Saudi-Italian Business Forum showcases robust trade relations

The Saudi-Italian Business Forum, which was held on Monday in Lombardy, showcased the robust economic relationship between Italy and Saudi Arabia. (AN Photo)
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Updated 04 May 2025
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Saudi-Italian Business Forum showcases robust trade relations

  • Event highlights opportunities in Kingdom, success stories of Italian companies

MILAN: The Saudi-Italian Business Forum, which was held on Monday in Lombardy, showcased the robust economic relationship between Italy and Saudi Arabia.

Spearheaded by prominent figures such as Veronica Squinzi, vice president for internationalization at Assolombarda, and Waleed Al-Orainan, secretary-general of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, the forum aimed to enhance collaboration and explore new business opportunities between the two nations.

Squinzi welcomed the forum and spoke of the significance of the gathering in strengthening economic ties, underscoring the importance of governmental support in fostering international business.

She said: “This forum represents a vital step in enhancing our economic collaboration and building lasting partnerships.”

Al-Orainan stressed the historic relationship between the two nations, dating back to the 1930s.

He said: “The warm reception we receive in Italy reflects the mutual respect and eagerness to enhance our bilateral cooperation.”

Kamel Al-Munajjed, chairman of the Saudi-Italian Business Council, expressed optimism regarding future collaboration.

He said: “We are at a pivotal moment where collaboration can unlock significant value chains, invigorating our economies.”

He acknowledged previous visits of Italian officials to Saudi Arabia which had helped to lay a solid foundation for partnerships.

Discussions at the forum revealed a landscape rich with business potential. Maria Tripodi, undersecretary of state for foreign affairs, noted that Saudi Arabia had emerged as a priority partner for Italy, with exports exceeding €6 billion in 2024 — an increase of 27.9 percent from the previous year.

Tripodi said: “Our relationship with Saudi Arabia is not only growing, it is thriving, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”

This growth positions Saudi Arabia as the second-largest market for Italian exports in the region, reflecting a burgeoning relationship across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and high-tech innovation.

The forum also highlighted opportunities in Saudi Arabia and success stories of Italian companies in sectors such as infrastructure and construction, renewable energy, and sport.

Barbara Cimmino, vice president for export and foreign investment at Confindustria, said: “When we align our strengths, we create a synergy that benefits both nations.”

Discussions at the event turned to the Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the Saudi economy and reduce its dependence on oil.

Tripodi said: “This strategic plan presents numerous opportunities for Italian enterprises, particularly in technology, education, and public services.”


Saudi MOH issues health awareness kit for Hajj season in 8 languages 

Updated 3 min 23 sec ago
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Saudi MOH issues health awareness kit for Hajj season in 8 languages 

  • Kit includes tips to avoid heat exhaustion
  • MOH also issues list of health requirements for pilgrims

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Health has released a health awareness kit for the forthcoming Hajj season in eight languages, the Saudi Press Agency reported Friday.

The kit contains comprehensive awareness content in Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Persian, Indonesian, Malay, and Turkish.

"The multilingual approach aims to reach the widest possible audience of pilgrims arriving from various countries around the world," the report said.

Among its key components are guidelines for preventing heat exhaustion, including recommendations on using umbrellas to reduce direct sun exposure and the importance of regularly drinking adequate amounts of water, which contributes to promoting the safety and well-being of pilgrims and ensuring a healthy Hajj season. 

The kit also includes health guidelines, awareness videos, social-media posts, and printable materials designed to promote preventive measures and healthy behaviors. 

The MOH has likewise issued a list of health requirements and recommendations, specifying that all pilgrims must undergo vaccination for meningococcal meningitis.

It likewise requires vaccinations for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), poliomyeletis, yellow fever, for pilgrims, depending on their conditions or which country they are coming from.

The MOH advised that pilgrims, "especially those with chronic diseases, ensure they carry documents that confirm their health condition, along with an adequate supply of the medications they take, which should remain in their original packaging."

It further recommended that pilgrims "update their vaccinations against essential diseases, such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, chickenpox, and mumps, in addition to the mandatory vaccines mentioned.

The kit can be downloaded from this link: https://www.moh.gov.sa/HealthAwareness/Pilgrims_Health/Pages/Hajj.aspx


Shoura Council speaker receives speaker of the Arab Parliament

Updated 15 May 2025
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Shoura Council speaker receives speaker of the Arab Parliament

RIYADH: The speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council, Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh, received his counterpart from the Arab Parliament, Mohammed Ahmed Al-Yamahi, during the 19th session of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member states.

During the meeting in Jakarta, the two reviewed the importance of parliamentary diplomacy carried out through active participation in regional and international conferences and forums.

They also discussed strengthening the mechanisms of joint Arab parliamentary action to serve Arab issues, as well as other topics of common interest.


King Salman Arabic academy celebrates graduates

Updated 15 May 2025
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King Salman Arabic academy celebrates graduates

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language held a ceremony in Riyadh recently to celebrate the graduation of the second group of non-native speakers from the Abjad Center.

A total of 168 male and female students were honored after fulfilling all the program’s requirements, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, secretary-general of the academy, said the Abjad Center offers a learning experience designed to equip non-native speakers with strong and effective communication skills.

Al-Washmi added that the program reflects the refinement of the academy’s educational model, reinforcing its role as a leading scientific authority on the Arabic language.

The initiative amplifies the academy’s educational and cultural impact in line with the objectives of the nation’s Human Capability Development Program, he said.


Royal Commission for AlUla, Smithsonian collaboration

Updated 15 May 2025
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Royal Commission for AlUla, Smithsonian collaboration

  • The agreement supports the commission’s vision to transform AlUla into a world-class heritage destination and economic hub

MADINAH: The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, and the Royal Commission for AlUla have formalized a collaboration agreement to enhance cultural exchange and establish a framework to broaden global understanding of northern Arabia’s ancient civilizations and cultural legacy.

The agreement supports the commission’s vision to transform AlUla into a world-class heritage destination and economic hub. Rooted in mutual dedication to cultural preservation and celebration, the collaboration will unlock new research opportunities and deepen insights into ancient Kingdom artistry, with special focus on the Dadanite civilization.

Experts will conduct joint initiatives in art conservation, historic research, archaeological exploration, and scientific analysis. The institutions will collaborate on exhibitions and artifact exchanges, bringing cultural treasures to international audiences.

Professional development programs covering exhibition curation, research methodologies, narrative development, and museum operations will enhance expertise among staff at AlUla’s museums and the Smithsonian.


Saudi Arabia attends IAACA anti-corruption meeting

Updated 15 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia attends IAACA anti-corruption meeting

RIYADH: The Kingdom, represented by the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, also known as Nazaha, took part in the first meeting of the Executive Committee of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities, held on Thursday via video conferencing.

Nazaha President Mazin bin Ibrahim Al-Kahmous expressed his thanks to the association’s president and Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption in Hong Kong, Danny Woo, for organizing the meeting and for the association’s efforts to promote international cooperation in combating corruption.

He added that the Kingdom, represented by Nazaha, has paid significant attention to strengthening international partnerships in the fields of combating corruption and protecting integrity, and these efforts have resulted in a number of tangible achievements.

Al-Kahmous said that the Kingdom believes in the pivotal role played by the association in solidifying the principles of transparency and facilitating the exchange of expertise, knowledge and experiences.