NEW YORK: Saudi Arabia affirmed its belief that women are an important component of the power of society and are of paramount importance in the creation of a vibrant economy.
Under Vision 2030 the country will continue to invest in women’s energies and develop their talents by offering appropriate opportunities to build their future and contribute to society’s development.
This came in a speech delivered by the secretary-general of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Hala Al-Tuwaijri, at a high-level meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the UN in New York.
Al-Tuwaijri said that in the course of discussions that focused on social protection systems, access to public services, sustainable infrastructure and the empowerment of women, the Kingdom’s delegation would highlight its achievements in this field.
Vision 2030 and its programs reflect the aspirations of the Kingdom’s leadership to ensure the welfare of future of generations by “upgrading the efficiency of institutions to achieve ... a vibrant society, a prosperous economy and an ambitious homeland.”
She highlighted the Kingdom’s initiatives to strengthen the role of women, through 36 strategic goals, supporting women’s empowerment and ensuring their access to services through the building of supportive infrastructure.
Al-Tuwaijri explained that the social protection system in the Kingdom includes a number of programs for the labor market, social insurance programs and social safety net programs. Saudi Arabia is keen to provide equal social protection for its citizens, and education and health services that are equally available to all.
The Kingdom seeks to promote the economic status of women by working to eliminate barriers facing them in the labor market, and through its endorsement of UN conventions and protocols in supporting of women’s rights.
Saudi Arabia affirms economic role for women
Saudi Arabia affirms economic role for women
- Vision 2030 to ‘invest in women’s energies,’ UN session told
Tourism Ministry signs job-creation deal
- Agreement was inked by Hind Al-Zahed, in charge of human-capacity development at the MoT, and Sabbar’s founder and CEO Mohammed Taha Ibrahim
- Agreement is aimed at ensuring the sector employs citizens in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism (MoT) has signed an agreement in Riyadh with Sabbar, a hiring company, to ensure job creation for the sector.
The agreement was inked by Hind Al-Zahed, in charge of human-capacity development at the ministry, and Sabbar’s founder and CEO Mohammed Taha Ibrahim.
Sabbar is a digital platform connecting employers with those seeking jobs.
The agreement is aimed at ensuring the sector employs citizens in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan, and to boost the development of the nation’s tourism companies.
The ministry wants to ensure that quality jobs are created in the private sector; and establish a database of those seeking employment.
Specialist hospital is top healthcare institution
- Report highlighted a 31 percent increase in the brand value of the institution, surpassing SR5.6 billion
- Increase is attributed to its commitment to integrate the latest medical technologies and treatments
RIYADH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) has led its sector for the second successive year, ranking as the top healthcare institution in the Kingdom and the Middle East.
It stands out as the only hospital globally to be among the top 10 valuable brands in its country, according to two reports by Brand Finance about the top 50 most valuable brands in Saudi Arabia, and the top 150 most valuable brands in the Middle East for 2024.
The report highlighted a 31 percent increase in the brand value of the institution, surpassing SR5.6 billion ($1.49 billion). This increase is attributed to its commitment to integrate the latest medical technologies and treatments, provide specialized medical care according to the latest international standards, and continuously develop research and patient care.
Muhannad Abdullah Kadi, chief corporate communications and marketing officer at KFSH&RC, said: “This achievement reflects the hospital’s commitment to achieving the highest quality standards and providing exceptional healthcare, as well as the value it provides to beneficiaries.”
He stressed that being among the top 10 most valuable brands in the Kingdom was evidence of the success of the transformations taking place in the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia.
Digital Cooperation Organization to attend Islamic Summit in Gambia
- 15th annual event will be held this weekend in Banjul
RIYADH: The Digital Cooperation Organization, which works to shape the global digital economy, will take part in the upcoming 15th annual Islamic Summit Conference in the Gambian capital Banjul.
DCO Secretary-General Deemah Al-Yahya will head a delegation at the event, which runs from Saturday to Sunday alongside a series of summits organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to enhance cooperation and understanding between Islamic countries.
“The DCO’s participation in the conference embodies our firm commitment to strengthen multilateral action to reduce the digital gap and accelerate digital transformation and prosperity in cooperation with all concerned parties in the public and private sectors and civil institutions, as well as international and regional organizations concerned with development,” Al-Yahya said.
“It is consistent with the goal of the organization, digital cooperation aimed at promoting comprehensive and sustainable development in the global digital economy within a cooperative framework.”
Al-Yahya said she would hold talks with several heads of state as well as the leaders of other delegations during the event.
The agenda of the conference, which is being held under the slogan “Promoting Unity and Solidarity Through Dialogue for Sustainable Development,” covers areas of political, economic, social, cultural and technological interest as well as issues related to the media, law, social affairs, administration and finance.
The DCO has signed a memorandum of understanding with the OIC to provide a framework for cooperation to develop a sustainable digital economy and collaborate in the field of digitization of human resources to help enhance internet connectivity in remote and rural areas.
Saudi king, crown prince offer condolences to UAE president on key official’s death
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday offered condolences to the ruler of the United Arab Emirates on the death of a key official and a member of the royal family, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In a cable to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE president, King Salman expressed "our deepest and sincere condolences" on the death of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi’s ruler representative in Al Ain, who died on May 1, 2024.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed "my warmest and most sincere condolences" in a separate cable to the UAE leader, the SPA said.
French creatives bring enchanting art experience to Jeddah
- For ‘ETH3R,’ Paul Marlier translates dancer Jeanne Morel’s graceful movements into digital art
JEDDAH: Artist Paul Marlier and dancer Jeanne Morel have brought an interactive digital art display dubbed “ETH3R” to Jeddah’s cultural hub, Hayy Jameel.
The French creatives feature immersive artworks generated using the biometric data of Morel captured during her movement in extreme environments — including in zero-gravity.
The unique blend of technology and creativity has captivated audiences with its perspectives on reality, and contrasts with the often mundane nature of daily life.
In an interview with Arab News, Marlier spoke about the creative process behind their digital artwork. He also highlighted the production of artworks inspired by the human and scientific data he had gathered.
“It is a real pleasure to be here, particularly in Hayy Jameel, where we blend art and science to create a sensory experience like no other,” he said. “It represents the DNA imprint of the world — the dance of our souls.”
He added: “ETH3R encompasses paintings and dynamic installations derived from the biometric data of my wife, Jeanne Morel, who dances in diverse and extreme environments, from beneath the ocean depths to high-altitude astronaut training.”
Marlier has amalgamated this scientific data regarding human physiology with other information, including air quality, satellite imagery, and even facts from the Red Sea. “These artworks serve as emotional imprints, reminiscent of moments of grace. It’s truly a collaborative effort.”
Explaining the process, he added: “With Jeanne as the catalyst, adorned with sensors akin to a paintbrush, her dance emotions are translated through code into the digital art seen in the paintings. We explore themes of fragility, spirituality, and the inherent unity between humans and nature — the universal dance.”
“We approach data not as mere codification, but as sensations, enabling us to specify and share the experience. By capturing a wealth of information from this singular dancer, we endeavor to materialize the essence of grace,” Marlier said.
Morel added: “Dance is the way to express your deepest emotions, sometimes simpler than words.”
“Dance is the allegory of life. It allows me to stay alive, connected to the movements of the world. Our bodies are constantly dancing, moving, on this earth which itself dances around the sun and remains in balance thanks to gravity,” she added.
Of their first visit to the Kingdom, Marlier said: “The people are absolutely welcoming here. And spirituality and poetry are so present.”
Morel added: “We admire the spirituality and also the open-mindedness of this country regarding art and especially digital art.”
Waleed Harthi, an art enthusiast, said: “Witnessing art that exceeds boundaries was a mesmerizing journey, captivating our senses and sparking wonder at the fusion of art and technology. The live demonstration and dance were incredibly relaxing and offered a serene escape to some other imaginary world.”
The exhibition runs until May 11.
