Saudi Arabia to start localizing 35% of private dental medicine sector in 2024

Through the move, the ministries aim to provide more job opportunities for citizens across the Kingdom. (SPA/File)
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Updated 14 September 2023
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Saudi Arabia to start localizing 35% of private dental medicine sector in 2024

  • Private-sector organizations will receive help to hire Saudis, through a package of incentives that includes support for recruitment and the training of new employees
  • Dr. Abdul Aziz Aldosari, a dentist in Riyadh, said the move will not only ‘greatly benefit the practitioners in the future but the community as well’

MAKKAH: Saudi authorities will begin the process of localizing 35 percent of the Kingdom’s private dentistry sector on March 10, 2024, the ministries of human resources and health announced on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development will provide private-sector organizations with help to hire Saudis, through a package of incentives that includes support for the recruitment process and for the training of new employees. They will also be prioritized for support and employment programs provided by the Human Resources Development Fund.

The aim is to provide more job opportunities for Saudi citizens across the Kingdom and create an environment that supports a balanced labor market, increases the participation of locals in the work force, and improves productivity and performance, the health ministry said.

Dr. Haifa Al-Rashid, a dental consultant and owner of Haifa Al-Rashid Dental Clinics, told Arab News: “The decision to localize the private dentistry sector is a wise and wonderful decision. It is one of the steps to achieve the Kingdom’s Vision, which is progressing rapidly and promisingly for all the nation, and whose positive impact is felt daily in our professional and social lives.

“This agreement and this localization will, without a doubt, have a clear impact on the dental profession and will make a difference in the final outcome.

“Empowering national competencies will have a great impact on covering professional exposure in this field. As everyone knows, dentistry is one of the most important fields in public health. Paying attention to it, practically and by raising awareness, will inevitably lead to raising the level of public health in society. This has a great economic impact that saves the state a lot of money.”

Al-Rashid added that increased localization in health-related professions such as dentistry will help to enhance the Saudi health sector and the economy, amid a growing culture of health in the country.

“This decision will raise the level of services provided to citizens and residents,” she said. “It will provide a more suitable environment for national health cadres, who have studied in the best universities inside and outside the Kingdom, to provide competitive, quality services at the national and international levels.

“Supporting and localizing these national cadres will lead us to a competitive market that seeks to provide what is best and ideal for citizens and residents, and thus capital circulation.”

It is also important to localize other fields and specialisms related to dentistry, including oral health, dental assistants and professional technicians, Al-Rashid added.

“We aspire for the HR ministry to take the initiative to strengthen cooperation between universities, institutes and itself to support and train them in a way that is commensurate with the labor market and the desired levels, according to what was stated in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030,” she said.

“This support will have a significant impact in creating a balanced atmosphere that enhances the ecosystem of this profession and brings it to the ideal level.”

Dr. Ali Alfarsi, the director of the Dental Medicine Department at Jazan Health Ministry, told Arab News that the provision of high quality dental services is important for all groups in society.

“Everyone is prone to facing oral problems which require a large number of service providers to cater to the large and urgent demand in the Kingdom,” he said.

As a result, officials are keen to create an appropriate environment in which Saudi medical professionals can perform their jobs to the highest standards of quality, he added.

“We aspire to high employment rates, paired with high quality standards, government supervision and continuous follow-up to provide the doctors with opportunities,” Alfarsi said.

This requires efforts to support the ambitions of prospective medical professionals and develop their skills and efficiency to help gain the trust of society in their capabilities, he added.

Practicing Saudi doctors are fully qualified and competent, having passed all of the academic requirements, whether educational or practical, Alfarsi said, adding: We trust in the efficiency of Saudi universities and they provide the most competent outputs, internationally, in all medical fields, including dentistry.”

Dr. Abdul Aziz Aldosari, a dentist at Riyadh’s First Health Cluster, said: “This decision made me happy, as well as many of my unemployed colleagues in the field of dentistry. It will have a positive impact in terms of remedial quality and in terms of growing the national experts in this field.

“I really hope that we will reap the fruits of this decision and cooperate with the private sector to grant Saudi doctors the confidence to gain practical skills in this field.

“Not only will it greatly benefit the practitioners in the future, but the community as well.”


Right on time: Riyadh Metro engineers new era of urban mobility

Riyadh metro connects key urban centers, reducing car dependency in a city notorious for traffic congestion. (SPA/Supplied)
Updated 6 sec ago
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Right on time: Riyadh Metro engineers new era of urban mobility

  • The capital city’s new public transport system covers 176 kms of track

RIYADH: In a city where rapid development has outpaced infrastructure, the Riyadh Metro is setting a new benchmark for urban transport in the Kingdom. The $23 billion mega-project, one of the largest metro systems built in a single phase, has six lines, 176 kilometers of track and 85 stations.

Engineering against the odds

Riyadh’s complex geological and urban landscapes posed unique challenges during construction. Beneath the city’s surface is dense limestone and breccia, which required the use of special tunnel boring machines, or TBMs, designed to navigate these demanding conditions.

The metro’s stations are a balance between form and function. (SPA)

“The geological conditions demanded not only technical sophistication but also real-time adaptability to ensure both speed and accuracy,” Roger Cruickshank, senior director at AtkinsRealis, which led the design of Lines 4, 5, and 6, said in an interview with Arab News.

The metro’s 11 underground and 17 at-grade stations were strategically placed to enhance connectivity across the city. Additionally, the integration of underground, at-grade, and elevated tracks required careful consideration of Riyadh’s existing road networks.

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Riyadh Metro’s 11 underground and 17 at-grade stations were strategically placed to enhance connectivity across the city.

“Restructuring road networks and ensuring smooth transitions between modes of transit were integral to minimizing disruption,” Cruickshank said.

Automation at the core

A defining feature of the Riyadh Metro is its Level 4 automation, eliminating the need for onboard operators. Centralized control centers manage operations through advanced algorithms and real-time data, ensuring seamless functionality.

Supporting this system are geotechnical monitoring tools, including fiber optic sensors and automated data acquisition systems, which continuously assess infrastructure health.

The metro connects key urban centers, reducing car dependency in a city notorious for traffic congestion. (SPA)

“These technologies provide real-time insights, allowing us to predict maintenance needs and address them before they escalate,” Cruickshank said.

The trains themselves are equipped with advanced safety features, such as early warning and remote diagnostic systems, enhancing passenger safety and operational reliability.

Predictive analytics further optimize system efficiency, extending the lifespan of critical components while minimizing downtime.

Functionality meets design

The metro’s stations are a balance between form and function. While designed to optimize passenger flow and connectivity, they also reflect Riyadh’s cultural identity through architectural motifs inspired by local heritage.

Roger Cruickshank, AtkinsRealis senior director

“The design integrates contemporary materials with traditional influences, making the infrastructure both practical and a visual complement to the city,” Cruickshank said.

The metro connects key urban centers, reducing car dependency in a city notorious for traffic congestion. The focus on accessibility ensures that the system serves Riyadh’s growing population effectively.

Sustainability

The Riyadh Metro aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by prioritizing sustainability; by promoting public transport, it is projected to significantly cut carbon emissions.

The design integrates contempor- ary materials with traditional influences, making the infrastruc- ture both practical and a visual complement to the city.

Roger Cruickshank, AtkinsRealis senior director

The system also incorporates energy-efficient technologies, such as regenerative braking and automated lighting, to minimize its environmental footprint.

“Noise and vibration mitigation strategies were essential to ensure the system operated harmoniously within the urban environment,” Cruickshank added. These measures, combined with the integration of green building standards, highlight the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

The lessons from the project are already informing future initiatives in Saudi Arabia and beyond. “This project demonstrates how collaboration, advanced technology, and strategic planning can produce infrastructure that is both technically brilliant and sustainable,” Cruickshank said.

The Riyadh Metro provides a case study for cities worldwide grappling with urbanization and mobility challenges. By combining engineering excellence, technological innovation, and cultural sensitivity, authorities have created a transit network that not only meets today’s needs but anticipates the demands of tomorrow as well.

 


Hope in the desert: Onager returns to Saudi Arabia after a century

Updated 1 min 8 sec ago
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Hope in the desert: Onager returns to Saudi Arabia after a century

  • The Persian onager, a smaller relative of the extinct Equus hemionus hemippus, plays a vital role in the reserve’s ambitious landscape and seascape restoration program

RIYADH: In a significant advancement for wildlife conservation, Saudi Arabia has reintroduced the onager to its native habitat after over a century of absence, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

This achievement was made possible through a collaboration between the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature from Jordan.

Earlier this year, seven Persian onagers were brought from Shaumari Wildlife Reserve in Jordan to the royal reserve.

The return of the onager aligns with the reserve’s Integrated Development Management Plan, supporting the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030. (SPA)

The animals have reportedly adapted well to their new environment, with the birth of the first foal marking a pivotal moment in the rewilding process. The reintroduction highlights the importance of restoring ecosystems and creating a sustainable environment for endangered species to thrive.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority CEO Andrew Zaloumis said in a statement: “The reintroduction of the onager, a species historically celebrated by Arabic poets, is a transformative step for their conservation and a major milestone in the Kingdom's biodiversity efforts.”

He emphasized that the Persian onager, classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, is now free to roam Saudi Arabia once again.

The Persian onager, a smaller relative of the extinct Equus hemionus hemippus, plays a vital role in the reserve’s ambitious landscape and seascape restoration program.

The royal reserve is actively working to restore ecosystems, ensuring the species can flourish while maintaining biodiversity. The onager serves as an ecological asset and a cultural symbol deeply rooted in Arabian history and tradition.

This collaborative endeavor with the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature underscores the importance of cross-border conservation efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats.

The president of the Jordanian organization’s board of directors, Batoul Ajlouni, expressed her delight at the reintroduction, emphasizing the importance of fostering real collaboration in conserving ecosystems and habitats through effective protected area management and capacity-building programs.

The return of the onager aligns with the reserve’s Integrated Development Management Plan, supporting the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030.

In addition to the onager, the reserve has reintroduced several other species, including Arabian oryx, Nubian ibex, sand gazelle, mountain gazelle, and various bird species.

These efforts form part of the Kingdom’s broader mission to enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable development.

As the onager thrives in its natural habitat, it stands as a symbol of hope and the importance of wildlife conservation in Saudi Arabia.

 


Historic Jeddah Program launches Culture Square as new landmark for arts and heritage

Updated 28 min 52 sec ago
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Historic Jeddah Program launches Culture Square as new landmark for arts and heritage

  • Culture Square, which will span 26,000 square meters, will feature two flagship facilities

JEDDAH: The Ministry of Culture’s Historic Jeddah Program has unveiled the Culture Square, an initiative designed to revitalize the historic Jeddah area and establish it as a global hub for arts and heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Situated on the banks of Lake Al-Arbaeen, the project blends the region’s rich history with contemporary innovation, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of enhancing cultural tourism and preserving heritage, SPA added.

Culture Square, which will span 26,000 square meters, will feature two flagship facilities: the Center for Performing Arts and the Digital Arts Museum “TeamLab Without Borders.”

The Center for Performing Arts will offer a range of cultural activities, including theatrical performances, international festivals, and film screenings.

It will also house the headquarters of the Red Sea Film Festival, a state-of-the-art theater with 868 seats, five cinema halls, dialogue spaces, and multi-purpose areas for cultural exchange.

Adjacent to this, the TeamLab Museum spans 10,000 square meters and will showcase 80 interconnected works that merge art, technology, and nature.

At the heart of the development lies the restored Prince of the Sea House, an historic octagonal structure once used as a lighthouse to guide ships, which reflects the area’s architectural heritage and highlights the cultural richness of Jeddah’s past.

Its preservation is part of broader efforts to maintain the character of the historic district while introducing modern elements, such as air purification systems, touchless elevators with UV sterilization, and water recycling technologies for irrigation.


Saudi Arabia, Lithuania sign air transport services agreement

Updated 02 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia, Lithuania sign air transport services agreement

  • Riyadh, Vilnius to work together to develop regulatory frameworks

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Lithuania signed an agreement on Monday to cooperate in civil aviation and air transport services. 

Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, the president of the General Authority for Civil Aviation, and Ramunas Davidonis, the Lithuanian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, signed the agreement in Riyadh.

The two countries will work to develop regulatory frameworks for air transport traffic and expand the operational network of their national air carriers.

The cooperation will further enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics center for civil aviation and air transport services, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 aims to position the country as a hub for aviation connectivity to 250 international destinations, serving an expected 330 million passengers annually by 2030.


French President Macron arrives in Riyadh for official visit

Updated 20 min 47 sec ago
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French President Macron arrives in Riyadh for official visit

  • Was eceived at Al-Yamamah Palace by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
  • Two leaders held an expanded meeting for extensive talks

RIYADH: French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Riyadh on Monday evening for an official visit to Saudi Arabia, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Macron was received at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who introduced the French president to Saudi ministers during an official reception ceremony.

The two leaders held an expanded meeting for extensive talks, SPA reported.

Earlier on Monday, upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport, Macron was received by Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region, along with the Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Qasabi and Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh.

Also in attendance were Fahd bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaili, Saudi ambassador to France, and Patrick Maisonnave, French ambassador to the Kingdom.

The visit underscores the strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and France, with discussions expected to focus on water resource sustainability and other key areas of cooperation, SPA added.