International Flower Show 2023 to kick off on Wednesday

The 43rd edition of International Flower Show 2023 will be kicked off on August 30th, at Tishreen park in Damascus.

The flower show is organized by Tourism Ministry, in cooperation with Damascus Governorate.

The show which will continue to September 9th, will see a domestic, regional and international participation.

140 companies, including 15 foreign companies from Iraq, Lebanon , Algeria, Netherlands ,China and Bulgaria specialized in flowers and plants will take part in the flower show, in addition to some 100 participants of nurserymen, honey producers, and those planting aromatic and medicinal plants.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Fighting among QSD militia causes deaths and injuries Deir-Ezzor countryside

Several cities and towns in Deir Ezzor countryside, controlled by the US-backed QSD militia, are witnessing ongoing violent internal fighting between the QSD militia and the so-called Deir Ezzor Military Council.

The clashes took place after arresting the leader of the aforementioned Council, Ahmad Al-Khabil Abu Khawla, and several of its leaders, after they have been lured to a meeting at one of the US bases in Hasaka province.

Local sources told SANA that violent clashes took place in the towns of al-Busira, al-Sour, al-Izba, al-Ma’amel area, al-Husan, Muhaimidah, al-Kibar, Jadid Akidat, al-Husayn, Daman, Gharanij, Abu Hamam, al-Rubaida and Ibriha, causing deaths and injuries on both sides.

The clashes coincided with a blockade of the main roads and streets, amid a prevailing state of tension and chaos in Deir- Ezzor countryside.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Syrian engineers invent a glove helps convert sign language into sound

A group of engineers from Communications Technology Department at Tishreen University created a smart glove to translate the sign language into a sound.

This innovation enables people with disabilities who are deaf or dumb to communicate effectively and easily with others.

The engineers, Mishaal Alloush, Yara Ahmed, Abdo al-Aidi and Sarah Sobh pointed out that the glove converts hand movements into an audible sound by using a set of sensors embedded in the glove that tracks and records hand gestures.

In turn, Professor at the Communications Technology Department , Dr. Haitham al-Radwan noted that this device translates part of the needs of the deaf and dumb and provides a service to them by helping them express their desires, needs and feelings and integrate with others.

The professor, who supervised the project pointed out the possibility of developing the project later to convert sign language into written text displayed on computer screens and television.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Washington should withdraw its illegal forces from Syria _ Kanaani says

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani reiterated the necessity of the withdrawal of illegal US forces from Syria as soon as possible, stressing that the presence of these forces contradicts peace, security and international laws.

In his weekly press conference on Monday, Kanaani said that the presence of the US forces on Syrian territory is illegal and causes instability and insecurity in Syria and the region, adding that they must leave as soon as possible based on international laws and upon the request of the Syrian government.

Kanaani pointed out that the crisis in Syria is a result of interference of the foreign forces and their support for terrorist organizations.

The continuation of harsh and unjust US sanctions causes the suffering of the Syrian people, Kanaani affirmed.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Fourth International Conference on the Future of Digital Education in the Arab World Concludes

The Fourth International Conference on the Future of Digital Education in the Arab World concluded in Jeddah yesterday, with the participation of a group of faculty members in public and private universities and colleges in the Arab world. The last session of the conference was on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and its various applications in the future of Arab education, and the growing symbiotic relationship between cybersecurity and digital citizenship.

During its scientific sessions, the conference was keen to include research on ways to develop the academic preparation of teachers from the digital side, the role of AI and its various applications in the future of education and harnessing it to deliver information of the highest quality. Additionally, the conference covered the importance of collective commitment to security, inclusiveness, and responsibility in the digital world to address the potential risks of AI.

The scientific conference sessions made several recommendations, including the importance of employing emerging technologies and the role of AI in maintaining cybersecurity. The recommendations also covered the importance of developing the skills and tools used in digital education institutions and cognitive perception. Additionally, the recommendations included enacting academic legislation and laws that regulate the digital environment, activating awareness and education initiatives in the fields of cybersecurity, working to develop talents among education students in digital education skills and tools, and protecting intellectual rights in the digital academic community.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

stc’s Corporate Investment Fund (CIF) Participates in an Investment Round for “Rewaa”

stc Group, an engine of digital transformation in the MENA region announces the participation of its Corporate Investment Fund (CIF) in an investment round (A) totaling $27 million (100 million Saudi Riyals) in Rewaa, the leading retail management software. The round was led by Aramco’s “Wa’ed Ventures” venture capital fund, and the list of other investors participating in the round included Graphene Ventures from Silicon Valley, Sado Capital, Vision Ventures, Khwarizmi Ventures, Razm Investments, and other Venture Capitals.

stc’s CIF participation in this round aligns with its strategy to expand and grow and underscores its commitment to innovation. It also amplifies the Group’s ongoing strategy to influence the broader corporate landscape by embracing groundbreaking technologies, avant-garde business models, and pioneering innovation.

Such steps are pivotal in augmenting stc’s suite of services, furthering its growth trajectory and expansive development. Central to stc’s investment strategy is its focus on startups that resonate with the local market’s needs. By empowering these startups, stc aims to weave a tapestry of services and solutions that boost its offerings and catalyze the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

On this occasion, Corporate Fund and Entrepreneurship General Manager, Majed Ibrahim Aljarboua, said: “Our investment in Rewaa is a strategic step to support the core technologies of the retail sector. The remarkable progress that Rewaa has achieved in recent months is a testament to the efficiency of the project and the team. We look forward to being a part of Rewaa’s journey towards developing advanced retail solutions as a catalyst for digital transformation in the region.”

Rewaa, co-founded in 2018 by Mohammed Al-Qasir and Abdullah Aljadhai, offers a cloud-based system to manage the inventory of traditional store retailers and online sales outlets. The company has successfully met the needs of 7,000 retailers in the Kingdom and beyond, creating more than 250 local job opportunities.

stc will work to support Rewaa by leveraging its complete technological ecosystem capabilities, providing consultations to the team, and connecting with all sectors within the group and stc’s subsidiaries.

It is worth mentioning that stc is one of the pioneering companies in supporting entrepreneurship by investing in several startups through other funds such as STV. It also supports entrepreneurs by offering distinguished services like offices, logistical, marketing, and financial support through the inspireU program.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Saudi National Council of Occupational Safety and Health Participates in GCC Occupational Health and Safety Forum in Oman

The Saudi National Council of Occupational Safety and Health has actively participated in the GCC Occupational Health and Safety Forum in the Sultanate of Oman. The forum, held in collaboration with the Arab Labor Organization (ALO) under the theme “Care and Development,” commenced on August 27, 2023, and will span two days. Representing the Council at the forum is Eng. Majed bin Ibrahim Al-Fuwaiz, the Secretary-General.

Eng. Al-Fuwaiz was a participant in the forum’s first discussion panel, titled “Occupational Health and Safety Standards and their Role in Achieving the 8th Goal of the Sustainable Development Plan 2030”. This panel aimed to highlight the importance of occupational health and safety standards in contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Plan 2030, particularly regarding the 8th goal.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

KSrelief Distributes 6,000 Cartons of Dates in Marib, Yemen

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) on Wednesday distributed 6,000 date cartons in Al-Qatn district, Marib governorate, Yemen, benefiting 18,000 individuals, as part of the project to distribute date aid in the Republic of Yemen for the year 2023.

This assistance comes as part of the relief and humanitarian efforts provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through KSrelief to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Border Guards in Jazan Thwart Attempt to Smuggle 90 Kilograms of Khat

The Border Guards in the Jazan Region successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle 90 kilograms of Khat through land patrols. Following the interception, the appropriate legal procedures were promptly carried out, and the confiscated drugs were handed over to the competent authorities for further action.

Security authorities call on the public to report information concerning drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern regions and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom’s regions. They may also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or through email: 995@gdnc.gov.sa. All reports will be treated with strict confidentiality.

Source: Saudi Press Agency