Officials discuss Saudi-South Korean cooperation in nuclear power and defense

Special Officials discuss Saudi-South Korean cooperation in nuclear power and defense
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Delegates at the Korea-GCC Cooperation Seminar at the Marriot DQ Hotel in Riyadh. (AN Photo/Jafar AlSaleh)
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Updated 14 November 2024
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Officials discuss Saudi-South Korean cooperation in nuclear power and defense

Officials discuss Saudi-South Korean cooperation in nuclear power and defense
  • First Korea-Gulf Cooperation Council cooperation seminar organized by the Gulf Research Center and the South Korean embassy
  • Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Choi Byung-hyuk said that the seminar was an opportune space to discuss economic cooperation and to come to a shared understanding of regional conflicts

RIYADH: Officials and nuclear experts discussed cooperation in nuclear energy and defense between South Korea and Saudi Arabia during an event in Riyadh on Tuesday.

The first Korea-Gulf Cooperation Council cooperation seminar organized by the Gulf Research Center and the South Korean embassy hosted around 80 participants to discuss trade relations, cooperation in the energy sector, and regional conflicts in the Middle East.

South Korea’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Choi Byung-hyuk, said the seminar was an opportune space to discuss economic cooperation and to come to a shared understanding of regional conflicts in the GCC, specifically Gaza and the Red Sea, as well as a space to diversify energy cooperation in the nuclear and renewables sectors.

Kang Han-ok, vice president for SMART development at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, presented a joint research project currently underway between South Korea and Saudi Arabia on small modular reactors.

“SMRs are being highlighted as carbon-zero energy sources that complement the intermittent nature of renewable energy in the global power supply sector,” Kang said.

He noted how the SMART100 SMR, jointly designed by Saudi and South Korean entities, was approved by Seoul’s nuclear regulator in September.

The reactor was jointly developed by KAERI, the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, and the Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Corp.

Kang explained the reactor is now ready to be exported globally. “With its SDA acquaintance, SMART is now ready for global deployment in the demand of the power and thermal energy sectors,” he said.

Kang also spoke about ways to increase nuclear power plant cooperation between South Korea and GCC member states, citing the plan to establish a joint nuclear research and development center between the Saudi National Atomic Energy Project and KAERI.

The chairman of the Gulf Research Center, Abdulaziz Sager, emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s ability to rely on South Korea as a strong ally and defense supplier encouraged a relationship of trust and long-term partnership in the Kingdom’s security planning.

The seminar comes almost one year after the signing of a free trade agreement between South Korea and the GCC, signed on Dec. 28, 2023.

At the time, South Korea committed to eliminate 89.9 percent of tariffs on all products while the GCC committed to eliminate 76.4 percent, facilitating increased trade between the two parties.

The Korea-GCC FTA was 20 years in the making. Discussions for the agreement began in 2008, but it is yet to be verified or ratified. Lee Kwon-hyung, senior research fellow from the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, put forward recommendations on how to pave the way for the agreement and how to best utilize it once finalized, including establishing an artificial intelligence data center to transition towards a green energy economy relying on solar, wind, and nuclear power for electricity generation.

“The AI data center needs a lot of electricity, so an energy transition and a digital transition are very imperative, and with the AI Data Center we can make industrial restructuring in both countries,” Lee said.

Prof. In Nam-sik, director general for strategic region studies at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, evaluated the impact of geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and East Asia on Korean-GCC relations, as well as the transformation of the US-led liberal international order.

On the war on Gaza, In said: “The situation threatens to shift the two-state solution toward an apartheid scenario, further destabilizing the region.”

On Iran, In continued: “Iran’s expanding influence through its regional proxy contributes to ongoing instability, with concerns that the current dynamics may accelerate Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“The transition in Iran’s leadership raises uncertainties, with hopes for a gradual regime change that might reduce Iran’s revolutionary stance.”

Commenting on US influence, In said: “As the US pivots its strategic focus to Asia, Gulf nations are adopting flexible diplomacy, leveraging both US and Chinese influence.”

In stated that the Middle Eastern and European fronts are already linked, and North Korean military support to Russia signals an increasing risk of interconnected conflicts across regions.

To combat these regional and international threats, In urged South Korea and the GCC to work together on security cooperation across information sharing and technology, joint maritime security exercises, and shared support for multilateral forums, in addition to continued political dialogue in the above mentioned areas.


Restoration efforts bring new life to Saudi historic Kasbat Al-Midmar

Restoration efforts bring new life to Saudi historic Kasbat Al-Midmar
Updated 20 July 2025
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Restoration efforts bring new life to Saudi historic Kasbat Al-Midmar

Restoration efforts bring new life to Saudi historic Kasbat Al-Midmar
  • The recently restored structure is now preserved under the supervision of Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission

RIYADH: In the heart of Badr Al-Janoub governorate, the historic Kasbat Al-Midmar rises proudly from the old district — a striking reminder of Saudi Arabia’s deep architectural and cultural heritage.

Built more than 300 years ago, the kasbah, or watchtower, is a seven-story mudbrick structure designed in the traditional circular form, wide at the base and tapering as it ascends, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Originally built as a watchtower to safeguard nearby farmlands, it still looks out over the village and valley today.

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Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission continues to protect and restore the region’s historic buildings, placing them on the National Antiquities Register as part of the Kingdom’s cultural legacy.

The recently restored structure is now preserved under the supervision of the Kingdom’s Heritage Commission.

Surrounding the kasbah are the remnants of traditional mud houses, part of a network of historical fortresses and homes that reflect the enduring legacy of the region.

These buildings illustrate the ingenuity of local architecture and the importance of such fortifications in the daily life of previous communities.

Manea Naji Al-Saad, vice president of the Najran Society for History and Archaeology, told SPA that the governorate where aware that Badr Al-Janoub is rich in archeological sites, including old mud houses and Qishla Castle, which stands atop Mount Al-Qarah.

Nearby is Al-Thaghr Palace, a structure dating back to the First Saudi State. Built by the order of Imam Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammad in 1221 AH, the four-story palace is made of stone and features a large protective wall and a deep central well.

The commission continues to protect and restore the region’s historic buildings, placing them on the National Antiquities Register as part of the Kingdom’s cultural legacy, the SPA reported.

 


Research grants to revive Saudi Arabia’s craft heritage

Research grants to revive Saudi Arabia’s craft heritage
Updated 20 July 2025
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Research grants to revive Saudi Arabia’s craft heritage

Research grants to revive Saudi Arabia’s craft heritage
  • Program offers funding in six categories to explore how traditional skills sustain culture and economy

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Heritage Commission, has announced a new research grant initiative to study traditional handicrafts.

As part of the Year of Handicrafts campaign, the program invites scholars to examine how traditional crafts preserve cultural knowledge, embody inherited skills, fulfill social roles, and reflect economic practices that have shaped Saudi society.

The grant covers six research categories to provide insights into handicraft studies. Applications are open until Sept. 1, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Historical research will trace the development of surviving and lost crafts over time, examining how social, economic, and political changes have influenced them.

A second category focuses on craft promotion, investigating initiatives to support and institutionalize traditional handicrafts in contemporary Saudi society.

Economic impact and creative economy studies will analyze how handicrafts contribute to the national economy, including comparisons of domestic and international markets for handmade cultural goods.

Technology integration research explores how modern techniques, design and digital tools intersect with traditional methods to create market-ready products.

Social research will examine community relationships with handicrafts and how cultural perceptions affect the sector’s growth and sustainability.

The final category addresses conceptual frameworks, critically analyzing handicraft terminology, its evolution, and making comparisons with related concepts such as cultural industries, fine arts, and the roles of craftspeople versus artists.

Applicants must hold an advanced degree, master’s or doctorate, or demonstrate equivalent expertise through substantial research. Late submissions will not be considered.

Selected researchers must produce publication-ready papers suitable for peer-reviewed journals and comply with all guidelines and documentation on the grant website. Simultaneous submission to other funding bodies is prohibited unless the applicant withdraws from this program.

Beyond supporting individual projects, the grant aims to strengthen local expertise in handicraft studies, foster researcher networks, and promote traditional handicrafts as a key element of Saudi culture. Interested researchers can apply through the ministry’s website.

 


Saudi project clears 971 explosive devices in Yemen

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. (Supplied)
The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. (Supplied)
Updated 20 July 2025
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Saudi project clears 971 explosive devices in Yemen

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. (Supplied)
  • The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 971 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 891 unexploded ordnance, 78 anti-tank mines, one anti-personnel mine and one improvised explosive device, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said that 506,437 mines have been cleared since the project began in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

Project Masam trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

 


Saudi Arabia’s Beit Hail festival draws 65,000 visitors since launch

Saudi Arabia’s Beit Hail festival draws 65,000 visitors since launch
Updated 20 July 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s Beit Hail festival draws 65,000 visitors since launch

Saudi Arabia’s Beit Hail festival draws 65,000 visitors since launch
  • Event features an art pavilion presenting notable artists, a resin art exhibit and a folk theater
  • Several government leaders have visited the festival, praising its activities for recalling memories of traditional life

RIYADH: A heritage festival in Hail, northwestern Saudi Arabia, has attracted more than 65,000 visitors since it launched on June 28 from various Saudi cities as well as Gulf and international destinations.

The 30-day Beit Hail Festival at Aja Park offers a vibrant mix of cultural, artistic and heritage experiences, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The festival will continue until July 27, offering an immersive celebration of cultural heritage that includes handicrafts, traditional dishes and Thamudic inscriptions.

Beit Hail features an art pavilion showcasing notable artists, a resin art exhibit, a folk theater, residential models inspired by heritage and performances highlighting the culture of Aseer province.

Several government leaders have visited the festival, praising its activities for recalling memories of traditional life and showcasing conventional methods of meeting daily needs, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


Saudi minister leads KSA delegation at G20 finance ministers and central bank governors in South Africa

Saudi minister leads KSA delegation at G20 finance ministers and central bank governors in South Africa
Updated 20 July 2025
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Saudi minister leads KSA delegation at G20 finance ministers and central bank governors in South Africa

Saudi minister leads KSA delegation at G20 finance ministers and central bank governors in South Africa
  • Saudi Central Bank Governor Ayman Al-Sayari was among the officials in attendance

KwaZulu-Natal: Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan recently led the Kingdom’s delegation at the Third Meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

At the meeting, the Saudi minister highlighted the need to accelerate reforms of the international trading system, adding that longstanding issues now require urgent action, Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

“It is important that we move forward with reforms that reflect today’s evolving realities,” Al-Jadaan said.

Saudi Central Bank Governor Ayman Al-Sayari was among the officials in attendance.