Saudi ambassador to Guinea sees off first group of Hajj pilgrims from country
Saudi ambassador to Guinea sees off first group of Hajj pilgrims from country/node/2517416/saudi-arabia
Saudi ambassador to Guinea sees off first group of Hajj pilgrims from country
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Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Guinea Fahad Al-Rashidi sees off this year’s first group of Guinean Hajj pilgrims heading from Conakry to the Kingdom on Sunday. (SPA)
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Guinean Hajj pilgrims wait to leave Conakry for the Kingdom on Sunday. (SPA)
Saudi ambassador to Guinea sees off first group of Hajj pilgrims from country
Al-Rashidi said the Kingdom was fully prepared for Hajj
Updated 26 May 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Guinea Fahad Al-Rashidi on Sunday saw off this year’s first group of Guinean Hajj pilgrims heading from Conakry to the Kingdom.
Al-Rashidi said the Kingdom was fully prepared for the pilgrimage, during which millions of pilgrims from various parts of the world will perform their rituals in the best possible manner, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The ambassador said that due to God’s grace and the generous care and directives of the Saudi leadership, the Kingdom had mobilized its resources, personnel, and capabilities to ensure the comfort, security, and safety of pilgrims.
Saudi tourism facilities face penalties for non-compliance, ministry warns
Updated 13 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The Ministry of Tourism urged investors and tourism companies to obtain licenses before attempting to run tourism facilities, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The ministry announced financial penalties for those who operate venues without a license, with fines doubled for repeat violations.
According to the ministry, during recent inspections of licensed facilities, it discovered a lack of conformity of promotional material to regulations and failure to display contact information for duty managers in the reception area, among other issues.
Additionally, the ministry said it found instances of invalid licenses for some government partners in the tourism sector and failure to maintain cleanliness or carry out maintenance at a number of facilities.
The ministry launched a campaign to encourage hospitality facilities to adhere to licensing and classification standards and ensure compliance with the requirements and conditions.
It also called on users of hospitality facilities to submit inquiries and comments about the services provided to them by contacting the unified tourism center at 930 or through the ministry’s official channels on social media platforms.
Japan’s FM expresses ‘deep concern’ over Israel and Iran conflict
Takeshi Iwaya spoke telephonically to Saudi Arabia’s FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Monday
Updated 5 min 52 sec ago
Arab News Japan
TOKYO: Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya expressed “deep concern” over the exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran in a telephone conversation on Monday with his Saudi Arabia counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
Iwaya urged the warring parties to stand down, according to a press release issued by his ministry.
Iwaya expressed his “deep concern about the exchange of attacks, including the recent attack by Israel against Iran.”
He “strongly condemned any actions that escalate the situation, emphasizing the importance of calling for maximum restraint from all parties concerned.”
“The two ministers concurred to continue to work closely together in responding to the situation in the Middle East, including the situation in Gaza,” the release stated.
Iwaya also noted that 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia.
He “expressed his hope that both countries would further strengthen their Strategic Partnership and work closely together to contribute to the stability of the international community and the Middle East.”
Riyadh’s Wonder Garden to open with new attractions
The amusement park, with its themes of magic and nature, opens with 10 new experiences and over 90 games
Updated 28 October 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Riyadh Season has announced the release of tickets for the Wonder Garden, one of the program’s most popular attractions.
Tickets can be purchased through the dedicated platform, Webook, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The amusement park, with its themes of magic and nature, opens on Nov. 7 with 10 new experiences, and over 90 games suitable for all ages.
The new attractions include the “Flora” zone, showcasing sculptures inspired by the colors of flowers, and the “Bubble Garden” experience.
In addition, there will be a “Butterfly Garden” zone, home to over 1,000 species of these insects.
A “Jungle Adventure” zone, designed with diverse trees, will invite visitors to explore the “Dark Garden.”
The Wonder Garden will have a variety of roaming shows with costumed performers, musical performances, and interactive theatrical shows suited for all members of the family.
It will be open daily from 5 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, and from 4 p.m. to midnight on weekends.
RIYADH: The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority on Sunday launched the Advanced Pathways Program in Artificial Intelligence, aiming to strengthen the skills of 500 specialists.
The program will run for five weeks. Participants will receive comprehensive training in the latest AI technologies that will help qualify them to join the labor market, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The program covers several topics related to AI, such as machine learning, natural language processing, generative adversarial networks and deep learning.
Participants will undergo intensive training with experts from DeepLearning.AI and Stanford University.
The program is part of the authority’s efforts to promote learning and build national capabilities in AI, contributing to strengthening the Kingdom’s leading position among economies based on data and AI.
Govt, private groups, and locals join forces for seeding, planting
Saudi Green Initiative project in King Abdulaziz Protected Pasture
Updated 28 October 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: A massive greening project was undertaken in the King Abdulaziz Protected Pasture of Madinah’s Al-Hanakiyah governorate over the weekend, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Representatives of government entities and associations joined hands with locals to scatter seeds and plant wild trees.
The activity is a part of the Saudi Green Initiative to revive vegetation cover in the Kingdom, raise awareness about the importance of afforestation, and create green spaces that combat desertification and soil erosion.
The SGI initiative aims “to preserve a pristine and healthy environment, mitigate environmental pollution, rehabilitate desert lands, and enhance vegetation cover in the region,” according to the report.
Officials and representatives of government entities and associations along with locals participate in the greening activity at the King Abdulaziz Protected Pasture in Al Hanakiyah governorate. (SPA photo)
The weekend’s activity was spearheaded by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, in collaboration with Madinah region’s officials.
Seeds of the Rimth saltbush, Arfaj, lemongrass, and Fourwing saltbush plants were scattered. In addition, seedlings of wild trees including the Acacia tortilis, the Acacia seyal, and the Acacia salam, were planted.
The Kingdom’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the Saudi Green Initiative in March 2021.
This is an extension of the umbrella Saudi Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the economy, empower citizens, and create a conducive environment for local and international investors.
The SGI seeks to protect 30 percent of the Kingdom’s land and sea by 2030, and the NCVC was created to spearhead the program.
