Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia expand bilateral cooperation to multiple sectors

Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia expand bilateral cooperation to multiple sectors
Sri Lanka’s state minister for foreign affairs, Tharaka Balasuriya, and Saudi Arabia’s vice minister for human resources, Dr. Abdullah Abu Thunain co-chair the first session of the Saudi-Sri Lankan Joint Committee in Riyadh on May 22, 2023. (Sri Lanka Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
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Updated 23 May 2023
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Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia expand bilateral cooperation to multiple sectors

Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia expand bilateral cooperation to multiple sectors
  • Officials identified 63 areas for further cooperation, including environment, agriculture 
  • MoU on political consultations ‘an important achievement,’ Saudi envoy says 

COLOMBO: Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka are broadening their political consultation and expanding bilateral cooperation to over 60 areas, officials of both countries have told Arab News after their first joint committee meeting. 

A delegation of Sri Lankan officials was in Riyadh over the weekend for the first session of the Saudi-Sri Lankan Joint Committee, which was established to expand bilateral engagements. 

The session was co-chaired by Saudi Vice Minister for Human Resources Dr. Abdullah Abu Thunain and Tharaka Balasuriya, Sri Lanka’s state minister for foreign affairs. “I am extremely pleased with our growing bilateral relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Balasuriya told Arab News.   

“The recently concluded joint commission has identified 63 areas for cooperation in various sectors.” 

The two countries also signed a memorandum on political consultations, marking a new step in bilateral relations. 

“The MoU on political consultations provides opportunities for discussions between our two foreign ministries periodically. That will immensely help in the process of (enhancing) our relations,” Balasuriya said. 

“We are also pleased to witness the emergence of the Kingdom as a leading player in the international arena.” 

Envoys of both countries also welcomed the expanded cooperation. 

“The results of the meetings…will contribute to enhancing cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, work, environment, education, culture, sports, agriculture and humanitarian work,” Saudi Ambassador to Colombo Khalid bin Hamoud Al-Qahtani said.   

“I am sure that this visit will help consolidate the existing distinguished relations to a greater extent between the two countries.”  

Al-Qahtani added that the agreement on political consultation was “an important achievement” in bilateral relations, while Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Riyadh Pakeer Mohideen Amza said it was “immensely beneficial.” 

“Political consultations facilitate the foreign ministries of both countries to sit and discuss…matters of mutual interest,” Amza told Arab News. 

“Sri Lanka-Saudi Arabia relations have reached a level of excellence and both countries are cooperating with each other in the international fora.”


Job-seekers explore opportunities at career fair in Riyadh

Job-seekers explore opportunities at career fair in Riyadh
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Job-seekers explore opportunities at career fair in Riyadh

Job-seekers explore opportunities at career fair in Riyadh

RIYADH: Hundreds of job-seekers explored opportunities as dozens of public and private sector entities participated in the 9th “A Step Ahead” career fair that concluded on Friday in Riyadh.

The fair and conference that ran for three days brought together employers, job-seekers and professionals under one roof, allowing them to find opportunities, highlight their skills for immediate personal interviews, through a digital process in most of the booths.

During the fair, about 120 group counseling and career guidance sessions were conducted.

The fair was accompanied by a scientific conference dedicated to human resources leaders, under the slogan “War of Talents” in which many leaders in the human capital sector are present.

The fair included a pavilion of the mega-projects in Saudi Arabia, attracting large numbers of visitors.

The pavilion of the Ministry of Culture and its various bodies reflected the artistic cultural heritage of the Kingdom.  It also offered visitors the opportunity to learn about Saudi arts, in addition to presenting the initiatives of the National Strategy for Culture.

The pavilions of the Ministry of Defense, the Royal Commission for AlUla and the General Organization for Social Insurance were also visited by dozens of job-seekers.

The fair was also accompanied by a conference that hosted Saudi entrepreneurs and prominent figures to present their experiences to job-seekers.

Sarah Al-Tasan looked excited as she searched for a suitable job opportunity in the cyber-security sector.

Al-Tasan graduated in May from the MAS Institute accredited by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, and traveled abroad less than a week after graduation to develop her English language skills.

She praised the interaction of the establishments participating in the fair saying: “It is something that honors and gives a positive energy.”

Al-Tasan submitted her CV to more than one company, and said “everyone gets me excited as they really need this specialization.”

Abdulrahman Al-Dawsari, who holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Qassim University, heard about the fair from his brother, and is optimistic about obtaining a job.

Al-Dawsari was keen to attend the first day of the fair because he expected that, on the opening day, those in charge of the booths would be crowded.

“I am confident that the participants in the fair are keen to attract talent for the vacant opportunities they have through … I advise the unemployed to attend such employment fairs and seriously search for job opportunities there,” he said.


Jeddah’s Art Jameel seeks curator for Red Sea exhibition 

Jeddah’s Art Jameel seeks curator for Red Sea exhibition 
Updated 29 September 2023
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Jeddah’s Art Jameel seeks curator for Red Sea exhibition 

Jeddah’s Art Jameel seeks curator for Red Sea exhibition 
  • Art Jameel has announced a curatorial open call for exhibition proposals centered around the Red Sea

JEDDAH: Art Jameel has announced a curatorial open call for exhibition proposals centered around the Red Sea.

The Jeddah gallery is seeking proposals that explore the geography, history, ecology, and movement of people and ideas related to the Red Sea for an exhibition due to open in May 2024.

The selected curator will collaborate with the Art Jameel team, receiving guidance on various aspects of the exhibition’s development, including production, design, logistics and installation.

Nora Razian, deputy director (arts) at Art Jameel, said: “Part of our core strategy at Art Jameel is fostering curatorial development in the region and beyond. This fellowship is catered toward early-career curators, based anywhere in the world, and is centered on the idea of curatorial exchange and supporting original and timely curatorial knowledge production.”

The gallery is seeking applicants from Saudi Arabia and worldwide to “develop an original exhibition with our team,” she said.

The open call invites curators and collectives whose research and exhibition-making engage with topics such as Jeddah/Hejaz histories, Red Sea ecologies, Red Sea histories of migration, and connected geographies across the Red Sea, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Palestine, and Jordan.

Early-career curators with limited institutional curatorial experience or from three to five years of postgraduation experience are particularly encouraged to apply.

Deadline for submissions is Oct. 15, 2023.
 
Art Jameel offers full financial support for the exhibition, including curator fees, travel and accommodation expenses, artist fees, and all other related exhibition costs.


Video shows lightning strike Makkah clock tower

Video shows lightning strike Makkah clock tower
Updated 29 September 2023
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Video shows lightning strike Makkah clock tower

Video shows lightning strike Makkah clock tower

A photographer has captured the moment lightning presented a stunning backdrop to Makkah’s famous clock tower as Muslims around the world marked the Prophet’s birthday.

 

 

The remarkable images have been shared across social media, including a video that showed lightning spread into the purple sky, creating an image like a tree – the clock tower providing the trunk to this remarkable electrical show.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Muslim (@muslim)

 

And there’s a chance for more stunning images.

Saudi Arabia’s authorities have warned that more wet and windy weather is expected in the Kingdom, bringing with it, dust storms and more thunder and lightning.  


Najran Municipality prepares gardens and parks to receive visitors

Najran Municipality prepares gardens and parks to receive visitors
Updated 29 September 2023
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Najran Municipality prepares gardens and parks to receive visitors

Najran Municipality prepares gardens and parks to receive visitors

NARJAN: The Najran Region Municipality has prepared a number of its parks to receive walkers and visitors during the cooler months of the year.

The municipality has worked with the Services Agency for Parks and Environmental Architecture, planting 65,000 flowers and pruning 2,100 trees.

The surrounding area has also been cleaned up, with litter and graffiti removed and walls and street furniture repainted.

The municipality is preparing the gardens to become a destination for visitors from all over the Kingdom during the weekends and public and national events.


Saudi Arabia to become ‘global yachting destination’

Saudi Arabia to become ‘global yachting destination’
Updated 29 September 2023
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Saudi Arabia to become ‘global yachting destination’

Saudi Arabia to become ‘global yachting destination’

RIYADH: Red Sea Global, the megaproject developer, announced on Thursday a new partnership that will bring expertise from Monaco to establish the Kingdom as a major yachting destination.

The new partnership with Monaco Marina Management, or M3, will help Red Sea Global’s Amaala Yacht Club meet the criteria and standards to obtain the La Belle Classe Destinations certification.

Jose Marco Casellini, CEO of M3, said: “Red Sea Global’s vision for regenerative tourism closely mirrors our mission to promote sustainable yachting. We’re excited to help bring these ambitions to life and work together to put the Amaala Yacht Club and Saudi Arabia on the global yachting destination.”

The La Belle Classe Destinations certificate is owned and operated by the Yacht Club de Monaco and is awarded to yachting destinations demonstrating a deep understanding of maritime ethics, etiquette, and environmental protection.

The agreement with M3 also includes creating a sailing academy, supporting training and recruitment, and providing seasonal, reciprocal opportunities for members, cadets and youth.

“What excites me most about this partnership is the opportunity for training and knowledge transfer,” said John Pagano, group CEO of Red Sea Global. “Empowering Saudi nationals has always been at the center of our regenerative approach, and with our marina employees receiving best-in-class training both in Monaco and at Amaala, we are confident that we are fulfilling our promise to create destinations by the people and for the people of Saudi Arabia.”

Phase One of Amaala, to be open in 2025, consists of eight resorts offering 1,200 hotels. Once complete, Amaala will be home to more than 3,900 hotel rooms across 29 hotels and approximately 1,200 luxury residential villas, apartments, and estate homes, supporting high-end retail, fine dining, wellness, equestrian and recreational facilities.