Saudi economy minister meets Pakistan’s ambassador in Riyadh

Ahmed Farooq receives Faisal Alibrahim in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Ahmed Farooq receives Faisal Alibrahim in Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Updated 03 September 2024
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Saudi economy minister meets Pakistan’s ambassador in Riyadh

Saudi economy minister meets Pakistan’s ambassador in Riyadh
  • They discussed cooperation, including avenues for strengthening economic ties

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim met with Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh, the embassy reported on X on Tuesday.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation, including avenues for strengthening economic ties.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received Ambassador of Iraq to the Kingdom Safia Taleb Al-Suhail in Riyadh on Tuesday.

They discussed bilateral ties and other topics of common interest, the Foreign Ministry reported.

 

 


Saudi Arabia appointed chair of UN anti-crime network

Saudi Arabia appointed chair of UN anti-crime network
Updated 11 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia appointed chair of UN anti-crime network

Saudi Arabia appointed chair of UN anti-crime network
  • Achievement reflects global trust in the Kingdom to tackle international criminal organizations

BEIJING: Saudi Arabia has been appointed the chair of the steering committee of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime’s Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities for the 2025-2027 period.

The official who will represent the Kingdom on the GlobE Network is Nasser bin Ahmad Abaalkhail, who also serves as deputy for International Collaboration of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority

The decision was taken at a meeting on Thursday in Beijing, and reflects the trust placed in the Kingdom to tackle international criminal networks, the SPA reported.

Mazin Al-Kahmous, president of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, also known as Nazaha, congratulated the Saudi leadership on the announcement. He said this achievement reflects the leadership’s directives to position the Kingdom as a pioneering model in various fields, including combating corruption.

The GlobE Network is an initiative launched by the Kingdom during the G20 Summit ministerial meeting hosted by Saudi Arabia in 2020.

It was officially adopted by the UN on Dec. 17, 2021, during the ninth session of the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption, held in Egypt.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commended the Kingdom’s role in creating the network in his speech in 2021 at the opening of the first UN General Assembly special session against corruption

At that time, Spain was appointed chair of the network’s steering committee, while Saudi Arabia was vice chair.

Over the past three years, 219 anti-corruption agencies and international organizations, as well as over 120 countries, have joined the network.


Saudi FM takes part in Arab League, UN Security Council meeting

Saudi FM takes part in Arab League, UN Security Council meeting
Updated 34 min 44 sec ago
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Saudi FM takes part in Arab League, UN Security Council meeting

Saudi FM takes part in Arab League, UN Security Council meeting
  • Prince Faisal stressed the Kingdom's full support for the mediation efforts being made by Egypt, Qatar, and the US

NEW YORK CITY: Saudi Arabia believes in the necessity of enhancing consultation mechanisms between the United Nations Security Council and regional organizations, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Thursday.

Prince Faisal took part in an Arab League troika meeting, which included the Kingdom, Bahrain and Iraq, with the member states of the council chaired by Slovenia on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, the foreign minister also praised the decision taken by Slovenia to recognize the State of Palestine.

Prince Faisal stressed the Kingdom's full support for the mediation efforts being made by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, and its rejection of Israeli actions that hinder this mediation.

He reiterated Saudi support for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and appreciated the agency's efforts in the Gaza Strip.

Prince Faisal highlighted the importance of intensifying cooperation and coordination between the Arab League, the Security Council, and international partners to achieve progress on Arab regional issues and to contribute to the enhancement of international peace and security, SPA added.


Christian Dior retrospective exhibition coming to Saudi Arabia as part of Riyadh Season offering

Christian Dior retrospective exhibition coming to Saudi Arabia as part of Riyadh Season offering
Updated 59 min 31 sec ago
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Christian Dior retrospective exhibition coming to Saudi Arabia as part of Riyadh Season offering

Christian Dior retrospective exhibition coming to Saudi Arabia as part of Riyadh Season offering
  • “Christian Dior: Desginer of Dreams,” which has captivated audiences at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, will run from Nov. 21 to April 2

LONDON: A popular Christian Dior exhibition is coming to Saudi Arabia as part of this year’s Riyadh Season festivities, it was announced on Thursday.

“Christian Dior: Desginer of Dreams,” which has captivated audiences at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, will run from Nov. 21 to April 2 next year at the Saudi National Museum.

Curated by Florence Muller and designed by scenographer Nathalie Criniere, the immersive retrospective highlights over 70 years of Dior’s haute couture legacy.

The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the legendary designer’s origins and rise in the fashion world, beginning at 30 Avenue Montaigne and exploring his admiration for gardens, the splendor of the natural world, and his fascination with the grandeur of Versailles and the Enlightenment period.

Attendees will have the opportunity to see a collection of his haute couture creations, spanning from his early designs to those crafted by his successors, with each piece illustrating the house’s artistic innovation.


Saudi Arabia is investing millions to boost tourism, create jobs

Saudi Arabia is investing millions to boost tourism, create jobs
Updated 26 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia is investing millions to boost tourism, create jobs

Saudi Arabia is investing millions to boost tourism, create jobs
  • Over 50,000 training opportunities earmarked for women, says Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb
  • Ahmed Al-Khateeb: Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 highlights the Kingdom’s dedication to making the travel and tourism sector a key driver of social change

LONDON: Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb says the Kingdom is allocating substantial funds to boost the industry and create jobs, especially for young people and females.

Al-Khateeb made the comments during discussions on a joint report by the Ministry of Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council revealing the heavy toll the COVID-19 pandemic had on women and youth jobs in the industry, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Al-Khateeb said: “Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 highlights the Kingdom’s dedication to making the travel and tourism sector a key driver of social change.”

He added: “In 2024, we have dedicated substantial funds to the tourism sector, including $100 million for skills development and training for workers at all levels, from entry to leadership.

“Specialized programs will be provided for local guides to gain comprehensive knowledge of our rich history and natural wonders. Additionally, over 50,000 training opportunities have been earmarked for women.”

Al-Khateeb said Saudi Arabia’s women have achieved significant milestones in the domestic tourism industry and this year make up 42 percent of the sector.

According to the World Tourism Organization, Saudi Arabia women now make up 22 percent of leadership positions, and 46 percent in other areas.

The report, “Social Trends in Travel & Tourism Employment,” sheds light on the sharp decline in women and youth employment due to the pandemic.

In 2019, the travel and tourism sector supported 48.4 million women and around 19 million young people, while in 2022 the figures are 42 million and 16.1 million respectively.

Julia Simpson, the WTTC’s president and chief executive, said: “This report emphasizes the tremendous potential of the travel and tourism sector to drive inclusive growth. However, it also highlights the urgent need for action.

“Women and young people are the backbone of our sector, yet they continue to face significant barriers. By investing in skills development, promoting inclusive policies, and encouraging entrepreneurship, we can unleash the full potential of these groups and ensure our sector leads in creating meaningful and sustainable job opportunities.”


Riyadh International Book Fair kicks off

Riyadh International Book Fair kicks off
Updated 26 September 2024
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Riyadh International Book Fair kicks off

Riyadh International Book Fair kicks off
  • The fair will run from Sept. 26 until Oct. 5

RIYADH: The Riyadh International Book Fair got underway at King Saud University on Thursday under the theme “Riyadh Reads.”

This year’s fair — organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission — features more than 2,000 publishing houses from more than 30 countries, spread across 800 pavilions.

The fair will run from Thursday, Sept. 26 until Saturday, Oct. 5 with local and international publishers from around the world.

The fair will also feature cultural experiences with more than 200 events suited to all ages, such as seminars, panel discussions, lectures, poetry evenings, theatrical performances and workshops addressing a wide range of topics.

There will also be a dedicated zone for children aged 3 to 12 years, which has been put together with educational and entertaining activities for families to participate in.

The children’s area will feature a special section featuring works by Saudi authors and platforms for book signings, offering the public the chance to meet their favorite authors and get their latest releases autographed.

Saudi, other Arab and international cultural organizations and institutions will be present, making it a key platform for publishers, intellectual and cultural exchange, and a meeting point for writers, thinkers and culture and book enthusiasts from within and outside the Kingdom.

Each year the Riyadh International Book Fair welcomes a country as the guest of honor — last year it was Oman and this year is Qatar.

The fair will offer visitors an in-depth experience of Qatar’s literary and intellectual achievements, cultural heritage, history and diverse arts.

The Qatari pavilion will also display manuscripts and publications from the Qatari Ministry of Culture, and prominent Qatari cultural figures will participate in a diverse and vibrant cultural program.

The book fair this year has expanded too. The theme last year was “An Inspiring Destination” and more than 1,800 publishing houses participated.

The fair is open to the public daily from 11 a.m. to midnight, except on Fridays, when it opens from 2 p.m. to midnight.