JEDDAH: Absher, the interactive online platform provided by the Saudi Interior Ministry, served 18.3 million users in the past year, according to ministry statistics.
Since its launch in 2009/2010 it has answered 1.2 billion queries from registered users, at a rate of 120 million queries a year, the figures reveal. It was also used to perform 300 million transactions, approximately 30 million a year.
The online Absher service was introduced to increase productivity and promote more efficient work practices within government departments, while raising customer satisfaction levels. A smartphone app was added in 2015.
The platform provides access to 280 services provided by the Ministry of Interior to users in three categories: Individuals, business and government. It can be used to apply for jobs and Hajj permits, update passport information, make appointments, renew IDs and drivers’ licenses, register vehicles and pay traffic fines, among many other things. The services its provides are available to residents as well as
citizens; they can use it to renew residency permits and apply for visas, for example.
Absher is credited with improving life in Saudi Arabia by making it much easier for citizens and residents to interact with government departments to obtain information and complete required procedures and paperwork from the comfort of their own homes.
It has also made it easier for people to resolve potentially serious and costly problems.
For example, father-of-five Abdul Aziz Hazmi, was in the UK for a work assignment three years ago while two of his daughters remained in Jeddah. They were due to visit him when a problem cropped up at the airport.
“Back then they needed my permission on the app to travel back and forth, and without Absher they wouldn’t have been able to come and visit us,” he said. “I thought I’d already set those travel options for them when I did it for their siblings, but one of my daughters called me before boarding the plane panicking about not being allowed on.”
Hazmi told his daughter not to worry and reassured her that he would sort the problem out through the Absher app. Sure enough, four minutes later the girls were able to board the flight.
“Though they don’t need that service anymore, Absher still saves a lot of time and energy,” said Hazmi. “Renewing our national IDs and passports is the best feature. I used to dread the crowds at the application centers. I’d have to excuse myself for an entire day from work just to get my passport renewed.”
Waad Baleegh, a 24-year-old from Jeddah, also likes the fact that Absher streamlines and speeds up the provision of services such as the renewal of ID cards.
“I book my appointments through the app and print everything beforehand, and when I go to receive my new ID card there’s very little communication,” she said. “It gets things done so swiftly and easily.”
The Interior Ministry is participating this week in GITEX Technology Week in Dubai, where they are showcasing Absher, which was the first e-government platform in the Kingdom.
The ministry’s plans include the further development of e-government services into a “smart government” system that uses the power of artificial intelligence to help achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
18m used Saudi Arabia’s Absher services last year
https://arab.news/83fw2
18m used Saudi Arabia’s Absher services last year
- The platform provides access to 280 services provided by the Ministry of Interior
ilmi, PNU launch museum studies program
- New micro-credential courses open to all high-school graduates, undergraduates
- Program includes Arabic, English, in-person, remote, long and short-term courses
RIYADH: A new museum studies program in Saudi Arabia has opened for registration, offering micro-credential and long-term courses.
It is the result of a partnership between ilmi, a center for science, technology, reading, engineering, arts and mathematics learning, and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.
ilmi — meaning “my knowledge” in Arabic — is a science and innovation center that aims to empower young people in Saudi Arabia.
A philanthropic NGO initiative created by Princess Sara bint Mashour bin Abdulaziz, wife of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, ilmi is incubated, supported and funded by the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, Misk, as a subsidiary, and operates in partnership with Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City.
The museum studies program includes micro-credential, diploma, minor and elective courses.
It is open to recent high-school graduates and university undergraduates keen to secure entry-level positions in museums, as well as professionals seeking new skill sets and career paths.
Created by ilmi and PNU experts from Saudi Arabia and around the world, the program offers a blend of online and in-person learning, alongside Arabic and English tuition options.
Micro-credential courses will blend online and in-person learning, and are available to applicants over the age of 18.
Courses include museum impact studies, museum education and awareness, an introduction to museum technologies, fundamentals of museum management and integrating digital technology.
Courses on offer for PNU students include an introduction to museums elective and specialist minors in museums and digital technology, exhibit design and content development.
A two-year diploma in museum management will also be available for both PNU students and recent high-school graduates.
Registration has opened for the first online micro-credential course starting this month: Fundamentals of museum management.
All further micro-credential courses will take place in May and June, with the diploma, minor and elective programs starting in September at the beginning of the academic year 2024/25.
Program graduates can also apply to work alongside ilmi experts as they design and launch unique, informal learning programs across the Kingdom.
For more information and registration, visit the link below:
https://www.pnu.edu.sa/ar/Deanship/Devandskilldean/Pages/cent.aspx
KSrelief, WFP to support malnutrition treatment in Yemen
- Allocation of $4.85 million to treat malnutrition in children aged under five as well as pregnant and lactating women in Yemen
- Agreement was signed by Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, adviser at the Royal Court and KSrelief’s supervisor general, and WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain
PARIS: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center signed a joint cooperation agreement with the World Food Programme allocating $4.85 million to treat malnutrition in children aged under five as well as pregnant and lactating women in Yemen.
The signing took place on the sidelines of the International Conference for Sudan and Neighboring Countries, which was organized by France and the EU in Paris.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, adviser at the Royal Court and KSrelief’s supervisor general, and WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain.
It aims to improve the nutritional situation for Yemen’s most impoverished people by providing supplements in targeted areas, benefiting 86,985 people.
Rare cameras reveal history of Saudi media at Hasma Museum in Tabuk
RIYADH: A fine collection of rare cameras, print and audiovisual artifacts at the Hasma Museum in Tabuk offers visitors a unique experience.
Among items in the collection are vintage treasures such as old box cameras, 16 mm to 35 mm cinema cameras, underwater cameras, and flash cameras from 100 years ago.
The museum also has a display of historical audio and video equipment, while visitors can explore the earliest editions of local and other Arab newspapers.
Odeh Al-Atwi, who is from the Tabuk region, created the museum near the Hasma desert to offer a memorable experience to visitors.
Antique collector and museum owner Al-Atwi, telling the Saudi Press Agency of his journey to preserve these media artifacts in the museum, said: “It’s been a profound experience and a significant milestone in my life. The media plays a pivotal role in shaping social consciousness and documenting newsworthy events, particularly those that reverberate through the media landscape.”
Al-Atwi meticulously curated a remarkable collection of tools at his museum, providing visitors a captivating journey through the history of classic cameras, broadcast equipment, satellite linking machines and an array of visual and audio devices.
Each artifact, he said, acts as a window into the evolution of media technologies.
He expressed his gratitude to the Museum Commission for their encouragement in establishing the museum and their efforts in organizing the museum sector. Al-Atwi also acknowledged the support from the Saudi leadership, emphasizing their commitment to initiatives that benefit citizens and the nation.
The Ministry of Culture facilitates the endeavors of private museum owners by licensing their establishments through the Abdea platform. This initiative is an enabler for those in the museum sector, supporting its development and contributing to the realization of the cultural goals outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030.
Saudi Shoura Council speaker holds meetings during official trip to Jordan
- Gatherings attended by several officials from the 2 sides
RIYADH: The Speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council Sheikh Abdullah Al-Sheikh met Jordanian Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh on Wednesday as part of his official visit to Jordan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The discussion emphasized the strong and deep-seated relations between Saudi Arabia and Jordan, highlighting their extensive coordination and cooperation across various sectors.
Both officials explored ways to enhance bilateral ties, with a particular focus on strengthening parliamentary relations.
Al-Sheikh also held discussions with Faisal Akef Al-Fayez, president of the Jordanian Senate, on the same day.
He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s rapid economic growth and development, attributing this progress to the leadership of the Kingdom.
Al-Sheikh expressed gratitude for Jordan’s unwavering support and spoke of the consistent backing the Kingdom has provided to Jordan.
The meeting also focused on ongoing cooperative efforts between the Shoura Council and the Jordanian Senate, along with discussions on various other subjects.
Both meetings were attended by several officials from the two sides.
Saudi artist embraces the unconventional with anti-aesthetic artworks
RIYADH: In a world fixated on beauty and aesthetic perfection, Saudi artist Asrar Al-Qarni is boldly producing anti-aesthetic and unsettling art.
Through her work, the 33-year-old challenges traditional notions of beauty and protests conformity. She compels viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and explore darker aspects of society.
This unconventional approach to art can be seen as a romantic rebellion against society’s constraints, as well as a celebration of individuality and freedom of expression.
Al-Qarni told Arab News that anti-aesthetic art encourages people to look beyond the surface and find beauty in the unexpected and the unconventional. It seeks to disrupt the status quo and provoke thought and discussion about the nature of art itself: “Instead of being visually appealing and comforting, anti-aestheticism prioritizes evoking emotions and disturbing expression within the artwork,” the artist said.
This can lead to anti-aesthetic works being labeled ugly, jarring, or anti-art by those who prefer more aesthetically focused works.
By highlighting discord and dissonance in her paintings, Al-Qarni, a self-taught artist, creates a unique and thought-provoking experience for those who encounter her work. “Incorporating elements of chaos, ugliness and discomfort forces viewers to confront their preconceived notions about what art should be,” she added.
Al-Qarni became interested in anti-aesthetic art because of its raw human expression and beauty hidden by imperfections.
She uses bold colors and abstract shapes to create pieces that challenge viewers’ preconceptions and provoke a strong emotional response.
“I use various materials for my art, including mixed media, oil paint, acrylic paint and watercolor. My choice of materials depends on the specific technique or effect I want to achieve in my artwork,” Al-Qarni said.
By breaking free from the constraints of conventional beauty, the artist is pushing boundaries and inspiring others to think outside the box.
Al-Qarni said she cultivated her style through dedicated practice. She started copying and sketching cartoons from her favorite television shows as a child. “As I got older, I got into realistic portrait painting, trying to capture the world around me, but I soon realized that realism did not allow me to express my emotions deeply enough,” she added.
The Saudi artist eventually resorted to a more liberated method, allowing her to follow her instincts and let her brush strokes guide her: “When I hold the brush against the canvas, it becomes a way to quieten the noise of life and connect with my inner self, providing a source of relaxation and tranquility.”
The artist maintains a multi-purpose space where she paints, serving as both a studio and a cozy personal area.
“It is where I sleep, read and spend most of my time. Waking up surrounded by the creative mess of my art provides me with a sense of passion and inspiration to continue my artistic journey each day.”
Ten years ago, Al-Qarni decided to pursue art professionally, and she has not looked back since. Her work has been featured in galleries and exhibitions across Saudi Arabia, earning her recognition and acclaim from critics and audiences.
Al-Qarni’s first showing was in 2016 in Jeddah with Behance, the world’s largest network for showcasing and discovering creative work.
“Facing the audience, I received both compliments and critiques. The experience was helpful and encouraging, inspiring me to create more and improve my art,” she said.
She has taken part in several art exhibitions, such as the Misk Art Institute in 2019, which provides a platform for creative individuals to influence present-day discussions.
Al-Qarni also showcased her work at Grey Art Gallery in Alkhobar, and Zawaya Art Gallery and Sensation Art Gallery in Jeddah.
The artist gives each painting a title that reflects the overarching emotion or story behind the artwork. The title can be inspired by a novel, a song, or a personal experience related to the painting.
“How someone perceives and feels about a painting can vary depending on the person looking at it,” she added. “We all bring our own thoughts and experiences, which adds to the richness and meaning of any artist’s work.”
To aspiring artists who might be intimidated to share their artwork and innermost emotions with an audience, Al-Qarni preaches that the world needs art.
“Embrace the opportunity for growth and connect with other artists through feedback and experiences, and remember that every artist starts somewhere, and sharing your work is a step toward achieving your goals.”
