How Saudi Arabia’s new special economic zones signal that the Kingdom is open for business

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Maaden Aluminum Factory in Ras Al-Khair, a joint venture between the Saudi Arabian Mining Company and Alcoa. (AFP)
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Updated 20 April 2023
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How Saudi Arabia’s new special economic zones signal that the Kingdom is open for business

  • How Saudi Arabia’s new special economic zones signal that the Kingdom is open for business
  • The SEZs mark a significant step toward achieving Vision 2030’s goal of diversifying the Kingdom’s economy

RIYADH: The launch of four special economic zones with incentives for international companies marks a milestone on Saudi Arabia’s path to becoming a global business and investment powerhouse.

The significance of the announcement was summed up by Khalid Al-Falih, chairman of the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority and Saudi minister of investment, who said: “These four special economic zones offer the chance for foreign investors tohave a stake in the world’s fastest growing economy.”

In August, the International Monetary Fund predicted that Saudi Arabia would this year become one of the world’s fastest growing economies on the strength of sweeping pro-business reforms and a sharp rise in oil prices and production.

In many ways, SEZs embody the Kingdom’s rise and mission to become not only a leading global economy but also a key international business hub.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic reform program aims to increase the contribution of foreign direct investment, which touched a record $19.3 billion in 2021, from 0.7 percent of gross domestic product in 2016 to 5.7 percent by 2030.

The new SEZs are a major step toward achieving that goal. An invitation by the Kingdom to potential investors in the SEZs describes the Saudi economy as “an investment powerhouse at the center of global trade.”

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The benefits to companies of operating in the SEZs will include competitive corporate tax rates; exemption from customs duties on imports, production inputs, machinery, and raw materials; 100 percent foreign ownership of companies; and flexibility to attract and hire the best talent worldwide.

Adel Afiouni, an investment banking executive and former minister for investments and technology in Lebanon, told Arab News: “Over the last few years Saudi Arabia has adopted a proactive and ambitious strategy to attract investments to the Kingdom and to create skilled jobs and sustainable economic growth.

“Saudi authorities want to leverage the Kingdom’s growing position as an economic superpower and their status as one of the most prominent and active investors worldwide.”




Saudi King Salman meeting with employees of the Maaden Aluminium Factory in Ras Al-Khair Industrial area on November 29, 2016. Ras Al Khair is one of the four recently designated special economic zones of Saudi Arabia. (Saudi Royal Palace handout photo via AFP/File)

Given current market conditions, Afiouni said Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council more generally now constituted “one of the most sought-after pools of capital globally and one of the most attractive sources of business and of economic activity for global corporations.

“Moreover, the region still seems to be shielded from global economic stress and offers a safe haven for business and investment.

“In a smart and thoroughly planned way, the Saudi authorities are asserting this leadership position and using it to extract maximum benefits for their economy.

“The recent announcement to create four new free zones and a package of incentives is precisely part of this strategy to make the Kingdom an attractive business destination.




Infographic courtesy of Saudi Arabia's Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority

“By combining capital availability with business growth availability and with a package of incentives and modern laws, the new free zones could become a major game changer in the Kingdom’s strategy to turn Saudi Arabia into a global business and investment hub for international companies and entrepreneurs,” Afiouni added.

SEZs are geographically sanctioned areas spread out strategically throughout Saudi Arabia that aim to facilitate specific economic activities, including employment, trade, and investment through legislative frameworks and competitive advantages that differ from other geographic areas in the base economy.

They will be in four specially designated areas in Riyadh, Jazan, Ras Al-Khair, and King Abdullah Economic City, north of Jeddah. The new zones are King Abdullah Economic City SEZ, Jazan SEZ, Ras Al-Khair SEZ, and Cloud Computing SEZ located in King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.




A young Saudi developer inputs code at a robotics workshop. Both manufacturing and advanced tech will
benefit from the Kingdom’s launch of four special economic zones. (Shutterstock)

The zones will focus on key sectors for growth within the country, including advanced manufacturing, medical technology, and cloud computing.

The areas will offer incentives to companies that are both fiscal and non-fiscal, including competitive corporate tax rates, duty-free imports of machinery and raw materials, 100 percent ownership of companies, seamless establishment procedures, and flexibility in employing foreign labor.

They will benefit from legislative and competitive advantages to attract investment in a variety of sectors, including logistics and technology, among others to boost non-oil exports from Saudi Arabia.

And each zone will have a special area of focus.




Infographic from Saudi Arabia's Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority brochure, 2023.

KAEC SEZ will be a leading destination for advanced manufacturing and logistics. It will benefit from its proximity to research center King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, which offers access to cutting-edge research and development facilities that support the development of medical technology, and automated- and electric-vehicle technology clusters.

The SEZ at Ras Al-Khair, established adjacent to its port, a leading maritime gateway for mining imports and exports, as well as large-scale power and water projects, will have a competitive advantage in aiming to be a new fully integrated maritime hub, bolstered by an existing community of sector leaders including the IMI (Innovative Medicines Initiative), Hyundai Heavy Industries, and Lamprell.

Jazan’s SEZ, in the southwest of the country, will offer a new gateway to Africa for investors eager to capitalize on large-scale infrastructure projects throughout the continent via one of the biggest ports for exports in the region.




Infographic courtesy of Saudi Arabia's Saudi Ports Authority via Twitter

And the Cloud Computing SEZ will be a hub for innovation and collaboration on various technologies that will shape the future, also capitalizing on the Kingdom’s competitive electricity and data costs.

A global and regional shift to do business in Saudi Arabia is already underway as multinationals, global small- and medium-sized enterprises, and entrepreneurs continue to move regional headquarters and business activities to the Kingdom.

The SEZs, according to state economic and financial analysts, constitute a game changer in the Kingdom’s strategy to transform the country into a global business powerhouse.




Infographic from Saudi Arabia's Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority brochure, 2023.

Gary Dugan, CEO at The Global CIO Office, told Arab News: “The SEZs are an emphatic signal to the world that Saudi Arabia is open for business with the world.”

Dugan, who has experience in finance across Europe and the Middle East for close to 40 years, regularly visits the Kingdom on assignment.

Saudi Arabia’s rapid economic and social transformation, however, has also been questioned by the international community. The SEZs, many believe, reflect the seriousness of the Kingdom’s commitment to global business through foreign investment and collaboration — one of the major pillars of Vision 2030.

Neighboring Gulf countries such as the UAE have had their economic zones for several decades. The original free zone at Jebel Ali port (Jafza) was established in 1985, housing a power station and desalination plant, with only 19 companies. Today it hosts more than 9,500 firms and is considered a leading global free zone.




This photo taken on February 10, 2022, shows Dubai's Jebel Ali, the world's largest manmade port. Hosting only 19 companies when it opened in 1985, Jebel Ali today hosts more than 9,500 firms and is considered a leading and model global free zone. (AFP file)

Dugan said: “The development of economic zones will require the Kingdom to open itself to the wide world, needing to compete with other countries in the region, such as the UAE which have had their economic zones for some decades.

“The Kingdom’s new economic zones will open itself to international competition — a move that could be another steppingstone in bringing the country into a highly competitive global economy.

“Saudi Arabia is making this move at a very opportune time when new companies with global ambitions continue to scout the world for a tax-efficient hub, with a significant pool of educated workers and well supported by the government,” he added.

Other analysts, such as Afiouni, say that with the establishment of the SEZs, Saudi authorities could “trigger a major behavioral shift at global corporations.”

He said: “The Saudi authorities are accompanying this strategic effort by offering global businesses and investors an investor-friendly environment and a competitive ecosystem.”




Infographic from Saudi Arabia's Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority brochure, 2023.

Turab Saleem, partner and head of hospitality for the Middle East and North Africa region at global real estate consultancy Frank Knight, told Arab News that the SEZs were also a reflection of the broader geopolitical shifts within the Middle East that would make it easier for various countries in the region and internationally to now do business in the Kingdom.

“These initial economic zones are the first step toward opening the doors for regional and international investment in KSA. This is well supported by the recent peace initiatives launched in the region, including the renewal of Saudi-Iran relations, the peace deal with Yemen, and cooling off of other regional conflict, which are steps in the right direction,” Saleem said.

“It was high time to boost economy by normalizing relationships in the region.” 




Under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, the Kingdom has been moving toward a diversified economy, reducing its dependence on oil and developing public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism. (AFP)

Ultimately, the SEZs are a crucial component of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s economic vision for the country — a way to move away from a solely oil-based economy to set up a parallel economy that heralds in a new era for Saudi Arabia as a rising international hub for business, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Dugan said: “The economic zones are one of the final significant legs of the 2030 vision. The government has made a radical shift in the development of the domestic base through huge ambition, and technology.

“The stage is to bring the world to Saudi Arabia — to confirm that the country is truly a key component of the global economy.”

 


Experts gather in Riyadh to address challenges to global humanitarian effort

Updated 24 February 2025
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Experts gather in Riyadh to address challenges to global humanitarian effort

  • 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum is being held in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of KSrelief
  • KSrelief to sign agreements with global organizations as part of Kingdom's humanitarian efforts

RIYADH: Leaders, donors, humanitarian workers, and experts from around the world are set to converge in the Saudi capital on Monday to discuss and address challenges being faced by humanitarian aid agencies, the Saudi Press Agency has reported.

Organized by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, the 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum is being held in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the aid agency better known by its short name KSrelief.

Topics include the role of humanitarian diplomacy in conflicts and disasters, access to humanitarian aid and supply chains, and addressing displacement in an era of increasing conflicts and natural disasters, KSrelief Supervisor General Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah said during a roundtable session with media representatives on Sunday.

A mid-year report of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) last year said that at the end of June 2024, at least 122.6 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order. 

At the top of the list were Gaza, Sudan, Syria, Myanmar, Yemen, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Congo and Colombia.

During the two-day event, KSrelief will also sign several agreements with UN and international organizations as part of Saudi Arabia's humanitarian efforts, said Al-Rabeeah, who is also an adviser to the Royal Court.

Another activity programmed as part of the forum is a hackathon on "Artificial Intelligence in Humanitarian Relief," organized by the KSrelief in collaboration with Alfaisal University. The hackathon "aims to leverage AI-driven solutions to address critical humanitarian challenges in healthcare," Al-Rabeeah explained. 

He added that participating technology and humanitarian experts are expected "to develop innovative solutions aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, focusing on  AI, healthcare, and innovation."

Since 2015, KSrelief has implemented 2,670 projects worth more than $6.5 billion in 95 countries, in cooperation with 175 local, regional and international partners. The bulk of the support has gone to Yemen ($4.3 billion), Syria ($391 million), Palestine ($370 million) and Somalia ($227 million).

KSrelief’s programs cover food security, health, sanitation, shelter, nutrition, education, telecommunications and logistics.
 


Saudi foreign missions host ‘Founding Day’ celebrations

Updated 23 min 15 sec ago
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Saudi foreign missions host ‘Founding Day’ celebrations

  • Celebrations held at Egypt, Kyrgyzstan, UK missions on Kingdom’s culture, history

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s missions abroad hosted over the weekend citizens and visitors to celebrate the nation’s Founding Day, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

At the Saudi Embassy in Cairo, presentations on the history of the state and art performances were featured, led by Ambassador Saleh Al-Husseini.

The Saudi Embassy in Kyrgyzstan hosted celebrations at the Kyrgyz State History Museum, attended by the Kingdom’s Ambassador Ibrahim bin Radi Al-Radi. Also present were several Kyrgyz officials, heads of diplomatic missions, media representatives, and mission staff.

The ceremony featured a photo exhibition, film, and pavilion highlighting Arabic calligraphy, falcons, Saudi coffee, fashion, and traditional cuisine.

Saudi Arabia's Founding Day anniversary was held at the National Historical Museum of Kyrgyzstan, in Bishkek during the weekend. (SPA)

In London, the cultural attache at the Saudi Embassy hosted a celebration titled “The Day We Started.”

Students from across the UK participated in the event, which featured an exhibition showcasing Saudi Arabia’s historical and cultural heritage. Displays included paintings and traditional crafts, the SPA reported.

There was a section featuring traditional artifacts accompanied by explanations of local customs and clothing from different regions of Saudi Arabia.

A presentation on Saudi Arabia’s coffee, along with other activities and competitions for children, were a part of the celebration.

Saudi Arabia has declared Feb. 22 as its Founding Day. The first state was established in 1727 during the leadership of Imam Mohammad bin Saud.


Frankly Speaking: How did Saudis become mediators for global conflicts?

Updated 23 February 2025
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Frankly Speaking: How did Saudis become mediators for global conflicts?

  • Saudi strategic expert and think tank founder highlights Kingdom’s balancing act in diplomacy, maintaining relations with Russia while supporting Western stances
  • Dr. Abdulaziz Sager says Riyadh’s diplomatic influence extends to Gaza, where it rejects Palestinian displacement, remains committed to two-state solution

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has emerged as a pivotal diplomatic hub, a fact underscored by the recent high-level talks between the US and Russia held in Riyadh designed to re-establish fractured relations between Washington and Moscow and plot a course to ending the war in Ukraine.

Saudi Arabia brokered the talks on Feb. 18, signaling its emerging influence on the world stage. It comes amid a growing recognition of the Kingdom’s potential role as a mediator, positioning it as a crucial bridge between East and West. Further talks are expected on Feb. 25.

Appearing on the Arab News current affairs program “Frankly Speaking,” Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, founder and chairman of the Gulf Research Center, highlighted the significance of the US-Russia talks in Riyadh, noting that Saudi Arabia’s neutral stance had positioned it as an ideal convener.

“Saudi Arabia has taken an important position that has led to this meeting, which means Saudi Arabia originally refused to take a side — neither with the Russians nor with the Ukrainians,” Sager said.

Global media outlets have highlighted Saudi Arabia’s unique positioning, noting that it has maintained positive ties with both Russia and the West throughout the Ukraine conflict, which began on Feb. 24, 2022, when Russia launched what it called a “special military operation.”

CNN said Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the high-stakes rapprochement meeting between US and Russian officials “underlines the Kingdom’s aspirations to become a global actor capable of successfully mediating international conflicts.”

The US broadcaster also speculated that “another likely aim” could be pursuing “added leverage for Riyadh in future talks on the fate of postwar Gaza.”

Radio Free Europe likewise suggested the discussions represented an opportunity for Saudi Arabia “to assert its political clout after it rejected US President Donald Trump’s plan to relocate Gaza’s residents while resisting any normalization of relations with Israel.”

Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, chairman of the Gulf Research Center, spoke to Katie Jensen, host of the current affairs show “Frankly Speaking.” (AN Photo)

The fact that Riyadh “originally refused to take a side” is not to say it has condoned Russia’s behavior, nor failed to play a role in addressing the humanitarian consequences of the war, Sager said.

He noted that Saudi Arabia has consistently voted against the Russian invasion of Ukraine at the UN, contributed aid and participated in prisoner exchanges.

“In fact, they took a position that they vote in the UN for the decision against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. With the GCC countries, they have taken, also, a very firm and clear position on that subject also,” Sager said.

“They have contributed to the humanitarian issue in Ukraine. They have participated in the release of some of the prisoners also — Ukrainian prisoners from the Russian side.

“And also, they have insisted, and this was stated during the visit of the (Saudi) foreign minister to Ukraine, confirming the position of Saudi Arabia on the unity of Ukraine.”

Sager added: “Yet, Saudi Arabia never wanted to be fully on the side of either, or what the American and the European countries … (said, which was): ‘Either you are with us or against us.’

“So, they have maintained relations with Russia. They never wanted to cut relations diplomatically with Russia, because Russia has been a very important and useful partner in OPEC+.”

This balanced approach, according to Sager, has allowed the Kingdom to maintain open lines of communication with both sides, creating an environment for dialogue.

The Feb. 18 talks in Riyadh were attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and on the Russian side by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, and head of Moscow’s Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev.

“It was a very important meeting that took place in Riyadh, attended by both the US secretary of state and the national security adviser. It brought the American and Russians together after many years when they did not get together, and also to discuss the current situation,” Sager told “Frankly Speaking” host Katie Jensen.

“And the result of that, of course, is to create a different committee between both sides to go in depth and in detailed discussion of the whole issue.”

Saudi Arabia has emerged as a pivotal diplomatic hub, a fact underscored by the recent high-level talks between the US and Russia held in Riyadh. (KSAMOFA)

While Ukraine was not directly involved in the Riyadh talks, Sager noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was aware of the discussions. He also pointed to subsequent meetings in Paris involving European foreign ministers, where Ukraine was likely informed of the outcomes.

However, the absence of Ukraine from the initial talks has raised questions about inclusivity and just how sustainable a resulting peace deal might be. Zelensky has repeatedly ruled out accepting a peace deal negotiated without Ukraine.

Last Monday, European leaders held a hastily arranged summit in Paris — a day before the US-Russia talks in Riyadh — amid fears that Ukraine and Europe could be excluded from peace negotiations, raising concerns about the continent’s long-term security.

However, Sager clarified the Riyadh discussions extended beyond Ukraine, encompassing broader issues related to the US-Russia relationship.

These included the status of frozen Russian assets and sanctions, with some reports suggesting the easing of restrictions on credit card usage for Russians. Such measures could be seen as confidence-building steps aimed at fostering a more constructive dialogue.

Indeed, the Kingdom may soon play host to a face-to-face meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Looking ahead to future talks, Sager said: “Definitely, Ukraine will participate, and I think it was clearly stated by the US side (that) there will be participation from the Ukrainian side and the Europeans.”

Turning to the situation in Gaza, Sager reiterated Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to the two-state solution to the Middle East conflict. He sharply criticized US proposals that involve the deportation of Gazan people and the conversion of the Palestinian territory into a real estate project.

“The Saudi position never changed,” he said. “The Saudi position is still insisting on the two-state solution. If you have another solution, tell us.”

 Leaders of the GCC countries, Jordan and Egypt convened in Riyadh on Friday ahead of an emergency summit in Cairo. (AFP)

He dismissed alternative solutions as unacceptable, saying that such proposals are rejected by Arab countries. This regional consensus, he said, underscores the importance of a unified approach to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

He also speculated that the US proposals could be aimed at achieving collective recognition and normalization with Israel, which he believes is unlikely to succeed.

“I don’t think that will happen because Saudi Arabia is leading the team, and if you remember, we had the Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh here, and that summit did confirm with the 57 countries attending that a two-state solution is the way forward that we will be accepting.”

Sager highlighted the widespread international support for a Palestinian state, with 149 UN member countries already recognizing it.

“The solution that President Trump presented is unacceptable,” he said. “The deportation of the people of Gaza and converting it to a real estate project — and then, there is no guarantee that they will (go) back. I don’t think this is acceptable.

“And by the way, not only Saudi Arabia but also all GCC countries along with Egypt and Jordan reject such a thing. I think he wanted to divert attention from the two-state solution, that he will put the countries in the region here in a defensive position to defend themselves from not really getting to the two-state solution that they’ve always believed in.”

Sager highlighted the importance of a unified Palestinian position, urging Hamas and other factions to participate in a unified Palestinian Authority. This call for unity reflects the belief that a cohesive Palestinian voice is essential for achieving a lasting peace.

“Definitely the Arab countries and the Arab League will ask for a unified Palestinian position, a unified Palestinian Authority,” he said.

He acknowledged the challenges posed by the designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization by some countries but suggested that individuals close to Hamas could be represented in the Palestinian Authority.

This nuanced approach recognizes the need to engage with all relevant stakeholders, even those with differing ideologies.

Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, founder and chairman of the Gulf Research Center, highlighted to Katie Jensen the significance of the US-Russia talks in Riyadh, noting that Saudi Arabia’s neutral stance had positioned it as an ideal convener. (AN Photo)

 

Sager also addressed the issue of ceasefires and hostage exchanges in Gaza, noting that they were taking place despite President Trump’s recent rhetoric. While acknowledging Trump’s tendency to escalate demands, he suggested that these threats often serve as a basis for compromise.

Regarding international legal cases against Israeli leaders, Sager affirmed the importance of pursuing justice and upholding international law.

He praised South Africa’s efforts in bringing a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and emphasized the need to hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable.

“I think it’s worth pursuing because in the end, we need to respect international law and we need to respect the international court. And such an effort (that) has been put by South Africa (is) highly appreciated,” said Sager.

“And remember, the G7 meeting in 2025 will take place in South Africa. So, that effort has been appreciated, and I think that matter should continue because we should not give a chance for the genocide and those (who) commit such a crime to get away with it without getting to the court and getting to the legal side.”

Looking ahead, Sager expressed cautious optimism about the Middle East, citing successful ceasefires and hostage exchanges in Gaza as positive developments.

However, he acknowledged the ongoing challenges and the need for sustained diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region, particularly in Syria, Lebanon, and Iran.

“There are many cases still open,” he said. “We have almost seven countries in an almost failed state. The situation in the Arab world, we have Yemen, Sudan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Libya, and Gaza, of course, the Palestinian side, all of those, there is a huge demand for reconstruction, which can cost trillions.”

Given the uneven recovery in different parts of the Middle East and North Africa, is Sager more or less optimistic about the region’s future than he was last year?

“I’m always optimistic,” he said. “But also with optimism, with cautious optimism, I see that there is a lot of hard work (that) needs to be done to overcome a lot of those issues.”

 

 


Saudi Arabia to host regional meeting for satellite search and rescue missions

Updated 23 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia to host regional meeting for satellite search and rescue missions

  • Representatives from the Saudi Arabian Mission Control Centre will participate in the meeting
  • Kingdom was one of the first countries in the Middle East to join Cospas-Sarsat search and rescue initiative

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation will host a regional meeting in Jeddah on Monday to discuss search and rescue missions empowered by satellite technology.

The meeting will take place over four days, from Feb. 24 to 27, and will feature training workshops for teams from search and rescue centers in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Algeria, Nigeria, and Togo.

Saudi Arabia has been at the forefront of rescue missions in the region and has integrated satellite search tools for aircraft, ships, and people, which were set up by the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme, also known as Cospas-Sarsat.

The Kingdom was one of the first countries in the Middle East to join the Cospas-Sarsat initiative, established in 1979 by Canada, France, the US, and the former Soviet Union, to operate satellite technology for rescue missions.

Representatives from the Saudi Arabian Mission Control Centre, along with authorities involved in rescue missions, such as the Air Force, the Border Guards, and the Ministry of Interior’s security services, will participate in the meeting.

Participants will discuss the technical and operational aspects of deploying satellites to relay alerts of distress cases, as well as aspects of cooperation in search and rescue services between regions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


Saudi Arabia honors winners of Tanzania Qur’an contest

The 33rd Tanzania International Holy Qur’an Award competition ended on Sunday. (SPA)
Updated 23 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia honors winners of Tanzania Qur’an contest

  • Speaking on behalf of Islamic Minister Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh, Al-Anazi emphasized Saudi Arabia’s dedication to serving the Qur’an and supporting Muslims

RIYADH: The 33rd Tanzania International Holy Qur’an Award competition, which featured 25 contenders from 25 countries, ended on Sunday.

The event, under the patronage of Saudi Arabia represented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, took place at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, Saudi Islamic Ministry Undersecretary Sheikh Awad Al-Anazi, Saudi Ambassador to Tanzania Yahya bin Ahmed Okeish and ambassadors from Gulf, Arab and Islamic nations attended the closing ceremony.

Speaking on behalf of Islamic Minister Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh, Al-Anazi emphasized Saudi Arabia’s dedication to serving the Holy Qur’an and supporting Muslims worldwide.

“Our presence today at the crowning ceremony of the winners of the Tanzania International Qur’an Award competition is an extension of the Kingdom’s journey and its blessed efforts in serving the Qur’an and Muslims, under the care and support of its leadership,” he said.

The jury selected the top 10 winners, with this year’s competition distinguished by participants’ exceptional mastery of Qur’anic memorization and recitation.

Tanzania’s Grand Mufti and Supreme Islamic Council chairman Sheikh Abubakar Zubeir bin Ali praised the Kingdom’s role in sponsoring such events. He commended the level of competition, emphasizing its mission to highlight exceptional young talent in Qur’anic memorization.

Finalists expressed their gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s unwavering support for the Holy Qur’an and its memorizers.

The competition inspires young people to memorize the Qur’an, promote Islamic values of tolerance, and honor those dedicated to preserving the holy book.