RIYADH: The UN and the Riyadh-based Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal) have signed a collaboration agreement to fight terrorism.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) inked between the UN Counterterrorism Center (UNCCT) of the UN Office of Counterterrorism (UNOCT) and Etidal is aimed at strengthening cooperation in preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism.
UN under-secretary for counterterrorism and UNCCT executive director, Vladimir Voronkov, penned the MoU with Etidal secretary-general, Dr. Mansour Al-Shammari, in the presence of the Saudi permanent representative to the UN and chairman of the UNCCT advisory board, Abdallah Al-Mouallimi.
The deal is part of the UNCCT’s ongoing efforts to unite the international community in tackling the scourge of terrorism and combating the spread of extremist ideologies.
Under the terms of the MoU, a number of joint projects will be developed to support the implementation of the UN’s global counterterrorism strategy. Activities will include capacity building workshops on strategic communications to prevent violent extremism and the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes, as well as awareness campaigns on youth engagement, tolerance, and support for victims of terrorism.
Al-Mouallimi said: “The memorandum of understanding with the UNCCT reflects Saudi Arabia’s keen interest and its continuous commitment to combating terrorism.”
Voronkov said: “The MoU marks the start of our plan to develop a sustainable, practical partnership between our two organizations, leveraging our respective comparative advantages in technology, analysis, and global capacity building.
“It will also allow the UNCCT and Etidal to find synergies in our work as centers of excellence in preventing and countering violent extremism and to share good practices in combatting the spread of violent extremist ideology.”
Al-Shammari noted the commitment of Etidal to support the UN’s global strategy for defeating terrorism.
“This is what we embody today in signing the MoU as we seek for cooperation and partnership in a systematic, accurate, and professional manner, using the center’s capabilities of ideological, media, and digital assets in order to achieve the desired noble goals,” he said.
UN, Saudi Arabia sign collaboration agreement to fight terrorism
https://arab.news/v5eup
UN, Saudi Arabia sign collaboration agreement to fight terrorism
- The deal is part of UNCCT efforts to unite the international community in tackling the scourge of terrorism
- A number of joint projects will be developed to support the implementation of the UN’s counterterrorism strategy
Anti-narcotics police arrest Filipino national in Eastern Region
- Authorities call on public to report suspicious activities
RIYADH: Saudi anti-narcotics police arrested a Filipino national for selling hashish and methamphetamine in the Eastern Region, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested the man and referred him to the Public Prosecution.
Authorities have called on the public to report suspicious or illegal drug-related activities by calling the number 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and Al-Sharqiyah, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom.
The Drug Control office of the General Directorate of Narcotics Control can be contacted on the number 995 or via the email address [email protected]
Riyadh schools switch to remote learning as stormy weather continues
- City of Unaizah in Qassim province sees record levels of rainfall
RIYADH: Schools in Saudi Arabia’s capital region Riyadh were instructed to switch to remote learning on Wednesday as storms and heavy rains continued to lash the country.
The Ministry of Education said it had taken the decision “based on reports received from the National Center of Meteorology and in the interest of everyone’s safety.”
Lessons would be conducted using the Madrasati and other e-learning platforms, it said.
The rain continued to fall in Riyadh on Wednesday, while the temperature ranged from 17-25 degrees Celsius.
Unaizah, a city in the central region of Qassim, saw its highest ever rainfall on Tuesday night.
Abdullah Al-Misnad, vice president of the Saudi Weather and Climate Society, said on X that “70 mm of rain fell … in just 60 minutes, half the annual average.”
Over the course of the night, the city saw 94.4 mm of rain, while Buraidah, also in Al-Qassim saw 17.5 mm, he said in the post, which was accompanied by images of flooded streets.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense on Wednesday issued warnings and safety instructions as the Kingdom braces for more heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
“The Civil Defense calls for caution … due to the inclement weather situation witnessed in Qassim, Baha, Northern Borders, Jouf, Jazan, Asir, Makkah, Madinah and Riyadh regions,” it said.
The authority appealed to people to “stay away from valleys and waterlogged areas” and said “your safety is our goal.”
The National Center of Meteorology said on Monday that moderate to heavy rainfall would affect many parts of the country through Friday.
On Tuesday it said there was likely to be “higher than average rainfall” throughout the month of May, with Makkah, Jazan, Asir, Baha, Eastern Province and the Riyadh region likely to be the worst affected.
Saudi Heritage Commission, Japan’s Kanazawa University join forces on archeological surveys
DUBAI: The Saudi Heritage Commission and Japan’s Kanazawa University are to collaborate on archeological work at two prehistoric sites.
The scientific cooperation agreement, which was signed on Tuesday, relates to survey work at Jouf and Tabuk.
It highlights the commission’s commitment to expanding its field work and archeological surveys across the Kingdom and enhances its scientific partnerships with specialist universities and centers around the world.
The strategic agreement will involve scientific field studies, expanding the dissemination of survey and excavation results, and attracting distinguished scientific expertise. It will also mean more scientific data and reports to help track pastoral patterns at both sites.
The signing, which took place in Riyadh, was attended by Saudi Heritage Commission CEO Jasser Al-Harbash and Iwai Fumio, the Japanese ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi students explore intersection of science and art
- Exhibition organized by the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts runs until May 2
JEDDAH: The Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts has launched an exhibition in Jeddah showcasing 25 artworks exploring the link between science and art.
The second annual exhibition organized by the arts society, in collaboration with the Biology Club at King Abdulaziz University, was opened in the presence of Mohammed Al-Subaih, director-general of the organization, Mona Al-Harbi, vice dean of the college of science, local artists, and parents.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The Sci-Art exhibition was organized by the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in collaboration with the Biology Club at King Abdulaziz University.
• It is being held to encourage students to showcase their creativity.
The exhibition, which will run until May 2 at the organization’s Abdul Halim Radwi Auditorium, presents an artistic interpretation of scientific inquiry. It is being held to encourage students to showcase their creativity.
Fifteen female students presented their paintings, sketches and other projects at the opening of the event.
The students chose as subject matter the body’s various systems, the solar system, human mind, natural world, animals, mathematics, computer programming, global warming and more.
The Sci-Art exhibition allows participants to engage their creative and analytical minds to forge new connections between ideas and learn about the world through art.
Mona Al-Harbi, Vice dean of the college of science, King Abdulaziz University
Al-Subaih praised the students for their work. “This exhibition comes as part of our role in spreading culture and arts … we thought of creating a platform for students to exhibit their talents and showcase their innovative ideas and this exhibition is an exciting moment for us to share with our community.”
Al-Harbi added: “The sci-art exhibition allows participants to engage their creative and analytical minds to forge new connections between ideas and learn about the world through art.
“This exhibition is a way to provide a platform for students and others to express that side of themselves and bring art and science together. Our aim is to encourage students to show their artistic talents and create paintings that related to subjects that they have learned in science.”
French consul general hosts cultural exchange steeped in flavor
- Nehad told Arab News: “Today’s invitation aims to introduce you to the delights of French cuisine. This longstanding tradition highlights the elegance and flavor of French cooking”
JEDDAH: A top chef has brought French flavors to the Kingdom as part of 'Good France,' an event aimed at promoting French cuisine abroad.
The Jeddah residence of the French consul general, Mohammed Nehad, hosted a group of Saudi press representatives on Monday as part of the festival’s closing day.
Renowned French chef Stephane Collet and his assistant, Florian Atteleyn, served an exclusive lunch that showcased the artisanship and elegance of French gastronomy.
Nehad told Arab News: “Today’s invitation aims to introduce you to the delights of French cuisine. This longstanding tradition highlights the elegance and flavor of French cooking.”
French gastronomy was recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage in November 2010.
My journey to becoming a chef began with family meals that ignited my passion for cooking. I fondly remember the dishes prepared by my grandmothers and parents, each imbued with love and joy.
Stephane Collet, French chef
Collet told Arab News: “My journey to becoming a chef began with family meals that ignited my passion for cooking. I fondly remember the dishes prepared by my grandmothers and parents, each imbued with love and joy.
“Influenced by renowned chefs during my training at the Touquet Hotel School, I embarked on a path to become a Meilleur Ouvrier de France.”
Years of professional experience both in France and abroad honed Collet’s culinary skills, and he was guided by passionate mentors and colleagues. Since 2011, he has taught new chefs.
In 2018, Collet was honored with the prestigious title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France. “I cook with love and I respect ingredients … I like to preserve techniques rooted in our French gastronomic heritage. My expertise is sought after for events where I share my culinary journey and skills,” he added.
In preparation for the day’s seafood banquet, Collet visited Jeddah’s central fish market, where fresh delicacies were a “delight for the eyes with a rich diversity in fish and shrimp varieties.”
The first course featured delicate shrimp and mousseline with a creamy tomato broth.
The main course, a fresh fillet of white fish with creamy sauce served alongside a medley of asparagus and a mini sweet pepper stuffed with ratatouille, was a classic French dish featuring seasonal vegetables and rich aromas.
To end the meal, guests were served crepes drizzled with citrus-inspired caramel sauce, adorned with fresh orange slices and marmalade.
Collet and his team served more than 80 guests during the Francophonie Festival’s closing ceremony.
As the festival concluded, the celebrations continued into the night with a vibrant showcase of music, dance and traditional attire from Francophone countries.
