RIYADH: The owner of a building that collapsed in Jeddah at the end of May, killing seven people and injuring another eight, has been detained, the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority announced on Thursday.
The authority found that the building owner, Firas Hani Jamal Al-Turki, the deputy minister for shared services at the Ministry of Culture, had tried to apply for a building permit.
The local municipality ordered Al-Turki to stop construction on the building after it was found to have technical defects, but he failed to comply.
Al-Turki’s legal representative, Fahad Hussein Ali Sanba, who works at the same ministry department, communicated with an engineering consultancy office owned by a Saudi citizen, Majed Mohammed Jameel Bushnaq, through a Yemeni intermediary contractor, Mohammed Salim Ahmed Al-Hussaissi, the authority said.
The legal representative sought to obtain a building permit through the office to construct two additional floors and an upper annex. Subsequently, an employee of the engineering office submitted a request for a demolition permit, followed by a request for a building permit containing false information, including doctored photos indicating that the building had been demolished, in exchange for SR50,000 ($13,325).
Al-Turki transferred the money to his legal representative, who then handed it to one of the office employees in cash. The project contractor proceeded with the construction, leading to increased loads and the collapse of the building.
The building owner admitted to paying the financial amount as a bribe in exchange for the illegal issuance of the building permit.
All individuals involved have been detained and legal proceedings are being taken against them, the authority said.
Owner detained over fatal building collapse in Jeddah
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Owner detained over fatal building collapse in Jeddah
- Request for a building permit contained false information, says Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority
Riyadh forum concludes with more than 290 schools honored
- Misk Schools first to receive accreditation at National Forum for School Excellence
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Education and Training Evaluation Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, concluded the National Forum for School Excellence, also known as Excellence 2024, in Riyadh on Monday.
The forum, which celebrated over 290 schools for their achievements, highlighted Misk Schools as the first to receive accreditation under new national evaluation standards.
The event, which was held under the patronage of the Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan and commission chairman Khalid Al-Sabti, showcased the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education as part of Saudi Vision 2030.
Participants included educational leaders, university deans, and company representatives, as well as principals and directors of schools from across Saudi Arabia.
At the forefront of the event was Misk Schools, which became the first institution in the country to receive accreditation from the commission.
Steffen Sommer, director general of the academic institute, told Arab News: “This accreditation reflects the dedication and hard work of our staff and students.
“We are proud to set a new standard for educational excellence and look forward to continuing our journey of growth and innovation.”
Nada Al-Hegali, girls’ school principal at Misk, spoke to Arab News about the challenges faced during the process, saying: “The challenge was relocating to a new campus amid the accreditation process.”
Al-Hegali went on to describe how the team provided invaluable support, and the students showed their resilience during the move.
The Excellence 2024 forum recognized schools based on results from external evaluations. Public, private, and international schools were all recognized for their contributions to raising educational standards.
The event also saw the signing of accreditation agreements between the commission, through its excellence center, and 18 schools, further cementing the importance of collaboration in driving the Kingdom’s educational reform.
Al-Benyan spoke of his optimism about the future of Saudi education, noting that the forum would serve as a catalyst for schools to embrace competition and excellence.
He added: “These recognitions are not just an acknowledgment of past achievements but a push for continued improvement in our education system.”
Al-Sabti echoed his sentiments, emphasizing the importance of external evaluation in fostering a culture of quality.
He added: “The Excellence 2024 forum provides a national platform to strengthen the principles of educational excellence, ensuring that Saudi schools continue to align with international standards.”
As Saudi Arabia continues its journey toward fulfilling Vision 2030, the recognition of over 290 schools not only highlights the progress made so far, but also sets the stage for future improvements.
Schools like Misk, with its focus on innovation, are paving the way for others to follow.
Saudi foreign minister meets with WEF chief Klaus Schwab
RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Monday received Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab in Riyadh, state news agency SPA reported.
The officials discussed opportunities to boost cooperation and topics of common interest.
Experience global cultures as Riyadh Season launches 3 zones with exciting events
- Boulevard World expands with new cultural zones, while Boulevard City introduces thrilling interactive adventures
- Al-Suwaidi Park launches with a community spotlight, starting with Indian Week
RIYADH: Riyadh Season 2024 has announced the opening of three zones for the public: Boulevard World, Boulevard City, and Al-Suwaidi Park. These zones will host a series of weeks dedicated to communities.
Boulevard World will open its doors to the public daily from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. This season has seen several updates, including a 30 percent increase in zone size and the addition of five new zones: Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Iran, Africa, and Courchevel.
With 22 zones representing various cultures worldwide, it boasts 300 restaurants and cafes and more than 890 shops, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The zones representing Egypt, Spain and Italy in Boulevard World have also been upgraded with 21 new activities suitable for different age groups, including theatrical performances and showcases from several countries, enhancing their appeal as an entertainment destination.
On Saturday night, the season’s opening was held at the Kingdom Arena with boxing matches, musical performances by hip-hop moguls Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, and Ciara. A member of the audience was selected to win a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, presented by General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Al-Sheikh.
This year, Boulevard City at Riyadh Season introduces new entertainment experiences, such as PUBG Mobile, where visitors can join a team and engage in immersive laser battles, competing to be the last one standing.
Visitors can also dive into the mysterious and exciting world of Detective Conan, where they become detectives in an effort to solve puzzles, uncover crime secrets, and find hidden treasures. This experience includes multiple stages filled with interactive challenges that require critical thinking and analysis.
Fans of family adventures and fantasy can embark on imaginative journeys with Bluey and Bingo World.
The Five Nights at Freddy’s experience returns for horror enthusiasts with a new, more thrilling, and challenging version. Visitors will confront high levels of fear as they attempt to survive the dangers surrounding them within the eerie shopping center.
These new experiences make Boulevard City an unmissable destination within the Riyadh Season events this year, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in exceptional adventures that blend excitement, fantasy, and horror.
Al-Suwaidi Park, one of Riyadh Season 2024’s most attractive destinations, spans 140,000 sq m and will host events from 4 p.m. to midnight. The series of community-dedicated weeks starts with Indian Week.
Indian Week will feature performances by renowned artists, impressive shows, traditional Indian cuisine, and opportunities to purchase clothing reflecting India’s rich cultural diversity.
Foreign Ministry hosts cybersecurity awareness event
- The event featured six interactive stations educating visitors on cybersecurity threats and safety tips
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the National Cybersecurity Authority, held an exhibition in Riyadh to promote cybersecurity awareness.
Under the patronage of Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the event featured six interactive stations educating visitors on cybersecurity threats and safety tips.
Visitors could test their cybersecurity knowledge and learn about safe online practices, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently signed strategic agreements with the Saudi Information Technology Co. to enhance its cybersecurity.
Abdulhadi Al-Mansouri, assistant minister for executive affairs, and Majed Al-Mazyad, governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority, attended the signing.
Three contracts were signed in Riyadh, with Saad Al-Aboudi, CEO of the Saudi Information Technology Co., in attendance.
This collaboration aims to strengthen the ministry’s cybersecurity system, aligning with the Kingdom’s goals in this sector.
Saudi Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms until Friday
- The Makkah region is expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall
RIYADH: The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued a warning that there will be thunderstorms in several regions of Saudi Arabia until Friday.
The Makkah region is expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by flash floods, hail and strong winds, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Taif, Maysan, Adham and Al-Ardiyat are particularly at risk, while Turabah may have light rainfall.
The Riyadh region will also be affected, with light to moderate rain forecast for Wadi Al-Dawasir, Al-Sulayyil, Al-Aflaj, Hawtah Bani Tamim and Al-Kharj.
Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in Baha, Asir, Jazan and Najran, while the Eastern Province may experience light showers.
The Civil Defense has urged people to exercise caution, avoid areas prone to flash floods, including valleys, and refrain from swimming in flooded areas.
Members of the public should stay updated on the latest weather conditions through various media channels.
Autumn in Saudi Arabia is typically rainy, with rapid weather changes offering relief from the heat, according to the National Center for Meteorology.