Riyadh: The Kingdom excelled at the 24th Asian Physics Olympiad 2024 in Kampar, Malaysia, from June 3 to 10, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Backed by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, or Mawhiba, and the Ministry of Education, the Saudi Arabia team competed against 208 students from 27 countries.
The eight-member team won one bronze medal and received four certificates of appreciation, the SPA reported.
Mazen Al-Shakhs from the Al-Ahsa Education Department won the bronze medal, while Wissam Al-Qanbar from the Eastern Province, Ahmed Arif and Abdulmalik Alem from Jeddah, and Ahmed Fadlallah from Makkah received certificates of appreciation.
Mawhiba’s Secretary-General Amal Al-Hazzaa praised the students, their families, schools and teachers.
She highlighted the Kingdom’s strategy to nurture talent and creativity, and build a knowledge-based, competitive society.
The foundation aims to build capabilities in science and technology, prepare future generations to contribute to Vision 2030, and solve local and global challenges.
India’s new consul general keen to promote ties with Kingdom
Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri emphasized the importance of strengthening trade relations between Saudi Arabia and India
Suri announced the consulate’s initiative to register Indian businesses and professionals, creating a comprehensive database
Updated 5 sec ago
Arab News
JEDDAH: The Indian community welcomed Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, the new consul general of India, at a grand reception in Jeddah.
The event saw a strong turnout of local people and distinguished guests eager to show their support.
Suri expressed his gratitude to the Indian community for their support and emphasized the importance of strengthening trade relations between Saudi Arabia and India.
Increased trade could foster greater cultural and economic exchanges, he said.
By unlocking new avenues for investment and innovation, Indian professionals could help bolster trade relations, paving the way for a prosperous future, Suri said.
He announced the consulate’s initiative to register Indian businesses and professionals, creating a comprehensive database, and said open house sessions with the community would continue with a more focused approach.
The event featured cultural performances by children as well as traditional Indian dancing and music.
New campaign highlights Red Sea tourism, investment
More Than a Sea highlights the investment potential of the Red Sea, showcasing its 1,800 km coastline, 7 million residents, diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage
Campaign promotes activities such as cruises, yachts, diving, snorkeling and beach outings
Updated 9 min 32 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi Red Sea Authority has launched a campaign to support coastal tourism.
The “More Than a Sea” campaign highlights the authority’s contributions to tourism through four key pillars: Regulation, sustainability, attracting investment and promoting tourism in the Red Sea.
It highlights the authority’s regulatory role, including setting policies, issuing licenses and preparing infrastructure for marine tourism activities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The authority has issued seven new regulations in partnership with relevant entities to oversee coastal tourism in Saudi Arabia.
“More Than a Sea” highlights the investment potential of the Red Sea, showcasing its 1,800 km coastline, 7 million residents, diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
The campaign promotes activities such as cruises, yachts, diving, snorkeling and beach outings.
It also highlights efforts to protect the marine environment by collaborating with public and private bodies to develop mechanisms for environmental protection, enhance the blue economy, preserve natural resources and manage marine waste.
The Red Sea coast features more than 150 beaches, 1,000 islands, and 130 cultural and natural sites. It boasts more than 20 blue holes, 500 diving sites, and diverse cultural traditions and cuisine.
Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the authority aims to contribute SR85 billion ($22.6 billion) to gross domestic product, increase spending to SR123 billion, and create 210,000 jobs by 2030, diversifying Saudi Arabia’s non-oil income sources.
Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli statements on Philadelphi corridor in Gaza
Foreign Ministry: “Saudi Arabia warns of these provocative statements and their consequences in undermining the mediation efforts”
Updated 04 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has condemned Israeli statements about the Gaza-Egyptian border and said the Kingdom stood with Cairo on the issue.
A Saudi foreign ministry statement issued late on Tuesday denounced Israeli ambitions on the Philadelphi corridor, in southern Gaza bordering Egypt, as well as “the absurd attempts to justify the continuous Israeli violations of international laws and norms.”
The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he wants to keep troops in the corridor for the foreseeable future.
“The Philadelphi Corridor — or to put it more correctly, the southern closing point (of Gaza) — must be in our hands. It must be shut. Any other arrangement would not ensure the demilitarization that we seek,” he said.
Egypt said it will not accept any Israeli presence along the corridor.
The control of the zone has been a major sticking point in negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage deal in a war that is now entering its eleventh month.
“The Kingdom warns of these provocative statements and their consequences in undermining the mediation efforts,” the statement said.
Netanyahu’s insistence on a troop presence in the corridor has irked some allies who feel the issue should not be used as a reason to prevent a deal in the conflict.
Asked by reporters if the Israeli premier was doing enough to secure the hostage deal, US President Joe Biden said simply: No.
Benny Gantz, a former army general who served in Netanyahu’s war cabinet until he quit in June, criticized the prime minister’s stance on Philadelphi and pushed for an agreement to release hostages.
“The story is not Philadelphi but the lack of making truly strategic decisions,” said Gantz.
Saudis take steps to prevent public-sector contracts crimes, says anti-corruption chief
UN meeting hears Kingdom developed electronic portal for government procurement to increase transparency and ensure more efficient public spending
Updated 03 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi authorities are working on several initiatives to prevent illegal activity in government procurement, the president of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, also known as Nazaha, said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the UN in Vienna during an international meeting of government officials to discuss prevention of corruption, Mazin Al-Kahmous said the Kingdom has established a unified electronic portal for government procurement, called Etimad, with the aim of increasing transparency in government procurement activities, improving the efficiency of public spending, and reducing opportunities for corruption at all stages of public tenders.
He highlighted what he described as ongoing and fruitful cooperation between Nazaha and the Ministry of Finance to apply safeguards within Etimad for activities that carry a high risk of corruption, to help reduce the risk of collusion or fraud among businesses applying for government tenders.
Al-Kahmous also welcomed the support of authorities in the Kingdom for a collaboration between Nazaha and the UN Development Program on the launch of a global initiative to measure corruption and promote integrity in public procurement.
Logistics event aims to support Kingdom’s Vision 2030 targets
More than 3,500 products and services showcased in the Saudi capital
Updated 03 September 2024
Rashid Hassan
RIYADH: Two expos being held side by side in Riyadh are aiming to support the Saudi logistics sector in line with the national Vision 2030 program.
The Saudi Warehousing and Logistics Expo and the Saudi Wood Expo were inaugurated by Hassan Al-Hwaizy, president of the Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce, bringing warehousing, logistics, wood and woodworking firms under one roof in the Kingdom.
Held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center until Sept. 4, the three-day event was opened by Al-Hwaizy, who said: “We participate in this significant logistics event as a supporting partner, demonstrating our dedication to advancing and enhancing the logistics sector in support of Saudi Vision 2030.”
Featuring more than 3,500 products and services, the Riyadh event showcases the latest technologies and strategies in logistics services and warehousing solutions. (AN photo/Supplied)
Featuring more than 3,500 products and services, the event showcases the latest technologies and strategies in logistics services and warehousing solutions, he added.
Mohammed Kazi, senior vice president of construction at dmg events, the organizer of the expo, said: “The bustling aisles on the opening day underlined the growing demand for supply chain solutions and distinctive wood products in the Kingdom, reflecting its ambition to establish itself as a leading industrial powerhouse and global logistics hub.”
We participate in this significant logistics event as a supporting partner, demonstrating our dedication to advancing and enhancing the logistics sector in support of Saudi Vision 2030.
Hassan Al-Hwaizy, President, Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce
Amr El-Mansoury, chief supply chain officer at Tamer Group, told Arab News that exhibiting at the expo is “a rewarding experience” and offers the opportunity to showcase products and forge industry connections.
“The seamless coordination and support from the event organizers made it a standout opportunity for growth in our sector,” he added.
Hassan Al-Hwaizy, President, Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce
At the expo, Tenderd, a fleet management platform, showcased a live demo of its AI-powered safety system, designed for logistics and warehousing companies. The system uses advanced AI and real-time monitoring to enforce safety protocols, reduce risks and boost operational efficiency, ensuring safer work environments even in challenging conditions.
Another exhibitor, Almajdouie Logistics, a Dammam-based transport and logistics giant, unveiled new models of the Peugeot Partner and Citroen Berlingo vans that combine advanced technology with efficiency and reliability.
Fian Group, a Jeddah-based supplier of specialized chemicals and finishing products, presented a live demo of its mobile industrial robots, which enhance infrastructure projects by “optimizing resources and maintaining operations,” and “supporting smart living in residential developments through automated services and sustainable solutions.”
Wijdan AlJahwri, operations manager, Ufnoon Gallery at the expo. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)
Desert Board launched Palm Strand Boards, the world’s first sustainable three-meter, 60-minute fire-rated door core made from annual regenerated palm biomass.
The first Saudi Logistics Summit’s sessions explored industry priorities and discussed the significance of international partnerships and localizing manufacturing.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Abdulkarim, CEO of the Saudi Logistics Academy, highlighted the importance of the In-Kingdom Total Value Add program in supporting the expansion of the Kingdom’s logistics industry and helping Saudi Arabia climb ranks on World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index.
Visitors at Ufnoon Gallery at the expo. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)
In another session, Ahmed Attia, group supply chain director of Zahrawi Group, said that investment in distribution efficiency will drive economic growth and enhance outcomes in the Kingdom.
The expo also features a talks program, Wood Hala Chats, where speakers lead awareness sessions focused on sustainability, digitization and automation in the woodworking industry.
Meanwhile, Ufnoon Gallery is showcasing art at the event.
Wijdan Al-Jahwri, operations manager at the gallery and a visual artist for more than 20 years, told Arab News: “Art is beauty. It speaks to all but with different nuances and that’s where the beauty lies.
“It is an expression of a human being’s creative mind, their feelings, imagination and personal emotions. I am happy that our gallery is drawing visitors at the expo.”
