Saudi Hajj and Umrah minister concludes Pakistan, Bangladesh visits

Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah launching the Nusuk initiative in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Aug. 24, 2023. (AN Photo)
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Updated 26 August 2023
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Saudi Hajj and Umrah minister concludes Pakistan, Bangladesh visits

  • Al-Rabiah, who is also chairman of the Pilgrim Experience Program, said the endeavors attested to Saudi Arabia’s longstanding role in serving Islam and Muslims around the world

RIYADH: The Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah concluded an official visit to Pakistan and Bangladesh on Saturday, during which he met with the presidents of the countries and high-ranking government officials.

The purpose of the visit was to strengthen ties and discuss ways to cooperate and address challenges in order to improve the experience of Umrah performers and pilgrims from Pakistan and Bangladesh.

He also raised awareness about the mega projects spearheaded by the Saudi Vision 2030.

Al-Rabiah, who is also chairman of the Pilgrim Experience Program, said the endeavors attested to Saudi Arabia’s longstanding role in serving Islam and Muslims around the world, as well as to the country's unwavering commitment, pride and religious obligation to serve pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors traveling to the Kingdom.

During the minister’s visit agreements were signed between the civil aviation authorities of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The agreements will look to increase the frequency of flights from Pakistan and Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia, making it more convenient and accessible for Umrah seekers to travel and perform their spiritual journey.

The Saudi government's flagship initiative Nusuk also held its first roadshow in Karachi and Dhaka to promote the integrated digital platform for Pakistani and Bangladeshi people planning to visit the Kingdom for spiritual and tourism purposes.


Saudi Arabia and Estonia working to develop political, economic coordination, says foreign minister

Updated 03 July 2024
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Saudi Arabia and Estonia working to develop political, economic coordination, says foreign minister

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Wednesday that a deal signed with Estonia on political consultations with the Kingdom would boost coordination and cooperation between the two countries.

He said that the countries were working to develop cooperation in many fields, explore opportunities for economic, cultural and technical cooperation, increase trade and investment opportunities and promote innovation, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry reported in a statement.

During a joint press conference with his Estonian counterpart, Margus Tsahkna, in the Estonian capital, Tallinn, Prince Faisal said that the value of bilateral trade between the two countries last year amounted to $72 million, and exports from the Kingdom amounted to $21 million, while imports from Estonia amounted to $51 million.

He added that his country was looking forward to more economic growth between both countries.

The discussion session with his Estonian counterpart covered many issues, including common challenges, the war in the Gaza Strip, and ways to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine by finding a sustainable, peaceful solution.

Prince Faisal praised Estonia’s vote in favor of the UN General Assembly’s resolution on Palestine’s membership of the world body, noting that “this step is important in keeping hope alive for a two-state solution,” the ministry said.

Meanwhile, the Saudi minister held talks with Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, where he conveyed greetings from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the government and people of Estonia, and their wishes for further progress and prosperity.

The two sides reviewed existing cooperation between the two countries and ways to enhance and develop it, as well as regional and international developments.

During his earlier meeting with Tsahkna, Prince Faisal discussed ways to boost bilateral relations and the two sides “signed a memorandum of understanding on political consultations to take joint relations toward broader horizons,” the ministry said.

The meetings were attended by the Kingdom’s non-resident ambassador to Estonia, Nesreen Alshebel, and Director General of the Foreign Minister’s Office Abdulrahman Al-Dawood.


Saudi Arabia to host ITU 2025 symposium for regulators

Updated 03 July 2024
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Saudi Arabia to host ITU 2025 symposium for regulators

  • International Telecommunication Union announced the selection of the Kingdom as the host of the symposium
  • Symposium gathers together ministers and heads of national bodies regulating the communications and technology sector

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, represented by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, or CST, has been selected to host the Global Symposium for Regulators 2025 event in Riyadh.

The International Telecommunication Union announced the selection of the Kingdom as the host of the symposium on Wednesday.

Confirming the announcement, the CST said: “The ITU selected Saudi Arabia, represented by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, to host the upcoming GSR 2025 in Riyadh.

“Since its launch in the year 2000, this global annual event targets senior officials, policymakers, regulators and industry players from around the world, and brings together heads of national ICT regulatory authorities and the leaders of private sector from over 193 countries where it represents an international platform to discuss aspects related to policies and digital regulations,” the CST added.

The selection of the Kingdom represented by the CST to host the event reflected the international community’s confidence in Saudi Arabia’s active role and contributions in achieving the goals set by the ITU, it said.

“This selection reflects the global recognition of Saudi Arabia’s pioneering role and contributions in achieving the ITU goals toward the ICT sector,” the CST said on its official website.

Organized by the ITU, the symposium gathers together ministers and heads of national bodies regulating the communications and technology sector, and represents the largest international event held annually for the ICT regulators.

Focusing on workers in the digital field from 193 countries, the symposium discusses the most prominent challenges and solutions to issues of digital policies and regulations at the international level.


Saudi Arabia developing concrete that absorbs carbon dioxide ultrafast

Updated 03 July 2024
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Saudi Arabia developing concrete that absorbs carbon dioxide ultrafast

  • KAUST, Partanna Global sign 12-month research pact to ensure the product’s absorption qualities are improved
  • Rick Fox, CEO of Partanna Global, said the technology could transform buildings from environmental liabilities into assets that actively treat the natural environment

RIYADH: The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology will be working with Partanna Global, a materials science company, to further develop concrete that not only avoids carbon emissions during production but also continues to absorb it over time.

The planned 12-month collaborative effort integrates Partanna’s proprietary concrete formula with KAUST’s Direct Air Capture technology, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

At the heart of this innovation is a binder composed of natural and recycled materials readily available in Saudi Arabia, including brine solution.

Unlike traditional concrete-production methods, this mixture is processed at room temperature, eliminating the need for energy-intensive clinker production or industrial heating.

The result is a concrete that not only avoids carbon emissions during production but also continues to absorb it over time.

Prof. Mohamed Eddaoudi, a chemistry professor at KAUST, said: “We are not just creating sustainable building materials; we are pioneering a proactive approach to climate-change mitigation.

“Integrating the carbon-negative binder with current concrete manufacturing processes represents a quantum leap in sustainable construction practices.”

Rick Fox, CEO of Partanna Global, said the technology could transform buildings from environmental liabilities into assets that actively treat the natural environment.

“Our collaboration with KAUST maximizes the potential of the carbon-negative concrete formula, proving that we can fundamentally change how the world constructs its infrastructure.”


Turkish man arrested after threatening Saudi tourists with a knife at Istanbul restaurant

Updated 03 July 2024
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Turkish man arrested after threatening Saudi tourists with a knife at Istanbul restaurant

  • Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Turkiye confirmed the arrest and thanked local authorities for their quick response

RIYADH: Turkish police have arrested a man suspected of insulting and threatening a group of Saudi tourists in Istanbul with a knife.

Istanbul’s police department said they arrested a 43-year-old man seen in a viral video wielding a knife and threatening the Saudi visitors while yelling anti-Arab remarks.

The man was under the influence of alcohol when the attack took place at 2 a.m. on Tuesday, police said.

Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Turkiye confirmed the arrest and thanked local authorities for their quick response.


Glimpses into Chinese culture showcased in Jeddah

Updated 03 July 2024
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Glimpses into Chinese culture showcased in Jeddah

JEDDAH: China’s heritage and fine arts are being showcased at City Walk, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The “China Town” exhibition includes markets selling traditional crafts, and has displays of the Asian nation’s unique architecture.

Visitors can also enjoy various games including mini-bumper car and rollercoaster rides.

The “China Town” exhibition is a part of Jeddah Season 2024.