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RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani at the Doha Forum on Saturday.
During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them in various fields, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
They also discussed regional and international issues.
RIYADH: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization issued a report on Saturday that highlighted Saudi Arabia’s progress in the field of artificial intelligence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The report, part of UNESCO’s initiative to measure AI readiness through its Readiness Assessment Methodology, commended the Kingdom’s achievements as “a global benchmark for the ethical and innovative adoption of advanced technologies,” according to the SPA.
The UNESCO report evaluated Saudi Arabia’s AI readiness in six key areas: national governance; legislation and regulations; societal and cultural; research and education; economic impact; and technical infrastructure. It concluded that the Kingdom had the capacity to adopt AI ethically and responsibly while achieving sustainable outcomes.
The report highlighted the establishment of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority in 2019 and the launch of the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence in 2020 as key steps in Saudi Arabia’s AI journey, and praised the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering a robust regulatory environment, promoting innovation while managing risks, enhancing education and workforce capabilities, and empowering women in AI-related fields, the SPA added.
UNESCO’s assistant director-general for social and human sciences, Gabriela Ramos, acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s efforts to lay strong foundations for AI governance and expressed confidence in the Kingdom’s ability to achieve sustainable, equitable outcomes through the technology.
The Kingdom ranked first globally in the Government Strategy for Artificial Intelligence category of the Global Artificial Intelligence Index 2024, second globally in public awareness of AI per the Artificial Intelligence Index 2023, and first regionally in overall AI performance.
Infrastructure development has been another area of strength. The Kingdom increased the capacity of its data centers to 204 megawatts in 2023, and launched the cutting-edge supercomputer Shaheen 3, and advanced digital communication through platforms including the Saudi Private Integration Network Exchange.
The report also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strides in innovation and scientific research — noting that AI-related research publications more than doubled from 4,100 to 10,500 between 2019 and 2023 — as well as the establishment of institutions including the SDAIA-KAUST AI Center.
RIYADH: Noor Riyadh 2024 concluded on Saturday after 17 days filled with creativity, art, and culture.
The festival, held under the theme “Light Years Apart,” featured artworks from more than 60 Saudi and international artists across three hubs: King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Wadi Hanifa, and JAX District.
Each piece was inspired by the history and culture of the Kingdom, weaving together tradition and creativity. The artworks explored the bond between humans and the environment, and emphasized the importance of preserving natural resources.
Fahd Alnuaimah’s light installation “Mangiah” depicted a caravan of white camels and masterfully brought to life the spirit of the desert. Saeed Gamhawi, meanwhile, created a sculpture symbolizing the unification of the Kingdom, composed of 21 lit columns, which became a striking icon of this year’s event.
“Energy of Vision” was an interactive installation created by Hmoud Al-Attawi that embodied the Kingdom’s vision for a bright and prosperous future, glowing brighter when sensors detect a presence nearby. The artwork depicts how “how human contributions are vital to growth and progress,” according to the artist’s statement.
Dr. Effat Fadag, curator of Noor Riyadh 2024, told Arab News that the festival is a valuable opportunity to foster artistic collaboration and knowledge exchange between creators from the Kingdom and around the world.
“This exchange significantly supports local artists and plays a pivotal role in the growth of Riyadh’s art scene, solidifying the city’s position as a global hub for contemporary art,” she said.
One of the key goals of the festival is to enhance the quality of life in the capital by providing an inspiring platform that brings together families, artists, and creatives, encouraging them to embark on a journey of artistic discovery, and “transforming Riyadh into a vibrant cultural destination teeming with creativity,” Fadag added.
Festival director Nouf Al-Moneef noted that Nour Riyadh underscores Saudi Arabia’s position as a cultural and creative hub in the region.
“(The) festival captivated global attention with its extraordinary art installations, while shining a spotlight on the vital importance of safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural heritage,” she said. “Noor Riyadh 2024 was a resounding success, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s ability to host world-class events.”
RIYADH: Saudi female falconers expressed their joy at participating in the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, organized by the Saudi Falconry Club.
The festival, held at the club’s headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, runs until Dec. 19 and features prizes exceeding SR36 million ($9.6 million) for both the Al-Mellwah racing and Mazayen (falcon beauty pageant) competitions.
Participants expressed their gratitude to the club for dedicating a special round to women, saying that this step is significant as it allows them to pursue their hobby professionally under strict regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported
Huda Al-Mutairi, a falconer, said she has previously taken part in falconry competitions and won first place, noting that she is the first Saudi falconer with a disability.
Al-Mutairi added that she has prepared well to compete for first place in this festival.
The festival is a three-time Guinness World Record holder for hosting the world’s largest gathering of falcons, SPA reported.
It brings together top falconers from around the world to celebrate the cultural heritage of falconry, encourage competition, and ensure its sustainability for future generations.
The club’s CEO, Talal Al-Shamaisi, said the festival’s primary aim was “to advance falconry as a cultural hobby, while preserving and promoting this Arab tradition.”
Riyadh: Saudi authorities arrested 18,489 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
According to an official report, a total of 11,358 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,994 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,479 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,303 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 60 percent were Ethiopian, 38 percent Yemeni, and 2 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 173 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 25 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continues with its work in various countries, delivering support and services to needy individuals ranging from prosthetics to winter clothing.
In Syria’s northern city of Aleppo, the Saudi aid agency distributed food and hygiene kits to 797 families in earthquake-hit areas, benefiting 4,782 individuals.
In Afghanistan, 100 shelter kits were handed out by KSrelief on Friday in the Yakawlang District of Afghanistan’s Bamyan Province. The kits, benefiting 600 people, are part of this year’s shelter project for those returning from Pakistan and those affected by floods.
KSrelief also provided prosthetic limbs to nine Ukrainian refugees in Rzeszow, Poland, as part of a medical mission this week.
In Yemen’s Hadhramaut, KSrelief launched a vocational training program with a Yemeni civil-society organization to train 200 young men and women.
The program will train displaced people and host community members in eight vocational skills and help them find jobs.
In Lebanon, KSrelief distributed 1,009 winter clothing vouchers in the Beqaa Governorate and Zgharta District. The vouchers allow recipients to choose their own winter clothes from approved stores. The initiative has benefited 1,009 orphans, people with disabilities, Syrian refugees and members of the host community.
