Ramadan operations running smoothly at Jeddah airport: Transport minister

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Transport Minister Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, accompanied by civil aviation and airport officials, stressed the effective implementation of plans for the Umrah season during Ramadan 2024 in his inspection visit at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. (Supplied)
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Updated 21 March 2024
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Ramadan operations running smoothly at Jeddah airport: Transport minister

  • Minister, officials inspect King Abdulaziz International Airport
  • Over 5.4m passengers arrived, departed from Feb. 11 to March 20

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Transport Minister Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser on Wednesday inspected Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport to ensure operations were running smoothly for Ramadan.

Al-Jasser, who is also chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, said the aim is “to provide top-notch services that would enhance guests’ comfort and convenience.”

More than 27 government and security bodies are involved in operations at the airport, he was quoted as saying by the Saudi Press Agency.

From the beginning of the month of Sha’ban (Feb. 11) until Ramadan 10 (March 20), KAIA recorded the arrival and departure of over 5.4 million passengers on 30,572 flights. The airport’s busiest day was on Sha’ban 21 last year (March 13, 2023), involving 157,800 passengers.

Al-Jasser was accompanied by several officials including GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej; CEO Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Mughlooth of MATARAT Holding, which oversees the development of Saudi Arabia’s airports; Chairman Raed Al-Mudaiheem of the Jeddah Airports company’s board of directors; and Jeddah Airports CEO Mazen Johar.

He toured Terminal 1, the Northern Terminal and the Hajj Terminal Complex.

The inspection began with an overview of the baggage-handling area, followed by a visit to the air-conditioned lounges, which can accommodate 6,000 passengers per hour.

Al-Jasser then proceeded to the Northern Terminal to review the sorting area, which spans 1,430 square meters, and which has a waiting area for 522 passengers.

At Terminal 1, the minister inspected the 24,000-square-meter sorting area, the waiting area for 1,800 passengers per hour, and parking facilities for 83 buses. He also visited the Operations and Control Monitoring Center, the automated passenger transport facility, and various lounges.


US energy secretary visits Saudi Aramco HQ, Shaybah oil field

Updated 15 April 2025
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US energy secretary visits Saudi Aramco HQ, Shaybah oil field

  • Chris Wright accompanied by Saudi counterpart, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman
  • Sides discuss renewable energy, cooperation, investment

RIYADH: US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright visited the headquarters of Aramco in Dhahran on Tuesday in the company of his Saudi counterpart, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.

Amin Nasser, the president and CEO of the petroleum and natural gas giant, gave a briefing on the company’s latest initiatives and innovations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During his visit, Wright saw Aramco’s Exploration and Petroleum Engineering Advanced Research Center, the Accelerated Innovation Laboratory and the Fourth Industrial Revolution facility.

The two officials were also shown the Shaybah oil field and visitor center — one of Aramco’s environmental initiatives — in the Empty Quarter.

Wright, who arrived in the Kingdom on Sunday, has praised the Saudi leadership for supporting energy cooperation between the two countries.

He also discussed renewable energy sources, such as green hydrogen and solar power, with Saudi officials and stressed the need for long-term investment to meet rising global demand, the report said.


Saudi foundation, UN sign deal to tackle food waste

Updated 15 April 2025
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Saudi foundation, UN sign deal to tackle food waste

  • Agreement aims to strengthen partnerships that support the charitable sector and contribute to national development goals
  • Establishes a framework for knowledge exchange, joint programs and food waste reduction efforts

RIYADH: The Grace Preservation Foundation signed a cooperation agreement on Tuesday with the UN Environment Programme to promote sustainability and reduce food waste through community awareness and joint initiatives.

The agreement aims to strengthen partnerships that support the charitable sector and contribute to national development goals, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It establishes a framework for knowledge exchange, joint programs, food waste reduction efforts, and the development of scientific tools for data analysis and informed decision-making.

Abdullah Abdulrahman bin Saeed, the foundation’s secretary-general, said the agreement aligns with Vision 2030 and national priorities in sustainability and food security. He also emphasized the value of strategic cooperation in empowering community efforts.

The agreement covers food waste competitions and awards aligned with Sustainable Development Goal, the SPA reported.

Key activities include awareness campaigns, educational programs, and the UNEP “Recipe for Change” initiative.

Seasonal efforts will be launched during Ramadan, Hajj, and UN international days to promote food preservation and environmental responsibility.


Madinah forum to discuss Islamic finance progress

Updated 44 min 22 sec ago
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Madinah forum to discuss Islamic finance progress

  • Symposium will explore six main topics and over 20 sub-themes, focusing on Islamic banking’s role in economic development, justice, and sustainability
  • Scientific sessions will cover early foundations, current industry analysis across economies, and regulatory and technological shifts

JEDDAH: Under the patronage of Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan, Al-Baraka Islamic Economics Symposium will be held on Wednesday under the theme “Islamic Banking in 50 Years: Achievements of the Past and Hopes for the Future.”

Hosted by Prince Muqrin University’s female campus, the event’s 45th edition will gather ministers, financial leaders, experts, and representatives from more than 15 countries.

The two-day symposium will explore six main topics and over 20 sub-themes, focusing on Islamic banking’s role in economic development, justice, and sustainability.

Scientific sessions will cover early foundations, current industry analysis across economies, and regulatory and technological shifts.

Future-focused discussions will highlight Shariah governance, financing mechanisms, Islamic windows, acquisitions, and the sector’s contribution to sustainable development.

Distinguished individuals and institutions will be honored for advancing Islamic economics in theory and practice.

Abdullah Saleh Kamel, the forum’s chairman, said that since 1981, Al-Baraka has been a key platform for dialogue on Islamic economics.

He said the 50-year milestone offers a chance to reflect and look ahead, reaffirming the commitment to innovation, financial inclusion, and Shariah-compliant progress.

Several cooperation agreements will also be signed, reinforcing the symposium’s role as a hub for intellectual exchange.

A documentary titled “Glimpses of Islamic Banking: From Inception to Contemporary Reality” will be screened, tracing the evolution of Islamic banking and its pioneers.

The symposium will also announce this year’s nomination topics for the Saleh Kamel Prize for Islamic Economics, which honors his legacy and supports excellence in research.


Saudi deputy FM urges unified action on Sudan crisis at London conference

Updated 15 April 2025
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Saudi deputy FM urges unified action on Sudan crisis at London conference

  • Al-Khereiji said that the crisis extends beyond Sudan’s borders, posing a serious threat to regional stability and both Arab and African national security
  • Al-Khereiji discussed the importance of halting all external support to the conflicting parties to create the conditions for a lasting ceasefire

LONDON: Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khereiji called on Tuesday for intensified international efforts to end the conflict in Sudan during his address at the London Conference on Sudan.

Al-Khereiji said that the crisis extends beyond Sudan’s borders, posing a serious threat to regional stability and both Arab and African national security, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“Our collective responsibility requires us to support the dialogue process, work toward a ceasefire, deliver urgent humanitarian aid and safeguard Sudan’s unity, institutions and territorial integrity,” he said.

Representing Saudi Arabia at the conference, Al-Khereiji was attending on behalf of Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

He highlighted the Kingdom’s sustained diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis, particularly through hosting the first and second talks. These negotiations resulted in the Jeddah Declaration on protecting civilians, a short-term ceasefire agreement that contained crucial humanitarian arrangements.

The second round also led to the creation of a humanitarian coordination platform under OCHA, the adoption of four confidence-building measures and a proposed resolution formula on military base issues.

In his address, Al-Khereiji discussed the importance of halting all external support to the conflicting parties to create the conditions for a lasting ceasefire and comprehensive political solution. He added that neutralizing foreign interference would facilitate humanitarian operations — particularly the opening of safe corridors and the delivery of aid.

He warned against the formation of any parallel government or alternative political entity, calling such attempts illegitimate and damaging to Sudan’s unity and sovereignty.

“These actions undermine the political process and deepen national divisions,” he said.

The deputy foreign minister reiterated the Kingdom’s belief that a solution to the war must be Sudanese-led and based on respect for the country’s sovereignty, unity and the preservation of its state institutions.


Saudi citizen sentenced to five years in prison for electronic financial fraud

Saudi Arabia’s Public Prosecution. (@ppgovsa)
Updated 15 April 2025
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Saudi citizen sentenced to five years in prison for electronic financial fraud

  • The accused committed several fraudulent operations, including offering fake products for sale online

RIYADH: A Saudi citizen has been sentenced to five years in prison for financial fraud that defrauded 41 victims, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

An investigation carried out by the Financial Fraud Prosecution revealed that the accused had committed several fraudulent operations, including offering fake products through online sales outlets, deceiving victims into believing that goods were for sale, and then immediately blocking them after they transferred the required amounts to his bank account.

The Public Prosecution affirmed its commitment to protecting society from all financial fraud crimes and anyone who attempts to seize the money of others through fraud.