Day: June 5, 2023

The Global Semiconductor Microelectronics Company (GSME Oman) today celebrated the dispatch of the first advanced electronic chips design (Oman-1, Oman-2) to the laboratories of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.

The chips were made by Omani designers and they were sent over to the global firm for testing and verification of readiness to start a streamlined production and manufacturing.

The move constitutes part of the National Programme for Digital Economy and it was undertaken with the support of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Labour.

It is a step forward towards the implementation of an agreement concluded in June 2022 by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Labour (on one side) and Global Semiconductor Microelectronics Company (on the other side).

The agreement was aimed at establishing the first investment project in the Sultanate of Oman to design and manufacture semiconductors and advanced electronic chips, besides training Omani cadres in this field.

The dispatch ceremony was held under the auspices of Said Hamoud Al Ma’awali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. It was attended by Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, among other government officials and private sector representatives.

Dr. Ali Amer Al Shidhani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communications and Information Technology

The step assumes significance in Oman’s drive to make semiconductors and electronic chips and it demonstrates the capabilities and talents of young Omani engineers, said Dr. Ali Amer Al Shidhani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communications and Information Technology.

He added that the move paves the way for domestic and global investments in research, development and advanced chips manufacturing.

Al Shidhani pointed out that this step will promote the growth of industries related to semiconductors and electronic chips in general, and build an integrated ecosystem that supports this industry in Oman.

For his part, Farhat Jahangir, CEO of GSME Oman, affirmed that the registration of the first locally designedset of chips (Oman-1 and Oman-2) reflects a commitment from the company to promote technological growth and innovation in Oman by investing in the development of domestic talent and expertise.

The overall objective is to lay strong grounds for the establishment of a trading centre for chip design and validation in Oman, Jahangir added.

Earlier, Oman Semiconductor and Electronics Company conducted a comprehensive chip design training programme that was attended by more than 90 engineers. The programme was aimed at furnishing a stimulating environment for international and local companies to make Oman a regional home for their operations and services.

Semiconductors have certain electrical properties that enable them to serve as a cornerstone for making computers and other electronic devices. Semiconductors are a means of controlling electrical current, car computers and aircrafts, among other equipment. The total global sales revenues of semiconductors and electronic chips in 2022 stood at about $601.7 billion worldwide, up by 1.1 percent,compared to 2021 revenues ($595 billion).

Source: Oman News Agency

The Board of Trustees of the Royal Academy of Management held its second meeting under the chairmanship of Sayyid Khalid Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court.

Al Busaidi highlighted the directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik when he patronized over the inauguration of the Academy, which consolidate developing human capital and leadership through systematic programmes and discussions.

The Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court also highlighted the directives to enhance communication and government integration, to develop intellectual content in a bid to enhance Oman’s future readiness, and to position Oman among the top ranks of developed countries.

Board members discussed recent strategies and accomplishments as well as the launch of upcoming programmes. Emphasis was laid on grooming national leaders at various levels of management and providing the public and private sectors with empowered and qualified leaders.

The meeting also discussed the process of moving employees to the new Royal Academy of Management building and ensuring a seamless transition.

In addition, the Board of Trustees also reviewed several topics in its agenda and took appropriate decisions.

The Royal Academy of Management is under the honorary patronage of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. Established in January 2022, the Academy aims to develop national leaders at various levels of management in the public and private sectors through an integrated suite of specialised centres, initiatives, and programmes based on the latest concepts and trends in New Public Management

Source: Oman News Agency

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi met in Tunis today with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad Nabil Ammar.

The GCC General Secretariat and the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed a memorandum of understanding, which aims at establishing a mechanism for consultation between the two sides to enhance GCC-Tunisian cooperation.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

A total of 1,410 official and voluntary people have started implementing the operational plan of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) in Madinah Region for this year’s Hajj season.

Director General of SRCA branch in Madinah Dr. Ahmad bin Ali Al-Zahrani said that the plan entails providing emergency medical services to visitors to the Prophet’s Holy Mosque and travelling on roads leading to Madinah, adding that the plan lasts until Muharram 15, 1445 Hijri and that 45 emergency centers are taking part in implementing the plan, including 79 paramedic teams equipped with the latest vehicles, and 710 other people ready to carry out air ambulance services.

Al-Zahrani said that the operational capacity of the Prophet’s Mosque and the surrounding squares will be increased to keep pace with the increase in the number of worshippers, and that some 700 volunteers are also working at the Prophet’s Mosque.

He noted that the SRCA plan makes use of the region’s Command and Control Room and that medical services start from the moment they are required by people calling 997 or using the “Asafny” application. The requests for medical help are then forwarded to the nearest ambulance team through the Emergency Medical Services Program for assessment and, if needed, transfer to the nearest hospital.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), represented by the National Information Center, is working as a digital enabler for the Makkah Route Initiative in Bangladesh by activating the technical systems needed to prepare the technical infrastructure in the pilgrim hall at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, in accordance with the highest international standards and specifications.

SDAIA’s team includes professional engineers and technicians working around the clock to develop a set of high-privacy technical systems that are compatible with the service requirements of the initiative, including operating and supporting systems to connect, activate and operate workstations equipped with cutting-edge technology, preparing portable kits equipped with biometric devices and providing backup systems to ensure a smooth workflow.

The Makkah Route Initiative is implemented by the Ministry of Interior as part of the Pilgrim Experience Program and of the Saudi Vision 2030. The program is implemented in seven countries, including Bangladesh, for the year 1444 AH.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah is witnessing a continuous arrival of flights with pilgrims from all over the world. Many are keen to visit Madinah before carrying out the Hajj rituals to pay respect to the Prophet and pray in his Holy Mosque, and to visit many other mosques and historical sites there.

Authorities receive pilgrims at the airport with roses and dates, and their entry procedures proceed smoothly and efficiently.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) inaugurated on Sunday in Barcelona, Spain, the UITP Global Public Transport Summit, with the participation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority (TGA).

The TGA was represented at the Summit by the Authority’s Vice-President for the Regulatory Sector, Eng. Fawaz Al-Sahli; the Authority’s Undersecretary for Land Transport Sector, Abdulmajeed Al-Tasan; and General Director of the Authority’s Studies and Transport Economics, Rayan Alhazmi.

The opening ceremony witnessed the holding of the General Assembly of the UITP, in which a number of issues were discussed, including the adoption of the minutes and results of the 2022 General Assembly as well as the 2023 budget and its work plan.

It also witnessed the election of the President of the UITP for the term 2023-2025, in addition to honouring graduates of the Diploma of Public Transport Managers, which included three officials of the Saudi TGA.

The UITP Global Public Transport Summit’s activities will include the launch of an exhibition, which will last until the 7th of June, with the participation of a number of entities and those interested in the public transport sector, under the theme of ‘Bright Light of the City’.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein announced that he had signed a memorandum of understanding with his Pakistani counterpart on the exemption from entry visas for diplomats, and another between the Minister of Culture and the Pakistani minister in the aspect of cultural cooperation.

He said in a press conference with his Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto Zardari: “In our discussions, we touched on the situation in the region and the situation in Afghanistan and its impact on Iran and Pakistan and how to work together to besiege any kind of security issues and joint work to reach understandings on these issues.”

He added, “We look forward to strong future relations with Pakistan, and we look forward to other visits to Iraq.”

Hussein affirmed: “The relations with Pakistan are strong and are not limited to the political side only.”

He added: “We discussed cooperation in the military field, and we will start with political consultations, and we look forward to strong future relations with Pakistan.”

He added: “It was decided to form a committee to solve the problem of Pakistani debts to Iraq.”

For his part, Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that his visit to Iraq aims to boost bilateral relations.

Zardari added: “Cooperation in the field of the private sector is our goal in Iraq, which faced terrorism at a time when terrorism and extremism were solid, and defeated it with the support of all countries in the region, and they contributed to maintaining security and peace.”

He added, “We will open a center for Pakistani visitors in Karbala, and we are keen to develop the private sector in Iraq and joint cooperation.”

He continued, “We hope to provide the opportunity for Pakistanis to visit the holy places in Iraq.”

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

The warplanes bombed locations of ISIS terrorist cells between the governorates of Diyala and Salah al-Din.

A security source told the correspondent of the National Iraqi News Agency / NINA /: “The warplanes bombed / 3 / locations of ISIS cells in Al-Zarka Basin, between the governorates of Diyala and Salah Al-Din.”

He added: “The extent of the human and material losses of ISIS has not been known yet.”

Source: National Iraqi News Agency