Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs reopened its offices across the Kingdom on Sunday with strict measures in place to keep the spread of the coronavirus under control, Saudi state agency SPA reported.
Offices within the ministry will be working at a 30% capacity where employees will be required to have a minimum of a two-meter distance from each other, wear face masks, wash their hands regularly and not share office tools.
Employees will be required to communicate via email and telephone and use remote video calling for meetings and workshops.
The ministry announced that it had prepared workplaces in the ministry’s office and its branches for recommencement of work.
The ministry and its branches have also completed sterilization, cleaning and maintenance operations.
Upon entering the offices, employees will have their temperatures checked and those with a high temperature will be referred to the ministry of health immediately.
Those who violate the measures will not be permitted entry.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs reopens at 30% capacity
https://arab.news/826yc
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs reopens at 30% capacity
- Employees will be required to communicate via email and telephone and use remote video calling
Saudi Arabia highlights agricultural innovation, food security at Qatar expo
- Date varieties, honey, coffee attract global investors at AgriteQ exhibition in Doha
RIYADH: The National Center for Palms and Dates highlighted Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the global date sector at the 13th Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition, AgriteQ.
The Kingdom is participating as a guest of honor at the exhibition, held at Katara Cultural Village in Doha until Feb. 16, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
Several Saudi companies specializing in date production and processing are showcasing their products and competitive advantages in domestic and international markets.
With total annual date production in the Kingdom exceeding 1.9 million tonnes, the center’s pavilion demonstrated how date-processing industries contribute to food security and the agricultural sector’s share of the national economy.
The showcase featured Saudi date varieties alongside innovative value-added products, attracting strong interest from international investors and companies seeking technology partnerships.
The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Saudi Reef, is also taking part in the event to strengthen the presence of Saudi agricultural products and showcase initiatives supporting smallholder farmers and rural families.
The Saudi Reef pavilion highlights the program’s key achievements in empowering beneficiaries and enhancing sustainable agricultural production, the SPA reported.
A range of products on display, including honey, coffee, and dates, reflects the diversity and quality of local production, while introducing the support mechanisms and services offered to beneficiaries.
Saudi Reef spokesperson Majed Al-Buraikan said the participation aims to boost the presence of national products in regional and international markets and highlight the quality of goods produced by smallholder farmers and rural families.
He said the program’s support for initiatives that develop agricultural value chains, open new markets, foster cooperation and knowledge exchange in sustainable agriculture, and expand partnerships across GCC states to grow the sector locally and regionally.
Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli also attended the opening day on Feb. 12, touring several pavilions with Qatar’s Minister of Municipality Abdullah Al-Attiya and other officials and ambassadors.
The Saudi delegation highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector and promote private-sector engagement in sustainable agriculture. They also emphasized the role of food-processing industries in enhancing food security locally and regionally.
The Kingdom has achieved notable progress in self-sufficiency: 118 percent for dates, 101 percent for eggs, 78 percent for vegetables, 69 percent for poultry, and 61.5 percent for fish — demonstrating growth in domestic production and reduced reliance on imports, the SPA said.
Saudi Arabia also presented incentives to encourage investment in modern agricultural technologies and innovation, including allocation of investment land, financing through the Agricultural Development Fund, streamlined licensing procedures, and technical and advisory support for investors.
To enhance the quality and safety of national products, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has launched four quality labels for Saudi food products: Organic, SAMAQ, Saudi Dates Mark, and Saudi G.A.P.
The labels aim to increase product market value, support farmers and investors in marketing and exporting, expand access to local and global markets, and provide a trusted standard for quality, safety, and classification.
