Saudi Arabia ‘leading the way’ in global response to space debris threat

More than 260 leaders, experts, and speakers from more than 50 countries took part in the Space Debris Conference, which concluded in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
More than 260 leaders, experts, and speakers from more than 50 countries took part in the Space Debris Conference, which concluded in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
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Updated 12 February 2024
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Saudi Arabia ‘leading the way’ in global response to space debris threat

Saudi Arabia ‘leading the way’ in global response to space debris threat
  • Innovative solutions urged as Riyadh forum addresses growing risks

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is playing a key role in promoting international efforts to counter the growing threat posed by space debris, a global forum in Riyadh has been told.

More than 260 leaders, experts, and speakers from more than 50 countries took part in the Space Debris Conference, themed “Securing the Future of the Global Space Economy,” which concluded on Monday.

The conference and its activities highlight efforts by the Kingdom to understand the challenges and risks associated with space debris, and to adopt policies to protect the economic future of the space sector.

HIGHLIGHT

Participants emphasized the importance of finding technological solutions to the threat, and called for the protection of space for future generations. They stressed the need to address the debris challenge and develop an intergenerational charter leading to space sustainability.

Organized by the Saudi Space Agency in collaboration with the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, the International Telecommunication Union, and the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, the conference included four discussion sessions and four keynote speeches addressing legislation and future trends in confronting the problem of space debris.

Participants emphasized the importance of finding technological solutions to the threat, and called for the protection of space for future generations. They stressed the need to address the debris challenge and develop an intergenerational charter leading to space sustainability.

A set of ideas for future solutions aimed at eliminating risks and securing Earth was presented, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening cooperation to achieve space sustainability and progress. This effort is focused on developing the space economy and stimulating space innovations to serve both the Kingdom and humanity as a whole.




More than 260 leaders, experts, and speakers from more than 50 countries took part in the Space Debris Conference, which concluded in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)

The Kingdom, represented by the Saudi Space Agency, aims to strengthen its position among the leading countries in the field of space through this conference, the first of its kind in the region. It seeks to achieve this by conducting numerous scientific research and explorations to serve humanity. Through these endeavors, the Kingdom is working to affirm its commitment to protecting the planet and shaping new horizons in the space field.

The first keynote speech of the conference’s second day, titled “Mission to Remove Space Debris from Earth’s Orbit,” was delivered by Luc Piguet, CEO of ClearSpace, a company specializing in space debris removal.

He touched on efforts to remove space debris, which poses an increasing threat to Earth’s orbit and space systems, revealing that the first request for space debris removal was made to his company in 2019 by NASA, adding that the cost of removing a single piece can reach more than $100 million, and calling for global solutions and deepening international cooperation to confront this challenge.

Regarding “Space Debris Mitigation and Removal,” the session discussed efforts made by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, including developing satellite technologies and their remote sensing feature and making improvements on robots to ensure their future employment in space debris removal.

Session participants explained that the increase in space debris is directly linked to increased risks that may affect important terrestrial services such as the Internet and scientific research, in addition to their impact on the climate and the economy. Speakers called on countries and government to enact binding laws that hold operators responsible and obligate them to find solutions.

Marshall Kaplan, chief operating officer at Launchspace Services, highlighted the latest innovations and developments in the field of effective debris removal technologies that offer solutions to the problem according to many experts in the sector.

Kaplan suggested that the Saudi Space Agency lead a global initiative to launch brainstorming meetings with the world’s leading minds and innovative entrepreneurs to find new technologies to deal with the problem of space debris, given the Kingdom’s leadership in this important file.”

Kevin O’Connell, founder and CEO of Space Economy Rising, praised the Kingdom for taking the lead in seeking to unify global efforts to address the issue of space debris.

O’Connell said that international agreements, such as the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, seek to restrict the militarization of space and maximize its peaceful uses.

“We are now witnessing a great deal of investment activity around the world with the flourishing of the space sector, robotics and space technologies for the peaceful use of outer space,” he added.

On the opening day, the conference began its first session with a panel discussion titled “Beyond Borders, Beyond Debris: Space Agencies Unite for a Sustainable Space Future.”

The second panel, hosted by the UNOOSA and titled “Translating Policy into Progress,” shed light on the roles the office seeks to undertake, including the development of new technologies to contribute to mitigating the issue of space debris. Participants noted that space is equally accessible to all, making cooperation imperative for the benefit of all humanity.
The third panel discussion, titled “Role of Licensing Bodies,” explored the Kingdom’s role as a key player in addressing the challenge of space debris.

 


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RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a call from French President Emmanuel Macron, the Saudi Press Agency said.


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Madinah Region Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Khalid bin Faisal recently met Indian Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju during his official visit to the Kingdom.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed arrangements for Indian Hajj pilgrims during their stay in Madinah, India’s Ministry of Minority Affairs said in an official statement.

Rijiju also visited the Hajj Terminals at the Jeddah and Madinah airports, and reviewed the facilities available for the arrival and departure of pilgrims as well as baggage handling.


International conference celebrates the camel as a pillar of Arab culture

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Updated 16 January 2025
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International conference celebrates the camel as a pillar of Arab culture

International conference celebrates the camel as a pillar of Arab culture
  • Scholars highlight the camel’s role in Arab history and the Arabic language
  • Experts from Saudi Arabia and abroad gather in Riyadh

RIYADH: Scholars at a Riyadh conference this week underscored the fundamental role the camel has played in shaping Arab heritage, emphasizing the profound link between camels and the Arabic language.

King Saud University, in partnership with the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, is hosting the Fifth International Conference, titled “Camels in Arab Culture,” which ends on Thursday.

Prominent scholars and specialists from Saudi Arabia and abroad are participating in the conference, which is exploring key topics related to camels, including heritage, history and geography, and archaeological findings.

Hajed Al-Harbi, conference chairman, said: “Honoring camels is a tribute to our deep-rooted values and rich heritage, reflecting our pride in our origins and historical legacy.”

Ibrahim Al-Furaih, conference secretary, told Arab News how the conference underscores the central role camels have played in shaping Arabic literature and intellectual thought throughout history.

“Camels are a fundamental element of our national identity and Arab culture, with a significant presence in our heritage.

“Whether through literature, poetry, inscriptions, or the daily life of early Arabs, they have left an indelible mark. Their influence endures, continuing to shape the lives of Arabs to this day,” Al-Furaih said.

Bedoor Al-Fassam, chair of the public relations committee for the conference, said organizers spent months preparing for the event.

Dr. Al-Fassam, who is also an assistant professor of literature and criticism in the Arabic language department at the university, confirmed that conference participation requests exceeded 300, from which 40 research papers were selected. The submitted papers covered a wide range of fields, including literary, linguistic, historical, and social studies, in addition to anthropology research.

Alongside participants from Saudi universities, the conference features academics from Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco and Canada.

The attendees discussed the definition of camels in language and lexicography, as well as their effect on cultural and national identity.

Additionally, they explored the role of camels in Arabic poetry, narrative storytelling and biographies, highlighting their significance in other literatures and cultures.

The conference further delved into the role of camels in the national economy, addressing sectors such as investment, tourism, and entertainment, in addition to camel festivals, sports and racing events.


Saudi ministry records 7,521 tourism violations

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Updated 15 January 2025
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Saudi ministry records 7,521 tourism violations

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RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism revealed the results of its third-quarter 2024 inspections, involving 9,655 checks on hospitality facilities and tourism activities across the Kingdom.

During the period, 7,521 violations were identified and 11,494 complaints were addressed, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Common violations included operating without a license, poor cleanliness, failure to meet licensing conditions and non-compliance by facility representatives.

Makkah had the highest number of inspections with more than 3,600, followed by Riyadh with more than 1,350, Madinah with over 1,100 and the Eastern Province with more than 1,070. The remaining regions accounted for more than 2,500 inspections.

These efforts aim to enhance the tourism sector’s sustainability, ensure compliance with regulations, improve service quality and boost visitor experiences.


Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire agreement in Gaza

Palestinians react to news on a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, January 15, 2025.Reuters
Palestinians react to news on a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, January 15, 2025.Reuters
Updated 16 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire agreement in Gaza

Palestinians react to news on a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, January 15, 2025.Reuters
  • Kingdom stresses need for adherence to the deal, end to aggression against Gaza, and withdrawal of all Israeli forces from the occupied territories

RIYADH: Saudi authorities welcomed the announcement of a Gaza ceasefire agreement on Wednesday and expressed the Kingdom’s appreciation for the efforts of mediators from Qatar, Egypt and the US.

The Kingdom stressed the need for adherence to the deal, an end to Israel’s aggression against Gaza, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory and all other occupied Palestinian and Arab lands.

It also highlighted the importance of building on the agreement by addressing the underlying reasons for the conflict and enabling the Palestinian people to secure their rights, the foremost of which is the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Saudi Arabia expressed hope that the ceasefire deal would mark a permanent end to a brutal Israeli war that claimed the lives of more than 45,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 100,000.