Saudi Heritage Preservation Society, STC join hands to promote local culture

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Badr bin Mohammed Al-Asaker, (standing, left), chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Heritage Preservation Society, oversees signing of a deal between the society and STC. (Supplied)
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Updated 22 June 2021
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Saudi Heritage Preservation Society, STC join hands to promote local culture

  • The society is credited with launching several projects emphasizing protecting and documenting archaeological sites and old buildings

JEDDAH: The Saudi Heritage Preservation Society and Saudi Telecom Co. (STC) on Monday signed a deal to support efforts for the preservation of the Saudi heritage.
Under the deal, STC will sponsor the society’s projects and activities as a strategic partner.
Olayan Mohammed Alwetaid, CEO of STC Group, and Abdulrahman Abdullah Al-Eida, general manager of the heritage society, signed the agreement.
Alwetaid said the Saudi Telecom Co. had been meaning for a long time to become a part of the ongoing efforts to promote local culture and preserve national heritage.
“Through our agreement with the Saudi Heritage Preservation Society, we are working to embody our strategy aimed at extending cooperation with national entities and institutions,” the STC chief said.
Alwetaid said his company wished to contribute to the sustainable development of various sectors in the Kingdom by providing technical solutions and digital services.  
“We aim to forge a sustainable partnership with the Saudi Heritage Preservation Society  based on enhancing cooperation opportunities in various fields that protect and promote our national heritage.”
Al-Eida said the agreement will give a boost to the heritage society’s role in the national efforts for the promotion of local heritage.

The society supports institutions, organizations and scientific and research centers concerned with heritage.

Abdulrahman Abdullah Al-Eida

He said the partnership will enable the society to organize more events and projects. Al-Eida said the society will also receive technical support from the telecom company and benefit from its technical solutions.
“The society supports institutions, organizations and scientific and research centers concerned with heritage, as well as individual and collective projects for handicrafts, in addition to working with the competent authorities to preserve and develop them to become an economic asset.”
In 2019, the Saudi Heritage Preservation Society became the first Gulf organization to act as a global consultant with UNESCO.
In recent years the society had widened its role in preserving Saudi heritage, as well as raising awareness of its importance and national value.
The society is credited with launching several projects emphasizing protecting and documenting archaeological sites and old buildings.
Moreover, the projects involve initiatives toward sculptures and skills associated with traditional arts and crafts through launching awareness campaigns and seasonal competitions.


Top Saudi university wins Japan Prize for contributions to marine ecosystem research

Updated 55 min 20 sec ago
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Top Saudi university wins Japan Prize for contributions to marine ecosystem research

  • KAUST biological oceanography and marine ecology Professor Carlos Duarte is among the elite recipients of the prize
  • University's latest achievement solidifies Saudi Arabia's global standing in developing marine solutions to combat the impacts of climate change

JEDDAH: The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) was awarded the prestigious Japan Prize for its contributions to advancing the understanding of changing marine ecosystems and pioneering research in blue carbon. 
The university's achievement solidifies Saudi Arabia's global standing in developing marine solutions to combat the impacts of climate change. 
KAUST biological oceanography and marine ecology Professor Carlos Duarte is among the elite recipients of the Japan Prize. His groundbreaking work in marine ecology has earned him international recognition. 

Professor Carlos M. Duarte in mangrove wetlands at KAUST. (Photo courtesy of KAUST)

KAUST board of trustees' secretary-general Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Toonsi expressed pride in the university's achievement, emphasizing its role in enhancing global understanding of marine ecosystems. 
He highlighted Saudi Arabia's efforts in sustainable innovation and impactful contributions to climate-change solutions and marine conservation, a milestone reflecting KAUST's commitment to excellence as part of Saudi Vision 2030. 
Established in 1985 and often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Japan,” the Japan Prize is awarded annually to scientists who make exceptional innovations in science and technology that promote peace and prosperity for humanity. 
Professor Duarte will travel to Tokyo in April to receive the award from Japanese Emperor Naruhito. 


Drone Racing World Cup at Boulevard City begins; SAR1.3 million in prizes at stake

Updated 23 January 2025
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Drone Racing World Cup at Boulevard City begins; SAR1.3 million in prizes at stake

  • The three-day event is among the myriad activities in the ongoing Riyadh Season
  • The cup marks the first of its kind in the MENA region since its inception in 2016

RIYADH: Prizes exceeding SAR1.3 million await winning participants in the Drone Racing World Cup, which begins Thursday at Boulevard City in Riyadh.

Organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, in collaboration with the World Air Sports Federation, the three-day event is among the myriad activities in the ongoing Riyadh Season.

The cup marks the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa since its inception in 2016, highlighting Saudi Arabia's commitment to the sector.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), this year's edition will feature world champions in drone racing, including Kim Minjae and Yuki Hashimoto, winners of the 2024 FAI World Drone Racing Championship; Killian Rousseau, winner of the 2023 FAI Drone Racing World Cup; Luisa Rizzo, twinner of the 2024 Women's FAI Drone Racing Championship; and Min Chan Kim, the winner of the 2023 FAI World Drone Racing Championship; 

Several Saudi pilots will also compete, including Muhannad Al-Wohaibi, Ibrahim Al-Sultan, Dalia Al-Safar, Al-Anoud Al-Shalaan, Bader Mutlaq Al-Raqas, Nawaf Al-Hamoud, and Salma Attallah Al-Aqbi. 

The qualifying rounds will start Thursday and continue until midday Friday, followed by the finals on Saturday. 

The event will host an activity zone featuring various accompanying activities, including a Drones Hub for teaching amateurs and professionals; a Drag Racing Zone for speed competitions on a straight path; a Fly Free Zone designed for testing and operating drones; a VR Drone Racing simulation using virtual-reality glasses; Drone Workshops for training, designing, assembling, and building drones; and a Fans Zone dedicated to watching the Drone Racing World Cup competitions. 

This edition marks the inaugural season of the Drone Racing World Cup, consisting of a series of rounds held in leading countries in the drone racing field, SPA said.


Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program arrive in Madinah

Updated 39 min 57 sec ago
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Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program arrive in Madinah

  • The third batch of the guests include 250 people from African countries, with the Egyptian delegation of 22 Umrah performers arriving ahead
  • The program is set to host a total of 1,000 visitors from 66 countries divided into four batches for this year, as approved by King Salman 

MADINAH: The third batch of participants in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Umrah and Visitation for Islamic year 1446 began arriving in Madinah on Wednesday. 
Their 10-day visit to the Kingdom includes prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque, performing Umrah, and touring historical and cultural landmarks as well as museums in Madinah and Makkah.
Officials from the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance welcomed the program’s guests at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. 
The Egyptian delegation, comprising 22 Umrah performers, was the first to arrive among the third batch, which includes 250 people from 18 African countries: Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Mali, Senegal, Cameroon, Chad, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Guinea, Mozambique, and Mauritania.
The program is set to host a total of 1,000 visitors from 66 countries divided into four batches for this year, as approved by King Salman.
 

 


Crown prince to Trump: Saudi Arabia seeks to push US investments to $600bn during second term

Updated 23 January 2025
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Crown prince to Trump: Saudi Arabia seeks to push US investments to $600bn during second term

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia intends to broaden its trade and investment in the United States to at least $600 billion over the next four years, the Saudi Press Agency reported early on Thursday.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told US President Donald Trump about the Kingdom's plan during a phone conversation late Wednesday, the report said.
With Trump's vow to carry out wide-ranging reforms in the world's largest economy, the Kingdom seeks to participate in opportunities for partnership and investment, SPA quoted the crown prince as saying.
The report did not indicate any details of the planned investments.
The two leaders also discussed ways for cooperation between their countries to promote peace, security and stability in the Middle East, in addition to enhancing bilateral cooperation to combat terrorism.
Trump assumed office on Monday and said he would restore American prestige and rebuild its economic power.
Trump made the Kingdom his first foreign visit during his first term and the countries signed a number of investment agreements worth about $400 billion.
The crown prince said in 2018 that part of the “armaments will be manufactured in Saudi Arabia, so it will create jobs in America and Saudi Arabia, good trade, good benefits for both countries and also good economic growth. Plus, it will help our security”.
Trump campaigned on his America First policy which seeks to prioritize the US economy and American citizens.
He signed an executive order on Monday to establish “a robust and reinvigorated trade policy that promotes investment and productivity, enhances our Nation’s industrial and technological advantages, defends our economic and national security”.
Prince Mohammed conveyed his and King Salman’s congratulations to Trump upon his return to the Oval Office and the Saudi leaders wished the American people further progress and prosperity.
Trump expressed his thanks to the king and crown prince for their congratulations, stressing his keenness to work with them on everything that would serve the common interests of both nations.
Trump was well received in the Kingdom in 2017 and attended a number of events in Riyadh with the king and crown prince. King Salman presented the US president with the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Kingdom’s top civilian honor.
The king hosted a state dinner for Trump, where both took part in a traditional war dance ahead of the banquet.
The pair also opened the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology, part of a broad initiative to tackle the root causes of extremism and stop terror financing.
 


Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli attack on West Bank’s Jenin

Updated 23 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli attack on West Bank’s Jenin

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has condemned Israeli forces’ attack in the occupied West Bank’s Jenin area, the Saudi Press Agency said early Thursday.

Gunfire and explosions rocked Jenin on Wednesday, an AFP journalist reported, as the Israeli military kept up a large-scale raid for a second day.

The operation, launched just days after a ceasefire paused more than a year of fighting in Gaza, has left at least 10 Palestinians dead, according to Palestinian health authorities.

Israeli officials have said the raid is part of a broader campaign against militants in the West Bank, citing thousands of attack attempts since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023.

“The Kingdom renews its demand for the international community to assume its responsibilities towards halting Israeli violations of relevant international laws and treaties,” a Saudi foreign ministry statement read.

Saudi Arabia warned that the continuation of these violations might cause the fighting and chaos to return to occupied Palestinian territories, thus risking the security and safety of civilians and undermining chances of peace in the region.