Saudi Arabia reports 96 new COVID-19 cases, 1 death

More than 25 million people fully vaccinated. (AP)
More than 25 million people fully vaccinated. (AP)
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Updated 11 March 2023
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Saudi Arabia reports 96 new COVID-19 cases, 1 death

More than 25 million people fully vaccinated. (AP)
  • The authorities confirmed one new COVID-19-related death, raising the total number of fatalities to 9,619

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia reported 96 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, according to the Ministry of Health.

As a result, the total number of cases in the Kingdom over the course of the pandemic grew to 830,223.

The authorities also confirmed one new COVID-19-related death, raising the total number of fatalities to 9,619.

Of the new infections, 31 were recorded in Riyadh and 17 in Jeddah. Several other cities recorded fewer than 10 new cases each.

The ministry also announced that 38 patients had recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries in the Kingdom over the course of the pandemic to 817,250.

It said 3,354 COVID-19 cases were still active, adding that 3,590 PCR tests were conducted in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number to more than 45 million.

The ministry said of the current cases, 38 patients were in critical condition.

Almost 69.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered since the Kingdom’s immunization campaign began, with more than 25 million people fully vaccinated.

 


Saudi Arabia hosts postal union conference

Saudi Arabia hosts postal union conference
Updated 29 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia hosts postal union conference

Saudi Arabia hosts postal union conference

RIYADH: More than 190 countries are participating in the fourth Extraordinary Congress of the Universal Postal Union, held in Riyadh.

The five-day conference, which began on Sunday and will continue until Oct. 5, will study opportunities to expand membership to include more players in the postal sector and address the pressing issues facing the global postal system.

Minister of Transport Saleh Al-Jasser highlighted the Saudi government’s interest in enhancing cooperation between the member states of the union, developing standards for providing postal services, supporting e-commerce, stimulating the digital economy, and adopting the best innovative technologies in postal and logistical services.

Anef bin Ahmad Abanomai, president of Saudi Post Corporation, said: “I am really appreciating the government’s great interest in the postal and logistics sector in the Kingdom as Riyadh plays an essential role in promoting the growth, development and interconnectedness of the postal sector.”

Masahiko Metoki, director general of the Universal Postal Union, said: “Through this Congress‎, we aim to strengthen the role and position of the UPU as a supporter of the interconnectedness of the global postal network.

“This will be carried out by building a comprehensive regulatory framework, developing our postal products, and enhancing our services and financial capabilities to keep pace with the technical development,” he said.


Saudi Arabia condemns burning of Qur’an in Sweden

Saudi Arabia condemns burning of Qur’an in Sweden
Updated 01 October 2023
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Saudi Arabia condemns burning of Qur’an in Sweden

Saudi Arabia condemns burning of Qur’an in Sweden

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned and denunced the burning of a copy of the "Holy Qur’an" by an extremist in Malmo, Sweden, state news agency SPA reported on Sunday.

The incident was carried out with the knowledge of the local authorities, SPA reported. 
The ministry reiterated the Kingdom's rejection of such flagrant acts that have been repeated systematically in a number of European cities under the guise of freedom of expression.
The Kingdom, the ministry said, calls on the Swedish authorities to urgently deal with such acts and stop giving permission to extremist groups to carry out acts that fuel hatred and racism.


Saudi Arabia condemns terrorist attack in Ankara

Saudi Arabia condemns terrorist attack in Ankara
Updated 36 min 50 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia condemns terrorist attack in Ankara

Saudi Arabia condemns terrorist attack in Ankara

RIYADH: The Saudi Foreign Ministry said the Kingdom condemns the terrorist attack in Ankara and affirms its rejection of all forms of violence. 

Turkiye’s government said on Sunday two terrorists carried out a bomb attack in front of the Interior Ministry buildings in Ankara, adding one of them died in the explosion and the other was “neutralized” by authorities there.

An explosion was heard near the parliament and ministerial buildings, Turkish media had earlier reported, and broadcasters showed footage of debris scattered on a street nearby.

 


NEOM, Maysalward to strengthen young gaming talent with launch of NEOM Game Dev Challenge

NEOM, Maysalward to strengthen young gaming talent with launch of NEOM Game Dev Challenge
Updated 01 October 2023
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NEOM, Maysalward to strengthen young gaming talent with launch of NEOM Game Dev Challenge

NEOM, Maysalward to strengthen young gaming talent with launch of NEOM Game Dev Challenge

RIYADH: NEOM, the global development taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia, has joined forces with Maysalward, the pioneering mobile game studio from the Middle East, in an exciting collaboration to launch the NEOM Game Dev Challenge.

The pilot program has just begun with the goal of empowering the next generation of game developers in the Kingdom, starting in Riyadh.

The initiative is designed to harness the burgeoning talent pool of youth within Saudi Arabia, targeting students aged between 15 and 17. The NEOM Game Dev Challenge offers a unique platform for students to embark on a journey of learning, designing, developing, and ultimately launching their own mobile games, and supports Saudi Arabia’s progress as a regional game development hub in line with Vision 2030’s economic diversification goals.

Maysalward, a mobile game studio founded in 2003, has consistently led the charge in mobile gaming innovation, boasting a portfolio of captivating games and a legacy of nurturing young talent. The studio was named among the top 30 developers and publishers in the Middle East and North Africa region by Pocket Gamer in 2022, while its founder scooped the award for Mobile Game Legend in 2023.

Nour Khrais, founder of Maysalward, said: “Partnering with NEOM for this transformative initiative is a significant step. Our shared vision is to empower the next generation of game developers in Saudi Arabia. With the rapid growth of mobile phone ownership among the youth, now is the opportune moment to harness and nurture their potential. I’m personally thrilled to be a part of kickstarting this groundbreaking project in Saudi Arabia.”

The vision of building a future-focused community in NEOM harmonizes with Maysalward’s commitment to education and innovation. The NEOM Game Dev Challenge will offer students a blend of hands-on experience and academic enrichment to transfer knowledge and accelerate Saudi Arabia’s mobile gaming landscape.

Wayne Borg, managing director of media industries, entertainment, and culture at NEOM, said: “Our partnership with Maysalward highlights NEOM’s commitment to nurturing youth and fostering digital innovation in Saudi Arabia. The NEOM Game Dev Challenge aims to spark transformation, fueling the creativity of the Kingdom’s young talents and driving our mission to become an elite global media hub for game development.”

Students will have the unique opportunity to benefit from mentorship by the Maysalward team, ensuring they receive technical guidance and invaluable insights into the global gaming market. The program will conclude with an award ceremony for the students and their parents, set to take place in Riyadh in December.

The winning team’s school will be awarded a NEOM Gaming Mini-Lab featuring a combination of hardware and software for students to work on game projects, further encouraging innovation and growth within the mobile game development industry in Saudi Arabia.


New indoor zoo set to open in Jeddah

New indoor zoo set to open in Jeddah
Updated 01 October 2023
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New indoor zoo set to open in Jeddah

New indoor zoo set to open in Jeddah

JEDDAH: Visitors to Jeddah will soon be able to take a walk on the wild side when a new indoor zoo opens its doors on Tuesday.

As part of the Jeddah Events Calendar, the zoo is the latest attraction to be unveiled in the Red Sea port city.

Open daily from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., it will house creatures including predators, rare species, birds, reptiles, and domestic animals in an enclosed, air-conditioned forest garden setting.

To book tickets, visit https://tickets.saudievents.sa/ar/d/4059/jeddah-indoor-zoo