Saudi Hajj minister meets with Bahraini Islamic affairs minister

Muslim pilgrims gather around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca on June 30, 2023 during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. (File/AFP)
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Updated 01 November 2023
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Saudi Hajj minister meets with Bahraini Islamic affairs minister

  • Officials discussed ways to enhance cooperation for Hajj and Umrah

RIYADH: Bahrain’s Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Nawaf bin Mohammed Al-Maawda met with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah on Wednesday during an official visit to Bahrain, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Maawda welcomed Al-Rabiah and his accompanying delegation, emphasizing the longstanding ties between the two countries, which have continuously developed under their respective leaderships.

During the visit, the officials discussed ways to enhance cooperation for Hajj and Umrah. Al-Maawda affirmed that Bahrain’s Supreme Committee for Hajj and Umrah Affairs is keen to align its initiatives with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

He highlighted that the committee began preparations for the Hajj season through a series of meetings between the Bahraini and Saudi ministries.

The minister also praised the comprehensive development plan recently launched by Saudi Arabia’s ministry, aimed at streamlining Hajj registration procedures.

Furthermore, Al-Maawda commended the Saudi government for the exceptional attention it provides to pilgrims from various Islamic countries, citing services such as the Nusuk platform.
 


International Maritime Organization welcomes Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative

Updated 8 sec ago
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International Maritime Organization welcomes Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative

  • The Kingdom secured a place on the IMO’s 40-member council for 2024 and 20

RIYADH: The International Maritime Organization accepted on Wednesday the credentials of Saudi Arabia’s first permanent representative, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez welcomed Kamal bin Mohammed Al-Junaidi to the organization during a meeting in London. The event was attended by the Saudi deputy transport minister, Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih.

The UK-based UN agency is the global maritime authority that sets international standards designed to ensure the safety and security of maritime transport. 

It also aims to reduce pollution from ships and implement initiatives that help preserve the marine environment and protect nature.

Saudi Arabia won a majority vote in December to become a member of the IMO’s 40-member council for 2024 and 2025.

Al-Junaidi will represent Saudi Arabia during IMO events, including the signing of maritime agreements, treaties, and codes.

He will highlight Riyadh’s efforts and plans to develop its maritime transport industry and international trade.

By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to handle 40 million containers a year, facilitate cargo-handling procedures and develop marine tourism through cruise ships and coastal transportation.

The representation at the IMO highlights the Kingdom’s strategic maritime location, including its coastline along the Red Sea through which 13 percent of global trade passes.


International sustainability accreditation for Buraidah Oasis

Updated 6 min 56 sec ago
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International sustainability accreditation for Buraidah Oasis

  • Buraidah Oasis serves as a giant reservoir that absorbs carbon emissions
  • Oasis is home to a million trees, surrounding a lake holding 86,000 cubic meters of treated water

RIYADH: Buraidah Oasis has received international accreditation for its water and carbon sustainability, reported Saudi Press Agency.

The site’s carbon footprint report, certified by a German government board, revealed it has zero emissions and serves as a giant reservoir that absorbs carbon from the atmosphere at a rate of 0.12 percent per year.

The certificate of accreditation was presented to National Water Company CEO Fuad Al-Sheikh Mubarak.

As the first anniversary since its launch approaches, a spokesperson for the National Water Company-sponsored project described the oasis as one of the Kingdom’s “most important projects related to environmental sustainability efforts.”

The Buraidah Oasis is home to a million trees, surrounding a lake holding 86,000 cubic meters of treated water produced from the National Water Company’s plant — part of its vision for sustainability and environmental regeneration.

Irrigated with recycled water from the treatment plant, the project forms part of the company’s contribution to the Saudi Green Initiative. 

A reem antelope sanctuary was recently opened in the oasis, with 15 antelopes recently released into the sanctuary which occupies an area of 50,000 square meters.

Earlier in October, Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, said that the biodiversity of the oasis was assessed regularly to determine the importance of releasing endangered species, including both resident and migratory animals.


Tuwaiq Academy becomes authorized Google Cloud training partner

Updated 19 min 39 sec ago
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Tuwaiq Academy becomes authorized Google Cloud training partner

RIYADH: The leading Saudi programming trainer Tuwaiq Academy has been selected as a Google Cloud Authorized Training Partner to introduce boot camps and programs featuring professional certifications.

A number of the academy’s staff members have received certification in instructing Google Cloud’s cloud computing technologies and services.

Google Cloud’s endorsement of Tuwaiq Academy highlights the institution’s adherence to worldwide standards in fostering expertise in cloud infrastructure, data science, machine learning and application development while providing professional certifications, said CEO of Tuwaiq Academy Abdulaziz Alhammadi.

These certifications include certified professional cloud architect, certified professional data engineer, certified professional cloud developer, certified professional cloud security engineer and certified professional machine learning engineer.

This milestone follows the staff’s acquisition of various professional certifications in teaching cutting-edge technologies across multiple cloud computing disciplines.

Alhammadi highlighted the academy’s dedication to forging partnerships with prominent global organizations to offer professional boot camps and programs within an environment equipped with the latest technologies.

The objective is to cultivate outstanding national talents capable of developing innovative solutions across diverse sectors.

Tuwaiq Academy stands out as the first of its kind to offer a multitude of boot camps and programs in partnership with leading global entities, benefiting more than 1,000 trainees daily, Alhammadi said.

Founded in 2019, it provides a range of training and educational courses in cybersecurity, programming and software development in a bid to position Saudi Arabia among the ranks of technologically advanced countries.

The academy employs a practical application-based learning methodology to remain current with modern technological advancements and align with job market demands.


KSrelief volunteer medical concludes in Kyrgyzstan

Updated 21 November 2024
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KSrelief volunteer medical concludes in Kyrgyzstan

RIYADH: A volunteer medical project for open-heart surgery and catheterization by Saudi aid agency KSrelief in Kyrgyzstan has ended.

The campaign in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital, ran from Nov. 9-16 and involved 26 volunteers from various medical specialties.

The team examined 100 patients, conducted 15 open-heart operations and performed 75 therapeutic and diagnostic catheterizations, all of which were successful.

The project was part of several volunteer medical initiatives focusing on heart surgeries.


KSrelief distributes 400 shelter packages in Afghanistan

Updated 21 November 2024
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KSrelief distributes 400 shelter packages in Afghanistan

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief recently distributed shelter kits and tents to 200 families in the Baghlan province of Afghanistan, benefiting 1,200 people.

The support is part of a shelter project to help people returning to the country from Pakistan and those affected by flooding.

The scheme is set to distribute 4,882 essential items such as tents, blankets, plastic mats and other vital supplies, aiding a total of 29,292 people.

It is part of the Kingdoms ongoing worldwide humanitarian and relief efforts through KSrelief.