Multimillion riyal transport projects launched in Riyadh region

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Updated 25 December 2020
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Multimillion riyal transport projects launched in Riyadh region

RIYADH: Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdul Aziz on Thursday inaugurated transport projects that were carried out in the region with the total value of SR360 million ($96 million).

Alongside Transport Minister Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, he also laid the foundation stone of a number of projects with a value of SR490 million ($130 million).

The inauguration was attended by Abdulhadi Al-Mansouri, president of the General Authority for Civil Aviation, Rumaih Al-Rumaih, chairman of the General Transportation Authority (GTA), Badr Al-Dulami, deputy minister of Transport for Roads Affairs, Dr. Bashar bin Khalid Al-Malik, CEO of the Saudi Railway Company (SAR), Saud Al-Arifi, assistant undersecretary for Riyadh Region for Development Affairs, and Adel Al-Hamdan, secretary of the Designated Regional Council.

The governor reviewed the projects of the ministry and its branches in the region, including a presentation on airports and projects in the Central Region and the projects of the GTA, as well as a presentation on transport statistics in Riyadh and the future programs of the SAR.

The inaugurated projects contained four development projects, including a number of roads in the region (Fifth Group) which consisted of a bridge with slopes near the Al-Yamamah University on the Riyadh/Al-Qassim highway.

The projects will add 105 km of new transportation options.

These projects aim to reduce congestion on the Special Security Forces Bridge.

The projects included the construction of an overpass on the King Khalid Road (Salbukh) at its intersection with the Imam Saud bin Faisal Road in Al-Diriyah. It also looked at the move to expand the bridge at the intersection of the King Abdulaziz Road with King Khalid Road (Salbukh) in Al-Diriyah, by adding a bifurcating bridge backward of the existing bridge (from the southern side) on the King Khalid Road.

Other avenues of development also include the Thadiq/Al-Rajeh/Al-Barra Road, with total lengths of 42 km, and the project to complete the remaining works of the secondary and agricultural roads in Riyadh within the 29th Group, which consist of implementing a part of the duplication of Rawdat Sudair Road linked to the Riyadh/Al-Qassim Road.

It will also complete the Al-Khais link, with the project’s length reaching 52 km. The governor also observed plans regarding the project to complete the Al-Zulfi/Al-Ghat Road with a length of 11 km.

Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdul Aziz laid the foundation stone for various phases of the development of the Riyadh/Al-Rayn/Bisha Road situated in Riyadh, which will create a total of 194 km of new infrastructure options.

In addition, he laid the foundation stone for the duplication of the Shaqra, Dawdami and Afif Road with a length of 20 km, and the surrounding roads near the Ministry of Interior, linking them to the main roads, with a length of 26 km.


Juniper tree stands tall as a symbol of Al-Baha’s beauty

Updated 11 sec ago
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Juniper tree stands tall as a symbol of Al-Baha’s beauty

  • Nourished by recent heavy rains in the region, these majestic trees have flourished, forming expansive forests
  • The coniferous trees and shrubs can also been found in forested areas of Baljurashi, Beni Hassan, and Al-Mandaq governorates

RIYADH: For centuries, the juniper tree has proudly stood as a symbol of picturesque beauty in Al-Baha region, adorning its slopes and mountain peaks with vibrant green hues.
Nourished by recent heavy rains in the region, these majestic trees have flourished, forming expansive forests that eagerly await the arrival of summer, and the embrace of nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility and solace.
Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Qudwa, a representative of the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification in the Al-Baha region, told the Saudi Press Agency that juniper trees make up 30 percent of wild plants in Al-Baha.
The coniferous trees and shrubs can also been found in forested areas of Baljurashi, Beni Hassan, and Al-Mandaq governorates.
Al-Qudwa said that the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, through its forest department in the region, is dedicated to year-round efforts aimed at preserving forests, with a particular emphasis on safeguarding the juniper, Al-Atm, and talh populations.
These endeavors align closely with the strategic objectives outlined in the national action plan for forests in the Kingdom, a crucial component of Saudi Vision 2030.
Al-Qudwa said that security and protection patrols stationed at forest sites throughout the region swiftly intervene to address violations such as unauthorized tree felling or logging.
Patrols can impose penalties in accordance with legal provisions and regulations, ensuring accountability through investigations carried out by inspectors and observers.
Heavy rainfall this year has been beneficial for juniper trees, which have responded with alluring fragrance, interwoven branches, and evergreen foliage.
Junipers are a central feature of the natural forests in the Al-Baha region. Their verdant presence not only enhances the allure of the landscape, but also serves as vital vegetation, safeguarding waterfalls, regulating rainwater runoff, and protecting against erosion.
The majestic trees are also a major attraction for tourists.
More than 30 forests in the Al-Baha region welcomed visitors earlier than usual this year, coinciding with a surge in weekend visitors from within and outside the Kingdom.
Authorities in the region are working tirelessly to prepare the forests, which are complemented by numerous parks, gardens, and traditional villages, for the large number of visitors.
This effort aims to uphold the region’s tourist status by also offering a wide range of activities and services.


Saudi Public Security to issue Makkah entry permit instructions on Saturday ahead of Hajj season

Updated 03 May 2024
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Saudi Public Security to issue Makkah entry permit instructions on Saturday ahead of Hajj season

  • General Directorate of Passports also said it had begun to issue electronic entry permits for workers in Makkah

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Public Security said on Friday that it would issue instructions for residents wishing to obtain permission to enter Makkah ahead of Hajj season on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It also said any Saudi residents wishing to obtain a permit must do so from the relevant authorities and that those who fail to get the necessary permits will be prevented from entering the holy city.

Also on Friday, in an attempt to streamline entry procedures for residents during the Hajj season, the General Directorate of Passports said it had begun to issue electronic entry permits for workers in Makkah.

The digital service, facilitated through the Ministry of Interior’s online platform Absher and the Muqeem portal, will remove the need for in-person visits to passport offices and will allow those seeking entry permits to submit documents online.


Joint Saudi-US ‘Protection Shield IV’ drill begins

Updated 03 May 2024
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Joint Saudi-US ‘Protection Shield IV’ drill begins

  • The drill sought to heighten awareness of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear risks

DHAHRAN: In a display of strategic cooperation, the Eastern Region Command in Dhahran orchestrated the latest iteration of the joint Saudi-US exercise, “Protection Shield 4.”

Bringing together branches of the Saudi Armed Forces, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), and a consortium of civilian and military government entities—including the Ministry of Defense’s health services, the General Directorate of Civil Defense, the Ministry of Health, and the Saudi Red Crescent Authority—the drill aimed to bolster preparedness against potential threats of mass destruction.

Colonel Turki bin Salem Al-Sumairi, overseeing the participating mixed battalion, underscored the drill’s dual purpose: to enhance the operational capabilities of all involved and to foster seamless collaboration between Saudi and US forces. Furthermore, the drill sought to heighten awareness of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear risks.

Field exercises formed the crux of the event, testing the efficacy of national response plans in confronting scenarios involving weapons of mass destruction. Additionally, coordination and information exchange mechanisms were scrutinized to ensure swift and effective joint responses.

Simulated ammunition was employed during the drills to simulate crisis scenarios arising from the deployment of weapons of mass destruction. Meanwhile, health services units from the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Health, the Civil Defense, and the Saudi Red Crescent engaged in drills aimed at enhancing collaborative efforts and refining responses to chemical and biological incidents.


Asir region is first with launch of tourism identity

Updated 03 May 2024
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Asir region is first with launch of tourism identity

  • Prince Turki said the slogan “Karam Al-Arouma” was inspired by the generosity and welcoming nature of the people of the region

Saudi Arabia’s Asir region has become the first in the Kingdom to create a regional tourism identity, accompanied by the slogan “Karam Al-Arouma,” or “the generosity of the people of Asir.” 

Asir Gov. Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, who also heads the Asir Region Development Authority, launched the identity at an official ceremony organized by the authority and hosted by the Rijal Heritage Village in Rijal Almaa governorate.

“This identity has been in the works for quite a while. It’s a very exciting day for us to finally unveil this to the world. It’s going to help our marketing efforts both domestically and internationally,“ Hashim Al-Dabbagh, the authority’s CEO, told Arab News. 

“The vision of the Asir region is to be a preeminent destination year-round, and having our own identity is a step in that direction,” he said.  

Asir is seeking to become a global destination throughout the year, based on its authentic culture and wide range of natural attractions. 

Prince Turki said the slogan “Karam Al-Arouma” was inspired by the generosity and welcoming nature of the people of the region.

The identity was supported by the launch of the “Discover Asir” tourism website under the umbrella of “Visit Saudi,” which will provide tourist information. 


Saudi Justice Ministry to host training conference

Updated 03 May 2024
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Saudi Justice Ministry to host training conference

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Justice is to hold the International Conference of Judicial Training in Riyadh from May 6-7.

The Judicial Training Center hosts the event which will see the participation of several international training institutes, centers, and experts in the field of judicial and legal training. The objective is to facilitate the exchange of experiences and deliberations on contemporary trends in the era of digital transformation.

Called “The Future of Judicial Training in the Era of Digital Transformation,” the event will delve into the prospects of training in the future. It will explore paths for enhancing training content; strategies for harnessing modern technology; artificial intelligence in judicial training; and effective methodologies for measuring the training’s impact.