Princess Nourah University receives awards for e-learning, training 

The accolades were presented by the National eLearning Center in the Impact and Excellence categories following a competition involving more than 1,300 entries. (SPA)
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Updated 05 October 2023
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Princess Nourah University receives awards for e-learning, training 

RIYADH: Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University has received prestigious awards for innovation in e-learning and training, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

The accolades were presented by the National eLearning Center in the Impact and Excellence categories following a competition involving more than 1,300 entries.

The university was able to distinguish itself through its engagement with the national e-learning platform FutureX in the Impact category.

It showcased its contributions through the Nourah for Training platform and the Distance Learning Programs in the Excellence category.

These initiatives met the rigorous standards of excellence and demonstrated a significant positive impact.

The awards are testimony to the university’s efforts to practice e-learning based on the latest innovative means and technologies.

They serve as a platform to recognize and celebrate national endeavors, innovative practices, and cutting-edge technologies in the development of human capital.

The awards encourage providers and practitioners of e-learning and training to pioneer effective solutions and uphold best practices.
 


Saudi Arabia unveils robotic surgery and PET-CT scanner to boost Hajj healthcare services

Saudi Minister of Health Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel visits King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah. (Supplied)
Updated 5 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia unveils robotic surgery and PET-CT scanner to boost Hajj healthcare services

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has introduced robotic surgery at King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah, the Kingdom’s Ministry of Health said on Thursday.

The new robotic system marks a major advancement in healthcare services provided to Hajj pilgrims and will support procedures in thoracic surgery, urology, and oncology, enabling greater surgical precision and faster recovery for patients.

The initiative is part of the Ministry of Health’s efforts to leverage technology to improve the quality and efficiency of care delivered during the annual pilgrimage.

The hospital has also launched the first-ever PET-CT scanner within the ministry’s hospitals in the western region.

The diagnostic tool allows for early detection of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders, significantly enhancing diagnostic capabilities.

These developments are in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes innovation and excellence in healthcare, the ministry said.

The expansion of high-tech medical services during Hajj reflects Saudi Arabia’s continued commitment to ensuring the health and safety of pilgrims from around the world.


India’s parliamentary delegation meets Saudi officials, underscores strong position against terrorism

Updated 11 min 56 sec ago
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India’s parliamentary delegation meets Saudi officials, underscores strong position against terrorism

  • Delegation met a cross-section of political dignitaries, government officials, thought leaders and members of the Indian community
  • Delegation held an extensive interaction with the Indian diaspora organized by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh

RIYADH: An all-party parliamentary delegation from India visited Riyadh to convey the country’s firm stance against terrorism and its continued efforts to combat it.

The delegation is visiting various countries to convey India’s response to terrorism in the aftermath of the military campaign, “Operation Sindoor.”

During the Riyadh visit, from May 27-29, the delegation met a cross-section of political dignitaries, government officials, thought leaders and members of the Indian community.

Led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, the delegation held an extensive interaction with the Indian diaspora organized by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh on Thursday. The delegation shared with them the national consensus in the fight against terrorism.

Praising the Indian community, Panda said: “Our Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia continues to make India proud through its success, contributions and standing in local society. Today, we are here with you to share India’s united national stance, the success of Operation Sindoor, and our unwavering commitment to combat cross-border terrorism with a zero-tolerance approach.”

On Wednesday, the all-party delegation had discussions with Adel Al-Jubeir, minister of state for foreign affairs, and underscored India’s position.

The Indian delegation appreciated the support received from the political leadership in Saudi Arabia in condemning the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

Delegates reiterated India’s policy of zero tolerance toward terrorism, highlighting what Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his speech earlier this month: “This is certainly not the era of war but this is also not the era of terrorism.”

It also held a meeting with Dr. Mishaal Al-Sulami, deputy speaker of the Shoura Council, and Maj. Gen. Abdulrahman Alharbi, chairman of the Saudi-India Parliamentary Friendship Committee of the Shoura Council, and conveyed India’s strong position against terrorism.

It expressed deep gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s strong condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

The delegation also met Dr. Mushabab bin Ayed Al-Qahtani, director general of the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute of Diplomatic Studies, and held discussions with the Institute on India’s approach to countering terror.

In all the meetings, the Indian delegation underlined that India has received unwavering support from Saudi Arabia on issues related to counter-terrorism. Both countries will continue to work together in their efforts toward de-radicalization and curbing extremism.

On Wednesday night, the Indian Embassy hosted a dinner interaction with distinguished personalities from Saudi civil society, which gave an opportunity for further discussions on countering terrorism as well as broader topics related to the India-Saudi bilateral partnership.


Saudi FM meets with chairperson of African Union Commission

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives the chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
Updated 29 May 2025
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Saudi FM meets with chairperson of African Union Commission

  • During the meeting, the two officials reviewed aspects of relations between the Kingdom and the union

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received the chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf in Riyadh on Thursday.

During the meeting, the two officials reviewed aspects of relations between the Kingdom and the union and ways to strengthen them in various fields. Topics of common interest were also discussed.


Heritage Commission records 53 violations in March and April as oversight efforts continue

Updated 29 May 2025
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Heritage Commission records 53 violations in March and April as oversight efforts continue

RIYADH: The Heritage Commission recorded 53 violations related to antiquities and urban heritage across several regions of the Kingdom during March and April 2025, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

It comes as part of the commission’s efforts to protect Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and address irregular practices that threaten its preservation, SPA added.

In March, 29 violations were identified, including the unauthorized sale of antiquities and the carrying out of archaeological survey and excavation activities without the required permits.

Several violations were also detected via social media platforms.

Two cases were referred to the Public Prosecution, seven were sent to the Violations Review Committee, and 20 were passed on to the relevant security authorities.

In April, the commission monitored 24 violations, including encroachments on archaeological sites in Madinah, the Eastern Province, Tabuk, Hail, the Northern Borders Region and Al-Jouf.

These included unauthorized entry into sites, tampering with fencing or signage, and the unlicensed use of metal detectors. Additional violations were uncovered through digital platforms, involving the possession and display of manuscripts, coins and historical replicas intended for illegal trade.

The commission has initiated legal action in several cases, referring some to the Public Prosecution and others to Public Security. The Violations Review Committee has issued financial penalties ranging from SR5,000 ($1,332) to SR50,000.

The Heritage Commission stressed that monitoring and enforcement efforts are part of a broader strategy to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the Kingdom’s antiquities and preventing actions that could damage their historical or cultural significance.

It also emphasized the vital role of community members and institutions in safeguarding the nation’s heritage.

Citizens and residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity or attempts to trade antiquities through official channels, including the “Archaeological Report” service, the Commission’s social media accounts, or the Unified Security Operations Center at 911.

The commission reiterated that preserving national heritage was a shared responsibility that requires collective action.


Kingdom’s higher education gaining global prominence

Updated 29 May 2025
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Kingdom’s higher education gaining global prominence

  • Taaref bin Yusuf Al-Aama: Higher education in the Kingdom is experiencing a qualitative renaissance and gaining a prominent position within the global academic landscape

WASHINGTON: Taaref bin Yusuf Al-Aama, president of King Abdulaziz University, said that Saudi higher education is gaining prominence around the world.

“Higher education in the Kingdom is experiencing a qualitative renaissance and gaining a prominent position within the global academic landscape,” he said.

“This success is attributed to the unwavering support of the Kingdom’s wise leadership and the strategic vision led by the Ministry of Education in line with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030.”

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency during the university’s participation in the NAFSA 2025 International Education Expo in San Diego, US, Al-Aama said: “Saudi universities, including King Abdulaziz University, have made substantial progress in education, research and innovation.”

He also highlighted achievements in pioneering research and patents. This helps build a robust knowledge economy, he said. Through the expo, the university seeks to exchange expertise with international universities and promote its advanced academic programs, Al-Aama added.

Higher education institutions in the Kingdom now offer study programs that operate in line with top international standards, he said.