JEDDAH: The Kingdom is preparing for labor courts early in 2019.
The Ministry of Justice said its plans for the soon-to-be-launched courts are all on track. Judges are being trained, staff are getting proper induction and court buildings are being prepared and connected digitally.
Saudi Arabia has been working hard to push through initiatives that will organize the labor market and help it reach its highest potential, which will eventually boost investment in the Kingdom and drive the economy toward development and achievement of the Vision 2030 objectives.
According to the latest statistics revealed in Q1 2018; there are around 13 million workers in Saudi Arabia (10 million foreign and 3 million locals). These numbers are expected to increase with the ongoing mega projects across the Kingdom and the increasing demand for the labor force.
Labor court role will be a major drive toward creating ease and efficiency in conducting projects and ensuring those workers are working within a well-defined system that protects them.
“Labor courts will be connected to all government entities that deal with labor. We have already started studying labor dispute cases from the past few years and building our operational plan,” said the ministry.
”We are looking into achieving four objectives: Boosting investment opportunities, achieving excellence, swiftness of the labor judiciary, and benefiting from the rich databases of the courts.”
Saudi Arabia gets ready for labor courts early next year
Saudi Arabia gets ready for labor courts early next year
Klija Festival in Buraidah empowers small businesses
- Half a million attend 15-day celebration of heritage; event creates 1,500 seasonal jobs
RIYADH: The 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah drew more than half a million visitors during its 15-day run, celebrating the region’s heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
Organized by the Qassim Chamber of Commerce, the event highlighted small businesses, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase local products.
More than 340 sales outlets, marketing corners and points of sale welcomed attendees, while the festival provided 1,500 seasonal job opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The small business pavilions featured families in the cottage industry, artisans and startups presenting traditional foods, and handicrafts and heritage items that reflect the region’s identity.
Participants said that the festival was a key marketing platform, boosting sales, increasing brand awareness, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering connections with organizations supporting SMEs.
Mohammed Al-Hanaya, Qassim Chamber secretary-general and festival supervisor, said that the event brought together families, artisans, SMEs, companies and institutions, stimulating commercial activity, opening direct marketing channels and enhancing economic returns.
He added that the festival provided seasonal jobs for more than 1,500 young men and women across operations, marketing and services, supporting the labor market, empowering national talent, and connecting youth to the events and creative economy.
Klija, a traditional cookie made from wheat flour, dates or sugar, date syrup and natural ingredients such as cardamom and lemon, is a rich source of energy, carbohydrates, dietary fiber and natural proteins.
A cultural icon rooted in Qassim’s traditions, the cookie has gained international exposure through the festival, expanding the availability of packaged products.
Starting next year, the festival will be renamed the International Klija Festival, a rebranding approved by Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, who described it as a “successful model for turning local initiatives into global economic engines.”
This year’s festival, held at the King Khalid Cultural Center, included international participants from Egypt, Turkiye and Morocco, marking its evolution into a cross-cultural platform.
