Red Sea Fund opens registration for post-production grants

Red Sea Fund opens registration for post-production grants
The fund supports films needing final touches after filming. (Supplied)
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Updated 07 August 2024
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Red Sea Fund opens registration for post-production grants

Red Sea Fund opens registration for post-production grants
  • Period for the fourth phase runs until Aug. 21

RIYADH: The Red Sea International Film Festival has opened registration for the fourth phase of the Red Sea Fund, which supports post-production film projects.

The registration period runs until Aug. 21, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The fund supports films needing final touches after filming. It seeks to attract works in the region from the documentary, fiction, animation, episodic, short, and feature film genres.

The fund accepts applications from directors of Arab and African origin, while the works are required to have a minimum duration of 60 minutes.

The Red Sea Fund has supported more than 250 films, initiated industry support programs, helped to celebrate women, and funded graduation films since its inception in 2021.

It also collaborates with international festivals and provides awards for exceptional projects.

Interested applicants who wish to register for the fourth phase should access redseafilmfest.com/en/red-sea-fund-2/.


Saudi crown prince reassures Cabinet about King Salman’s health

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairs Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairs Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting. (SPA)
Updated 08 October 2024
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Saudi crown prince reassures Cabinet about King Salman’s health

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairs Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting. (SPA)
  • Cabinet was briefed on regional and international developments, expressed support for the people of Palestine and Lebanon
  • It called on the international community to assume its responsibilities to maintain security and stability in the region

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reassured everybody about King Salman’s health during a Cabinet session on Tuesday.

The crown prince expressed appreciation for everyone who asked about the king’s health and prayed that God grant him a speedy recovery.

Meanwhile, Cabinet ministers praised the objectives of the crown prince’s initiatives regarding protecting children in cyberspace and empowering women in the field of cybersecurity. Both initiatives were launched in 2020.

The crown prince recently highlighted the progress made by these initiatives at the Global Cybersecurity Forum held in Riyadh last week, saying that they empower decision-makers worldwide to develop cybersecurity policies and programs.

The Cabinet was also briefed on regional and international developments and expressed support for the people of Palestine and Lebanon. It called on the international community to assume its responsibilities to maintain security and stability in the region and implement United Nations resolutions.

The Cabinet welcomed the outcomes of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh Ministerial held in Washington at the end of September to mark the 10th anniversary of the coalition’s establishment. It reiterated the Kingdom’s position rejecting extremism and terrorism and its financing in all forms. 

The Cabinet also reviewed the Kingdom’s contributions to formulating appropriate policies and solutions to global economic challenges, and its emphasis on investing in sustainability and strengthening the multilateral trading system to support economic growth and human development and reduce economic risks.


Science, tech provides key to sustainability, economic growth

Science, tech provides key to sustainability, economic growth
Updated 08 October 2024
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Science, tech provides key to sustainability, economic growth

Science, tech provides key to sustainability, economic growth
  • KACST president highlights science’s role in Vision 2030 at Kyoto forum
  • Munir Eldesouki spoke of Saudi Arabia’s goal of producing 600 tonnes of green hydrogen per day by 2026

RIYADH: Munir Eldesouki, the president of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, has stressed the crucial role of science and technology in Saudi Vision 2030, during a speech in Kyoto, Japan.

Speaking at the Science and Technology in Society forum, he highlighted their importance in driving sustainability and economic growth while addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, health crises, and artificial intelligence advancements, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Eldesouki spoke of Saudi Arabia’s goal of producing 600 tonnes of green hydrogen per day by 2026 through the world’s largest green hydrogen plant, potentially reducing global carbon dioxide emissions by 5 million tonnes annually.

He also stressed the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainability, with plans to establish the largest carbon capture and storage centers, reaching a capacity of 9 million tonnes annually by 2027 and expanding to 44 million tonnes by 2035.

Eldesouki stressed KACST’s eco-friendly technologies to combat dengue fever, which aimed for a 70 percent reduction in cases by 2027, and the Kingdom’s use of space technologies to conserve 9 billion cubic meters of groundwater.

He added that Saudi Arabia actively supported young scientists, researchers, and innovators, with KACST launching initiatives in Web3, electronic games, and augmented reality to equip them with digital transformation skills.

He highlighted the establishment of The Garage, a business incubator and accelerator for deep technology startups in Riyadh, which supports over 200 startups from over 50 countries.

Eldesouki invited global research and development leaders to Riyadh Expo 2030 — called “A Different Tomorrow” — in which Saudi Arabia will showcase innovations shaping a sustainable, prosperous future, with a focus on science and technology.

Eldesouki met Cyprus’ Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou on the forum’s sidelines to discuss collaboration in R&D and healthcare cybersecurity.

He also met Mitsubishi Research Institute President Kenji Yabuta to explore cooperation in AI, renewable energy, healthcare, and digital transformation.


Advanced weaponry on show at Riyadh's falcons, hunting exhibition

Advanced weaponry on show at Riyadh's falcons, hunting exhibition
Updated 08 October 2024
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Advanced weaponry on show at Riyadh's falcons, hunting exhibition

Advanced weaponry on show at Riyadh's falcons, hunting exhibition
  • Saudi arms companies are displaying a variety of weapons and ammunition from over 55 global brands
  • Ministry of Interior’s pavilion features cutting-edge technology such as drones and thermal cameras equipped with AI

RIYADH: The International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition is currently highlighting a wide range of advanced weapons to appeal to hunting rifle and firearm enthusiasts.

The event, which is taking place until Oct. 12 at the Saudi Falcons Club in Malham, north of Riyadh, also features sections for weapon accessories, reported the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saudi arms companies are displaying a variety of weapons and ammunition from over 55 global brands, including the latest Russian hunting rifles. These are lighter than their predecessors, feature larger ammunition capacities, and come equipped with precision night sights.

Leading American arms manufacturer Smith & Wesson is featuring this year’s individual firearms releases, along with older models. These are known for their lightweight design, solid barrel construction and signature safety features.

As well as weapons, visitors can peruse a wide array of firearm accessories, including shooting plates, targets, simulators, beads, scopes for rifles and pistols, red-dot sights, and extra ammunition stores.

The Ministry of Interior is also showcasing cutting-edge technologies, including drones and thermal cameras equipped with advanced AI programs, at its pavilion at the exhibition. (SPA)

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior’s pavilion features cutting-edge technology such as drones and thermal cameras equipped with advanced artificial intelligence.

These play a crucial role in boosting the operational capacity of the Special Forces for Environmental Security, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. They also enable a swift information exchange between command and field units, provide extensive coverage of large areas, and reduce the cost and time involved in environmental protection efforts.

In addition, the ministry is offering various services to visitors such as issuance and renewal of passports, the issuance, renewal and printing of national ID cards, and the printing of residence cards for expatriates.

Visitors can also find out about regulations for obtaining licenses to carry and own firearms and hunting weapons, as well as the penalties for violations.


Saudi aviation imposes $2.3m in Q3 fines this year

Saudi aviation imposes $2.3m in Q3 fines this year
Updated 08 October 2024
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Saudi aviation imposes $2.3m in Q3 fines this year

Saudi aviation imposes $2.3m in Q3 fines this year

RIYADH: The General Authority of Civil Aviation issued 197 fines totaling almost SR8.7 million ($2.3 million) in the third quarter of 2024 for violations of the Civil Aviation Law, its executive regulations and authority instructions.

According to an authority report, 177 fines amounting to SR8.4 million were imposed on airlines for failing to comply with passenger rights protection regulations.

Four fines adding up to SR150,000, were issued to airlines for non-compliance with the Civil Aviation Law and authority instructions, while three fines totaling SR60,000 were imposed on licensed companies for not adhering to license terms.

An additional 13 fines, which came to SR25,000 were issued to individuals, including four for operating drones without permits.

Nine fines worth SR3,100 involved passengers violating safety instructions and misconduct on aircraft.

The authority said its actions reflected its commitment to transparency, regulatory oversight, and improving the passenger experience and air transport services in the Kingdom.


Saudi, South Korean officials discuss infrastructure ties

Saudi, South Korean officials discuss infrastructure ties
Updated 08 October 2024
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Saudi, South Korean officials discuss infrastructure ties

Saudi, South Korean officials discuss infrastructure ties

RIYADH: Mayor of Riyadh Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf met with South Korea’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Sangwoo Park on Tuesday to discuss greater cooperation in infrastructure development.

The two officials explored potential collaboration on infrastructure modernization and development, as well as the exchange of expertise in urban planning, land management, transport and sustainable development.

They also reviewed current plans to ensure environmental sustainability in infrastructure projects, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The South Korean minister congratulated Prince Faisal on Riyadh’s successful bid to host Expo 2030.

The meeting was part of a series of discussions Prince Faisal is holding with public and private sector officials aimed at strengthening international cooperation in infrastructure and smart city initiatives.