King Abdul Aziz Center for National Dialogue introduces peace project for cultural communication to foreign diplomats’ wives

Faisal bin Abdulrahman Bin Muammar, Secretary General of the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue. (SPA)
Updated 19 November 2017
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King Abdul Aziz Center for National Dialogue introduces peace project for cultural communication to foreign diplomats’ wives

RIYADH: The King Abdul Aziz Center for National Dialogue (KACND) has introduced its peace project for cultural communication during a meeting that included the wives of diplomatic mission heads accredited to the Kingdom.

The Riyadh-based institute recently invited diplomats’ wives to a meeting at its headquarters and discussed various issues that included the peace project, one of its most important initiatives.

The meeting, which was moderated by the assistant secretary-general of the Center for Women’s Affairs, Amal Al-Maalami, intends to “consolidate the values of coexistence and civilizational dialogue.”

Holding the meeting was in accordance with KACND goals that include the establishment and dissemination of a culture of dialogue in society, and discussion of national issues which affect Saudi citizens.

The meeting also introduced the renaissance of the Kingdom and its achievements in various fields by monitoring and analyzing the reality of its global image, and proposing initiatives for improvement.

The meeting also touched on the Kingdom’s empowerment of and support for Saudi women, who have become vital partners in national development.

Such support is shown by the fact that Saudi women have become vital cogs in nation building and have become Shoura Council members who advise King Salman on policies and legislation.

Saudi women can now vote in municipal elections and work in some retail and hospitality jobs within the government’s Vision 2030 plan, which is trying to diversify the oil-reliant economy by boosting women’s employment.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Development has also announced that its work-from-home program is set to create 141,000 jobs by 2020, and expects that the percentage of women in the Saudi workforce will increase 28 percent by the same year.

Licenses will also be granted for women’s gyms by the end of February, according to Princess Reema bint Bandar, vice president for women’s affairs at the General Authority of Sports.


Saudi, Russian foreign ministers discuss ties in phone call

Updated 07 May 2024
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Saudi, Russian foreign ministers discuss ties in phone call

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan on Tuesday received a phone call from his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

The Saudi Press Agency said both ministers discussed bilateral ties and issues of common interest.


Ministry launches service to hire seasonal Hajj workers

Updated 07 May 2024
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Ministry launches service to hire seasonal Hajj workers

  • The initiative allows businesses to engage a temporary workforce through seasonal contracts during the Hajj period

RIYADH: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has launched the Ajeer Al-Hajj service for this year’s Hajj season.

The initiative allows businesses to engage a temporary workforce through seasonal contracts during the Hajj period.

The ministry is encouraging Saudis and expatriate residents interested in working at the holy sites during the Hajj season to upload their CVs on the Ajeer portal, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

This integrated platform connects job seekers with available positions, facilitating workforce management and streamlining processes for both businesses and workers during the Hajj season.

The launch of Ajeer Al-Hajj aligns with the ministry’s broader strategy to enhance services for pilgrims and improve their experience during this sacred period.

Establishments are now required to issue Hajj permits for individuals employed on a seasonal basis, with strict penalties for non-compliance, the SPA reported.

This service enables businesses to issue work permits and recruit temporary staff, as well as advertise job vacancies specifically designed for the Hajj season. Job seekers can access these opportunities and apply directly through the platform.

The key goals of Ajeer Al-Hajj are to foster workforce flexibility, boost market efficiency, and reduce reliance on external recruitment sources, according to the SPA.

The service is accessible online in a streamlined manner for businesses and individuals through the following website: https://www.ajeer.com.sa.


King Khalid airport opens direct route to Beijing with 3 flights a week

Updated 07 May 2024
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King Khalid airport opens direct route to Beijing with 3 flights a week

RIYADH: King Khalid International Airport has announced the inauguration of a new air route that will connect Riyadh to the Chinese capital, Beijing.

The route will be serviced by three weekly flights operated by Air China, starting May 6, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The airport, managed and operated by Riyadh Airports Company, said the new route reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing direct air connectivity between the Kingdom and China.

The initiative is intended to allow more Chinese tourists to visit the Kingdom, explore additional tourist destinations and discover existing investment opportunities, the RAC said.

The company also said that the collaboration with Air China is a result of a series of pioneering achievements by RAC, including obtaining the “Welcome Chinese” certification for King Khalid International Airport last July. The certification enhances the prospects of success in cooperation between the two parties, the company said.

The RAC said that the launch of the new route will contribute to achieving the targets of the National Civil Aviation Strategy, which aims to increase air connectivity to more than 250 destinations and 29 airports.

The strategy includes developing airport infrastructure and establishing regulatory frameworks for operational processes at international and local level.


Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 27.6 kg of cocaine

Updated 07 May 2024
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Saudi authorities foil attempt to smuggle 27.6 kg of cocaine

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has thwarted an attempt to smuggle into the Kingdom 27.6 kg of cocaine found hidden inside the air conditioner of a shipment of potatoes.

Authorities at Jeddah Islamic Port arrested two individuals who were set to receive the shipment.

In a statement ZATCA said it is “committed to stiffening customs control of the Kingdom’s imports and exports, stressing that it will stay vigilant to thwart smuggling attempts and ensure the protection of the society.”

Members of the public are encouraged to report any drug-related crimes by calling 1910, via e-mail [email protected], or through the international number 00966114208417.


Saudi ministries sign deal to achieve goals in fields of culture, human resources

Updated 07 May 2024
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Saudi ministries sign deal to achieve goals in fields of culture, human resources

  • Move aligns with aims of Saudi Vision 2030

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, and the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi signed a cooperation agreement on Monday aimed at achieving their respective goals.

The agreement will also work to develop human capital in the culture and arts sectors.

It is hoped the partnership will lead to the development of local cultural identity; the growth in local economic interaction; an increase in job opportunities and social development; and the creation of a legislative and regulatory environment that encourages investment and innovation in the cultural sector.

It is expected this will lead to increased economic activity and new job opportunities, targets which form part of Saudi Vision 2030, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministries will study ways to encourage and motivate the participation of the private sector in developing the culture and arts sectors as part of the agreement.