Kosovan embassy celebrates Kosovo Independence Day in Riyadh

Kosovan embassy celebrates Kosovo Independence Day in Riyadh
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Lulzim Mjeku, Kosovo’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia and his wife Valbona Fetiu Mjeku next to the undersecretary Riyadh Principality Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudairy. (AN/Nada Hameed)
Kosovan embassy celebrates Kosovo Independence Day in Riyadh
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Kosovo celebrated its 15th independence anniversary in Riyadh. (AN/Nada Hameed)
Kosovan embassy celebrates Kosovo Independence Day in Riyadh
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The celebration was attended by guests and fans of the Kosovar culture and by over 30 representatives, ambassadors, as well as world diplomats including Col. Shannon Whiteman from the US Embassy in the Kingdom, ambassadors of Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, UAE, Switzerland, and others. (AN/Nada Hameed)
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Updated 10 March 2023
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Kosovan embassy celebrates Kosovo Independence Day in Riyadh

Kosovan embassy celebrates Kosovo Independence Day in Riyadh
  • The undersecretary of Riyadh principality, Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudairy, and several members of the diplomatic corps attended
  • “My country is 15 years old. It is the youngest in Europe, and our journey to freedom, independence, and statehood was long and uneasy, with lots of obstacles,” Mjeku said

RIYADH: Kosovo’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Lulzim Mjeku and his wife Valbona Fetiu Mjeku hosted an event in Riyadh’s Cultural Palace on March 9 to mark both Kosovo Independence Day, which is celebrated annually on Feb. 17, and the 25th anniversary of the Epopee of the Kosovo Liberation Army.
The event was attended by a number of diplomats, including Col. Shannon Whiteman from the US embassy in the Kingdom, as well as the ambassadors of Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, the UAE, Switzerland, and more.
The undersecretary of Riyadh principality, Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudairy, and several members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Kingdom, including Abdullah Al-Rashid, the director of the general department for diplomatic corps affairs at the foreign ministry, also attended.
“My country is 15 years old. It is the youngest in Europe, and our journey to freedom, independence, and statehood was long and uneasy, with lots of obstacles,” Mjeku said in his address to the guests.
“We do not forget the time when the international community stepped up to help us as a state. We have done a lot to rebuild our lives and heal the wounds of the past, and I am proud to represent the country and its people — solid, resilient, dynamic, innovative and ambitious. It is a country that is devoted to peace and human progress, a country which is a cornerstone of stability in Southeast Europe,” he added.
King Salman sent a cable of congratulations to Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu on the anniversary of her country’s Independence Day, in which he expressed his best wishes for good health and happiness for Osmani-Sadriu and for progress and prosperity for the government and people of Kosovo. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a similar cable.
In his speech, Mjeku noted some of Kosovo’s main accomplishments since its independence.
“Our talented and hardworking youth lead a thriving IT market which exports 70 percent of its services to the world,” he said. “Young people can transform the tech industry and, in doing so, they can change the world.”
He added: “In 15 years of statehood, Kosovo has collected 70 medals in international sports, including six Olympic medals.”
Mjeku told Arab News that he often reminds himself that, as societies, Saudi Arabia and Kosovo are similar, because the vast majority of people in both countries are aged under 30.
“I wish all the best to Saudi Arabia and to my country on this very special day, because we need to further develop and work on this great human asset which is the youth,” he said.
During the 15 years since independence, Kosovo has established strong ties with the Kingdom.
“I think that we have good leadership, especially Saudi Arabia — due to the guidance of King Salman and his Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” he said. “I wish all the best to Saudi Arabia for its National Flag Day, and I cherish the friendship between Kosovo and Saudi Arabia.”
 


Riyadh’s Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud University launches bachelor’s degree in cinema and theater

Riyadh’s Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud University launches bachelor’s degree in cinema and theater
Updated 04 October 2023
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Riyadh’s Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud University launches bachelor’s degree in cinema and theater

Riyadh’s Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud University launches bachelor’s degree in cinema and theater
  • Program to have ‘direct positive impact’ on creative industries in the Kingdom, says college dean
  • Restructure sees creation of cybersecurity, translation and psychiatry departments

LONDON: Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh has launched a bachelor’s degree in cinema and theater as part of the creation of a new department.

The Department of Cinema and Theater is part of the university’s College of Media and Communication.

The bachelor’s degree will train students in the arts of filmmaking and theater, while also ensuring that the content they produce is consistent with Saudi customs and culture.

Though details of the program have yet to be announced, the college is expected to offer courses in directing, filming and scriptwriting taught by both Arab and international experts.

The new department is part of a comprehensive academic restructuring of the university, which also includes the creation of new departments in cybersecurity, early childhood education, industrial engineering, psychiatry, radiology and translation.

The university has also merged the Higher Institute for Da’wah and Ihtisab with the College of Fundamentals of Religion under the new name of the College of Fundamentals of Religion and Da’wah.

Last year, Prince Saad bin Saud bin Mohammed Al-Saud, dean of the College of Media and Communication, revealed the draft program in an interview with Arab News.

He said that the new degree would have a “direct positive impact” on the cinema and theater industry in the Kingdom through the training of a pool of skilled professionals.

The College of Media and Communication at IMSIU is one of the largest colleges in the Kingdom, and is the latest to cater to new specializations in the field.

A few years ago, the college launched a marketing advertising department, a graphics and multimedia department, in addition to departments covering journalism, radio and TV, and public relations.


Saudi Arabia, Brazil sign MoU on aviation cooperation

Saudi Arabia, Brazil sign MoU on aviation cooperation
Updated 04 October 2023
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Saudi Arabia, Brazil sign MoU on aviation cooperation

Saudi Arabia, Brazil sign MoU on aviation cooperation
  • Agreement signed during conference in Rio de Janeiro to highlight investment opportunities in aviation sector
  • ‘The two countries have a long history of cooperation and partnerships in various fields’: GACA president

SAO PAULO: The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation and Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of civil aviation during a conference in Rio de Janeiro.

The conference highlighted investment opportunities in the aviation sector. The two countries intend to reinforce cooperation to exchange knowledge, aiming to improve the passenger experience in air transport, among other goals.

The Saudi Press Agency reported that the partnership fulfills the objectives of the National Aviation Strategy, which seeks to make the Kingdom a global aviation hub.

With this partnership, Brazil can provide expertise in infrastructure projects and other areas of the Saudi aviation sector.

“By participating in the event, the Kingdom seeks to prove its global leadership in the field of aviation and its readiness to expand and strengthen cooperation with Brazil,” the SPA said.

The MoU includes information exchanges such as reports, service quality indicators and passenger satisfaction surveys related to practices adopted in Brazil and Saudi Arabia.

The agreement also includes the exchange of information, standardized procedures for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, and training courses and workshops focusing on improving the passenger experience. The MoU will be implemented according to the laws and regulations of both countries.

GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, who attended the conference’s opening ceremony, said the Kingdom values relationships built on trust and hard work.

“Despite the long distance between Saudi Arabia and Brazil, the two countries have a long history of cooperation and partnerships in various fields,” he added.

Saudi Arabia is heavily investing in its aviation sector to boost tourism by 2030, targeting 330 million passengers by the end of the decade.


Saudi pavilion at Expo 2023 Doha highlighting Kingdom’s ‘natural richness’

Saudi pavilion at Expo 2023 Doha highlighting Kingdom’s ‘natural richness’
Updated 04 October 2023
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Saudi pavilion at Expo 2023 Doha highlighting Kingdom’s ‘natural richness’

Saudi pavilion at Expo 2023 Doha highlighting Kingdom’s ‘natural richness’

MAKKAH: The Saudi pavilion at the Expo 2023 Doha Horticultural Exhibition is shining the spotlight on the Kingdom’s ‘natural richness,’ drawing visitors from around the world, the site’s supervisor has told Arab News.

Delegations and visitors headed to the Qatari capital for the opening of the exhibition, which is held under the slogan “Green Desert, Better Environment.”

Held from Oct. 2 to March 28 next year, the event showcases the latest innovations in horticulture and environmental sustainability, aiming to inspire the international community to adopt solutions to combat desertification through four axes: Modern agriculture, technology and innovation, environmental awareness, and sustainability.

 

 

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and other leaders and heads of state visited the Kingdom’s pavilion at the opening, and were received by Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, Saudi minister of environment, water and agriculture.

The leaders listened to an explanation on the Kingdom’s presence at the event from the general supervisor of the Kingdom’s pavilion, Saleh bin Dakhil, who reviewed the work of green environmental initiatives, the contributions of renewable energy, and investment in major environmentally friendly projects.

 

 

Bin Dakhil, who is also general manager of corporate communication and media, and official spokesperson at the ministry, told Arab News that the Saudi site at the expo is the second largest after Qatar’s host pavilion.

He said: “The pavilion and its annexes were designed to suit the main themes of the event, creating a unique journey for visitors. The pavilion is full of various stations through which technology and picturesque nature harmonize and give visitors the opportunity to learn about huge national projects and effective initiatives that employ innovative solutions to create a sustainable future for the whole world, with the participation of a number of government and private agencies.”

Bin Dakhil added: “The pavilion begins through three main entrances. The first of which is the welcome area, which reflects the human richness and the cultural and natural components of the Kingdom, to explore the spirit of the Kingdom, the richness of its land, and the diversity of its resources.

“After that comes the external garden, which surrounds the pavilion and showcases the topography and geography of the Kingdom, and the ancient resources it contains. Then comes the internal garden, which showcases the present environment in the Kingdom through its current and future projects and initiatives.”

He said that visitors were warmly received to the pavilion through folklore performances from Jazan, such as the traditional Ardah dance.

Bin Dakhil added that the Kingdom’s pavilion includes central areas, most notably the “Our Nature” zone, which highlights the natural landscapes and terrain of the Kingdom.

The “Our Initiatives” area details the most prominent initiatives and projects in Saudi Arabia, while the “Our Prosperity” area highlights the role of Saudi Vision 2030 in shaping the future of the Kingdom by encouraging environmental prosperity.

“There is also an interactive area that gives visitors an inspiring experience about the ecosystem,” Bin Dakhil added.

The pavilion is decorated with unique tree species that reflect the variety of flora in the Kingdom, such as sidr, lavender, basil, gray ghaf and more.


Jeddah governor meets Gambian consul general

Jeddah governor meets Gambian consul general
Updated 04 October 2023
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Jeddah governor meets Gambian consul general

Jeddah governor meets Gambian consul general

Jeddah Governor Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi on Sunday met the Consul General of Gambia Abdullah Conte in the Red Sea port city.

At a separate meeting, in Riyadh, Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received the Malaysian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah.

During the two meetings, all sides discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern and ways to further strengthen relations.
 


Tourism boom for Saudi Arabia with 58% growth in arrivals in 2023, ranks 2nd globally

Tourism boom for Saudi Arabia with 58% growth in arrivals in 2023, ranks 2nd globally
Updated 04 October 2023
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Tourism boom for Saudi Arabia with 58% growth in arrivals in 2023, ranks 2nd globally

Tourism boom for Saudi Arabia with 58% growth in arrivals in 2023, ranks 2nd globally
  • Riyadh hosted World Tourism Day on Sept. 27-28, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to the global tourism sector

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has been ranked second globally in terms of tourist arrivals during the first seven months of 2023, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The Kingdom saw a 58 percent growth in tourist numbers up to the end of July, according to the Ministry of Tourism, compared to the same period in 2019.

The data was sourced last month from the UN World Tourism Organization and came from the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.

Riyadh hosted World Tourism Day on Sept. 27-28, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to the global tourism sector.

Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said that the achievement “would not have been possible without the support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and the Crown Prince,” the SPA reported.

Al-Khateeb added that the ranking strengthened the country’s status as a global tourist destination and that the substantial rise in arrivals reflected the confidence travelers had in the variety and quality of tourism options available within the Kingdom.