UN tourism chief lauds Saudi Arabia’s starring role in sector on world stage

UN tourism chief lauds Saudi Arabia’s starring role in sector on world stage
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Glimpses from the second day of World Tourism Day 2023 in Riyadh where visitors attended panel discussions and indulged in dialogue. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
UN tourism chief lauds Saudi Arabia’s starring role in sector on world stage
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Glimpses from the second day of World Tourism Day 2023 in Riyadh where visitors attended panel discussions and indulged in dialogue. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
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Updated 28 September 2023
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UN tourism chief lauds Saudi Arabia’s starring role in sector on world stage

UN tourism chief lauds Saudi Arabia’s starring role in sector on world stage

RIYADH: Sustainability and tourism, the rapid growth of the sector in Saudi Arabia, and its importance in fostering cross-cultural dialogue around the world, were the subjects of a roundtable discussion on the last day of an international industry gathering in Riyadh.

Secretary-general of the UN World Tourism Organization, Zurab Pololikashvili, spoke at the private session held to mark World Tourism Day.

This year’s event was attended by more than 50 ministers from around 70 countries. “This is happening for the first time for us, and we are very happy,” Pololikashvili said.

Several initiatives, most of which concerned Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning role in the global tourism sector, were announced over the course of the conference.

High on the meeting’s agenda was the need to expand knowledge surrounding the industry’s sustainability, and Pololikashvili revealed that UNWTO officials were working closely with Riyadh to create a center to address the issue in the Kingdom.

“The center will be like a brain where all projects and all guidelines are generated and from where we can provide and support member states from the Kingdom.

“From the center we will foster educational programs and projects catered to better understanding of sustainability. From here we will support countries in how to foster sustainable development of tourism in their countries,” he added.

The UN agency’s official office for the Middle East has been based in Riyadh since 2021.

Pololikashvili said: “We want to create a very clear program for sustainable development.”

He noted that the project was due to be launched in September next year with a bachelor’s program and participants spending time studying in the Spanish capital Madrid, and the Swiss city of Lucerne.

“The program will provide knowledge of sustainability to the young generation who will then have a clear methodology in how to create steps toward sustainable development,” he added.

Pololikashvili highlighted the progress being made in the Kingdom in developing tourism.

During the roundtable, he said: “We need to work together to make Saudi Arabia even more accessible. The investments in infrastructure and the rules, they’re changing every day. It creates an opportunity to attract more and more events.

“Until a few years ago, the country was totally closed for international travel. Now you see people coming from Argentina, Chile, Japan, and from all over the world.

“Almost 20 African ministers are here. This has never happened, and nobody could have imagined it happening five years ago. The steps are in place. This is a long vision. It’s not only Vision 2030. Many more things will happen here.”

He pointed out that cross-cultural dialogue and cultural diplomacy were key aspects for tourism which helped nations develop and grow economically on the world stage.

“Tourism is the best way for people to get to know one another. For the next five or 10 years we will be working toward tourism as a means for connecting people and bringing the world together.

“It brings all of us together and this is part of our new branding strategy, and it is a reality. Tourism is not only words and nice pictures,” Pololikashvili added.

He said tourism used to involve little more than traveling to a hotel and then returning. “Now it connects many more industries and people, and it is the way to promote intercultural relationships.”

And he noted that it was such relationships that spurred constructive dialogue and helped promote world peace.

“The more we travel, the more we are educated, and the more we know about the culture and people of new destinations, and this is what the government is doing here in Saudi Arabia,” Pololikashvili added.


Saudi king, crown prince congratulate UAE on 52nd National Day

Saudi king, crown prince congratulate UAE on 52nd National Day
Updated 11 sec ago
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Saudi king, crown prince congratulate UAE on 52nd National Day

Saudi king, crown prince congratulate UAE on 52nd National Day
  • Monarch wishes Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed ‘good health and happiness’
  • Annual event marks unification of 7 emirates into one nation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman sent a message of congratulations to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed to mark his country’s national day on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The king “wished the Emirati president continued good health and happiness, and the government and friendly people of UAE further progress and prosperity.”

He also lauded the fraternal relations that bind the two countries.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a similar message to Sheikh Mohammed.

The UAE is celebrating its 52nd National Day anniversary, which falls on Dec. 2 each year and commemorates the unification of all seven emirates into one nation.

The UAE leader received congratulatory messages from around the world, as did Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, vice president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, vice president, deputy prime minister and chairman of the Presidential Court.

The US congratulated the UAE and sent its best wishes for the country’s continued success.

“The United States and the UAE are bound together by more than five decades of friendship and partnership,” the State Department said, attributing the comments to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

“Our many successes stand as a testament to our leaders’ shared commitment to advance regional peace and stability, deter threats, de-escalate conflicts, and drive forward an affirmative agenda for prosperity and peaceful coexistence,” it said.

Blinken said the two countries shared a “vision of an interconnected region and world,” which was embodied in establishing diplomatic relations with Israel, also known as the Abraham Accords, and the UAE’s hosting of COP28 in Dubai.

“In these and many other groundbreaking diplomatic efforts, the UAE’s leadership has been instrumental,” he said.


Saudi communications commission to join Green Digital Action initiative

ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. (Twitter @ITUSecGen)
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. (Twitter @ITUSecGen)
Updated 38 min 43 sec ago
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Saudi communications commission to join Green Digital Action initiative

ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. (Twitter @ITUSecGen)
  • ITU scheme aims to fast-track commitments to tackling climate challenges
  • CST will lead ‘Foster a Circular ICT Industry’ track

RIYADH: The Saudi Communications, Space and Technology Commission has agreed to join the Green Digital Action initiative convened by the International Telecommunication Union.

An announcement was made on the sidelines of COP28, in the presence of ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin.

Green Digital Action aims to enhance collaboration, fast-track industry-wide commitments to addressing climate challenges, and put digital solutions at the forefront of climate action, by transforming into a digital infrastructure that enables environmental and sustainable solutions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative is supported by several international entities and agencies.

FASTFACT

The International Telecommunication Union scheme aims to fast-track commitments to tackling climate challenges.

The commission said it would be leading the “Foster a Circular ICT Industry” track as part of Green Digital Action, which covers reducing ICT sector emissions, advancing climate solutions through open environmental data and technologies, implementing green standards, facilitating a green transition across all industries through digital technology, and leveraging digital systems for disaster alerts and early warnings.

By joining the initiative, the commission will be helping to provide digital and sustainable solutions to address climate challenges and improve and implement regulations that enable a circular economy that contributes to reducing carbon emissions, the report said.

It also seeks to move to an eco-friendly digital infrastructure by collaborating with the public and private sectors and UN organizations.

The commission has also organized a panel discussion to be held on the sidelines of COP28 to highlight Saudi Arabia’s efforts in leading digital sustainability.

Titled “Circular Economy,” it will be attended by ITU Deputy Secretary-General Tomas Lamanauskas as well as representatives from countries that will apply the “E-Waste Management Regulations” launched by the Kingdom in partnership with the ITU.

The initiative aims to implement the regulations in Zambia, Rwanda and Paraguay as a way to tackle the challenges facing the treatment of e-waste around the world and raise awareness of the issue among policymakers and industry leaders.

Saudi Arabia has launched many initiatives that contribute to raising awareness and educating the public about the best practices for the use of technology to create a sustainable future for all.

 


Rain, thunderstorms set to lash Saudi Arabia until Monday

Rain, thunderstorms set to lash Saudi Arabia until Monday
Updated 41 min 44 sec ago
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Rain, thunderstorms set to lash Saudi Arabia until Monday

Rain, thunderstorms set to lash Saudi Arabia until Monday

RIYADH: Authorities on Saturday urged the public to exercise caution as further rain and thunderstorms are forecast to hit most regions until Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

People should avoid areas that might be susceptible to flooding, not swim in open waters and adhere to the instructions announced through various media outlets, the General Directorate of Civil Defense said.

Light to moderate rains and the possibility of dust storms are forecast for the Makkah region, which includes the Holy Capital, Al-Jumum, Bahrah, Taif, Adham, Al-Ardiyat, Maysan, Al-Kamil, Al-Layth and Al-Qunfudhah.

The Madinah region, particularly Yanbu and Badr, as well as Al-Baha, Hail, Tabuk, Al-Jawf and the Northern Borders Region are also likely to be affected, the authority said.


2023 Republic of Korea Navy Cruise Training Task Group enters Saudi Arabia

2023 Republic of Korea Navy Cruise Training Task Group enters Saudi Arabia
Updated 56 min 4 sec ago
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2023 Republic of Korea Navy Cruise Training Task Group enters Saudi Arabia

2023 Republic of Korea Navy Cruise Training Task Group enters Saudi Arabia
  • CTTG is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its cruise training

JEDDAH: The Republic of Korea Navy Cruise Training Task Group (CTTG) arrived in Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Islamic Port on Friday, Dec. 1, on its second visit since 2015.

Jeddah is one of 13 ports and 12 cities that ROKS Hansando and combat support ship ROKS Hwacheon will visit during the group’s training, which is designed to familiarize the midshipmen with ships and to develop their skills before they are commissioned as naval officers.

Welcoming the ships and their crews at the port after their voyage from Egypt was South Korea’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Park Joon-Yong, South Korean Consul General Woo Hong-Koo, Commanding Officer Cho Chong Ho, consuls, members of the Korean International School of Jeddah, and South Korean residents of Jeddah.

Crew members Jang Jae-Kyung and Lee Hak-Je explained that the 4th grade of the Republic of Korea Naval Academy, also known as first-class midshipmen, annually go on a training exercise to different parts of the world. This year, they decided to visit Saudi Arabia because of the enduring relationship between the two countries, which dates back to the 1950s and the Korean War.

“Saudi Arabia helped us during the war, and for that we are always thankful,” said Jae-Kyung.

The CTTG is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its cruise training and the graduation of the 78th class of ROK Naval Academy, which consists of around 150 midshipmen.

ROKS Hansando is crewed by around 460 sailors. ROKS Hwacheon is celebrating its seventh circumnavigation as a commemoration of the CTTG’s 70th anniversary.

The training cadre includes a Saudi midshipman on an exchange program, Faisal Mohammed Alkhathami, who was celebrating his temporary trip home with his family. His father and brother attended the welcoming ceremony.

The ships will remain in the Kingdom until Dec. 4. During their stay, the group will hold several events, including an exchange between the Republic of Korea Navy and the Royal Saudi Navy, a visit to the Korean International School of Jeddah, an on-board reception, a ship tour, and a defense industry exhibition.

The crew also revealed that they will be touring Jeddah and expressed their excitement to venture into the city and learn about the history of Saudi Arabia.

Following the CTTG’s visit to the Kingdom, the ships will sail to India before heading to their final port of call in Japan. Once back in South Korea, the CTTG will have sailed for 30,000 miles — 1.5 times the circumference of the Earth.


KSrelief sends 3rd relief ship to Palestinians in Gaza

KSrelief sends 3rd relief ship to Palestinians in Gaza
Updated 02 December 2023
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KSrelief sends 3rd relief ship to Palestinians in Gaza

KSrelief sends 3rd relief ship to Palestinians in Gaza
  • The shipment, carrying 300 large containers weighing 1,246 tons, includes 200 containers of medical supplies
  • It comes as part of the Kingdom’s historic role in standing with the Palestinian people

JEDDAH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center on Saturday shipped the third batch of Saudi assistance to the Palestinian people in Gaza.
The shipment, carrying 300 large containers weighing 1,246 tons, includes 200 containers of medical supplies for hospitals in Gaza, and 100 containers of basic foodstuffs, baby formula and shelter material.
The ship set sail from Jeddah Islamic Port heading to Port Said in Egypt, from where it will be transported to Gaza.
It comes as part of the Kingdom’s historic role in standing with the Palestinian people.
Meanwhile, people sheltering in the south of Gaza after fleeing their homes earlier in the war said on Saturday they had nowhere safe to go now.
The city of Khan Younis is the focus of Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire after fighting resumed on Friday following the collapse of a week-long truce.
Its population has swelled in recent weeks as several hundred thousand people from the northern Gaza Strip have fled south.