كشفت مصادر أميركية مسؤولة أن إدارة الرئيس دونالد ترامب تدرس تقديم ما وصفته بـ”مكافأة إجبارية” للسعودية من أجل إقناعها بإرسال قوات عربية إلى سوريا تحل...

سخر عضو مجلس الشيوخ الأميركي بيرني ساندرز، من ولي العهد السعودي محمد بن سلمان، في تعليقه على زيارة الأخير لواشنطن....

قالت صحيفة «الغارديان»، البريطانية، إن السعودية، تدرس خوض القتال في سوريا، لكن بقوات سودانية....

أعلنت وزارة الداخلية السعودية مقتل اربعة من رجال الأمن بإطلاق مجهولين النار على نقطة تفتيش أمنية في منطقة عسير....

Author: Arab NewsThu, 2018-04-19 19:08ID: 1524154607802155300 Riyadh: With the return of cinema to Saudi Arabia just one day away, AMC Cinemas has announced a partnership with Noon.com to sell tickets online for initial screenings of “Black Panther,” the Marvel Studios production of the immensely popular comic book that heralds the return of movie theaters to the Kingdom on April 20. The Kingdom-wide excitement accompanying the arrival of Black Panther in the first commercial cinema to open its doors here in 35 years is expected to generate hordes of would-be moviegoers for what will be the only cinema screen in all of Saudi Arabia as the cinema ramps up to full operations. The partnership with Noon.com is designed to give people the chance, every day, to buy such a limited amount of tickets. Movie lovers can now go to www.noon.com, where they can click on a banner ad that will take them to the micro site for ticket sales and information. On the micro site landing page, a digital clock will count down to the start time for ticket sales for the next showing of Black Panther. As soon as the start time arrives, customers can click on “Book Now” to begin their ticket purchase with Noon. As soon as the show is sold out, the timer will reappear on screen along with a message indicating that there are no more tickets available and when sales will start for the next showing. Initial screenings of Black Panther are reserved for families only and are not open to single males. Future showings will be made available for single men. Although ticket sales are currently limited to next-day showings, customers will be able to choose their cinema experience, type of seat and the number of tickets they want to buy. There will be an initial limit of six tickets per customer. Black Panther will screen nightly at 8:30pm with tickets priced at SAR75, which includes a 25 percent entertainment tax levied by GCAM and 5 percent VAT. Tickets for Friday night’s premiere event go on sale at 12:00am Friday, April 20 for the 8:30pm show on the same day. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: AMC CinemasNoon.com“Black Panther” Black Panther the ideal choice for Saudi cinema debut, says film critic Disney’s ‘Black Panther’ reaches $1 billion globally

Thu, 2018-04-19 22:55 RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry said that four police officers were martyred during an attack on a police check point in Asir province, in the southwest of the Kingdom. The police reported that four more officers were injured in the clashes that followed the attack. The ministry added that police units chased the attackers, and captured 2 of them and a third was killed in the fire exchange that followed. The ministry also announced that all those involved in the attack are Saudi Arabian nationals.  Developing  Main category: Saudi Arabia

Thu, 2018-04-19 23:10 RIYADH: Saudi films have won awards at an international film festival organized by the Netherlands to coincide with the return of cinema to the Kingdom. The first Golden Falcon Film Festival awards drew Saudi actors, filmmakers and cinema-lovers to the Netherlands embassy in Riyadh on Wednesday. More than 30 shortlisted Saudi films were shown at the maiden festival on Tuesday and Wednesday. Nine films were nominated, with three each in the best film, best script and best director categories. Overall winners were chosen by an international jury headed by Dutch filmmaker Hans Treffers. Best movie award went to “Mazban.” The other two films nominated in the category were “Tongue” and “Building 20.” “The Poetess,” “Matour” and “Atoor” were nominated in the best director category with “Atoor” bagging the award. “Departures,” “Atoor” and “The Remaining” were nominated in the best script category with “Departures” winning the award. Besides the Golden Falcon trophy, the winners will travel to the Netherlands to study filmmaking techniques. Joost Reintjes, the Netherlands ambassador in Riyadh, told Arab News: “We are proud to organize the first Golden Falcon Film Festival here to promote filmmaking in the Kingdom and provide a platform for young Saudi filmmakers to show what they have to offer.” Film screenings — banned in Saudi Arabia in the 1980s following religious changes in the Kingdom — have been revived as part of wide-ranging social and economic reforms encouraged by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.  The return of cinema was heralded with a film screening on Wednesday at a newly built theater at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh.  Commenting on the lifting of the 35-year ban, Reintjes told Arab News: “That’s Vision 2030 — it is good sign to diversify and develop. “Although the cinemas in the Kingdom have only been restarted now, Saudi filmmaking has already made a name for itself on the world stage. “The Saudi film industry will grow very fast. The level of talent is high,” he said. Mohammed Al-Qass, lead actor from “Departure,” said: “We have been working for this day for years.  “Saudis with a thirst for cinema were traveling outside the country — now they can enjoy and share the experience in their homeland.”  Mohammed Khawajah, a Saudi filmmaker and adviser for the film festival, told Arab News: “The idea for this festival came last year when the lifting of the cinema ban was being discussed. “The Netherlands embassy had this idea about nine months ago; we sat together and planned the whole festival, which was carried out successfully, with hundreds of people enjoying Saudi films. “We will improve with our next festival, which will have more fun and entertainment,” he said. Main category: LifestyleSaudi ArabiaTags: cinemaVision2030Saudi entertainmentGolden Falcon Film Festival Black Panther the ideal choice for Saudi cinema debut, says film critic Soft opening for Saudi cinemas, then curtain up in MaySaudi cinema’s rising stars in the frameAMC Cinemas and Noon team-up to sell tickets for historic ‘Black Panther’ showing

Thu, 2018-04-19 03:50 Thrill seekers and fitness gurus all over the Kingdom will be pleased to know that their choices for weekend activities have increased.  Several tour operators in Riyadh have started offering trips to the area known as the Edge of the World, making the location more accessible than ever. With the country’s obesity rates on the rise and many citizens growing more concerned about their physical health and stress levels, people are seeking ways to maintain their fitness without having to restrict themselves to the monotony of a gym routine. One such solution that has steadily increased in popularity over the past year is hiking, which many have embraced as being much more exciting and fulfilling than spending hours on the treadmill. And most popular of all for hiking and other fitness activities in a natural setting is the magnificent landmark of Jabal Fihrayn, more commonly known as the Edge of the World. Described as a “window framed by rock,” the Edge of the World offers stunning views of the valley below, a lush grove of acacia trees teeming with wildlife and vegetation. The spot is well-known for being a favorite of visiting picnickers. Hikers can choose from several trails of varying levels of difficulty, making their way to the top of the Tuwaiq escarpment to take in the magnificent views at the top of the trail, where the colossal cliff faces drop off to reveal the dizzying height from the valley below. In addition to the rich wildlife unique to the location, you can also find samples of fossilized coral and raw mineral deposits in certain areas of the valley. The cliffs in the areas were formed as a result of the tectonic movement of the Arabian plate toward the northeast because of the spread of the Red Sea rift situated 1,000 km to the west of Tuwaiq. Due to the increasing popularity of the site, the authorities have built a hardtop that leads to the gates of the sites and arrangements are in place to protect the area and its natural treasures.  Several prominent Saudi tour companies offer daylong excursions to the site. The more intrepid explorer also has the option to go alone; though past visitors recommend that solo travelers take an all-terrain, 4x4 vehicle and extra precaution. Visitors can spend the day at the site and leave before 6 p.m. (when the gates are closed for the night) or stay behind for a night of camping to enjoy the sunset and the breathtaking celestial views of a star-studded night sky. Nora Alfard, amateur hiking enthusiast and two-time visitor to the location, was quick to offer praise about her trip.  “The trip out there was a bit tiring, but totally worth it,” she said. “The views are stunning, and the hiking itself is not that difficult. Most people should be able to make it to the top without too much trouble.” She said she was likely to go a third time, and encouraged others to do the same. The Edge of the World is roughly 100km northwest of Riyadh, about 1.5 hours’ drive from the capital. Visitors should be prepared for at least 30 minutes of hiking, possibly more depending on your trail and your level of fitness and experience. Previous visitors recommend bringing water and snacks, and stress the importance of dressing appropriately — hiking shoes only! Main category: Saudi ArabiaTravelTags: tourismTuwaiqEdge of the WorldRiyadhsaudi tourismEditor’s Choice Riyadh’s Tuwaiq Palace is the newest DQ attractionSaudi tourism outstrips overall economic growth in KingdomHow can I help you? More women join Saudi tourism and hospitality industryTravel agencies can now issue Saudi tourist visas

Thu, 2018-04-19 04:04 JEDDAH: UNICEF has welcomed the KSA’s contribution to support children’s health in Yemen, the Saudi Press Agency reported. In a press statement published on UNICEF’s official website, Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF’s regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, welcomed the Kingdom’s contribution of $4.7 million (SR17.6 million) for programs to vaccinate children against preventable diseases. UNICEF also received $33 million to support ongoing initiatives in Yemen tacking a cholera outbreak and acute watery diarrhea, he said. This contribution comes under directives from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) to allocate $66.7 million in response to funding appeals from the World Health Organization and UNICEF to help them to fight the cholera epidemic, including support for the water and sanitation sectors in Yemen. Earlier, the President of Cardiac Disease and Surgery Charitable Foundation, Supervisor General of Nabd Al-Hayat Cardiac Disease and Surgery Center Mohammed Awadh Ba Shoaib thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for assisting the Yemeni people. He said: “It is not the first time that medical cadres have come to us from the Kingdom, and large numbers of doctors have been visiting us for more than six years to alleviate the sufferings of the Yemeni people in various provinces.” He added that many cardiac patients in Yemen have recovered, thanks to the support of the Kingdom. Moreover, medics from Al-Balsam International Organization have expressed deep thanks to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the urgent response from Arab Coalition for Supporting the Legitimacy in Yemen, led by the Kingdom. The team said that logistical support had been provided that helps its humanitarian mission to treat urgent cases, at the request of the Yemeni Ministry of Health and Nabd Al-Hayat Center, in the port city of Mukalla. Medics from Al-Balsam International Organization arrived in Mukalla, in Hadramout province, last Sunday, and were received by Hadramout Gov. Maj. Gen. Faraj Salmin Al-Bahssani and Coalition forces officials. Once the team arrived had arrived, medics began examining patients’ cases from all Yemeni provinces. The team carried out five open heart operations and 42 heart operations in total. Al-Balsam International Organization’s team aims to treat 300 Yemenis, including about 10 open heart operations, in addition to examining and treating outpatients at the Department of Cardiac Radiology at Nabd Al-Hayat Center of the Charitable Foundation of Cardiology in Mukalla. The team will also be training local doctors on how to carry out these operations.   Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi ArabiaYemenUNICEFKing Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) KSRelief, UNICEF to fight cholera, provide vaccines in YemenUN chief lauds KSRelief’s global efforts

Thu, 2018-04-19 04:30 JEDDAH: The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) is revising the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) covenant on the rights of children in Islam to reinforce their rights in member states. Dr. Raja Naji Al-Makkawi, who was representing Morocco at the session, told Arab News that the Islamic child rights convention has not sufficiently highlighted some rights children should have. She added there is currently no clear definition of who is a child. “However, this can be taken from the international convention that defines a child as the human being under the age of 18,” she said. As there are variations between countries, she added, it is preferable to agree on a maximum age where childhood ends. She noted that legal concepts in different Muslim countries need to be revised so that views can converge, citing the example of marriage. “We should not allow underage marriages, except in very a limited range (of circumstances),” she said. Dr. Wafa Al-Saleh, a member of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, said that the Kingdom strongly supports giving children the care they need to help them flourish. She added that the Kingdom is witnessing rapid reforms, and children — who make up 39 percent of the population in the KSA — would benefit in particular. Al-Saleh pointed out that Saudi Arabia has signed many international child protection conventions and treaties. The Commission has also had detailed discussions on issues such as civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights in OIC member states. Human rights violations in Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir were also highlighted.  Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi ArabiaChild rightsOrganization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

Thu, 2018-04-19 04:54 JEDDAH: Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), has confirmed that Saudi Arabia is witnessing a significant renaissance in tourism with the support of King Salman, who directed attention to be paid to this vital sector. In his address at the 8th Session of Tourism Ministers of the Group 20, which opened in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires on Tuesday, the prince said the commission has submitted a strategy for the development of national tourism, approved by the state in 2005, to be one of the most important engines of the economy in the national transformation program and adopted as a central element, along with heritage and culture, in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. He pointed out that the Kingdom has announced through several government institutions investments amounting to nearly half a trillion US dollars in large projects characterized by tourism in a number of regions. Prince Sultan noted the importance of inviting ministers of culture and heritage officials to participate in the meetings of tourism ministers from the G-20 countries, from the next session in Japan which will be followed by one in the Kingdom. He added: “By examining offers and plans presented by the G-20 countries, we have noticed that it is impossible to separate tourism from culture and heritage. “Not only is tourism an economic engine, it also plays an important role in cross-cultural communication and the convergence of people and nations.” Prince Sultan highlighted the fact that the SCTH and the tourism sector have received considerable support from the government in the past two years in terms of regulations, laws, and project funding. “The Public Investment Fund (PIF) is now playing a major role in establishing tourism projects,” he said, emphasizing that the SCTH has partnered with the PIF to launch several tourist destinations and tourism companies. He added: “For us, tourism isn’t a sector but an industry. We, alongside our partners, have managed to establish and enhance 33 regional and specialized museums in which we employ many Saudi men and women who have graduated from universities abroad and can speak multiple languages.” On the sidelines of the session, Prince Sultan signed an agreement with Argentine Minister of Tourism Gustavo Santos to enhance cooperation in tourism and heritage. The prince said the commission is working on benefiting from advanced and rich experiences in different countries of the world. Our international agreements are an important source for developing our business, he said, as they contribute to the exchange of expertise. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritagesaudi tourismPrince Sultan bin Salman How can I help you? More women join Saudi tourism and hospitality industrySaudi tourism body to award museum, heritage contracts worth SR1.2 billion

Thu, 2018-04-19 05:31 RIYADH: The way to cultural understanding and friendship is through our stomachs. This was aptly practiced and proven by Oyvind Strokke, Norwegian ambassador to the Kingdom, who organized a major gastronomic opportunity to taste a range of Norwegian cuisine in Riyadh. The menu was carefully designed to represent the flavors of Norwegian seafood. “This inclusive, engaging aspect of food works to create bridges of understanding,” said Strokke, who hosted the lavish dinner at his residence recently. “Norway is the second largest seafood producer in the world with its total volume amounting to 34 million meals of seafood prepared every day. The seafood export to Saudi Arabia increased as much as 42 percent last year. “Promoted as healthy and tasty food, more and more seafood from Norway is now served at the dining tables of Saudi families,” said the diplomat, referring to the abundant supply of Norwegian salmon, mackerel, sea bass and other species in supermarkets across the Kingdom. To mark this positive development, the ambassador said he hosted the special seafood dinner to further educate people about Norwegian seafood. The invited guests included several hoteliers, chefs, food importers and market players. “You are a test panel tonight,” Stokke told his guests. “My chef Roshan Pradeep has made some new dishes he will try out … they are quite easy to cook, look delicious and taste like a deep, clear Norwegian fjord.”  Another chef, Ashraf Mahdy, presented the dishes for the guests, explaining how they were made. Also among the guests were the President of the Saudi Arabian Chefs’ Association, Yassir Jad, and TV presenter and chef Gary McKenna, who said: “I am so pleased that the Middle East marketplace is now recognizing that there is no substitute for the best quality Norwegian fish.”  Stokke also launched new brochures for the Norwegian Seafood Council in Arabic and English, with recipes for easy ways to prepare dishes of salmon and cod. The dinner party was a success, with a friendly and down-to-earth atmosphere in which people had the chance to take photos, discuss food, get new ideas and make valuable contacts. Stokke plans to arrange more dinners with a similar concept, strengthening the brand of Norwegian seafood toward the Saudi HORECA exhibition in November, when a solid Norwegian delegation will visit Riyadh. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi ArabiaDiplomaticQuarterNorway DiplomaticQuarter: Dutch Embassy to show 30 Saudi films at festival in Riyadh

Wed, 2018-04-18 20:25ID: 1524072333443819100 DUBAI: Black Panther may be a Marvel superhero movie, but it’s hard to describe the story without it sounding darn-near Shakespearean. A young king takes the throne after his father’s tragic death. When he finds out the truth about his father’s legacy, and the mistakes his father made as a leader, he must grapple with the fate of his country—keeping it out of the hands of a charismatic and dangerous man who arrives to take the throne and change its direction. The young king’s name is T’Challa, and he rules the fictional African nation of Wakanda, a land that has, due to a special natural resource found only there, has unmatched wealth, technological development and prosperity. To protect itself, the rulers of the country have always kept the country’s greatness a secret, refusing to open its borders, engage in either war or humanitarian efforts. What makes Black Panther so potent is the question T’Challa is faced with — what is a powerful country’s role in the world? — has no easy answers. Even better, the film’s central antagonist, Killmonger, who arrives in Wakanda to change the country into a direct interventionist, makes thought-provoking points of his own, as the best villains do, forcing T’Challa to consider a different path forward. There are many reasons why Black Panther became a global phenomenon. As the first Marvel superhero film to feature a predominantly black cast from a young black director, it showed audiences something they’d never seen before. That representation will mean so much to communities that Hollywood has traditionally underrepresented, and to young viewers looking up at the screen to see a hero that looks like them, across the world. What will make this film resonate is that, while providing plenty of action spectacle, beautiful stars, art direction, costumes and superheroism, it is a film with a lot on its mind, asking many questions about how the world should approach its future, and how it should reckon with the many sins of its past. While the film doesn’t provide enough satisfying answers, the debates it has sparked, and will continue to spark, are what make it an essential film, especially in a country embarking on a new future, and asking these same questions itself. Main category: Saudi ArabiaOffbeatTags: cinemaCinema Is Back in Saudiblack panther Saudi Arabia to show ‘Black Panther’ to mark cinema openingSoft opening for Saudi cinemas, then curtain up in MaySaudi Cinema’s official Twitter account receives warm welcomeSaudi cinemas will boost movie sector across KSA

Author: APWed, 2018-04-18 (All day)ID: 1524071563813741400MENOMONIE, Wisconsin: A Wisconsin jury has convicted a Minneapolis man with a string of domestic violence convictions of battery in the death of a student from Saudi Arabia, but acquitted him on a more serious murder charge.Cullen M. Osburn, 28, awaits sentencing July 13 for a potential maximum of eight years in the death of Hussain Saeed Alnahdi, 24, a junior who was majoring in business administration at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.After a six-day trial and six hours of deliberations, the Dunn County jury on Tuesday night found Osburn guilty of aggravated battery with intent to cause bodily harm, but not guilty of felony murder.Prosecutors say Osburn punched Alnahdi in the face outside a pizzeria in Menomonie early on Oct. 30, 2016. Alnahdi died the next day at a hospital. Osburn didn’t know Alnahdi.District Attorney Andrea Nodolf argued that Osburn was looking for a fight after making 50 unanswered phone calls to his girlfriend and threatened to beat someone else up unless she answered.“You heard those phone calls,” the prosecutor said. “You heard the defendant call her, ‘retarded, stupid.’ This is a man who uses violence without hesitation.”Prosecutors also said Osburn later bragged to a motel worker about being in a fight and demonstrated the punch to that worker, which was captured on the motel’s surveillance video.The defense argued that Osborn never threw a punch.“I want a retrial,” Osburn said after the judge read the verdict.“He doesn’t understand why he was charged. He feels like he didn’t do anything wrong,” said Osburn’s attorney, Christopher Zipko. “Mr. Osburn maintains that he never put his hands on Mr. Alnahdi.” Main category: Saudi Arabia

Author: Noor NugaliWed, 2018-04-18 22:31ID: 1524080290004626400 RIYADH: It was a night to remember: Cinema returned to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday with the first major movie screening in 35 years in a spectacular new theater in King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh. The gala screening of the Hollywood blockbuster Black Panther was attended by hundreds of invited guests in the sleek and chic complex — described by AMC cinema chain bosses as “the most beautiful movie theater in the world.” As the guests took their seats, Princess Reema bint Bandar told Arab News: “It’s a privilege to be here. I hope everyone gets to enjoy the experience I’m having this evening.” In an official opening ceremony before the movie began, AMC bosses joined Saudi government officials on the stage. Each placed their hand each on a large handprint, triggering a shower of glittering, colorful confetti on the audience. It was a magical moment — just like the movies, in fact. Paul Hill, the general manager of AMC, told Arab News: “It’s an absolute honor and privilege to be part of the opening It’s a historic achievement. This really will be the place to go.” The opening was overseen by the Development and Investment Entertainment Company, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and a partner with AMC in the new cinema complex. Dr. Awwad Alawwad, the Saudi Minister of Culture and Information, and Adam Aron, chief executive and president of AMC Entertainment, joined diplomats and industry experts to watch Black Panther in the first in a series of invitation-only screenings during April. “I know for sure that Saudis are very eager to be able to watch their favorite films here in their own country, as now made possible by Vision 2030,” Dr. Alawwad said before the screening. “This is a landmark moment in the transformation of Saudi Arabia into a more vibrant economy and society. None of this would be possible without the visionary leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.” The cinema will open to the public on Friday. “There are some surprises and secrets on how we are promoting it. The tickets will be sold online and there will be more information in 24 hours,” said AMC Vice President Jason Crew. Three more screens will be added to the cinema complex by September. Saudi Arabia plans to open nearly 350 cinemas, with more than 2,500 screens, by 2030. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi Arabiacinema Saudi cinema’s rising stars in the frameSoft opening for Saudi cinemas, then curtain up in May

Wed, 2018-04-18 23:05 The Chairman of NATO’s partnerships subcommittee, Mateen Lutfi, and his accompanying delegation were received by King Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Wednesday. Lutfi was accompanied by a number of heads of parliamentary delegations in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). During the meeting, NATO parliamentary efforts and bilateral cooperation areas between NATO’s subcommittee and the Shoura Council were reviewed. The meeting was attended by Prince Abdul Aziz bin Saud bin Naif, minister of interior; Shoura Council Speaker Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh; the Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir; and a number of officials. Later, the Saudi interior minister and Lutfi reviewed relations between the Kingdom and NATO, and discussed issues of common interest. Earlier, the Saudi parliamentary friendship committee at the Shoura Council held a meeting with the delegation of the NATO partnerships subcommittee. The head of the Shoura committee Prince Dr. Khalid bin Abdullah bin Mishari, reaffirmed distinct relations binding the Kingdom and NATO in all fields, and the relations between the Shoura and NATO member states’ parliaments. He praised the visit, which seeks to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two sides, through consultations and dialogue, to face the rapid developments in the region as well as in the world, in order to best serve the interests of peoples and countries. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi ArabiaKing SalmanNATO King Salman praises Arab summit leaders for ‘blessed efforts’King Salman praises Arab summit leaders for ‘blessed efforts’

Author: ARAB NEWSTue, 2018-04-17 22:21ID: 1523992938545669500 JEDDAH: Energy efficiency experts from the EU and GCC have launched a three-day training program to make public buildings greener. “Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings: Policies-Technologies and Best Practices” was launched on Monday as an initiative by the EU GCC Clean Energy Technology Network, co-organized with the Madinah Development Authority and the Environmental Center for Arab Towns. As the EU and Arab nations try to mitigate climate change in a sustainable way, more countries are increasing efforts to reduce energy consumption and curb CO2 emissions. “This seminar aims to enhance awareness on energy efficiency and energy conservation in the building sector and facilitate knowledge exchange and partnerships between the EU and the Arab regions,” said Mustapha Taoumi, representative of the EU GCC Clean Energy Technology Network. “The EU and the GCC have a huge opportunity to be partners in the clean energy transition that is happening in the global energy arena.” Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi ArabiaGreen EnergySaudi solar systemEU GCC Clean Energy Technology Network Green energy drive will boost KSA employment: Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy chiefEnvoy invites Saudi Arabia to join Germany in shift to green energyShell studies green energy deals to prepare for future after oil

Wed, 2018-04-18 01:58 JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has been granted a place on the Executive Council of the UN Commission on the Status of Women. The Kingdom was one of 12 new countries elected on Tuesday in a secret ballot during a meeting of the UN Economic and Social Council in New York. It will serve a three-year term beginning next year. It comes almost a year after being elected the 45th member of the commission. “It’s a token of appreciation of the Kingdom’s efforts to empower women and have them... become an integral part of Saudi society, and a recognition of the reform efforts led by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” said Abdallah Al-Mouallami, the Saudi envoy to the UN. “This calls on us to underline women’s achievements in the Kingdom and abroad at all levels.” Saudi Arabia’s UN mission said on Twitter: “Saudi Arabia looks forward to working alongside our fellow members starting in January 2019.” The role of the commission is to promote women’s empowerment. The body meets annually to evaluate progress and formulate policies to promote the advancement of women. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia committed to participation of women in national developmentGreater empowerment of Saudi women expected

Wed, 2018-04-18 04:52 JEDDAH: Rome Symphony Orchestra soloists performed for the first time for the public in Jeddah at the Italian cultural center on April 15. The performance was organized by Italian Business Group (IBG) in collaboration with Italian Cultural Center under the patronage of the Italian Consulate and sponsored by Alam Arrajol, Destination Jeddah, Arab News and Saudi Gazette. In line with the artistic awakening that Saudi Arabia is experiencing, IBG has brought to a series of artistic shows to Jeddah audiences such as Omnia Vincit Amor contemporary dance ballet that took place on March 18. The performers were six string players from the Rome Symphony Orchestra, directed by Antonio Pellegrino, and soprano, Ilaria Bellomo, who also performed last year in the Italian embassy in Riyadh. International musicians presented a classical repertoire including Vivaldi and arias from famous lyric Operas. IBG aims to foster links between aims to foster connections — business and cultural — between Italy and Saudi Arabia. Elisabetta Martini, consul general of Italy in Jeddah, told Arab News: “For everything cultural we are trying to work as a team. We are happy to see IBG as a group of Italian entrepreneurs who are taking the lead in this field of entertainment because we think the entertainment sector is the biggest industry now and is booming in Saudi Arabia.”   Maestro Antonio Pellegrino, who has been performing for the last 50 years, told Arab News: “I have been performing since I was four years old.” Next he will take his team on a 30-day tour of Japan with performances in more than 25 cities. After the interval, soprano Ilaria Bellomo took part in Master classes with Elisabeth Norbberg-Schulz, winner of the International Opera Competition. Ilaria Bellomo  told Arab News: “The opera singer is just like an actress including different facial expressions during the show to match the lyrics of the song.” Alessandra Serafini Jabban from IBG told Arab News that the event would raise the profile of Italian culture in the Kingdom, encouraging people to find out more about the country: “It is the time for Saudi Arabia to be opened up to many entertainment and artistic influences from abroad.” Abdulla Shaheen, a Saudi mechanical inspector from Khobar who was among the audience, told Arab News: “I used to attend many orchestra shows around the world, but it feels different when you have this fantastic and professional entertainment show in your country.” He added: “Now we don’t really need to travel to see these shows, it will make us think twice before we travel.” Main category: Saudi ArabiaOffbeatTags: orchestraSYMPHONYSaudi Arabia Saudi Arabia to establish world-class orchestra for entertainmentYuMi the robot conducts Verdi with Italian orchestraTop conductor takes inspiration from Iraqi maestro to create UN of orchestras

Author: Arab NewsWed, 2018-04-18 15:31ID: 1524055270482069000 JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman received at his office at Al-Yamamah palace in Riyadh on Wednesday the Chairman of the Pontifical Council for Interfaith Dialogue at the Vatican, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, and his accompanying delegation. During the meeting, they stressed the important role of followers of religions and cultures in renouncing violence, extremism, terrorism and achieving worldwide security and stability. The meeting was also attended by Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, Minister of Interior, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: King SalmanVaticanterrorism King Salman praises Arab summit leaders for ‘blessed efforts’Vatican's Cardinal Jean Louis Tauran arrives in Saudi Arabia

Author: APWed, 2018-04-18 (All day)ID: 1524054366261992100 RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is to hold a private screening on Wednesday of the Hollywood blockbuster “Black Panther” to herald the launch of movie theaters in the kingdom that are expected to open to the public as early as next month. Authorities are planning an invitation-only screening of the movie in a concert hall converted into a cinema complex in the capital, Riyadh. The screening will be followed by a rush to build movie theaters in major cities. The Saudi government has dubbed Wednesday’s event as “the showing of the first commercial film in the kingdom after more than 35 years.” “This is a landmark moment in the transformation of Saudi Arabia into a more vibrant economy and society,” Saudi Minister of Culture and Information Awwad Alawwad said in statement ahead of the screening. It’s a stark reversal for a country where public movie screenings were banned in the 1980s during a wave of conservativism that swept Saudi Arabia then. The move to open movie theaters in Saudi comes as part of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman efforts to reform various aspect of Saudi Arabia’s political, economic and social life. The crown prince is behind measures such as lifting a ban on women driving that will go into effect this summer, and bringing back concerts and other forms of entertainment to satiate the desires of the country’s majority young population. The social push by Prince Mohammed is part of his so-called Vision 2030, a blueprint for the country that aims to boost local spending and create jobs amid sustained lower oil prices. The Saudi government projects that the opening of movie theaters will contribute more than 90 billion riyals ($24 billion) to the economy and create more than 30,000 jobs by 2030. The kingdom says there will be 300 cinemas with around 2,000 screens built by 2030. Over the past several years, Saudi Arabia has gradually been loosening restrictions on movie screenings, with local film festivals and screenings in makeshift theaters. For the most part, though, Saudis who wanted to watch a film in a movie theater would have to drive to nearby Bahrain or the United Arab Emirates for weekend trips to the cinema. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: cinematheatreSaudi First Saudi cinema in 35 years to open on April 18Cinema chains, amusement park operators queue up to enter Saudi Arabia market

أكد رئيس الشركة المصرية لنقل الكهرباء جمال عبد الرحيم أنه سيتم توقيع العقود الخاصة بمشروع الربط الكهربائي مع السعودية في يونيو المقبل، ليتم البدء على...

اعترف وزير الخارجية السعودي، عادل الجبير، في مؤتمر صحفي بأن كافة المدن السعودية أصبحت في مرمى صواريخ الجيش اليمني وحركة انصار الله....

Author: ARAB NEWSMon, 2018-04-16 23:07ID: 1523909290557836700 JEDDAH: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has lauded the efforts made by Saudi Arabia to provide relief to distressed Yemenis. He praised the role of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief) saying: “It is one of the most important relief operators in dozens of countries.” The UN chief said KSRelief works professionally to alleviate the sufferings of people in disaster-hit and conflict-ridden areas around the world. “It has established partnerships with the most important UN organizations and NGOs,” he said in a statement issued following a visit to the KSRelief offices. Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, an adviser at the Royal Court and KSRelief general supervisor, received the UN chief. Guterres also expressed his appreciation of the initiative of King Salman to provide $50 million to UNRWA for the support of the Palestinian people. “This is an example to be followed by other donors,” he said. Welcoming the UN chief, Dr. Rabiah stressed the importance of joint cooperation between KSRelief and the UN organizations. He said the Kingdom has provided over $65.9 billion aid to distressed people across the world in over 20 years. Since its inception 3 years ago, KSRelief has carried out 367 humanitarian projects in 40 countries, Al-Rabeeah added. He said that in Yemen alone the Riyadh-based organization had carried out 217 projects in different governorates. The KSRelief chief also highlighted the efforts of the Kingdom and members of the Arab coalition in supporting humanitarian efforts by launching a comprehensive operations plan in Yemen, which included reopening of 21 ports, land and air crossings and its efforts to support the Central Bank of Yemen to ensure the stability of the economy. Al-Rabeeah spoke about the situation of human rights in Yemen, in particular the physical violations committed by the Houthi militias against civilians that amount to war crimes, including preventing locals from getting water and food, destroying wells and water stations and shelling of residential areas, killing and injuring hundreds of civilians, including women and children. The violations also included recruitment of child soldiers and using them as human shields in the armed conflict. The Center offered many rehabilitation programs to address this issue. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi ArabiaKing Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) KSRelief donates $3m to UNHCR for emergency aid to RohingyaKSRelief distributes 2000 boxes of dates in Yemen’s Marib KSRelief distributes 1,000 food baskets to Yemeni villages

Tue, 2018-04-17 00:03 JEDDAH: Saudi air defenses have shot down a ballistic missile fired by the Houthi militia in Yemen toward the southern Saudi province of Najran on Monday. On Thursday, Saudi authorities intercepted another missile headed toward a civilian area in Jazan.  The indiscriminate attacks have been widely condemned by the international community. The militia have in the past used drones to target Abha airport and civilian areas in Jazan. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi ArabiaHouthiNajranJazan Islamic associations condemn Houthi missile attacks on Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia’s air defenses intercept a Houthi missile launched on Jazan

Tue, 2018-04-17 00:13 JEDDAH: A new era of cinema history in Saudi Arabia will be ushered in at a private film screening this week. The screening, a collaboration between the Saudi Development and Investment Entertainment Company and US theater giant AMC Entertainment, will take place on Wednesday at a newly built cinema complex in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District. The private screening — one of a series of invitation-only shows — comes as cinemas in the Kingdom prepare to open their doors following the end of a 35-year ban. The move is part of widespread social reforms led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Cinemas will open their doors to the public in May, with tickets expected to go on sale online later this month. Three screens will open in the third quarter of 2018, with 40 or more cinema complexes due to be built in the next five years. Half a century ago, cinemas were popular in major cities in Saudi Arabia. Oil workers in the 1930s set up large outdoor screens to watch US and European films. Cinemas quickly spread across the Kingdom, with 30 theaters operating in Jeddah alone.  But religious changes in the Kingdom in the early 1980s led to a ban, forcing people to install home theaters or travel to neighboring countries to enjoy global films. Saudis have been watching the rebirth of cinema in the Kingdom with growing excitement. Jeddah student Amani Al-Ghoraibi told Arab News: “It will be a new experience that everyone is ready to embrace.”  Teacher Maha Al-Zahrani said: “Cinemas were only banned because of some hard-liners. All citizens want them back.” Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: cinemaKing Abdullah Financial DistrictSaudi Development and Investment Entertainment CompanyAMC EntertainmentSaudi entertainmentVision2030 First Saudi cinema in 35 years to open on April 18Reforms raise the curtain on Saudi Arabia’s theater revivalThe six most influential films from the Golden Age of Arab cinemaSaudi cinema’s rising stars in the frame

Tue, 2018-04-17 02:10 JEDDAH: Schools will be suspended in the national capital and a number of governorates in Riyadh province on Tuesday because of bad weather, the region's Ministry of Education said late on Monday. In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), General Director Hamad bin Nasser Al-Wahaib said the decision to suspend classes stemmed from a warning by the General Authority for Meteorology and Environment Protection of a coming sandstorm. Schools will also be suspended in the governorates of Rumah, Thadiq, Al Muzahimiyah, Huraymila, Al Diriyah and Dhurma, the education ministry said. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Riyadhsandstormsweather

Author: AFPTue, 2018-04-17 03:04ID: 1523917192688357200 RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has ranked 23rd among 92 countries in terms of patents granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in 2017. The vast majority of these patented inventions are scientific. According to StatNano, which publishes at the beginning of each year a report on the status of nanoscience, technology and innovation in the previous year, Saudi Arabia was granted 664 patents last year, compared to 517 in 2016 and 409 in 2015. What’s more, the latest number is double that of all Arab countries combined during the same period. This year, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) ranked seventh among the top 10 universities in the world in terms of the number of patents granted. “The university achieved 183 patents in 2017, surpassing Johns Hopkins University, Harvard College and California Institute of Technology,” said Dr. Khaled bin Saleh Al Sultan, president of the Dhahran-based university. “The university has been granted more than 800 patents so far, and this number is over 60% of the total number of patents registered by all Arab countries’ universities, which number about 300,” he added. Together with the university, Saudi Aramco — which was granted 233 new patents in 2017 — secured more than two-thirds of the total number of patents last year. In 2016, Aramco was awarded 175 new patents and filed for 285 new patents. The latest news about patents comes at a time when Saudi Arabia has put focus on digital transformation and improvement of opportunities in diverse fields — from technology and tourism to arts and entrepreneurship. Saudi Arabia has, for the first time, also claimed a spot among “Top Ten Countries in Nanotechnology Patents in 2017,” according to a StatNano report last month. The report says “the reason is the growth of 128% in the number of nanotechnology published patent applications of this country in 2017. The number of nanotechnology published patent applications in USPTO in 2017 shows a growth of 3.2% in comparison with 2016.” The significant rise in the number of patents is one indicator that Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan has already started to bear fruit.   Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: KFUPMpatentsSaudi AramcoUnited States Patent and Trademark Office Saudi patent system set to fuel economySaudi inventions need to be market-orientedCommittee formed to study investment in Saudi inventions

Author: Mon, 2018-04-16 10:38 Arab Parliament Speaker Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Salami has supported King Salman’s political and financial support towards the Palestinian issue. Al-Salami said in a statement on Monday: “We extend our sincere thanks to King Salman for naming the Arab Summit at its 29th session, “the Jerusalem Summit”, and for donating $150 million to support the Islamic Endowments in Jerusalem and $50 million for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).” In his opening remarks, King Salman named the current Arab League Summit the “Jerusalem Summit” to express solidarity with the Palestinian people. He also announced the commitment of $50 million to UNRWA and $150 million to the Islamic Endowment Support Program in Jerusalem, saying: “The Palestinian issue will remain our top issue until all Palestinians get their legal right to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.” Tags: 29th Arab Summitarab summit 2018Arab League Summit 2018King SalmanMain category: Saudi Arabia Palestine and Iran: Arab leaders declare their top priorities Jubeir: ‘Jerusalem Summit’ confirms Arab world’s dedication to Palestinian cause

Mon, 2018-04-16 22:16 Jeddah: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman, and heads of state and senior representatives from 25 countries, on Monday, attended the closing ceremony of the Joint Gulf Shield-1 military drills. King Salman presided over the closing ceremony of the drills, which he said highlighted a “unified alliance” between over 24 countries to combat military threats. “The event is... meant to demonstrate our ability to take joint military action, the region’s readiness to support Arab unity and its capacity to deter any threats,” military spokesman Abdullah Subaei was quoted as saying in a Saudi information ministry statement. “This exercise demonstrates that we have the cooperation of friendly nations, our experience and expertise to deal with those threats. The parades included special forces units, with advanced military vehicles and missile systems and involved combat search-and-rescue drills as well as naval warfare and air operations. Aircraft of the participating air forces carried out various maneuvers that reflected the skills and efficiencies of the pilots.  Several modern aircraft were showcased, including the MRTT, which can carry up to 111 tons of fuel, the highest capacity of all tanker aircraft. It also included auxiliary military aircraft, fighters and attack aircraft featuring auxiliary power systems, as well as the airborne early warning and control system (AWACS), which is an airborne radar picket system designed to detect aircraft, ships and vehicles at long range. Aircraft flew in shield formation, in acknowledgement of the overall exercise’s appellation. The show also featured a K-3, a floating fuel station in the sky, allowing aircraft to stay longer in the air in order to achieve their targets and the C-130 transport plane, which is used for quick and flexible cargo transport, troop transfers and aid drops. A variety of helicopters were also on display, including three high-powered rapid response Apache helicopters, with the capacity to strike from a multiplicity of distances and primarily used to destroy tanks and armored vehicles. Cougar aircraft, which are utilized for search and rescue operations and the Super-Puma aircraft, used to carry out combat operations against naval targets and to pass information to fleet control centers, also featured. Assembled dignitaries also reviewed a formation of Black Hawk aircraft, which are used to transport personnel. Finally, Typhoon and F-15S aircraft engaged in mock combat maneuvers. The Joint Gulf Shield-1 military maneuvers reflect the importance of military cooperation and coordination, with friendly countries, in raising the level of combat readiness and ensuring regional security. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi ArabiaJoint Gulf Shield-1military maneuvers Bahrain FM: Saudi Arabia’s leadership for joint Arab action will bolster regional securityDawn: PM Abbasi in Saudi Arabia to inspect joint exercise of Islamic military alliance

Author: Mon, 2018-04-16 19:00 JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s newest cyber security college will be called the Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz College of Cyber Security, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. Currently referred to as College of Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technologies, the academy will bear the name of Prince Mohammed once it has been established. The crown prince approved a proposal by the Chairman of the Saudi Federation for Cyber Security, Programming (SAFCSP) Saud bin Abdullah Al-Qahtani for the institution to be named after the heir to the throne.  Both Al-Qahtani and acting Dean of the College Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Dahlawi extended their thanks to the crown prince for the approval.  The college has been signing a number of deals with internationally  renowned educational institutions ahead of opening.  The college which is under the purview of SAFCSP has struck deals with Carnegie Mellon University, Draper University, Booz Allen Hamilton and SANS Institute.  On Friday, the academy inked a deal with US firm Coursera, the world’s largest provider of interactive distance training and academic programs.  On Sunday, the federation signed an agreement with STC to provide smart and innovative services and solutions, and technical support to the federation. The federation seeks to enhance national awareness of cyber security and programming through education. Tags: Saudi ArabiaSaudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin SalmanSaudi Federation for Cyber SecuritySaudi Federation for Cybersecurity and ProgrammingPrince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz College of Cyber SecurityCollege of Cyber SecurityArtificial Intelligence and Advanced TechnologiesMain category: Saudi Arabia Saudi cybersecurity academy and US firm Coursera sign strategic partnershipSaudi cybersecurity academy, Carnegie Mellon University ink cooperation agreement

Author: Mon, 2018-04-16 19:59 JEDDAH: Egypt’s top religious institution praised King Salman’s efforts for the Palestinian cause, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. Al-Azhar praised King Salman’s decision to name the latest Arab League Summit the “Jerusalem Summit” in solidarity with the Palestinian people. The institution also welcomed the king’s decision to dedicate $50 million to UNRWA and $150 million to the Islamic Endowment Support Program in Jerusalem. In his opening remarks at the summit held in the eastern Saudi city of Dammam, the king said: “The Palestinian issue will remain our top issue until all Palestinians get their legal right to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. “As we reiterate our condemnation and rejection of the American administration’s decision concerning Jerusalem, we commend the international consensus that rejects it, and we affirm that East Jerusalem is an inalienable part of the Palestinian territory.Al-Azhar backs King Salman’s initiatives on Palestine Tags: Saudi Arabia29th arab league summitKing SalmanPalestineAl-AzharMain category: Saudi Arabia Palestine and Iran: Arab leaders declare their top priorities Jubeir: ‘Jerusalem Summit’ confirms Arab world’s dedication to Palestinian cause

Mon, 2018-04-16 21:27 Yemen has launched 119 ballistic missiles targeted at Saudi Arabia, said Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Turki Al-Maliki. Developing... Main category: Saudi Arabia

Author: ARAB NEWSSun, 2018-04-15 22:22ID: 1523820216329333000 JEDDAH: The Saudi Federation for Cyber Security and Programming (SAFCSP) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi Telecom Co. (STC) on Sunday, including localization of technical capabilities, the provision of smart and innovative services and solutions, and technical support for the Federation. The memorandum aims at the provision of a laboratory and training environment, providing all services and smart solutions to the headquarters of the Federation, attracting expertise and also supporting the conferences and competitions to compete in the field of software. Adviser at the Royal Court, chairman of the board of directors, SAFCSP, Saud bin Abdullah Al-Qahtani, pointed out that the agreement with STC will contribute to the qualitative transformation of the Federation in terms of development, technical innovation, information analysis and employment in the field of cybersecurity, programming, and drones. SAFCSP is a national institution under the umbrella of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee, which seeks to build national and professional capabilities in the fields of cyber security and programming in line with the established and internationally recognized practices and standards, to expedite the ascent of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the ranks of developed countries in the domain of technology innovation.  Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi Arabiacyber securitycyber hacking Entertainment creating jobs in Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia ‘meets key goals in sustainable development’Three short films from Saudi Arabia selected for global audience in festival

Author: ARAB NEWSSun, 2018-04-15 22:23ID: 1523820258959337100 JEDDAH: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia concluded its participation in the seventh meeting of International Organizations and the Group of Experts on Indicators of Sustainable Development Goals, hosted by the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) from 9-13 April. The meeting aimed at reviewing the classifications of sustainable development objectives, discussing the implementation of the guidelines on data flows, developing a document on best practices in global data, and reviewing a number of proposals for additional indicators of sustainable development. President of the General Authority for Statistics, Fahd bin Sulaiman Al-Tokhaify, the head of the participating delegation in the meetings, affirmed that the Kingdom has been one of the countries that made significant progress in achieving the goals of sustainable development. Sustainable development is classified as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations. It is defined as the practice of maintaining processes of productivity indefinitely by replacing resources used with resources of equal or greater value without degrading or endangering natural biotic systems. According to experts, it has its roots in ideas about sustainable forest management which were developed in Europe during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi Arabia