Riyadh hosts road safety, sustainability forum

Global delegates are connecting, sharing ideas, and exploring the latest in road safety and sustainable transport solutions. (Supplied/X: @IRF_global)
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Global delegates are connecting, sharing ideas, and exploring the latest in road safety and sustainable transport solutions. (Supplied/X: @IRF_global)
Global delegates are connecting, sharing ideas, and exploring the latest in road safety and sustainable transport solutions. (Supplied/X: @IRF_global)
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Global delegates are connecting, sharing ideas, and exploring the latest in road safety and sustainable transport solutions. (Supplied/X: @IRF_global)
Global delegates are connecting, sharing ideas, and exploring the latest in road safety and sustainable transport solutions. (AN Photo/Waad Hussain)
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Global delegates are connecting, sharing ideas, and exploring the latest in road safety and sustainable transport solutions. (AN Photo/Waad Hussain)
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Updated 03 November 2024
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Riyadh hosts road safety, sustainability forum

Riyadh hosts road safety, sustainability forum
  • Minister says 50 percent drop in road deaths highlights Kingdom’s commitment to safety standards

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Saleh Al-Jasser inaugurated the Road Safety and Sustainability Conference and Exhibition in Riyadh on Sunday.

The two-day event, themed “Innovating for Tomorrow,” is organized by the General Authority for Roads together with the International Road Federation, and has attracted over 1,000 specialists from more than 50 countries, including major global companies.

Al-Jasser, who is also the chairman of the General Authority for Roads, said that the number of deaths on the Kingdom's roads has decreased by nearly 50 percent, exceeding the targets set in the National Transport and Logistics Strategy introduced in 2021.

In his speech, the minister also praised the Kingdom’s efforts to elevate road safety standards and enhance sustainability.

Al-Jasser said that the Kingdom ranked fourth among the G20 countries in the Road Quality Index, confirming its leadership in achieving the highest standards of safety and quality on roads.

The conference emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s global standing in the roads sector. Key projects under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy have improved road safety and reduced fatalities, affirming the Kingdom’s commitment to safety.

Saudi Arabia has introduced initiatives to preserve road infrastructure, including performance-based contracts for greater transparency, spending efficiency, and service standards, aligning with Vision 2030.

Following the inauguration, a ministerial session titled “Road Safety: Innovation and Lessons Learned” gathered officials from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Georgia, Cyprus, and Nepal to discuss policy-driven solutions for road safety, emissions reduction, and sustainable infrastructure.

The conference features over 130 scientific papers and 27 innovative technologies on sustainable transport, including advancements in AI and smart transport systems for traffic management, vehicle safety, and environmental impact reduction.

An exhibition with 20 organizations showcases innovations in AI, smart transport, and sustainable mobility.

The conference offers a platform for global experts to share insights, best practices, and the transformative role of emerging technologies in road safety and transport.


Innovation forum connects French companies with Saudi partners

Innovation forum connects French companies with Saudi partners
Updated 10 sec ago
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Innovation forum connects French companies with Saudi partners

Innovation forum connects French companies with Saudi partners
  • Top tech companies represented
  • Summit highlights national climate efforts

RIYADH: A delegation of 20 top French technology companies gathered in Riyadh for the third French-Saudi Innovation Forum at the Crowne Plaza Digital City on Wednesday.

Companies were able to connect with potential Saudi partners, showcase their skills, and assess their expectations and needs with a view to establishing formal partnerships.

Solar-powered drone manufacturer Xsun was one such company. Benjamin David, CEO and founder, told Arab News: “We have signed a contract to create a subsidiary of the Xsun group in Saudi Arabia with a local partner wishing to deploy this technology.

“Our Saudi partner aims to build an assembly plant for our machines, which will also serve as a maintenance center, pilot training center and flight center for flying these machines.

“This center will also be able to welcome visitors for demonstration flights and offer services for using our systems. All these things will be possible thanks to this partnership.

“The advantage is that it’s very sunny in Arabia most of the time. For example, if we look back over the last 25 years, we can see that the amount of sun falling on the ground is completely reproducible every month of the year.

“This means we can accurately predict the amount of solar energy and fully anticipate the autonomy of these solar machines.

“This autonomy will enable us not only to cover great distances and large areas, but also to acquire a considerable amount of data for monitoring marine biodiversity and environmental monitoring of projects.

“We are currently in discussions with the major Saudi nature reserves to preserve the environment and its flora and fauna,” he said.

David said that the Saudi market was very dynamic and keen on innovation, with a young and well-educated population, “which is a perfect match for our needs.”

This year’s symposium featured high-level discussions between French and Saudi industrial leaders, including representatives of the Saudi Made initiative and La French Fab, to foster strategic partnerships to support sustainable industrial growth in the region.

Panel discussions explored how sustainable technologies could transform the industrial landscape in Saudi Arabia while respecting the environment.

Discussions also focused on Saudi Arabia’s commitment to localize industries and integrate women into its industrial sector.

The event was held in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Investment and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program.


Chedi Hegra Hotel opens at UNESCO site

Chedi Hegra Hotel opens at UNESCO site
Updated 18 min 6 sec ago
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Chedi Hegra Hotel opens at UNESCO site

Chedi Hegra Hotel opens at UNESCO site
  • Chedi Hegra Hotel will feature 35 rooms designed to reflect harmony between luxury and the surrounding environment
  • Chedi Hegra integrates existing structures, such as the railway station, into its architecture, preserving the cultural heritage of the region while blending it with modernity

ALULA: The Royal Commission for AlUla has announced the opening of the Chedi Hegra Hotel within the Hegra Archaeological Site, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia.

The hotel, representing a new chapter in AlUla’s development as a world-class tourist destination, will feature 35 rooms designed to reflect harmony between luxury and the surrounding environment. It integrates existing structures, such as the railway station, into its architecture, preserving the cultural heritage of the region while blending it with modernity.

Guests can enjoy three culinary experiences with views of the breathtaking natural environment, as well as a heritage gallery, a wellness center, and a Saudi coffee house.

The main restaurant is located in the station, featuring a rare 1906 carriage at its center. The train maintenance area has also been preserved and can be viewed through a glass floor.


Kingdom shines in Times Higher Education Arab university rankings

Kingdom shines in Times Higher Education Arab university rankings
Updated 51 min 43 sec ago
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Kingdom shines in Times Higher Education Arab university rankings

Kingdom shines in Times Higher Education Arab university rankings
  • KAUST tops prestigious regional survey for second consecutive year
  • Saudi Arabia dominates with top 3 places and 5 universities in top 10

RIYADH: Saudi Arabian universities dominated the latest Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings, with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology securing first place for a second consecutive year.

Sharing the results, the Times Higher Education portal said that Saudi Arabia is number one in the 2024 rankings, with the Kingdom claiming all top three places and five universities in the top 10.

“KAUST is number one in the Arab region, thanks to strong performances in the research environment, society, and research quality pillars,” a statement on the portal said.

Following the announcement, KAUST said that the achievement highlights the university’s rapid development under its Accelerating Impact Strategy announced last year.

The top ranking also reflects the university’s “commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, especially in enhancing the global profile of educational institutions in Saudi Arabia.”

KAUST President Edward Byrne said: “Achieving this distinction for a second consecutive year is a definitive affirmation of KAUST’s exceptional impact.

“It cements our standing as a global hub for innovation and knowledge, elevating Saudi Arabia’s profile on the world stage. This back-to-back success, made possible by everyone at KAUST, underscores our transformative role in shaping a future defined by scientific and technological leadership.”

Consecutive top spots following a second placing in 2022 highlight KAUST’s leadership in Arab and global academic communities.

This follows KAUST’s recent achievement of leading the Middle East with 14 faculty members recognized in the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list 2024, reinforcing the university’s research-driven global impact.

Following KAUST in the Times Higher Education rankings, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals is ranked second, King Saud University third, King Abdulaziz University fifth, and King Khalid University 10th.

Jordan entered the top 10 for the first time with the University of Jordan in ninth position, while Egypt rejoined the top 10 with Cairo University in eighth place.

Gulf states were also strongly represented, with Qatar University ranked fourth, and Khalifa University and United Arab Emirates University ranked sixth and seventh, respectively.

Iraq is now the most-represented country with 45 ranked institutions.

The UAE’s average overall score of 64 is the highest in the region, based on countries with at least 10 universities ranked.

This year the Times Higher Education survey ranked a record 238 universities or institutions — up from 207 last year — from 16 countries or territories. Syria also made its debut in the ranking.

“The methodology is based on the same framework as our World University Rankings, but some adjustments have been made and some new metrics have been included to reflect the features and missions of universities in the Middle East and North Africa,” Times Higher Education said.

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings, published annually since 2004, is based on 13 performance indicators that measure an institution’s performance across four areas: teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook.


Support equipment from KSrelief helps Somalis with disabilities

Support equipment from KSrelief helps Somalis with disabilities
Updated 05 December 2024
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Support equipment from KSrelief helps Somalis with disabilities

Support equipment from KSrelief helps Somalis with disabilities
  • The initiative, carried out in partnership with the UN Development Program, is part of the Capacity Development and Empowerment for People with Disabilities project in Somalia

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered a range of support equipment to the Somali National Disability Agency.

The initiative, carried out in partnership with the UN Development Program, is part of the Capacity Development and Empowerment for People with Disabilities project in Somalia which benefits 22,600 people.

The delivery ceremony was attended by the charge d’affaires of the Saudi embassy in Somalia, Mohammed Al-Budairi, and the director of the KSrelief branch in Africa, Yazid bin Abdullah Hamoud. Representing Somalia were Minister of Family and Human Rights Development Bashir Mohamed Jama, members of the Council of Ministers, members of parliament, diplomats and dignitaries.

The project aims to empower people with disabilities by providing access to education, vocational training and employment opportunities that enhance their independence and dignity. It also seeks to integrate them as active contributors to Somali society and strengthen the capacities of government agencies working in this field by offering technical and operational support.


KSrelief ambulances boost Gaza’s health sector amid challenges

KSrelief ambulances boost Gaza’s health sector amid challenges
Updated 05 December 2024
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KSrelief ambulances boost Gaza’s health sector amid challenges

KSrelief ambulances boost Gaza’s health sector amid challenges

RIYADH: The health sector in Gaza has been bolstered by 20 fully equipped ambulances from Saudi aid agency KSrelief, reported Saudi Press Agency.

The move comes as the Strip faces humanitarian challenges and repeated targeting of critical infrastructure, including ambulances and other health services.

The vehicles have significantly helped emergency response capabilities in the area, playing a vital role in treating the wounded and transferring them rapidly to medical centers.