Day: July 4, 2024

Riyadh: The National Center for Wildlife (NCW) is thrilled to announce the successful first birth of a female Caracal with two cubs at the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Wildlife Research Center in Taif. This remarkable achievement is a significant milestone in the center’s breeding program, which was launched in 2022 with a nucleus of 16 individuals. The program aims to conserve and protect wildlife, maintain ecosystem balance,

and enrich biodiversity, aligning with the National Environmental Strategy and the Saudi Green Initiative, as part of Saudi Vision 2030.

NCW has invested significant resources in upgrading and preparing the Caracal enclosures at the research center, which has led to a marked improvement in breeding and care programs for this majestic species.

“We are delighted to announce this milestone, which emphasizes the success of our efforts to rehabilitate ecosystems and enhance balance,” said Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife. “This achievement is a testament to our commit
ment to conserving angered species and expanding breeding programs, demonstrating our ongoing success in implementing ambitious environmental initiatives aimed at protecting biodiversity in the Kingdom and promoting best practices for environmental conservation within a comprehensive

legislative framework.”

Dr. Qurban emphasized that NCW is dedicated to supporting efforts to breed and reintroduce endangered species into their natural habitats through specialized scientific programs and activities leveraging information technology in partnership with local and global experts.

The launch of breeding and reintroduction programs for local predators, including the lynx, coincides with the expansion of protected areas, providing suitable habitats for these creatures. The presence of predators in the wild ensures ecological balance, as they play a crucial role in maintaining food chains and contributing to the integrity of ecosystems.

The Prince Saud Al-Faisal Wildlife Research Center in Taif is one of the resea
rch centers under the National Center for Wildlife, established in 1986 to breed and reintroduce local endangered species into their natural habitats and monitor their post-release progress. The research center is home to eight breeding programs, including those for the Asina Houbara, Arabian oryx, Common Ostrich, Arabian leopard, Arabian Mountain gazelle, Nubian ibex, Caracal, and Arabian hare.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Shanghai: Chief of the National Data Management Office in the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) Alrebdi bin Fahd Al-Rebdi stated that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through SDAIA, is dedicated to developing ethical and responsible artificial intelligence (AI) on both a national and global level. He emphasized SDAIA’s crucial role in advancing global AI governance as the national authority responsible for data and AI regulation, development, and usage in the Kingdom.

Al-Rebdi made these remarks during the 2024 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, themed “Governing AI for Good and for All,” held from July 4 to 6 in Shanghai, China.

He said: “The Kingdom has invested heavily in AI research and development, established specialized centers, and has been keen to strengthen cooperation with leading global technology companies. It seeks to achieve global leadership in this field and benefit from its transformative power in various sectors to achieve the goals of t
he Saudi Vision 2030.”

Additionally, Al-Rebdi underscored SDAIA’s active engagement with international organizations, governments, and industry leaders to shape global AI governance frameworks. Through partnerships, SDAIA aims to contribute its expertise and perspectives to shape AI policies and standards that foster innovation and uphold ethical principles.

Al-Rebdi drew attention to the fact that SDAIA is an active member of the international AI community, having participated effectively in the preparation of the initial international scientific report on the safety of advanced AI, which is the result of joint cooperative efforts between 75 AI experts from 30 countries, the European Union, and the United Nations.

Furthermore, He stressed SDAIA’s commitment to driving the responsible and ethical development and deployment of AI technologies to benefit humanity through international collaboration, ethical advocacy, regulatory framework development, knowledge exchange and support for AI initiatives on local
and international levels.

Al-Rebdi reiterated the importance of upholding ethical principles in AI, including fairness, privacy and security, reliability and safety, transparency and explainability, accountability and responsibility, humanity, and social and environmental benefits. SDAIA’s goal is to ensure that AI technologies are developed with a focus on human needs and to promote both local and global values. SDAIA recognizes AI’s potential to impact societies worldwide positively and actively supports initiatives that utilize AI for social good, including healthcare, education, sustainable development, and public safety.

He also called for efforts to shape a future where AI serves as a force for positive change, addressing global challenges, promoting sustainable development, and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

In closing, Al-Rebdi invited representatives of participating countries to attend the third edition of the Global AI Summit, organized by the Kingdom and represented by SDAIA,
in Riyadh in September 2024. He noted that this summit will bring together global thought leaders to explore the potential impact of AI across various fields.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Madrid: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, today met with the United Nations (UN) Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, on the sidelines of the minister’s participation in the annual meeting of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) held in Madrid.

During the meeting, they discussed the importance of delivering sufficient and sustainable humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. They emphasized the need to reach a ceasefire to halt the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in the strip.

The meeting was attended by the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the Kingdom of Spain, Princess Haifa bint Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf Al Muqrin, and Director General of the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulrahman Al-Dawood.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Makkah: In an annual tradition, every year in the Islamic calendar on the first of Muharram 1446, the covering (Kiswa) of the Holy Kaaba is changed by 159 technicians and craftsmen. The old Kiswa will be removed and replaced by a new one, which consists of four separate sides and a door curtain. Each side will be raised separately to the top of the Kaaba in preparation for its unfolding over the old side. The new Kiswa will be fixed from above by tying it down, and the ropes of the old side will then be loosened.

Over 200 craftsmen and administrators work at the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa. The complex has departments for dyeing and automatic weaving, hand-weaving, printing, belts, gold-plating, and sewing and assembling. The sewing and assembling department includes the largest sewing machine in the world, which is 16 meters long and runs on a computer system. Supporting departments include the laboratory, administrative services, quality control, public relations, and health and safety for
workers.

The Kiswa requires about 1,000 kilograms of raw silk, dyed black at the complex, 120 kilograms of gold wire, and 100 kilograms of silver wire.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Houston: Saudi Consul General in Houston, Shafi Al-Otaibi, welcomed the Saudi Scout delegation participating in the 3rd International Muslim Scouts Jamboree 2024 in Houston.

Al-Otaibi praised the leadership’s significant support for Saudi youth in all areas. The delegation detailed the events and programs at the camp, highlighting the prominent activities that reflect the Kingdom’s developmental, cultural, and scouting progress.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Ankara: Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, during his official visit to the Republic of Trkiye, on Wednesday visited Turkish Aerospace Industries Company (TAI) in Ankara and Turkish Defense Industries Company Baykar in Istanbul.

During the two visits, the Saudi defense minister was briefed on the capabilities and potential of the two companies, along with their most prominent projects, modern products, and advanced technologies. Prince Khalid bin Salman toured the facilities of the two companies and listened to explanations of their future plans and strategies.

The minister of defense on Tuesday met at his residence in Ankara with a delegation from the Turkish Defense Industries Company (ASELSAN), which briefed him on its most prominent projects and latest products and services.

The defense minister was accompanied during the two visits by senior officials.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Dammam: The Eastern Province Municipality initiated maintenance and traffic safety enhancements on King Fahd Road (Dammam-Khobar Expressway) starting yesterday.

The project starts from the intersection of Ali bin Abi Talib Street in Dammam to the junction of King Salman Road in Khobar Governorate.

The municipality has emphasized that the maintenance work will be carried out in five phases and is expected to continue for eight days.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Jeddah: His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has sent a cable of congratulations to President Joseph Biden of the United States of America on his country’s Independence Anniversary.

HRH Crown Prince wished the President permanent good health and happiness and the government and people of the United States of America steady progress and prosperity.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Jeddah: The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has sent a cable of congratulations to President Joseph Biden of the United States of America on his country’s Independence Anniversary.

The King expressed his sincere congratulations and best wishes of constant good health and happiness for the President and further progress and prosperity for the government and friendly people of the United States of America.

The King praised the relations between the two countries and the development they are witnessing in all fields.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Tashkent: A Saudi-Uzbek Shura Council Parliamentary Friendship Committee delegation, headed by Chairman of the Committee Dr. Muhammad Al-Jarbaa, met with Chairperson of Uzbekistan’s Senate Tanzila Narbaeva as part of its official visit to Uzbekistan.

Narbaeva underscored the significance of relations across all fields between the two countries. The two sides then discussed ties and means to boost them, parliamentary cooperation between the Shura Council and the Senate of Uzbekistan, as well as several issues of common interest.

The delegation also met with First Deputy Chairman of the Senate Sodiq Safoyev to discuss various parliamentary topics.

Source: Saudi Press Agency