Madinah hosts Hajj permit awareness exhibition

Madinah hosts Hajj permit awareness exhibition
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Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority continues to collaborate with government agencies on the Makkah Route Initiative. (Supplied)
Madinah hosts Hajj permit awareness exhibition
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Visitors will also learn about the Makkah Route Initiative, part of the broader Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030. (Supplied)
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Updated 22 May 2024
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Madinah hosts Hajj permit awareness exhibition

Madinah hosts Hajj permit awareness exhibition
  • The event will explain how artificial intelligence is used to manage the Hajj crowds

RIYADH: “No Hajj Without a Permit” is the title of a mobile exhibition being held in Madinah until May 25 to raise awareness about safe and secure Hajj practices.

Organized by the Ministry of Interior, the event will explain how artificial intelligence is used to manage the Hajj crowds. Visitors will also learn about the Makkah Route Initiative, part of the broader Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030.

As well as highlighting the ministry’s efforts to ensure the security and safety of visitors to the Two Holy Mosques, it explains emergency reporting procedures through the unified security operations centers (911) and the services offered on the Absher electronic platform.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority continues to collaborate with government agencies on the Makkah Route Initiative, implementing the scheme at 11 airports in seven countries.

At Jakarta International Airport in Indonesia, for example, SDAIA uses advanced technical systems and infrastructure in the pilgrim hall to simplify the Hajj experience.

The setup includes 12 interconnected workstations equipped with state-of-the-art technologies that integrate with SDAIA’s National Information Center systems, expediting pilgrims’ procedures. Technical support is provided 24/7 by a team of engineers, reflecting SDAIA’s commitment to leveraging AI, innovation and digital transformation to deliver exceptional service.


Saudi royal reserve to promote eco-tourism, highlight cultural heritage at Abu Dhabi expo

Saudi royal reserve to promote eco-tourism, highlight cultural heritage at Abu Dhabi expo
Updated 28 August 2024
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Saudi royal reserve to promote eco-tourism, highlight cultural heritage at Abu Dhabi expo

Saudi royal reserve to promote eco-tourism, highlight cultural heritage at Abu Dhabi expo
  • Event, which runs from Aug. 31 to Sept. 8, is an opportunity for the authority to promote eco-tourism and put the Kingdom’s cultural heritage in the spotlight
  • Organization will share its success in restoring ecological balance and preserving biodiversity

JEDDAH: The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority will take part in the 21st Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event, which runs from Aug. 31 to Sept. 8, is an opportunity for the authority to promote eco-tourism and put the Kingdom’s cultural heritage in the spotlight.

The organization will share its success in restoring ecological balance and preserving biodiversity, highlighting the reserve’s role in protecting wildlife and native plants, and supporting the local community. Visitors can also enjoy interactive displays focusing on traditional arts and crafts.

In addition, the pavilion will feature leading tourism programs such as the Northern Hunting Reserve, the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia. Other activities will include camping and unique experiences like stargazing in the Dark Sky Area.

Covering 91,500 sq. km, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve is the second-largest royal reserve. Home to over 138 species of wildlife and more than 179 plant species, it is renowned for its diverse ecology, unique landscapes and numerous heritage sites.

Over the past four years, efforts to protect endangered species like the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, houbara bustard and red-necked ostrich have led to significant population increases for each. There is also a resurgence of reptiles and a thriving insect population.


King Salman arrives in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. (File/SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 28 August 2024
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King Salman arrives in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. (File/SPA)
  • The king left Jeddah earlier on Wednesday

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman arrived in Riyadh from Jeddah on Wednesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

He was received at King Khalid International Airport by the Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz.

The king left Jeddah earlier on Wednesday, SPA said.


Madinah governor attends Fatwa Symposium at Prophet’s Mosque

Madinah governor attends Fatwa Symposium at Prophet’s Mosque
Updated 28 August 2024
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Madinah governor attends Fatwa Symposium at Prophet’s Mosque

Madinah governor attends Fatwa Symposium at Prophet’s Mosque
  • Forum was organized by the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque
  • Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League, spoke about the recent fatwas that facilitate pilgrimage

RIYADH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan attended the second Fatwa Symposium on Tuesday evening at the Prophet’s Mosque.

The forum was organized by the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.

Sheikh Fahad Al-Majid, secretary-general of the Council of Senior Scholars, delivered a speech on behalf of Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh, in which he said the development and expansion of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah and the Grand Mosque in Makkah demonstrated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the Two Holy Mosques.

A key objective of Saudi Vision 2030 was to enable more Muslims to visit Makkah and Madinah for religious rituals, he said.

Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League, spoke about the recent fatwas that facilitate pilgrimage and the Council of Senior Scholars’ decision requiring permits for Hajj, addressing difficulties faced by pilgrims without permits.

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, president of religious affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, said the symposium reflected the ongoing efforts of the country’s leaders to serve the Two Holy Mosques and convey their message globally.

Prince Salman attended the signing of agreements between the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, the Islamic University of Madinah, the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta and Al-Maarefa University.

The agreements aim to establish a fatwa chair for research and studies at the Prophet’s Mosque and adopt technological tools for fatwas, including AI.

An exhibition on the sidelines of the symposium showcased the evolution of fatwas. Prince Salman also observed how robots provided explanations, guidance and fatwas to visitors via video communication.


Riyadh to host 19th Internet Governance Forum in December

Riyadh to host 19th Internet Governance Forum in December
Updated 28 August 2024
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Riyadh to host 19th Internet Governance Forum in December

Riyadh to host 19th Internet Governance Forum in December
  • UN-run event seeks to harness innovation, reduce risk in digital space
  • More than 10,000 people from 160 countries set to attend

RIYADH: The 19th Internet Governance Forum organized by the UN will be held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh in December.

This year’s event will encompass discussions on public policy issues related to the internet, information and experience sharing and problem solving under the umbrella of “building our multi-stakeholder digital future.”

The platform aims to achieve consensus among governments, the private sector and nonprofit organizations on policies for stronger internet governance around the world.

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the event reflects its commitment to digital development and leading role in information and communications technology and digital governance. It positions the Kingdom as a global destination for international conferences and showcases its commitment to the UN’s sustainable development goals.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology said on X: “To strengthen the Kingdom’s role as a regional hub for technology and innovation, Riyadh will host the Internet Governance Forum #IGF2024. This event reflects our vision of spearheading global digital transformation and leading efforts to develop sustainable solutions and a robust, secure digital infrastructure.”

According to the IGF, key themes will include harnessing innovation and balancing risks in the digital space, enhancing the digital contribution to peace, development and sustainability, advancing human rights and inclusion in the digital age, and improving digital governance.

More than 10,000 people from 160 countries are expected to attend the forum, which runs from Dec. 15-19.

Further information and details of how to register are available from the IGF website at https://igfriyadh2024.sa.


14th Gulf Theater Festival to showcase top plays, creators

14th Gulf Theater Festival to showcase top plays, creators
Updated 28 August 2024
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14th Gulf Theater Festival to showcase top plays, creators

14th Gulf Theater Festival to showcase top plays, creators

Riyadh: The Theater and Performing Arts Commission has announced that the 14th Gulf Theater Festival in Riyadh from Sept. 10 to 17 will showcase some of the region’s top shows and creators. 

At a press conference, the commission’s representatives said the event is aimed at fostering artistic collaborations and the exchange of expertise in the GCC. 

The event was attended by Sultan Al-Bazai, CEO of the commission, Khalid Al-Baz, general manager of the festival, and other officials.

The festival will feature six plays, as well as programs and workshops on topics including management and generating creative ideas. 

Notable plays include “The Sea” from Saudi Arabia, “I See You” from the UAE, and “On the Other Side” from Bahrain.

The Kingdom is hosting the festival, under the direction of Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, for the first time.

The commission’s mission is to host international festivals to enrich and promote Saudi Arabia and Gulf theater.