Saudi cabinet stresses full solidarity with Jordan

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Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers held its weekly meeting chaired by King Salman virtually from NEOM. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers held its weekly meeting chaired by King Salman virtually from NEOM. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers held its weekly meeting chaired by King Salman virtually from NEOM. (SPA)
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Updated 07 April 2021
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Saudi cabinet stresses full solidarity with Jordan

  • Cabinet renews Saudi Arabia’s support for Egypt and Sudan to resolve GERD issue
  • Ministers reviewed preparations to welcome pilgrims during Ramadan, and latest COBID-19 developments

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia stressed it stands in “full solidarity” with Jordan and supports all decisions and measures taken by King Abdullah II and his crown prince to preserve the country’s security and stability.
The comments came following a weekly council of ministers meeting chaired by King Salman, who spoke with the Jordanian king on Friday and relayed a similar message.
At the beginning of the meeting, King Salman briefed the cabinet on consultations and talks that took place during the past days between the Kingdom and a number of countries on the recently announced Middle East Green Initiative and the work needed to achieve its environmental goals in the region and the world.
The ministers were also briefed on the outcome of talks between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi on Wednesday, where both sides agreed to deepen aspects of cooperation to allow optimal investment, strengthen integration, and contribute to enhancing security and stability in the region.
The cabinet also renewed Saudi Arabia’s support for Egypt and Sudan and any efforts that contribute to ending the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam issue and reach a fair and binding agreement that preserves the rights of all the Nile Basin countries
The cabinet also reiterated the Kingdom’s call at the 5th Brussels conference on “Supporting the future of Syria and the region” demanding a halt to Iran’s sectarian project, which contributes to prolonging and complicating the crisis, its exit and all its affiliated forces with it, the cessation of its criminal practices aimed at changing the country’s Arab identity, and the importance of combating terrorist organizations in all their forms.
The cabinet said the Kingdom’s grant to operate power stations in Yemen comes “as a continuation of its support for the Yemeni government, alleviating the suffering of the people, and its efforts to achieve lasting peace and establish security and stability.”
On the domestic front, the council said the new Shareek program that was launched by the crown prince, “establishes a new phase of cooperation and partnership between the government and private sectors” and will develop the sustainable growth contribution to the national economy.
They also reviewed the preparations and arrangements to welcome pilgrims at the Two Holy Mosques during the month of Ramadan.
The council of ministers authorized the energy minister — or his representative — to negotiate with Singapore regarding a draft memorandum of understanding between the Kingdom’s Ministry of Energy and Singaporean Ministry of Trade and Industry in the field of energy.
The ministers approved an agreement between the Saudi government and the Union of Arab Banks regarding establishing their regional office in the Kingdom, and approved the license for Banque Misr to open a branch in the Kingdom as well.
The ministers also reviewed the latest developments in the coronavirus pandemic, including statistics and data from the national vaccination campaign, and efforts made by the concerned authorities to “preserve public health and build a comprehensively immune society.”


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

Updated 12 sec ago
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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 48 min 49 sec ago
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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.


Salam Equine Hospital takes the reins of equine healthcare

Updated 22 December 2024
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Salam Equine Hospital takes the reins of equine healthcare

  • The state-of-the-art facility combines modern technology with innovative design and specialized medical expertise

MAKKAH: Salam Equine Hospital, a venture by Salam Veterinary Group, recently opened its doors in Buraidah, where it epitomizes Saudi Arabia’s ambition to lead in veterinary and medical innovation.

The state-of-the-art facility combines modern technology with innovative design and specialized medical expertise, setting a new benchmark in equine medicine. The hospital not only offers therapeutic and preventive services but also engages in extensive research and development, positioning itself as a global leader in equine care.

Abdulaziz Al-Jumah, the hospital’s executive director, highlighted the project’s significance in an interview with Arab News. “Salam Equine Hospital is part of the Salam Veterinary Group, and it is the largest veterinary hospital in the world.”

According to Al-Jumah, the hospital has formed strategic partnerships with leading international equine hospitals, such as Baker McVeigh, to bring advanced medical knowledge and technology to Saudi Arabia.

“We have established a plan and a strategy for the hospital, consisting of an engineering system facilitating the entry and exit of horses while ensuring their safety,” he said.

A comprehensive system ensures horse safety from entry to exit, with special gates for emergencies and radiology to prevent infection spread.

The facility has fully equipped recovery and anesthesia rooms where horses are safely anesthetized, operated on, and then monitored in recovery. Its operating rooms are designed to meet international standards for isolation, cleanliness, and air quality, crucial for preventing post-operative infections, Al-Jumah said.

“After the operation, some horses might need intensive care. Therefore, we have established intensive care units that are completely isolated to prevent bacterial infections,” Al-Jumah said. “These units have surveillance cameras to monitor the horses in every room of the hospital and track their safety.”

Al-Jumah said that the hospital has “a radiology room that is lead-lined and fully equipped with radiology and sonar devices that examine the horses’ tendons, fractured bones, and spine. A 360-degree examination is conducted using these exceptional top-notch devices.”

When it comes to equine reproduction, Salam Equine Hospital uses cutting-edge techniques such as artificial insemination, natural insemination, and embryo transfer, including the sophisticated IVF method known as “test tube foal,” where sperm is injected directly into an egg.

The hospital’s reach extends beyond its physical boundaries, with mobile clinics that provide on-site care at stables, ensuring comprehensive health services for horses in the region.

Al-Jumah emphasized the hospital’s ongoing commitment to research. “Salam Equine Hospital is keen to conduct new research and seeks development, uniqueness and excellence in horses’ care, thanks to the support of the board of directors and medical personnel who have raised our ambitions level to become the best in the world. We are always looking to initiate new research in this field.”

This initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s vision for medical advancement and sets new global standards in veterinary care.


Harvard students explore Jeddah’s history, culture

Updated 22 December 2024
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Harvard students explore Jeddah’s history, culture

  • This visit is part of a national initiative organized by Saudi students at Harvard University

Jeddah: The Jeddah Historic District Program of the Ministry of Culture recently hosted a delegation of students from Harvard University, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The students were given a tour of the Jeddah Historic District, known as Al-Balad, highlighting its distinctive architectural, cultural and economic landmarks.

They also participated in activities commemorating World Arabic Language Day, which further enhanced their understanding of the area’s rich heritage.

This visit is part of a national initiative organized by Saudi students at Harvard University to showcase the Kingdom’s cultural and economic development to their peers, the SPA reported.

The Jeddah Historic District Program plays a crucial role in revitalizing the area through community engagement, economic development and sustainable urban planning.

By transforming historic Jeddah into a vibrant environment for living and working, the program aims to establish it as a global heritage and tourist destination.