JEDDAH: Prince Abdullah bin Bandar, deputy emir of Makkah, on Wednesday launched a workshop for the development of the historical area of Jeddah.
The workshop took place in cooperation with 21 bodies, including the province’s development agency; Jeddah Municipality; and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH).
Its aim was to encourage owners of historic buildings to properly maintain and improve them, to increase their value in regard to the Saudi government’s vision for the preservation and development of culturally significant heritage areas.
The workshop incorporated discussions about strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors to implement investment initiatives in the historical area of Jeddah, how to remove obstacles to best facilitate investors’ work, and how to support investment in the development of the area and in its various events and festivals.
It also reviewed the aspirations of owners and investors, the government’s plans for the area’s development, attractive investment opportunities, and events held in Historic Jeddah.
Participants were divided into eight groups, and they showcased their proposed development plans.
Jeddah Municipality presented a worksheet on the province’s road network and its own development plans for different parts of the province.
The Traffic Department highlighted traffic obstacles in Historic Jeddah and proposed solutions to ensure fewer traffic jams and develop pedestrian-friendly areas. It also stressed the need to provide alternative means of transportation to limit traffic congestion.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense discussed the potential health and safety hazards and plans that need to be implemented to alleviate risk.
Finally, SCTH showcased its efforts and future plans to develop the historical area, as well as its documentation and restoration efforts.
Workshop for development of Historic Jeddah launched in Makkah
Workshop for development of Historic Jeddah launched in Makkah
Saudi Reef program provides $37.3m of support to Kingdom’s honey industry
- Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program celebrates World Bee Day by highlighting its achievements in its support of the sector
- Honey production in the Kingdom reached 3,120 tons last year; aim is to produce 7,500 tons a year by 2026 and become self-sufficient
RIYADH: About SR140 million ($37.3 million) in funding for the honey industry in the Kingdom has helped 10,584 beneficiaries since 2020, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The recipients of the support, provided by Saudi Arabia’s Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, also known as Saudi Reef, come from all parts of the country but the program said those in Asir, Hail, Makkah and Al-Baha regions benefited the most.
Saudi Reef marked World Bee Day on Monday by highlighting its notable achievements so far in supporting the local honey industry. It said production in the Kingdom reached 3,120 tons in 2023, a 41 percent increase compared with 2021, and the aim is to increase annual production to 7,500 tons by 2026 and achieve self-sufficiency.
The program said it has supported several projects vital to the sector, including the establishment of queen bee rearing and package bee production facilities in areas such as Hail, Najran, Jazan, Medina, Tabuk and Taif.
It also supplies modern beekeeping tools and spreads awareness of the latest techniques, and has set up three mobile laboratories to investigate and diagnose bee diseases and pests, along with four mobile clinics.
The program said it remains committed to providing support for beekeepers and implementing projects that benefit the honey industry, in keeping with efforts to achieve sustainable and comprehensive development in the Kingdom.
Saudi Reef aims to support environmental sustainability and diversification of the agricultural production base in the Kingdom, by aiding the development of rural communities and efforts to achieve food security.
It added that its projects provide job opportunities, help improve incomes and standards of living for small farmers, and enhance agricultural capabilities in keeping with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030 development and diversification plan.
Japan, Saudi Arabia FMs agree to work closely
- Prince Faisal said he was keen to collaborate with Tokyo
- Kamikawa expressed her sincere wishes for the early recovery of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman
TOKYO: Japan’s Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko said on Monday she hopes to work closely with Prince Faisal bin Farhan, her Saudi counterpart, on the multiple crises the world is currently facing, such as the situations in Gaza and Ukraine.
In a telephone call, Prince Faisal said he was keen to collaborate with Tokyo to allow the foreign minister to make an official visit to the Kingdom in the near future, and that he looks forward to working with Kamikawa toward stabilizing the situation in the region.
In response, Kamikawa expressed her sincere wishes for the early recovery of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and stated that Japan attaches great importance to its strategic partnership with the Kingdom and seeks to work closely with Prince Faisal.
Saudi Arabia restricts Umrah permits to Hajj permit holders
- New regulation aims to manage influx during peak pilgrimage period from May 24 to June 26
- The ministry stated that Umrah permits will not be issued to individuals without a confirmed Hajj permit
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that starting May 24 until June 26, Umrah permits will only be issued to those with a confirmed Hajj permit.
The directive was issued by the ministry to facilitate Hajj pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia from around the world, ensuring their pilgrimage at the Grand Mosque in Makkah is conducted with ease and comfort.
The ministry stated that Umrah permits will not be issued to individuals without a confirmed Hajj permit.
This measure aims to manage the influx of pilgrims in the holy city during the busy Hajj season, ensuring a smooth experience for all pilgrims.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah posted on X: “Defying Hajj regulations will result in severe and unwavering penalties. A fine of SR10,000 ($2,666) will be imposed on individuals caught in Makkah and the holy sites without a Hajj permit, applicable to citizens, residents, and visitors. The fine will double for repeat offenders, and resident violators face deportation and a ban from entering Saudi Arabia.”
Earlier, the Ministry of Interior announced penalties for those who violated Hajj regulations and instructions, such as those found without a permit in Makkah, the central region, the holy sites, the Haramain train station in Rusayfah, security control centers, sorting centers, and temporary security control centers. These will be effective from June 2 to June 20.
Any citizens, residents or visitors caught within the specified restricted areas without a Hajj permit will be fined SR10,000. In addition, residents face deportation to their home country and a ban from entering the Kingdom for a stipulated period.
Emphasizing the importance of adherence to Hajj regulations and instructions, the ministry stressed that the fine would be doubled for repeat offenders.
Transporting individuals without a permit is a serious offense, with penalties of up to six months in prison and a fine of up to SR50,000. The fine will increase proportionately with the number of people carried. The means of transportation will be seized and expatriate transporters will face deportation and a ban from re-entering the Kingdom for a specified period.
Members of the public are urged to report anyone breaking the rules by calling (911) in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and (999) in the remaining regions.
One of the five pillars of Islam, this year’s Hajj is expected to run from June 14 to June 19.
Pilgrim mobility innovation contest concludes in Makkah
- Event aimed to enhance pilgrim services in innovative ways, focusing on assisting people with disabilities in completing Hajj rituals like Tawaf and Sa’i
RIYADH: The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, along with Umm Al-Qura University and Wadi Makkah Co., recently concluded the pilgrim-mobility enhancement challenge at the university’s headquarters in Makkah.
The one-week event, which started on May 12, aimed to enhance pilgrim services in innovative ways, focusing on assisting people with disabilities in completing Hajj rituals like Tawaf and Sa’i.
It featured four categories: Manual wheelchairs, electric vehicles, golf carts and trailers, alongside an open section for creative mobility ideas.
With 50 teams and 190 participants, the challenge also involved 19 mentors, 10 judges and 118 mentoring sessions.
During the closing ceremony, attended by Umm Al-Qura University President Dr. Moaddi bin Mohammed Aal Madhhab, and the CEO of the general authority, Ghazi bin Dhafer Al-Shahrani, an exhibition showcased contributions and innovative ideas from organizing bodies and participating teams.
Dr. Ammar Attar, adviser to the general authority, highlighted the importance of forging quality partnerships, citing Umm Al-Qura University as a pioneer in Hajj and Umrah sciences and technologies. He lauded the joint initiative to enhance Tawaf and Sa’i mobility as a significant outcome of this collaboration.
Dr. Ali Al-Shaeri, CEO of Wadi Makkah Co., praised the challenge’s success and impact, highlighting its role in the university’s broader innovation program to enhance the pilgrim experience through effective partnership with the general authority.
Majed Al-Fuwaiz, secretary-general of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, applauded the challenge for fostering innovation to create a safe and appealing working environment meeting both local and international safety standards for those serving pilgrims.
The ceremony concluded with the honoring of the winners: Masari team claimed first place for their development of a smart path system for electric carts; Maseer team secured second place with AI-powered carts designed for ergonomic comfort; Naqiloon team earned third place for their Tawaf trailers tailored for specific location needs; Tarrayath team took fourth place for their sensor-based device safeguarding pilgrims in the Grand Mosque; and Mu’een team clinched fifth place with an app connecting pilgrims to cart drivers within the Two Holy Mosques.
Targeting postgraduate students, university students, faculty members, international students and entrepreneurs, the challenge aimed to enhance the mobility experience for Tawaf and Sa’i.
Participants delved deeper into the challenge through field visits and interactions with service providers, leading to the practical application of their ideas.
Riyadh show connects global innovators with Saudi Arabia’s food and beverage sector
- Show features 1,000 exhibitors presenting 100,000 product innovations from 97 countries
RIYADH: The second Saudi Food Show, the Kingdom’s largest food and beverage sourcing event, will begin Tuesday at the Riyadh Front.
This year’s show, which will run until May 23, is sponsored by Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef in collaboration with the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, or MODON.
It features 1,000 exhibitors presenting 100,000 product innovations from 97 countries, including newcomers and returning successes like Top Table Saudi and Youth X Saudi in expanded formats.
The first day, curated by MODON, emphasizes technology’s role in enhancing food production efficiency in Saudi Arabia, alongside investments in human capital for competitiveness in the F&B sector and fintech’s financial support role.
Ali Al-Omeir, MODON’s vice president of business development, underscored their focus on localizing the F&B industry to bolster food security in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the National Strategy for Industry and Saudi Vision 2030.
Over the second and third days, over 90 leaders from public and private sectors, including ministries, food investors, retailers, innovators, and food service providers, will share insights on maximizing opportunities in the Saudi F&B market, fostering success for businesses in the Kingdom through keynote addresses, panels, and workshops.
The event will introduce Saudifoodpreneur, a workshop series for F&B entrepreneurs. Led by industry experts and successful entrepreneurs, these workshops and business support clinics will guide startups through navigating Saudi Arabia’s dynamic F&B landscape, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the vibrant market.
