Riyadh wins bid to host UN World Data Forum 2026

Saudi Arabia has won the bid to host the UN World Data Forum 2026 in Riyadh. (@Stats_Saudi)
Saudi Arabia has won the bid to host the UN World Data Forum 2026 in Riyadh. (@Stats_Saudi)
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Updated 08 September 2024
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Riyadh wins bid to host UN World Data Forum 2026

Saudi Arabia has won the bid to host the UN World Data Forum 2026 in Riyadh. (@Stats_Saudi)
  • Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global statistical advancement recognized

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics, has won the bid to host the UN World Data Forum 2026 in Riyadh.

It was recently announced by the High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The decision followed a majority vote after a review of proposals from competing countries, highlighting their ability to host the global event.

Fahad Al-Dossari, president of the General Authority for Statistics, presented Saudi Arabia’s bid during the group’s meeting. His presentation outlined the authority’s advancements in statistical work, the Kingdom’s experience hosting international events and its capacity to provide logistical support for such gatherings.

The proposal also introduced a suggested theme for the forum: “Using the Latest Technologies and Methodologies to Enhance Global Statistical Systems and Enable Sustainable Development.”

Al-Dossari said: “Hosting this event reflects the Kingdom’s prominent status, affirming King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s commitment to supporting the statistical sector, recognizing the crucial role of statistical data in achieving comprehensive and sustainable development.”

He added: “Winning the bid to host the 2026 UN World Data Forum highlights the progress made in the statistical field, driven by initiatives from the General Authority for Statistics, which aim to produce accurate and updated data through improved data management and governance.”

The forum, targeting 193 UN member states, reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting high-quality statistical data and indicators. It will invite participants from international organizations, UN member states’ statistical offices and data scientist groups.


Saudi aviation imposes $2.3m in Q3 fines this year

Saudi aviation imposes $2.3m in Q3 fines this year
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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.


KSrelief’s Masam Project clears 1,579 explosive devices in Yemen

KSrelief’s Masam Project clears 1,579 explosive devices in Yemen
Updated 08 October 2024
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KSrelief’s Masam Project clears 1,579 explosive devices in Yemen

KSrelief’s Masam Project clears 1,579 explosive devices in Yemen

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Masam Project, run by its aid agency KSrelief, dismantled 1,579 explosive devices across various governorates in Yemen between Sept. 28 and Oct. 4.

These included 1,442 unexploded ordnances, 126 anti-tank mines, six other devices, and five anti-personnel mines, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Since its inception, the project has removed 465,252 explosive devices from the country.

Saudi Arabia, through KSrelief, remains dedicated to eliminating these dangers, which continue to pose a severe threat to civilians.

These devices have already killed and injured several children, women and the elderly in Yemen.


Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief supports 13,300 Yemenis in education initiative

Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief supports 13,300 Yemenis in education initiative
Updated 08 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief supports 13,300 Yemenis in education initiative

Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief supports 13,300 Yemenis in education initiative

RIYADH: The second phase of the “Back to School” project in Yemen, funded by Saudi Arabia through its aid agency KSrelief, has supported 13,300 people across Hajjah, Abyan, Hadhramaut, and Perim Island in Taiz.

Running from Sept. 17, 2023, to Sept. 16, 2024, the project provided 95 classrooms equipped with chairs, whiteboards, lighting, and solar-powered fans.

It also distributed 1,900 school uniforms and bags with supplies.

In addition, KSrelief supported local women by training them to manufacture 950 bags, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.


Saudi aid agency KSrelief boosts medical services in Egypt, Jordan’s Zaatari refugee camp

Saudi aid agency KSrelief boosts medical services in Egypt, Jordan’s Zaatari refugee camp
Updated 08 October 2024
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Saudi aid agency KSrelief boosts medical services in Egypt, Jordan’s Zaatari refugee camp

Saudi aid agency KSrelief boosts medical services in Egypt, Jordan’s Zaatari refugee camp
  • Various clinics provide pediatric, eye, dental, emergency treatments, and open-heart surgeries for needy people

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has stepped up its healthcare services to reach more beneficiaries in Egypt and Jordan’s Zaatari refugee camp.

KSrelief’s clinics provided comprehensive medical services to 2,564 Syrian refugees at Jordan’s Zaatari camp during the last week of September, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

During this period, the general medicine clinics treated 680 patients, and the internal medicine clinic saw 79 patients with diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.

The pediatric, emergency, dental and two gynecology clinics attended to 318 children, 314 patients, 109 patients, and 220 females, respectively, at the camp.

Also, the ear, nose, and throat clinic saw 43 patients with various infections. In addition, the eye, cardiology and diagnostic radiology clinics treated 80, 20 and 31 patients.

The health education department served 72 beneficiaries, and 2,340 medical prescriptions were filled at the pharmacy.

A team of volunteers including 14 specialist doctors performed 28 pediatric heart surgeries in Alexandria, Egypt, from Sept. 24 to 30.

The procedures included 23 open-heart surgeries and five cardiac catheterizations, all performed with a 100 percent success rate, said the SPA.

The project was a part of KSrelief’s efforts to provide critical healthcare services to people in need across the world.

“The surgeries were part of a volunteer medical project aimed at providing life-saving heart procedures for children from low-income families,” reported the SPA.