGELES: Saudi ambassador to the US, Princess Reema bint Bandar, reaffirmed on Thursday the embassy’s commitment to the safety and security of Saudi citizens in Los Angeles and surrounding areas impacted by wildfires, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In a statement, Princess Reema emphasized that the embassy and the consulate general were working tirelessly to support citizens affected by the fires.

She highlighted that ensuring their well-being remains a top priority for Saudi diplomatic missions in the United States.

She said the team was monitoring the situation closely and was prepared to provide immediate assistance to those in need. The embassy and consulate were dedicated to ensuring the security and safety of all Saudi citizens in affected areas, she added.

The embassy and consulate have activated a round-the-clock response team to address concerns and offer necessary support, SPA added.

The wildfires in California have prompted widespread evacuations and caused significant disruptions in the Los Angeles area, with officials working to contain the blazes.


KAUST conducts research study on microbiomes in glacier-fed streams

Updated 10 January 2025
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KAUST conducts research study on microbiomes in glacier-fed streams

  • Collaboration with scientists from Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne

RIYADH: The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, in collaboration with scientists from the Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne, has conducted an unprecedented, in-depth study on microbiomes — microorganisms that live symbiotically with humans or other organisms — in glacier-fed streams.

These streams, originating from glaciers atop the Earth’s highest mountains, harbor a wealth of unique microorganisms.

The research team collected and analyzed samples from 170 glacier-fed streams over five years across regions including New Zealand, the Himalayas, the Russian Caucasus, the Tien Shan and Pamir Mountains, the European Alps, the Scandinavian Alps, Greenland, Alaska, the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda, and the Ecuadorian and Chilean Andes, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The findings, published in the renowned scientific journal Nature, represent the first global reference for microbiomes in glacier-fed streams.

These streams, which are among the most extreme natural freshwater ecosystems in the world, are located at mountain summits and are characterized by near-freezing temperatures and low nutrient levels.

They also serve as the origin for many of the world’s largest rivers, functioning as vital water reservoirs for the planet.

KAUST researcher Dr. Ramona Marasco emphasized that glacier-fed streams were highly vulnerable to climate change. 

She spoke of the importance of establishing a baseline for their microbiomes to better understand the rate of ecological change, while highlighting KAUST’s extensive genetic sequencing efforts, which have significantly contributed to creating a comprehensive picture of these endangered microbiomes.

The researchers successfully developed the first global atlas of microorganisms in glacier-fed streams.

Their work revealed that these streams harbor a unique microbiome distinct from other cryospheric systems, such as glaciers, frozen soils, and ice-covered lakes.

About half of the bacterial species in these streams are endemic to specific mountain ranges. The scientists attribute this phenomenon to the geographical isolation of mountain ranges, similar to islands, and to the powerful natural selection exerted by the harsh conditions in glacier-fed streams.