The strong presence of foreign pilots in Saudi Arabian Airlines, estimated at 25 percent of the total pilots operating in the Kingdom, has come for sharp criticism from Shoura Council members.
Abdullah Al-Harbi, a member of the Council, said the airline had failed to capitalize on the large Saudi pilots’ workforce in the past 10 years, despite the fact that the airline had added new aircraft to upgrade its fleet. “This resulted in a glut of assistant pilots numbering over 700, of whom 250 are ready to be promoted to the post of captains following completion of requirements,” he said.
Instead of training Saudi pilots and promoting them, he said the airlines recruited 210 pilots of different nationalities. “The number of foreign pilots does not augur well for a company which has been around for 60 years, but yet, failed to achieve the goal of nationalization of jobs,” he argued.
His argument is that the company spends time, money and effort on training foreign pilots, and after they qualify and gain experience using Saudi funds, they leave the job to work for other airlines. “The downside of this is that the Saudis are denied the chance to be promoted,” he added.
Another Shoura member Said Mariq said the report of Saudi Arabian Airlines does not reflect indicators that the Council aspires for. “The spin-off is that the airlines following the privatization process, has established eight companies. What is the role played by these subsidiaries in supporting the parent company?” asked Mariq.
Mariq revealed that the revenues of the company stood at SR19 billion against a SR21 billion expenditure, clearly indicating a deficit in its budget.
Abdulrahman Al-Rashid, another Shoura member, demanded that the company provide detailed financial statement to the council, while another member, Atta Al-Subaiti, wondered why the airline was placed at the 87th in the list of top airliners of the world in 2012.
Saudia ignores Saudi pilots, opts for foreigners: Shoura
Saudia ignores Saudi pilots, opts for foreigners: Shoura
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Red Sea Global unveils Laheq Island, a landmark luxury-living destination
- Laheq Island opens in 2028, first to focus on residential ownership
- One of the world’s largest barrier reefs with over 2,000 rare species
TABUK: Red Sea Global has unveiled Laheq Island, Saudi Arabia’s first private residential island offering a luxury lifestyle experience.
The island marks the RSG’s first residential project following the completion of phase one, which welcomed its first guests in 2023 with the opening of five resorts.
Construction is underway to complete an additional 11 resorts on Shura Island, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
The destination is connected with other parts of the Kingdom and the world via the Red Sea International Airport.
Scheduled to open in 2028, Laheq Island will be the first project within the destination focused on residential ownership, complemented by exceptional hospitality facilities and services, the SPA reported.
Laheq is part of an archipelago of 92 pristine islands along the Kingdom’s west coast, surrounded by one of the world’s largest barrier reefs that are home to over 2,000 rare and unique marine species.
The island spans 400 hectares and features a wide array of recreational facilities and activities for residents and visitors.
The RSG, owned by the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund, has pledged to plant 50 million mangrove trees and enhance their habitats while also regenerating coral reefs and surrounding marine ecosystems.
The Red Sea destination will become the world’s largest tourism attraction with all facilities and resorts powered entirely by renewable energy, the SPA reported.
All 16 resorts of phase one are expected to be operational this year. By 2030, it will have 50 resorts with 8,000 hotel rooms, and more than 1,000 residential units across 22 islands and six inland sites.
Investigation debunks claims about coalition strikes in Yemen
- Coalition’s Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) held a meeting to address allegations regarding airstrikes in various regions of Yemen
RIYADH: An investigation found that a number of airstrikes carried out by The Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen did not target civilian sites including a hospital and farm as claimed.
The coalition’s Joint Incidents Assessment Team held a meeting on Wednesday to address allegations regarding airstrikes in various regions of Yemen in recent years.
On Jan. 13, 2022, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reported that an airstrike partially damaged the emergency department and inpatient clinics of a hospital in the Al-Sawad area.
It was claimed that coalition forces targeted a military camp near the hospital.
The JIAT reviewed relevant documentation and found that a military camp, known as Al-Sawad camp, was located near the 48 Model Hospital, which is on the coalition forces’ no strike list.
On the day of the alleged strike, coalition forces conducted a targeted airstrike on military targets within the camp, based on intelligence regarding Houthi militia activities.
The bombs were guided and aimed to minimize civilian impact, hitting their intended targets accurately and remaining a safe distance from the hospital.
Therefore, the JIAT concluded that coalition forces did not target the hospital on Jan. 13, 2022.
On March 3, 2021, reports emerged alleging that coalition forces conducted an airstrike targeting a farm in the Al-Watadah area of the Khawlan Directorate in Sanaa Governorate.
The JIAT said it reviewed documents, including air tasking orders, daily mission schedules and satellite imagery.
The investigation revealed that no specific coordinates for the alleged farm were provided.
The JIAT found no record of airstrikes in Al-Watadah on the date in question, nor in the days surrounding it. Open-source searches yielded no corroborating information.
In conclusion, the JIAT determined that coalition forces did not target a farm in Al-Watadah on March 3, 2021, as alleged.
Other reports indicated that a missile fell near a house in Al-Malaheet village on Feb. 23, 2020. The JIAT investigated and found no evidence that coalition forces had conducted missile strikes in the area on that date.
On June 4, 2015, allegations surfaced regarding an airstrike on the governorate building in Zinjibar. The JIAT confirmed that no air missions were conducted in Abyan on that date.
Through these investigations, the JIAT aims to clarify allegations and uphold accountability and transparency.
Saudi deputy FM receives Mauritania envoy in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati received Ambassador of Mauritania to the Kingdom Mokhtar Ould Dahi in Riyadh on Wednesday.
During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and various issues of common interest, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Faisal Al-Harbi presented a copy of his credentials as non-resident ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pholile Dlamini Shakantu, the Eswatinian foreign minister, the Saudi Embassy in South Africa wrote on X.
Saudi Arabia celebrates World Heritage Day with 6 days of events in Riyadh
- The events, from April 16-21 at Laysen Valley, aim to honor and promote the historical and cultural values of the Kingdom and its heritage through educational and interactive activities
- Visitors will be greeted with an immersive experience that transports them to the Kingdom’s eight World Heritage Sites and showcases their cultural significance
RIYADH: A series of special events are taking place this week at Laysen Valley in Riyadh in celebration of World Heritage Day on April 18.
Organized by the Ministry of Culture’s Heritage Commission, they run from April 16-21 with the aim of honoring and promoting the historical and cultural values of Saudi Arabia and its heritage through educational and interactive activities.
Visitors to Laysen Valley will be greeted with an immersive experience, organizers said, that transports them to the Kingdom’s eight World Heritage Sites and showcases their cultural significance through storytelling, a digital light show and live recreations of the locations.
A number of artists are participating in the events, including Abdullah Al-Fawzan, whose carved wooden works are inspired by Najdi designs. The doors of old Najd, known for their rich decoration and designs based on natural structures, are emblematic of the deep roots and culture of the central Saudi region.
Al-Fawzan told Arab News that woodcarving is an essential element of his family’s traditions, dating back six generations. Under the guidance of his father, he began learning the skill at the age of seven years old. He has created about 100 Najdi-style doors for numerous projects in various parts of the capital, including Diriyah and Al-Doho, a historic neighborhood in southern Riyadh.
“We could say that craftspeople are considered the bridge between the past and the present,” he said. “We are working on pieces that are completely handmade, while preserving the authenticity and the identity of Najd.”
Al-Fawzan works for six to 10 hours a day carving and painting his works, and his craft has taught him the art of patience, especially when he encounters problems.
“We have a saying that says ‘He who is patience, triumphs,’” he explained. “I can’t work on anything big if I am in a bad mood. I must be in a clear mood, far away from any problems and ready to work.”
Other attractions at the Heritage Day events include a dedicated children’s area, and pavilions showcasing traditional arts and crafts. There are also workshops, live demonstrations by artisans, and marketplaces where craftspeople will be selling handmade items. In addition there will be a series of drone shows at Wadi Al-Turath on April 18.
Makkah deputy governor reviews Hajj plans
- Meeting reviewed the progress of ongoing projects to support the pilgrimage, scheduled to be operational during the Hajj
- Prince Saud emphasized the importance of implementing the leadership’s directives, which stress early preparation and coordination across all sectors
MAKKAH: Prince Saud bin Mishaal, deputy governor of Makkah, chaired the first meeting of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah to review the plans and preparations for this year’s Hajj season.
The meeting reviewed the progress of ongoing projects to support the pilgrimage, scheduled to be operational during the Hajj, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Prince Saud emphasized the importance of implementing the leadership’s directives, which stress early preparation and coordination across all sectors to ensure top-quality services and comfort for pilgrims.
He noted that the government of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has spared no effort in facilitating the pilgrimage, mobilizing all resources to ensure pilgrims perform their rituals with ease, peace of mind and security.
Participating organisations presented updates on the readiness of their operational plans and the progress of development projects at the holy sites.
The committee also reviewed afforestation and green cover initiatives aimed at planting 10,000 trees to improve air quality, reduce temperatures, and enhance the pilgrimage experience.
Several other agenda items were discussed, and the committee issued the necessary recommendations, the SPA reported.
