Makkah development ‘top priority’

Updated 23 May 2015
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Makkah development ‘top priority’

JEDDAH: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman arrived in Jeddah on Thursday for his first visit since ascending the throne on Jan. 23, where he would outline efforts to further develop the region and improve services for pilgrims.

Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, adviser to the king, Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Majed, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior, and Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman, were present to meet the monarch at the airport.
A large number of princes and senior government officials were also present. The king was accompanied by senior princes and officials including Prince Muqrin.
Jeddah’s streets were decorated with more than 1,000 Saudi flags, photographs of the king, huge banners and lights. “Citizens and residents all over the city are happy to receive King Salman,” said Jeddah Mayor Hani Abu Ras.
“The first instruction I received from the king as governor and adviser was to put the welfare and progress of Makkah residents and pilgrims on top of my priority list,” Prince Khaled said in an interview.
“The royal visit provides a golden opportunity to learn about the king’s vision for the region’s overall development,” the governor said. “Makkah concerns not only Saudis but also Muslims across the world,” he said. The governor hinted that the government plans to correct the legal status of foreign communities living in Makkah, like the Burmese.
King Salman plans to perform Umrah and pray at the Grand Mosque, where he would seek strength and guidance from the Almighty to carry out his responsibilities, Prince Khaled said. He would also pray for peace and prosperity for Muslims across the world.
“King Salman is a strong believer and is emotionally attached to Makkah and its people.” Prince Khaled said the king is familiar with the city and region’s streets and families, and “knows its spiritual and historical value.”
He said King Salman has always been keen to listen to people and get their views first hand.
“We cannot forget his visit to Jeddah last Ramadan when he met with people and attended some events. This reaffirms his close relationship with people of the region.”
Prince Khaled urged citizens to be proud of their country. “Our biggest problem is that we do not know the value of our country and do not give it the status it deserves, especially at a time when the whole world appreciates us more than we do ourselves.”
He highlighted the Kingdom’s economic strength and stability. “Over the past 10 years, we have seen many countries going through deep recession but the global economic crisis did not affect the Kingdom. On the contrary, it supported the global economy. This demonstrates the Kingdom’s global importance.”
“Forty years ago, when I was studying in America and Britain, many people there did not even know the location of Saudi Arabia on the map. Now you can see the strong presence of the Kingdom at all levels, with our increased participation in political decision-making, global economic stability and development, and the fight against terrorism.”
Prince Khaled commended King Salman’s leadership role in Operation Decisive Storm to restore the legitimate government in Yemen. “The UN support for the Yemen operation reflects the Kingdom’s international reputation and credibility,” he added.
The governor disclosed his plans for massive development of the region, especially Makkah, Jeddah and Taif, by setting up comprehensive public transport systems including metros and developing underdeveloped residential districts.
Referring to stalled government projects, Prince Khaled stressed the need to promote a culture of responsibility and good management across all departments through direct and daily communication. “King Salman is personally interested in this vital aspect and is eager to ensure government agencies meet citizens’ requirements quickly and efficiently,” he added.
Prince Khaled commended Saudi youth and students for winning awards at global events in the fields of innovation and science. Steps would be taken in coordination with ministers to provide them with good opportunities and jobs, he said.


Joint Saudi-US ‘Protection Shield IV’ drill begins

Updated 7 sec ago
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Joint Saudi-US ‘Protection Shield IV’ drill begins

  • The drill sought to heighten awareness of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear risks

DHAHRAN: In a display of strategic cooperation, the Eastern Region Command in Dhahran orchestrated the latest iteration of the joint Saudi-US exercise, “Protection Shield 4.” Bringing together branches of the Saudi Armed Forces, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), and a consortium of civilian and military government entities—including the Ministry of Defense’s health services, the General Directorate of Civil Defense, the Ministry of Health, and the Saudi Red Crescent Authority—the drill aimed to bolster preparedness against potential threats of mass destruction.

Colonel Turki bin Salem Al-Sumairi, overseeing the participating mixed battalion, underscored the drill’s dual purpose: to enhance the operational capabilities of all involved and to foster seamless collaboration between Saudi and US forces. Furthermore, the drill sought to heighten awareness of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear risks.

Field exercises formed the crux of the event, testing the efficacy of national response plans in confronting scenarios involving weapons of mass destruction. Additionally, coordination and information exchange mechanisms were scrutinized to ensure swift and effective joint responses.

Simulated ammunition was employed during the drills to simulate crisis scenarios arising from the deployment of weapons of mass destruction. Meanwhile, health services units from the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Health, the Civil Defense, and the Saudi Red Crescent engaged in drills aimed at enhancing collaborative efforts and refining responses to chemical and biological incidents.


Asir region is first with launch of tourism identity

Updated 03 May 2024
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Asir region is first with launch of tourism identity

  • Prince Turki said the slogan “Karam Al-Arouma” was inspired by the generosity and welcoming nature of the people of the region

Saudi Arabia’s Asir region has become the first in the Kingdom to create a regional tourism identity, accompanied by the slogan “Karam Al-Arouma,” or “the generosity of the people of Asir.” 

Asir Gov. Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, who also heads the Asir Region Development Authority, launched the identity at an official ceremony organized by the authority and hosted by the Rijal Heritage Village in Rijal Almaa governorate.

“This identity has been in the works for quite a while. It’s a very exciting day for us to finally unveil this to the world. It’s going to help our marketing efforts both domestically and internationally,“ Hashim Al-Dabbagh, the authority’s CEO, told Arab News. 

“The vision of the Asir region is to be a preeminent destination year-round, and having our own identity is a step in that direction,” he said.  

Asir is seeking to become a global destination throughout the year, based on its authentic culture and wide range of natural attractions. 

Prince Turki said the slogan “Karam Al-Arouma” was inspired by the generosity and welcoming nature of the people of the region.

The identity was supported by the launch of the “Discover Asir” tourism website under the umbrella of “Visit Saudi,” which will provide tourist information. 


Saudi Justice Ministry to host training conference

Updated 03 May 2024
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Saudi Justice Ministry to host training conference

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Justice is to hold the International Conference of Judicial Training in Riyadh from May 6-7.

The Judicial Training Center hosts the event which will see the participation of several international training institutes, centers, and experts in the field of judicial and legal training. The objective is to facilitate the exchange of experiences and deliberations on contemporary trends in the era of digital transformation.

Called “The Future of Judicial Training in the Era of Digital Transformation,” the event will delve into the prospects of training in the future. It will explore paths for enhancing training content; strategies for harnessing modern technology; artificial intelligence in judicial training; and effective methodologies for measuring the training’s impact.


Saudi energy minister attends Tashkent International Investment Forum

Updated 03 May 2024
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Saudi energy minister attends Tashkent International Investment Forum

TASHKENT: Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman on Thursday participated in the primary dialogue session at the third Tashkent International Investment Forum.

In the presence of the president of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the energy minister highlighted the distinguished relations between the two nations, emphasizing the leadership’s strong commitment to enhancing and expanding cooperation across all sectors, particularly energy.

The partnership aims to benefit both countries and their citizens.


Who’s Who: Ali Alhasan, CEO and founder of NanoPalm

Updated 03 May 2024
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Who’s Who: Ali Alhasan, CEO and founder of NanoPalm

  • Alhasan co-developed deep tech to leverage large language models for biotech discovery
  • He was granted the Outstanding Researcher Award from the International Institute for Nanotechnology in 2012

Ali Alhasan is CEO and founder of the company NanoPalm. He holds a Ph.D. in nanomedicine, with expertise in nano-drug delivery and gene therapy and five years of experience in executive management.

In his role as CEO, Alhasan formulates the strategic and business plans for accelerating therapy translation globally and trains talents in deep tech, nanotech, and gene editing tech.

Alhasan co-developed deep tech to leverage large language models for biotech discovery. He also co-invented Nanopalm’s biorobots for the delivery of gene editing primers and helped discover four nanomedicines for four different genetic diseases.

He is also an associate professor at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and an adjunct professor at Alfaisal University, establishing collaboration agreements between the two.

As associate professor, he is the principal researcher for development and innovation in nanomedicine and the fourth industrial revolution.

In his role as adjunct professor, Alhasan teaches nanomedicine and mentors postgraduate and undergraduate students. He also co-established the Cancer Nanoscience Program.

Previously, Alhasan served in executive leadership roles at KACST as deputy at the Joint Centers of Excellence Program (2021), deputy of the Life Science and Environment Research Institute (2020), director of the Center of Excellence for Biomedicine (2020), and director of Strategic Initiatives (2016). 

Alhasan was a post-doctoral scholar at the University of California in 2015 and received his Ph.D. in the Interdepartmental Biological Sciences Program from Northwestern University in 2013. 

In 2008, he received a master’s degree in biotechnology also from Northwestern University, while in 2001, he received his bachelor’s degree in medical technology from King Abdulaziz University. 

Alhasan was granted the Leader of the Year award from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology in 2024. In 2018, he received the Outstanding Investigator Award from KACST.

He was granted the Outstanding Researcher Award from the International Institute for Nanotechnology in 2012.