Day: June 27, 2024

The Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip announced that the death toll from the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Strip has risen to 37,765 martyrs and 85,429 injured.

In a statement on Thursday, the ministry indicated that the Israeli occupation forces committed 3 massacres against the families in the Gaza Strip during the past 24 hours, resulting in 47 martyrs and 52 injured.

The statement indicated that several victims are still under the rubble and on roads, while medical and civil defense personnel couldn’t reach them.

Despite warnings from United Nations agencies about the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli occupation continues its intense, comprehensive, and unprecedented aggression against the Gaza Strip for the 265th consecutive day from sea, land, and air, resulting in tens of thousands of martyrs, injured and missing people, in addition to massive devastation of critical infrastructure and unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe due to the halt of the delive
ry food, water, medicine, and fuel supplies.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Jeddah: The teamLab Borderless Museum in Jeddah is located in Historic Jeddah as a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and the teamLab international artistic group under the initiatives of the Quality of Life Program. The program is part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to bring a qualitative addition to the cultural scene in the Kingdom.

The museum combines arts, technology, and nature in an innovative, creative space. It features about 80 independent and interconnected works, creating a world without borders. One of its notable spaces is the “Borderless World,” where visitors can learn about the world through their bodies. Additionally, the museum includes the “Athletics Forest,” which is a creative space designed to enhance spatial awareness based on the principle of understanding the world through the body in a three-dimensional way.

Covering an area of approximately 10,000 square meters, the Borderless Museum is the first teamLab museum launched in the Middle East. It is p
ermanently situated on the banks of Lake Al-Arbaeen, offering panoramic views of Historic Jeddah, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage-listed site.

This teamLab project is part of the initiative to develop the infrastructure for cultural exhibitions, which is in line with the efforts to increase cultural offerings in the Kingdom. The museum is an important component of the Quality of Life Program, contributing to the development of Saudi arts and culture in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Riyadh: The Saudi Electricity Company announced the completion and operation of a new strategic electrical interconnection project between the central and southern regions, passing through the main substations in Al-Kharj, Al-Aflaj, Wadi Al-Dawasir, and Bisha.

The company noted that this project, which embodies the significant support provided to the energy sector by the wise leadership and was supervised by the Ministry of Energy, is an example of efforts exerted to enhance the reliability of the electrical system and ensure energy supplies across the Kingdom.

The company stressed that this project aligns with its strategy and the energy system’s objectives to achieve sustainability and efficiency in electricity services by building and enhancing electrical interconnection lines among different regions of the Kingdom.

The company pointed out that the cost of this strategic project amounted to some SAR1 billion, with a total length of over 830 kilometers. The project included the construction of 2,100 aeri
al towers, the installation of power reactors and electrical transformers with a capacity exceeding 2,000 mega volt amps (MVA), and the installation of a fiber-optic network of about 830 kilometers long. The company ensured the support of localization and local content in the implementation of this project to guarantee a sustainable national supply chain.

The project enables the exchange of electrical energy between the two regions, contributing to increased service reliability, system efficiency, and enhanced capabilities, the company said, noting that the scheme also facilitates the optimal utilization of electrical energy production resources in the Kingdom, which enhances Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading economic power.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Shanghai: The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, known as MODON, has expanded its total logistics space in industrial cities across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to over 4.8 million square meters. This increase is in response to the growing demand for its services and to provide a comprehensive range of logistics products.

“MODON” is participating in the international trade fair, Transport Logistics, Asia’s leading trade fair for logistics, transportation, information technology, and supply chain management. The event is taking place in Shanghai, China, from June 25 to 27, 2024. MODON is participating within the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) pavilion to promote industrial investment opportunities and logistical projects in industrial cities. They will also be introducing the incentives and capabilities that MODON offers to both local and foreign investors.

Under the vision of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime M
inister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, MODON is responsible for developing and supervising several logistics centers as part of the general plan for logistics centers that was launched in August 2023. The goal is to develop 59 logistics centers with a total area exceeding 100 million square meters.

MODON is committed to supporting and facilitating industrial and logistical investment opportunities. To this end, it provides investors with a comprehensive package of services and products. These include the development and operation of specialized warehouses, dry and refrigerated warehouses, warehouse areas, yards, and centers for shipping truck services.

This comprehensive offering underscores MODON’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for industrial and logistical investment.

“Modon” is diligently following an ambitious plan to develop industrial cities in line with its objectives. These cities are designed to attract investment, empower the industry, and ensure stability.

The developed land
areas have expanded, exceeding 209 million square meters. They currently encompass over 6,600 industrial and logistical facilities to enhance local content and maximize exports, all in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Riyadh: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has fined a facility in the Qassim region SAR500,000 for altering the data of a type of fish that is not allowed to be imported into the Kingdom, with the intention of selling it in the Saudi market.

SFDA received a request to inspect a shipment containing eight fish species in a warehouse imported from outside the Kingdom. During the inspection, the inspectors found discrepancies in the information provided for one of the fish species on the label and the customs declaration. Subsequently, samples were taken, and it was discovered that one of the imported species, river tilapia, did not match what was included on the label, and its import was prohibited.

The rejected shipment, weighing about 2 tons, and the facility were referred to the relevant authorities for further regulatory procedures, and penalties were imposed in compliance with the Food System and its executive regulations.

According to the relevant regulations, the penalty for this violation (trad
ing or promoting food or any of its derivatives that contain internationally or locally forbidden, contaminated, or banned substances or for which a trading ban has been issued) is a fine of SAR 500,000, in addition to preventing or suspending the violator from engaging in any work related to the food system.

SFDA urged consumers to report violations in supervised establishments by calling the unified number (19999) or through the ‘Tameni’ application.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Riyadh: The economic ties between Saudi Arabia and China are growing stronger, with China being the world’s second-largest economy and one of the largest consumer and manufacturing markets.

According to the international trade report for the first quarter of 2024 issued by the General Authority for Statistics, China is the primary destination for 15% of Saudi exports, showcasing the profound economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

Over the past five years (2019 – 2023), the value of Saudi non-oil exports to China has exceeded SAR 176 billion, with significant contributions from the chemicals and polymers sector, followed by the metals sector. The Saudi Export Development Authority (SAUDI EXPORTS) has been actively working to improve Saudi exports’ access to the Chinese market and participating in specialized international exhibitions to promote Saudi products and services to potential buyers and visitors and to facilitate business deals to expand their exports.

One of the upcoming exhibit
ions in which SAUDI EXPORTS will participate is the Transport and Logistics Exhibition 2024 in China. Sixteen leading national companies will showcase their logistical and technical services to visitors and interested individuals, highlighting the importance of transportation and logistics as a vital component of the services exports sector.

In 2023, services exports recorded a remarkable performance with a 40% increase compared to the previous year, reaching a value of SAR182 billion (according to preliminary data).

This increase was mainly fueled by the recovery of the travel sector, which constituted 74% of the total services exports valued at SAR135 billion. The transportation sector followed with exports amounting to SAR 24.2 billion and communication services exports with a value of SAR 6.3 billion.

Saudi Exports also aims to enhance the readiness of exporters, providing them with the necessary information and studies, and exploring export opportunities by offering specialized studies and reports. Th
is assistance helps exporters find suitable export opportunities, where the authority focuses on developing the capabilities of exporters by organizing various workshops and training courses.

Also, Saudi Exports places great attention to empowering exporters and addressing the challenges they face, such as customs and non-customs restrictions, and financial and logistical challenges, by cooperating with stakeholders to find practical solutions that can enhance companies’ capabilities to successfully access Chinese markets.

These efforts are part of several services and initiatives provided by Saudi Exports to achieve sustainable growth in the Kingdom’s non-oil exports. The authority utilizes all its capabilities to encourage Saudi services and products, enhance their competitiveness, and help them access international markets, in a way that reflects the status of Saudi products and contributes to the national economy, fulfils Saudi Exports’ objectives, and achieves the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030, so as
to meet the wise leadership’s aspirations towards diversifying the national economy’s income sources.

Saudi Exports’ efforts complement the Kingdom’s efforts to boost Saudi-Chinese relations. In 2016, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, where the visit witnessed the signing of various agreements and memoranda of understanding between the governments of Saudi Arabia and China, including a memorandum to enhance cooperation on the Economic Belt of the Silk Road and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative, and boosting cooperation in production capacity.

Saudi-Chinese relations were significantly boosted in 2019 following the visit of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to China, where meetings during the visit went over coordination efforts to enhance cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China, which reflects the deep-rooted relations and stra
tegic partnership between the two friendly countries in various fields.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Riyadh: The Saudi Stock Exchange main index ended trading higher today, gaining 73.27 points to close at 11729. 62 points.

The total value of trading reported was SAR6 billion.

The Saudi Parallel Market Index (NOMU) ended the day by losing 53.33 points to close at 26.302 points, with a valuation of SAR38 million.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Dushanbe: A Saudi-Tajik Shura Council Parliamentary Friendship Committee delegation headed by Chairman of the Committee Dr. Muhammad Al-Jarbaa has met here with Chairman of Tajikistan’s Assembly of Representatives Mahmadtoir Zokirzoda, as part of its official visit to Tajikistan.

Zokirzoda affirmed the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan and discussed issues of common interest with the delegation.

The delegation also held a meeting with a delegation of the committee in the Assembly of Representatives to discuss boosting cooperation in various fields, particularly in parliamentary matters, to achieve the common interests of the two countries and their peoples.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Doha: HE Shura Council Deputy Speaker, Dr. Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti held separate meetings with a number of parliamentarians participating in the 6th Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians, which concluded in Doha on Thursday.

Her Excellency met with HE Head of the Womens Committee, the Senate of Jordan, Khawla Al Armouti; HE Deputy Speaker of the Tunisian Parliament, Sawsen Mabrouk, who is also Vice President of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States; HE Deputy Speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives, Nadia Tahami; and HE Member of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan, Dr. Malahat Ibrahimgizi.

Her Excellency also met with HE Secretary-General of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) Mohammad Reza Majidi; HE Secretary-General of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly Siti Rozaimeriyanty; HE Member of the Italian Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Susanna Donatella Campione and
HE President of the Bureau of Women Parliamentarians at the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Member of the Congress of Mexico Cynthia L?pez Castro.

The meetings focused on the role of women in policies and legislation, and the importance of enhancing their participation in decision-making at the national and international levels.

The most important topics included in the conference were also addressed, related to the development, implementation and monitoring of legislation and policies that enhance women’s rights and protect them from all forms of violence and discrimination.

HE Al Sulaiti highlighted during the meetings the State of Qatar’s firm position on supporting the Palestinian people, and its efforts to stop the aggression on the Gaza Strip, reviewing the efforts of the Shura Council in this context.

Her Excellency pointed out the importance of international cooperation in achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the region, stressing the Council’s commitment to working with international parliam
entary organizations and unions to promote human rights and combat terrorism and extremism.

Her Excellency also touched on the State of Qatar’s adoption of preventive diplomacy as a way to prevent wars and conflicts, reviewing the country’s efforts and mediation to resolve disputes peacefully.

In a related context, HE Al Sulaiti met with HE Officer in Charge (OiC) of the Special Projects and Innovation Branch (SPIB) of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) Guadalupe Megre. The meeting discussed the cooperation efforts between the Shura Council and the UNOCT Program Office on Parliamentary Engagement in Preventing and Countering Terrorism.

Megre praised the efforts of the Shura Council in enhancing parliamentary activities in the field of counter-terrorism, which enhances international peace and security.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Tunisia: The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development for Skills and Training, Dr. Ahmed Al-Zahrani, led the Saudi Arabian delegation at the second Regional High-Level Meeting on Young People’s Learning, Skilling, and Transition to Decent Work.

The meeting took place in Tunisia on June 26-27, 2024, with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy and Planning, Salam Project for Cultural Communication, Quality of Life Program, and Misk Foundation in attendance.

During the thematic panel discussion on digitization and the artificial intelligence economy, Dr. Al-Zahrani highlighted Saudi Arabia’s initiatives and programs to address the impact of digitization and new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, on the labor market and skills.

The decision to hold the second regional meeting was proposed during the first meeting in Amman, Jordan. These meetings aim to address the challenges young people face in transitioning from learning to earnin
g, focusing on digital and green skills and jobs, and paying particular attention to the obstacles faced by girls and young people.

The regional offices of the International Labor Organization, the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Population Fund, UNESCO, and UNICEF were involved in proposing and organizing the event.

Source: Saudi Press Agency