RIYADH: King Salman on Sunday underlined the importance of shared human values in different cultures to promote peace and reconciliation.
The king was addressing a reception at Al-Yamamah Palace hosted in honor of the guests of the Janadriyah festival, the annual national heritage and culture event, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Welcoming the guests, which included writers and intellectuals, King Salman said: “This event captures Saudi Arabia’s heritage and culture and reflects our shared desire to promote cross-cultural communication and achieve coexistence and tolerance between the peoples of the world based on shared human values.”
The king welcomed the Republic of India as the guest of honor at the 32nd edition of the festival.
“We are aware of the importance of culture as an essential element for shaping a nation’s identity and values, and we believe diversity and respect are requirements for achieving global coexistence and peace.”
He also stressed the importance of shared human values in all cultures. “The cultural element has become fundamental for good relations between countries and people,” he said. “Therefore, strengthening it is necessary for international peace and security.”
The head of the All Pakistan Ulema Council, Tahir Ashrafi, thanked Saudi Arabia for its hospitality and warm reception.
He said: “This festival captures the great history of this country and conveys the message of tolerance, moderation, and mercy, which is demanded by our religion.”
Inaugurated by King Salman on Wednesday with the traditional camel race and operetta marking the opening ceremony, the 18-day festival encourages Saudis to celebrate their heritage and to bolster cultural exchange.
Every year the festival attracts a remarkable turnout of local and expatriate visitors, including school children and families, as well as visitors from outside the Kingdom.
This year the festival has launched a free application for smartphones, called “Janadriyah,” to guide visitors around the event and keep them updated on entertainment and cultural programs.
The app’s sections include: Learning about the festival, information on cultural activities and visits to Janadriyah, the Janadriyah newsletter, a Janadriyah festival map, information on parking, and a section for feedback (suggestions or complaints) and help contact details.
The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) has set up a special pavilion as a tourism and heritage oasis with sections for children, visual shows, interactive screens, social media screens and tourism and heritage projects of the SCTH.
King Salman urges cross-cultural communication to achieve global peace
King Salman urges cross-cultural communication to achieve global peace
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
- 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
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
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.
