LONDON: Saudi Arabia has included the space economy as one its main targeted sectors in its Vision 2030, an official said.
“As the Kingdom attaches great importance to the field of space and its economy, as an extension of what it started with the first space flight in 1985, it aspires to be one of the leading countries in the field of space by 2030,” Dr. Mohammed Al-Tamimi, acting CEO of the Saudi Space Commission said.
He was speaking during the second edition of the G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting, held in the Italian capital, Rome, on Monday.
He said that the slogan of this year’s meeting “Space for People, Planet and Prosperity,” embodied the fact that space exploration is not only a scientific achievement, but is also an important economic resource, and a factor in the prosperity of mankind.
Al-Tamimi added that the Kingdom hoped the meeting, which it initiated during its presidency of the G20 last year, would continue to succeed, and looked forward to continuing efforts toward supporting countries toward diversifying their economies and preserving limited natural resources to enhance the space economy.
He thanked Italy’s government, represented by the President of the Italian Space Agency, Giorgio Sacuccia, and the agency’s officials for their efforts in convening the second edition of “this important meeting.”
The meeting discussed strengthening the role of the space economy globally and its concrete contributions to facing global challenges and achieving sustainable development goals, with the participation of space agencies and bodies from the G20 member states, a number of representatives of invited countries and heads of international and regional organizations.
The Kingdom received widespread praise for its efforts and initiative to organize the first meeting of space leaders, which it included for the first time among the topics of the group’s agenda last year, with the aim of enhancing space cooperation between countries to maximize the benefits of the space economy and using space data to support sustainable development, food security and global health.
Saudi Arabia participates in G20 space economy leaders meeting in Italy
https://arab.news/c38yu
Saudi Arabia participates in G20 space economy leaders meeting in Italy
- Head of Saudi Space Commission says Saudi Arabia aspires to be one of the leading countries in the field of space by 2030
- The Kingdom initiated the meeting during its presidency of the G20 last year
Crown prince sponsors launch of world-class Arabic calligraphy center in Madinah
- The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz
RIYADH: A new center for Arabic calligraphy under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman officially opened in Madinah on Monday.
The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, governor of Madinah region.
He was joined by Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, touring the new facility’s exhibition spaces and receiving briefings on cultural programming and the center’s achievements.
They also viewed collections highlighting Arabic calligraphy’s artistic and historical importance.
Speaking at the opening, Prince Badr said: “From this land of enlightenment and scholarship, we proudly launch a global platform dedicated to Arabic calligraphy as an invaluable cultural asset.”
He went on to credit the crown prince’s “generous and boundless support” for the cultural sector.
The minister said that the center demonstrated to the world the legacy of Arabic calligraphy while underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural identity and heritage.
According to Prince Badr, the facility represents an ambitious vision to elevate Arabic calligraphy as both a universal communication tool and an integral element of Arab heritage, art, architecture and design.
The center further aims to enhance the Kingdom’s cultural identity and strengthen its international presence, targeting calligraphers, emerging talents, visual artists, Islamic arts researchers, educational and cultural institutions, as well as art and heritage enthusiasts worldwide.
It will deliver specialized programs including research and archival services, calligraphy instruction, academic grants, a permanent museum, touring exhibitions, an international calligraphy association and a business incubator supporting calligraphy enterprises.
Additional offerings feature artist residency programs, expert-led workshops, and standardized curriculum development, complemented by international educational partnerships aimed at heritage conservation and expanding global appreciation for this time-honored art form.
The center’s establishment in Madinah carries particular significance, given the city’s historical role as the cradle of Arabic calligraphy and its association with transcribing the Qur’an and preserving Islamic knowledge.
