Saudi Red Crescent joins Interior Ministry’s 911 services

Saudi Red Crescent Authority ambulances and motorcycle escorts on formation during a celebration. (SPA photo)
Updated 12 July 2019
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Saudi Red Crescent joins Interior Ministry’s 911 services

  • MOI allocates 2,944 portable sets, 506 vehicle-mounted devices and 574 desktops to the SRCA
  • Ministry has also linked SRCA to two of its sites in Makkah and Al-Humiyat through the fiber optic network

RIYADH: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) has joined the services of the Ministry of Interior through the 911 Unified Security Operations Center and a new fiber optic cable network.  

Prince Bandar bin Abdullah Al-Mishari, the assistant minister of interior for technology affairs, inaugurated the ceremony for launching the cooperation between the ministry and the SRCA.

Prince Bandar said that this new achievement will contribute to enhancing communications procedures received through the 911 Unified Security Operations Center.

He added: “This technology partnership saves time and supports the development and prosperity journey planned by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.”

Prince Bandar also thanked the president of the SRCA, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Qasem.

Maj. Gen. Fahd Al-Zaraa, undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for security capabilities, said that the importance of this partnership lies in enhancing integration among the Kingdom’s sectors in the various services provided to citizens.

“This move unites efforts, reduces duplication of resources and utilizes the infrastructure available to both parties to achieve the highest levels of sustainable development,” he added.

Al-Zaraa added that the ministry has allocated 2,944 portable sets, 506 vehicle-mounted devices and 574 desktops to the SRCA in addition to linking two of its sites in Makkah and Al-Humiyat through the fiber optic network.

Al-Zaraa said that the ministry looks forward to providing integrated wireless coverage in all Saudi cities and areas where emergency services are provided.

Al-Qasem thanked the minister of interior, the assistant minister of interior for technology affairs and the team for the efforts made to ensure the success of the technical linkage initiative.

 


King Abdulaziz Foundation reveals rare images from king’s 1916 Basra visit

Updated 20 December 2025
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King Abdulaziz Foundation reveals rare images from king’s 1916 Basra visit

  • Photographs form part of a wider collection documented by British photographer Gertrude Bell

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Foundation has revealed archival photographs documenting King Abdulaziz’s tour of the outskirts of Basra in 1916, a visit that came at an early stage of his efforts to build regional relationships.

One of the photographs, taken by British photographer Gertrude Bell, shows King Abdulaziz standing with his men in the Basra desert, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The image reflects his early political and diplomatic engagement in the region, as he sought to strengthen ties with neighboring areas and engage with the wider Arab and international community, SPA added.

The photograph forms part of a wider collection documented by Bell, which records key developments and transformations across the Arabian Peninsula during the early 20th century.

The Basra visit holds particular significance in King Abdulaziz’s journey as a unifying leader. 

Rather than crossing borders in pursuit of power, the visit reflected an approach focused on stability, cooperation and long-term regional harmony, laying the groundwork for a leadership style defined by pragmatism and openness, SPA said.