Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech
In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is also introducing new e-services in accordance with international standards. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 33 sec ago
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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 8 sec ago
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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 12 min 4 sec ago
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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 22 min 18 sec ago
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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.


34th Saudi Build Exhibition opens in Riyadh

34th Saudi Build Exhibition opens in Riyadh
Updated 04 November 2024
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34th Saudi Build Exhibition opens in Riyadh

34th Saudi Build Exhibition opens in Riyadh
  • Event features more than 600 exhibitors from 31 countries
  • Show provides ‘insights into the future of the industry,’ exhibitor says

RIYADH: More than 600 companies from 31 countries are taking part in this year’s Saudi Build Exhibition, which opened on Monday in the Saudi capital.

The largest platform for the construction industry in the region, the event runs until Thursday at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. It was officially opened by Deputy Minister of Municipalities and Housing Ehab Ghazi Al-Hashani, who visited several of exhibitors to see for himself some of the latest innovations in the sector.

Prince Saud bin Turki Al-Faisal, chairman of Riyadh Exhibitions Co. which organized the exhibition, thanked Al-Hashani for his support and said that this year’s show — its 34th edition — would contribute to the Kingdom’s ambitions to build a diverse and sustainable economy.

He also highlighted the latest techniques being used in the industry that align with the ministry’s strategy and wider objectives of Vision 2030.

The Saudi Build Exhibition was first held in 1981 and is now an annual event. It is the longest-running building and construction exhibition and summit in the region. This year’s show coincides with a high point in the Kingdom’s construction industry, including the development of major projects for Expo 2030.

Among the products and technologies on show are sustainable building materials, smart city solutions, energy-efficient building systems, the latest equipment and machinery, and water and waste management solutions.

Mohamed El-Toukhy of Al-Zamil Group, which is one of the exhibitors, told Arab News: “It is a big platform for us working in this sector and a good opportunity for networking as it provides a valuable platform for local and international companies to showcase their products and services, network with industry professionals and explore new business opportunities.

“It also offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the latest trends and innovations in the construction sector and gain insights into the future of the industry.”


Saudi interior minister launches digital transformation project to boost Kingdom’s security capabilities

Saudi interior minister launches digital transformation project to boost Kingdom’s security capabilities
Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi interior minister launches digital transformation project to boost Kingdom’s security capabilities

Saudi interior minister launches digital transformation project to boost Kingdom’s security capabilities
  • Prince Abdulaziz visited the Special Forces Command for Security and Protection in Riyadh to oversee the progress of operations

RIYADH: A new digital transformation project aimed at advancing the Kingdom’s security capabilities was inaugurated on Monday by Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz.

Prince Abdulaziz visited the Special Forces Command for Security and Protection in Riyadh to oversee the progress of operations and launch the new initiative.

Commander of the Special Forces for Security and Protection Marine Maj. Gen. Mansour bin Nasser Al-Fayez presented an overview of the project, which involves the development of 12 administrative systems designed to streamline processes and improve operational efficiency, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Command and control centers will be enhanced with artificial intelligence technologies to support strategic operations, SPA added.

Prince Abdulaziz was also briefed on the deployment of “smart patrols,” which are outfitted with the latest tracking and monitoring equipment, security documentation tools, and drones to enhance field operations.

These high-tech patrols aim to bolster the forces’ ability to respond rapidly and efficiently to various security needs.

Prince Abdulaziz was joined on the visit by several officials including his deputy Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Daoud and Maj. Gen. Shaya bin Salem Al-Wadani, director-general of the Saudi Border Guards.