Deal signed at Hajj expo to launch smart cards for pilgrims
Smart cards will contain users’ info linked to electronic app to enhance pilgrims’ experiences
Agreement signed by Saudi deputy minister of Hajj and Umrah, and General Authority of Awqaf governor
Updated 10 January 2023
Arab News
RIYADH: During the Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah on Tuesday, the Nosok Foundation for Hajj and Umrah and the General Authority of Awqaf signed a cooperation agreement with the aim of enhancing pilgrims’ experiences via electronic solutions.
The agreement details the launch of smart cards that contain users’ personal, residential and health information linked to an electronic app.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, Saudi deputy minister of Hajj and Umrah, and Imad bin Saleh Al-Kharashi, governor of the General Authority of Awqaf.
Mashat emphasized the significance of the agreement in enriching pilgrims’ spiritual journeys through the use of digital solutions and the automation of services in line with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform plan.
RIYADH: The CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Hisham Aljadhey, inspected several facilities in Jeddah, including the authority’s branch office, to assess operations and ensure product safety.
He reviewed laboratory initiatives for detecting mycotoxins like aflatoxin, caused by improper storage, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
Aljadhey highlighted the need for skilled personnel and advanced equipment to prevent non-compliant products from reaching local markets.
Aljadhey met with officials from the food, drug, medical devices, and medical products sectors in the Western region at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (SPA)
He also reiterated the authority’s commitment to improving service quality and enhancing customer experiences to raise performance standards, SPA reported.
On Monday, Aljadhey met with officials from the food, drug, medical devices, and medical products sectors in the western region at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation, enabling investment, and identifying opportunities. It also provided a platform for the private sector to share challenges and suggestions, helping the authority refine its services.
Aljadhey met with officials from the food, drug, medical devices, and medical products sectors in the Western region at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (SPA)
Aljadhey stressed the importance of improving product quality, fostering partnerships, and supporting investment within regulatory frameworks to protect public health.
He called on the private sector to enhance self-regulation and compliance to ensure safety and quality, the SPA reported.
Private sector representatives expressed gratitude for the engagement, posed questions, and offered suggestions, which were addressed by Aljadhey and the food authority officials.
Saudi, Japan expanding cultural relations to mark 70th anniversary
Kingdom’s participation at Expo 2025 Osaka highlighted by Saudi Culture Ministry
Updated 14 January 2025
Arab News Japan
RIYADH: Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto on Monday said that cultural relations are expanding with Saudi Arabia as the two nations celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2025.
Matsumoto made the comments during a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Culture Rakan bin Ibrahim Altouq at Diriyah’s Al-Bujairi District, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The two officials discussed events planned for this year, with Altouq highlighting the Kingdom’s participation at the Expo 2025 Osaka.
Matsumoto arrived in Riyadh on Jan. 12 and will travel next to Jordan.
Saudi Arabia, Japan discuss collaboration for 2026 Asian Games
Meeting at Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee headquarters in Riyadh
Updated 14 January 2025
Arab News Japan
RIYADH: Officials representing the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto discussed on Monday plans for the hosting of the 20th Asian Games and the 5th Asian Para Games in Nagoya city in 2026.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the SOPC’s CEO and Secretary-General Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Baeshen attended the meeting at the organization’s headquarters in Riyadh.
The officials discussed ways to facilitate the participation of Saudi Arabia’s sports delegation in the games.
Collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Japan have strengthened following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the SOPC and the Japanese Olympic Committee on the sidelines of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Set to begin in September, the theme of the 2026 Asian Games is “Imagine One Asia.”
Crown prince and Brazilian president discuss strengthening ties
During the conversation, the two leaders reviewed the strong relations between the Kingdom and Brazil
Updated 14 January 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call on Monday from Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the conversation, the two leaders reviewed the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Brazil and emphasized their commitment to further developing cooperation across various fields.
Discussions also encompassed a range of topics of mutual interest, highlighting the shared vision for addressing global and regional challenges and both leaders reaffirmed their countries' dedication to fostering collaboration that benefits their respective nations and contributes to global progress, SPA added.
