King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) and the Algerian National Archives have recently signed a scientific cooperation deal to carry out research related to joint history, in the framework of the cultural cooperation agreements between the two countries.
The Deputy Secretary General of Darah, Nasir Al-Juhaimi, signed the deal, which came on the sidelines of the 8th session of the joint Saudi-Algerian Commission. The director general of Arab states at the Algerian Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Abdulhamid Shabshoub, signed for his country.
This latest cooperation aims to strengthen the existing scientific and cultural collaboration between the Kingdom and Algeria, which goes a long way back. Notably, since the creation of the Saudi state and the emergence of the reformist call by Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulwahhab and its spread in North Africa down to the Algerian revolution against the colonialists, Saudi Press Agency quoted Al-Juhaimi as saying.
He said the deal is the 8th of its kind to be signed by Darah with Arab, Islamic and global centers, which are interested in Saudi Arabia’s history, geography, heritage and the history of the Arabian Peninsula in general.
The deal is also meant to encourage scientific visits, enrich studies with specialized writings, as well as stimulate meetings between Algerian and Saudi historians, and expand areas of study between the North African countries, particularly Algeria, and the Arabian Peninsula, he said.
Darah to cooperate with Algerian National Archives
Darah to cooperate with Algerian National Archives
Saudi Premium Residency Program hosts workshop in Riyadh
- The workshop also included networking and discussions on funding opportunities as well as mentorship
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s residency program attracting top foreign talent and investors hosted a workshop in Riyadh on Wednesday.
The Premium Residency Program, launched in 2019, draws skilled professionals, talented individuals and investors to the Kingdom through five residency categories.
It targets expatriates who wish to gain premium residency in Saudi Arabia.
The categories, announced in January, include special talent, gifted, entrepreneur, investor and real estate residencies.
The “Introduction to Premium Residency Products” at The Garage in Riyadh focused on the entrepreneur category.
The residency includes two sub-categories for entrepreneurs and innovators who contribute to the development of multiple industries in Saudi Arabia.
Category one of the entrepreneur residency provides a five-year premium residency. Applicants must obtain an entrepreneurial license from the Saudi Ministry of Investment and a letter of recommendation from the investing party.
They are required to obtain a minimum SR400,000 ($106,000) investment from a recognized organization and hold at least a 20 percent share of the startup.
After the five-year term, the entrepreneur residency will be renewed if the eligibility criteria is still met.
Category two grants a permanent residency only if the entrepreneur creates a minimum of 10 jobs in the first year and 10 or more in the second year.
The individual must demonstrate a minimum investment of SR15 million and a 10 percent ownership stake in the business.
The advantages of the entrepreneur residency include the ability to nominate two people from the applicant’s work team — such as executives — to obtain exceptional competence residencies.
Among the general benefits are owning and using real estate, issuing visit visas for relatives, and exemption from the financial fees imposed on expatriates and their companions.
Beneficiaries will be able to use the lanes designated for citizens and citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at ports across the Kingdom.
The holder of the premium residency and their family members can leave and return to Saudi Arabia without requiring a re-entry visa. They can also work in private sector establishments.
Sarah Al-Hamad, who attended the workshop, told Arab News: “I truly believe that the Premium Residency Program will drive economic growth and cultural exchange in the Kingdom for years to come.”
The workshop also included networking and discussions on funding opportunities as well as mentorship.
Jeddah Airports approves operational plan for King Abdulaziz Airport ahead of 2024 Hajj season
- The plan will be activated from the beginning of the sacred month of Dhul-Qdah, which starts on May 9, and will continue until all pilgrims have arrived
JEDDAH: Jeddah Airports has confirmed all three facilities and lounges at King Abdulaziz International Airport are ready to accommodate some 1.2 million pilgrims during the 2024 Hajj season.
CEO Mazen bin Mohammed Johar said the operational plan was meticulously aligned with all requirements aimed at ensuring the safety, security and comfort of pilgrims arriving via the airport.
The plan will be activated from the beginning of the sacred month of Dhul-Qdah, which starts on May 9, and will continue until all pilgrims have arrived.
This will include the full operation of all airport lounges, including Terminal 1, the North Terminal, and the Hajj and Umrah lounge complex, following a standardized pattern of arrivals and departures throughout the season to effectively cater for all travelers.
Johar said the three halls collectively featured over 411 platforms for passport procedures, 440 for luggage check in, 56 loading bridges, 54 customs inspection devices, 29 luggage conveyor belts, 28 bus gates, and four health centers. There are also two areas dedicated to handling group luggage.
During the peak period, the workforce at King Abdulaziz International Airport will number around 16,000 employees from diverse governmental, security and operational sectors. All are committed to serving pilgrims and facilitating procedures during their journey of faith.
Saudi Arabia expands eVisa program to include Barbados, Bahamas and Grenada
- The expansion brings the total number of countries eligible for the eVisa program to 66
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has expanded its electronic visa program to include citizens of three Caribbean countries: Barbados, the Bahamas and Grenada.
People from these countries can now apply, online or on arrival, for a visa to visit the Kingdom for the purposes of tourism, to perform Umrah, to attend events, exhibitions and conferences, or to visit friends and relatives, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The expansion brings the total number of countries eligible for the eVisa program to 66. It is part of the efforts by Ministry of Tourism to enhance the Kingdom’s global connectivity, stimulate economic diversification, and help achieve the tourism goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification. Those goals include an increase in the tourism industry’s contribution to gross domestic product of more than 10 percent of the total, and the creation of 1 million jobs in the sector.
The Ministry of Tourism introduced tourist visas in September 2019 as part of a broader initiative to showcase Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and heritage, encourage visitors from around the world to visit the country and engage with the rich cultural experiences on offer in the country, and promote international interactions. It is expected that the eVisa program will be further expanded to include more countries.
Saudi legal center issues key research on e-commerce, tax, sports
- Focus also on regulations for privatization of healthcare sector
- Legal framework for firms listing on stock exchange under study
RIYADH: The Center of Legal Studies and Research has released seven studies covering various sectors of the economy including business, health, e-commerce and sports, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The research is a part of the center’s aim to highlight key developments and challenges within the Kingdom’s legal and legislative framework, the SPA reported.
The studies, which are in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 plan, also focuses on regulations for managing special economic regions and zones.
One study focused on the privatization of the healthcare sector and developing regulations in line with international best practice.
Another paper looked at tax legislation in the Kingdom and made recommendations on insolvency.
There was also research conducted on a suitable legal framework for listing Special Purpose Acquisition Companies on the Saudi Arabia stock exchange.
The center began issuing research for the first time last year on ways to streamline the Kingdom’s legal framework for the economy.
All publications are accessible on the center’s website at www.clsr.gov.sa.
Saudi Fashion Commission launches product-development studio
- The Lab will help develop sustainable, thriving industry
- Assist local designers, firms fulfil ‘Made in Riyadh’ plan
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Fashion Commission recently launched a studio for product development, The Lab, in Riyadh.
The launch was attended by Misk Foundation CEO Badr Al-Badr, Deputy CEO Omar Najjar, industry specialists, and officials from government entities. The headquarters of the project is in Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City, or Misk City.
Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak said The Lab would help develop a sustainable and thriving industry. And assist local designers fulfill their creative visions as a part of the “Made in Riyadh” label.
Misk City CEO David Henry said The Lab would elevate the fashion industry in the Kingdom, and allow domestic businesses to showcase their products in the country and abroad.
Henry highlighted Misk City’s contribution to promoting national retail brands in the fashion sector and supporting small- and medium-sized local companies.
The studio would support education and training programs for young Saudi Arabian designers and open new avenues for investment in the fashion sector.
It would also assist in hosting fashion events and festivals in Misk City.
