Who’s Who: Ayman Al-Sayari, governor of the Saudi Central Bank

Ayman Al-Sayari
Ayman Al-Sayari
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Updated 06 February 2023
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Who’s Who: Ayman Al-Sayari, governor of the Saudi Central Bank

Ayman Al-Sayari

Ayman Al-Sayari was recently appointed governor of the Saudi Central Bank with the rank of minister, following a royal decree.

He expressed his gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the generous trust granted to him, and said he wished to serve the country in a way that contributed to the advancement of Vision 2030 and enhanced the Kingdom’s position in the global economy.

Al-Sayari joined the central bank in 1999 and was made deputy governor in 2019. During his tenure he has served as head of investment and research, and in his role as acting head of the Debt Management Office at the Ministry of Finance played a key role in formulating the Kingdom’s sovereign debt strategy.

He also sits on the board of the Saudi Fund for Development, which grants loans for investment projects in developing countries, the Public Pension Agency and the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones.

Al-Sayari began his professional career as a financial analyst for the Saudi Industrial Development Fund. In 2003, he began a three-year secondment from the central bank to the financial markets department at International Finance Corp., which is part of the World Bank Group.

Al-Sayari gained a master’s degree in finance from George Washington University in the U.S. and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran. He also completed a general management program at Harvard Business School and is a chartered financial analyst.

 


Sports minister attends competitions on day 14 of Saudi Games 2023

Sports minister attends competitions on day 14 of Saudi Games 2023
Updated 54 min 55 sec ago
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Sports minister attends competitions on day 14 of Saudi Games 2023

Sports minister attends competitions on day 14 of Saudi Games 2023

Riyadh: Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal attended day 14 of the second edition of the Saudi Games.

The prince toured tennis courts at Mahd Academy, watched the action in some of the competitions, and visited the Fan Zone where attractions include the Saudi Olympic Academy, and Guinness World Records Challenge Zone. He later witnessed beach volleyball and chess matches.

Prince Abdulaziz was accompanied by Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, the director of the Saudi Games, and Princess Delayel bint Nahar, the event’s deputy director.

Women’s jujitsu:

Alanoud Al-Dhefian bagged the gold medal in the women’s under-60 kg jujitsu competition staged at the King Saud University Arena in Riyadh. Silver was awarded to Lama Al-Madani, while Maram Mohamed and Noura Al-Dakhil received bronze.

In the over-60 kg weight category, Hajar Jalili clinched gold, Heba Edress silver, and Lina Qari bronze.

Men’s jujitsu:

Abdulmalik Al-Murdhi was awarded the gold medal in the under-66 kg weight class, with Faris Kashmeeri taking silver, and Imran Strauss and Khalid Al-Mekainzi bronze.

Mohammed bin Hareem claimed gold in the under-77 kg section, while silver went to Mohammed Huraymal, and bronze medals to Mohanad Aziz and Yusuf Al-Majid.

The over-88 kg division saw Sultan Kandil receive gold, Abdulmohsen Al-Mohaia silver, and Saud Ahmed and Faris Al-Majed bronze. In the under-88 kg category, Omar Nada was the gold-medal winner, Abdalrahman Abu Irmeileh took silver, and bronze was awarded to Khaled Al-Ghamdi and Osama Al-Sumari.

Abdulaziz Al-Masad, deputy minister of sport and youth affairs, and Joao Chantemerle, secretary-general of the Jujitsu International Federation, congratulated the winners.

Three finals in mixed martial arts:

The mixed martial arts competitions will on Thursday be held at the King Saud University Swimming Hall with three championship bouts taking center stage.

The first match will see Malik Basahel take on Abbes Hadded in the under-61.2 kg contest, with Ahmed Al-Mufarrij and Mohammed Moufrij competing in the under-70.3 kg division, and Mohammed Assoum up against Ahmed Albrahim in the under-83.9 kg category.

Men’s basketball finals — Al-Hilal vs Al-Nassr:

Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr will go head-to-head in the men’s basketball finals being held in the Green Hall of the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex.

Al-Hilal earned their spot in the final with an 81-51 semi-final win, while Al-Nassr secured their place with a narrow 75-73 victory. Before the championship match, the defeated semi-finalists Al-Ahli and Ohod will vie for bronze.

Women’s basketball finals — Jeddah United vs Al-Asima:

The women’s basketball tournament will reach its conclusion with a Green Hall championship showdown between Jeddah United, the defending champions, and Al-Asima.

Jeddah United secured their championship place by defeating Al-Ittihad 53-29 in the semis, while Al-Asima triumphed over Al-Hilal 58-41. Al-Hilal will tackle Al-Ittihad for bronze before the final takes place.

Mudhar men top handball standings:

In the men’s handball competitions, Mudhar currently leads Group A with six points following their 33-22 victory over Al-Qarah.

Meanwhile, Al-Zulfi maintained third place after narrowly defeating Al-Jeel 25-24. In Group B, Al-Khaleej continued to dominate with a 27-24 defeat of Al-Safa. Meanwhile, Al-Muheet secured a 47-19 win against Al-Njoom, placing them third.

In Group 4, Al-Hadawill go up against Al-Wehda, while in Group 3, Al-Ahli will face Al-Noor, and Al-Hazem will take on Al-Adalah.

Youth handball — Al-Noor advances to semi-finals:

The men’s Al-Noor handball team secured a spot in the semi-finals of the youth handball tournament after defeating Al-Wehda 33-27. In the same group, Al-Hada emerged victorious against Al-Hazem, winning 33-23.

Three other matches will see Al-Hilal versus Al-Ahli, Al-Qarah play Mudhar, and Al-Safa against Al-Khaleej.

Hail and Jeddah reach deaf futsal quarterfinals:

Hail Deaf Center and Jeddah Deaf Club secured their spots in the quarterfinals of the deaf futsal competition, which took place at Al-Nassr Club Hall. Hail Deaf Center beat Abha Deaf Center 8-0, while Jeddah Deaf Club defeated Al-Sharqiya Deaf Club 10-0.

Hail Deaf Center will now go head-to-head against Al-Riyadh Deaf Club, with Al-Sharqiya Deaf Club facing Bisha Deaf Center, and Makkah Deaf Center meeting Taif Deaf Center.

Khadijah to ignite Saudi Games 2023 Fan Zone:

The Saudi Games Fan Zone was on Thursday staging a musical extravaganza, featuring Saudi star Khadijah Muath, at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex.

Fan Zone visitors can take part in activities and challenges presented in collaboration with Guinness World Records, and there are designated areas for children’s activities, a DJ platform, and a food and beverage section.

Public admission is free, and tickets can be reserved online.


MWL chief meets French parliamentary delegation

MWL chief meets French parliamentary delegation
Updated 07 December 2023
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MWL chief meets French parliamentary delegation

MWL chief meets French parliamentary delegation
  • Al-Issa condemned on behalf of the MWL the murder that took place in France three days ago

Riyadh – Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Association of Muslim Scholars Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa met a French parliamentary delegation at the sub-headquarters of the MWL in Riyadh.

During the meeting, both parties discussed topics of common interest, including MWL initiatives to build bridges and enhance mutual respect between people of different national and religious backgrounds.

One such initiative is “Building Bridges of Understanding Between East and West,” launched by the league at UN headquarters, with the support and participation of international leaders.

Al-Issa condemned on behalf of the MWL the murder that took place in France three days ago, in which a French man pledging allegiance to Daesh killed a German tourist and wounded two others near the Eiffel Tower in Paris.


Mangrove park to be created in Jubail as part of ecology push

Mangrove park to be created in Jubail as part of ecology push
Updated 07 December 2023
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Mangrove park to be created in Jubail as part of ecology push

Mangrove park to be created in Jubail as part of ecology push
  • ‘This partnership is focused on preserving the Kingdom’s unique natural environment’

RIYADH: A mangrove park in Jubail is set to be created thanks to a new agreement signed by the Saudi Arabian Mining Co., also known as Ma’aden.

The firm inked a memorandum of understanding with the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu in a move that will support carbon sequestration and biodiversity preservation in Saudi Arabia.

The plan falls in line with the mining company’s commitment to plant 10 million terrestrial trees and 10 million mangroves by 2040, as part of its ambition to be carbon neutral by 2050.

It also aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative’s target to plant 100 million mangroves in Saudi Arabia by 2030, which will offset around 96 million tons of carbon emissions as well as help to stabilize the Kingdom’s coastline ecosystems.

“This partnership is focused on preserving the Kingdom’s unique natural environment,” CEO of Ma’aden Robert Wilt said.

“Mangroves provide one of the most effective natural carbon-capture ecosystems and our ability strategy provides a roadmap towards restoring and enhancing the biodiversity of our coastline, in line with Ma’aden’s vision for sustainable growth in Saudi Arabia,” he added.

Under the agreement, both parties will work hand in hand on research initiatives relating to mangrove planting and ecosystem health.

In addition to this, the two entities will work on developing local community programs which back ecosystem restoration as well as boost environmental awareness.

“Our partnership with Ma’aden will continue to preserve and expand mangrove ecosystems in Jubail, a key feature of our region’s natural environment,” CEO of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu Mahmood Al-Theeb explained.

“Together we will develop impactful initiatives that benefit the local community and contribute to the Kingdom’s sustainability objectives,” Al-Theeb added.

Recognizing mangroves as an essential barrier to protect biodiversity in the coastal areas and prevent erosion, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification is implementing an ambitious project to plant over 200 million mangrove trees, said the CEO of the government organization mandated to protect and restore green cover all over Saudi Arabia earlier this week.

Speaking to Arab News during the Saudi Green Initiative Forum held at Expo City on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai, Khaled bin Abdullah Al-Abdul Qadir said that mangroves were distributed widely in the Gulf region and also in the Red Sea areas of Saudi Arabia and that a massive effort was underway to not only preserve the existing mangroves, but also restore others.


Saudi foreign minister, UN chief discuss situation in Gaza

Saudi foreign minister, UN chief discuss situation in Gaza
Updated 07 December 2023
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Saudi foreign minister, UN chief discuss situation in Gaza

Saudi foreign minister, UN chief discuss situation in Gaza

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed on Wednesday the situation in Gaza  with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said.
Guterres called Prince Faisal and they discussed the importance of making more effort to reach an immediate ceasefire.
Israel is waging a ground and air offensive against Hamas in all parts of Gaza, resulting in mass civilian deaths and causing a humanitarian catastrophe.


Riyadh anticipates return of Diriyah Season

Riyadh anticipates return of Diriyah Season
Updated 06 December 2023
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Riyadh anticipates return of Diriyah Season

Riyadh anticipates return of Diriyah Season
  • Three-month cultural calendar is full of surprises that will take you through Kingdom’s culture and heritage

RIYADH: The 2023-2024 Diriyah Season is set to begin on Dec. 12 with a curated three-month calendar of events that combines arts and culture, and live performances and experiences that showcase nearly 600 years of history and heritage.

The season is off to a musically spectacular start with an exceptional lineup of cultural concerts. Tickets for the first cultural concept, featuring the Saudi music legends Rabeh Saqr and Ayed performing in Mayadeen theater, will go on sale on Dec. 10.

Diriyah Season cultural showcase includes immersive art installations and exhibitions, live and theatrical performances, and culinary experiences that celebrate both traditional and contemporary cuisine. (Diriyah Season)

This year’s theme honors Diriyah’s story and celebrates Al-Awja in a rallying call for all Saudis to unite and celebrate their shared culture and identity.

The season will be set in five distinct Diriyah locations: Wadi Safar, which will feature a Diriyah cultural basecamp; the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site At-Turaif; Bujairi Terrace; the Mayadeen theater; and Diriyah district.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Diriyah Season is set to begin on Dec. 12 and will conclude in March.

• The theater will also host a theatrical equestrian show and cultural concerts.

• For the first time, Bujairi Terrace will feature a themed escape room called ‘Journey to the Future.’

• For more information, check diriyah.sa/season.

The season “blends the old with the new and takes us on a journey of self-discovery as we reconnect with our authentic selves. This is not just entertainment; it’s entertainment with meaning,” said Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Authority.

“We want people from all over the world to see 300 years of our music, our food, our tents, our costuming, our storytelling, our poetry, our calligraphy,” Inzerillo said.

Diriyah Season cultural showcase includes immersive art installations and exhibitions, live and theatrical performances, and culinary experiences that celebrate both traditional and contemporary cuisine. (Diriyah Season)

The Diriyah E-Prix championship, immersive art installations and exhibitions, live and theatrical performances, plus culinary experiences that celebrate both traditional and contemporary cuisine, are also planned for the season.

The Culinary Arts Commission of the Ministry of Culture will present Shetana, an outdoor winter-evening Saudi culinary experience, every day for four weeks at the Mayadeen theater. There will be a theatrical equestrian show and cultural concerts at the theater as well.

Ahmad Alnuaisri, Diriyah Company assistant manager of media relations

Bujairi Terrace, the fine dining destination, will include an expanded return of Layali Diriyah, which sees one of Diriyah’s heritage farms transformed into an open-air illuminated wonderland, showcasing the best of local and international contemporary art, design, cuisine, dance, live music, poetry and theatrical performances.

For the first time, Bujairi Terrace will also feature a themed escape room called “Journey to the Future,” which will test players’ escape skills and explore the Kingdom’s historical narratives.

What is special about the Diriyah escape room is that it will carry a cultural aspect and requires reviewing your cultural and historical information to solve the puzzles at hand.

Ahmad Alnuaisri, Diriyah Company assistant manager of media relations

“The themed escape room is a unique experience. It is an activity that requires one to be a quick thinker, and quick at making decisions and solving puzzles,” said Ahmad Alnuaisri, assistant manager of media relations at Diriyah Company.

“What is special about the Diriyah escape room is that it will carry a cultural aspect and requires reviewing your cultural and historical information to solve the puzzles at hand,” he said.

Jerry Inzerillo, Diriyah Gate Development Authority CEO

This season’s events planned for the At-Turaif historic district include poetry pop-ups, workshops, a retrospective, an exhibition, Souq Al-Mawsim, and more.

The At-Turaif retrospective explores and embraces the values of At-Turaif’s continuing influence on the Kingdom while bringing Diriyah’s stories and memories together in a multimedia installation. The “Diriyah Doors” exhibition explores the significance and history of the vividly colored, intricately patterned and engraved doors in Diriyah and Najd.

We want people from all over the world to see 300 years of our music, our food, our tents, our costuming, our storytelling, our poetry, our calligraphy.

Jerry Inzerillo, Diriyah Gate Development Authority CEO

The season, which ends in March, is predicted to strengthen the Kingdom’s tourism sector by bringing in both local and international visitors and generating 178,000 jobs for young Saudis.

“Even though we’re a 2030 project, we opened assets in 2022 including our UNESCO site … we’ve already had 1 million visits,” Inzerillo said.

“And now the numbers are growing, and we’ll have a million people that will visit us … until Ramadan when this Diriyah season concludes,” he said.

The 2023-2024 Diriyah Season is presented by Diriyah Company in partnership with Diriyah Gate Development Authority.