Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen hands over Aden hospital project

The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen hands over the Aden General Hospital project to the operating company. (SPA)
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The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen hands over the Aden General Hospital project to the operating company. (SPA)
The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen hands over the Aden General Hospital project to the operating company. (SPA)
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The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen hands over the Aden General Hospital project to the operating company. (SPA)
The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen hands over the Aden General Hospital project to the operating company. (SPA)
3 / 3
The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen hands over the Aden General Hospital project to the operating company. (SPA)
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Updated 16 October 2022
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Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen hands over Aden hospital project

Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen hands over Aden hospital project

RIYADH: The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen handed over the Aden General Hospital project in the governorate to the project’s operating company, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

In continuation of the hospital’s procedures, the contract for its operation and management was signed in mid-August, in the presence of the director of the SDRPY’s office in Aden, Ahmed Madkhali, Director of the General Administration of Medical Projects for Al-Saad Group for Investment and Development Khaled Al-Dabash, and the Director of the Facilities Portfolio in the program, Mushabab Al-Qahtani.

Madkhali said the operating company for Aden General Hospital is Al-Saad Group for Investment and Development, and it is also the operator of Al-Salam Saudi Hospital in Saada, and the Saudi Hospital in Hajjah.

Madkhali added that from the first moment after signing a contract to operate and manage Aden General Hospital, the company operating the project set out to start preparing, in cooperation and coordination with the competent authorities, in addition to contracting with the local teams to operate the hospital.

The two hospitals are among the largest projects established and operated by the Kingdom with medical teams that provide the best treatment and medical services, which helped facilitate the procedures for operating and managing Aden General Hospital, he said, adding that in the coming period, Yemeni citizens in various governorates will benefit from it.

Al-Dabash said that Aden General Hospital was equipped with the latest medical devices, including CT scans, magnetic and ultrasound scans, and cardiac catheterization, and hoped that the hospital would become a medical icon to be added to the chain of Saudi development support in Yemen, through SDRPY.

Al-Qahtani said the project contains 14 specific clinics, in addition to a heart center, eye, pediatric, dermatology, dental, ear and nose, larynx, orthopedic, internal medicine, reproductive health, and endoscopy and physiotherapy clinics.

Dr. Khaled Mousa, a consultant cardiologist, said: "Aden General Hospital was established as a gift from the Kingdom to the Yemeni people, and was funded by the Saudi Fund for Development, and it works to follow up its work, operate and manage the Saudi Program for Development and Reconstruction of Yemen, and it will provide a high-level service to Yemenis, especially since the hospital operating group is a pioneer in the field of medical work.”


Saudi authorities arrest man for allegedly selling drugs

Saudi authorities arrest man for allegedly selling drugs
Updated 44 min 35 sec ago
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Saudi authorities arrest man for allegedly selling drugs

Saudi authorities arrest man for allegedly selling drugs

RIYADH: The General Directorate of Narcotics Control recently arrested a Saudi citizen in the Hail region for allegedly selling amphetamines, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The man’s case has now been referred to the Public Prosecution.

Officials urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities related to drug smuggling or promotion in the Kingdom.


50 tourism ministers, 500 guests welcomed to Diriyah for World Tourism Day

50 tourism ministers, 500 guests welcomed to Diriyah for World Tourism Day
Updated 44 min 2 sec ago
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50 tourism ministers, 500 guests welcomed to Diriyah for World Tourism Day

50 tourism ministers, 500 guests welcomed to Diriyah for World Tourism Day
  • Among the guests at the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site were 50 tourism ministers from around the world

RIYADH: More than 500 officials, tourism leaders and experts from 120 countries attended a gala event in Diriyah in the Saudi capital this week to mark World Tourism Day.

Among the guests at the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site were 50 tourism ministers who had been in the Kingdom for a series of conferences, UN World Tourism Organization initiatives and private-sector sessions hosted by Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi minister of tourism.

Zurab Pololikashivli, the UNWTO secretary-general, was honored at the event for his leadership and contribution to the sessions and activities that took place throughout World Tourism Day.

“Since its historic grand opening in December 2022, Diriyah has already welcomed one million visitors,” Al-Khateeb said.

“Fast emerging as one of the world’s foremost tourism destinations, Saudi Arabia will target 100 million visits annually by 2030 as it looks to accelerate an $800 billion plan to become a travel hotspot and one of the world’s most visited countries.

“Saudi Arabia is already the most visited country in the region, and by the end of the decade, the sector will contribute more than 10 percent toward the Kingdom’s GDP,” he said.

Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Company, said it was fitting that Diriyah was chosen to host the gala event.

“As Diriyah Company oversees the opening of the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the world, it embodies a vibrant reconnection with the Kingdom’s rich history, where a nation was born,” he said.

“Diriyah serves as a bridge between cultures and generations, rekindling its role as one of the world’s greatest gathering places and emerging as a premier cultural tourist destination.

“World Tourism Day reflects a worldwide commitment to preserving heritage, nurturing cultural exchange and crafting unforgettable experiences for visitors from across the globe. At Diriyah, we are dedicated to bringing these pillars of tourism to life every day,” he said.


Saudia unveils new logo, brand identity at event in Jeddah

Saudia unveils new logo, brand identity at event in Jeddah
Updated 48 min 24 sec ago
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Saudia unveils new logo, brand identity at event in Jeddah

Saudia unveils new logo, brand identity at event in Jeddah
  • Also introduced developments in guest services system and incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) into its operational processes
  • Announced refreshed cabin crew uniforms

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabian Airlines – Saudia – unveiled its new brand identity and livery during an event in Jeddah on Saturday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

According to a statement from the airline, the new identity reflects its commitment to modernization and includes colors that hold deep symbolism in the Saudi identity.

Saudia also introduced developments in its guest services system and incorporated artificial intelligence into its operational processes, SPA said.

The official presentation of Saudia’s new identity took place at the airlines’ headquarters and was attended by dignitaries, government and private-sector officials, as well as experts from the aviation and air transport industry.

The date of the launch, Sept. 30, was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the late King Abdulaziz’s first flight aboard a “Saudi Arabian” DC-3 aircraft from Afif to Taif.

The colors of the new logo were also chosen for their links to the Kingdom.

“Green for pride and honor of the national flag, as well as the generosity, culture, and hospitality of Saudi Arabia represented by the palm tree; blue symbolizes the Kingdom’s seas and skies, drawing inspiration from them for future groundbreaking initiatives; and lastly, sandy brown signifies the richness and authenticity of the homeland, highlighting its deep-rooted heritage,” the airline statement said.

Director General of Saudia Group Ibrahim bin Abdulrahman Al-Omar said that the airline was embarking on a new era.

He highlighted the humble beginnings of the airline with a single aircraft and its subsequent growth to a fleet of more than 140 planes, connecting regions within the Kingdom and serving more than 100 destinations across four continents.


Saudi Arabia takes bold steps to safeguard architectural heritage

Saudi Arabia takes bold steps to safeguard architectural heritage
Updated 30 September 2023
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Saudi Arabia takes bold steps to safeguard architectural heritage

Saudi Arabia takes bold steps to safeguard architectural heritage
  • The Saudi Heritage Commission has initiated process to register 50,000 sites into the Architectural Heritage Register
  • Experts say each region of the kingdom possesses its own distinct architectural heritage, setting it apart from others

MAKKAH: The preservation of cultural heritage is of the utmost importance in the Kingdom, and the Saudi Heritage Commission is taking significant steps to protect and promote the country’s architectural treasures.

With the recent nomination of 50,000 urban heritage assets for registration, these sites will be added to the Architectural Heritage Register, joining the already registered 3,400 sites.

This collaborative effort, in accordance with the antiquities and urban heritage system, aims to utilize modern technologies to register, categorize, and encode these assets. This initiative not only preserves architectural heritage but also fosters community involvement and paves the way for future development plans.

Salma Hawsawi, a professor of ancient history at King Saud University, said that the Saudi Heritage Commission is currently implementing projects aimed at preserving architectural heritage.

One of these projects is focused on registering urban sites found in all 13 administrative regions of the Kingdom in the Architectural Heritage Register.

Hawsawi said: “This endeavor involves active participation from local communities and encompasses a wide range of structures, including villages, neighborhoods, towers, fortresses, ancient temples, castles, walls, and mosques. These sites possess a rich historical and cultural significance, reflecting the unique aesthetic value created by humanity since ancient times.

Salma Hawsawi, a professor of ancient history at King Saud University. (Supplied)

“Each region of the Kingdom possesses its own distinct architectural heritage, setting it apart from others. This diversity can be attributed to the varied terrains found throughout the country, which influenced the choice of construction materials. The embellishments adorning the facades, doors, and windows of buildings were inspired by the local environment.

“The coastal communities, for instance, incorporated gypsum and wood into their architecture and decorations. Mountain communities, known for their physical strength, utilized their abilities to carve houses and graves into the mountains. Numerous pieces of evidence support this notion, as caves scattered across the Kingdom are adorned with drawings and inscriptions that depict the rich history of these communities.”

He added: “Due to the significance of architectural heritage and its close connection to culture, heritage, and identity, the Saudi Heritage Commission initiated a project with the objective of gradually registering 50,000 sites into the Architectural Heritage Register.

“The process consists of several stages. First, an extensive search and discovery of sites takes place. This is followed by the nomination phase, where all relevant information about the sites is collected.

"The third stage involves the registration of the sites, during which the data is carefully examined and validated. Subsequently, the fourth stage focuses on classifying the sites according to the standards set by the commission. Finally, in the fifth and final stage, a code is assigned to each site and plaques are installed to validate their authenticity and historical significance.”

Hawsawi highlighted the project’s aim of preserving cultural heritage and having it listed in the national register as a step toward potential inclusion in UNESCO's World Heritage List.

He added: “This registration holds political, economic, and social dimensions, as it strengthens international relations, diversifies the national economy, reduces unemployment, and enhances the overall standard of living.”


Saudi-funded energy transmission network launched in Seychelles

Saudi-funded energy transmission network launched in Seychelles
Updated 30 September 2023
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Saudi-funded energy transmission network launched in Seychelles

Saudi-funded energy transmission network launched in Seychelles

Saudi Fund for Development CEO Sultan Al-Marshad participated in the opening of the 33 KV Transmission Network of South Mahe Island Project in the Seychelles, in the presence of the country’s President Wavel Ramkalawan and Vice President Ahmed Afif, on Saturday.

The Saudi fund contributed a development loan worth $20 million, which aims to improve the electricity transmission network in the south of the island to ensure the quality of electrical energy, to enhance social infrastructure activities such as education and health, and to stimulate economic and commercial development.

In a post on X, Al-Marshad wrote that the project will bring “reliable and affordable electricity to thousands of households, while boosting the economy and creating jobs.” He added: “We wish the nation of Seychelles a prosperous future.”