Latest news with #Mosques
Saudi Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia announces its candidacy to ITU Council's membership
Saudi Gazette report GENEVA — Saudi Arabia announced its candidacy to retain its membership in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council. The announcement was made during the 2025 ITU Council session held in Geneva, Switzerland. Addressing the council meeting on Tuesday, Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) Acting Governor Eng. Haytham AlOhali reaffirmed the Kingdom's pioneering role in supporting the global telecom and technology sector. Eng. AlOhali reaffirmed the Kingdom's strong commitment to international cooperation in bridging the digital divide, stressing the importance of accelerating global efforts to connect the unconnected and address the challenges of the digital and AI era. He pointed out that the world currently connects around 200 million people annually, and at this pace, it would take more than 13 years to connect the remaining 2.6 billion. This calls for an innovative approach to speed up connectivity efforts and reduce the timeframe by over 50%. 'Saudi Arabia is proud to be among the top nations that have successfully reduced the digital connectivity gap to below 1 percent. The Kingdom has also leveraged technology to create advanced and innovative solutions across sectors such as education, healthcare, energy, and public services,' he said. Eng. AlOhali affirmed that Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the ITU, introduced the AI Readiness Framework, highlighting the importance of ensuring that artificial intelligence must be inclusive, human-centered, and focused on empowering youth and women. 'By innovation and collaboration, we now have the solution to accelerate the pace of global connectivity and cut the time needed to close the digital gap by over half. This could enable us to connect the unconnected within five years or even sooner. It's not just about saving time, but about unlocking opportunities and advancing inclusive social and economic development, particularly in developing nations,' he stated. Eng. AlOhali pointed out that Saudi Arabia has significantly expanded its digital workforce, increasing the number of professionals from 150,000 in 2018 to more than 380,000 by 2024. Women's participation in the ICT sector also grew from 7 percent to 35 percent, surpassing both the global and G20 averages. The Kingdom's adoption of a forward-thinking digital regulatory framework has secured it the second spot among G20 nations in the ITU's ICT Regulatory Tracker. In addition, Saudi Arabia has launched global initiatives to enhance regulatory digital maturity in over 100 countries, emphasizing the vital role of adaptable, innovation-driven frameworks in enabling inclusive digital transformation. AlOhali emphasized that the Kingdom's digital accomplishments and innovative initiatives have been driven by the strong support and guidance of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. He affirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to leveraging its resources and expertise to support the international and ITU's efforts in building a sustainable digital future. As part of the Kingdom's ongoing collaboration with the ITU, he announced that the Kingdom will host the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) from August 31 to September 3, 2025, in Riyadh, under the theme: 'Regulation for Sustainable Digital Development.' He invited all member states to participate in this significant forum, which highlights the Kingdom's strong relationship with the ITU and reflects its dedication to building regulatory frameworks that foster innovation, investment, and inclusive access. The ITU Council consists of 48 member states, including Saudi Arabia, out of a total of 194. The council oversees the Union's activities between Plenipotentiary Conferences (PP). Its responsibilities include: directing the ITU's tasks, ensuring the implementation of ITU policies and budgets, approving operational and financial plans, and reviewing programs, while also providing recommendations on general policies to develop the sector. This makes the council a pivotal mechanism in ensuring the efficiency and continuity of the ITU's work.
Saudi Gazette
5 days ago
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
First group of Iranian pilgrims departed via Jadidat Arar border crossing
Saudi Gazette report ARAR — The first group of Iranian pilgrims departed Saudi Arabia via Jadidat Arar border crossing on Sunday. The pilgrims arrived at Arar Airport, as part of the ongoing efforts led by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in coordination with relevant authorities, to facilitate their safe and dignified return. Under the phased implementation of the ministry's return plan, a dedicated operations room closely monitored the process, ensuring all necessary services and support were provided up to the moment of departure. The initiative followed directives from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, based on the recommendation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, to ensure Iranian pilgrims are provided with comprehensive services and care until they return safely to their homeland to join their families. Upon arrival at the airport, the pilgrims were received by officials from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and partner agencies, who coordinated logistical support for their departure via the Jadidat Arar Border Crossing to Iran. Field teams from the ministry began immediate operations to streamline the pilgrims' transfer, implementing a comprehensive joint plan with the Iranian side to ensure a smooth, dignified, and prompt departure, in line with the requests of the Iranian official mission.
Saudi Gazette
12-06-2025
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Under Saudi leadership's directive, Palestinian child arrives in Riyadh for treatment
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Palestinian child Mohammed Hijazi, who lost eyesight in Israeli attack, arrived in Riyadh to receive treatment at King Khalid Eye Hospital. This is in line with the directive of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. Hijazi had lost his sight as a result of Israeli occupation forces' shelling of the Gaza Strip. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) oversaw his transfer from Gaza to Jordan, and from there to Saudi Arabia. The hospital's medical teams are scheduled to carry out the necessary examinations for the child to determine the appropriate medical procedures, in preparation for his treatment.
Daily Tribune
11-06-2025
- General
- Daily Tribune
HM King checks on Bahraini pilgrims' wellbeing
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa held a telephone call with Shaikh Adnan bin Abdullah Al Qattan, Head of Bahrain's Hajj Mission. HM the King inquired about the wellbeing of Bahraini pilgrims following the completion of their Hajj rituals and commended the efforts of the Bahraini Hajj Mission in providing seamless services and support to ensure the pilgrims could perform their rites with ease and reassurance. He also expressed his sincere appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for the extensive efforts and facilities made available to serve the pilgrims in the holy sites. Shaikh Al Qattan thanked HM King Hamad for his guidance and for his continued support for the comfort and welfare of Bahraini pilgrims. He lauded His Majesty's ongoing support for the mission's work in serving pilgrims from the Kingdom.
Saudi Gazette
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Madinah Emir reviews operational readiness at Prophet's Mosque
Saudi Gazette report MADINAH— Emir of Madinah and Chairman of the region's Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah Prince Salman bin Sultan conveyed greetings and appreciation from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to security personnel and entities participating in Hajj missions. The leadership's appreciation recognized the personnel's dedicated efforts to serve pilgrims and acknowledged the significant responsibility they bear in maintaining the security and comfort of the Prophet's Mosque. Prince Salman made the remarks after a field visit to the Prophet's Mosque, to review its operational readiness, coinciding with the arrival of the first groups of pilgrims from Makkah after completing this year's Hajj rituals. Hajj was carried out smoothly, supported by extensive services provided by the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and the Crown Prince. Serving pilgrims remains a top priority for the Kingdom's leadership, reflecting its commitment to caring for the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors.
