Safety first as Saudi firm puts smart tech in the driving seat

The Najm initiative, a collaboration with US-based Cambridge Mobile Telematics and analytics platform AiGenix, will provide an advanced system for measuring driving behavior. (Twittet @najm_ksa)
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The Najm initiative, a collaboration with US-based Cambridge Mobile Telematics and analytics platform AiGenix, will provide an advanced system for measuring driving behavior. (Twittet @najm_ksa)
The Najm initiative, a collaboration with US-based Cambridge Mobile Telematics and analytics platform AiGenix, will provide an advanced system for measuring driving behavior. (Twittet @najm_ksa)
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The Najm initiative, a collaboration with US-based Cambridge Mobile Telematics and analytics platform AiGenix, will provide an advanced system for measuring driving behavior. (Twittet @najm_ksa)
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Updated 08 July 2024
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Safety first as Saudi firm puts smart tech in the driving seat

Safety first as Saudi firm puts smart tech in the driving seat
  • Under an initiative launched in Riyadh on Monday by Saudi Insurance Services Company (Najm), smart devices installed in vehicles will monitor speed, acceleration, braking, turns, and compliance with traffic regulations
  • Initiative to help reduce road accidents and death rates: Najm CEO

RIYADH: Saudi drivers could soon benefit from pioneering AI technology that will measure driver behavior and provide feedback, helping to improve road safety across the Kingdom.

Under an initiative launched in Riyadh on Monday by Saudi Insurance Services Company (Najm), smart devices installed in vehicles will monitor speed, acceleration, braking, turns, and compliance with traffic regulations.

The telematic technology can analyze data, and evaluate drivers’ risk levels compared with accepted standards.

Drivers will earn rewards and discounts on their vehicle insurance based on their driving habits.

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The telematic technology can analyze data, and evaluate drivers’ risk levels compared with accepted standards.

The Najm initiative, a collaboration with US-based Cambridge Mobile Telematics and analytics platform AiGenix, will provide an advanced system for measuring driving behavior.

AiGenix spokesperson Asad Irshad told Arab News that the service will include AI-driven technology that studies driver behavior based on collected data and offers user assistance to improve driving habits.

“It goes not only from how you drive but when you drive, where you drive, what the road conditions are, what the weather conditions are, and whether that can change the risk factors on the road,” Irshad said.

Mohammed Al-Shehri, CEO of Najm, said that the initiative will help reduce road accidents and death rates, and offer protection against road hazards, helping meet the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.

Najm will also launch a social media awareness program promoting road safety.

“Media is essential in this partnership, especially because the main goal is that we want to raise awareness of road safety in the Kingdom, which began with today’s signing,” Al-Shehri said.

“Through pioneering technology and strategic partnerships with global leaders like CMT and AiGenix, Najm is setting a new standard for road safety in Saudi Arabia. The initiative not only works to improve driving standards, but also creates a qualitative shift in driving behavior and insurance practices, which will enhance safety for all road users, enabling a safer and smarter driving environment across the country.”

William Powers, co-founder and CEO of Cambridge Mobile Telematics, said that the collaboration with Najm is a critical step toward creating safer, smarter roads.

“CMT has rapidly expanded worldwide in the past few years. Today, we power the most sophisticated mobility programs in the world, making roads and drivers safer on five continents, protecting millions of people every day. We are thrilled to partner with Najm on this groundbreaking telematics initiative and to bring safer roads to Saudi Arabia.”

Najm has already partnered with a number of insurance companies to adopt the new telematics system, and encourage customers to use sensors that measure driving behavior and compliance with traffic rules.

 


KSrelief delivers 25 ambulances to Ukrainian Health Ministry

KSrelief delivers 25 ambulances to Ukrainian Health Ministry
Updated 31 sec ago
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KSrelief delivers 25 ambulances to Ukrainian Health Ministry

KSrelief delivers 25 ambulances to Ukrainian Health Ministry
  • Delivery is part of a larger commitment of 125 vehicles aimed at supporting the country’s healthcare system
  • Ambulances were officially delivered to the Ukrainian authorities by the director of KSrelief’s health and environmental aid department Dr. Abdullah Al-Muallem

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency, KSrelief, has supplied 25 ambulances to the Ukrainian Ministry of Health.

The delivery is part of a larger commitment of 125 vehicles aimed at supporting the country’s healthcare system. They will be handed over in Poland ready to travel over the border.

The ambulances were officially delivered to the Ukrainian authorities by the director of KSrelief’s health and environmental aid department, Dr. Abdullah Al-Muallem. Also present was Mohammed Rashid Al-Hadithi, the Kingdom’s deputy ambassador to Poland.

The initiative forms part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian and relief efforts. Medical and shelter supplies, along with electrical devices and generators, were also delivered by 21 aircraft.

In addition, the Kingdom has pledged $400 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine. This includes $100 million from KSrelief and $300 million in oil derivatives financing, offered as a grant.

KSrelief has also signed two agreements with the World Health Organization and the UN Refugee Agency to provide $10 million in medical and shelter aid to Ukrainian refugees in neighboring countries, particularly Poland.


Saudi Arabia will not recognize Israel without Palestinian state, crown prince tells Shoura Council

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman addresses the Shoura Council on Wednesday. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman addresses the Shoura Council on Wednesday. (SPA)
Updated 59 min 8 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia will not recognize Israel without Palestinian state, crown prince tells Shoura Council

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman addresses the Shoura Council on Wednesday. (SPA)
  • Crown prince strongly condemns the “crimes of the Israeli occupation” against the Palestinian people

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday said the Kingdom would not recognize Israel without a Palestinian state during an address to the Shoura Council.

He also strongly condemned the “crimes of the Israeli occupation” against the Palestinian people.

“The Kingdom will not stop its tireless work toward the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and we affirm that the Kingdom will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without that,” the crown prince said. 

Prince Mohammed thanked “countries that recognized the Palestinian State in embodiment of international legitimacy,” and urged other countries who had not done so to “take similar steps.”

The Kingdom seeks to enhance regional and international security and peace by making efforts to reach political solutions to the crises in Yemen, Sudan, Libya, and Ukraine, the crown prince said. 

Turning to the Kingdom’s domestic situation, the crown prince said that any achievement made through Saudi Vision 2030’s comprehensive umbrella of various paths is an elevation for the nation, a benefit for the citizen, and immunity from fluctuations and changes for future generations.

“We are proceeding with optimism and confidence in continuing the journey to achieve our targets, according to a comprehensive and integrated approach based on careful review and prioritization,” the crown prince said. 

The crown prince added that while the Kingdom moves forward “on the paths of modernization and diversity,” the country is keen to protect its identity and values “which are an extension of the journey of our grandfathers and fathers.”

 


Saudi, US officials discuss nonprofit sector regulation

Saudi, US officials discuss nonprofit sector regulation
Updated 18 September 2024
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Saudi, US officials discuss nonprofit sector regulation

Saudi, US officials discuss nonprofit sector regulation
  • Saudi delegation, led by Yahya Almosteh, VP of legal affairs, legislation and regulations at the center, met with IRS Global Operations executive director Mary Hammond and her team
  • Visit featured workshops and discussions on governance, legislation and nonprofit sector regulation

RIYADH: A delegation from Saudi Arabia’s National Center for the Nonprofit Sector recently visited the US Internal Revenue Service in Washington, DC.

The visit featured workshops and discussions on governance, legislation and nonprofit sector regulation, facilitating an exchange of expertise and best practices between the two countries.

The Saudi delegation, led by Yahya Almosteh, vice president of legal affairs, legislation and regulations at the center, met with IRS Global Operations executive director Mary Hammond and her team.

Key topics included IRS best practices in nonprofit regulation, tax exemption and compliance.

Established in 2018 as part of Vision 2030’s National Transformation Program, the center aims to organize and expand nonprofit organizations, enhance their social impact, and streamline government efforts in licensing, supervision and coordination.


2025 named ‘Year of Handicrafts’ to showcase Saudi artisan talents worldwide

2025 named ‘Year of Handicrafts’ to showcase Saudi artisan talents worldwide
Updated 18 September 2024
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2025 named ‘Year of Handicrafts’ to showcase Saudi artisan talents worldwide

2025 named ‘Year of Handicrafts’ to showcase Saudi artisan talents worldwide
  • Ministry of Culture aims to elevate traditional crafts and empower artisans through national celebration

JEDDAH: The Ministry of Culture has announced 2025 as the “Year of Handicrafts,” recognizing the cultural and artistic significance of this tradition in Saudi society.

The initiative, approved by the Cabinet, aims to celebrate Saudi artisans’ creativity and showcase their talents globally.

Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan expressed appreciation for the Cabinet’s decision and emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting Saudi cultural heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Badr said: “At the Ministry of Culture, we work to instill pride in the national identity and all the tangible and intangible cultural elements associated with it.

“This is one of the goals of the National Cultural Strategy under the umbrella of Saudi Vision 2030, which places national identity and Saudi culture among its ambitious objectives.”

The “Year of Handicrafts” will serve as a platform to honor this essential component of national identity, celebrating its cultural and artistic value.

Prince Badr added: “Saudi handicrafts reflect the creativity of Saudi society through weaving, handmade artifacts and artistic innovations passed down through generations.

“Among these are pottery, traditional clothing, ceramic utensils, leatherwork, copperwork, tailoring, dyeing, blacksmithing, gold and jewelry crafting, and other handmade creations by Saudi artisans.”

The Ministry of Culture aims to elevate Saudi handicrafts locally and internationally, empowering artisans and boosting their contribution to the economy.

This will be achieved through events organized with partners to highlight the cultural, historical and economic importance of handicrafts.

Since 2020, the ministry has celebrated an annual “cultural year” to honor key elements of Saudi culture.

The “Year of Arabic Calligraphy” was celebrated in 2020 and extended into 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Kingdom celebrated 2022 as the “Year of Saudi Coffee,” 2023 as the “Year of Arabic Poetry,” and 2024 is the “Year of the Camel.”

The “Year of Handicrafts” in 2025 promises to celebrate the artistry and heritage that form the core of Saudi identity, ensuring that this invaluable legacy is preserved and shared globally.


Students plant 1,600 trees in Saudi royal reserve 

Students plant 1,600 trees in Saudi royal reserve 
Updated 18 September 2024
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Students plant 1,600 trees in Saudi royal reserve 

Students plant 1,600 trees in Saudi royal reserve 

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has completed the second phase of a school-based initiative aimed at raising environmental awareness and encouraging community involvement, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

In the second phase of the initiative, it expanded its reach to 1,300 students across all grades — up from the 500 students involved in the first phase — and included five school complexes where students planted 1,600 native trees and seedlings.

The initiative aligns with the authority’s broader goals of increasing vegetation cover, educating young people, and promoting sustainable practices, in line with the 2030 strategic targets for royal reserves and the Saudi Green Initiative.

It includes interactive projects and volunteer opportunities for students and is designed to inspire young people to become environmental stewards. 

The participants’ volunteer hours are recorded on the National Volunteer Portal affiliated with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

By caring for these plants, students will develop a deeper connection with their environment, the SPA reported.