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RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's crown prince thanked the UAE on Saturday for supporting the Kingdom’s bid to host World Expo 2030.
In a phone call with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated Sheikh Mohammed on the success of Expo 2020 Dubai and wished the country and its people further progress and development.
Saudi Arabia’s crown prince announced Riyadh’s submission of a formal request to host the World Expo 2030 on Friday.
MILAN: A sizable Saudi delegation is visiting Italy to discuss collaboration in industrial transformation and sustainable energy.
The visit marks the launch of a series of Saudi-Italian business forums aimed at enhancing economic, investment, and trade partnerships between the two nations.
During the delegation’s initial meeting, Kamel Al-Munajjed, chairman of the Saudi-Italian Business Council, announced that the visit, which starts on Monday and ends on Wednesday, is organized by the Saudi-Italian Business Council, the Ministry of Investment, and the Saudi embassy in Rome, in partnership with Italian institutions.
Al-Munajjed said that this delegation is the largest Saudi business mission to Italy to date, comprising 100 participants, including more than 20 representatives from ministries and government agencies, alongside executive leaders from the private sector across various fields including renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, logistics, tourism, food, agriculture, real estate, healthcare, and modern technologies.
He noted that the three forums will address contemporary topics in the knowledge economy, such as industrial transformation, sustainable energy, smart cities, innovation, and supply chain dynamics, in addition to bilateral meetings and site visits to prominent Italian companies and projects.
The forums commenced with the inaugural Saudi-Italian Business Forum in Milan on Monday, followed by a joint forum with CNA (the Italian Confederation of Craft Trades and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises) on Tuesday, and a third forum with Unione Industriali (Federation of Industrialists) at the Centro Congressi in Turin on Wednesday.
The Saudi delegation includes various business leaders, among them Abeer Al-Ghamdi, Founder and CEO of Hayyak Arabia Travel and Tourism.
“We're in Italy with the goal of attracting more visitors to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, showcasing it as a premier destination,” Al-Ghamdi told Arab News.
“Our focus is on managing tourist destinations and providing quality programs that reflect Saudi culture and diversity, creating unforgettable experiences for every visitor,” he added.
Yousef Maimani, a board member of the Saudi-Italian Business Council, emphasized the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and Italy.
“We signed our first cooperation agreement in 1932, and two years ago, we celebrated 90 years of Saudi-Italian relations. Our agreements, including those on double taxation and investment protection, play a crucial role in supporting investments. Given Italy’s industrial capacity, we aim to attract investments, especially in the industrial sector,” he told Arab News.
Maimani also highlighted the importance of local content policies for government and major projects, noting significant opportunities for Italian firms to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s development.
He shared that Saudi Arabia has successfully attracted $96 billion in foreign investments, underscoring the potential for collaboration between family-owned and medium-sized enterprises in both countries.
Luca Barbi, General Partner and Chief Operating Officer of venture capital firm STV, also expressed optimism about the synergy between Saudi Arabia and Italy.
“Both countries share a similar mindset, and Italy’s developed capabilities can significantly benefit Saudi Arabia’s dynamic market, offering vast opportunities across various sectors," he said.
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has directed that a street in the Hittin neighborhood, northern Riyadh, be named after Motleb bin Abdullah Al-Nafisah.
The directive comes in appreciation of the 60 years that Al-Nafisah spent serving his religion, country, and Saudi kings, Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Al-Nafisa, who passed away on March 27, was a loyal statesman who served his country with dedication and sincerity, SPA added.
He held a number of positions since joining the civil service in 1962, the last of which was minister of state and member of the council of ministers, which he held until his death.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Events Center has opened applications for a new training and employment initiative aimed at young Saudis seeking a career in the fast-growing events sector, it was announced on Sunday.
Launched in partnership with the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, the Event Pioneers program will offer recent graduates practical training across eight key disciplines, including event content, protocol management, visitor experience, marketing and communications, event management, event operations, crowd management, and health and safety.
The year-long program, beginning with applications opening on Sunday, will provide hands-on experience in collaboration with the Qiddiya Investment Co. and the Asir Development Authority.
Participants will undergo intensive training while working in various areas of the events industry, with a focus on developing practical skills and preparing graduates for full-time roles in the sector.
Organizers say the program is designed to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of empowering young people and expanding the Kingdom’s workforce in emerging industries.
It also aims to build a pipeline of skilled Saudi talent to meet the demands of a sector that has seen rapid expansion through entertainment, cultural and sports events.
“The Event Pioneers program is part of broader efforts to develop human capital, enhance local content, and create sustainable job opportunities for Saudi youth,” the National Events Center said in a statement.
Training will be delivered in partnership with leading local and international institutes to ensure that participants are equipped with the latest industry expertise.
Officials hope that the initiative will help shape the next generation of leaders in the Kingdom’s growing events sector, providing a career pathway at a time when demand for skilled professionals is rising.
RIYADH: The Great Reef, just 24 kilometers off Jeddah’s coastline, is a marine heritage site known for its stunning coral formations.
Covering almost six sq. km, the reef showcases the diversity of aquatic ecosystems in the heart of the Red Sea.
The reef is shaped not only by natural coral structures but also by cavities and openings formed by marine organisms and through weathering processes, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Despite pressure from sea currents, tides, and human activity, waters around the reef remain strikingly pure, providing an ideal environment for coral growth and marine life to flourish.
• Covering almost six sq. km, the Great Reef showcases the diversity of aquatic ecosystems in the heart of the Red Sea.
• It offers a key anchorage for small vessels, and is also a nesting and breeding site for numerous seabird species.
According to Saudi Geological Survey’s spokesperson Tariq Al-Khail, the Great Reef offers a key anchorage for small vessels, and is also a nesting and breeding site for numerous seabird species.
The reef has a growing reputation as a tourism destination, and has become increasingly popular for swimming, recreation, diving, and underwater exploration, he said.
Conservation efforts have focused on raising environmental awareness among visitors to preserve this natural landmark for future generations, Al-Khail added.
JEDDAH: The Minister of the Saudi National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz has visited the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale, which is being held at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
The minister was briefed on the key exhibits, which highlight the journey of Islamic arts through the ages.
He also explored a diverse collection of rare artworks and historic artifacts, alongside contemporary pieces by Saudi and international artists showcasing the richness of the Islamic civilization and presented in collaboration with major global museums and cultural institutions.
The exhibition runs until May 25.
