JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has expressed its regret about the decision by the European Commission to place the Kingdom on a blacklist of 23 non-EU countries and territories accused of posing a high risk of money laundering and financing terrorism. In response, Saudi authorities highlighted the efforts being made by the Kingdom to combat such crimes.
“The Kingdom finds it it regrettable that it was included in the proposed list of ‘high-risk’ countries for money laundering and terrorist financing that was issued by the European Commission on Feb. 13, 2019,” Saudi authorities said in a statement released by the Saudi Press Association. “This comes despite the Kingdom’s ratification of many laws and procedures relating to combating money laundering and terrorist financing, to reduce the risks associated with such crimes.”
It added that the Kingdom reaffirms its strong commitment to the joint global efforts to combat money-laundering and the financing of terrorism, as part of which it works with international partners and allies.
“Saudi Arabia, who is a key partner in the international coalition against Daesh, has been leading a group, along with the United States and Italy, to fight the financing of the group,” the statement continued.
“The Saudi Mutual Evaluation Report, published by Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in September 2018, praised Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the group’s recommendations. The FATF report stated that the Kingdom’s preventive measures against money laundering and terrorist financing are strong and robust.”
The Kingdom has a legal framework and coordinated procedures in place for the swift implementation of targeted financial sanctions imposed by the United Nations, it added.
“Saudi Arabia’s commitment to combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism is a strategic priority and we will continue to develop and improve our regulatory and legislative frameworks to achieve this goal,” said Mohammed Al-Jadaan, the Saudi minister of finance.
“The announcement by the European Commission that the Kingdom will be included in the proposed list of high-risk countries for money laundering and terrorist financing will have to pass the voting stage in the European Parliament before it becomes effective.”
The minister invited European Commission officials and members of the European Parliament to visit Riyadh to learn about the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts and initiatives to combat money-laundering and the financing of terrorism at local, regional and international levels.
Al-Jadaan added that The Kingdom looks forward to a constructive dialogue with its partners in the European Union to help strengthen and support efforts to combat the flow of ‘dirty money.’
The Saudi response came just hours after the US Treasury on Wednesday expressed “significant concerns” about the substance of the European Commission list, which was released the previous day. It pointed out that the FATF is the global standard-setting body for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing, and that the task force — the members of which include the US, the European Commission, 15 EU member states and 20 other jurisdictions —already compiles a list of high-risk countries as part of a careful and comprehensive process.
The Treasury said the EU commission had not given the listed countries sufficient time to discuss regulations, and added that it did not expect US financial institutions to take the EU list into account when deciding policies and procedures.
EU Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova said on Wednesday that the list, which also includes countries such as North Korea and Nigeria, will help to increase checks and investigations on financial operations to find “suspicious money flows.”
“We have to make sure that dirty money from other countries does not find its way to our financial system,” she said. “Europe cannot be a laundromat for dirty money.”
The list will now go to the European Parliament and member states for approval over the next few weeks.
Saudi Arabia describes inclusion on EU ‘dirty money’ list as regrettable
Saudi Arabia describes inclusion on EU ‘dirty money’ list as regrettable
- Saudi authorities highlighted the efforts being made by the Kingdom to combat such crimes
Saudi Arabia’s KFSH&RC chief hails hospital’s transformation in speech at Harvard
- The facility has recorded significant breakthroughs in the research of T-cell therapy, robotic surgery, organ transplantation and personalized medicine
RIYADH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center is providing leading healthcare in the region after undergoing a decades-long transformation plan, its CEO has said.
Dr. Majid Ibrahim Al-Fayyadh was speaking at Harvard University’s Gulf Creatives Conference in the US.
He highlighted the role of the hospital in providing cutting-edge care in Riyadh, reducing the need for patients in the region to make long journeys for treatment.
The hospital uses advanced methods to treat heart disease, cancer and genetic diseases for patients in the Kingdom and wider Middle East, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The conference at Harvard, organized by The Diwan, a student-run organization at the university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is being held from May 10-12.
HIGHLIGHT
At the conference, the KFSH&RC chief also took part in a panel discussion on the future of the health sector and the hospital’s transformation in patient care. Al-Fayyadh highlighted the impact of hospital innovation in the Kingdom in supporting the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Al-Fayyadh highlighted the transformation of KFSH&RC, which aligns with its strategic vision to lead healthcare innovation globally through excellence and investment in advanced technology.
“The Saudi leadership has a clear vision for KFSH&RC, which was crowned by royal order to transform it into an independent institution of a private, nonprofit nature,” he said.
The transformation includes enhancing existing services and exploring new medical trends to improve health and well-being, he added.
Al-Fayyadh highlighted the hospital’s efforts to pioneer efficiency in healthcare spending and adhere to evidence-based practices for optimal patient outcomes. By adopting initiatives that broaden access to quality treatment worldwide, the hospital continues to play a leading role in healthcare innovation, he said.
The facility has recorded significant breakthroughs in the research of T-cell therapy, robotic surgery, organ transplantation and personalized medicine. It seeks to improve its international competitiveness by investing in advanced medical facilities, developing diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, and enhancing human resources services, Al-Fayyadh added.
At the conference, the KFSH&RC chief also took part in a panel discussion on the future of the health sector and the hospital’s transformation in patient care.
Al-Fayyadh highlighted the impact of hospital innovation in the Kingdom in supporting the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
107 Saudi students graduate from hospitality management scholarship program
- Red Sea Global and University of Prince Mugrin celebrate first batch of graduates
RIYADH: Red Sea Global, the developer of “regenerative tourism destinations” The Red Sea and AMAALA, celebrated the graduation of the first batch of international hospitality management students from its scholarship program in partnership with the University of Prince Mugrin in Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The graduation ceremony took place at the King Salman International Convention Center under the patronage of Prince Mugrin bin Abdulaziz, honorary president of the university; Prince Salman bin Sultan, governor of Madinah; and Prince Faisal bin Muqrin bin Abdulaziz, chairman of the board of directors of Al-Bayan Charitable Society for Education, with students and their families in attendance.
HIGHLIGHT
A total of 107 students earned bachelor’s degrees in international hospitality management, accredited by Swiss EHL Hospitality Business School.
A total of 107 students earned bachelor’s degrees in international hospitality management, accredited by Swiss EHL Hospitality Business School. All of them were on full scholarships funded by RSG, according to the SPA report.
Ahmad Darwish, group chief administrative officer at RSG, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the graduation of the first group of students from the Red Sea Global scholarship program. This group consists of 80 male and 27 female students who have specialized in international hospitality management, with accreditation from the prestigious Swiss EHL Business Hospitality School. They will all contribute toward extending a warm welcome to the world in Saudi Arabia.”
Darwish added: “The University of Prince Mugrin is making tremendous efforts to provide world-class educational opportunities in various disciplines through innovative academic and research programs in line with the highest international standards. It is effectively contributing to the economic development of the Kingdom by preparing its graduates to face the dynamic changes in various fields of work.”
Bander bin Mohammed Hajjar, president of the University of Prince Mugrin, said: “The university is proud of its distinguished partnership with Red Sea Global, which contributes to achieving Saudi Vision 2030. Its careful planning focused on two paths: the physical construction of its destinations and preparing the people to manage and operate those destinations.
“Today, our partnership is reaping the results of that planning with the graduation of 107 students, who will now go directly to working with RSG and its partners after obtaining knowledge, skills and professional certificates in the field of international hospitality and tourism management. Their training included 1,200 hours of work experience in major hotels in the Middle East. The university looks forward to taking its partnership with RSG to broader horizons in the future in order to achieve our common goals.”
Since its inception, RSG has focused on “cultivating experts and leaders in international hospitality through a curriculum aligned with global standards in hospitality and sustainable tourism, integrating hospitality knowledge, management principles, and practical business projects,” the SPA said.
Hira Cultural District: A diverse legacy of Makkah
RIYADH: Makkah’s Hira Cultural District, with its pavilions and cultural history, is serving as a tourist hotspot and a hub for knowledge.
Nestled near Jabal Al-Noor, the project spans 67,000 sq meters and includes a visitors’ center, offering insights into the history and services of the district, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The neighborhood provides diverse cultural services and activities for all.
The district’s Revelation Exhibition outlines the story of the revelation bestowed upon prophets up to the last Prophet. Within a special pavilion, the story of the Prophet Muhammad’s revelation and his biography are presented, along with aspects related to the story of the revelation through Gabriel and the roles of Khadija. It is delivered through a technical presentation, taking viewers on an enriching audio and visual journey.
The project also includes the Holy Qur’an Museum. Through modern technology and unique collections, the museum highlights the greatness and universality of the Qur’an, emphasizing its preservation. The neighborhood also includes a cultural library and a garden for relaxation.
The district contains restaurants and cafes, as well as the Saudi Coffee Museum. Visitors can savor Saudi coffee while exploring the tools, ingredients and preparation methods used across the Kingdom in the coffee trade, the SPA reported.
The project is overseen by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites in collaboration with the Emirate of Makkah, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Tourism, the Municipality of the Holy Capital, the Guests of God Service Program and the General Authority of Endowments.
Officials from countries around the world have recently visited the district, including Indonesian First Lady Iriana, Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer, President of the Directorate of Religious Affairs of Turkiye Dr. Ali Erbas and Tunisian Minister of Religious Affairs Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Shaibi. They commended Saudi Arabia’s role in enriching the cultural and religious experiences of visitors and Umrah performers.
Saudi authorities arrest 19,710 illegals in one week
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 19,710 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
According to an official report, a total of 12,961 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,177 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 2,572 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 979 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 54 percent were Ethiopian, 43 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 46 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 12 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
Saudi envoy inspects Makkah Route facility in Pakistan
RiYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki conducted an inspection of the Makkah Route Initiative facility at Islamabad International Airport on Friday, accompanied by Pakistan’s Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Zulfiqar Haider, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Al-Malki underscored the commitment of the Saudi government to allocate both human and financial resources to serve all visitors to the Kingdom and said that the Makkah Route Initiative represents an extension of that commitment.
During his visit, Al-Malki observed operations at the initiative’s facility and reviewed the procedures carried out by Pakistani and Saudi authorities to facilitate and streamline the Hajj journey for the program’s beneficiaries.
The Makkah Route Initiative, a part of the Ministry of Interior’s Guests of God Service Program, aims to provide top-tier services to Hajj pilgrims from beneficiary countries to the Kingdom.
The services include issuing e-visas, biometric verification, facilitating entry procedures at departure airports, ensuring compliance with health requirements, managing baggage logistics, arranging transportation and accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, and facilitating direct transfers to designated residences.
Over 65,000 Pakistani pilgrims are set to benefit from the initiative during this year’s Hajj — a significant increase from the 26,000 last year.
Pakistan launched Hajj operations at eight airports across the country on Thursday. The operations will continue until June 9. This year’s pilgrimage is scheduled to take place from June 14 to 19.
