Saudi Education Ministry passes key test with over 90% of staff, students vaccinated

Ministry of Education used its capabilities to prepare schools for the new school year by organizing field tours and visits to monitor progress. (SPA)
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Updated 20 September 2021
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Saudi Education Ministry passes key test with over 90% of staff, students vaccinated

  • The ministry launched the central exam platform to measure the achievement level of students learning in-person and remotely, and enforce skills enhancement tests for public education from the second primary school grade to the first year of high school

JEDDAH: The Saudi Ministry of Education has achieved one of its five main targets following the start of the new school year after increasing the COVID-19 immunization rate of staff by 96.92 percent and students aged over 12 by 90.5 percent.
Other targets set by the authority include regularizing the in-person educational process while implementing precautionary measures, and completing updated requirements of the educational environment and its readiness for use in schools.
Additionally, the ministry now measures student achievement levels through organizing skills enhancement tests at the central exam platform, and is deepening relationships with families and parents to contribute to the educational journey of children.
The increase in immunization rates enhances the safe return to in-person learning, helps the education sector in achieving herd immunity and complements nationwide efforts.
The ministry urged all education sector employees to receive two COVID-19 vaccine doses, and enforce the precautionary measures and health requirements adopted by the Saudi Health Ministry and the Public Health Authority in all educational institutes.
It is the fourth week in the Kingdom of students attending classes in middle and high school, while students in primary school are studying remotely through the Madrasati platform.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The ministry urged all education sector employees to receive two COVID-19 vaccine doses, and enforce the precautionary measures and health requirements adopted by the Saudi Health Ministry and the Public Health Authority in all educational institutes.

• The ministry launched the central exam platform to measure the achievement level of students learning in-person and remotely, and enforce skills enhancement tests for public education from the second primary school grade to the first year of high school.

The Ministry of Education also used its capabilities to prepare schools for the new school year by organizing field tours and visits to monitor progress.
It provided materials for the implementation of precautionary measures, such as masks, sanitizers and thermometers, and finished the delivery of textbooks to students.
Moreover, schools performed simulation models of precautionary measure rollouts before the start of the school year, and increased readiness in transport services.
The ministry launched the central exam platform to measure the achievement level of students learning in-person and remotely, and enforce skills enhancement tests for public education from the second primary school grade to the first year of high school.
It reported that more than 3.5 million students in 14 days used the platform, demonstrating that digital educational processes can contribute to improving student performance and the overall educational structure.
The ministry praised its relationship with parents and their role in preparing children for the new school year, reassuring them of the safety and preparedness of the Kingdom’s educational system.


Launch of Makkah Route Initiative at Karachi airport aims to facilitate Hajj pilgrims’ journey: official

The Director-General of Passports Lieutenant General Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya speaks at Karachi airport on Monday. (SPA)
Updated 57 min 48 sec ago
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Launch of Makkah Route Initiative at Karachi airport aims to facilitate Hajj pilgrims’ journey: official

  • Al-Yahya said the introduction of a mobile counter-verification device is streamlining procedures for beneficiaries of the initiative

RIYADH: The launch of the Makkah Route Initiative at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport aims to facilitate pilgrims’ journeys, the Director-General of Passports Lieutenant General Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya has said.

Speaking during Sunday’s launch of the initiative at the airport, Al-Yahya said the introduction of a mobile counter-verification device, equipped with AI and innovative digital solutions, is streamlining procedures for beneficiaries of the initiative.

The initiative was launched in 2019 and 11 airports across seven countries are currently participating, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative aims to provide high-quality services to Hajj pilgrims from beneficiary countries.

As part of the initiative, biometric data is collected in the pilgrim’s home country and the necessary procedures are carried out there. An electronic Hajj visa is also issued in the pilgrim’s country.

The Kingdom’s General Directorate of Passports will ensure that health requirements are met before pilgrims enter the country, and baggage will be coded and sorted according to transportation and accommodation arrangements.

Pilgrims will be transported to their residences in Makkah and Madinah by bus and partner agencies will transport their luggage separately.


Saudi Arabia launches Makkah Route Initiative at Ankara Esenboga Airport

The Kingdom’s ambassador to Turkiye Fahd bin Asaad Abu Al-Nasr launches the Makkah Route Initiative at Ankara Esenboga Airport.
Updated 13 May 2024
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Saudi Arabia launches Makkah Route Initiative at Ankara Esenboga Airport

  • A lounge was set up at the airport in Ankara, making it the second Turkish airport to facilitate Makkah Route Initiative pilgrims

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia launched the Makkah Route Initiative at Ankara Esenboga Airport on Monday with the Kingdom’s ambassador to Turkiye in attendance.

A lounge was set up at the airport in Ankara, making it the second Turkish airport to facilitate Makkah Route Initiative pilgrims, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative aims to provide high-quality services to Hajj pilgrims from beneficiary countries.

As part of the initiative, biometric data is collected in the pilgrim’s home country and the necessary procedures are carried out there. An electronic Hajj visa is also issued in the pilgrim’s country.

The Kingdom’s General Directorate of Passports will ensure that health requirements are met before pilgrims enter the country, and baggage will be coded and sorted according to transportation and accommodation arrangements.

Pilgrims will be transported to their residences in Makkah and Madinah by bus and partner agencies will transport their luggage separately.


Rainy Abha alive with color as jacaranda trees bloom

Updated 13 May 2024
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Rainy Abha alive with color as jacaranda trees bloom

  • Scores of picnickers and tourists have been drawn to areas like Art Street where the blossoms provide a picturesque backdrop
  • Asir is home to more than 15,000 jacaranda trees, some of which can grow to a height of 18 meters (60 feet)

RIYADH: After the recent rains in Asir, the city of Abha is awash with color as the jacaranda trees that line its streets spring into life.

Scores of picnickers and tourists have been drawn to areas like Art Street where the blossoms provide a picturesque backdrop to the hustle and bustle of the city, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Asir region is home to more than 15,000 jacaranda trees, some of which can grow to a height of 18 meters (60 feet).

The jacaranda genus, which comprises about 45 species of trees and shrubs, is known for its ability to thrive in temperate regions. Within the Kingdom, the trees are mostly cultivated in moderate regions to the south.


Saudi FM meets with Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law delegation

Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives a delegation from the Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law
Updated 13 May 2024
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Saudi FM meets with Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law delegation

  • Strengthening of international unification with regard to supporting efforts made to ensure human security and safety in all parts of the world was discussed

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received the chairman of the Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law Dr. Jalal Al-Owaisi in Riyadh on Monday.

During the reception, Prince Faisal, Al-Owaisi, and his accompanying delegation discussed aspects of cooperation in the fields of international humanitarian law.

The strengthening of international unification with regard to supporting efforts made to ensure human security and safety in all parts of the world was also discussed during the meeting.

Later, a memorandum of understanding to enhance joint cooperation in the field of international humanitarian law was signed by the Foreign Ministry and the committee. 

The MoU aims to support the integration of joint efforts and facilitate the exchange of experiences and transfer of knowledge in the field of international humanitarian law.

The chairman of the Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law Dr. Jalal Al-Owaisi and Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji sign a MoU in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)

 


Madinah governor inspects pilgrim services ahead of Hajj

Updated 13 May 2024
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Madinah governor inspects pilgrim services ahead of Hajj

RIYADH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan on Monday visited the Welcome and Reception Center for Pilgrims on the Hijrah route to inspect the services offered to pilgrims and the preparations made to receive those who are coming to perform the Hajj rituals this year.

He also reviewed the center’s workflow, ensuring it guarantees the comfort of pilgrims and the expeditious completion of procedures related to the services provided to them, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Salman, who is also chairman of the Hajj and Visit Committee in the region, inspected the workflow mechanism and services provided to pilgrims arriving from King Abdulaziz International Airport and Jeddah Islamic Port, as well as those visiting Madinah after completing the rituals.

He also examined the center’s operational indicators, which automatically monitor arrivals and groupings, along with the plan to enhance the service system through screens monitoring bus arrivals and the completion of procedures within a period not exceeding 120 seconds, by guiding pilgrims and ensuring their residences are ready to receive them.

During the tour, Prince Salman received an explanation of the center’s components, including a support center for transportation services, health clinics and ambulance transportation services, as well as the security and safety system and integrated operational services in welcome lounges, bus routes, the charity warehouse headquarters, transportation companies, and other administrative buildings within the center’s scope.