Saudi delegation meets UK’s National Audit Office to boost cooperation, expertise

Saudi delegation meets UK’s National Audit Office to boost cooperation, expertise
A delegation from Saudi Arabia’s General Auditing Bureau in London. (SPA)
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Updated 14 September 2024
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Saudi delegation meets UK’s National Audit Office to boost cooperation, expertise

Saudi delegation meets UK’s National Audit Office to boost cooperation, expertise
  • Talks focused on enhancing quality and efficiency through the value-for-money methodology

LONDON: A delegation from Saudi Arabia’s General Auditing Bureau met with officials from the UK’s National Audit Office in London to discuss strengthening cooperation and exchange expertise in the field of public sector auditing, Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
During the meeting, both parties explored opportunities for collaboration on performance reviews, financial statement analysis, technical capabilities, and risk management frameworks, SPA added.
They also focused on enhancing quality and efficiency through the value-for-money methodology, from the planning stage to measuring impact.
This comes as Saudi Arabia shifts from cash-based to accrual-based accounting in its public sector.
The delegation also held discussions with Gareth Davies, the UK’s comptroller and auditor general.
He emphasized the importance of the meeting in fostering closer ties between the two bodies.
Davies highlighted the significance of exchanging knowledge and expertise in areas such as accounting, auditing, and professional oversight, and noted that these efforts would contribute to improving the performance and efficiency of both institutions.
 


Students plant 1,600 trees in Saudi royal reserve 

Students plant 1,600 trees in Saudi royal reserve 
Updated 7 sec ago
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Students plant 1,600 trees in Saudi royal reserve 

Students plant 1,600 trees in Saudi royal reserve 

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has completed the second phase of a school-based initiative aimed at raising environmental awareness and encouraging community involvement, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

In the second phase of the initiative, it expanded its reach to 1,300 students across all grades — up from the 500 students involved in the first phase — and included five school complexes where students planted 1,600 native trees and seedlings.

The initiative aligns with the authority’s broader goals of increasing vegetation cover, educating young people, and promoting sustainable practices, in line with the 2030 strategic targets for royal reserves and the Saudi Green Initiative.

It includes interactive projects and volunteer opportunities for students and is designed to inspire young people to become environmental stewards. 

The participants’ volunteer hours are recorded on the National Volunteer Portal affiliated with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

By caring for these plants, students will develop a deeper connection with their environment, the SPA reported.


Saudi foreign minister in Jordan for meeting on Gaza

Saudi foreign minister in Jordan for meeting on Gaza
Updated 57 min 27 sec ago
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Saudi foreign minister in Jordan for meeting on Gaza

Saudi foreign minister in Jordan for meeting on Gaza

DUBAI: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Wednesday the dangerous situation in Gaza requires all parties to double their efforts to deal with the latest developments. 

Prince Faisal made the remarks as he attended an Arab-Islamic ministerial committee meeting in Jordan focused on halting the conflict in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Jordan's foreign minister said Israel is pushing the whole Middle East to the brink of regional conflict by maintaining a dangerous escalation on several fronts. 

Ayman Safadi said following the meeting that peace would not prevail without a two-state solution. 

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi meets with foreign ministers and officials at a coordination meeting of the contact group of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in Amman, Jordan September 18, 2024. (Reuters)

The Islamic and Arab committee, established to coordinate a global response, will consider action during the upcoming high-level meetings of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, according to the Jordan News Agency (Petra).

It includes representatives from Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye, Indonesia, Nigeria and Bahrain, as well as the secretary-generals of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.


KSrelief continues pediatric hematology, oncology program in Yemen

KSrelief continues pediatric hematology, oncology program in Yemen
Updated 18 September 2024
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KSrelief continues pediatric hematology, oncology program in Yemen

KSrelief continues pediatric hematology, oncology program in Yemen

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief continues to provide pediatric hematology and oncology services in the Mukalla area of Hadhramaut, Yemen, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The program, which began on Sept. 14 and runs until Sept. 21, is led by five specialists. They have already examined 21 children with cancerous tumors.

The program is a part of KSrelief’s volunteer specialist medical services for needy people across the world.


Authorities warn of thunderstorms, hail across Saudi Arabia until Sunday

Authorities warn of thunderstorms, hail across Saudi Arabia until Sunday
Updated 18 September 2024
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Authorities warn of thunderstorms, hail across Saudi Arabia until Sunday

Authorities warn of thunderstorms, hail across Saudi Arabia until Sunday
  • The Makkah region is expected to receive heavy rain that may lead to torrential downpours, hail, and strong winds

RIYADH: The Saudi Civil Defense warned of thunderstorms across the Kingdom until Sunday as the country experiences cooler autumn weather.

The authorities urged people to avoid areas susceptible to flooding, not to swim in open water, and to follow instructions issued through social media channels.

The Makkah region is expected to receive heavy rain that may lead to torrential downpours, hail, and strong winds.

moderate-to-heavy rain expected to affect the Baha, Asir, and Jazan regions, while Najran and Madinah regions might see drizzle to moderate rain.

September 1st signaled the official start of autumn in Saudi Arabia.

The season is usually rainy, with rapid fluctuations in weather patterns, providing much-needed respite from the heat, according to the  National Center for Meteorology.

Temperatures are anticipated to remain elevated until the middle of the month, with significant fluctuations expected in temperature.


Saudi crown prince to deliver annual royal address at Shoura Council on Wednesday

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 17 September 2024
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Saudi crown prince to deliver annual royal address at Shoura Council on Wednesday

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
  • The crown prince will deliver the address on behalf of King Salman
  • Address will cover the Kingdom’s domestic and foreign policies and its positions on international issues

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will deliver an annual royal address to inaugurate the first year of the ninth session of the Shoura Council on Wednesday.

The crown prince will deliver the address on behalf of King Salman and it will cover the Kingdom’s domestic and foreign policies and its positions on regional and international issues, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

Shoura Council Speaker Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh said the council is guided by the contents of the royal address every year in its work, discussions, and decisions.