JEDDAH: The Cabinet expressed its thanks and appreciation to King Salman on Tuesday for the recent royal decree on traffic regulations, which included issuing driving licenses to women.
In the decree last week, the king ordered ministries to take the necessary measures to prepare for allowing women to drive, to be implemented in June 2018.
During its weekly session session at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah, the Cabinet also appreciated the King’s inauguration of plans for a new city at Taif.
The $3 billion project, announced on Sunday, will have more than 10,000 homes, a culture and heritage tourist center, technology and industry parks, a university and an airport.
Ministers also applauded the king’s speech at the launch of the project, when he stressed the prevalence of wealth, security and stability in the Kingdom and his readiness to listen to citizens in the best interest of their religion and homeland.
The Cabinet also welcomed the announcement by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of the establishment of two companies, Al-Haram Ru’a and Al-Madinah Ru’a, in line with Vision 2030, to develop projects that will help accommodate the growing number of pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah. It also appreciated the PIF’s plan to develop the Jeddah waterfront corniche with an estimated investment of $4.8 billion over 10 years.
Ministers were also briefed on the meetings of the Saudi delegation with their Russian, American, Japanese and South Korean counterparts at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna.
The delegates discussed options for implementing the national atomic energy project in the Kingdom, notably the technical aspects of the engineering designs for the first two nuclear reactors.
The Cabinet expressed Saudi Arabia’s strong condemnation of terrorist acts in Manama, Mogadishu, Kabul, Marseille and Edmonton, and most recently in Las Vegas. It said the Kingdom stood against all forms of terrorism, violence and extremism.
At the regional level, the Cabinet welcomed the accession of Palestine to Interpol, the international police organization, which it considered a political achievement and success for the Palestinian struggle and the joint Arab action to strengthen the status and role of Palestine in the international arena.
Saudi Cabinet condemns terror acts in Manama, Marseille, Las Vegas
Saudi Cabinet condemns terror acts in Manama, Marseille, Las Vegas
Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons
- It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content
TAIF: A special section highlighting key Saudi literary figures forms part of the Writers and Readers Festival in Taif.
The area explores the lives of distinguished writers, poets, and authors who have shaped the Kingdom’s creative landscape, influencing literature, journalism, theater and intellectual thought.
It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the festival runs until Jan. 15 and features 42 prominent publishing houses from Saudi Arabia and overseas, offering visitors the chance to explore the latest works in literature, philosophy and general knowledge.
Meanwhile, the festival’s interactive murals section engages visitors with openwork art panels, allowing them to contribute to the city’s features and identity.
The murals depict Taif’s natural and historical landmarks, including Al-Hada Mountain, the Taif rose gardens, and traditional Hijazi palaces. Others are inspired by Souq Okaz, a historic literary and commercial center linked to the region’s poetic heritage.
Designed by a visual artist, they blend folk-inspired elements with imaginative expression, creating a collaborative experience that celebrates the city’s beauty and brings art closer to the public.
