The US Embassy in Riyadh and the consulates in Dhahran and Jeddah are resuming limited visa appointments for Saudi students, including those participating in a residency or clinical program that provides services and care to patients in the US.
The embassy stated that, because of COVID-19 and social distancing, the appointment dates and severely limited and priority will go to those previously issued with US student visas and those whose study programs were starting imminently.
Reasons such as attending a wedding, traveling for fun, assisting pregnant relatives, and participating in an annual event do not qualify for expedited appointments.
People with a valid Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) issued by their universities may qualify for a student visa. Applicants can submit an expedited appointment request if their planned travel date is within the next three weeks, the embassy said. This option is strictly limited for students who are within 21 days of their start date.
An emergency appointment can only be registered after an applicant has scheduled a regular appointment and will only be approved if there is a need to travel for emergency medical care, the death of a direct relative, an urgent business matter, and if the purpose of traveling is to resume or begin studying in the US. Each of these qualifications require official documentation and proof of urgency. An applicant’s case file will be adversely affected if it emerges that the reasons for travel were misrepresented.
The US State Department suspended routine visa services worldwide in March due to the pandemic, and the embassy in Riyadh and consulates in Dhahran and Jeddah canceled associated visa appointments.
In June the department authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency US diplomatic personnel and all mission family members due to COVID-19. Visa units are operating with reduced staff.
DiplomaticQuarter: Emergency US visas resuming for Saudi students
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DiplomaticQuarter: Emergency US visas resuming for Saudi students
- Reasons such as attending a wedding, traveling for fun, assisting pregnant relatives, and participating in an annual event do not qualify for expedited appointments
Riyadh financial hub earns Guinness Record for 15.46 km pedestrian skyway
- Elevated above ground and connected to Riyadh’s metro, the skywalks help workers, visitors, and residents move easily
RIYADH: The King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh was awarded a Guinness World Record on Sunday for the world’s largest continuous pedestrian skyway network.
The network spans 15.46 km, linking 95 buildings through 42 climate-controlled skywalks, allowing year-round pedestrian access.
Elevated above ground and connected to Riyadh’s metro, the skywalks help workers, visitors, and residents move easily through the district while avoiding traffic and weather.
Built with 30,000 sq. meters of glass and more than 3,000 tonnes of steel, the project required more than 5 million safe work hours from 1,200 personnel.
The skywalks connect offices, homes, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it easier to walk between work, home, and leisure.
“This recognition by Guinness World Records affirms KAFD as a platform for urban development,” said Faddy AlAql, chief asset delivery officer at KAFD Development and Management Co.
“The skywalk network reflects a mobility strategy that connects assets, enhances walkability, and supports our goal of delivering a smart city experience.”
Mbali Nkosi, official adjudicator for Guinness World Records, said: “First set in Minneapolis in 2016, this record has now been redefined by KAFD. In an era where sustainability drives innovation, KAFD’s skyway network sets a new benchmark for walkable urban design.”
The district hosts more than 90 international and local companies and 19 regional headquarters, including Goldman Sachs, Bain & Company, and PepsiCo.
Qassim shines as date harvest fills local markets
- Qassim contributes more than 390,000 tonnes annually to Saudi Arabia’s total date production
- With more than 11 million palm trees, Qassim produces popular varieties such as sukari, barhi, saggi, ajwa, khalas, mabroom, safawi and anbari
JEDDAH: Qassim region is abuzz as the early date harvest begins, yielding more than 50 varieties and filling local markets, reaffirming the region’s role as a major center for date cultivation and marketing in the Kingdom.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Qassim contributes more than 390,000 tonnes annually to Saudi Arabia’s total date production.
This output strengthens its leadership in food security and boosts Saudi agricultural exports, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
With more than 11 million palm trees, Qassim produces popular varieties such as sukari, barhi, saggi, ajwa, khalas, mabroom, safawi and anbari.
This abundance supports local food security and supplies dates to more than 100 countries worldwide, the SPA added.
Date farmer Abdulaziz Al-Baridi praised the support farmers receive from the ministry branch in Qassim, including education on irrigation techniques and pest control, and preparation of markets for date trade.
As the harvest gains momentum, preparations are underway for the Buraidah Dates Festival. It is expected to boost economic activity, raise nutritional awareness, and strengthen market links between farmers and consumers.
The festival aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by promoting agricultural sustainability and diversifying the economy.
Islamic coalition hosts training program in Riyadh
RIYADH: The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition launched a specialized training program titled “Collection Management” on Sunday at its Riyadh headquarters.
This initiative is part of the Kingdom’s efforts to support and build the capacities of nominees from coalition member states, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The program aligns with Saudi Arabia’s goal to enhance integration and cooperation among member states in the fight against terrorism.
It targets 25 nominees from 14 member states, providing theoretical knowledge and practical skills in collection operations, data analysis, and supporting decision-makers in counterterrorism and anti-extremism.
The five-day program, supervised by military and information experts, includes training sessions, simulations, and workshops to improve institutional readiness and capacity for current security challenges.
This training is part of a broader coalition effort, now comprising more than 46 specialized programs covering areas like ideology, terrorism financing, military coordination, and media engagement.
Saudi program empowers small livestock farmers
JEDDAH: The Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Program, known as Saudi Reef, highlighted the importance of supporting small livestock farmers across Saudi Arabia to boost productivity and investment.
The program reviewed last year’s efforts in digital management of intensive livestock farms, including the first implementation of the Saudi Smart Flock system, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Majed Al-Buraikan, Reef Saudi spokesperson, said the Saudi Smart Flock is a digital system that uses smart technology, including facial recognition, to manage both traditional and intensive livestock farms. It is the first of its kind to be applied to small ruminants and has been tested on six small farms.
Al-Buraikan said that the system, which identifies animals by their facial features, also monitors productivity, provides health updates, and manages animal records through its platform. It reduces losses, improves quality, and supports decision-making with accurate data.
The small livestock sector is a key focus of Saudi Reef, aiming to increase productivity, raise farmers’ income, improve livelihoods, and develop traditional production systems while supporting food security.
Visitors drawn to heritage pavilions at Hail festival
- Visitors and tourists alike were drawn to pavilions showcasing cultural heritage and the artistry of ancestors who integrated the crafts into daily life
RIYADH: Traditional handicrafts, some involving ancient Bedouin techniques, have captivated visitors at the fourth Bait Hail Festival, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Visitors and tourists alike were drawn to pavilions showcasing cultural heritage and the artistry of ancestors who integrated the crafts into daily life.
Wicker (Al-Khoos) crafting uses palm fronds to make bags, mats, brooms and more by weaving dry, cleaned and dried fronds.
The fronds are bundled, soaked until soft, then sewn together, with limbs trimmed and thorns removed, ready for painting and tool-making.
Wicker products are sold in shops and traditional markets across the region, and many Hail residents still use them today, the SPA added.
Meanwhile, several Sadu weavers stood out, showcasing authentic artworks and helping revive the hand-sewn craft after years of decline. The skilled artisans have spent years mastering and producing intricate pieces.
Sadu weaving uses natural materials like camel hair, goat and sheep wool, crafted with tools such as a spindle, needle and wooden pegs, according to the SPA.
In some cases, sadu weaving is combined with wickerwork, producing distinctive pieces that blend traditional techniques.
