RIYADH: Around 15,000 jobs were offered by 50 employers to young Saudis at the Saudi Job Creation Forum in its first edition and the accompanying job exhibition, organized by the Saudi Management Association (SMA) on Tuesday.
The forum was inaugurated by Labor Minister Mufrej Al-Haqabani on behalf of Prince Saud bin Salman, the honorary president of the SMA.
Addressing the opening ceremony, the minister thanked the SMA for organizing the forum that promotes job creation for Saudi youths to get into rewarding jobs.
The chairman of the SMA, Dr. Nasir Al-Twaim, also addressed the forum, thanking both Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, second deputy premier and defense minister, and Prince Saud bin Salman for their generous support.
He also extended his thanks to other members of the SMA for their generous support of money and time to promote the association. He in particular valued two honorary members of the SMA for their generous contributions to the forum. One was Sheikh Yousuf Al-Ahmadi, a businessman who pledged a 5,000sq.m piece of land in Makkah as an endowment to set up a training and recruitment center for Saudi youths to be run by SMA, in addition to SR1 million to meet the expenses of running the SMA headquarters. The other was Sheikh Abdulrahman Al- Ghammas who also pledged as an endowment a 5,000sq.m piece of land in Madinah to set up another training and recruitment center for young Saudis run by SMA.
A tour by Arab News showed how enthusiastic Saudi youths were in searching for jobs, especially young women who were seen representing almost 50 percent of those who thronged to the exhibition in search of jobs during the two days of the exhibition.
Displayed jobs were by government and private sector employers. They included hospital, IT developers, banks, training providers, consultancy firms, real-estate agencies, marketing companies, and factories.
Speaking to Arab News, Dr. Al-Twaim, who is also professor of management ethics at King Saud University in Riyadh, mentioned that it “was a duty for us to organize this forum which is the first of its kind.”
“Apart from being a duty, this forum comes in line with the government’s move to effectively act to create jobs, especially in light of having almost 11.7 percent unemployment among our work force, mostly of young people,” he said.
“So, we have organized this exhibition on the sidelines of the forum to contribute in fighting unemployment … here we brought around 50 job providers under one roof so job seekers can meet them directly and to know each other face-to-face, and it also eliminates the hassle of commuting for these job seekers,” he added.
“Also, we hope that it will give some insight to Job Creation Commission, which was newly approved by the Cabinet, to generate more jobs for Saudis in this era of transformation led by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, and commissioned by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in which bringing jobs to young Saudi is a top priority,” he further said.
15,000 jobs offered at 1st Saudi Job Creation Forum
15,000 jobs offered at 1st Saudi Job Creation Forum
Beast House sets off on a unique music mission in Saudi Arabia
- Ramadan Alharatani, CEO of MDLBEAST, told Arab News exclusively: “We see Beast House becoming a cornerstone of Riyadh’s music scene”
- The multitiered members-only space provides an immersive experience for music producers, industry experts, creatives, and enthusiasts to connect and learn through its facilities
RIYADH: Only a few months after its recent launch, Beast House has become one of the Saudi music scene’s biggest assets, using MDLBEAST’s comprehensive strategy to enrich the Saudi music industry with solid infrastructure.
Driven by a vision to provide fertile ground in which to cultivate the region’s music culture, Beast House marks MDLBEAST’s debut investment in the music facilities sector in Saudi Arabia with an innovative tripod model that combines music, architecture, and technology to achieve its unique mission in the country.
Ramadan Alharatani, CEO of MDLBEAST, told Arab News exclusively: “We see Beast House becoming a cornerstone of Riyadh’s music scene, a place where creativity is nurtured and talents from the local and international scenes can grow. Our vision is to revolutionize the way music is experienced in the region by fostering connections in the creative community through the power of music.”
The multitiered members-only space provides an immersive experience for music producers, industry experts, creatives, and enthusiasts to connect and learn through its facilities, which provide live music events, workshops, studio spaces, and shared dining spaces.
“Beast House creates a platform for local artists to both showcase and hone their talents. In this space, members can collaborate with other artists through our diverse programming designed to elevate the experience of artists. It’s a welcoming space for anyone still finding their creative path,” Alharatani said.
The studio has two music production rooms with recording booths, a mix room with a Solid State Logic Origin mixing console, and a Neve recording room with a contemporary feel.
Alharatani said: “Beast House studio caters to artists of all levels, with a blend of traditional analog and modern digital equipment. We offer hands-on experience covering the entire production process, from recording to mixing and mastering.
“Our backline includes Fender guitars, Yamaha drums, and world-class microphones like Neumann, Royer, and AKG, alongside high-end outboard gear such as Neve, Bricasti, and UA 1176 compressors. We also provide a comprehensive selection of synths and drum machines from renowned brands like Roland, Moog, and Sequential, along with top-tier software and plugins including Pro Tools, Ableton, and Waves, offering artists endless sonic possibilities.”
The CEO said that these spaces are crucial for a developing music scene and nurturing the industry, and that Beast House is all about engaging the senses in a welcoming environment through its design, curated playlists, refreshments, and dynamic live shows.
He said: “By offering insight into songwriting, production, and the music business, we’re enabling the growth of local talent and opportunities. This fosters job creation, draws in tourism, and stimulates local businesses, which are key components in building a robust music infrastructure.”
But building more venues in the Kingdom is only a part of the MDLBEAST plan.
“Our strategy is built on three pillars — music and artists, live events, and venues — and through these three pillars, we can create a vivid music scene and opportunities for local and global artists to constantly engage with their audience,” Alharatani said. “All this leads to two main goals: support the innovative economy and entertainment tourism in the Kingdom, and guarantee the sustainability of our events.”
Alharatani believes that because this is the first private members’ club of this nature in Saudi Arabia, which may be foreign to some in the region, awareness will be key in getting the public to commit to memberships.
He said: “We’ve been spreading the word, giving people the lowdown on what members’ clubs are really all about. We’ve rolled out a few sneak-peek events to hook them on the experience, and we’re connecting with creative trailblazers to grow the right community. Here, membership is more than a pass — it’s the gateway to a hub where creativity grows and thrives.”
By combining technology, architecture, and music under one roof, Beast House studio’s specialized professional team hopes to use its technical excellence to elevate regional music to new levels.
The recording studio is expecting to become a destination for musicians who want to create memorable music that transcends boundaries and leaves a lasting impact on listeners, Alharatani said.
Housing minister meets with Chinese officials to boost Sino-Saudi cooperation, achieve Vision 2030 targets
- Al-Hogail’s visit also explored the possibility of attracting Chinese companies to the Saudi market
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s housing minister has returned from a trip to Beijing where he met with Chinese sector officials to “solidify the partnership between the two nations in construction and real estate development,” the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
Majed Al-Hogail held a meeting with China’s Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Ni Hong and Fang Qiuchen, the president of the China International Contractors Association.
Their discussions focused on developing joint housing policies and programs, exchanging expertise in city planning and sustainable urban development, and exploring investments in construction technology, SPA added.
Al-Hogail’s visit also explored the possibility of attracting Chinese companies specializing in building, construction, maintenance, and cleaning services to the Saudi Arabian market.
During his trip, Al-Hogail signed agreements and memoranda of understanding with major Chinese construction companies.
The Kingdom’s partnership with China to develop its housing sector is part of Saudi Vision 2030’s target of increasing home ownership in Saudi Arabia to 70 percent by improving housing affordability by the end of the decade.
Juniper tree stands tall as a symbol of Al-Baha’s beauty
- Nourished by recent heavy rains in the region, these majestic trees have flourished, forming expansive forests
- The coniferous trees and shrubs can also been found in forested areas of Baljurashi, Beni Hassan, and Al-Mandaq governorates
RIYADH: For centuries, the juniper tree has proudly stood as a symbol of picturesque beauty in Al-Baha region, adorning its slopes and mountain peaks with vibrant green hues.
Nourished by recent heavy rains in the region, these majestic trees have flourished, forming expansive forests that eagerly await the arrival of summer, and the embrace of nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility and solace.
Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Qudwa, a representative of the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification in the Al-Baha region, told the Saudi Press Agency that juniper trees make up 30 percent of wild plants in Al-Baha.
The coniferous trees and shrubs can also been found in forested areas of Baljurashi, Beni Hassan, and Al-Mandaq governorates.
Al-Qudwa said that the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, through its forest department in the region, is dedicated to year-round efforts aimed at preserving forests, with a particular emphasis on safeguarding the juniper, Al-Atm, and talh populations.
These endeavors align closely with the strategic objectives outlined in the national action plan for forests in the Kingdom, a crucial component of Saudi Vision 2030.
Al-Qudwa said that security and protection patrols stationed at forest sites throughout the region swiftly intervene to address violations such as unauthorized tree felling or logging.
Patrols can impose penalties in accordance with legal provisions and regulations, ensuring accountability through investigations carried out by inspectors and observers.
Heavy rainfall this year has been beneficial for juniper trees, which have responded with alluring fragrance, interwoven branches, and evergreen foliage.
Junipers are a central feature of the natural forests in the Al-Baha region. Their verdant presence not only enhances the allure of the landscape, but also serves as vital vegetation, safeguarding waterfalls, regulating rainwater runoff, and protecting against erosion.
The majestic trees are also a major attraction for tourists.
More than 30 forests in the Al-Baha region welcomed visitors earlier than usual this year, coinciding with a surge in weekend visitors from within and outside the Kingdom.
Authorities in the region are working tirelessly to prepare the forests, which are complemented by numerous parks, gardens, and traditional villages, for the large number of visitors.
This effort aims to uphold the region’s tourist status by also offering a wide range of activities and services.
Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region carries out municipal inspections
- Through its campaign, the Eastern Region Municipality aims to improve building compliance to elevate the region’s urban landscape
DAMMAM: The Eastern Region Municipality conducted 688 inspection tours of municipal facilities in eastern Dammam during the first quarter of the year. The inspections aimed to improve quality of life, rectify visual discrepancies and increase the issuance of compliance certificates for residential and commercial buildings along main roads. The campaign also aims to promote real estate development in the region.
The inspections led to the issuance of 213 notices to establishments and the removal of graffiti from 19 sites, 221 concrete barriers and 111 signboards.
During the last quarter of 2023, the Commercial Licensing and Health Control Department of the municipality carried out 1,614 services, including the issuance of 388 new commercial licenses, the renewal of 927 existing licenses, and the updating of 77 licenses. Additionally, 117 licenses underwent amendments, while ownership changes were made to 105 commercial licenses. The department conducted 1,726 monitoring rounds within the same period.
Through its campaign, the Eastern Region Municipality aims to improve building compliance to elevate the region’s urban landscape.
Saudi Public Security to issue Makkah entry permit instructions on Saturday ahead of Hajj season
- General Directorate of Passports also said it had begun to issue electronic entry permits for workers in Makkah
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Public Security said on Friday that it would issue instructions for residents wishing to obtain permission to enter Makkah ahead of Hajj season on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It also said any Saudi residents wishing to obtain a permit must do so from the relevant authorities and that those who fail to get the necessary permits will be prevented from entering the holy city.
Also on Friday, in an attempt to streamline entry procedures for residents during the Hajj season, the General Directorate of Passports said it had begun to issue electronic entry permits for workers in Makkah.
The digital service, facilitated through the Ministry of Interior’s online platform Absher and the Muqeem portal, will remove the need for in-person visits to passport offices and will allow those seeking entry permits to submit documents online.
