RIYADH: The King Abdul Aziz Center for National Dialogue (KACND) has urged the media to join forces with the organization to confront the challenges faced by the nation.
KACND head Faisal Al-Muammar made this observation at a meeting with the President of the Saudi Radio and Television Authority Dr. Abdul Malik Al-Shalhoub, in the capital recently.
“The current level of national, regional and international issues require us all to unite and stand up to the challenges we face,” he said, adding that “we must work through all avenues to address extremism and intolerance.”
Al-Muammar, who is the secretary general of the organization, stressed the role of national enlightenment played by the Saudi media, which showcases images of various aspects of Saudi Arabian life to the public, domestically and internationally.
He added: “The media also works to support the security and intellectual efforts of the Kingdom by spreading the values of coexistence to address social issues. In media programs across the country, a number of scientists, intellectuals and writers are involved to help give Saudi society accurate information about current affairs.”
Shalhoub praised the KACND's role in spreading cultural and intellectual awareness through its meetings, talk shows and programs that contribute to the delivery of a civilized message of Saudi society to the public.
He said that the role is based on the foundations of national intellectual awareness, which embraces different intellectual and cultural trends and reflects the Saudi identity through its interaction with society and its promote of communication in a positive environment.
In the light of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, the media is being called to be more transparent in its conversations, visions and aspirations. Shalhoub expressed his hope that the KACND and the media would continue its important role in national dialogue.
KACND lauds media support in confronting challenges
KACND lauds media support in confronting challenges
Saudi Arabia to host multinational ‘Spears of Victory 2025’ military exercise
- Forces from 15 countries will take part, with focus on current and emerging threats
- Tactical operations seek to enhance combat readiness in electronic warfare
RIYADH: The “Spears of Victory 2025” military exercise will begin next week at the Air Warfare Center in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The exercise will run from Jan. 26 to Feb. 6, and feature participation from 15 countries, underscoring the global commitment to strengthening military collaboration.
Countries contributing forces include Bahrain, Greece, France, Qatar, the UK, US, UAE, and Pakistan. Seven additional nations — Australia, Egypt, Italy, Jordan, Morocco, South Korea, and Spain — will take part as observers, SPA added.
Air Force Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Ali Al-Omari, the exercise commander, said the aim was to enhance combat readiness, foster the exchange of expertise in planning and execution, and unify the concept of joint military action.
The exercise will focus on addressing current and emerging threats, advancing tactical capabilities, and promoting joint operational strategies, he added.
Participating forces will engage in complex tactical operations designed to simulate threats in an advanced electronic warfare environment, according to SPA.
These operations will integrate branches of Saudi Arabia’s armed forces, the Ministry of the National Guard, and the Presidency of State Security, alongside military contingents from other nations with active forces on the ground.
King Abdulaziz University hosts National Development Fund’s governor at panel discussion
- Stephen Groff looks at achieving aims of Saudi Vision 2030
RIYADH: King Abdulaziz University hosted Stephen Groff, the National Development Fund’s governor, in a panel discussion at the Academic Dialogue Table organized by the Faculty of Economics and Administration.
Groff discussed the role of the NDF and the broader development ecosystem in achieving Saudi Vision 2030, in an event also attended by Dr. Tareef Al-Aama, the university’s president.
Groff said that the fund aimed to enhance developmental impact and improve productivity, highlighting the key strategic priorities and ongoing initiatives being provided to entities under the fund’s umbrella, such as economic diversification and growth stimulation.
He added that the NDF contributed to creating sustainable job opportunities as well as supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurship.
FASTFACT
Groff stressed that one of the fund’s core missions was to develop infrastructure by financing large-scale project.
Groff stressed that one of the fund’s core missions was to develop infrastructure by financing large-scale projects in sectors such as transportation, housing, and public utilities through its affiliated entities, including the recently established National Infrastructure Fund.
He explained that the primary mission of the fund, as a development finance institution, was to empower development funds and banks to achieve their sector-specific objectives, beneficiary goals, and activity targets, while focusing on specific areas and ensuring the financial sustainability of development finance entities in the future.
He concluded by stressing the critical role of the fund in reviewing and evaluating the impact of every program, project, or initiative aimed at addressing developmental needs, economic priorities, challenges, and available opportunities.
GCC secretary general meets Lebanese president
- Albudaiwi wished the president success in his efforts to uplift the Lebanese people and fulfill their aspirations
BEIRUT: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Albudaiwi met with President of Lebanon Joseph Aoun at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, Beirut on Friday.
Albudaiwi wished the president success in his efforts to uplift the Lebanese people and fulfill their aspirations, the General Secretariat wrote in a report.
He added that the meeting reaffirmed the GCC’s unwavering support for Lebanon, stressing its commitment to bolstering Lebanon’s security and stability and contributing to the sustainable development and prosperity of the Lebanese people.
‘Nusuk’ celebrates big win at 2024 World Summit Awards
- Launched in 2003 and with more than 186 countries participating, the prestigious WSAs are held biennially and recognize impactful digital initiatives
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is the sole Saudi participant to win a 2024 World Summit Award in the Culture and Heritage category, thanks to its “Nusuk” platform.
The project competed against over 900 technical submissions from 160 countries.
Launched in 2003 and with more than 186 countries participating, the prestigious WSAs are held biennially and recognize impactful digital initiatives. They seek to bridge the global digital divide by honoring smart applications and creative online content. The WSAs are a key UN initiative, supported by the International Telecommunication Union.
The award reflects the Kingdom’s pioneering strategy in developing innovative technological solutions aimed at enhancing pilgrims’ experiences and highlighting cultural and heritage values.
FASTFACT
‘Nusuk’ is a suite of innovative technological solutions which facilitate the performance of pilgrimage rituals, address challenges and enhance operational efficiency.
It underlines the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s efforts to drive comprehensive digital transformation, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
“Nusuk” is a suite of innovative technological solutions which facilitate the performance of pilgrimage rituals, address challenges and enhance operational efficiency.
It has already advanced significantly with the development of pioneering systems such as the Nusuk Card, Nusuk Masar and crowd management systems.
It also focuses on highlighting the Prophet’s biography and cultural landmarks in Makkah and Madinah, featuring more than 150 museums, monuments, restaurants, cafes and tourist destinations, among other notable sites that enrich the user’s experience.
Over 400 licensed guides are affiliated with the platform, offering customized excursions throughout the Kingdom to pilgrims.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has said it is very proud of its achievement and reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to developing technological solutions that ensured the sustainability of the Hajj and Umrah sectors, facilitating easy access to smart services and ensuring a smooth and tranquil performance of the rituals.
Iftar portal opens in Grand Mosque
- The service allows individuals to select one meal site and charitable organizations to apply for up to 10
MAKKAH: A dedicated portal to receive applications to provide iftar meal services inside the Grand Mosque during Ramadan has been launched by The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.
The service allows individuals to select one meal site and charitable organizations to apply for up to 10. It also requires the contracting of an authority-approved catering company and adherence to specified terms and conditions.
The authority has emphasized the need to provide low-calorie meals for individuals with chronic diseases and diabetes, making up 20 percent of individual meals and 30 percent of meals provided by charitable organizations.
Applications can be submitted through the authority’s website by visiting https://iam.alharamain.gov.sa/sso and selecting “iftar meal reservation system.”
Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of either Feb.28 or March 1, depending on moon sighting in Saudi Arabia.
