Registration begins for Misk-UNESCO training program

Updated 18 September 2019
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Registration begins for Misk-UNESCO training program

  • The Misk Fellowship grants participants a monthly salary over the course of the 12-month program

RIYADH: The Initiatives Center at Mohammed Bin Salman Charitable Foundation (Misk), through the fellowship and training initiative, has announced the start of registration for the Misk-UNESCO Cooperative Training Program.

This gives newly graduated students the opportunity to train in one of the areas of work of UNESCO and gain a career opportunity to strengthen international cooperation in education, science and culture under the umbrella of the international organization.

The announcement of the program for registration, which continues until Sept. 22, comes after the success of the first batch, which saw the participation of 10 young Saudis of both sexes last year.

The training program for nine of them has been extended for another year at UNESCO, a specialized agency of the UN that has 50 offices and several teaching institutes around the world. Its main objective is to contribute to peace and security by raising the level of cooperation between states in the fields of education and culture.

BACKGROUND

The Misk Fellowship grants participants a monthly salary over the course of the 12-month program.

The Misk-UNESCO training program targets Saudi students between the ages of 20 and 30 who are recent graduates of a bachelor’s degree in education, culture, natural sciences, humanities, social, communications or any field related to the management of international organizations.

The program is held for one year at one of the UNESCO headquarters in France, Italy, China, Egypt and Jordan and represents an opportunity for Saudi youth to learn about the organization’s programs and play a role in spreading the culture of international peace and security by qualifying to work within UNESCO.

The program has 10  tracks, most notably international relations, public information, scientific policies and partnerships, development and implementation of communication, advocacy and resource mobilization strategy, strategic education plan, and universal access.

The Misk Fellowship grants participants a monthly salary over the course of the 12-month program, in addition to health insurance and follow-up and guidance from the program’s supervisory staff. More information and conditions of joining, training tracks and application are available on the Misk Foundation website (misk.org.sa).

The Initiatives Center at Misk Foundation launches programs through several initiatives such as the fellowship and training initiative, community outreach initiative, Misk innovation initiative, Misk values initiative and Misk global forum initiative. This is part of the charitable vision of the Misk foundation in encouraging learning and developing leadership skills of youth for a better future in Saudi Arabia.

Among the initiatives of the center is the fellowship and training initiative, which enjoys global and local partnerships that have exceeded 70 partnerships with universities, institutes and international and local organizations.

More than 9,000 young men and women have benefited from these programs.


Saudi Coffee Co. and Bieder & Maier blend two coffee cultures

Updated 7 min 34 sec ago
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Saudi Coffee Co. and Bieder & Maier blend two coffee cultures

  • Viennese coffee-maker collaborates with local brand to buy Arabica beans from Jazan

RIYADH: The Kingdom and Austria recently celebrated the world premiere of the “Premium Saudi Blend” by Viennese coffee manufacturer Bieder & Maier and the Saudi Coffee Company.

The launch of the product brings Saudi and Austrian coffee culture together. During the presentations in Vienna and Riyadh, guests tasted the new coffee roast, catering for espresso to filter and cold brewing.  

Bieder & Maier collaborates with Jazean brand to become the world's global brand to directly acquire the finest Arabica beans from Jazan. (Supplied)

“The coffee is an embodiment of our culture and identity,” CEO of Saudi Coffee Company Khalid AbuTheeb told Arab News. “With the objective of enhancing the local coffee industry and promoting our coffee tradition, we have collaborated with Bieder & Maier, a Vienna-based coffee powerhouse.”

AbuTheeb said that the collaboration was facilitated by the Saudi Ministry of Investment. “Through this collaboration ... the Saudi Coffee Company will bring forth unique coffee blends utilizing Saudi coffee beans in a mix with international beans to the Saudi and Austrian markets,” he said.

HIGHLIGHTS

• In 2011, Viennese coffee house culture was declared an intangible world heritage, followed by Arabic coffee in 2015 and Saudi Khawlani Arabica beans in 2022.

• They have all been declared intangible world heritage by UNESCO in recognition of their respective traditions and cultural significance.

• Starting during fall this year, a number of coffee houses will be opened in Saudi Arabia, with Cenomi Retail as franchise partner.

According to AbuTheeb, they will supply the finest Saudi coffee beans directly from the Jazan region.

“As we explore roasting capabilities here in the Kingdom, we are not just content with embracing tradition; we are striving to shape the future of coffee, where innovation intersects with heritage on a global scale,” he said.

Dr. Margarete Schramboeck, the former minister of economy and digital affairs of Austria, and current Aramco digital board member, expressed her growing interest in Saudi coffee culture since she moved to the Kingdom.

“It was the year 2022 when I first came to the Kingdom and learned about the Year of Saudi coffee and the amazing culture of growing coffee in Jazan,” Schramboeck told Arab News. “Therefore, I was passionate about bringing this idea of a special Saudi blend to life. An exceptional partnership with the support of the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia has been initiated. I want to thank Minister Khalid Al-Falih and team for the support.”

Recalling her visit to Jazan and its coffee-growing families, Schramboeck said: “The quality and tradition of coffee has deeply impressed me.”

Rudi Kobza, founder and CEO of Bieder & Maier Vienna, stressed the importance of the collaboration. “The Saudi heritage is unique and the ambition of the Saudi Coffee Company is impressive. The Premium Saudi Blend brings this philosophy in an authentical way alive. This can be experienced soon in our first Bieder & Maier cafe in Saudi Arabia, which we will operate with our partner Cenomi, as well as in Vienna.”

“Austrians share a common passion for coffee. Therefore, I was passionate about developing this project. When Saudi Arabia meets Vienna, the home of the Arabica coffee bean combines with the home of traditional coffee house culture to create a particularly enjoyable coffee project.”

In 2011, Viennese coffee house culture was declared an intangible world heritage, followed by Arabic coffee in 2015 and Saudi Khawlani Arabica beans in 2022. They have all been declared intangible world heritage by UNESCO in recognition of their respective traditions and cultural significance.

Starting during fall this year, a number of coffee houses will be opened in Saudi Arabia, with Cenomi Retail as franchise partner.

 


Excavators held for violating water system

Updated 26 April 2024
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Excavators held for violating water system

  • The discovery was made during field tours carried out by the water department

TUBARJAL: The Al-Jouf branch of the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has apprehended three excavators who were found to be violating the water system in Tubarjal.
The discovery was made during field tours carried out by the water department, in cooperation with the competent authorities in the governorate.
Separately, authorities in Addayer in the Jazan region have arrested seven Ethiopians for smuggling 105 kg of hashish. Legal procedures have been completed against the offenders who were handed over, along with the seized items, to the competent authority.
Border guard patrols in the Al-Harth area of Jazan have also foiled an attempt to smuggle 71 kg of hashish, with initial legal procedures completed and the find handed over to the competent authority.
Security authorities have reiterated their appeal for citizens and residents to report any information regarding drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom’s regions.
Those with information may also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or at [email protected].


48th Saudi relief plane for Palestinians

The aid is part of the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by Saudi Arabia through KSrelief. (SPA)
Updated 4 min 52 sec ago
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48th Saudi relief plane for Palestinians

  • The plane carried shelter materials to be transported to the conflict-affected Palestinians in the Gaza Strip

AL-ARISH: The 48th Saudi relief plane for Palestinians in Gaza arrived on Friday at Al-Arish International Airport, Egypt.

It was operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, in coordination with the Saudi Ministry of Defense.

The plane carried shelter materials to be transported to the conflict-affected Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The provision of aid is ongoing from the Kingdom, which has stood firm with the Palestinians amid crises and tribulations.

 


Direct KSA to Iraq flight routes announced

Updated 26 April 2024
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Direct KSA to Iraq flight routes announced

  • These flights, along with flights to Baghdad and Irbil, will commence from June 1.

RIYADH: The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation announced the launch of direct flights from Dammam to Najaf, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
The decision is in line with the Kingdom’s national aviation sector strategy, aimed at doubling capacity to accommodate over 330 million passengers annually, and extending services to more than 250 global destinations.
These flights, along with flights to Baghdad and Irbil, will commence from June 1.


Ministry of Hajj and Umrah praises Iraqi authorities for arresting fraudsters touting fake Hajj trips

Updated 26 April 2024
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Ministry of Hajj and Umrah praises Iraqi authorities for arresting fraudsters touting fake Hajj trips

  • A ministry source in the statement also warned prospective pilgrims to beware of unauthorized Hajj offers being promoted this year
  • The ministry made it clear that visas for Umrah, tourism, work, family visits, transit, and other categories do not grant eligibility to perform Hajj

RIYADH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah expressed its gratitude for actions taken by the Supreme Commission for Hajj and Umrah in the Republic of Iraq that resulted in the prosecution of more than 25 companies fraudulently engaged in commercial Hajj operations.
A ministry source in the statement also warned prospective pilgrims to beware of unauthorized Hajj offers being promoted this year, primarily through social media.
Participation in Hajj requires pilgrims to obtain a legitimate Hajj visa issued by the authorities in the Kingdom in coordination with Hajj affairs offices in their respective countries, or via the Nusuk Hajj platform for those countries that do not have an official Hajj office.
The source said that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is monitoring advertisements from companies and campaigns, as well as identifying fake accounts on social networks allegedly offering Hajj packages at enticing prices.
The ministry made it clear that visas for Umrah, tourism, work, family visits, transit, and other categories do not grant eligibility to perform Hajj. It urged pilgrims to be careful not to fall victim to companies and others claiming to offer commercial Hajj campaigns or other misleading initiatives.
“Regulations must be followed and legally documented permits, as represented by the official Hajj visa, must be issued, so a safe, secure, well-managed Hajj program and fair representation to all nationalities is provided,” Mohsen Tutla, head of the World Hajj and Umrah Convention, told Arab News.
“Hajj is a mega event with more than 2 million worshippers. Can one imagine, if order was not imposed and (the event) not regulated, chaos would ensue,” he added.
In the statement, the ministry calls for everyone’s cooperation to help combat and report fraudulent companies and campaigns, and to seek information only by visiting its official website and engaging with its channels on social networks.