Decision to resume international flights to be based on virus spread: Saudi minister

Saudi Arabia extended visa and residency permit validity for residents outside the country who cannot return due to the border closure. (File/AFP)
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Updated 10 September 2020
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Decision to resume international flights to be based on virus spread: Saudi minister

  • Saudi Arabia suspended international flights in March

RIYADH: The decision to resume international flights to Saudi Arabia is going to be based on the spread of the virus, the Saudi health minister said.
“We care about the safety of all and thus we are taking all the necessary precautionary measures,” Tawfiq Al-Rabiah told Al-Ekhbariya.




Tawfiq Al-Rabiah. (SPA/File)


“As long as we still have cases, we will always be evaluating the situation so that we would be taking the right decision. Our decision is based on the spread of the virus and the overall situation, under the directives of King Salman,” he said.

Saudi Arabia suspended international flights on March, 15. to reduce the spread of the coronavirus in the Kingdom.
On Monday, the Kingdom extended visa and residency permit validity for residents outside the country who cannot return due to the closure.


Students explore AI, robotics with MIT expert

Updated 7 sec ago
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Students explore AI, robotics with MIT expert

RIYADH: Misk Schools in Riyadh has hosted specialized workshops in robotics and artificial intelligence, introducing students to research led by prominent Saudi experts.

Saudi researcher Sharifa Al-Ghowinem, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, visited as part of the initiative, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

She worked over three sessions with students from the early years and upper elementary grades on activities focused on basic shapes and block-based programming.

Older students undertook more advanced tasks involving robotic drawing.

The interactive workshops gave students direct guidance and insight into ongoing research at MIT.

Dr. Steffen Sommer, director general of Misk Schools, said Al-Ghowinem’s work extended beyond technical achievement.

He said: “Her research reflects a Saudi vision that is shaping global scientific inquiry at MIT.

“Her visit gave Misk Schools’ students a unique opportunity to engage directly with a scientist advancing human-robot interaction in both Arabic and English.”