Author: RASHID HASSANID: 1561410103691482800Tue, 2019-06-25 00:01 RIYADH: The terrorist attack by Iranian-backed Houthi militants on Abha International Airport in southern Saudi Arabia brought an angry international response on Monday with world leaders and global organizations denouncing what several described as a “cowardly act.” A Syrian national was killed and 21 civilians were injured in the terror strike on Sunday at Abha airport. Earlier this month, at least 26 people were injured when a Houthi missile fired from Yemen struck the same airport, which is used by thousands of passengers daily. Strongly condemning the attack, Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation secretary-general, said: “The OIC condemns criminal acts carried out by Houthi terrorist militias against civilians, public facilities and holy sites, and holds those behind them fully responsible.” Al-Othaimeen backed the Kingdom’s efforts to halt “dangerous terrorism” and called on the UN Security Council to “confront these terrorist acts targeting civilians, and threatening the security and safety of civil aviation.” Meanwhile, Abdul Latif Al-Zayani, Gulf Cooperation Council secretary-general, described the attack as “a cowardly act of terrorism that violates international laws and endangers the lives of civilians.” US Ambassador John Abizaid strongly condemned what he called a “cowardly attack” on Abha airport. On the US mission’s official Twitter page, Abizaid said: “We condemn it in the strongest possible terms, and send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those injured or killed in this outrageous attack.” German Ambassador Jorg Ranau said: “Such a deliberate attack on a civilian target cannot be justified under any circumstances.” The International Civil Aviation Organization also condemned the “outrageous attack targeting international civil aviation passengers,” and expressed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia. Kenya’s Embassy in Riyadh said: “The continued attack on civilian facilities is the height of inhumanity and insensitivity.” FASTFACT • A Syrian national was killed and 21 civilians were injured in Sunday’s attack on Abha airport. • At least 26 people were injured in an earlier Houthi attack on the same airport. “These attacks must stop,” the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement, condemning the Houthi attack on Abha airport for the second time. Bahrain’s Cabinet condemned the targeting of civilians and expressed its support for the Kingdom “in all measures taken to safeguard its security and stability.” President of the Arab Parliament, Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Salami, said the Houthi militia’s repeated attacks on civilians amounted to crimes against humanity and a violation of international humanitarian law. The Organization of Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross also condemned the targeting of the airport. Jordanian Ambassador Sufian Al-Qudah said that any attack on Saudi Arabian security was also an attack on the security of Jordan and the entire region. The UAE strongly condemned the Houthi strike, which “flies in the face of all international laws and conventions.” The attack was “new evidence of the Iranian-backed Houthi militias’ hostile and terrorist tendencies in the region,” it said. “The security of the UAE and of the Kingdom is indivisible. Any threat or danger to Saudi Arabia’s security is considered a threat to the UAE’s security and stability.” Egypt condemned the strike in the strongest terms with the Foreign Ministry affirming its support for Saudi Arabia “in taking the necessary measures to safeguard the security and stability of the Kingdom against such desperate attempts to undermine it.” The Yemeni Foreign Ministry said that terrorist operations targeting civilians and civilian facilities constitute a flagrant violation of all international norms and laws, particularly international humanitarian law. Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry said that the attack represented “a dangerous escalation that threatens security and stability in the region as well as undermining all chances for peace.” Afghanistan called on the international community to confront the Houthis over repeated sabotage operations and the targeting of civilians, which it considers a war crime. Djibouti also decried the attack, describing it as “terrorism carried out by the coup militias.” Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: abha airport attack Houthis have smuggled various weapons from Iran: Arab coalitionOne dead, several injured in Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia’s Abha Airport

Mon, 2019-06-24 23:12 Detained in August 2018, Saudi hate preacher Nasser Al-Omar was a vigorous opponent of modern ideas in the Islamic world, and of intermingling between Muslims and non-Muslims. He issued many fatwas (religious edicts) that placed curbs on the rights of women. He is known for his continued affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood, a group designated as terrorists by many countries around the world. Al-Omar is a member of the Muslim Scholars Association, spearheaded by Qatar-based Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, one of the preachers of hate profiled by Arab News. BIO Nationality: Saudi Place of Residence: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Occupation: Cleric, member of the Muslim Scholars Association, head of the International Association of Tadabbur Al-Quran Legal Status: Detained in Saudi Arabia since August 2018 Medium: Twitter, Al-Moslim website, books and interviews Al-Omar opposed the presence of US troops in Saudi Arabia during the 1991 Gulf War that liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. Born and raised in the village of Al-Moraidasiih in the Saudi region of Qassim in 1952, he completed his schooling in Riyadh’s Methodical Institute in 1970 before pursuing a degree from the Shariah faculty at Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh in 1974. He was appointed a lecturer soon after, and pursued his high education from 1979 to 1984. “It isn’t permissible for Muslims to join the Christians in their festivals with any kind of participation, whether congratulating them, giving gifts to them, attending their celebrations, celebrating them, honoring them or any other form of participation.” Hate preacher Nasser Al-Omar He spoke in support of child marriage in an article he wrote in March 2012, titled “About the Marriage of Young Girls.” He said prohibiting girls from marrying before they reach the age of 18 could “lead to many evils because it does not appreciate the situation of girls under this age, who may feel strong passionate desires, and their parents want to protect them by marrying them off.” Al-Omar added that those against child marriage are “arrogant” and should look at the West, where pregnancies at a young age are “proven and registered, and some of them are in primary school!” He said: “It is strange that if a 12-year-old girl was divorced in Yemen, they make a lot of fuss … But if a 10-year-old child has a baby in the West … they celebrated the youngest father, and the State provided care and gear!” Dr. Hani Nasira, an author and expert on ideological movements, said Al-Omar “sometimes reverts to forgery, fabrication, or transmitting false stories and tales.” Al-Omar has dubbed women’s sports facilities “the greatest means of corruption,” forbidding them “because it leads to many evils that do not compare to the desired benefits.”  He opposed the rewriting of Saudi religious schoolbooks to remove anti-Western and anti-Jewish teachings. In 2005, a question was posted on his website after Pope John Paul II’s death, asking if it was permissible to curse him as many Muslims were mourning him. Al-Omar replied: “As for cursing him, it is permissible to curse those who have died as infidels … His service to his religion is the dissemination of infidelity, polytheism and the war against Islam.” Al-Omar prohibited Muslims from celebrating with or congratulating Christians on their holidays. “It isn’t permissible for Muslims to join the Christians in their festivals with any kind of participation, whether congratulating them, giving gifts to them, attending their celebrations, celebrating them, honoring them or any other form of participation,” he said. Opinion This section contains relevant reference points, placed in (Opinion field) While Al-Omar deemed traveling to “infidel” countries for medical treatment, advocacy, relief work and education acceptable, he wrote on his website that “if travel is for tourism, and the traveler thinks that it is likely that he will fall into sin, the journey is prohibited.” He added: “As for travel to commit sin and visit forbidden places and night clubs, it is forbidden, and this is a sinful journey.”  Al-Omar said: “I advise not to travel abroad unless it is a travel of obedience, necessity or urgent need, provided there is no danger of temptation, and that there is a determination to stay away from forbidden acts, otherwise his country is better for him (the traveler).” When asked on his website about Muslims taking a foreign nationality, he said it was “not permissible for Muslims to travel to the land of the infidels to stay there except for a necessity or a pressing need,” and “living amongst the infidels is forbidden.” He added that “it is also not permissible to obtain the nationality of the infidel countries except for those who are forced to do so.” Nasira said Al-Omar “only advocates hatred,” and his stances include opposing the liberation of Kuwait, rejecting the idea of citizenship for Shiites in Saudi Arabia, and “his ridiculous fatwas banning honeymoons, or tourism and visits to what he called ‘infidel countries’.” Al-Omar’s fatwas, published works and videos are available on his website and his personal Twitter account, which has 6 million followers.   Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Editor’s ChoicePreachers of HatePreachersOfHateNasser Al-Omarextremist Preachers of Hate: Arab News launches series to expose hate-mongers from all religionsHate preacher Al-Qaradawi gets ‘best seat in house’ at Qatar emir’s banquet

Author: spaID: 1561411022441556200Tue, 2019-06-25 00:16 RIYADH: King Salman issued a royal order on Monday promoting 38 judges at the Ministry of Justice at various ranks. The Kingdom is taking measures to revolutionize its judicial system. Recently, the ministry launched an e-notarization system to provide several services that dispense with paperwork and spare clients the need to visit notarial offices for low-risk powers of attorney. The ministry also conducted 193,229 verification operations through its various electronic channels. The Justice Ministry will participate in the 22nd diplomatic session of The Hague Conference on Private International Law. The meeting, which takes place until July 2, will discuss and approve the final version of The Hague convention on the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. A delegation from the Kingdom’s foreign affairs, justice and interior ministries will take part in the session alongside representatives of 83 states, and international organizations including the EU. The meeting will conclude a series of gatherings held over a number of years to discuss the convention’s articles. Saudi Arabia is also party to another convention aimed at enforcing foreign arbitral awards. The system for the implementation of foreign judgments in Saudi courts is one of the most important elements in stimulating trade and investment between the Kingdom and member countries of the relevant conventions and enhances the international status of the Saudi judiciary. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: King SalmanSaudi justice ministry King Salman promotes, appoints 25 judges at various levelsKing Salman promotes, appoints judges, government officials

Author: SPAID: 1561411055181558600Tue, 2019-06-25 00:17 RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, represented by the Initiatives Center at the Misk Foundation, participated in the Youth 20 Summit (Y20) in Tokyo. It adopted recommendations to be presented to G20 leaders meeting in Japan at the end of June, after agreeing on the development of three main areas including global trade, environment and business, and future work. The Youth 20 Summit (Y20) is a global youth conference bringing together young experts from the G20 to discuss global youth issues through several proposed policies for G20 leaders. The Initiative Center at Misk Foundation selected four young men and women representing civil society in the Kingdom to participate in the summit, where the sessions witnessed the consensus of all participants on the importance of developing these fields according to scientific and technical developments. The center also organized a workshop for young ambassadors from the G20 countries, which reviewed “Future of Work” research. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Youth 20 Summit (Y20)JapanG20Y20 ‘Misk Historic Jeddah’ highlights the city’s heritage‘Misk Historic Jeddah’ returns with 22 activities

Author: SPAID: 1561411099501561600Tue, 2019-06-25 00:17 RIYADH: The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), represented by the management of Hail International Airport and Nesma Airlines, celebrated the first official flight of Saudi pilot Capt. Yasmeen Al-Maimani, 29, on Sunday. Al-Maimani made her first official flight between Hail International Airport and Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Qassim, becoming the first Saudi woman to fly a commercial aircraft as a co-pilot with Nesma Airlines. She received the opportunity after the airline advertised vacant positions for co-pilots on its New Pilots Program — 11 were accepted, including Al-Maimani, who has a commercial pilot’s license (CPL) from the US. Following their acceptance into the program, the pilots underwent a four-stage training regimen at Prince Sultan Aviation Academy in Jeddah, including practice on multi-engine planes with multiple crews. Ground training using an ATR 72-600 aircraft at Nesma Airlines’ training center in Hail followed, before progressing to simulators in Jakarta and Madrid.   اربطي حزام الأمان وتمسكي بالمقود واستعدي من اليوم .. أحلامنا تتحقق بإرادتنا وطموحنا يصل عنان السماء. معاً نحتفل بأول مساعد طيار #ياسمين_الميمني، وغداً نحتفل بمرور عام على قرار السماح بإصدار رخص القيادة للنساء#نسما_للطيران #عام_على_قيادة_المرأة pic.twitter.com/MTeNqEhT09 — نسما للطيران (@NesmaAirlines) June 23, 2019 Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Yasmeen Al-MaimaniGeneral Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA)Nesma Airlines Female Saudi pilot flies highFlying high as first Saudi pilot of world’s largest aircraft

في خطوة فاجأت الجميع، أعلن الإعلامي السعودي عمر النشوان، عبر مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي،اعتزاله الإعلام نهائيا....

Mon, 2019-06-24 16:26 RIYADH: The Arab coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government said on Monday that the Houthi militia has received various types of weapons smuggled from Iran. Speaking at a weekly press conference in Riyadh, spokesperson Col. Turki Al-Maliki said the militia has suffered heavy losses and as a result they have been targeting civilians and civilian installations. Col. Al-Maliki also said that the Houthis are digging trenches and building fortifications in Hodeidah in violation of the Stockholm agreement. He said that the Iran-backed militia is trying to provoke the coalition, but “we will apply international law.” He added that the coalition has started providing financial assistance to those affected by accidents in Yemen and the coalition has already compensated 116 people affected. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Arab CoalitionHouthisYemenCol. Turki Al-MalikiIran tensions Arab coalition destroys two Houthi drones launched from SanaaUS working with Arab Coalition to prevent Iran from arming Houthis: envoy

نشرت صحيفة «نيويورك تايمز» بيانا صحافيا في صفحة القراء لصحافيي قناة «الجزيرة» وعائلاتهم. ...

انتشر عبر مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي مقطع فيديو يظهر ولي العهد السعودي محمد بن سلمان يتناول الغداء مع وزير الخارجية الأمريكي مايك بومبيو في أحد مطاعم كو...

نشر موقع إسرائيلي دعائي ما وصفه بالخبر المدوي، مشيرا إلى أن مجلة دورية متخصصة تصدرها جامعة سعودية نشرت لأول مرة مقالا لاسرائيليين مختصين في الرياضيات...

Mon, 2019-06-24 09:12 RIYADH: No sooner had the royal decree of Sept. 26, 2017 lifting the ban on women driving been issued than excitement filled Saudi Arabia. Women began to gear up for the big day when they would get behind the wheel without breaking the law. I remember waking up my two young sons on the day the decree was announced with the words: “Well, gentlemen. It looks like I’ll be getting to drive before you both.” They looked at once stunned and delighted. The royal decree took effect on June 24, 2018. It has been one year since women in Saudi Arabia were first allowed to drive, and the ranks of aspiring female drivers just keep swelling. I had been hearing horror stories about the Saudi Driving School (SDS), located in Princess Nourah University in Riyadh, so I decided to put on my journalist hat and find out the truth. What I saw was somewhat different. On May 23, I signed up for the driving placement exam, which allows women with prior driving experience to skip the mandatory 30 hours of lessons and settle for 12 or 6 hours, depending on an evaluation by a driving examiner. I had my exam scheduled a full month later, but I had heard of exceptions being made, so I asked the officer concerned to set up an earlier appointment. My request was considered: I was evaluated in two weeks’ time and advised to take 12 hours of driving lessons. Men in Saudi Arabia know from birth they will be able to drive on the Kingdom’s roads one day. Women, on the other hand, could afford to think likewise only since 2017. The goal of the SDS, according to its operations supervisor, Aseel Al-Saleh, is to “give women the confidence to overcome the fear of being on the road.” She added: “When you take the final exam, wear your seat belt, say Bismillah and drive as you would do on the streets and not as if it were an exam you have to pass. No examiner will fail you if you succeed. Our pass rate is 90 percent.” Although it opened its doors only a year ago, the SDS has already issued 40,000 driving licenses. After complaints of long waiting periods, the administrative process has been streamlined. With the staff working 12-hour shifts six days a week, help and guidance are always at hand for Riyadh’s aspiring female drivers. “Our motto is to teach them how to drive safely,” said Nora Al-Dossary, supervisor of marketing and PR at SDS. For mothers with little children, the SDS has a high-quality nursery with a playground and a toy driving track. Kids can spend time there learning about road safety and getting their own “driving license” while their mothers finish their lessons. Amira Al-Maliky, a lecturer coordinator, recounts the case of an elderly man who came to the office gates to tell her he had one daughter and a son who was in jail. If the daughter could drive, life would be different for him and his family. Al-Maliky said seeing the young woman’s learning process through to the end became a personal mission for her. “The joy we get from helping people is what keeps us going,” she said. “We are trying our best to help all female applicants gain the confidence and the skill to take to the country’s roads.” Of course some customers do have grumbles. A few applicants express frustration that they have to take lessons even after a full year of practice. Also, as Al-Dossary said, there are applicants who express surprise they have to take the full 30, or 12, hours of lessons despite having driven for a year without a license - and without “following the rules of safe and correct driving.” At the same time, “the SDS recognizes unique Saudi talents and we are proud to have them as part of our school,” she said. She was referring to two instructors who have taken part in international racing. One of them, Jawaher AlZamil, who is now an examiner, was a rally racer who competed in the VMAX race in London last March. “My dream is to see Saudi women in the highest of positions” Al-Zamil said. On June 20, I passed my theory exam. Now I am looking forward to the practical lessons, clearing the tests and joining the growing ranks of Saudi women who have a license to drive. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: SaudiWomenCanDriveSaudi women driving How Malika Favre’s Arab News cover image of a woman driving made its mark in Saudi ArabiaUAE Embassy launches clean-up drive in Islamabad's diplomatic enclave

Mon, 2019-06-24 12:03 DUBAI: More than 13,000 participants from 162 countries registered in the Quran Recitation and Adhan competitions, the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA) said in a statement. The GEA allocated $3.2 million in prizes for the largest Quran competition and the first Adhan competition, which aims to highlight the diversity of the Islamic world cultures through the different styles of recitation and Adhan, and improve the image of Islam and Muslims globally. The competition hopes to encourage the Muslim youth to recite the Quran and experience performing the Adhan. The registration opened on May 22 and will continue accepting applications until July 22. The applicants will be then shortlisted from July 22 until August 23 as the competition progresses in its second stage. The on-stage live performances will begin on August 24 and last until September 24 and winners will be announced and awarded throughout the final stage, which will run from September 25 and conclude on October 25. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: QuranAdhancompetitions Saudi Arabia launches Quran recitation and Adhan competitions for Muslims around the worldPhilippines clinches top two spots in Saudi Arabian women’s bowling competition

تداول نشطاء على موقع التواصل الاجتماعي «تويتر» مقطع فيديو قالوا إنه ابن الرئيس اليمني الفار عبد ربه منصور هادي، وقائد قوات «الحماية الرئاسية»، "العمي...

أكد الرئيس الأمريكي دونالد ترامب، أن المصالح الاقتصادية مع السعودية أهم من التركيز على محاسبتها في قضايا من قبيل مقتل الصحفي جمال خاشقجي....

العالم - الاميركتان

التقى وزير الخارجية الأميركي مايك بومبيو صباح اليوم الإثنين الملك السعودي سلمان عبد العزيز في جدة، في مسعى بلاده التنسيق مع حلفائها ضد الجمهورية الإس...

Sun, 2019-06-23 23:22 BURAIDAH: Buraidah Summer Festival presents a variety of activities dedicated to families and children. It organizes various exciting shows at a number of locations, including Al-Salim Rural Farm, Derety Resort, Al-Basar Garden Park and King Abdullah National Park. The festival creates a fun atmosphere, which provides its visitors with pleasant memories through showcasing the beauty of the region’s heritage and the food and handicrafts on offer. In addition to that, the event presents diverse entertainment shows, including a circus, a clown performance, children’s adventures and drawing competitions. Buraidah Summer Festival seeks to showcase the Kingdom as a tourist destination, support the activities on offer in its events sector, and help propel it to become one of the most rewarding industries for the national economy. Buraidah is the capital of Al-Qassim region in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula. The region is known for its agricultural value to Saudi Arabia. In Buraidah, agriculture is still the cornerstone of the economy. Buraidah is famous for its dates, and holds an annual date market that usually starts in August and lasts up to two or three months. It is the biggest date market in the world in terms of supply, and offers more than 30 varieties.   Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Culture and EntertainmentBuraidah Riyadh inaugurates first store to sell handicrafts made by Saudi artisansScholarships abroad for 330 students as part of ambitious Saudi tourism project

Sun, 2019-06-23 23:55 RIYADH: Today is the first anniversary of the female driving ban being lifted in Saudi Arabia, and many women are celebrating this day by talking about their journey, their moments of joy and what has changed since they started their engines.  Today in the streets of Riyadh or Jeddah or Dammam, you will find that many women have started to exercise their right to drive, although many feel not as many as expected.  Official numbers have yet to be released, but it is widely believed that female driving schools cannot keep up with the demand. It can take applicants several months to start their lessons at one of the schools, most of which are located within Saudi universities. Tala Abdulfattah, a 19-year-old student at Princess Noura University (PNU), managed to enrol in driving classes one month before June 24 last year, and it took her three months to get her license.  “It was extremely easy to enroll, probably because I was one of the first groups to register and start,” she explained. “I received the confirmation after two months (after) announcing they have opened their application page. I had to take 30 hours of classes since I had no knowledge of how to drive, and it was fine by me and worth the money and effort, but the downside of it was that each appointment was far from the other, starting with the classes and ending with the test.”  It appears that many applicants faced the same problem of a long wait to start their training. “The enrollment itself was very easy,” said Munerah Al-Ajlan, a standardization analyst in Riyadh public hospital. While she failed to get a confirmation message, it took her six weeks to get her license from the Saudi Driving School at Princess Nourah University. “It was the technical issues and the long waiting periods that were difficult.”  The last year has been very empowering; I could sense my independence every time I open the driver’s car door. Munerah Al-Ajlan   But she said it was worth the wait. “The last year has been very empowering; I could sense my independence every time I open the driver’s car door,” Al-Ajlan said.  Deem Al-Dekhayel, a project communication manager in Riyadh, said she found that the Saudi Driving School and traffic department were well organized once the applicants started their training.  It took her a month to get her license from the time she received the message to take the placement test. “It took longer than I expected, but once that process began, everything was professional and clear.”  Al-Dekhayel has found that having a license is a game-changer.  “Financially I feel like we are better without a personal driver. In my situation, not only I had to pay my driver his monthly salary and benefits, but also I had to provide accommodation for him which was difficult.”  A lot of female drivers expressed how amazing last year was for them and how much support they got in the streets. Al-Ajlan said: “I feel in control when I get in my car.” READ MORE: For one Saudi woman, new driving license is 'a well-deserved privilege' How Malika Favre’s Arab News cover image of a woman driving made its mark in Saudi Arabia   Munirah Nujayman, an English instructor at PNU, already had her license from abroad, so she switched it easily a month after June 24. “It took me one day to replace it with a national one,” she said. Nujayman had her reservations about driving in her home country. “Even though I have been driving for four years abroad, I was not sure about getting my license and driving here in my country. It felt weird, and I thought that I may not be safe out there. However, after a period of time riding with Uber and comparing its cost with having my own car, I decided to go for a license and break that fear. None of my fears were true. Everything is normal, and I haven’t faced any issues except for the horrible traffic jam during the rush hour.”  In any city, roads can be overwhelming for new drivers regardless of their gender. “It is not easy to drive in a big city like Riyadh, especially with the changing road detours for the Metro and during the rush hours,” Al-Dekhayel said. “Many drivers are not following the rules, which makes it difficult to expect their movement around you. Drivers usually act as if they are in a hurry and expect you to move aside for them.”  Al-Ajlan, on the other hand, has been encouraged by how helpful other drivers can be. “Other drivers usually love to help (me) parking, even when it is not needed.”  Despite the slow start, seeing female drivers on the road is certainly more common a year later, especially in major cities. Al-Ajlan said female drivers take up nearly one-third of the parking spots at her workplace. “Now every time I go out I see one or two females on the road, I still get excited and feel happy when I see a female driving,” Tala said.    Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: #SaudiWomenCanDriveSaudi women driving Women drivers to transform Saudi auto marketWomen driving in KSA: A huge milestone not a baby step

Author: Rawan RadwanID: 1561323703361888800Mon, 2019-06-24 00:00 JEDDAH: At 10:55 p.m. on June 23, 2018, I was glued to my TV set in Hungary. I was waiting for the clock to strike midnight in Saudi Arabia and for the first engines to roar with my fellow Saudi women behind the wheel. I vowed to return to my home country and grant myself a well-deserved privilege — my own Saudi driver’s license. I applied for my license in August on the Jeddah Advanced Driving School’s website as soon as I found an opening. I paid SR2,520 ($600) with the promise of a placement test at a later time. I called customer service, who explained that because of the high demand I should check every day until I found an opening. The requirements were a valid ID card, a medical report and an eye exam. Clinics and hospitals are linked with the traffic department and the school’s database, so the school received the results directly. I drove after returning to Saudi Arabia in late September, sometimes accompanied by my brother, to test the waters. Driving was allowed in areas where the police knew families practised regularly as long as they were careful. I know my city’s streets pretty well and driving wasn’t as intimidating as I thought it would be. But when I hit major roads I wanted to change my mind. It takes a while to adjust to the change from being a passenger to being the driver. But the training lowered my anxiety. I took my placement test on Jan. 7. I entered the driving school and saw women instructors, some with past experience driving abroad and others recently employed after having passed the assessments. No men were allowed — and that was a welcome gesture for many. I got behind the wheel of the car with my instructor, who didn’t look much older than 30. She smiled at me reassuringly as I eased the car toward the designated test area. I passed the placement test, even after struggling to parallel park. I was ranked intermediate, which meant I was required to complete 12 training hours.The hours were to be divided between classroom instruction and practice with an instructor. The school deducted SR1,102.5 from what I initially paid, and I will be refunded the remaining amount. It took two months from the placement test to the theory classes and another two for the final exam. The wait was because of the volume of students applying. On May 14, I returned to the school one last time. I passed with a score of 87 percent. I have noticed that drivers around me barely register that I’m a woman. I get looks sometimes, but they come with smiles and the occasional thumbs-up. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: #SaudiWomenCanDriveSaudi women driving Careem signs up nearly 1,000 Saudi women driversSaudi women drivers to receive 24/7 roadside assistance from Chevrolet

Author: Aseel Bashraheel/Hala TashkandiID: 1561324181801919100Mon, 2019-06-24 00:08 JEDDAH/RIYADH: An image by French artist Malika Favre, marking the day that women were allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia for the first time, has been formally recognised with a slew of awards after it became something of a cultural sensation. The picture, commissioned to cover the special “Start Your Engines” edition of Arab News in June last year, took off as a popular symbol of that historic moment. It was downloaded as mobile wallpapers, replicated on hats, painted on a wall mural in Riyadh and, to celebrate its one-year anniversary, Arab News is giving away bumper stickers with it in today’s print edition. It wasn’t just the masses that embraced the image. It went on to become the success story of the newspaper awards season, clinching seven design gongs, including the Society for News Design’s Award of Excellence for cover story illustration. “For Arab News to be recognized on a global scale with so many awards is a great honor,” said Simon Khalil, global creative director at Arab News. “This highlights just how important this moment in history was for women across the Kingdom. We hope Malika’s work and our cover will empower women across the whole region.” Favre, whose mother is Algerian, is an illustrator for The New Yorker, New York Times, Vanity Fair and Penguin Books. She’s known for her minimal style, with designs that are easily linked back to her through her use of vibrant colors and positive/negative spacing. “As a champion of women for years through her unique creative style, Malika Favre was the obvious choice for our cover, and her illustration brilliantly captures the significance of this moment on the day Saudi Arabia changed forever,” said Khalil. Favre’s illustration is of a Saudi woman in her headscarf, with her hands on a steering wheel reflected in her sunglasses (in the animated online version, her hands and the wheel move). “A story within a story,” the artist described it. The artwork has resonated with a lot of people, to the extent that even those who were not Arab News readers at the time shared it and downloaded it in droves. Favre thinks that’s because it is about “empowering women and looking forward to the changes to come.” Favre is a firm believer in celebrating even the smallest milestones in life. “The cover holds a very positive message, and I think this is what resonated with people out there, and especially the women of Saudi Arabia,” she said from her base in London. Favre was not expecting Saudi Arabia’s reaction to the cover. “It is always an amazing feeling when an illustration starts having a life of its own.” One Saudi female artist was especially moved by the cover. For a Panorama Mall contest in which she participated, Noha Al-Johar recreated Favre’s design as mural on the wall of the mall’s parking lot. Al-Johar told Arab News that she went into the competition blindly, but then saw Favre’s illustration and knew what she had to do. For three days she replicated the design faithfully, right down to the street details in the oversized sunglasses. When Favre came across a photo of the homage painted by Al-Johar, she shared it on her social media accounts. Al-Johar was very humbled by the attention. “I want to thank her,” she said. “She’s the definition of a visionary.” Favre expressed delight at how her illustration has been received. “As an artist, getting awarded for a piece is very fulfilling,” she said. “This cover was very important for me on a personal level as a woman, and I was really happy to see the image being shared, emulated and celebrated by other artists.” From the archives: More about artist Malika Favre and her Arab News cover illustration Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: #SaudiWomenCanDriveSaudi women driving Women drivers to transform Saudi auto market‘Because I can’: ride-hailing app welcomes Saudi women drivers

Mon, 2019-06-24 05:06 Sept. 26, 2017: A royal decree orders the lifting of a ban on women driving in the Kingdom. Jan. 11, 2018: The first car showroom for women only opens in a Jeddah shopping mall. June 4,2018: The first driving licenses are issued to 10 Saudi women in the Kingdom, who exchange their foreign licenses for Saudi ones ahead of the historic day. June 8, 2018: Laura Alho, otherwise known as Blue Abaya, is the first European woman to get a Saudi driver’s license. June 24, 2018: The first day women are allowed to drive on the Kingdom’s roads. Many female drivers, including Shoura Council member Leena Almaeena, hit the roads after midnight. Traffic police hand out flowers to female motorists in the morning. June 24, 2018: Aseel Al-Hamad becomes the first Saudi woman to drive an F1 car in a symbolic lap around the French Grand Prix circuit in Le Castellet. June 27, 2018: Saramma Thomas, a nurse, becomes the first Indian woman to get a Saudi driving license. April 6-7, 2019: Saudi racing car driver Reema Juffali makers her Formula 4 British Championship debut at Brands Hatch in the UK. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi women driving What has changed since Saudi women started driving?For one Saudi woman, new driving license is ‘a well-deserved privilege’

Author: AFPID: 1561293607209571900Sun, 2019-06-23 12:34 RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday launched a new special residency scheme aimed at boosting investment and non-oil revenues. It was approved by the Saudi cabinet last month, but the portal began accepting applications on Sunday. The scheme offers a permanent residency for SAR800,000 riyals ($213,000) and a one-year but renewable residency costing 100,000 riyals, according to the online portal for registrations. The scheme will allow expats to do business without a Saudi sponsor, buy property and sponsor visas for relatives, the website said. ------- READ MORE Saudi cabinet approves new expatriate residency scheme No sponsor? No problem: Saudi Shoura Council approves new ‘green card’ residency ------- Analysts say the program will largely benefit wealthy individuals who have lived in Saudi Arabia for years without permanent residency or multinational companies seeking to do long-term business in the Kingdom. The move is aimed at boosting non-oil revenue as the Kingdom seeks to diversify its economy as part of its Vision 2030 plan. Saudi Arabia is currently home to some 10 million overseas workers. Expat workers are typically sponsored by a Saudi employer and are required to get visas to exit and enter the Kingdom. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi ArabiaResidency visaVisa schemeSaudi cabinet Saudi cabinet approves new expatriate residency schemeNo sponsor? No problem: Saudi Shoura Council approves new ‘green card’ residency

رأى الرئيس الأميركي، أنه لا يوجد داع لفتح تحقيق جديد في قضية مقتل جمال خاشقجي، مشيرا إلى أن واشنطن تحتاج إلى الأموال السعودية....

كشفت لجنة الطاقة النيابية العراقية، اليوم الأحد، عن وجود لمسات سعودية إسرائيلية وراء استهداف شركة نفطية أميركية بالبصرة، عازية الأمر إلى تصعيد فتيل ا...

هاجم سلاح الجو اليمني بشكل واسع مطاري جيزان وابها السعوديين بطائرات قاصف 2k المسيرة....

فاجأ الإعلامي بقناة الجزيرة القطرية جمال ريان متابعيه بإعلان تضامنه مع ولي العهد السعودي محمد بن سلمان، ضد «الابتزاز الأمريكي»، رغم انتقاداته له وللم...

أعلنت السعودية اليوم الأحد عن بدء استقبال طلبات الراغبين بالحصول على الإقامة المميزة في المملكة....

العالم - لبنان

أعلنت الخطوط الجوية السعودية، أنها قررت تفادي التحليق عبر أجواء مضيق هرمز وبحر عمان في إجراء احترازي بعد احتدام التوتر بين طهران وواشنطن في منطقة الخ...

مصادر يمنية خاصة تقول إن السعودية دفعت بتعزيزات عسكرية إلى محافظة سقطرى «الجزيرة اليمنية الواقعة في المحيط الهندي قبالة سواحل اليمن الجنوبية»....

Author: SPAID: 1561237683314546100Sun, 2019-06-23 00:07 JEDDAH: Jeddah Season festival organizers have put together a fun-packed program of events and initiatives for children. Designed to help youngsters make some great memories, the entertainment includes cartoons, water park events, educational shows during which they can unleash their imagination by taking part in games, and live shows featuring many beloved characters. The focus is on adventure, fun and suspense, with plenty of opportunities for children to take on exciting challenges and develop skills such as drawing. Jeddah Season is part of the Saudi Seasons initiative. It aims to highlight the development opportunities in the Kingdom, shed light on the city’s status as the country’s tourism capital, support the events sector as one of the most important industries for the national economy, strengthen the state’s efforts in empowering young Saudis, provide work opportunities for local emerging and medium-sized companies, and attract international companies to the Saudi market. Jeddah Season is in line with the Vision 2030 reform plan, which aims to advance the welfare of Saudi society, diversify local development opportunities, improve the Kingdom’s contribution to arts and culture, and create job opportunities for Saudi youths. BACKGROUND The focus is on adventure, fun and suspense, with plenty of opportunities for children to take on exciting challenges and develop skills such as drawing. More than 150 events are taking place at a number of locations in the city, including King Abdullah Sports City, Al-Hamra Corniche, the Jeddah Waterfront, Obhur and Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Jeddah event is one of 11 tourism seasons this year covering all regions of the Kingdom, including: The Eastern Province (Sharqiah) Season, Ramadan Season, Eid Al-Fitr Season, Taif Season, Eid Al-Adha Season, National Day Season, Riyadh Season, Diriyah Season, Al-Ula Season and Hail Season. Main category: Saudi ArabiaArt & CultureTags: JEDDAH SEASONVision 2030Culture and Entertainment MusicHall captivates Jeddah Season visitorsJeddah Season attracts 13 international restaurants, 157 food and beverage projects

Author: spaID: 1561239695014724700Sun, 2019-06-23 00:40 RIYADH: The King Abdul Aziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) has published highlights of Jeddah’s heritage since the pre-Islamic era and the use of the city as a port for Makkah by Caliph Uthman ibn Affan in 647. Darah documented the era’s buildings, neighborhoods, balconies and windows, found in the architecture of the “Historical Jeddah” area, on its Twitter account. Those characteristics are still being appreciated, making Jeddah an open museum that was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list in 2014. While documenting the establishment and unification of the Kingdom, Darah mentioned the arrival of King Abdul Aziz to Jeddah in 1925, where he stayed in the house of Nassif and used a council room and a prayer room next to Al-Hanafi Mosque. The city became a large one and became the gate of the two holy mosques and the Kingdom’s first port. Darah highlighted the area’s important heritage and historical sites and buildings such as historical mosques of unique architectural style, in addition to the city’s markets. Jeddah’s wall was built by Hussein Al-Kurdi, one of the Mamluk princes, during his campaign to fortify the Red Sea against attacks by the Portuguese. He equipped the wall with fortresses, towers and cannons to stop invading ships and dug a trench around the wall. Darah noted that the wall, which was built with the help of Jeddah’s residents, had two doors, one from the side of Makkah and the other from the side of the Red Sea. It also had six towers each with 16 branches. Six doors were built — Bab Makkah, Bab Madinah, Bab Sharif, Bab Jadid, Bab Al-Bant and Bab Al-Magharibah — before Bab of Al-Siba was added at the beginning of this century. The wall was torn down because it merged with the urban area in 1947. The city was divided into several neighborhoods inside the perimeter of the wall called “Hara.” These were named according to their geographical location inside the city by the events that made them famous: Harat Al-Mazloum, Al-Sham, Al-Yaman, Al-Bahr and Al-Karantina. The city’s residents built their houses from rocks they extracted from the 40th lake before modifying them by hand to fit according to their sizes next to the wood they brought from neighboring areas such as the Valley of Fatima or imported from other countries, mainly India. They used the contents from the Sea of Mud to strengthen the structure. These houses look a lot like modern cement buildings. Some of the famous buildings still found today are the houses of Al-Nassif, of Al-Jamjoum, Al-Baesh, Al-Kabel, Al-Banaja, Al-Azahed and Al-Sharbatli. Darah also documented the most famous mosques in Jeddah’s historical area such as Al-Shafei Mosque, Uthman ibn Affan Mosque, Al-Basha Mosque, Akkash Mosque, Al-Memar Mosque, Al-Rahma Mosque, King Saud Mosque, Al-Jaffali Moque and Hassan Anani Mosque. The old neighborhoods still carry a touch of the past and are surrounded by old handicraft and traditional shops. Significant public markets in the historical area include Al-Alawi Market, Kabel Market and Al-Nada Market. Some of the most important specialized markets in Jeddah’s historical area are the fish market, also known as Al-Banqala, the vegetable and butcher’s market in Al-Nawariyyah at the end of Kabel Street, the large fabric market, Al-Khaskiyah, located behind Sheikh Mohammed Nassif’s house, Al-Nada Market, Al-Jami, named after Al-Shafei Mosque, Al-Hababa Market located in Bab Makkah, Al-Hiraj auction Market in Bab Sharif, Al-Badou (Bedouin) market in Bab Makkah, Al-Aser in Bab Sharif, Al-Baraghiyah, where donkey, mule and horse saddles were made, and Al-Sabhiyah in Al-Khaskiyah where prayer beads were made. Jeddah was also known for its “Khanat” (“Al-Kaysariyah”) — markets made up of a number of small shops. Some of the most important “Khanat” of Jeddah’s historical area are Khan Al-Hunud, Khan Al-Kasaba, where fabrics were sold, Khan Al-Dallalin and Khan Al-Attarin. Jeddah’s traditions and its people still unite loved ones — residents decorate their houses with lights while others chant to welcome visitors. These traditions represent Jeddah’s beauty on religious occasions such as the holy month of Ramadan, especially in the central historical area. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTravelTags: JeddahUNESCO Jeddah Season attracts 13 international restaurants, 157 food and beverage projectsJeddah Season provides seasonal employment for young Saudis

Author: SPAID: 1561237595994539300Sun, 2019-06-23 00:06 RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) is launching sustainable development initiatives in Yemen as part of “You Are Not Alone” project aimed at protecting orphans’ families in Yemen. One such project is aimed at improving mothers’ livelihoods and the resilience of communities via vocational training and economic empowerment. It covers the governorates of Sanaa, Taiz, Al-Jouf, Al-Bayda and Marib. Another project is aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening resilience in the governorates of Hadramout, Shabwa, Aden, Lahj and Al-Jouf, benefiting 3,750 individuals directly and 18,750 indirectly. KSRelief is also offering professional training courses in administration and finance, as well as vocational courses for women. Certificates are issued and tools procured for each beneficiary according to their specialization. The Kingdom’s foreign aid efforts have always been on the rise until they hit a record in the last few years, with the volume of Saudi aid, provided impartially to 81 countries, exceeding $86 billion between 1996 and 2018. King Salman issued his directives on May 13, 2015 to establish the KSRelief to provide various humanitarian and relief programs. Since its inception, KSRelief has implemented 1,011 projects in 44 countries worth $3,439,139,000. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief)YemenTaiz Azerbaijani envoy highlights KSRelief effortsKSRelief takes part in Warsaw Humanitarian Exhibition

Author: SPAID: 1561237564684534800Sun, 2019-06-23 00:05 RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) said that the decision by the UN’s World Food Programme, announced on Thursday, to suspend deliveries of aid to Sanaa was not surprising, given the thefts, looting and destruction of supplies by Houthi militias. KSRelief said: “The center and its officials have demanded, through meetings with UN officials and press statements, an end to the inhumane behavior of the terrorist Houthi militias against the humanitarian aid organizations’ workers, including obstructing their work and looting aid and damaging or selling it.” The organization also highlighted flagrant violations of international humanitarian law by the Houthis, including the recruitment of children, use of human shields, the laying of more than a million mines, attacks on schools, and interfering with the distribution of food in areas under their control. The center has consistently urged the UN and its agencies in Yemen to address the practices of the Iranian-backed militias, which is only harming the Yemeni people. Meanwhile, Yemeni Minister of Public Health and Population Nasser Baoum praised KSRelief for providing funding to set up an oxygen station at Al-Jouf Hospital with a capacity of 50 cylinders. It is the twelfth such station funded by KS Relief throughout Yemen.  Baoum said KSRelief is a key, effective partner that is supporting Yemen in all sectors, and health in particular, as the organization is the largest funder of health and medical needs in the country. He added that the work of KSRelief is greatly contributing to improving the health sector in Al-Jouf governorate, and that the provision of oxygen stations is considered one of the important projects funded and implemented by the organization in Yemen. Al-Jouf Gov. Abdullah Al-Hashidi also thanked KSRelief for this “giant” project, saying that the hospital had been desperate need of proper oxygen facilities. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief)Yemen KSRelief conducts 15 projects in 13 countries during RamadanKSRelief gifts dates to Indonesia and Pakistan

Author: spaID: 1561237531194533900Sun, 2019-06-23 00:05 BEIRUT: The president of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Tripoli, Tawfiq Daboussi, thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their assistance and friendship to Lebanon. His comments came as he welcomed a delegation from the Saudi Shoura Council, led by Saleh Al-Khalewi. They were joined by Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Walid bin Abdullah Bukhari, and Mayor of Tripoli Ahmad Qamaruddin. The group toured the ancient citadel of Tripoli, during which they heard a detailed explanation of its historic military importance and the key present-day role it plays in tourism. Daboussi also gave a presentation discussing “the importance of the investment project represented by the integrated economic city in its Lebanese, Arab, regional and international dimensions.” Al-Khalewi said: “Lebanon is a brotherly country and Tripoli is a city that has its own specificity. “We hope that this city will enjoy security and stability. We also hope that its good people will get past the recent troubles it faced. Their speedy recovery is a great sign of their nature. “We see in the investment project ... an ambitious plan based on attracting large investments that encourage Arabs and other countries. There is no better place than the great Tripoli, with its distinctive and unique environment.” SPA Beirut Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: SAUDI SHOURA Saudi Shoura Council delegation to visit JordanNo sponsor? No problem: Saudi Shoura Council approves new ‘green card’ residency