Digital Cooperation Organization adds Rwanda as eighth member 

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According to the DCO, Rwanda has prioritized digital economy policies through Rwanda’s Smart Rwanda Master Plan and National Information and Communication Infrastructure strategies. (Supplied)
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Updated 25 December 2021
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Digital Cooperation Organization adds Rwanda as eighth member 

  • Total population of DCO member states reaches over half a billion people following move

RIYADH: The Digital Cooperation Organization has expanded to include Rwanda as its eighth member state, with the DCO now representing around half a billion people.

Deemah Al-Yahya, the DCO’s secretary-general, told Arab News the organization, which also includes Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan and Nigeria, “came together with the intention to digitally transform and put hands in hands to prosper and harness the opportunity of (the) digital economy.”

Paula Ingabire, the Rwandan minister of information, communication technology and innovation, welcomed the announcement. 

“Joining the DCO is an opportunity to be part of (the) platform and broader network through which we will build global partnerships, in the public and private sector including startups, that will deliver an inclusive digital economy for Rwanda,” she said.

Remove these borders and create that borderless environment for our youth to find opportunities. Imagine digital innovation with one click of a button can expand and serve the people of Pakistan, or serve the people of Nigeria.

Deemah Al-Yahya, DCO’s secretary-general

The DCO is a multilateral organization that aims to promote growth in the digital economy through collaboration between its members, established in November 2020 by Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Pakistan. Nigeria and Oman joined as additional founding members earlier this year.

Al-Yahya said digital advancement is crucial to the transformation of countries. “DCO is more economical, an organization that focuses on the productivity and on the lives of the people,” she said. “Therefore, Rwanda joining means that they are open to change. They are now with the advancement that they have from a digital perspective and their tech-savvy youth.”




The DCO’s secretary-general Deemah Al-Yahya. (AN photo by Lojien Ben Gassem)

She said this will not only benefit Rwanda internally but will benefit the other members as well. “They are now going through a huge transformation digitally. I think it’s a very useful opportunity for other countries to experience that.”

According to the DCO, Rwanda has prioritized digital economy policies through Rwanda’s Smart Rwanda Master Plan and National Information and Communication Infrastructure strategies.

Earlier this month, Rwanda’s government announced the Kigali Innovation City, planned to serve as a tech and innovation center for Africa. Rwanda also announced a $100 million project to increase access to broadband and selected digital public services, and to strengthen the digital innovation ecosystem. These projects will also support the development of Rwanda’s digital talent base, especially for young people, in line with the government’s national Digital Talent Policy.

FASTFACT

The DCO is a multilateral organization that aims to promote growth in the digital economy through collaboration between its members, established in November 2020 by Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Pakistan. Nigeria and Oman joined as additional founding members earlier this year.

The announcement builds on the DCO’s significant progress, having thus far confirmed five global initiatives to support policymakers, young people, women and entrepreneurs.

Al-Yahya, known for her digital economy expertise, said people needed to think about the impact more than anything else. “Remove these borders and create that borderless environment for our youth to find opportunities. Imagine digital innovation with one click of a button can expand and serve the people of Pakistan, or serve the people of Nigeria. Now, these are technologies that our societies need.

“Let’s open up to more opportunities to make these technologies available for our countries. We aim, in DCO, to do that, and we hope that with our expansion plans, we get more countries and private sectors to join us,” she added.

According to Al-Yahya, the DCO is one of the outcomes of the G20 Saudi presidency. The organization aims to develop a world where every government, business, and individual has a fair opportunity to prosper in the digital age.

The DCO offers businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs access to new markets. Many of the organization’s initiatives are designed to raise digital literacy and inclusion among groups often affected by the digital divide.

“We are very proud to create a fair space for governments to work very closely with the ecosystem, which is the private sector, academia, financial institutions think tanks, to co-create and co-design with the intention of creating a borderless environment for prosperity,” Al-Yahya said.

One of the issues mentioned by the secretary-general faced by the DCO is the speed of technological advancement.

As for women’s participation, Al-Yahya confirmed that women are at the core of the organization, saying: “We aim to advance (the) digital economy for our member countries, and also to create the right opportunities for youth and women.”

She mentioned that one of the first initiatives launched for women was the Observatory for Digital Empowerment. “We make sure that it’s actually implemented on the ground. It alarms me when I read reports that by 2030, 350 million women will not have access to the internet. That is not only just a social loss, but also an economical loss as well.”

Al-Yahya explained that providing women with the opportunity to connect to the world will move women from job seekers to job creators. “In DCO, we see women and youth as the core. We represent a population of half a billion; 270 million are youth and under the age of 25. So, the opportunities are massive, and all of them are tech-savvy … Imagine that number of youths moving them from consumer to producers to technology.”

Sharing words of wisdom, Al-Yahya advised young people to seize the opportunity and focus on their current position.

“First, Seize the opportunity, look at the opportunities in every challenge. Second, you should give it all what you have … When you focus on where you are right now, it’ll lead you to what’s next, and then you can achieve.”


Indonesia’s president performs Umrah

Updated 03 July 2025
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Indonesia’s president performs Umrah

  • Prabowo Subianto is on his first official trip to Saudi Arabia since taking office
  • Trade between the two countries over the past five years stands at about $31.5 billion

MAKKAH: Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto performed Umrah on Wednesday.

He was received on arrival at the Grand Mosque in Makkah by several officials, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prabowo was on his first official trip to Saudi Arabia since taking office.

The two countries have signed agreements worth about $27 billion between private sector institutions in several sectors, including clean energy and petrochemicals.

The two sides have also agreed to bolster cooperation in the provision of crude oil and its derivatives, improve energy supply chains and strengthen cooperation in mineral resources, the SPA reported.

Trade between the two countries over the past five years stands at about $31.5 billion.


Diriyah House showroom introduces Saudi Arabia’s ‘City of Earth’ jewel to London

Updated 03 July 2025
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Diriyah House showroom introduces Saudi Arabia’s ‘City of Earth’ jewel to London

  • On the completion of Diriyah, an estimated 100,000 residents will live there, and another 180,000 will commute to work in various jobs
  • Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman initiated a new vision in 2017 to develop Diriyah into a pedestrian-friendly city, while preserving its historical significance and Najdi architecture

LONDON: The Diriyah Company launched an interactive pavilion this week in London’s Knightsbridge area to broaden the brand reach of one of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious real estate projects that combines tradition, sustainability and modern design.

The Diriyah House London, located at One Hyde Park, features interactive models that highlight the various components of Diriyah city’s master plan, including residential units, boulevards, squares, cultural venues, hotels, offices and nature parks.

The Diriyah Company, established in 2023, is also offering visitors to Harrods a pop-up showroom of the budding and historical districts of the town, following a successful month-long event held in London in July 2024.

The Diriyah House London, located at One Hyde Park, features interactive models that highlight the various components of Diriyah city’s master plan. (SPA)

Diriyah is a historic site situated a 15-minute drive away from downtown Riyadh and 25 minutes from King Khalid International Airport. It is renowned for its significant political and religious importance, as it is the birthplace of the Kingdom. The Al-Saud family lived there during the establishment of the first state in 1727.

It is also known as the City of Earth, due to its distinctive qualities, which include being built from bricks made from a mixture of mud, ash, sand and water. In 2010, the UNESCO designated the At-Turaif district in Diriyah as a World Heritage site, citing its Najdi architectural style.

The whole vision (of Diriyah) is to unlock what it means to live and reside in a manner in which we were accustomed to doing hundreds of years ago

Kiran Haslam, chief marketing officer, Diriyah Company

Since 2017, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has initiated a new vision to develop Diriyah into a pedestrian-friendly city where residents can live, work and entertain, while preserving the city’s historical significance and incorporating Najdi architecture into the designs of the units for luxury brands, hotels and residential districts.

“Diriyah brings design and sustainability together. The whole vision is to unlock what it means to live and reside in a manner in which we were accustomed to doing hundreds of years ago,” Kiran Haslam, chief marketing officer for Diriyah Company, told Arab News.

“(At the same time), remain sympathetic to what you want the future urban environment to deliver — safety and community prosperity,” he said.

On the completion of Diriyah, an estimated 100,000 residents will live there, and another 180,000 will commute to work. (AN Photo: Mustafa Abu Sneineh)

At least 3.5 million people have visited the At-Turaif historic district since it partially opened to the public in 2022, known for its mud exterior walls that are beautifully illuminated at night, creating an enchanting sight. Since then, the developed dining areas of Buajiri Terrace and Zallal have provided their 120,000 monthly visitors with a taste of what it is like to live in a city within a 15-minute drive of the Saudi metropolis.

Diriyeh is a $64 billion project covering 14 sq. km, or six and a half times the size of Monaco. Mohamed Saad, the president of the Diriyah Development Company, told Arab News that there are currently 45,000 workers on the site, along with 85 tower cranes. However, the project is expected to employ at least 60,000 workers and use 158 tower cranes next year when construction begins on the second phase of the project.

(The challenge) was trying to figure out how to build modern amenities of luxury offerings and experience, but keeping the true traditional architecture of Diriyah

Mohamed Saad, president of Diriyah Development Company

His team is currently completing a pedestrianized district in Diriyeh, which spans 3.5 km in length and 1.2 km in width. They have excavated 45 meters deep to create three underground levels that include parking and the essential infrastructure a city needs, such as water and electricity.

Saad said that the main challenge of building such a project was “trying to figure out how to build modern amenities of luxury offerings and experience, but keeping the true traditional architecture of Diriyah.”

The Diriyah Development Company has excavated 45 meters deep to create three underground levels that include parking and city infrastructure. (AN Photo: Mustafa Abu Sneineh)

There are no motorized vehicles allowed in the pedestrianized district of Diriyah. Residents, visitors and shoppers will park their cars in the underground facility before heading to the surface. It is a complicated task of engineering, logistics and meeting sustainability standards, Saad admits. During the construction of the subterranean levels, 12.3 million cubic meters of rock and rubble have been excavated.

In 2023, the US Green Building Council awarded the Diriyah Company an accolade for achieving leadership in energy and environmental design in the first phase of Diriyah’s plan.

The town was established in the mid-15th century in Wadi Hanifah, a floodplain that has historically provided a vital source of water for the residents of Diriyah. The valley is situated on a water reservoir, and the Diriyeh Company decided to preserve it, using Saudi Arabia’s desalination technology to supply water to the town instead.

On the completion of Diriyah, an estimated 100,000 residents will live there, and another 180,000 will commute to work.

There are no motorized vehicles allowed in the pedestrianized district of Diriyah. (AN Photo: Mustafa Abu Sneineh)

Significant parts of Diriyah are set to be completed by 2030, a pivotal year for the Kingdom across multiple sectors, including tourism, technology, aviation, energy, health and sports, as outlined in its Vision 2030. Diriyah is set to fully open the gates of At-Turaif, making it a significant attraction for visitors during the Riyadh Expo 2030.

Haslam said that Diriyah “is not separate, far-flung, it is very much in the center of the capital city. It is a city within the city.

“Riyadh is an incredible bustling city now with global recognition and Diriyah is almost like this wonderful little jewel in the landscape of Riyadh,” he said.

* Schedule a visit to the Diriyah House London


Saudi culinary scene thoroughly deserves its place in Michelin Guide, says its international director

Updated 03 July 2025
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Saudi culinary scene thoroughly deserves its place in Michelin Guide, says its international director

  • Gwendal Poullennec tells The Mayman Show inspectors are busy exploring the Kingdom’s vibrant food culture, and the chosen restaurants will be revealed toward the end of the year
  • ‘I think there are a lot of places that need to be in (the guide); hidden gems that deserve their time to shine. And through the restaurants, we are also putting the spotlight on the culture,’ he adds

RIYADH: The first restaurants in Saudi Arabia chosen for inclusion in the Michelin Guide will be unveiled toward the end of this year, Gwendal Poullennec, the guide’s international director, mentioned during his appearance on The Mayman Show this week.

He said they are being selected in collaboration with the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, and inspectors are already busy in the field exploring the vibrant food scene in various parts of the Kingdom.

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“When we consider a destination, because we have to establish a road map, we need to have a gradual plan, so as not to compromise with the value and the methodology,” Poullennec said.

“We need also to acquire the knowledge of all the different food cultures. So that takes time. But to set up a clear priority, we monitor, in the field, the evolution of the different food scenes.”

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The guide announced in June that it was adding Saudi Arabia as a destination in its 2026 edition. The Kingdom’s diverse landscapes, from its vast deserts to the stunning Red Sea coastline, provide a backdrop for some unforgettable dining experiences, Poullennec noted, and the country is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Diriyah. This deep historical and cultural heritage helps to set it apart.

“You feel the dynamic, the talent joining the industry, the diversity,” he said. “And based on what is happening today — and even more on the potential it has to develop in the years to come — we decided to move to the next step, which is to publish a Michelin Guide selection … And this will happen at the end of the year, with three digital releases: Oct. 15, Nov. 15, Dec. 15.”

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The recommendations will initially focus on culinary hot spots in Riyadh and Jeddah, he explained. During the process of expanding into Saudi Arabia Poullennec found there were still a lot of misconceptions about the country’s identity and authenticity in the eyes of foodies.

“I think there are a lot of places that need to be in (the guide); hidden gems that deserve their time to shine,” he said. “And through the restaurants, we are also putting the spotlight on the culture.”

He also shared some of the initial findings about the Saudi food scene based on the feedback from inspectors so far.

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“What they found is the open-mindedness,” Poullennec said. “Not only do you have local restaurants inspired by the culinary heritage but you have a lot of creativity. You have inspiration from all around the world.

“So, you feel the dynamics; you feel that, definitely. There is a momentum and that’s the reason why we decided to move forward.”

With a mind for strategy and a palate shaped by curiosity, Poullennec has been quietly helping to shape the future of fine dining through his work for the guide for the past two decades.

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From the launch of Michelin’s Tokyo guide to steering its digital transformation, he has helped bring the renowned red book to 45 destinations around the world. Known for his motto, “On the move,” he embodies the spirit of discovery, biking thousands of kilometers a year and sampling new dishes not out of hunger but wonder. He leads with discipline but eats with joy.

“When I joined Michelin, I wanted to contribute to expanding the Michelin Guide abroad because I felt it had an incredible potential to transform the world, to contribute to putting the spotlight on the cultures,” Poullennec said.

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“And that’s basically what happened, because I’ve been working 20 years now for the Michelin Guide and I have been able to make it happen, you know, to make the dreams come true and to contribute to

the international expansion of the guide, starting with the US, outside of Europe, and then Asia, where we landed the guide in Japan.”

The more authentic and unique a destination is, the more appealing an option it is for inclusion in the guide, Poullennec said, because it means it can recommend places that offer “something that you will find nowhere else. It is a reason to travel for, based on the Michelin Guide criteria. And from that perspective, Saudi (Arabia) has a lot to offer and truly deserves its place in the world of culinary conversation.”

 


Nonprofits central to developing education, realizing Vision 2030 goals — Al-Benyan

Updated 03 July 2025
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Nonprofits central to developing education, realizing Vision 2030 goals — Al-Benyan

  • Ministry has taken serious steps toward ‘humanizing’ schools and improving educational environment, says Saudi education minister
  • Riyadh hosts 2nd nonprofit education, training forum

RIYADH: Serious steps have been taken towards “humanizing” schools and improving the educational environment, helping raise the quality of learning, Saudi Arabia Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan has said.

The minister was speaking during “Promising Opportunities and Future Foresight for the Nonprofit Sector,” the main session of the second Nonprofit Sector Forum in Education and Training taking place in Riyadh.

The two-day event, hosted by the Ministry of Education, ended on Wednesday. Taking the theme “Qualitative Partnerships and Sustainable Solutions,” it was attended by government officials and stakeholders in education and training, as well as non-profit sector representatives.

The minister said that the school environment accounted for roughly one-third of the factors influencing educational outcomes, alongside curricula and teachers.

“We have begun improving the humanization of schools and are working to leverage the ministry’s programs to support the educational environment within an integrated vision that seeks to provide a healthy and stimulating environment within schools,” he said.

He added that the non-profit sector was a key partner, alongside the public and private sectors, in developing education and achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. 

The ministry was working to develop teachers through capacity-building programs and ensure the quality of outcomes, said Al-Benyan, highlighting the establishment of a national center for curriculum development for the first time, in partnership with experts and specialized institutions. 

He also talked about the launch of initiatives to improve the educational environment and create attractive and stimulating school facilities, in addition to strengthening governance and accountability to ensure the sustainability of impact and measure returns.

The ministry established the Tatweer foundation to support the needs of teachers and last year signed 18 agreements encompassing more than 2,400 programs. It also implemented initiatives worth more than SR400 million through the Ehsan platform and contributed to providing more than 2,700 scholarships in cooperation with the Martyrs, Missing Persons and Prisoners Fund.

Cabinet decisions have enabled the Ministry of Education, in cooperation with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, to allocate buildings and sites to non-profit schools using new methods that help expand the scope of support and providing sustainable resources. 

The minister emphasized the importance of programs such as vocational training for teachers through the National Institute for Teacher Development and the National Curriculum Center to enhance the quality of education and promote community partnerships.

The forum also featured a “Volunteer Hour” in which several education, training and non-profit sector officials took part.

Other sessions included “Building Human Capacity in the Non-Profit Sector: Programs and Initiatives,” which discussed linking training programs to the labor market and the role of employers in identifying them.

“Empowerment Across Sectors: Enhancing the Effectiveness of Non-Profit Training” addressed mechanisms for improving the quality of non-profit training and the potential of the national skills system, while “Early Childhood in the Nonprofit Sector: Empowerment Opportunities and Impact Models” reviewed opportunities for expansion and excellence in nonprofit kindergartens. “The Nonprofit Sector and Programs for People with Disabilities” focused on the reality and expectations of nonprofit organizations in programs for people with disabilities.

The first day of the forum featured three specialized workshops addressing services provided by the National Center for Strategic Partnerships to empower nonprofit entities, while around 50 exhibitors the "Generation Alpha: Research Insights for Understanding the Next Generation and Formulating Inspiring Educational Programs" workshop by Ithra Center, and the "Empowering Nonprofit Kindergartens: Practical Steps" workshop.

About 50 exhibitors presented the opportunities they offer for collaboration in the education sector.


Turaif traces historical, cultural mosaic to pre-Islamic era

Updated 03 July 2025
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Turaif traces historical, cultural mosaic to pre-Islamic era

  • Evidence of Stone Age settlements in the region
  • Has Tapline, Kingdom’s first industrial heritage site

TURAIF: Located in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region, Turaif governorate stands as a crossroads of ancient civilizations and a gateway to Iraq and the Levant.

The governorate is home to a range of rich cultural and heritage sites, many of which date back to pre-Islamic times.

Heritage Commission sign board at the archaeological site of Qasr Duqrah, located 40 kilometers southwest of Turaif governorate. (SPA)

Among the most prominent heritage landmarks is the archaeological site of Qasr Duqrah, situated 40 km southwest of the governorate.

Adjacent to it lies a mountain known as Aqran, also referred to as Duqrah Mount, which has been recorded under the Comprehensive Archaeological Survey Program.

Zahi Al-Khalawi, a member of the Saudi Historical Society, said the site is among the Kingdom’s most significant archaeological locations because there is evidence of human settlements dating to the Stone Age.

He said habitation at the site continued through the later Roman period (2 to 6 centuries C.E.) and persisted into the Umayyad era (661 to 750 C.E.).

Another landmark is the Trans-Arabian Pipeline, or Tapline, one of Saudi Arabia’s most significant industrial heritage sites.

The pipeline stretches from the east of the Kingdom to its north, passing through Turaif, and has been registered in the National Industrial Heritage Register.

Known as the Tapline, this oil pipeline stretches from eastern Saudi Arabia to the northwest, passing through Turaif. (SPA)

It is the first documented industrial heritage site in the Kingdom, representing the early stages of Saudi Arabia’s oil industry and its developmental and economic significance.

Also noteworthy is the culturally significant site of Qaru Turaif, a water source developed by the Tapline Co. in the 1950s to help settle nomadic communities by order of the late King Abdulaziz.

To the east of Turaif, about 25 km away, stands Jabal Umm Waal, a historic landmark and northern gateway into the Arabian Peninsula.

The mountain tells the stories of Bedouin life and the passage of trade caravans and pilgrims traveling from the Levant and Iraq. For centuries, it served as a safe route for travelers making their way southward.