The Saudi government has stepped up its campaign against piracy by closely coordinating with anti-piracy groups the Business Software Alliance (BSA) and Dubai-based Arabian Anti-Piracy Alliance (AAA).
Mohammad Al-Dhabaan, BSA spokesman and representative in the Kingdom, said: “BSA has been working closely with the government in the crackdown on piracy. “Since it does not have policing powers, it reports individuals or companies using or trading in pirated products to the Ministry of Culture and Information.”
He added the ministry’s copyright directorate dispatches inspectors to follow up reports and make arrests if necessary, adding both the BSA and the ministry would “continue over the coming months to maximize the impact of awareness programs.”
The AAA, on the other hand, also coordinated with the ministry in the arrest and conviction of the first Saudi trader of pirated products sometime back.
Saudi Arabia's Board of Grievances (BOG) eventually upheld the ministry's recommendation to jail the convict for 10 days and impose a SR 150,000 fine.
Scott Butler, AAA chief executive officer, told Arab News in an interview: “The conviction is seen by the AAA as a precedent for merchants to strictly comply with Saudi piracy laws and serves as a deterrent to would-be violators.
“Adjudication of the case is a very important victory for anti-piracy advocates as it is the first-ever court judgment in Saudi Arabia that resulted in imprisonment.
“The judgment is a strong deterrent to prevent such criminal activities from proliferating in the country, knowing that the Saudi judiciary is prepared to apply the full extent of the law in trying cases related to piracy.”
The convicted pirate's retail outlet and warehouse had been raided seven times since 2006, resulting in the seizure of over 100,000 counterfeit products and equipment to reproduce materials.
In delivering the judgment, the BOG had also quashed doubts about the enforcement of piracy laws in Saudi Arabia, which had recorded the highest piracy rate in the GCC at 60 percent.
The Piracy Law Fear factor (PLFF) survey commissioned by the AAA and participated in by intellectual property rights holders from BSA, the electronic games industry, premium television providers and movie industry revealed up to 89 percent of respondents believed owners of businesses engaged in piracy would not get imprisoned in Saudi Arabia.
Nonetheless, 67 percent of the respondents believed imprisonment would help solve the problem of piracy in the Kingdom.
Rafeik Al-Okaily, the ministry 's director of copyright, said the landmark decision was followed by the arrest of a local trader in the capital’s Shumaisy area and jail and imprisonment were likewise recommended to the BOG.
After that, copyright directorate inspectors fanned out across the city and found another local trader of pirated products in the Batha commercial area.
He was warned to get rid of the pirated products in his shops.
Al-Okaily said: “We gave him two weeks to comply and after that, our inspectors returned.
“The trader had disposed of his pirated products. He also promised to cooperate with us in our campaign by providing tips on suspected traders of pirated products in the area.”
To disseminate more information on product piracy and to step up the campaign against the practice, the 6th Annual Government Officials Conference on Copyright Protection was held recently at the King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh under the patronage of Minister of Culture and Information Abdulaziz Khoja.
The two-day conference was opened by Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Jasser and featured the participation of government officials, media representatives, businessmen and lawyers from nine Arab countries.
Participants shared their experiences and expertise in fighting piracy in the Arab world, while shedding light on the challenges government officials face in their efforts to establish a legal information society.
The ministry revealed new measures adopted to target companies and individuals who continue to be involved in the trade and use of pirated products.
Representatives from BSA, Microsoft, Adobe, Autodesk, Symantec and various government agencies and others discussed the issue of protecting intellectual property rights (IPR), which had emerged as one of the primary concerns around the world.
A study conducted by AAA said for many years piracy rates have been higher in Saudi Arabia than in any other country in the Gulf in the motion-picture industry.
It added piracy had resulted in huge losses for the Saudi economy, indicating that the reduction of piracy rates could have potentially yielded up to $1 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) in the past two years. This is a huge incentive for the Saudi government to step up efforts to tackle piracy, the study said.
Kingdom steps up anti-piracy campaign
Kingdom steps up anti-piracy campaign
From farm to table — handmade cheese finds eager customers in Eastern Province
- Aziza Alghanim’s love of farming developed into a sustainable agriculture business
- She offers classes on the fundamentals of cheesemaking
QATIF: Aziza Alghanim is the woman behind Khairat Laziza, an initiative born from her passion for the land on her picturesque farm in the charming town of Saihat, which became a sustainable agriculture business.
Her journey began in 2001 when she began growing aromatic citrus fruits and vibrant buckthorn trees while also tending to a small herd of goats.
In 2014, she began making cheese by hand. Her initial offerings were met with overwhelming enthusiasm, selling out swiftly and fueling her motivation to pursue her passion.
Building on this success, she established a specialist factory in 2016, which allowed her to expand the range of crops and products available.
To meet the ever-growing demand, she founded a second specialist factory in 2019, taking the total number of products offered to more than 100.
Now, Khairat Laziza is a fully-fledged business dedicated to serving the community, creating a direct pathway from the fields to consumers’ tables.
Alghanim told Arab News: “My journey in cheese making began in 2014 when I established the Khairat Laziza Foundation, a non-profit organization where the entirety of its revenue is dedicated to supporting charitable causes.”
This commitment to giving back has become a fundamental aspect of her work.
Alghanim has participated in a number of festivals, collaborating with the Al-Ataa Charitable Society and other organizations.
What began as a modest selection of only 10 types of cheese has blossomed into a diverse portfolio.
Today, Khairat Laziza features an array of cheeses, labneh, milk, gelatos, flavorful jams, rich sauces, zesty pickles, biscuits and pizzas, pre-made cheese platters and dried produce, in addition to other dairy-free options, bringing the total number of products to 118.
All are 100 percent natural, free from preservatives and harmful chemicals, and mostly made from ingredients sourced from Alghanim’s farm, she said.
She takes immense pride in finding ways to transform the land’s resources into healthy, nutritious products for the community.
Among her standout creations are “zalloum” cheese, which blends the flavor of halloumi with the texture of mozzarella, healthy biscuits, and an eclectic selection of gelato flavors.
Looking to the future, Alghanim says she is entering a new phase in her journey — shifting her focus to teaching the fundamentals of cheese making.
She has been sharing her expertise through a series of workshops designed for enthusiasts and beginners alike. They teach valuable skills, providing participants with the chance to learn the intricacies of cheese production and providing a deeper appreciation of the art of cheese-making.
Fearless Saudi 13-year-old launches Vision 2030 podcast
- Teenager aims to educate the public about Kingdom’s vision
- Overcame public speaking fears to become podcaster
RIYADH: Saudi Linda Al-Faisal, who is only 13, aims to make an impact through her podcast, Linda Vision 2030, with each episode featuring a guest trailblazer.
Through her podcast, she connects with thousands of local and international subscribers, engaging in conversations about the Kingdom’s vision.
In her first episode, titled “How Saudi Arabia Became a Global Hub,” she discusses the projects being driven by the Kingdom, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, claiming “Saudi Arabia is no longer the land you once knew.”
In her third episode, Al-Faisal interviewed Tamim Turki, a teenage Saudi sports presenter.
Then, in her fourth episode, Al-Faisal sat down Hassan Yusuf, program director for Saudi Arabia’s Real Madrid foundation, where the pair discussed the role of youth in achieving the goals of Vision 2030.
When she was five years old, Al-Faisal was interested in becoming a ballerina, and after being enrolled in classes she later fulfilled her childhood dream. Today, she is a ballerina as well as a podcast host.
Influenced by her friends, who have their own podcast, Al-Faisal decided to create her own platform.
“Why I chose (the topic of) Vision 2030 is because many people don’t know what it talks about or what is going to happen. So, I decided to search and learn more about Vision 2030 so I can teach the people.
“The biggest goal that I want to achieve from my podcast is that I want to make every listener feel proud with all the developments and changes happening in Saudi Arabia.”
After years of presenting at school, facing her fears, Al-Faisal became a natural public speaker, learning communication techniques through observation and practice to become an effective presenter.
“I used to be nervous while presenting during my first time in school. We all learn from our mistakes, and I learned from mine and became stronger. The speeches I used to present in school made me more powerful.”
Al-Faisal’s ballet talent earned her third place in the “Creative Journey Around the Kingdom,” a program launched by the General Entertainment Authority in collaboration with MBC Academy, which sets out to identify local talent.
Al-Faisal’s message to teenagers is to keep dreaming and always stay positive.
“Do not let negative thinking destroy you. Always focus on yourself because you are the main character of your life.”
Saudi ministry signs two agreements to enhance social responsibility in nonprofit sector
Saudi Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mushaiti, witnessed the signing of two memoranda of understanding between the ministry and the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Foundation for Developmental Housing and Kaaf Strategy, respectively.
The signing ceremony was attended by the ministry’s Undersecretary for Beneficiary Services and Branch Affairs, Ghanem Al-Jadaan.
The signing of the two MoUs aims to enhance the role of the nonprofit sector in fulfilling its social responsibilities and contributing to the development of its operations through community projects and initiatives.
It also seeks to improve the work environment within nonprofit associations and institutions supervised by the Ministry, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
Diriyah Gate chief highlights city’s vision as a global blueprint for urban and social development
- Talal Kansara said Davos presence focused on showcasing Diriyah’s role in urban development intertwined with authenticity and tradition
DAVOS: Diriyah Gate Development Authority’s Chief Strategic Management Officer Talal Kansara has outlined the city’s ambition to become a model for urban and social transformation, offering a new way of living while preserving Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage.
Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Kansara emphasized Diriyah’s role in showcasing urban development intertwined with authenticity and tradition.
“I think we have a unique story when it comes to urban transformation, to share with the world and (also) to learn from the rest of the world,” he said. “The area 20 years from now would be one of the best gathering places in the world, something where people can come and be immersed in a different experience, an experience that touches their souls, touches their heart, by providing them something that is authentic.”
Located on the northwestern outskirts of Riyadh, Diriyah has undergone significant redevelopment, carefully restoring its mud-brick structures that reflect the Najdi architectural style. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, Diriyah is seen as the birthplace of the Kingdom and a living example of the region’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Marking its WEF debut, Kansara said that Diriyah’s participation at Davos aims to showcase the project’s holistic approach, spanning tourism, hospitality, culture and real estate.
“People would see beyond Diriyah as one of the Kingdom’s giga project, they would see elements of Diriyah that that is part of its DNA,” Kansara said.
With a $50 billion development plan in motion, the project seeks to transform Diriyah into a global hub for history, culture and lifestyle while setting new standards for urban planning.
“We have a case that we want to present to the world when it comes to urban transformation,” Kansara said, “and we (want to) foster the dialog between us and people who have urban transformation and urban economy as one of their priorities.”
He added that Diriyah’s practices can serve as a guide for other cities to design spaces catering to human needs, including both locals and visitors.
“People need to walk, they need to interact, they need to socialize,” Kansara said, “also building an infrastructure and building cities where they are welcoming visitors. The infrastructure is not only meant for the (local) community, (but) also for the visitors, because you don’t want the visitors and the tourists to overrun the infrastructure.”
He said that the world is full of examples “where overtourism is somehow jeopardizing and decreasing the quality of the city, and you can see the community bothered from that in different places.”
Central to Saudi Arabia’s national tourism strategy, Diriyah is projected to attract 15 million visitors by 2030 and create more than 250,000 jobs. Kansara said that sustainability is integral to the development plan, ensuring the project meets the needs of a growing population and an influx of visitors.
“Sustainability is not an afterthought. Sustainability has been in the (project) DNA since the master plan,” he said.
Kansara also stressed the importance of preserving both the tangible and intangible elements of Saudi heritage, creating a living, organic space rather than a static museum.
“Diriyah is a place where people can live, walk, dine, play, have fun and learn. You would come in a place that’s not a theme park. This is more of an organic place. You’ll see people living as a visitor. You would interact with people who are living, you would interact with people who are studying, interact with people who are working. And that’s a great opportunity for the visitors to have a real touch, the real exposure to the history of the country of Saudi Arabia.”
Visitors to Diriyah’s pavilion at the Saudi House in Davos have been captivated by its unconventional real-estate approach.
“The thing that people admired and that captured their attention is that usually with a conventional real-estate project, you would see skyscrapers, you would see big buildings, you would see metal and glass. And when they came here, they say, ‘OK, we are not seeing this,’” Kansara said.
“We’re using mud bricks for the entire city, the way that we preserve our architectural language, the way we preserve different social and cultural practices and bring it back to life. So it’s not a museum where you see things, but that’s part of the past. No, this is really bringing things from the past and making something that people really engage with for now and in the future.”
Human resource ministry completes rollout of ‘Professional Verification’ service for expat workers in 160 countries
- Service aims to give expat workers reliable academic qualifications, experience and skills required by Saudi labor market
- Ministry of Human Resources has covered 1,007 professions as part of implementing ‘Professional Verification’ service
RIYADH: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has completed the final phase of covering all targeted countries that export labor through the “Professional Verification” service within the “Professional Accreditation” program. This initiative aims to enhance the skill levels of the expatriate workforce. The target was achieved by covering 160 countries, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This service is in line with Cabinet Resolution No. 195, which aims to ensure that expatriate workers possess reliable academic qualifications, as well as the practical experience and skills required by the Saudi labor market before entering the Kingdom.
The “Professional Verification” service focuses on the competence of workers in high-skill professions, as well as verifying the alignment of academic qualifications with the appropriate level and field of study. This is done in accordance with approved standards, such as the Saudi Unified Classification of Professions and the Saudi Unified Classification of Educational Levels and Specializations. The service is fully automated and is provided through a unified platform for professional verification, following simplified and fast procedures.
The Ministry of Human Resources has covered 1,007 professions as part of the implementation phases of the “Professional Verification” service, targeting all labor-exporting countries worldwide. The Ministry will continue to cover all high-skill professions, which fall within groups 1-3 according to the Saudi Unified Classification of Professions, including engineering and health professions, in coordination with the relevant government authorities.
It is worth noting the fact that the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development aims, through this service, to regulate the labor market, improve the quality of jobs and services within the labor market, and enhance productivity levels.
