Latest news with #Etimad
Leaders
11 hours ago
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Ministry of Finance Joins 16th UN Anti-Corruption Session
The Ministry of Finance took part in the 16th session of meetings under the United Nations Convention against Corruption, held from June 16 to 20, 2025, at the United Nations headquarters in Vienna, Austria. During the session, the Ministry reaffirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's strong commitment to fostering integrity and fair competition in public procurement, as well as to deploying robust mechanisms to combat, detect, and prevent corruption. Central to these efforts is the implementation of key legal and institutional reforms, including the launch of the government procurement e-portal, Etimad. UN Anti-Corruption Session Etimad serves as a centralized platform through which all public tendering and procurement processes are conducted. By mandating digital procedures, the platform ensures transparency, procedural integrity, and data confidentiality. It also enables stakeholders and the public to access comprehensive information on tenders, contracts, and related activities. Each government entity maintains a dedicated record, enhancing oversight and compliance with relevant regulations. The Saudi delegation also showcased the Kingdom's initiative to standardize technical systems across government bodies through the Unified Government Resources Planning System, which documents procurement activities from their initial stages—prior to public announcement—through completion. This promotes seamless integration and greater accountability. Further emphasizing its commitment to innovation in oversight, the Kingdom introduced Raqeeb, an advanced system that leverages artificial intelligence and data analytics to detect fraud and irregularities throughout the procurement process. Raqeeb is designed to identify practices such as bid rigging, collusion, price manipulation, favoritism, and the use of fictitious entities. It enables dynamic monitoring and swift intervention while maintaining the highest standards of data protection. The Ministry's participation in these international meetings reflects Saudi Arabia's active role in global anti-corruption efforts and its dedication to exchanging knowledge and best practices in alignment with the UN Convention. This engagement also supports the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes good governance, transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption as key pillars of national transformation. Related Topics: Saudi Arabia Elected President of Anti-corruption GlobE Network GASTAT: Saudi Arabia's Inflation Holds Steady at 2.2% in May 2025 Saudi Arabia's Inflation Rate Eases to 1.9% in December Rental Prices Drive Inflation in August 2024: GASTAT SAMA Officially Launches 'Samsung Pay' in Saudi Arabia Short link : Post Views: 74
Sharjah 24
22-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
1,414 Emirati entrepreneurs benefit from Ruwad's Programs
Ambitious Development Vision Fatima Al Ali, Acting Director of Ruwad, stated that the foundation is implementing a set of ambitious training projects as part of its vision to empower Emirati talents in entrepreneurship. The programs aim to open promising opportunities for entrepreneurs and support their ventures across sectors, reinforcing Sharjah's status as a preferred destination for national entrepreneurs. Comprehensive Training Approach Al Ali added that Ruwad's training and diploma programs provide participants with specialised knowledge and practical skills in administrative, financial, marketing, and legal fields. These are delivered through an integrated approach that combines real-world theoretical insights with hands-on application. Expanding Training Partnerships She noted that Ruwad has successfully built strong partnerships with various academic institutions, including universities, centers, and institutes, in addition to specialised entrepreneurship training entities. These collaborations support the delivery of advanced training using modern technological tools and applications. Entrepreneurial Topics Covered The training workshops and programs addressed a wide range of topics, from general skill-building and business management to specialized content for launching small projects, financial accounting, and taxation for SMEs. They also included mini-MBA programs, specialized diplomas, introductory workshops, and knowledge development sessions. Diverse Beneficiary Groups Al Ali expressed pride in the foundation's role in upskilling various groups involved in or aspiring to join the entrepreneurial sector. These include existing entrepreneurs, aspiring startup founders, school and university students, government employees, retirees, and holders of home business licenses like Etimad and Masar. Cumulative Training Milestones Amina Mohammed, Director of the Training, Research, and Events Department, revealed that by the end of 2024, Ruwad had delivered a total of 395 training programs and professional diplomas since its establishment. These amounted to 3,555 training hours over 1,139 training days, with a total of 9,724 participants. 2024 Training Outcomes In 2024 alone, Ruwad conducted 56 training programs and workshops, comprising 351 training hours over 106 days. The total number of participants was 1,402, including 483 male entrepreneurs (34.2%) and 931 female entrepreneurs (65.8%). Ambassadors Program Expansion Ruwad also launched the second edition of its 'Entrepreneurship Ambassadors' diploma program, graduating 13 government employees from Sharjah after completing an 8-day course that included 50 training hours. Highlights of 2024 Programs Notable training programs in 2024 included four discussion evenings focused on entrepreneurship in the industrial sector, with participation from 64 projects. The AI-driven marketing innovation program hosted 47 trainees, while 44 participated in the supply chain and logistics program. Additionally, 25 trainees joined the entrepreneurial psychology program, 18 participated in the tourism entrepreneurship program, and 16 attended the digital marketing strategies program. Strengthening Strategic Alliances Throughout the past year, Ruwad enhanced its strategic partnerships for entrepreneurial training. Existing collaborations were strengthened, and new ones were established with institutions such as the Higher Colleges of Technology in Sharjah, the Federal Tax Authority, the Sharjah Planning and Survey Department, and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. New Collaborative Ventures Ruwad also initiated new training partnerships with various Sharjah entities, including the Central Finance Department, Sharjah Private Education Authority, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Documentation House, Roads and Transport Authority, Sharjah Police Academy, Al Dhaid Municipality, and library administrations in Kalba, Khorfakkan, and Al Dhaid.
Saudi Gazette
21-04-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Agreement signed to enhance spending efficiency in cybersecurity government projects
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Government Expenditure and Projects Efficiency Authority (EXPRO) to enhance cooperation between the two parties. The deal aims to contribute to the efficiency of government spending in the field of cybersecurity and improve the quality of government projects and operational programs in this field. The MoU includes enhancing bilateral cooperation in several targeted areas, most notably joint coordination regarding framework agreements with providers of cybersecurity services, solutions, or products to list a number of services and products in the Etimad e-market. This will support the needs of government agencies to enhance their cybersecurity, and provide joint technical support between the two parties to enhance spending efficiency in government cybersecurity projects, among other areas, to enhance the quality of government projects related to cybersecurity. The NCA is the competent authority for cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia and the national authority in cybersecurity affairs. It aims to enhance the protection of the state's vital interests and national security, in addition to protecting sensitive infrastructure, priority sectors, and government services and activities. On the other hand, the Government Expenditure and Projects Efficiency Authority aims to contribute to achieving spending efficiency in government agencies and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of government procurement operations.
Times of Oman
16-02-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
New CEO appointed for Tatweer Duqm
Muscat: The Board of Directors of the Oman Company for the Development of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (Tatweer Duqm) has announced the appointment of Eng. Abdullah bin Sulaiman Al Wahaibi as the company's new Chief Executive Officer. With over 15 years of experience, Eng. Al Wahaibi has held leadership roles across both public and private sectors in Oman. His expertise spans strategic project management, infrastructure development, energy efficiency initiatives, and investment planning. He has also served on various boards and committees across technical, academic, and industrial sectors. Eng. Al Wahaibi is a graduate of the National Leadership Development Programme for Omani Management in the Private Sector, Etimad, at the Royal Academy of Management. He holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Power and Energy Systems Engineering from Sultan Qaboos University. Notably, he played a key role in developing the National Net Zero Programme 2050, supervised by the Environment Authority in collaboration with the Oman 2040 Follow-up Unit and the Ministry of Energy and Minerals. The initiative, approved by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, aims to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050. Tatweer Duqm, wholly owned by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), was established to support and enhance operations in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm. The company focuses on infrastructure development, project management, and attracting investments to boost economic growth in the region.
Express Tribune
08-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Saudi Arabia announces new visa policy for 14 countries, including Pakistan
Listen to article Saudi Arabia has revised its visit visa policy for 14 countries, including Pakistan, India, Egypt, and Indonesia, scrapping one-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits. Under the new regulations, visitors from these countries will now be eligible only for single-entry visas. The change, which took effect on February 1, 2025, aims to curb unauthorised Hajj participation. Authorities say some individuals were using long-term visit visas to bypass the official pilgrimage quota system. The affected countries include Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. Under the revised policy, visitors from these 14 nations will need to apply for a single-entry visa, valid for 30 days, with a maximum stay of 30 days per visit. Applications and biometric verification must be completed at Etimad visa centres across Pakistan and other listed countries. The Saudi government has been tightening control over the Hajj pilgrimage, enforcing strict quota allocations for each country. Previously, multiple-entry visas allowed travellers to enter Saudi Arabia throughout the year, enabling them to experience the Kingdom's cultural and modern attractions. Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has opened Hajj 2025 registration for domestic pilgrims, including Saudi citizens and residents. Applicants are required to submit requests via the Nusuk app or the official e-portal. The ministry has urged applicants to register early, update their health information, and add accompanying pilgrims. It also encouraged individuals to apply for exemptions from the Mahram (male guardian) requirement, where applicable. Once these steps are completed, applicants will be notified when Hajj package bookings open. Priority will be given to individuals who have not performed Hajj before, according to the ministry. The new visa restrictions mark a significant policy shift aimed at ensuring compliance with Hajj regulations while managing the influx of visitors to the Kingdom.
