Day: July 3, 2024

Riyadh: A team from the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), in cooperation with United Nations protected area planning expert Stephanie Guers, conducted a field visit to the Uruq Bani Maarid Reserve. The visit aimed to evaluate operational management, enhance capacity building, and improve efficiency across environmental, social, and economic aspects.

The objectives included enhancing logistical, human, and technical capabilities within the reserve, benchmarking against global best practices, boosting staff capacity and knowledge, identifying immediate needs, developing a risk mitigation strategy, promoting principles of security and safety, and enhancing protection and conservation of natural habitats.

During the visit, the team assessed infrastructure, waste management, energy efficiency, and water supply sources at the reserve. They provided recommendations for improving operational management, evaluated the impact of activities near the reserve, and reviewed technological applications such as drones f
or data collection and their integration into the operational plan.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Riyadh: The Saudi Stock Exchange main index ended trading lower today, losing 10.89 points to close at 11595.20 points.

The total value of trading reported was SAR4.9 billion.

The Saudi Parallel Market Index (NOMU) ended the day by losing 363.68 points to close at 25745.14 points, with a valuation of SAR24.7 million.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Tallinn, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas received Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah today in Tallinn, Estonia.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs conveyed the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to the prime minister, the government and people of Estonia, and their wishes for further progress and prosperity.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the aspects of cooperation between the two countries, and ways to enhance and develop it in various fields. They also discussed developments in the regional and international arenas and the efforts made in this regard.

The meeting was attended by Saudi Non-resident Ambassador to Estonia Nisreen Al-Shebel, and Director General of the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Daoud.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Riyadh: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) has announced the commencement of the new Financial Bylaws and Procurement and Contracts Bylaws, effective from July 1, 2024. These changes aim to streamline procurement contract procedures, enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and contribute to financial sustainability in both the short and long term, as part of its transformation into an independent, non-profit, and government-owned organization.

With the implementation of the new bylaws, KFSHRC is activating the iSupplier Portal “https://www.kfshrc.edu.sa/en/suppliers-e-services”, through which transactions between the hospital and suppliers will be managed. This portal will enable all suppliers to submit their offers and claims, ensuring faster acquisition of required resources at the lowest cost while maintaining the highest approved quality standards. Existing contracts with suppliers will remain unaffected until completion, with renewals subject to the new legal and regulat
ory framework.

The new bylaws provide KFSHRC with greater flexibility in procurement processes through a fair and transparent system for awarding contracts to external contractors. They also strengthen relationships with partners, enhance the quality of purchased goods, improve resource allocation, and increase competitiveness among contractors under equitable conditions.

This announcement reaffirms KFSHRC’s commitment to adhering to all relevant systems and standards, ensuring a fair and consistent procurement system. This is demonstrated by its transparency in publishing all procurement-related activities via the iSupplier Portal and providing suppliers with a comprehensive guide on procurement policies and procedures.

Previously, KFSHRC notified companies and entities interested in collaborating with the hospital via various social media platforms to register on the hospital’s electronic portal and complete all necessary registration requirements and attachments. These entities will undergo an evalua
tion to verify their capability and efficiency in meeting the hospital’s strategic and operational needs according to relevant bylaws. Suppliers involved in competition, direct purchase and direct contracting are exempt from this evaluation.

It is noteworthy that King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 20th globally, in the list of the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centres for the second consecutive year and recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East, according to the 2024 Brand Finance rankings. Additionally in the same year, it was ranked among the world’s best 250 hospitals by Newsweek magazine.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Gaziantep, Trkiye, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah met today with the Governor of Gaziantep Province, Kemal Çiber, at the center’s headquarters in Gaziantep Province, Trkiye.

Al-Rabeeah extended his sincere thanks to the Governor of Gaziantep for all the facilities provided by the province to the center to carry out its volunteer programs, which benefit those affected by the earthquake in Syria and Trkiye.

The Governor of Gaziantep praised the relief and humanitarian efforts provided by the Kingdom through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief, for those affected by the earthquake in his country, valuing the professional performance of the center and its wide international reach.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Muscat: The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, stressed that the GCC countries rely heavily on the outputs of the GCC Statistical Center.

Al-Budaiwi emphasized that GCC countries depend on the center to monitor figures and statistics related to various sectors in the Gulf, which significantly aids decision-makers in analyzing and studying them to make informed decisions regarding the sectors it covers.

He made these remarks during a visit to the headquarters of the GCC Statistical Center in Muscat today, where he praised the center’s significant and distinguished role in preparing statistics and studies across many fields within the GCC countries. This work is conducted in cooperation with national statistical centers across the GCC, enhancing joint Gulf cooperation.

Al-Budaiwi highlighted that the comprehensive reports, explanations, and data provided by the center are crucial contributors to current and future Gulf projects. He also commended the cente
r’s employees for their role and efforts in meticulously preparing many statistics and reports, continuously updating these statistics.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Jazan City Port Basic and Transformative Industries signed three construction and operational contracts today, totaling over SAR 315 million. These contracts were awarded to China Harbor Engineering Company Arabia Ltd., Al Dafe For Trading And Contracting, and Walid Mughashi Establishment for Operation and Maintenance. The projects include the design and construction of a bridge linking the deposit and re-export area on the manufactural island to the city port, the establishment of a city support services warehouse, and a contract for the operation and maintenance of temporary accommodation.

The first project involves connecting the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to the city’s port and the deposit and re-export area. It includes creating necessary infrastructure and developing the site, which will feature three bridges.

The aim of this initiative is to enhance the port’s logistical capacity and improve the flow of heavy transport. This strategic enhancement aims to transform the city into a major regional l
ogistics center, thereby supporting national industrial strategies, increasing private sector contributions to economic development, boosting non-oil exports, enhancing global competitiveness, attracting foreign investments, promoting economic diversification, and facilitating a conducive investment environment.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Hatay, Turkiye, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah met today with Governor of Hatay Mustafa Masatli at the Hatay Province headquarters in Trkiye.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the latest developments in projects being implemented by the center in Hatay to support those affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Syria and Trkiye.

Governor Masatli praised the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through KSrelief to assist those affected by the earthquake in Trkiye, expressing his profound gratitude to the Kingdom, its government, and its people for their generous support to his country.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Tallinn, Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has confirmed that the signing of a memorandum of understanding regarding political consultations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Estonia serves as a basis for coordination and cooperation between them. He noted that the two countries are working to develop cooperation in many fields, explore economic, cultural, and technical cooperation opportunities, and increase opportunities for trade, investment, and innovation promotion.

In a joint press conference with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia Margus Tsahkna in the Estonian capital, Tallinn, Prince Faisal explained that the value of bilateral trade last year amounted to $72 million, with exports from the Kingdom amounting to $21 million and imports from Estonia amounting to $51 million. He added that the two sides are looking forward to further economic growth between the two countries.

The minister said the discussions with his Estonian counterpart touched on va
rious issues, including common challenges, the situation in the Gaza Strip, and finding a peaceful solution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The foreign minister praised Estonia’s vote in favor of the UN General Assembly’s resolution on Palestine’s membership in the United Nations, noting that this step is important in keeping hope alive for a two-state solution.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Riyadh: The King Salman Center for Disability Research has announced the launch of its specialized research groups program in the field of disability for the fourth session of 2024. This program aims to create research and innovation groups to conduct studies and research in health, medical, social, humanitarian, technical, and engineering fields related to disability.

The center focuses on scientific research that significantly impacts the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, aiming to improve their quality of life and find solutions to these challenges.

Interested researchers are invited to review the terms and conditions and apply for the research groups by visiting the following link: (https://kscdr.org.sa/en/node/3207).

Source: Saudi Press Agency