Saudi exports to Austria up by 146% last year, says envoy

Saudi exports to Austria up by 146% last year, says envoy
Oskar Wustinger, Ambassador of Austria to Saudi Arabia, speaking at a reception hosted by the Embassy of Austria in Riyadh to celebrate Austria’s National Day. (Jaafer Alsaleh)
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Updated 25 October 2024
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Saudi exports to Austria up by 146% last year, says envoy

Saudi exports to Austria up by 146% last year, says envoy

RIYADH: Imports from Saudi Arabia to Austria totaled €442.4 million ($477.9 million) in 2023, an increase of 146.2 percent on the previous year.

Oskar Wustinger, the Austrian ambassador to the Kingdom, said exports from his country to the Kingdom also showed a strong upward trend, increasing 11.9 percent to €537.8 million.

At a reception hosted by the Austrian Embassy in Riyadh, he described the growth in trade as “impressive” and said Austrian exports to Saudi Arabia during the first half of 2024 had also surged, up 57 percent on the same period last year.

Some 200,000 Saudis visited Austria last year, he added, describing it as “a big increase and new record with a further increase this year.”

According to the embassy’s website, Saudis made up the largest group of tourists from Gulf region with over 194,600 arrivals and 540,000 overnight stays.

The ambassador said he expected to see a further increase in tourism, with many visas already issued through the new “cascade” system.

Wustinger, who took up his current role in September last year, said the “very good relations” between Austria and the Kingdom were based on solid friendship and covered many fields.

During his tenure, he hopes to expand cooperation in the fields of infrastructure, mobility, mining, tourism, tourism infrastructure, the entertainment sector, green tech and renewable energy.

He said: “Vision 2030 is impressively bold and very ambitious,” adding he continued to be amazed by the rapid pace of change and the “energy, enthusiasm, and creativity of Saudi youth which is the biggest treasure of all.”

The ambassador also highlighted several Austrian companies which have established a presence in Saudi Arabia in the past few years, such as Hoerbiger and Andritz, adding that TUV Austria had celebrated the opening of its regional headquarters in Riyadh in May.

“Austrian businesses have world-leading expertise, break new ground, and think outside the box,” he said.

During his speech, the ambassador also listed numerous trade missions organized by the Austrian Embassy, including the commercial section which focused on green tech, tourism know-how and infrastructure.

He said another trade mission to Riyadh this month would bring a delegation to Abha to learn more about the developing tourist region of Aseer.

There was cooperation in the world of football, too, he said, with an increasing number of Saudi teams — including Al-Hilal — holding summer camps in Austria.

He also highlighted Austria’s National Day as “a very good occasion to bring together colleagues, Saudi friends, contacts and business people who are involved in trying to further enhance Austria and Saudi relations in the cultural field, economic and political fields.


Madinah hosts talks on cardiac care innovations

Madinah hosts talks on cardiac care innovations
Updated 07 December 2024
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Madinah hosts talks on cardiac care innovations

Madinah hosts talks on cardiac care innovations

RIYADH: The Madinah Heart International Conference, organized by the Madinah Health Cluster and Saudi Heart Association, concluded with discussions on the latest advances in treating heart diseases.

More than 150 experts from Saudi Arabia and abroad participated, sharing innovative approaches in cardiology, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The three-day event addressed topics such as cardiac emergencies, heart attacks, cardiac MRI in diagnostics, pharmacists’ roles in congenital heart disease management, and challenges and future trends in cardiac anesthesia.

Sessions also covered aortic valve replacement techniques, managing cardiac ischemia in children, and updates on hypertension management and clinical guidelines.

The event included a presentation on the first complete robotic heart transplant, AI integration in cardiology, and workshops on minimally invasive heart surgery techniques.


Authorities bust drug smugglers across Kingdom

Authorities bust drug smugglers across Kingdom
Updated 07 December 2024
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Authorities bust drug smugglers across Kingdom

Authorities bust drug smugglers across Kingdom

RIYADH: Saudi authorities recently made several drug-related arrests and confiscations across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Border Guard patrols in Jazan intercepted 270 kg of qat in Al-Aridah and 126 kg in Al-Dayer. They also arrested a citizen in Al-Dayer with qat in his vehicle.

The General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested four Nigerians in Jeddah with 39 kg of cocaine.

The directorate also arrested a Pakistani in the Eastern Province for selling methamphetamine, also known as shabu.

In Qassim, a citizen was arrested for selling shabu, hashish, amphetamine, and regulated tablets.

In Asir’s Al-Raboah sector, Border Guard patrols apprehended five Yemenis and Ethiopians smuggling 110 kg of qat.

In Riyadh, two citizens were arrested with hashish, amphetamines, and regulated tablets, while two others were caught with hashish and 15,735 regulated tablets.

Preliminary legal procedures have been completed, and all seized items have been handed to the relevant authorities.

Security authorities reiterated their call for the public to report any information about drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions of the Kingdom.

Individuals can also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at [email protected].

All information will be treated as strictly confidential.


Kingdom arrests 18,489 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 18,489 illegals in one week
Updated 07 December 2024
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Kingdom arrests 18,489 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 18,489 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 18,489 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

According to an official report, a total of 10,824 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,638 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,027 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,125 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 56 percent were Ethiopian, 42 percent Yemeni, and 2 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 57 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 31 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


Riyadh festival looks to boost investment in falconry sector

Riyadh festival looks to boost investment in falconry sector
Updated 07 December 2024
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Riyadh festival looks to boost investment in falconry sector

Riyadh festival looks to boost investment in falconry sector
  • Event highlights falconry’s cultural, economic, environmental value

Riyadh: The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival is currently taking place at the Saudi Falcons Club headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. The festival runs until Dec. 19.

This year’s event “marks a significant milestone with the participation of various companies and commercial institutions, broadening the event’s scope beyond individual falconers,” the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The club’s spokesperson, Waleed Al-Taweel, highlighted the club’s strategic focus on attracting investment for the falconry sector and explained that by preserving the heritage of falconry and promoting its environmental, cultural, and economic value, the club aims to contribute to the realization of Saudi Vision 2030 by strengthening the nation’s cultural identity.

The festival provides a platform for Saudi and international falconers to showcase their skills and compete across various categories with the aim of qualifying for the prestigious King’s Sword rounds and winning substantial prizes totaling more than SR36 million ($9.6 million).

The festival will also host a falcon beauty pageant, celebrating “the magnificence of these birds,” the SPA reported.

Meanwhile, a talented falconer with physical disabilities, Musaed Al-Rashidi, is making a remarkable impact at the festival.

“Al-Rashidi’s interest in falconry began 18 years ago when he learned the intricacies of the craft from his friends. Over time, his love for the sport deepened, and he became an accomplished falconer,” the SPA wrote.

This year’s festival marks his debut, proudly representing Hafar Al-Batin governorate.

Al-Rashidi reportedly praised the exceptional organization of the festival and expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and excellent facilities provided by the club, as well as its “unwavering support for preserving the heritage of falconry.”

The festival is a three-time Guinness World Record holder for hosting the world’s largest gathering of falcons. It brings together top falconers from around the globe to celebrate the cultural heritage of falconry, encourage competition, and ensure its sustainability for future generations.

The club’s CEO, Talal Al-Shamaisi, stated that the festival’s primary aim is “to advance falconry as a cultural hobby while preserving and promoting this Arab tradition.”

He said that the club hopes to position falconry as a “major heritage tourism attraction, fostering national pride and engaging younger generations in a competitive yet spirited environment.”


KSrelief’s humanitarian activities continue in Sudan, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Jordan

KSrelief’s humanitarian activities continue in Sudan, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Jordan
Updated 07 December 2024
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KSrelief’s humanitarian activities continue in Sudan, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Jordan

KSrelief’s humanitarian activities continue in Sudan, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Jordan

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s (KSrelief) work in Sudan, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Jordan continues, with over 10,000 individuals benefiting from the aid agency’s various humanitarian activities.

In Al-Qadarif state of Sudan, KSrelief on Thursday distributed 990 food parcels to vulnerable families as part of the third phase of the food security support project for the country this year. The distributed food packages benefited 5,940 individuals, state news agency SPA reported.

In Zaranj of Afghanistan’s Nimruz province, 350 shelter kits were provided to 350 families – or about 2,100 family members – who returned from Pakistan, and also to those affected by flooding.

In Jordan’s Zaatari Camp, KSrelief-run clinics provided medical assistance to 2,674 Syrian refugees in Jordan during the fourth week of November. Among the services provided included diagnostics and laboratory tests as well as X-rays. General practitioners treated patients dispensed necessary medications, while specialists provided services for dental care, treatment for sinus and ear infections, eye conditions as well as heart issues.

In Miniyeh of northern Lebanon, the Souboul Al-Salam Association ambulance team funded by KSrelief carried out 54 ambulance missions from Nov. 1 to 7, funded by the King Salman

The missions included transporting patients to and from hospitals and aiding individuals injured in road accidents.