Saudi Arabia concludes participation at Eurosatory defense exhibition in Paris

Short Url
Updated 22 June 2024
Follow

Saudi Arabia concludes participation at Eurosatory defense exhibition in Paris

  • The pavilion, organized by the General Authority for Military Industries, sought to welcome investors from all over the world

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia concluded its participation in the global defense and security exhibition Eurosatory 2024 in Paris on Friday, where officials sought to boost partnerships with France, the state news agency SPA reported.

The Saudi pavilion participating in the exhibition, which started on Monday, saw wide interaction and a large presence to view the latest achievements, products and developments of the military industries sector in the Kingdom, SPA reported.

The pavilion, organized by the General Authority for Military Industries, sought to welcome investors from all over the world looking to invest in the military industries sector, and the efforts made to develop research and innovation in the sector.

It also reviewed the most prominent policies, legislation and incentives in Saudi Arabia that contributed to stimulating the process of localization and empowerment of the sector, enhancing supply chains and investment opportunities, and the importance of concerted efforts to achieve the military industries sector strategy.

On the sidelines of Eurosatory 2024, the governor of GAMI, Ahmed Al-Ohali, took part in the activities of a Saudi-French Day, where he spoke about building industrial and defense partnerships between Saudi Arabia and France, while the deputy governor of the authority’s empowerment sector, Saleh Al-Aqili, touched on the regulatory framework and organization of local content policy in the Kingdom.

Several meetings were also held at the pavilion with other entities participating in the exhibition, where a number of initiatives and partnerships were instigated.

Many parties from the public and private sectors joined forces to showcase at the pavilion, including the Ministry of Investment, represented by the Invest in Saudi Arabia platform (Invest Saudi), the General Authority for Defense Development, and a number of Saudi national institutions and companies specializing in the field of military industries.

They included the Saudi Arabian Military Industries, Saudia Technic, Life Shield, Scopa, the Arabian International Company, the Saudi Leather Industries Company, the Al-Esnad Military Industries Group, KRMC, and the World Defense Show.

The Kingdom’s military industries are localizing and empowering the sector in “attracting qualitative investments that will effectively contribute to building a prosperous economy and a sustainable industry,” SPA reported.


Madinah governor inspects airport and railway station as pilgrims arrive

Updated 10 sec ago
Follow

Madinah governor inspects airport and railway station as pilgrims arrive

  • Prince Salman emphasized the importance of enhancing the quality of services provided to pilgrims and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s dedication to supporting the two holy mosques

RIYADH: Madinah’s Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport and Haramain High-Speed Railway Station were inspected on Tuesday by the region’s governor to assess the readiness of facilities as pilgrims arrive for this year’s Hajj season.

Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz emphasized the importance of enhancing the quality of services provided to pilgrims and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s dedication to supporting the two holy mosques, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The importance of ensuring operational efficiency and providing the highest levels of service during the Hajj season was also highlighted by the governor. 

The governor also received a detailed briefing on the operational plan for Hajj implemented by the Saudi Railways Company via the Haramain High-Speed Railway. The speedy mode of transport plays a key role in transporting pilgrims safely between the holy cities, SPA said. 


British pilgrims sailing from London to Saudi Arabia for Hajj

Updated 20 May 2025
Follow

British pilgrims sailing from London to Saudi Arabia for Hajj

  • Group of five had no sailing experience before training for 7,400 km journey
  • Pilgrimage has overcome challenges including a leak in the boat, and has raised thousands for charity

JEDDAH: A group of British adventurers are taking part in an extraordinary sailboat journey from the UK to Makkah to perform Hajj.

The group of five from London, aged between 27 and 47, set off on the inspiring 7,400 km adventure from the English Channel on April 1 and expect to reach Saudi Arabia later this week.

Sailors Abdul Wahid, Tauseef Ahmed, Jody McIntyre, Dobbir Uddin and Taher Akhtar have made several stops across Europe and North Africa, sharing the highs and lows of sea life with their growing community of followers on social media.

Experiencing moments of faith, joy and frustration, and facing winds and storms in their sails, the 55-day adventure is also raising funds for orphan care charity Global Helping Hands.

The group recently docked in Ismailia city in northeastern Egypt, and plan on making their way to towards the sacred lands of Saudi Arabia later this week.

Speaking to Arab News from Ismailia, 38-year-old Wahid said the inspiration for the journey came from the mixed influences of his Muslim faith and the maritime history of the UK.

“It is kind of merging our religion Islam with the country we are residing, and reviving this long-forgotten way to Hajj,” he said.

According to Wahid, none of the group’s members had sailing experience before the trip.

“We undertook this journey with no prior experience, therefore, we went through a very intensive training for 6 months,” he said.

“We had to go into the sea for a week in order to get the training we needed and we managed to get to a very completive level internationally.”

The adventure route led the group to go through the English Channel; the Port of Marseille in France; the Mediterranean islands Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete; the Strait of Messina; the Suez Canal in Egypt and finally the Red Sea leading to Jeddah.

The group has spent almost two months being completely disconnected, off-grid and facing storms on the 1978 Westerly 33 Ketch.

“One of the weirdest highlights is the fact that we are here in the sea because we dreamed of a journey at sea — and made it a reality,” said Wahid.

“Imagine, this time last year we had no sailing experience just a rough plan and here we are about to end our journey.”

He added: “It was terrifying challenge for us but at the end of the day, alhamdulillah, we had a great reward and we are safe.”

Ahmed said: “One of the challenges we faced was in the French Canal where there was a blockage of 24 km and we had to lift the boat to the truck despite our delay which took about four days.”

He added: “Another serious challenge we faced, when we woke up in the morning and we were sinking because of a leak in the boat. Alhamdulillah, we were able to fix it and went on as per our schedule.”

Surrounded by blue water, picturesque scenes, and the sporadic sight of marine life, Wahid described the most unforgettable moments of their journey: “We encountered dolphins three times during our journey. 

“We caught a glimpse of unusual shapes in the water. Soon, we realized that what we were seeing was a small pod of dolphins, playing and swimming in front of us. That was really an amazing scene.”

Through the journey, the group aims to raise funds to support orphans in various countries, including Lebanon, Pakistan, Palestine, Uganda, and for Syrian refugees, offering much-needed assistance to the most vulnerable.

The group has received more than £200,000 ($266,000) so far.

“This amount will support orphans in many places,” Wahid said. “The second goal of this journey is for Da’wah purposes.

“We want to showcase to the world the beauty of pilgrimage in Islam in its original essence, in ancient ways it was performed weather it was walking, horse-riding or in this case sailing.”

The expedition is set to complete its final sea passage, lasting up to a week, from Port Suez, Egypt to Jeddah in coordination with BWA Yachting Club KSA, the Red Sea Authority and with the support of JYC facilities.


Syrian pilgrims arrive at Jeddah airport

The first flights of pilgrims from the Syrian Arab Republic for 2025 Hajj season arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport.
Updated 20 May 2025
Follow

Syrian pilgrims arrive at Jeddah airport

  • This Hajj season is the second since pilgrimage for Syrians resumed in 2024 after a 12-year hiatus
  • The General Directorate of Passports has eased entry procedures by utilizing multilingual personnel to assist pilgrims from around the world

RIYADH: The first flights of pilgrims from the Syrian Arab Republic for the 2025 Hajj season have arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

This Hajj season is the second since pilgrimage for Syrians resumed in 2024 after a 12-year hiatus, and the first following the implementation of a new regime under the leadership of President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in January, marking a new era of relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia.

All entry procedures were completed in an orderly and trouble-free manner, a reflection of the Kingdom’s continuous efforts for providing a safe journey for pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The General Directorate of Passports has eased entry procedures by utilizing multilingual personnel to assist pilgrims from around the world, and supplying advanced technologies at entry points.

The directorate has reaffirmed its preparedness to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims at all of the Kingdom’s international airports, land border crossings, and seaports.

It has also stressed that it is working in cooperation with all relevant authorities in the Kingdom to guarantee a smooth and honorable pilgrimage for all.


Saudi King praises outcomes of Trump’s visit

Updated 20 May 2025
Follow

Saudi King praises outcomes of Trump’s visit

  • The Cabinet highlighted the signing of a Strategic Economic Partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United States

King Salman praised on Tuesday the outcomes of US President Donald Trump’s visit to the Kingdom, calling the results a historic step forward for bilateral relations, especially in strategic and economic sectors.

Chairing the weekly Cabinet session in Jeddah, King Salman expressed appreciation for President Trump’s acceptance of the Kingdom’s invitation and his discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which he said would elevate cooperation between the two countries to “an unprecedented level.”

The Cabinet highlighted the signing of a Strategic Economic Partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United States, as well as the announcement of major investment agreements totaling more than $300 billion.

In the same session, ministers also welcomed Washington’s positive response to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s efforts to lift sanctions on Syria. The Cabinet voiced hope that easing sanctions would support reconstruction and long-term stability in the war-torn country.

The Council reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s rejection of any forced displacement of the Palestinian people and called for sustaining the ceasefire in Gaza. It also praised recent achievements by Saudi students at the International Science and Engineering Fair and reviewed developments in the Kingdom’s industrial and humanitarian sectors.


Saudi Arabia, France to drive innovation in music, museums

Updated 20 May 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia, France to drive innovation in music, museums

  • Executive program promotes artifact exchange, heritage preservation, youth engagement, joint cultural exhibitions

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission has signed an executive program with the Cite de la Musique — Philharmonie de Paris to enhance cooperation in the fields of museums and music.

The agreement, which align with the Kingdom’s cultural ambitions under Vision 2030, aims to strengthen cultural ties and foster joint initiatives between the two countries.

It was signed by Museums Commission acting CEO Ibrahim Alsanousi and Philharmonie de Paris CEO Olivier Mantei.

Key areas of cooperation are artifact loans, shared collections, and the exchange of historical musical instruments with the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum in Jeddah.

The program also covers collaborative traveling exhibitions and cultural events.

Mona Khazindar, adviser to the Ministry of Culture, told Arab News: “This partnership is the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering international cultural collaboration and enriching our national institutions through global expertise.

“It directly supports the objectives of Vision 2030 by enhancing the cultural ecosystem, promoting artistic education, and ensuring that our museums become vibrant centers of learning and creativity.

Khazindar added: “The Museums Commission’s strategy emphasizes innovation, inclusivity, and the preservation of our cultural heritage, and this collaboration will play a pivotal role in realizing that vision — especially through initiatives that engage youth and families in meaningful cultural experiences.”

The program includes the development of training and educational initiatives for children and families, such as workshops and interactive installations adapted from the Philharmonie’s programs for young audiences.

It also facilitates the exchange of expertise through researcher visits, seminars, and collaborative academic publications related to both permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Alsanousi emphasized the importance of the agreement, calling it a significant milestone in strengthening cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and France.

He said: “Music plays a vital role in cultural identity, and this partnership will support the transformation of the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum into an interactive and inspiring hub for musical education and engagement.”

Mantei praised Saudi Arabia’s cultural vision and affirmed that the partnership reflects a spirit of constructive cultural exchange.

He also highlighted the agreement as a foundation for future projects that promote artistic and societal dialogue between the two countries.

Tayeb Altayeb, acting director of the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum, said: “This is a transformative step in the development of the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum. It allows us to bring world-class musical artifacts and educational experiences to our audiences while honoring the legacy of one of the Kingdom’s most iconic musical pioneers.

“Through this, the museum will evolve into an interactive cultural hub that not only preserves Saudi Arabia’s rich musical heritage but also inspires future generations to explore and engage with music as a vital part of our national identity.”