Strong turnout at Buraidah Dates Carnival

Strong turnout at Buraidah Dates Carnival
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The event has attracted a significant number of farmers and traders to this city renowned for its date production, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. (SPA)
Strong turnout at Buraidah Dates Carnival
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The event has attracted a significant number of farmers and traders to this city renowned for its date production, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. (SPA)
Strong turnout at Buraidah Dates Carnival
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The event has attracted a significant number of farmers and traders to this city renowned for its date production, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. (SPA)
Strong turnout at Buraidah Dates Carnival
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The event has attracted a significant number of farmers and traders to this city renowned for its date production, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. (SPA)
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Updated 03 August 2024
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Strong turnout at Buraidah Dates Carnival

Strong turnout at Buraidah Dates Carnival
  • New digital platform boosts sales management

RIYADH: The popular Buraidah Dates Carnival is keeping its momentum, with constant purchasing and marketing of more than 50 date varieties.

The event has attracted a significant number of farmers and traders to this city renowned for its date production, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Sukkari dates remain a popular choice among buyers, with prices ranging from SR30 ($8) to SR100 for a 3 kg package. Other date varieties, including sagai, wanan, khalas, and red sukkari, are priced competitively based on quality.

The 51-day carnival, which started on Aug. 1, is expected to display the produce of more than 11.2 million palm trees.

In addition to the marketplace, the event includes a range of cultural, awareness-raising, social and entertainment programs, starting in September.

The event will receive more than 2,000 vehicles daily, loaded with hundreds of tonnes of dates in Buraidah. More than 4,300 young men and women will participate in various fields.

The National Center for Palms and Dates is overseeing the carnival in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.

The center and the ministry also launched a digital system to improve the quality, efficiency and sales management of the carnival.

Consisting of two sections that align with agriculture regulations and public benefit market rules, the system covers broker-farmer contracts, date supply, auctions, sales and financial settlements, as well as broker-buyer contracts, auctions, sales and payments.

The digital platform offers streamlined sales tracking, robust control, financial security, rapid data access, transparent contract documentation, protection of the rights of farmers, brokers and buyers, innovative sales approaches, revitalized date markets, investor attraction, job creation, and the possibility to develop financial solutions in partnership with relevant agencies.

The Buraidah Dates Carnival is also known for its purchasing power and for recording the region’s most robust revenues. This year, it aims to exceed last year’s figures.

In 2023, the number of farmers’ vehicles that entered the market exceeded 60,000, carrying more than 7 million packages, which is close to 300,000 tonnes. Additionally, last year’s carnival had more than 400,000 visitors.

The number of palm trees in the Kingdom exceeds 34 million, distributed across all regions, with the Qassim region accounting for 11.2 million palm trees.

Date production in Qassim amounts to more than 528,000 tons, representing about 35 percent of the Kingdom’s date production of 1.6 million tonnes.


Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia
Updated 04 November 2024
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Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched a campaign to promote health by enhancing access to and the quality and efficiency of health services and raising awareness of health risks, the Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.

The campaign “A Vibrant, Healthy Nation” introduces a modern healthcare model, offering integrated, individual-centered services aligned with Vision 2030’s goal of fostering a healthy society.

The ministry is committed to “enhancing public health, improving quality of life, and raising the Kingdom’s global healthcare standing.”

The campaign highlights the health transformation initiative’s positive impacts and informs citizens about its main features, aiming to engage all segments of society, SPA reported.

It emphasizes a shift from treating illness to prevention, involving primary care doctors and early detection programs.


Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech
Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech
  • Scheme seeks new ways to repurpose wastewater, looks at impact of microplastics

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has opened applications for a new program to find ways to develop sustainable technologies in Saudi Arabia.

The Sustainable Innovation Fellowship Program aims to find ways to repurpose by-products from water treatment for the benefit of the environment; develop sustainable technologies for recycling membranes used in water treatment; and explore methods to reuse treated wastewater in desert and arid regions.

Supported by the Environment Fund and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, the fellowship program will also assess the environmental impact of microplastics in water treatment plants, sewage, and wastewater.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is also introducing new e-services in accordance with international standards.


Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh
Updated 04 November 2024
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Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh
  • With workshops, discussions, and awards, the festival aims to drive growth in Saudi Arabia’s creative sectors

The second Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity will take place in Riyadh from Nov. 5 to 6.

Hosted by UAE-based Motivate Media Group and communications consultancy TRACCS, the festival will gather over 1,500 professionals and leaders from the creative marketing industry, featuring 100 regional and international speakers.

Ian Fairservice, managing partner and group editor in chief of Motivate Media Group, will chair the event, alongside Vice Chairman Mohammed Al-Ayed, CEO of TRACCS.

Pre-festival activities began on Nov. 3 with the Young Talent Academies, including the Student Creative Academy (in partnership with the Middle East Communications Network), the Student Marketers Academy, the NextGen Creative Academy, and the NextGen Marketers Academy.

These academies, featuring keynote sessions from industry experts, workshops, and a 24-hour hackathon, are open to full-time university students aged 18 to 25 and professionals under 30 in creative communications, marketing, or advertising.

The festival will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with panel discussions, presentations, and fireside chats focused on redefining and growing the creative landscape in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and beyond, covering various sectors such as sports, entertainment, and tourism.

The event will conclude with the Athar Awards ceremony on the evening of Nov. 6.

Notable speakers include Sir Martin Sorrell, founder and executive chairman of S4 Capital PLC; Matt McKie, director of marketing for Manchester United; Waseem Kashan, executive director of marketing at ROSHN Group; Yahya Hamidaddin, vice president of corporate communications at ACWA Power; and Houda Tohme, CEO of Havas Media Middle East.

Sessions and keynotes will explore themes such as purpose-driven marketing, brand growth strategies, artificial intelligence, technology, cross-sector innovation, and unlocking creative potential.


Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation
Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation
  • Two defense ministers reviewed longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties

RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday aimed at strengthening cooperation in the military field.

The agreement, signed during a high-level meeting in Riyadh, represents a significant step forward in defense collaboration between the Kingdom and Iraq, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During their discussions, the two ministers reviewed the longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties.

They emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to foster regional security and stability, particularly amid ongoing regional tensions.

Both ministers discussed recent developments and shared efforts aimed at de-escalating conflicts, prioritizing actions that support peace and security in the region.

The MoU establishes a framework for increased collaboration on military matters, allowing Saudi Arabia and Iraq to address shared security challenges more effectively and pursue mutual goals in defense, SPA added. 


Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy
Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom Chang Hua in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest, particularly those related to Islamic work and promoting moderation and peaceful coexistence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Iran to the Kingdom Alireza Enayati in Riyadh on Monday. They discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.