Day: August 9, 2024

The Communications, Space, and Technology Commission will organize the "International Forum on Non-Terrestrial Networks" in its second edition on November 25 and 26 in Riyadh, in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The forum will be under the patronage of the Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Chairman of the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission, Eng. Abdullah Amer Al-Swaha. The forum, themed, "Shaping an Integrated Future for Communication Systems," aims to keep pace with the rapid development in providing communication services, contribute to providing technological solutions to serve humanity and connect remote areas, enhance research and innovation in non-terrestrial network technologies, and promote the development of environmentally sustainable communication infrastructure. It also seeks to improve the regulations and applications of non-terrestrial networks in digital transformation. The forum will feature presentations on the res ults of leading technical experiments in the field of non-terrestrial networks and announce the winners of the second edition of the IEEE Competition on Non-Terrestrial Networks for 6G, organized by the commission in collaboration with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Additionally, the forum will discuss prominent services provided via non-terrestrial networks and their regulatory and scientific aspects through panel discussions and specialized presentations. The Communications, Space, and Technology Commission held the first edition of the forum in 2022 in collaboration with the ITU. Participants came from over 130 countries. The event featured various panel discussions, presentations, and enriching experiences in the field of non-terrestrial networks. The commission invites interested parties to register and find more information about the forum at the website: https://connectingfromtheskies.com. Source : Saudi Press Agency

The Speaker of the Arab Parliament, Adel bin Abdulrahman Al-Asoomi, stressed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia plays a pivotal role in the process of strengthening joint Arab action, in addition to its tireless efforts to enhance security and stability in the region. This comment was made in a statement issued by the Speaker of the Arab Parliament after the Speaker received Saudi Arabia's Permanent Representative to the Arab League, Ambassador Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Matar, on Thursday in Cairo. The Speaker of the Arab Parliament praised the noble positions of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, towards Arab issues, especially the Palestinian cause, and the appreciated efforts he is making to stop the brutal Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip. Al-Asoomi expressed his happiness at meeting His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and presenting His Highness with the Leader's Medal, the highest medal granted by the Arab Parliament to Arab leaders. The medal is presented in appreciation and gratitude from the Arab people for their pioneering positions in defending Arab issues and strengthening joint Arab action. For his part, Ambassador Al-Matar affirmed the Kingdom's support for the Arab Parliament, noting its role in supporting and strengthening Arab parliamentary diplomacy to contribute to resolving Arab issues. Source : Saudi Press Agency

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has sent a cable of condolences and sympathy to President of the Transitional Sovereign Council of the Republic of the Sudan First Lieutenant General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan Abdelrahman Al-Burhan on the death of his sister Amnah. Source : Saudi Press Agency

Majed Al-Zahrani, a visionary artist from Al-Baha, has breathed new life into discarded metal, transforming it into captivating sculptures and paintings. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for creativity, Al-Zahrani has carved a unique niche for himself in the world of art. Using nothing more than simple tools, the young artist has crafted intricate metal sculptures that defy their humble origins. Al-Zahrani's creations, from towering trees to delicate deer, are a testament to his skill and imagination. Al-Zahrani explained to a Saudi Press Agency reporter that his artistic journey began in 2013 when he started experimenting with scrap metal. Over the years, he has developed a mobile workshop equipped with tools he has designed and built himself. His commitment to recycling and sustainability is evident in his choice of materials, as he repurposes construction waste to create stunning works of art. The artist said that he hopes to inspire young people to explore their creativity and contribute to environmental conservation through recycling. By transforming discarded metal into valuable art pieces, Al-Zahrani has not only found personal fulfilment but also demonstrated the potential of upcycling as a viable economic and artistic pursuit. Source : Saudi Press Agency

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has sent a cable of congratulations to President of the Republic of Singapore Tharman Shanmugaratnam on the country's National Day. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques wished Shanmugaratnam continued good health and happiness and the government and people of Singapore steady progress and prosperity. Source : Saudi Press Agency

Over 3.5 million kilograms, equivalent to 3,500 tons, of dates arrived at the Buraidah Dates Carnival during its inaugural week. The event also welcomed over 6,940 vehicles carrying the dates and over one million three-kilogram date packages. Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee of the Buraidah Dates Carnival Dr. Khaled Al-Naqeedan confirmed that the carnival has successfully showcased the exceptional quality and innovative marketing of Qassim dates, expanding their reach across the Kingdom and the Gulf region. He said that the organizing committees are fully prepared to handle the anticipated surge in commercial activity in the coming days. The carnival offers a wide variety of high-quality dates, with Sukkari dates proving particularly popular among shoppers. Source : Saudi Press Agency

- Imam and Khatib of the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Dr. Salah Al-Budair delivered the Friday sermon today at King Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan. An estimated 200,000 worshippers were in attendance. Sheikh Al-Budair emphasized the paramount importance of unity among Muslims, urging congregants to avoid division and discord. He highlighted the fraternal bond shared by Muslims through their faith and encouraged cooperation in righteousness and piety. Sheikh Al-Budair issued a stern warning against those who promote misguidance, corruption, atheism, and division. He stressed the imperative of wisdom, moderation, and balance in addressing the Muslim community's challenges. He said mercy is a noble quality and an essential act of worship. He exhorted worshippers to refrain from harming others, emphasizing that this is a fundamental Islamic virtue. He declared that protecting human life is an essential obligation of Islam and a matter of grave importance. Source : Saudi Press Ag ency

A majestic olive tree in the northern Tunisian town of Echraf in El Haouaria holds the title of Africa's oldest olive tree. The tree, believed to date back to the Phoenician era, covers an impressive 220 square meters and stands ten meters tall. Its roots delve 21 meters underground, and its branches spread an astonishing 12 meters. The Tunisian Olive Institute has officially recognized the Echraf olive tree as the continent's oldest, surpassing the 900-year-old Akkarit olive tree in southern Tunisia. Despite its age, the tree continues to produce olives, though in declining quantities due to drought and climate change. Residents say the Echraf tree's olive oil has a unique almond-like flavor. However, production has plummeted from around 600 kilograms of oil 15 years ago to just 250 kilograms last year. In some years, the tree yields no olives at all. Source : Saudi Press Agency

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continued the implementation of the project to enhance healthcare services for Syrian refugees and the host community in Bebnine town in Akkar Governorate, Lebanon. In July, the Akkar-Bebnine healthcare center provided 5,817 services to 2,396 patients across various departments, including the clinic, pharmacy, laboratory, nursing services, and community and psychological health program. The host community accounted for 42% of the patients last month, with refugees making up the remaining 58%. Most patients were females, comprising 60% of patients in July, while males comprised 40%. The initiative stems from the Kingdom's commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Syrian individuals in need, including refugees, through KSrelief in all areas. These efforts aim to alleviate the Syrian people's suffering amid the humanitarian crisis they are experiencing. Source : Saudi Press Agency

The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has introduced a comprehensive range of transportation services designed to assist older and disabled pilgrims at the Grand Mosque of Makkah. The authority has implemented a free wheelchair service available 24 hours a day in designated areas of the Grand Mosque. To further enhance mobility, the authority operates a fleet of 5,000 golf carts to transport pilgrims. These vehicles are available in the Grand Mosque's Mas'a, Mataf, and roof areas and can be accessed through the "Tanaqol" application. A new service offering 50 specialized golf carts for older people and people with disabilities has been introduced on the Mataf roof. The authority has also implemented stringent quality control measures to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. These initiatives are part of the authority's ongoing efforts to provide a seamless pilgrimage experience for all visitors. Source : Saudi Press Agency