Saudi authority is first in world to achieve ISO’s new AI management system certification

Saudi authority is first in world to achieve ISO’s new AI management system certification
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Updated 12 July 2024
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Saudi authority is first in world to achieve ISO’s new AI management system certification

Saudi authority is first in world to achieve ISO’s new AI management system certification
  • The standard, introduced in December last year, is the first of its kind for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems
  • It provides guidance on addressing the challenges posed by AI, such as ethical values, transparency and continuous learning

RIYADH: The Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence has become the first organization in the world to achieve the International Standards Organization’s 42001:2023 certification for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ISO standard, which was introduced in December last year, is the first of its kind for AIMS. It provides guidance on addressing the challenges posed by AI, such as ethical values, transparency and continuous learning.

It also defines a systematic approach for managing risks and opportunities, and for achieving a balance between innovation and governance in organizations that adopt AI technologies in their work.

Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, the president of SDAIA, said he was proud of the accreditation and that it represents recognition of the implementation by the authority of appropriate standards and practices related to management of AI, and reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation for excellence in the field of data and AI.

He added that the authority’s progress and successes would not be possible without the continuing support of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is chairman of its board of directors.

This support enables the organization to serve as a national reference point for data and AI, he added, and to regulate, develop and manage the implementation of these technologies in ways that ensure they are properly governed and position Saudi Arabia as a leader in the field.


Al-Baha prepares massive holiday celebration

Al-Baha prepares massive holiday celebration
Updated 13 sec ago
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Al-Baha prepares massive holiday celebration

Al-Baha prepares massive holiday celebration

AL-BAHA: Residents and visitors to Al-Baha region will experience a festive atmosphere this Eid Al-Fitr as local authorities launch an ambitious program featuring 55 recreational and cultural events across the city.

The municipality has embarked on extensive decorative efforts, adorning the cityscape with 45 artistic sculptures and illuminating 30,000 linear meters of street lamps with decorative lighting. Festive Eid greetings now grace bridge panels, tunnel displays, and electronic screens throughout the region.

“We have prepared 142 parks and gardens and 27 municipal plazas to welcome families during the holiday period,” Al-Baha Mayor Ali bin Mohammed Al-Sawat said.

“These venues, along with specially designated event locations in Al-Baha city and surrounding governorates, will serve as gathering points for our communities.”

Key celebration hubs in Al-Baha city include the popular Raghadan Forest Park, Prince Hussam Park in Al-Qayyim, the Market Square in the central district, and the scenic walkway along Imam Mohammed bin Saud Road in Al-Hawiyah.

According to the mayor, the festivities have been designed to accommodate everyone in the community — from children and families to elderly residents, youth groups, and people with disabilities.


KSrelief enables Zakat donations to Yemen, Somalia

KSrelief enables Zakat donations to Yemen, Somalia
Updated 3 min 35 sec ago
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KSrelief enables Zakat donations to Yemen, Somalia

KSrelief enables Zakat donations to Yemen, Somalia

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has enabled people to donate their 2025 Zakat Al-Fitr through the “Sahem” platform, ensuring timely and easy delivery to beneficiaries in Yemen and Somalia.

The Zakat Al-Fitr equals 3 kg of rice per person, and amounts to SR15 ($4) per individual for Yemen, and SR12 for Somalia.

The initiative aims to facilitate the process of Zakat donation and ensure it reaches the most needy groups, in accordance with Shariah regulations.

It is also part of the Kingdom’s efforts, represented by KSrelief’s support of needy people around the world.

The center said that the Zakat Al-Fitr donation can be made through the “Sahem” platform for Yemen and Somalia via the Sahem website.


Lebanese, Syrian defense ministers discuss border security during Jeddah meeting

Lebanese, Syrian defense ministers discuss border security during Jeddah meeting
Updated 27 March 2025
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Lebanese, Syrian defense ministers discuss border security during Jeddah meeting

Lebanese, Syrian defense ministers discuss border security during Jeddah meeting
  • Border tensions between the two countries flared up earlier in March

JEDDAH: The defense ministers of Lebanon and the Syrian Arab Republic met in Jeddah on Thursday, Asharq reported.

The Syrian delegation was headed by Murhaf Abu Qasra and the Lebanese delegation was led by Michel Menassa.

The two ministers discussed enhancing border security and demarcation between both countries.

Border tensions flared up earlier in March after the new authorities in Syria accused Lebanese armed group Hezbollah of kidnapping three soldiers into Lebanon and killing them.

The Iran-backed group, which fought alongside the forces of toppled Syrian president Bashar Assad, denied involvement.

Cross-border clashes that followed left seven Lebanese dead.

In a statement, Saudi Arabia said it supported Syria and Lebanon resolving their differences through political and diplomatic dialogue while upholding sovereignty, stability, and international law, according to Asharq.

The Kingdom also highlighted the importance of security coordination, especially in border control, to address shared challenges such as smuggling and the influence of armed groups.


Kingdom celebrates Saudi Green Initiative

Kingdom celebrates Saudi Green Initiative
Updated 27 March 2025
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Kingdom celebrates Saudi Green Initiative

Kingdom celebrates Saudi Green Initiative
  • Program launched in 2023 to raise environmental awareness, improve well-being
  • Scheme seeks to bind sustainable programs with broader green objectives

RIYADH: Thursday marked the second anniversary of the Saudi Green Initiative, a Kingdom-wide program designed to increase environmental awareness and motivate people to play their part in securing a healthier future for generations to come.

Its goal to bring people together and bolster community engagement is key to raising the quality of life for all citizens and residents and aligns with the sustainable development goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

"The actions we take today will define the environmental legacy we leave behind,” Dr. Khaled Al-Abdulkader, CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, told Arab News.

He went on to praise the “bold leadership, pioneering strategies, and … unwavering commitment to sustainability” of Saudi Arabia.

The initiative, launched in 2023, seeks to bind sustainable programs with the nation’s broader green objectives, such as reducing toxic emissions, improving afforestation and land restoration, and preserving land and marine ecosystems.

It is also testimony to the leadership’s green vision and drive to position the Kingdom at the forefront of sustainable development on both a local and global scale.

Saudi Arabia’s leading role in protecting the environment was highlighted in December when it hosted the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, or COP16.

The global gathering provided a platform for policymakers, business leaders and other experts to share ideas and insights on tackling environmental challenges and developing a collective path for green transformation.

At the local level, the Kingdom’s leaders have initiated a number of campaigns to raise awareness of the need for sustainable practices.

Among them is Ramadan of Goodness, which encourages people to minimize food waste and be more aware of their consumption of vital resources like electricity and water during the holy month.

It encompasses more than 85 environmental protection and green development programs, including the rehabilitation of 18,000 hectares of degraded land and the reintroduction of more than 7,500 endangered species through breeding programs.


4,000 itikaf observers from 120 countries provided with 12 key services at Prophet’s Mosque

4,000 Muslims from 120 countries are observing itikaf in 48 designated locations within the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. (SPA)
4,000 Muslims from 120 countries are observing itikaf in 48 designated locations within the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. (SPA)
Updated 27 March 2025
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4,000 itikaf observers from 120 countries provided with 12 key services at Prophet’s Mosque

4,000 Muslims from 120 countries are observing itikaf in 48 designated locations within the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. (SPA)
  • Itikaf is the act of staying in a mosque during the last 10 days of Ramadan in seclusion
  • Services include daily meals, water supply services, multilingual translation, awareness and guidance screens explaining itikaf requirements, and luggage storage lockers

RIYADH: Twelve services are being provided to 4,000 itikaf observers from 120 nationalities in 48 designated locations within the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

Itikaf is the act of staying in a mosque during the last 10 days of Ramadan in seclusion. The person devotes themselves to worshipping God during what are considered to be the most virtuous ten nights of the year by Muslims, and when rewards are multiplied.

The services include daily meals, water supply services, multilingual translation, awareness and guidance screens explaining itikaf requirements, luggage storage lockers, medical and first aid clinics, sleeping essentials, laundry services, charging stations for mobile devices, and personal care kits. Each itikaf observer has also received a wristband to facilitate entry and exit from the designated itikaf areas.

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has urged itikaf observers to adhere to several requirements throughout this period, including dedicating their time to prayer and other acts of worship, avoiding disturbances during tarawih and night prayers, maintaining tranquility within the Prophet’s Mosque, wearing clean and presentable attire, using pleasant fragrances, and refraining from any behavior that may inconvenience fellow observers.

They are also encouraged to help keep the mosque clean, ensure their belongings are stored in designated lockers, remain within their assigned areas according to their registration number, follow health guidelines, and comply with safety instructions when using movement pathways for entry and exit.

It is prohibited to bring unauthorized food, beverages, or luggage into the itikaf areas, hold study sessions, receive visitors, or bring children to the itikaf sites, the authority said.