10 women given senior positions at Two Holy Mosques

This picture taken on July 24, 2020 ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage season in Saudi Arabia's holy city of Mecca shows a view of the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the centre of the Grand Mosque complex. (AFP)
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Updated 16 August 2020
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10 women given senior positions at Two Holy Mosques

  • Promoting women’s role in in the country is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform program
  • These appointments to cover all specializations and services provided in the Two Holy Mosques

MAKKAH: The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has appointed 10 women to senior leadership positions in the authority.

Announcing the appointments, the presidency said that “empowering women to assume leadership positions is an important subject that will reflect on development and the economy.”
The appointees “will support the process of creativity and achieving the principles of quality and the highest standards of excellence in order to achieve the generous aspirations of the wise leadership,” according to SPA.
“These appointments cover all specializations and services provided in the Two Holy Mosques, whether guidance, directive, engineering, administrative or supervisory services,” Kamelia Al-Daadi, assistant undersecretary for service and administrative affairs at the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, told Arab News.
“They are also included in the departments of the King Abdul Aziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa (cover), the Two Holy Mosques Building Gallery, the Holy Mosque Library, and other areas with the aim of empowering youth and investing their energies and capabilities in the service of the pilgrims,” she added.

Abdul Hamid Al-Maliki, deputy president of the King Abdul Aziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa, exhibitions, museums and assistant undersecretary for the affairs of the Grand Mosque, said that almost half of visitors to the Grand Mosque are women, and the presence of Saudi women leaders will ensure high-quality services.
“The General Presidency of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques accords great attention to young people of both sexes by empowering them to be leaders at young ages,” he added.
Al-Maliki said that promoting women’s role in the presidency and supporting them to lead development in the country is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform program.


Saudi Cabinet praises Riyadh ministerial meeting on Syria

Updated 36 min 5 sec ago
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Saudi Cabinet praises Riyadh ministerial meeting on Syria

RIYADH: The Saudi Cabinet on Tuesday praised the outcomes of a conference that gathered top European and Middle Eastern diplomats in the Saudi capital of Riyadh earlier this week to discuss Syria’s future. 

During the weekly meeting chaired by Saudi King Salman, the cabinet commended the broad international participation in the ministerial meetings held in Riyadh this week on Syria calling for easing sanctions on the country.

In addition, the cabinet statement said the Riyadh conference also discussed steps to support the Syrian people on the humanitarian and economic levels, and to provide aid as the country goes through a transitional period.  

 

 

The Cabinet also addressed the current developments on the regional and international arenas, and reiterated the Kingdom’s call on the international community to assume its responsibility to stop the ongoing Israeli violations of international laws and norms.

It also followed up on Saudi humanitarian efforts and contributions worldwide to alleviate the suffering of the needy and affected people.


Food authority chief inspects Jeddah facilities

Updated 14 January 2025
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Food authority chief inspects Jeddah facilities

RIYADH: The CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Hisham Aljadhey, inspected several facilities in Jeddah, including the authority’s branch office, to assess operations and ensure product safety.

He reviewed laboratory initiatives for detecting mycotoxins like aflatoxin, caused by improper storage, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Aljadhey highlighted the need for skilled personnel and advanced equipment to prevent non-compliant products from reaching local markets.

Aljadhey met with officials from the food, drug, medical devices, and medical products sectors in the Western region at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (SPA)

He also reiterated the authority’s commitment to improving service quality and enhancing customer experiences to raise performance standards, SPA reported.

On Monday, Aljadhey met with officials from the food, drug, medical devices, and medical products sectors in the western region at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation, enabling investment, and identifying opportunities. It also provided a platform for the private sector to share challenges and suggestions, helping the authority refine its services.

Aljadhey met with officials from the food, drug, medical devices, and medical products sectors in the Western region at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (SPA)

Aljadhey stressed the importance of improving product quality, fostering partnerships, and supporting investment within regulatory frameworks to protect public health.

He called on the private sector to enhance self-regulation and compliance to ensure safety and quality, the SPA reported.

Private sector representatives expressed gratitude for the engagement, posed questions, and offered suggestions, which were addressed by Aljadhey and the food authority officials.


Saudi, Japan expanding cultural relations to mark 70th anniversary

Updated 14 January 2025
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Saudi, Japan expanding cultural relations to mark 70th anniversary

  • Kingdom’s participation at Expo 2025 Osaka highlighted by Saudi Culture Ministry

RIYADH: Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto on Monday said that cultural relations are expanding with Saudi Arabia as the two nations celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2025.

Matsumoto made the comments during a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Culture Rakan bin Ibrahim Altouq at Diriyah’s Al-Bujairi District, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two officials discussed events planned for this year, with Altouq highlighting the Kingdom’s participation at the Expo 2025 Osaka.

Matsumoto arrived in Riyadh on Jan. 12 and will travel next to Jordan.


Saudi Arabia, Japan discuss collaboration for 2026 Asian Games

Updated 14 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia, Japan discuss collaboration for 2026 Asian Games

  • Meeting at Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee headquarters in Riyadh

RIYADH: Officials representing the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto discussed on Monday plans for the hosting of the 20th Asian Games and the 5th Asian Para Games in Nagoya city in 2026.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the SOPC’s CEO and Secretary-General Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Baeshen attended the meeting at the organization’s headquarters in Riyadh.

The officials discussed ways to facilitate the participation of Saudi Arabia’s sports delegation in the games.

Collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Japan have strengthened following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the SOPC and the Japanese Olympic Committee on the sidelines of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Set to begin in September, the theme of the 2026 Asian Games is “Imagine One Asia.”


Crown prince and Brazilian president discuss strengthening ties

Updated 14 January 2025
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Crown prince and Brazilian president discuss strengthening ties

  • During the conversation, the two leaders reviewed the strong relations between the Kingdom and Brazil

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call on Monday from Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the conversation, the two leaders reviewed the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Brazil and emphasized their commitment to further developing cooperation across various fields.

Discussions also encompassed a range of topics of mutual interest, highlighting the shared vision for addressing global and regional challenges and both leaders reaffirmed their countries' dedication to fostering collaboration that benefits their respective nations and contributes to global progress, SPA added.