Day: August 18, 2024

Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail began an official visit to the United States today, which will continue until August 22. During his visit, Minister Al-Hogail is scheduled to meet with key U.S. government officials, major construction and real estate development companies, and financing agencies. The primary focus of these discussions will be enhancing partnerships between Saudi Arabia and the United States in urban development, construction, building, financing, and real estate sectors. In addition to high-level meetings, the minister will oversee the signing of multiple agreements related to various real estate sectors. The visit aims to attract leading American companies to the Saudi market, particularly in real estate development, financing, supply chains, modern construction technologies, and urban infrastructure. Furthermore, the minister will explore and evaluate successful American projects in urban development, discussing potential opportunities to implement simil ar initiatives within the Kingdom. As part of his visit, Minister Al-Hogail will also inaugurate a housing exhibition at the Saudi Cultural Attaché's headquarters in Virginia. This exhibition is designed to provide Saudi citizens residing in the U.S. with information on the housing and financing options available through the Sakani Program as part of its integrated housing projects. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji received Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Chang Hua, today. During the meeting, they reviewed relations and discussed ways to enhance and develop them to serve the aspirations of the two friendly countries. They also discussed topics of common interest. Source: Saudi Press Agency

A delegation from the Transport General Authority (TGA) recently met with several Chinese companies specializing in modern mobility technologies, self-driving vehicles, and the bus industry in the People's Republic of China. The purpose of the visit was to explore potential cooperation and collaboration opportunities between the two countries in the realm of advanced transport technologies. The delegation also aimed to exchange experiences and insights to promote modern, environmentally sustainable transportation methods and enhance the utilization of self-driving vehicles in the Kingdom, aligning with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS). During the visit, the delegation met with representatives from Yutong, a company specializing in the manufacture of buses and other vehicles, and toured the headquarters of WeRide, a leading innovator in self-driving systems for passenger and goods transport. Additionally, the delegation gained valuable insights into the Autonomous Rail R apid Transit (ART) system developed by Norinco-a semi-self-driving electric transport system combining the efficiency of a tram with the flexibility of a bus, with a capacity of over 300 passengers per vehicle. The visit also provided an opportunity for the delegation to examine various transport systems, their operational locations, manufacturing processes, technical specifications, and operational mechanisms. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Under the patronage of Commander of the Joint Forces Lieutenant General Mutlaq bin Salem Al-Azima the Civil-Military Operations Department of the Joint Forces launched a training course today in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The course, held at the Southern Region Command headquarters in Khamis Mushait and at the Jazan Force, focuses on "Protecting Health Care from Violence" and is scheduled to run for two days. The training is designed to enhance capacity in safeguarding health care services from violence, covering key topics such as the distinctions between international humanitarian law and international human rights law, strategies for protecting health care from violence, and the guidelines provided to the armed forces on this matter. The course also includes contributions from the ICRC on protection activities. During the event, Commander of the Southern Region Major General Mohammed bin Ali Al-Omari highlighted the significance of these courses, emphasizing their profound impact. Furthermore, Director of Civil-Military Operations for the Joint Forces Major General Pilot Abdullah bin Dakhil Al-Hababi reaffirmed the Arab Coalition Forces' commitment to supporting legitimacy in Yemen and strengthening cooperation with the ICRC to ensure the protection of civilians in conflict zones. Source: Saudi Press Agency

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has announced a $135 million financing package for the Upper Atbara Dam Complex project in eastern Sudan. This significant investment aims to bolster the region's water and energy infrastructure. The Upper Atbara Dam Complex project is regarded as a groundbreaking initiative for sustainable water and energy resource management. It is designed to harness 3.6 billion cubic meters of water and generate 320 megawatts of renewable energy at the Rumaila power station. In addition to boosting renewable energy production, the project will provide clean water to eastern Sudan, benefiting the surrounding communities. According to the IsDB, the project sets a new benchmark for sustainable development in the region, focusing on enhancing economic growth through improved infrastructure for water and energy resources. The initiative also aims to expand access to renewable energy and clean water, contributing to long-term development and stability in eastern Sudan. Source: Saudi Pre ss Agency

The Royal Court announced today in a statement that Princess Moudhi bint Saud Al Kabeer Al Saud has passed away. The statement noted that funeral prayers for the deceased will be performed tomorrow, Monday, Safar 15, 1446, AH, corresponding to August 19, 2024 after the Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh. Source: Saudi Press Agency

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), through the Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Center Project in Yemen's Marib Governorate, provided various medical services in July to 521 individuals who had suffered the loss of limbs. Throughout the project, 1,672 services were delivered, with 67% being provided to males and 33% to females. Among the beneficiaries, 84% were displaced people, and 16% were residents. The services included fitting and rehabilitating prosthetic limbs, physical therapy, and specialized consultations. The assistance falls within the ongoing humanitarian projects and efforts provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by KSrelief, to enhance the health sector's capabilities and alleviate the Yemeni people's suffering. Source: Saudi Press Agency

The Diriyah Saudi Super Cup 2024 concluded on Saturday with Al Hilal's impressive victory over Al Nassr, drawing a sizable crowd of Saudi football fans. While Aseer served as the host for the tournament, it continues to offer sports enthusiasts captivating summer experiences. Football enthusiasts traveled from near and far to partake in a distinctive tourist venture as part of the Sayf Al Saudia program, which features a variety of cultural, entertainment, and tourist activities. Throughout the tournament, football aficionados were present in large numbers both inside and outside the stadium, as well as in fan zones and destinations such as Al-Muftaha, Mdmak, Plato, and Aryash. In addition to providing a diverse range of activities and events to visitors, Aseer caters to nature lovers with a wide array of distinctive options, allowing them to enjoy their summer holiday in one of the most beautiful summer spots, locally, regionally, and globally. During their visits, tourists can relish alluring destinat ions, immersing themselves in the tranquility of nature, including Al Habala Village, the Habu View, Clouds, Mountain Cottage, Cypress Cottage, and Honey Cottage. They can also explore several picturesque farms, such as the Vineyard and Liwan, along with the Sky Village and Alsamaa Eaqabat View. Aseer also stands as a haven for heritage enthusiasts, authentic culture admirers, and explorers. Visitors can delve into the rich cultural heritage of Aseer with a visit to the Rijal Heritage Village, a treasury of cultural narratives. Other options await those seeking to savor the summer in Aseer by exploring destinations steeped in cultural and historical significance. These include Al-Abo Sarrah Palaces, Al-Mushait Palaces, Al-Muftaha Village, Zabna Historic Village, and various museums such as Alraqdi Museum, Heritage Civilization Palace Museum (Al Maqar), and Al-Qatt Al-Aseeri Museum (Fatimah Museum). Aseer also offers a wealth of thrilling tourist activities and experiences that cater to individuals of all ages, entertaining families from both within and outside the region and the Kingdom. Popular activities like hiking and camping are prevalent in Aseer, and tourists can discover more details by visiting the "Visit Saudi" website to explore numerous special offers and packages across the province and throughout Saudi Arabia. Source: Saudi Press Agency

The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority recently hosted a field tour of the reserve for international experts and representatives from various national entities, including the National Center for Wildlife Development and NEOM. This tour was part of a workshop on initiatives and efforts to restore degraded ecosystems in the Kingdom, organized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). During the workshop, the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority, in collaboration with public, private, and non-profit sectors, showcased its endeavors to rehabilitate degraded lands to local and international experts. These efforts align with the environmental objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, the strategic targets for the Royal Reserves by 2030, and the outcomes of the Saudi Green and Middle East Green Initiatives. The environmental tour allowed visitors to witness the successful efforts of the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve. This included a site visit to Rawdat Al-Khafs, where one million seedlings were planted in collaboration with the National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification-serving as a successful model for ecosystem restoration efforts within the reserve's boundaries, in line with global best practices. These efforts have effectively improved ecosystem services and restored biodiversity. The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve is one of seven reserves established by a royal decree. It is a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is governed by an independent authority headed by a board of directors chaired by Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif. The reserve, located in Riyadh, covers an area of approximately 28,000 square kilometers. It includes Rawdat Al-Tanhat, Rawdat Al-Khafs, Rawdat Noura, Al-Dahna, Al-Suman, and the surrounding areas. Source: Saudi Press Agency

The Saudi Export-Import Bank (Saudi EXIM) has announced a significant surge in credit facilities provided during the first half of 2024. The bank extended SAR16.31 billion in financing and insurance, marking a 128% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth reflects the bank's commitment to supporting Saudi non-oil exports and expanding the Kingdom's global market reach. Since its inception in 2020, the bank has consistently expanded its operations. By the end of June 2024, export financing disbursements reached SAR7.03 billion, representing a 142% increase year-on-year. Meanwhile, export credit insurance coverage amounted to SAR9.28 billion, a 118% rise compared to the previous year. Saudi EXIM Bank CEO Eng. Saad Alkhalb attributed this growth to the government's support for economic diversification and sustainable development. He emphasized the increasing maturity of the Saudi export sector and the growing demand for the bank's services. Alkhalb highlighted the bank's role in buildi ng international trade relationships and achieving the goals of Vision 2030. He also stressed the importance of collaboration with government and private sectors to drive economic growth. Source: Saudi Press Agency