Saudi tourism, AI among final proposals for Misk Leaders 2030 program

Madain Saleh is the first Saudi archaeological site to be inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Among the proposals presented were ideas to improve tourism to Saudi Arabia. (REUTERS)
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Updated 31 July 2022
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Saudi tourism, AI among final proposals for Misk Leaders 2030 program

  • The Leaders 2030 program focuses on analyzing the Kingdom’s local experiences and development opportunities. It also organizes field visits to leading organizations to benefit from their experiences

RIYADH: Twenty-seven Saudi leaders from government, business and non-profit sectors presented their final proposals for the Leaders 2030 program at a ceremony on Sunday.

The program will be overseen by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, or MISK, which allows talented individuals to present innovative ideas to meet Vision 2030 objectives for economic development.

The ceremony was attended by Princess Haifa bint Mohammed, deputy minister of tourism; Dr. Ghassan Al-Shibl, deputy chairman of the board of directors of MISK; Dr. Majid Al-Tuwaijri, supervisor of the National Center for Artificial Intelligence; Mohammed Al-Shuaibi, director of special projects in the Strategic Management Office; and Dr. Badr Al-Badr, CEO of MISK.




Saleh Almohaimeed, Board Chairman of Centre for Leadership Studies. (Supplied)

Among the proposals presented were ideas to improve tourism to Saudi Arabia and use artificial intelligence to advance digitalization in the country.

The Leaders 2030 program focuses on analyzing the Kingdom’s local experiences and development opportunities. It also organizes field visits to leading organizations to benefit from their experiences.

Vision 2030 has motivated us as we aspire to be a lively community, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation.

Saleh Al-Mohaimeed, Board chairman of the Centre for Leadership Studies

Saleh Al-Mohaimeed, board chairman of the Centre for Leadership Studies, spoke to Arab News about the transformative potential of proper leadership as “a great gift for humanity.”

He said that a good leader “lights up the way for society by investing his abilities, experience and knowledge to inspire others.”

“Vision 2030 has motivated us as we aspire to be a lively community, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation,” he added.

 


New partnership set to drive Kingdom’s architecture industry

Updated 8 sec ago
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New partnership set to drive Kingdom’s architecture industry

  • Deal will help promote local talent, foster innovation

RIYADH: The Architecture and Design Commission has signed a strategic partnership with contracting firm Nesma & Partners to promote the Kingdom’s architecture and design industry.

The commission’s CEO Sumayah Al-Solaiman and Nesma’s Managing Director Rami Al-Turki on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a framework for collaboration in professional development and industry innovation.

The partnership aims to prepare a new generation of Saudi professionals to compete on the world stage and reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a regional hub for architecture and design excellence.

“The initiative aims to empower architects and designers to develop their skills and enhance their capabilities, creating an environment that nurtures Saudi talent while fostering innovation and creativity in the sector,” Al-Solaiman said.

It would also help to advance the commission’s mission to forge strategic alliances with industry leaders, she said.

Under the deal, the two sides will cooperate in areas such as industry best practice, knowledge exchange and professional workshops. It will also involve the joint sponsorship of competitions, awards and conferences.

“As a leading Saudi contractor, we are committed to providing training and creating employment opportunities for Saudi architects,” Al-Turki said.

“Our strategic partnership with the commission reflects our values of innovation, excellence and social responsibility.”

The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals for sector development, focusing on building a sustainable ecosystem for architecture and design professionals.

The commission emphasized its commitment to advancing scientific research and creating an integrated environment that supports the sector’s creative community.


Kuwait’s deputy prime minister visits Saudi National Cybersecurity Authority

Updated 4 min 53 sec ago
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Kuwait’s deputy prime minister visits Saudi National Cybersecurity Authority

  • Visit focused on enhancing cooperation between Kingdom and Kuwait in cybersecurity sector

RIYADH: Kuwait’s deputy prime minister visited the National Cybersecurity Authority headquarters in Riyadh on Monday, accompanied by an official delegation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Sheikh Fahd bin Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, who is also Minister of Defense and Minister of Interior, was received by Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and Chairman of the NCA Board of Directors.

The visit focused on enhancing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in the field of cybersecurity.

Discussions centered on strengthening measures to safeguard cyberspace and protect the vital interests of both nations, SPA added.


Film Commission hosts masterclass with Syrian film veteran in Alkhobar 

Updated 25 min 46 sec ago
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Film Commission hosts masterclass with Syrian film veteran in Alkhobar 

  • Ghassan Massoud shares insights to elevate the next generation of talent in the Kingdom

DHAHRAN: The Ministry of Culture’s Film Commission hosted Syrian actor and filmmaker Ghassan Massoud for a masterclass titled “The Secrets of Acting Art” in Alkhobar over the weekend.

The masterclass, a part of the filmmaker’s program, covered the fundamentals of cinematic and theatrical acting, including academic training and actual practice.

It emphasized the close relationship between acting and the visual arts, music, sociology and psychology. 

Reflecting on his training and upbringing, Massoud had praise for the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Damascus, where he studied and later became a professor. 

He said Syrian theater and filmmaking drew inspiration from mainstream and alternative sources, including Hollywood and European cinematic traditions. 

The masterclass consisted of two question-and-answer sessions. The first round was moderated by scriptwriter and director Abdulaziz Al-Sultan, who guided a discussion on Massoud’s background and his experiences in television and filmmaking. 

The second round provided an opportunity for interactions with the audience that included filmmakers from diverse backgrounds, as well as movie enthusiasts.

Massoud shared his thoughts on how actors should approach character development.

“I familiarize myself with the character’s vocation, trade jargon, and tools, as well as their psychological and physical attributes, weaknesses, and illnesses. All these aspects influence the character’s attitude, body language, facial expressions, and overall charisma or presence on set.” 

Massoud had praise for the cultural landscape in the Eastern Province. He said he was delighted to have met talented and emerging actors, directors, screenwriters and cinematographers.

The actor has been acclaimed for his performances in several international films including Ridley Scott’s 2005 epic “Kingdom of Heaven,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.” 

He said he has enjoyed visiting the Kingdom and collaborating on various cultural and artistic projects. This involvement includes serving as a jury member at the 2023 Saudi Theater Festival in Riyadh. 

He also has a part in the upcoming historical epic “Desert Warrior,” which was shot in NEOM in northeastern Saudi Arabia and is set for release in the new year. 

When asked about advice he has for aspiring actors, he told Arab News: “Dream a lot but work more.”

The filmmaker’s program, now in its fourth run, has opened new horizons for amateurs and professionals. It features a training program that encompasses all stages of film production, from initial ideas to marketing and distribution.

The program includes both in-person and virtual workshops with experts, as well as artistic residencies and masterclasses in collaboration with international institutes and universities.


European pilgrims visit Prophet’s biography museum, Islamic heritage sites in Madinah

Updated 23 December 2024
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European pilgrims visit Prophet’s biography museum, Islamic heritage sites in Madinah

  • At the museum the visitors saw interactive displays and multimedia presentations about the Prophet Muhammad and other holy figures, historical events and Islamic culture

RIYADH: A group of 250 people from 14 European countries recently visited the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization in Madinah.

Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Umrah and Visit, the visitors were part of a wider scheme that will see 1,000 people from 66 countries perform Umrah in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

At the museum the visitors saw interactive displays and multimedia presentations about the Prophet Muhammad and other holy figures, historical events, Islamic culture and initiatives to safeguard Islamic history and civilization.

The fair seeks to present Islamic culture in an engaging way for different audiences and the visitors expressed their thanks to the Kingdom’s leadership for facilitating their visits to Madinah and Makkah.

They also commended the Kingdom’s efforts to promote Islam’s message of tolerance and to foster appreciation for its historical and spiritual legacy.

As well as the museum, the group visited the Battle of Uhud site, Mount Al-Ramah, the Uhud Martyrs’ Cemetery and offered prayers at Quba Mosque.

At King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex, the pilgrims learned about the various stages of printing the Holy Qur’an, preservation efforts and its translation into many languages.

At the end of their visit the pilgrims were presented with copies of the Qur’an by representatives of the complex.


Saudi aid efforts continue in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon

Updated 23 December 2024
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Saudi aid efforts continue in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief’s humanitarian initiatives are benefiting thousands across Syria, Yemen and Lebanon.

In northern Syria, KSrelief delivered food baskets and hygiene kits to 551 earthquake-affected families in Aleppo, benefiting 3,306 individuals in one day.

In Yemen, 641 food baskets were distributed to vulnerable families in Aden and Lahij, assisting 4,487 individuals in one day.

KSrelief also concluded a week-long urology surgery project in Aden, involving nine specialists who examined 53 cases and performed 109 surgeries.

In Taiz, KSrelief’s rehabilitation center provided 1,537 services to 416 beneficiaries in one month, including prosthetic limb fittings, maintenance, physical therapy, and consultations.

In Lebanon, the KSrelief-funded Subul Al-Salam ambulance service conducted 51 missions in Miniyeh in one week, offering emergency aid to Syrian and Palestinian refugees and host communities.

Additionally, KSrelief distributed 175,000 bread bags to 12,500 families in one week through the Al-Amal Charity Bakery project in Akkar and Miniyeh.