RIYADH: Ministry of Labor and Social Development spokesman Khaled Aba Al-Khail said the ministry and the Human Resources Development Fund’s (Hadaf) electronic systems were attacked by a virus, but they are coordinating with the National Center for Cybersecurity (NCC) at the Ministry of Interior to address the problem.
Both the ministry and Hadaf have taken necessary steps for the safety of their systems, he said, adding that no significant damage was done as a result of the attack.
An alert from the telecoms authority advised all parties to be vigilant for attacks from the Shamoon 2 variant of the virus that in 2012 crippled tens of thousands of computers at Saudi Aramco.
Aba Al-Khail said the two institutions are following all the needed technical procedures and taking all measures to protect their databases, stressing that they were able to deal with (such situations) in coordination with the National Center for Cybersecurity.
He said the virus infected only some websites and some peripheral systems for users, but the databases containing customers’ information were not affected.
He said that the ministry and Hadaf’s electronic systems would be gradually running normally soon.
Jubail-based Sadara Chemical Co., a joint venture firm owned by Saudi Aramco and US company Dow Chemical, said it had experienced a network disruption on Monday morning and was working to resolve the issue.
The company made the disclosure on its official Twitter account after the warning by Al-Ekhbariya TV, which cited the telecoms authority. It did not say whether the disruption was due to a cyberattack but said as a precautionary measure it had stopped all services related to the network.
Other companies in Jubail, the hub of the Saudi petrochemicals industry, also experienced network disruptions, according to sources who were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter.
Those companies sought to protect themselves from the virus by shutting down their networks, said the sources, who declined to identify specific firms.
• With inputs from Reuters
Ministry of Labor and Social Development, Hadaf under virus attack
Ministry of Labor and Social Development, Hadaf under virus attack
AlUla fuel stations redefine desert architecture
ALULA: Fuel stations in the AlUla governorate showcase a modern approach to urban planning, with designs inspired by the region’s natural landscape and desert palette.
They harmonize architecture with the environment, enhance the urban landscape, and redefine traditional fuel stations, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The designs use contemporary materials and lines that reflect AlUla’s identity, enriching aesthetics and user experience while preserving the desert setting.
Architect Salwa Samargandi of SAL Architects developed these innovative designs, balancing functionality and aesthetics with inspiration from AlUla’s cultural heritage.
One fuel station project won the World Architecture Award in the Realized Projects category, selected by an international jury.
These initiatives are part of the Royal Commission for AlUla’s efforts to enhance infrastructure, support national talent, and improve services for residents and visitors.
The commission also established the AlUla Design Studio to guide architects and the community in creating projects that harmonize with the natural environment.
The studio offers consultations on new constructions and restorations, ensuring compliance with urban planning and sustainability standards.
This participatory approach preserves AlUla’s architectural heritage while empowering the local community to choose development options that respect the region’s history and uphold safety and sustainability.
