RIYADH: Britain has pledged its fullest cooperation with Saudi Arabia to achieve the aims of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and National Transformation Program (NTP) 2020.
Baroness Symons, co-chair of the Saudi-British Joint Business Council, said in Dammam that with the UK leaving the EU, her country intends to build new partnerships with private-sector companies in the Kingdom.
She spoke to Arab News following the Saudi/UK SME Partnership Forum organized by the Saudi-British Joint Business Council in Dammam. Her visit to Saudi Arabia coincides with that of British Prime Minister Theresa May.
Sheikh Nasser Al-Mutawa Al-Otaibi, co-chair of the Saudi-British Joint Business Council, also addressed the event.
Baroness Symons announced that there will be a follow-up meeting to be held soon in London. The Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector is seen as a key area in which the UK could cooperate and contribute its expertise, as well as one in which a large number of local youths could be employed.
Al-Otaibi said the event followed a forum for Saudi-British tech entrepreneurs held in London in 2015.
“Small business creation and technology innovation are vital to the growth of both our economies, and Saudi Vision 2030 has set important goals in this respect,” Al-Otaibi added.
He pointed out that Saudi private-sector firms look forward to exchanging experience on how SMEs can best access energy industry supply chains, for mutually beneficial partnership, as well as benefiting from finance and other support.
Support for innovative smaller companies and technology partnerships was the focus of this week’s forum.
The event brought together some 100 Saudi and British SMEs interested in forming partnerships and meeting potential clients.
Among the keynote speakers were Dr. Ghassan Al-Sulaiman, governor of Saudi Arabia’s newly established General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises; Fahd Al-Sukait of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs; and Abdulaziz Al-Abdulkarim, vice president of procurement and supply chain management at Saudi Aramco.
The 40-strong UK delegation included leading energy companies based in Saudi Arabia such as Petrofac, Amec Foster Wheeler and Wood Group. A Scottish oil and gas mission organized by Scottish Development International also participated.
UK to cooperate with Saudi Arabia over Vision 2030 plan
UK to cooperate with Saudi Arabia over Vision 2030 plan
Riyadh hosts high-level talks with former world leaders to address global issues
- Theme of the talks is “The Middle East in a Changing World: uncertainties, risks, and opportunities”
- Topics at the meeting will build on and further develop the actions decided at the sustainable development goals in September 2023 as well as COP28
RIYADH: Two days of talks in Riyadh are focused on several issues, including the world order, its challenges and opportunities, the regional politics of the Middle East, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and challenges of maritime security.
The talks, from May 19-20, are being hosted by the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in partnership with Nizami Ganjavi International Center and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. The theme of the talks is “The Middle East in a Changing World: uncertainties, risks, and opportunities.”
“By having these kinds of sessions, we develop our own thinking,” Ismail Serageldin, co-chair of Nizami Ganjavi International Center, told Arab News.
“You hear one point of view and the counterpoint of view, and you weigh all of that, and these are all very influential people. They were all former presidents and prime ministers, and they had influence on their delegations of the countries there. And they may be able to mediate between different opinions when we have a more formal proposal coming up later,” he said.
Other topics of discussion include the urgency of global dialogue, climate change, economies in the Middle East, and the Middle East in the age of artificial intelligence.
“We hope to gather these insights for the summit of the future in the United Nations in September and then again in the COP29, in Baku in November,” Serageldin said.
Topics at the meeting will build on and further develop the actions decided at the sustainable development goals in September 2023 as well as the COP28 meeting in Dubai in December 2023.
Chairing the panel as keynote speakers were Prince Turki Al-Faisal, chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, and Vaira Vike-Freiberga, co-chair of Nizami Ganjavi International Center and former president of Latvia.
Also attending were Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed El-Khereiji, Miguel Angel Moratinos, the high representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations, and Maria Fernanda Espinosa, president of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly and former minister of foreign affairs and minister of defense of Ecuador.
Other participants on the panel included Ivo Josipovic, the former president of Croatia, Mladen Ivanic, former president of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Stefan Lofven, former prime minister of Sweden, Rosen Plevneliev, former president of Bulgaria, and Montenegro’s former minister of defense, Milica Pejanovic.
Discussing the list of high-level officials on the panel Serageldin said: “Many of them are former presidents, former prime ministers, who have had enormous international and national and regional experience. We want to develop insights in a framework that allows us to discuss, without the formality of official delegations presenting proposals and reacting to the proposals of another country. Global challenges require global responses.
“The first session discussed the new global order, not just how to deal with the problems of the Middle East,” Serageldin said.
Another speaker at the session, Volkan Bozkir, president of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly and former minister of EU affairs for Turkiye, said: “We must not only concentrate on Russia and Ukraine issues.
“There are horrible things happening in other parts of the world, like Sudan, there is famine, people are dying there, we must show our coordination to help those countries, there is a fight in the Latin American countries, drug lords are capturing societies,” Bozkir said.
He emphasized the need to go beyond the Russia-Ukraine conflict and jointly tackle other challenges around the world.
Plevneliev discussed the crises in Gaza and put a question to the meeting: “What happens on the day after in Gaza?”
He highlighted the importance of having a strategy for the future of Gaza, underlining the need for “sustainable solutions for peace.”
Shoura council member Huda bint Abdulrahman Al-Halisi discussed multilateralism and the need to bridge local and global.
“If we all agree that multilateralism is in crisis, we need to discover the root causes and the possible solutions,” she said. “We all agree that all countries have or should have an equal voice.
“We all want justice, we want development, we want peace, but we are not achieving this globally because there is a weakening of democracy around the world, we see that it is only right that we hold governments into account for not keeping to their commitments,” Al-Halisi said.
She called for the need to push for transparency and accountability, the rule of law, responsiveness, and inclusivity.
“We need to bridge the local with the global,” she said.
In an interview with Arab News, Serageldin emphasized the need to turn back to the UN.
“It was rightly said that the UN is the only institution that has global legitimacy. Everywhere in the world somebody recognizes the UN, but we all recognize that it is hampered, it is tied up, it can’t function,” he said.
“We need to find ways of reviving it (UN) and giving it the hope that we all have to bring to the task of global peace and security,” he said.
Jeddah university hosts forum on technology, creativity
- Conference explored best practices in technology and interdisciplinary scientific research
JEDDAH: Dar Al-Hekma University in Jeddah recently wrapped up its third “Creativity, Technology, and Sustainability” conference, sponsored by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.
The two-day event, held on May 15-16, drew a wide range of experts, scholars and local and international officials to explore interconnected themes in pursuit of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Abeer Al-Dughaither, the university’s president, highlighted the significance of the conference, saying: “This event embodies the values of the university, which aims to anticipate scientific and practical futures and stay abreast of developments to be an active partner in various aspects of development. There is no doubt that the three pillars of the conference (creativity, technology, and sustainability) represent a fundamental pillar in any cultural renaissance.
“This conference reflects the university’s strategic plan to build bridges of scientific and cultural cooperation between it and local and international institutions, with knowledge and cultural experts participating from within the Kingdom and abroad at the regional and global levels,” she added.
The conference explored best practices in technology and interdisciplinary scientific research, underlining how these advancements foster creativity and development to tackle global challenges.
Discussions also covered the critical role of advanced technology in sustainable development and digital transformation, alongside the significance of effective management, policies and ethics in attaining sustainability objectives.
During his keynote speech on “Innovative Key Facilities for Human-Centered and Sustainable Design,” Prof. Luigi Maffei from the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in Caserta, Italy, emphasized the changing viewpoints within disciplines exploring environmental changes and their effects on individuals.
He said: “Many disciplines are transitioning from a negative, monodisciplinary approach to a positive, multidisciplinary one that is more human-centered and sustainable, recognizing the importance of considering the well-being of individuals in design solutions.”
Ahmed Elmasry, professor of corporate finance and governance at the Centre for Financial and Corporate Integrity, Coventry University, UK, delivered a thought-provoking speech on environmental, social and governance controversies.
He highlighted the importance of leading change and inspiring growth to empower tomorrow by harnessing technology, sustainability and innovation as drivers for business evolution.
In his speech on “Cognitive Cities and the Future of Urban Living,” Joaquim Alvarez, head of cognitive technologies at the engineering technical services department at NEOM, said: “Understanding the evolution of urban areas by examining cities’ development trajectory is crucial. Transitioning from historical reflections to dynamic adaptation for contemporary challenges is imperative.”
Speakers at the conference outlined the significance of education in promoting awareness about sustainability. Panel discussions, moderated by a diverse group of experts, academics, and officials from local and international backgrounds, explored the interconnected themes of creativity, technology and sustainability.
The sessions delved into research topics that deepen our understanding of technological progress, fostering innovation and progress.
The conference offered a range of workshops to nurture creativity and cultivate essential skills crucial for sustainable development.
A dedicated section featured scientific papers and posters from researchers, with several contributions by students from Dar Al-Hekma University.
Makkah Route Initiative streamlines pilgrimage journey using AI
- Services include issuing electronic Hajj visas, biometric data collection, completing passport procedures
RIYADH: The Makkah Route Initiative has adopted an AI-enhanced approach to streamline services for pilgrims arriving from various countries for this Hajj season, Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Uing technology and digital solutions, the initiative simplifies the pilgrimage journey, particularly through expedited entry procedures into Saudi Arabia via dedicated lounges at pilgrims’ home country airports.
The initiative employs advanced digital technology to provide the best services to pilgrims while also ensuring the highest level of comfort throughout their journey.
Services include the issuing of electronic Hajj visas, biometric data collection, completion of passport procedures in specialized lounges at departure airports, ensuring health requirements are met, and efficient luggage tagging and sorting. After arrival in the Kingdom, pathways are assigned, and partner agencies ensure hassle-free delivery of pilgrims’ luggage to their accommodation.
Chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council President Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi praised the program for simplifying procedures for pilgrims, both in their home countries and on arrival.
He said that the initiative had made the Hajj journey easier, simpler and faster, and thanked the Saudi government and the Kingdom’s leadership for their commitment to serving pilgrims with the highest technological standards.
SPA accompanied pilgrims benefiting from the initiative at Islamabad’s airport, observing the proficient work of Saudi personnel involved in the project.
KFUPM’s 10th design expo celebrates student ingenuity
DHAHRAN: The King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals hosted its tenth Design Expo on Saturday, with senior students’ graduation projects highlighting solutions to real industry problems.
President of the university, Mohammed Al-Saggaf, spoke to each team and handed out awards. It was during his tenure as president that the new model for the expo was put into place.
“This exhibition is distinguished by the collaborative effort among students from different majors to create innovative projects,” the university said in a statement.
Mimicking industry standards, the university event also briefs the soon-to-be professionals on how to pitch and speak about their projects to the public, potential investors and educators.
“This exhibition will showcase various academic projects presented by our students in diverse fields,” the statement said.
A total of 1,063 students participated to present 185 projects “devising solutions for industrial challenges” in the following categories: artificial intelligence, automation technology, construction technology, digital transformation, drone technology, energy systems, environmental technology, health care technology, renewable energy, sustainability and technology enhancement.
The winning projects included an autonomous wheelchair that uses electromyography — EMG — a technique for evaluating and recording the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles.
Prizes were also awarded for the most entrepreneurial project, the most innovative project and the best elevator pitch, along with an award based on public voting and the president’s choice award.
The most humanitarian project award was handed to “Quick-Construct Housing for Refugees and the Impoverished,” to six students: Alwaleed Talal Abutaleb and Abdulaziz Talal Abutaleb from the architectural engineering and construction management program; Ayoub Abdullah Alsalamah from mechanical engineering; Ammar Omar Alhawsawi from electrical engineering; and Faris Abdulrahman Alsuhaibani and Bander Nasser Almubaddel from aerospace engineering.
“All of this is Saudi-made, even the manufacturing process. It’s the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, the mechanism and everything — from designing to construction — was assembled by a Saudi company,” Almubaddel told Arab News.
In a record three minutes, the structure can be built and lived in almost instantly. Their target is the refugees in the Middle East — to offer durable, affordable, portable shelter that can be assembled easily and efficiently.
Abutaleb, who focused on the architectural elements, said: “What we brought to the table (is) that we designed the unit, the dimension, the process and the interior of the unit. We are responsible for the integration of the system within the unit, in addition to the construction and the assembling.”
Electrical engineering student Alhawsawi said: “I contributed the power system and all the connections required; and all the power systems that will be integrated into the unit.”
Aerospace engineering student Alsuhaibani added: “The unit is very simple to assemble — these materials that we used to construct the unit have a very high resistance for the heat. It has item resistance, and it can withstand the harsh environment in Saudi Arabia.”
The team will continue to work on the project beyond the classroom to make it useful in the real world.
Saudi project clears 2,010 Houthi mines in Yemen
- A total of 442,077 mines have been cleared since the start of the initiative in 2018
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam cleared 2,010 mines in Yemen — which had been planted by the Houthi militia — between May 11 to 17, according to a recent report.
Overseen by the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief, the project’s specialist teams destroyed 1,980 pieces of unexploded ordnance, 19 anti-tank mines and 11 anti-personnel mines.
The explosives, which were planted indiscriminately by the Houthis across Yemen, posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.
Project Masam is one of several initiatives undertaken by Saudi Arabia at the request of King Salman, which has cleared routes for humanitarian aid to reach the country’s citizens.
The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.
A total of 442,077 mines have been cleared since the start of the initiative in 2018, according to Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the project’s managing director.
The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.
About 5 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the beginning of the conflict in Yemen, many of them displaced by the presence of land mines, according to the Project Masam website.
Masam teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
