RIYADH: Three Saudi Arabian graduates of UK universities have been honored for their career achievements in their home country.
Turki Altubaiti, Abdullah Adlan and Nouf Alnumair were the recipients of the third annual Study UK Alumni Awards, during a ceremony on February 26 at the residence of UK Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Simon Collis. He opened the event by stating how proud he was to be hosting it for a third time.
“I am very happy to see such a large number of candidates every year contributing to the betterment of Saudi society,” he added.
He also paid tribute to this year’s nominees, saying: “I have been Her Majesty’s Ambassador in Saudi Arabia for three years now and I consider it an honor. But I am not the only representative of the UK present here tonight; there are nine others here with me representing the UK and upholding its positive image, as well as that of their own home country of Saudi Arabia.”
The awards, organized by the British Council and British Embassy in Saudi Arabia, celebrate the outstanding achievements of alumni who have used the experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their community, profession and country.
Altubaiti received the Professional Achievement award, Adlan the Entrepreneurial Award, and Alnumair the Social Impact award.
Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas — who received the Social Impact award at last year’s event — gave a speech during the ceremony that highlighted the importance of education and experience in facing the challenges and changes that both kingdoms are undergoing.
“Such awards, especially in the social impact category, are not — and should not be — ends or goals themselves,” he said. “They are merely an indicator they we are hopefully on the right track of doing something that matters.
“The exciting and challenging times we are living here in Saudi Arabia can only be turned into a success by utilizing the passion, expertise and most importantly the knowledge that people of the caliber of tonight’s nominees have.”
Amir Ramzan, the British Council director in Saudi Arabia, said that discussions had taken place to ensure that Saudi citizens continue to have opportunities to study in the UK.
“The British Council has been working with various organizations, including the Ministry of Education, to ensure that the number of Saudi students able to go to the UK to study remains consistent,” he said.
He also highlighted the recently established Gulf-wide UK Alumni Network, which already has of over 2,500 members.
“We are always looking for ways to use that network to build connections between both the UK and Saudi Arabia,” he added.
There was also a surprise visit to the ceremony from Alistair Burt, the UK Minister of State for the Middle East and Minister of State at the Department for International Development.
“We’re very proud of our education system, and prouder still of those that come to us to make use of it, and use it for such good,” he said.
To be eligible for an award, candidates must have completed a degree at a UK university within the past 15 years.
The ambassador, Simon Collis, said: “There are no specific criteria for the degree studied. The focus of the prize is not the type of the degree but rather what you did with it when you came back to Saudi Arabia.”
This article has been corrected to amend the remarks by Amir Ramzan.
Saudis who studied in Britain honored for career achievements
Saudis who studied in Britain honored for career achievements
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
- 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.
Inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week to highlight Saudi talent to a global audience, official says
- ‘Initiative is a vibrant testament to our dedication to cultivating local talent,’ says Fashion Commission’s CEO
RIYADH: The head of the Saudi Fashion Commission said on Monday that the inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week later this month will highlight the talent in the Kingdom to a global audience, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Burak Cakmak, the CEO of the commission, said: “With Red Sea Fashion Week we set out to forge a distinctive and dynamic platform that not only highlights the vast creativity and skill within Saudi Arabia but also elevates our nation as a key player on the global fashion stage.
“This initiative is a vibrant testament to our dedication to cultivating local talent and integrating them into the international arena, resonating deeply with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of enriching our cultural fabric and broadening our economic horizons.”
The first edition of Red Sea Fashion Week, the latest initiative from the Saudi Fashion Commission to promote the Kingdom’s fashion industry, begins on May 16 at the new St. Regis Red Sea Resort. It runs until May 18.
A fashion show will be held on the first day, followed by two days of side events and further shows featuring a collection of luxury fashion, jewelry, ready-to-wear items, and resort wear collections from Saudi and international designers.
Saudi Arabia hosted its first fashion week in 2023 in Riyadh, and hosted a pop-up event in Milan last year on the sidelines of the city’s fashion week.
Saudi crown prince offers condolences to UAE president after death of uncle
- Sheikh Mohamed thanked the crown prince and expressed his condolences over the death of Saudi poet Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed his condolences to the President of the UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on Monday after the recent passing of his uncle Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al-Nahyan.
During a phone call, the crown prince prayed that God forgive the deceased who was the representative of the Abu Dhabi Ruler in Al-Ain Region.
Sheikh Mohamed thanked the crown prince and expressed his condolences over the death of Saudi poet and national literary icon Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen.
Saudi justice minister opens International Conference on Judicial Training
- Experts from around world will attend 2-day event in Riyadh
RIYADH: The Saudi justice minister on Monday opened the International Conference on Judicial Training in Riyadh.
Walid Al-Samaani made the opening speech at the two-day event, which has attracted more than 600 experts and 45 speakers from around the world.
He highlighted the strides made by the Kingdom in the judiciary sector since the launch of its Vision 2030 initiative.
He also outlined the ministry’s commitment to improving the efficiency of the judiciary and “pivotal role of training, qualification and legal knowledge management in achieving justice.”
The Judicial Training Center was dedicated to improving the skills of the Kingdom’s judicial and legal personnel through collaborations with its partners and had been instrumental in qualifying judges and training lawyers, judicial assistants and notaries, the minister said.
Al-Samaani also commented on the transformation of the justice system, driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which has focused on fortifying legal principles, embedding values of transparency and ensuring legal certainty.
A key area for development was the digital transformation and integration of artificial intelligence, which the ministry was advancing to enhance judicial quality, he said.
