RIYADH: A volunteer team has been assisting young children who visit the Riyadh International Book Fair, which was inaugurated last Wednesday in the Saudi capital and ends next Saturday.
Called “Once Upon a Time,” the team comprises young and enthusiastic members who help children have a meaningful experience while visiting the book fair.
“The bottom line is to help them develop their skills in various ways such as in expressing themselves. We help them gain self-confidence in asking and answering questions,” said Shahad Al-Ahmari, one of the team members.
As the children show up with their mothers at a predetermined assembly point at the book fair, team members guide them around the exhibition area where they meet other children and older people for the first time.
“They know how to carry themselves and react because we have earlier taught them things they should know if and when that happens,” Al-Ahmari said.
She added that “while we help and guide them, we also assess how they interact with young and old people alike, and what kind of books they want to read that can help them gain self-confidence.”
She added that they also determine the tendencies as well as preference of every child regarding reading which serves a larger project the team adopted.
This larger project is titled ‘Simply the Values of the Young’, in connection with the book fair, which was organized by the Ministry of Culture and Information, she said
The book fair is held under the auspices of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman.
Members of the group hold weekly meetings regarding their activities and say that they hope to have members all over the Kingdom.
Volunteers guide children at Riyadh Book Fair
Volunteers guide children at Riyadh Book Fair
General Directorate of Public Security warns citizens about fake Hajj advertisements on social media
General Directorate of Public Security warns citizens about fake Hajj advertisements on social media
- Severe penalties to be imposed for engaging in such activities
RIYADH: Citizens in Saudi Arabia were warned on Saturday by the General Directorate of Public Security to disregard fraudulent advertisements on social media.
The authorities highlighted adverts that falsely claim to facilitate various aspects of Hajj, including performing Hajj on behalf of others, securing and distributing Adahi (sacrifices), selling Hajj bracelets, and providing transportation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The directorate emphasized that severe penalties would be imposed on individuals apprehended for engaging in such activities.
It also said that the Project for Utilization of Hady and Adahi is the only official platform authorized to sell and promote Adahi bonds.
Public Security also urged citizens and residents to strictly adhere to Hajj regulations and guidelines.
It said any violations should be promptly reported by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region, or 999 in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia’s KFSH&RC chief hails hospital’s transformation in speech at Harvard
- The facility has recorded significant breakthroughs in the research of T-cell therapy, robotic surgery, organ transplantation and personalized medicine
RIYADH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center is providing leading healthcare in the region after undergoing a decades-long transformation plan, its CEO has said.
Dr. Majid Ibrahim Al-Fayyadh was speaking at Harvard University’s Gulf Creatives Conference in the US.
He highlighted the role of the hospital in providing cutting-edge care in Riyadh, reducing the need for patients in the region to make long journeys for treatment.
The hospital uses advanced methods to treat heart disease, cancer and genetic diseases for patients in the Kingdom and wider Middle East, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The conference at Harvard, organized by The Diwan, a student-run organization at the university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is being held from May 10-12.
HIGHLIGHT
At the conference, the KFSH&RC chief also took part in a panel discussion on the future of the health sector and the hospital’s transformation in patient care. Al-Fayyadh highlighted the impact of hospital innovation in the Kingdom in supporting the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Al-Fayyadh highlighted the transformation of KFSH&RC, which aligns with its strategic vision to lead healthcare innovation globally through excellence and investment in advanced technology.
“The Saudi leadership has a clear vision for KFSH&RC, which was crowned by royal order to transform it into an independent institution of a private, nonprofit nature,” he said.
The transformation includes enhancing existing services and exploring new medical trends to improve health and well-being, he added.
Al-Fayyadh highlighted the hospital’s efforts to pioneer efficiency in healthcare spending and adhere to evidence-based practices for optimal patient outcomes. By adopting initiatives that broaden access to quality treatment worldwide, the hospital continues to play a leading role in healthcare innovation, he said.
The facility has recorded significant breakthroughs in the research of T-cell therapy, robotic surgery, organ transplantation and personalized medicine. It seeks to improve its international competitiveness by investing in advanced medical facilities, developing diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, and enhancing human resources services, Al-Fayyadh added.
At the conference, the KFSH&RC chief also took part in a panel discussion on the future of the health sector and the hospital’s transformation in patient care.
Al-Fayyadh highlighted the impact of hospital innovation in the Kingdom in supporting the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
107 Saudi students graduate from hospitality management scholarship program
- Red Sea Global and University of Prince Mugrin celebrate first batch of graduates
RIYADH: Red Sea Global, the developer of “regenerative tourism destinations” The Red Sea and AMAALA, celebrated the graduation of the first batch of international hospitality management students from its scholarship program in partnership with the University of Prince Mugrin in Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The graduation ceremony took place at the King Salman International Convention Center under the patronage of Prince Mugrin bin Abdulaziz, honorary president of the university; Prince Salman bin Sultan, governor of Madinah; and Prince Faisal bin Muqrin bin Abdulaziz, chairman of the board of directors of Al-Bayan Charitable Society for Education, with students and their families in attendance.
HIGHLIGHT
A total of 107 students earned bachelor’s degrees in international hospitality management, accredited by Swiss EHL Hospitality Business School.
A total of 107 students earned bachelor’s degrees in international hospitality management, accredited by Swiss EHL Hospitality Business School. All of them were on full scholarships funded by RSG, according to the SPA report.
Ahmad Darwish, group chief administrative officer at RSG, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the graduation of the first group of students from the Red Sea Global scholarship program. This group consists of 80 male and 27 female students who have specialized in international hospitality management, with accreditation from the prestigious Swiss EHL Business Hospitality School. They will all contribute toward extending a warm welcome to the world in Saudi Arabia.”
Darwish added: “The University of Prince Mugrin is making tremendous efforts to provide world-class educational opportunities in various disciplines through innovative academic and research programs in line with the highest international standards. It is effectively contributing to the economic development of the Kingdom by preparing its graduates to face the dynamic changes in various fields of work.”
Bander bin Mohammed Hajjar, president of the University of Prince Mugrin, said: “The university is proud of its distinguished partnership with Red Sea Global, which contributes to achieving Saudi Vision 2030. Its careful planning focused on two paths: the physical construction of its destinations and preparing the people to manage and operate those destinations.
“Today, our partnership is reaping the results of that planning with the graduation of 107 students, who will now go directly to working with RSG and its partners after obtaining knowledge, skills and professional certificates in the field of international hospitality and tourism management. Their training included 1,200 hours of work experience in major hotels in the Middle East. The university looks forward to taking its partnership with RSG to broader horizons in the future in order to achieve our common goals.”
Since its inception, RSG has focused on “cultivating experts and leaders in international hospitality through a curriculum aligned with global standards in hospitality and sustainable tourism, integrating hospitality knowledge, management principles, and practical business projects,” the SPA said.
Hira Cultural District: A diverse legacy of Makkah
RIYADH: Makkah’s Hira Cultural District, with its pavilions and cultural history, is serving as a tourist hotspot and a hub for knowledge.
Nestled near Jabal Al-Noor, the project spans 67,000 sq meters and includes a visitors’ center, offering insights into the history and services of the district, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The neighborhood provides diverse cultural services and activities for all.
The district’s Revelation Exhibition outlines the story of the revelation bestowed upon prophets up to the last Prophet. Within a special pavilion, the story of the Prophet Muhammad’s revelation and his biography are presented, along with aspects related to the story of the revelation through Gabriel and the roles of Khadija. It is delivered through a technical presentation, taking viewers on an enriching audio and visual journey.
The project also includes the Holy Qur’an Museum. Through modern technology and unique collections, the museum highlights the greatness and universality of the Qur’an, emphasizing its preservation. The neighborhood also includes a cultural library and a garden for relaxation.
The district contains restaurants and cafes, as well as the Saudi Coffee Museum. Visitors can savor Saudi coffee while exploring the tools, ingredients and preparation methods used across the Kingdom in the coffee trade, the SPA reported.
The project is overseen by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites in collaboration with the Emirate of Makkah, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Tourism, the Municipality of the Holy Capital, the Guests of God Service Program and the General Authority of Endowments.
Officials from countries around the world have recently visited the district, including Indonesian First Lady Iriana, Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer, President of the Directorate of Religious Affairs of Turkiye Dr. Ali Erbas and Tunisian Minister of Religious Affairs Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Shaibi. They commended Saudi Arabia’s role in enriching the cultural and religious experiences of visitors and Umrah performers.
Saudi authorities arrest 19,710 illegals in one week
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 19,710 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
According to an official report, a total of 12,961 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,177 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 2,572 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 979 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 54 percent were Ethiopian, 43 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 46 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 12 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
