Category: General

Company of Mutawifs for Pilgrims from African Non-Arab Countries CEO Bader Bafakeeh has inaugurated the first stage of the Smart Camp project for African non-Arab pilgrims in Arafat and Mina.

At the ceremony, several contracts and strategic partnerships were signed with a number of specialized companies and institutions, including Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd which is specialized in telecommunication network products and information technology, and a pioneer in providing information and communication technology infrastructure and smart devices, China Saudi Communications Service Ltd Company and several other technical institutions.

The agreements aim to use modern technology to face future challenges in the field of crowd management and link camps with smart monitoring systems that reflect real-time indicators, to support decision making and facilitate the performance of rituals by pilgrims.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Eng. Saleh Bin Nasser Al-Jasser, headed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s delegation to the “Development Road” conference in Baghdad, Iraq.

The conference saw the participation of transport ministers or their representatives from Iran, Turkey, Jordan, Syria, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman as well as representatives of the EU and the World Bank.

The conference, inaugurated by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, discussed aspects of the Development Road project, including its targeted capacities and timeline

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Ambassador Darm Boontham of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the accompanying delegation visited yesterday evening the headquarters of the Mango and Tropical Fruits Festival at King Fahd Park in Sabya, as part of his current visit to the region.

During the visit, the Thai Ambassador was briefed on the introductory exhibition of the festival, which represents the participation of 53 local farmers who showcase their products of mangoes and tropical fruits through the festival, which is an essential outlet for selling these products.

The Ambassador expressed happiness for visiting the festival with its agricultural products, handicrafts, and professional crafts, highlighting its popularity among the people and visitors of the region

Source: Saudi Press Agency

The Director General of the General Company for Iraqi Ports, Eng. Farhan Al-Fartousi, confirmed that the company has an active participation in the Development Road Conference held by the Ministry of Transport under the auspices of the Prime Minister, Eng. Muhammad Al-Sudani, with the participation of ten countries and a large number of international companies.

He said, “This conference is a step in the right direction for the sustainable development of the country, as it opens investment opportunities for international companies to enter the Iraqi market.”

He indicated that “Iraq, through the development road and the great port of Faw, will be the strongest link between East and West,” indicating that “such strategic projects are the ones that support the country’s economy and provide thousands of job opportunities for the Iraqi workforce.”

It is noteworthy that Baghdad hosted today, Saturday, the Development Road Conference, which is being held by the Ministry of Transport under the auspices of the Prime Minister, Eng. Muhammad Al-Sudani, and in the presence of representatives of ten countries and many international companies.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

A policeman and a civilian were injured in the explosion of an explosive device attached to a civilian car, north of Baquba, Diyala Governorate Center.

A security source told the correspondent of the National Iraqi News Agency (NINA) that “a sticky device was attached to the bottom of a civilian vehicle, which exploded at the intersection of Al-Allama Mustafa Jawad in Al-Khalis district, north of Baquba, injuring a policeman and a civilian, and damaging two vehicles that were close to the site of the explosion.

He added that a security force imposed strict measures in the area in anticipation of any emergency.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

The Joint Operations Command announced the results of the fifth phase of Operation Swords of Truth.

The leadership said in a statement: “with God’s blessing and in light of the directives of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and under the supervision of the Joint Operations Command, the fifth phase of Operation Swords of Truth, the fifth phase of Operation Swords of Truth launched, at exactly 6: 00 am today, Saturday, based on intelligence information in Diyala, Tuz Khurmatu and Kirkuk to pursue the remnants of ISIS terrorist gangs in areas of common security interest between the center and the region. The army forces, the Peshmerga, the Ministry of Interior and the Popular Mobilization Forces participated in this operation with the support of the Air Force, Army Aviation and technical detachments from the Directorate of Military Intelligence and other support and service forces in the presence of the Army Chief of Staff and Deputy Commander of Joint Operations and the commander of the ground forces and a field presence of the commanders of operations and staff officers and the commanders of the axes through a qualitative and vital activation of the mobile headquarters that were opened in advanced places in the presence of representatives of all ministries and security leaders.

The results of the first day were as follows.

Finding (25) dens and two tunnels for terrorists, (7) explosive devices and a 28 mm mortar round, and destroying a monitoring point and a motorcycle.

It explained, “The proactive operations carried out by our heroic security units in the sectors of responsibility had a qualitative and strategic impact of great importance on the progress of security work and the sustainability of stability and security in our cities that love life.”

It added: “The stage is still ongoing, and we will provide you with the details later.”

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

King Abdulaziz International Airport passports office in Jeddah received the first flights of Nigerian pilgrims; their entry procedures were processed smoothly and easily.

The General Directorate of Passports had announced its readiness to complete the procedures for the pilgrims for the Hajj season 1444/2023, at its international air, land, and seaports, stressing that they it is harnessing all capabilities to facilitate the entry of pilgrims by equipping the passport desks at the ports of entry with the latest technical means manned by qualified multilingual staff

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Saudi astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali AlQarni started their scientific mission AX-2 on board the International Space Station (ISS). They will make the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s history in space and science research by undertaking 14 pioneering experiments in microgravity, out of which three will be dedicated to educational and motivational purposes with the participation of 12,000 Saudi students in 47 different locations across the Kingdom in real time via satellites. This is an epic moment aimed at preparing future astronauts and engineers through quality education and training programs, and participation in scientific experiments, international research, and future space-related missions – all of which will contribute to servicing humanity and achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The Saudi astronauts are conducting six experiments aboard the ISSbetter to understand the impacts of being in space, microgravity, and a high radiation environment on the human brain and nervous system. The research aims to evaluate the repercussions of space on human health and the safety of such space trips on the human brain. It will utilize novel neuroscience tools, including measuring blood flow to the brain and the brain’s electrical activity, assessing intracranial pressure by non-invasive assessment of the eye pupil, and monitoring changes in the optic nerve over time to make space trips safer for humans in the future.

The two Saudi astronauts will also do four cell science experiments to investigate the inflammatory response of human immune cells in microgravity. More specifically, their research will be focused on changes in mRNA decay, a process that can turn off inflammation. In addition, response to therapy is mimicked by utilizing the same cellular model. The crew will take RNA samples for analysis on the ground, where the investigators will monitor RNA expression patterns, and excitedly thousands of RNA half-lives will be measured. Results are expected to contribute to a better understanding of space health and uncover biomarkers or potential therapies for inflammatory diseases in both space and Earth.

To improve researchers’ understanding of rain-seeding technology, which will contribute to increased rainfall in many countries, the two Saudi astronauts will lead an artificial rain experiment in which water vapor will be condensed on plankton and salt atoms in microgravity, simulating the cloud-seeding process that is used in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—many other countries to increase precipitation rates. Results will help scientists and researchers devise new ways to provide suitable conditions for humans — including the work of artificial rain — to live in space colonies on the surface of the moon and Mars.

In addition to these experiments, and to develop further student knowledge of space science and its contribution to improving the quality of life on Earth, three educational awareness experiments will be conducted aboard the ISS in real-time with students across Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Mawhiba, Riyadh Schools, and Misk Schools. The real-time interaction ensures that students can access the Saudi crew live as they simultaneously perform their experiments on Earth and in space.

The Saudi Space Commission (SSC) has stated that the two astronauts’ mission is the cornerstone of the Kingdom’s space research and development. Their trip accomplishes the ambition of the Kingdom to initiate space exploration as the first Middle Eastern country and to become one of the world’s leaders in space programs at the service of humanity.

The mission to the ISS of two Saudi astronauts, launched by the SSC, is a significant part of the Kingdom’s program to space. The SSC is confident that this trip will orient the Saudi youth toward pursuing studies in space programs, communication, and satellites, encouraging them to continue their education in engineering and mathematics. Hence, it aims to prepare future Saudi astronauts through quality education and training programs, participation in scientific experiments, international research, and future space-related missions – all of which will contribute to raising the Kingdom’s status in space research development.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

The Qassiim Police Department has arrested a citizen for involvement in distributing hashish substance and illegal narcotic amphetamine and regulated pills.

According to the police, the individual was found in possession of dangerous weapons and mobile phones. He has been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further legal action.

Security agencies are urging the public to promptly report any information related to drug smuggling or promotion by calling (911) in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region, and (999) in other regions of the Kingdom. Individuals can also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at (995) or email (995@gdnc.gov.sa). All reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

The Arab Parliament issued a statement today condemning the attack and vandalism of the Jordanian ambassador’s residence in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum.

The Arab Parliament expressed its strong disapproval of any form of assault on diplomatic missions. It called upon the Sudanese authorities to take immediate and necessary measures to ensure the complete security of diplomatic missions, allowing them to carry out their duties effectively amidst the challenging circumstances that Sudan is currently facing. The statement also urged all Sudanese parties to uphold the cease-fire agreement and work towards creating a conducive environment for a political resolution to the Sudanese crisis.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

King Abdulaziz and his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, known as “Mawhiba,” is sharing the scientific experiments conducted by Saudi astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali Al-Qarni at the International Space Station (ISS) with its students in a three-day Question and Answer session.

These educational sessions, organized in strategic partnership with the Saudi Space Commission, are part of the “microgravity environment” initiative, aimed at enhancing students’ cognitive awareness of space sciences and technologies. A total of 9,000 students from around the world are participating in training courses and scientific sessions as part of the “microgravity environment” experiment. They will communicate with the Saudi astronauts at the ISS, gaining first-hand knowledge about the station and space technologies.

The astronauts will answer questions and conduct three scientific experiments over three days. The first experiment focused on the dispersion of liquid colours. The astronauts used multiple viscous materials to compare shapes and visual speed in space. On Sunday, the second experiment will focus on the space kite and determine the effects of microgravity. Finally, on Monday, the third experiment will examine patterns of heat transfer on Earth compared to space, allowing students to discover the temporal variation in heat transfer and its patterns in space.

In addition to these educational activities, the astronauts will conduct 14 experiments during their current mission at the ISS, including research in biomedicine and physics.

The current mission to ISS is part of the Saudi Space Commission’s astronaut program, launched in September 2022 to train Saudi personnel to conduct scientific experiments and research for the betterment of humanity in priority areas such as health, sustainability and space technology.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Statement on behalf of the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon Imran Riza, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Representative in Lebanon Ivo Freijsen, and the World Food Programme Country Director and Representative in Lebanon Abdallah Alwardat on the disbursement of cash assistance for refugees ————– NNA – As a result of meetings held yesterday with the Caretaker Prime Minister, H.E. Najib Mikati, and Caretaker Minister of Social Affairs, H.E. Hector Hajjar, and based on their requests, a decision has been made to temporarily pause the use of dual currency for next month’s disbursement of cash assistance to refugees, while discussions continue on appropriate modalities. The United Nations reiterates its commitment to humanitarian principles in supporting the Government to assist the most vulnerable people across Lebanon. All programmatic decisions are taken with full transparency and commitment to our mandate including decisions on assistance modalities which are based on solid, objective evidence and thorough research. We continue to stand with the people and Government of Lebanon during these difficult times and foster a collaborative environment to reach those most in need, including refugees.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon