Saudi Arabia to host antimicrobial resistance meeting in 2024, says health minister

Saudi Arabia to host antimicrobial resistance meeting in 2024, says health minister
Fahad Al-Jalajel speaks at the 76th World Health Assembly in Geneva. (SPA)
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Updated 24 May 2023

Saudi Arabia to host antimicrobial resistance meeting in 2024, says health minister

Saudi Arabia to host antimicrobial resistance meeting in 2024, says health minister
  • The conference, titled “WHO at 75: Saving Lives, Driving Health for All,” runs until May 30

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is to host the fourth international ministerial conference on antimicrobial resistance in November 2024.

The announcement was made by Saudi Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel who said the Kingdom would also be taking part in an event next year to promote awareness about the issue as part of the UN Declaration on antimicrobial resistance.

Al-Jalajel noted that the events would help contribute toward finding efficient and sustainable solutions while increasing preparedness for threats to public health at regional and international levels.

A Saudi delegation headed by the minister is currently participating in the 76th session of the World Health Assembly being held at the UN headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. 

The conference, titled “WHO at 75: Saving Lives, Driving Health for All,” runs until May 30.

Al-Jalajel pointed out that the Kingdom was committed to working toward achieving the principles included in the leaders’ statement delivered during the 2020 G20 Summit, which was chaired by Saudi Arabia and coincided with the start of the coronavirus pandemic. 

He added that the principles included the need to find long-term solutions to address gaps in global pandemic preparedness and response, as well as the subsequent establishment of the Pandemic Fund and the Kingdom’s contribution to it.

“Today we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the World Health Organization and we reaffirm our noble goals, our constant endeavors and our ongoing efforts to protect and save lives, and our continued work to promote health for all,” he said.

Al-Jalajel praised the efforts of the organization and its member states to amend international health regulations, and the ongoing negotiations to draft a pandemic treaty that would create additional legal tools to deal with future pandemics and overcome some of the obstacles and challenges the world has faced in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.


Famous kabsa-loving Japanese influencer to help boost Saudi tourism

Famous kabsa-loving Japanese influencer to help boost Saudi tourism
Updated 14 sec ago

Famous kabsa-loving Japanese influencer to help boost Saudi tourism

Famous kabsa-loving Japanese influencer to help boost Saudi tourism
  • Akira Takatoriya aka Shams Qamar, appointed May 25
  • Part of ‘Date Palm Society’ promotion group in Japan

TOKYO: Japanese influencer Akira Takatoriya, also known as Shams Qamar, or Sun Moon, has been appointed by the Saudi Tourism Authority to promote the industry in the Kingdom.

“I got selected by the Japan office of the Saudi Arabian Government Tourism Office in Tokyo, as we established a tourism promotion group ‘Date Palm Society’ to provide information to encourage more Japanese people to visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for sightseeing,” Takatoriya told Arab News recently, about his appointment on May 25.

He said: “It is a great honor to be selected as a member of one of the most famous Japanese guidebooks, the ‘Globe Trotter Travel Guide.’ The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is still largely unknown, but in recent years it has (developed and) hosted not only infrastructure facilities but also various large and small events.”

“I would like everyone to know more about this country (Saudi Arabia), which has many attractions such as the overwhelming wilderness centered in the desert, and the surprisingly unknown mountainous and forested areas in the south.”

The Saudi Tourism Authority is aiming to attract 30,000 Japanese tourists yearly. Takatoriya said: “I would be happy if a direct flight between Japan and Saudi Arabia could be established soon, and the number of visitors from both countries would increase.” 


Masam project clears 3,989 mines in May

Masam project clears 3,989 mines in May
Updated 14 min 18 sec ago

Masam project clears 3,989 mines in May

Masam project clears 3,989 mines in May
  • The project also dismantled 3,239 unexploded ordnance and 674 anti-tank mines

JEDDAH: The Masam project to clear land mines in Yemen cleared 3,989 mines, unexploded ordnance and explosive devices during May as part of its humanitarian mission.
The project also dismantled 3,239 unexploded ordnance and 674 anti-tank mines.
Since its launch by Saudi Arabia in June 2018, the project has cleared 400,070 mines, unexploded ordnance and explosive devices randomly planted by Houthi militias around Yemen.
Osama Al-Gosaibi, the project director, said that these numbers highlight the success of this humanitarian work in Yemen, with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center also working to ensure a safe life for Yemenis.


Exhibition at Hayy Jameel explores questions of work and leisure

Exhibition at Hayy Jameel explores questions of work and leisure
Updated 01 June 2023

Exhibition at Hayy Jameel explores questions of work and leisure

Exhibition at Hayy Jameel explores questions of work and leisure
  • The exhibition featured a diverse array of artists from Saudi Arabia, Singapore, India, the UAE, the Philippines, Yemen, and Canada

JEDDAH: Hayy Jameel, Jeddah’s home for the arts, is playing host to the exhibition “Silent Hands,” which features unique creations and works of global artists in the attendance of the creative community, guests and representatives of various art schools in the city.

The exhibition, which opened on Tuesday, explores questions of work and leisure.

Boasting works by Pacita Abad, Hangama Amiri, Mohammed Kazem, Maha Malluh, Khairullah Rahim, Anhar Salem, and Aarti Sunder, the exhibition engages with spaces of work, both physical and virtual, and their intersections with gender, financial independence, social mobility, and migration.

Curated by Art Jameel’s Rotana Shaker, alongside guest curators Zain Al Saie and Jean Wong, the exhibition aims to support curatorial development and is a prelude to a new annual open call for curatorial projects.

Shaker told Arab News: “The exhibition showcases a wide range of artistic disciplines, from sculpture and painting to digital and sculptural installation.

“Each artist brings a unique vision and perspective to the concept of space and place, creating a rich and varied tapestry of interpretations that speak to the complexity of our world.

“It is about how we work and where we work. So, the artists who are coming from different kinds of backgrounds are looking for ideas which focus on the capacity of space when they are working out of their office.”

Ruba Al-Sweel, communications manager at Art Jameel, said the exhibition featured a diverse array of artists from Saudi Arabia, Singapore, India, the UAE, the Philippines, Yemen, and Canada.

The exhibition includes paintings, photographs, drawings, and videos, and the selection reflects the diverse ways that artists engage space and place to explore questions of identity, memory, history, technology, and desire.

“Silent Hands” is taking place in a special gallery at Hayy Jameel until Oct. 16.


Malaysian minister lauds Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Route initiative

Malaysian minister lauds Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Route initiative
Updated 01 June 2023

Malaysian minister lauds Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Route initiative

Malaysian minister lauds Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Route initiative

RIYADH: Malaysian Interior Minister Saifuddin Nasution praised Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Route initiative, facilitating the travel procedures of Hajj pilgrims from Malaysia.

The statement was made during Nasution’s visit on Wednesday to a hall dedicated to the initiative at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, where he was briefed on its readiness to facilitate pilgrims’ journey.

The Makkah Route initiative enables Hajj pilgrims from six countries to complete immigration, cargo and travel procedures before departing for the Kingdom.
 


Saudi crown prince congratulates Turkiye’s Erdogan on presidential win

Saudi crown prince congratulates Turkiye’s Erdogan on presidential win
Updated 01 June 2023

Saudi crown prince congratulates Turkiye’s Erdogan on presidential win

Saudi crown prince congratulates Turkiye’s Erdogan on presidential win

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a phone call to Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Saudi Press Agency reported early Thursday.

The Crown Prince congratulated Erdogan after he was declared the victor in a historic runoff Turkish election.

Prince Mohammed wished the president success and the Turkish people further progress and prosperity.