38k people register with Saudi national distance learning platform in 10 days

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Updated 31 March 2020
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38k people register with Saudi national distance learning platform in 10 days

  • The quality of the programs had contributed to increasing the number of enrollees, says director

JEDDAH: The number of people who registered with the Saudi e-training platform (Doroob) between March 16 and 26, across 365 various programs, has reached 38,000.

The director for the development of training programs at the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) and supervisor of Doroob, Mohammed Al-Shuwaier, said the training programs had been designed to promote distance learning and provide needed experience in all fields and specializations required by the labor market, in line with the governmental precautionary and preventive measures to fight the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Al-Shuwaier noted that the quality of the programs had contributed to increasing the number of enrollees, with more than 3,500 people befitting from the interactive training sessions broadcast last week on Doroob.

Nahla Abul-ula, an HR expert, said companies in Saudi Arabia had been encouraging employees to benefit from online training opportunities for a long time through state-supported platforms like Doroob or through independent educational platforms.

“However, the global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has made people more accepting of such modern means in order to keep pace with the accelerating life events,” the HR business partner at IKEA said.

“We will definitely see an increasing reliance on e-learning options in the coming period if the crisis continues,” she said.

E-learning is an individual effort, where learners seek to obtain information by themselves and employ the acquired skills to develop their abilities and experiences. Abul-ula considers virtual learning no less effective than classroom learning.

She said that employees and job seekers’ focus on development in this critical time will not only allow them to grow and take advantage of free time in their schedule but “will also give them better opportunities after the crisis is over.”

Doroob was launched by HADAF as part of the training and qualification programs aimed at developing the skills of students, job seekers and those wishing to be promoted in their jobs, to increase participation in the private sector and help job seekers find suitable opportunities. 

Doroob is an integrated program that provides e-training programs and certification upon completion of requirements.

To register for the e-training courses, interested people can log on to doroob.sa.

 

 

 
 


Al-Baha’s monuments: A pivotal testament to civilizational advancement

Updated 14 sec ago
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Al-Baha’s monuments: A pivotal testament to civilizational advancement

  • Characterized by intricate designs, the residential buildings, castles, and forts embody a harmonious fusion of environmental adaptability and cultural resonance

RIYADH: Nestled in Al-Baha region in southwestern Saudi Arabia lies a treasure trove of ancient architecture in the quaint villages that dot its landscape.

Characterized by intricate designs, the residential buildings, castles, and forts embody a harmonious fusion of environmental adaptability and cultural resonance.

Crafted with precision, these structures seamlessly integrate with the rugged terrain and fluctuating climate, while also paying homage to the long-standing customs and traditions of ancient Arab society.

Seventy-three-year-old Mohammed bin Salem Al-Ghamdi told Saudi Press Agency: “For decades, I have dedicated myself to the craft of stone house construction.”

Currently, he and his companions are diligently crafting a stone room, employing stones as their primary building material. Together, as a cohesive team of builders, craftsmen, and eager participants, they collaborate harmoniously to bring their vision to life. He described it as both a hobby and inheritance passed down through generations.

“In every construction endeavor, we rely on what’s known as the cornerstone, strategically positioned at the room’s corners. Additionally, a lengthy stone, referred to as the ‘link,’ is essential for connecting each stone within the structure. We also use sturdy stones known as ‘Al-Mateen’ or ‘Al-Daher’ to fortify the room’s foundation.

“Moreover, we meticulously place ‘Al-Lazza’ stones, tiny yet significant, within the larger stones, ensuring a seamless fit without any gaps or openings in the room’s structure,” he added.

“Once the corners are meticulously stacked and leveled, I proceed to roof the room with wood. This involves utilizing a series of wooden beams cut to specific lengths to interconnect all corners of the room. Next, I scatter small plants across the wooden framework to fully cover the ceiling, upon which clay is applied to secure the structure. This method ensures durability against erosion and rainfall, further reinforced by specific paving techniques.”

Al-Ghamdi emphasized the importance of post-construction plastering with clay, which not only gives the interior an earthy tone but also regulates the temperature — ensuring warmth in winter and coolness in summer.

He mentioned the practical use of juniper trees for doors and windows, facilitating easy replacement and serving a dual purpose in construction.

Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Hanash, professor of urban design at Al-Baha University, highlighted the profound significance of human construction in Al-Baha region, portraying it as a living chronicle of urban civilization’s evolution over time.

He underscored the traditional architecture and urban legacy of Al-Baha as foundational elements, inherently distinguishing the region. With its wealth of historical landmarks spanning the Sarat and Tihamah regions, the area has gained the attention of state authorities, who aim to nurture its potential as both a summer and winter tourism hotspot through strategic development initiatives.


Saudi minister of culture explores KSA pavilion at Venice Biennale

Updated 19 April 2024
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Saudi minister of culture explores KSA pavilion at Venice Biennale

  • Prince Badr met his Italian counterpart, Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano
  • Prince Badr also explored the “Journeys in Land Art: Towards Wadi AlFann, AlUla” exhibition

VENICE/LONCON: Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Saudi minister of culture and governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla, has concluded his official visit to Italy.

Throughout his trip, he engaged in discussions with prominent Italian cultural figures, aiming to strengthen cooperation and foster cultural exchanges between the two countries.

During the visit, the Saudi minister convened with his Italian counterpart, Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano.

They delved into strategies to strengthen cooperation and deepen cultural exchanges between the two countries.

The pair praised noteworthy cultural initiatives and projects that unfolded in 2023 across diverse spheres including heritage preservation, fashion, music, museum exhibitions, architectural innovation, design, and visual arts.

During this week’s trip, Prince Badr visited the Saudi Pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale, hosted at the Arsenale center, which was showcasing Manal AlDowayan’s “Shifting Sands: A Battle Song.”

AlDowayan’s work illuminates the evolving role of Saudi women in the public sphere, and their efforts to redefine both their physical spaces and the narratives surrounding them.

Prince Badr also explored the “Journeys in Land Art: Towards Wadi AlFann, AlUla” exhibition, which serves as an introduction to the Kingdom’s culturally and historically rich region of AlUla.

It also features work by AlDowayan alongside exhibits by Agnes Denis, Michael Heizer, Ahmed Mater, and James Turrell, and includes photographs and video presentations.

The exhibition runs until April 30, and will host discussion panels on topics such as land art, art in public spaces, visitor experiences, museum curation, and the interplay of art and archaeology, offering a range of perspectives. 


Saudi officials reveal details of highly-anticipated ‘Zarqa Al-Yamama’ opera

Updated 19 April 2024
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Saudi officials reveal details of highly-anticipated ‘Zarqa Al-Yamama’ opera

RIYADH: Saudi officials on Thursday revealed details of performances of “Zarqa Al-Yamama,” the first Saudi opera and the largest to be performed in the Arabic language.
The opera opens on April 25 and will run until May 4 at the King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh, the Theater and Performing Arts Commission announced at a press conference.
Sultan Al-Bazei, the CEO of the commission, said: “The ‘Zarqa Al-Yamama’ opera represents a new phase for Saudi culture, in which the most famous stories of our narrative and cultural heritage are embodied on the theater stages with qualitative works according to the highest international standards.”
He added that the new production is the result of years of work, and all its details were developed with great care and hard work.


He expressed appreciation for the follow-up and attention given by Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, who is also the chairman of the board of directors of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission.
Prince Badr announced the launch of the opera on Feb. 16 at a ceremony in London, which was attended by the Saudi and international creatives participating in the opera’s production.
Al-Bazei said that “Zarqaa Al-Yamama” derives its story, spirit and language from the cultures of the Arabian Peninsula.
The opera “in some way embodies a bloody tragedy, depicting ancient history and at the same time symbolizing the sorrows of the contemporary man in the world, without being devoid of the specter of hope that heralds a bright and prosperous tomorrow,” Al-Bazei explained.
He added that the first Saudi opera will include prominent names in the Saudi music scene, most notably the author of the text, Saleh Zamanan, and the participation of a number of Saudi artists in the show.
Al-Bazei said the Dresden Sinfoniker Orchestra will perform the musical pieces of the opera, and the Czech Philharmonic Choir will accompany the events of the story with distinctive vocals, while Swiss director Daniele Finzi Pasca will undertake the task of directing all the details of the opera.
International operatic composer Lee Bradshaw put together the tunes for this epic story, drawing inspiration from some traditional elements to create a contemporary framework.
The commission announced during the press conference the main partners are the Roshan Group and the King Fahd Cultural Center.
It also honored other official partners including Banque Saudi Fransi, Saudi Signs Media and Genesis Motor, and sponsors including Nova and Spirit of Saudi Arabia, and hospitality partners Bateel and Ramada by Wyndham.
Through the opera, the Theater and Performing Arts Commission aims to strengthen the Saudi cultural sector, highlight national talent, and reproduce and revive famous works and stories inherited from the Arabian Peninsula in a contemporary and creative form.
It also aims to enhance international cultural exchange, as one of the goals of the National Strategy for Culture derived from the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.


Saudi Arabia expresses regret over failure on Palestine’s bid for UN membership

Updated 19 April 2024
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Saudi Arabia expresses regret over failure on Palestine’s bid for UN membership

  • Kingdom reaffirms its support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination
  • Jordan also expresses ‘sincere sorrow’ on the Security Council’s inability to approve the resolution

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia expressed its regret for at the failure of United Nations Security Council adopting a resolution accepting full membership of Palestine in the UN.

In an official statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on social media platform X, the Kingdom said the ‘failure to adopt the resolution allows for the Israeli occupation to continue its violations if international law without deterrence and will not bring the desired peace closer.”


The ministry renewed the Kingdom’s call for the international community assume its responsibility towards stopping the Israeli occupation’s attacks on civilians in Gaza.

The Kingdom also reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and establishing their Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international resolutions.

Jordan also expressed its ‘sincere sorrow’ on the Security Council’s inability to approve a resolution that would have admitted Palestine as a full member of the UN due to the US veto power.

In a statement, the country’s foreign affairs ministry reaffirmed “that the international community is in favor of the two-state solution, which Israel is undermining.

“The Security Council must recognize the Palestinian state in order to stop Israel from depriving the Palestinian people of their right to freedom and their own state,” state news agency Petra reported.

“Recognizing the Palestinian state and its full membership is a necessary step to impose a just peace that ends the occupation, ends the conflict, and fulfills the right of all the peoples of the region to live in security and stability,” ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah said.

“Jordan demands that all nations acknowledge the State of Palestine on the lines of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as a prerequisite to achieving regional peace and security.”

Qatar, in a statement issued by its foreign affairs ministry, also expressed its “deep regret at the failure of the Security Council to adopt a draft resolution accepting full membership of the State of Palestine in the United Nations.”

 

 

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation also expressed deep regret over the Security Council’s failure “to fulfill its responsibilities towards granting full membership to the State of Palestine in the United Nations, at a time when the Palestinian people are facing the harshest forms of aggression, persecution and genocide.

The organization, in a statement, affirmed that the “use of the United States’ veto right contravenes the provisions of the United Nations Charter, which allows membership for all states accepting the obligations therein, and continues to hinder the Palestinian people from obtaining their legitimate rights, thus perpetuating the historical injustice suffered by the Palestinian people over the past 75 years,” Qatar News Agency reported.

OIC also affirmed Palestine’s legitimate right to embody its political and legal status within the United Nations, “considering this as an overdue entitlement for decades based on the political, legal, historical, and natural rights of the Palestinian people in their land, as confirmed by relevant United Nations resolutions.”


Italian Embassy celebrates blossoming ties with Saudi Arabia on first ‘Made in Italy Day’

Updated 19 April 2024
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Italian Embassy celebrates blossoming ties with Saudi Arabia on first ‘Made in Italy Day’

  • Mission marks event with opening of new visa application center, exhibition space
  • Facility will be used to promote ‘quality, variety and creativity’ of Italian goods, official says

RIYADH: The Italian Embassy in Riyadh on Tuesday celebrated the inaugural “Made in Italy Day” with the opening of a new visa application center and exhibition space.

Giuliano Fragnito, the deputy head of the mission, told Arab News the event provided an opportunity to showcase Italian expertise in a variety of fields, including the fashion, design, automotive and space industries.

“Today we are celebrating ‘Made in Italy Day,’ which is a day that celebrates the creativity, innovation and the territories of Italy and Italy’s products,” he said.

The date was chosen to mark the anniversary of the birth of Leonardo da Vinci on April 15, 1452.

Fragnito said the new exhibition space, called Casa Italia, would be used to promote Italy from a “commercial, cultural and scientific point of view,” with the opening event being a celebration of its contribution to the space industry, titled “Italian Space Way.”

The event was fitting as Italy and Saudi Arabia were close partners in the sector, with the Italian Space Agency and Saudi Space Commission signing an agreement in 2022 to work more closely together, he said.

The wider purpose of Tuesday’s celebrations was to highlight the growing relationship between Italy and the Kingdom in a range of fields, Fragnito said.

“Saudi Arabia is a key partner of Italy and the bilateral relationship is growing at a very fast pace … first of all from a political point of view but also the trade sector, scientific cooperation, academic cooperation and cultural cooperation.”

Italian exports to Saudi Arabia grew by 20 percent last year and Rome was keen to take the relationship between the two countries “to the next level,” he said.

“The Saudi market is more and more conscious and appreciates the quality, the variety and the creativity of the Italian products.

“Saudi Arabia is a key partner of Italy and it is very important to celebrate ‘Made in Italy Day’ in Saudi Arabia, which is a very important market for Italian exports.”

The new visa application center, which is co-managed by technology services companies AlmaViva and VFS Global, is located at Gate 2 of Loclizer Mall in Riyadh. Similar services are also available in Jeddah and Dammam.