Taif University offers range of quality programs

Taif University is offering quality programs to meet the demands of the labor market. (SPA)
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Updated 10 August 2022
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Taif University offers range of quality programs

  • The university said that the programs come in partnership with the private sector and aim to keep pace with the tertiary sector by providing employment opportunities to college graduates

TAIF: Taif University is offering its students a range of quality programs designed to meet the demands of the labor market.
Students who complete the programs will be equipped with skills that match the Kingdom’s economic objectives. 
The university has increased its acceptance of high school graduates and developed links with the private sector through strategic partnerships.
Diploma courses will be offered in network management systems, programming and computer science, advertising and marketing communication, executive secretarial, accounting, finance and investment management, risk and insurance management and engineering technology, in addition to a legal assistant diploma and management information systems qualifications.
The applied college programs will be for two academic years, with a three-semester system for each academic year.  An intermediate diploma will be issued to students who pass all courses within two academic years and a co-diploma to those students who wish to leave after completing all courses in a full academic year. 
An English language training certificate for students will also be issued after the first or second semester.
The university said that the programs come in partnership with the private sector and aim to keep pace with the tertiary sector by providing employment opportunities to college graduates. 

 

 


PSG’s injured Dembele to miss Strasbourg trip, eyeing return for Arsenal

Updated 4 min 3 sec ago
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PSG’s injured Dembele to miss Strasbourg trip, eyeing return for Arsenal

  • Dembele is PSG’s top scorer this season with 33 goals in all competitions
  • “Tomorrow he won’t play, that’s for sure,” Luis Enrique told reporters

PARIS: Paris St. Germain forward Ousmane Dembele will miss their Ligue 1 trip to Strasbourg with a hamstring strain, manager Luis Enrique said on Friday as the French side look to have him back for next week’s Champions League semifinal second leg against Arsenal.
Dembele is PSG’s top scorer this season with 33 goals in all competitions and also netted the winner in their 1-0 first leg victory at Arsenal, but the 27-year-old came off in the 70th minute, going straight down the tunnel with an apparent injury.
PSG confirmed he had a hamstring strain and that his “condition is progressing well,” with further assessments to be conducted in the coming days.
“Tomorrow he won’t play, that’s for sure,” Luis Enrique told reporters, while also declining to confirm if he will rotate his squad with the Ligue 1 title already in the bag.
“We’re going to do what we’ve been doing up to now, with the same idea. Nothing has changed.
“The most important thing is that every minute spent wearing the PSG jersey is useful for matches in other competitions.”
PSG lost their chance to go an entire league season unbeaten when they suffered a 3-1 defeat by Nice last weekend.
Luis Enrique’s side can still finish the season unbeaten on the road but the Spaniard has no interest in that record as they prepare to face Arsenal on Wednesday and Reims in the French Cup final later this month.
“It’s a match we’re preparing for in the Champions League, in the Coupe de France, not for the unbeaten record,” he said.
“It would be great to win the match in Strasbourg, but the motivation is to prepare for the Champions League match, not to break an unbeaten record.”
PSG have fallen in the Champions League knockout stages in recent years and have the opportunity to return to the final for only the second time as they chase a treble.
“We want to achieve this objective of playing this final, but there is still the semifinal second leg,” said Luis Enrique, who previously won the treble coaching Barcelona.
“There is not much time to rest, you have to manage all of this. We, the coaches, go for the best. I’ve been a top-level coach for several years and it’s part of the job.”


Malaysia triumph in Quadrangular series final with gritty 18-run win over Saudi Arabia

Updated 10 min 44 sec ago
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Malaysia triumph in Quadrangular series final with gritty 18-run win over Saudi Arabia

  • Malaysia successfully defended a total of 135 for 7, bowling Saudi Arabia out for 117 in 19.2 overs

KUALA LUMPUR: Saudi Arabia faced Malaysia in the final of the Malaysia Quadrangular at Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, and it was a surprise when the hosts chose to bat first, given that both previous encounters between the two strongest teams in the tournament had been convincingly won by the side chasing.

But the decision proved inspired, as Malaysia successfully defended a total of 135 for 7, bowling Saudi Arabia out for 117 in 19.2 overs to secure an 18-run victory.

Honors had been even in the earlier meetings between the sides. In the first match, Malaysia defeated Saudi Arabia by five wickets, thanks largely to an unbeaten 93 from Virandeep Singh. But Saudi Arabia hit back in the second encounter, chasing down their target with a seven-wicket win driven by a brilliant opening stand of 100 in 9.1 overs from Faisal Khan and Abdul Waheed.

In the final, Saudi Arabia’s opening bowlers quickly put their side in control with a superb burst using the new ball. Ishtiaq Ahmad brought his experience, while his partner Imtiaz Khan, playing just his third T20I, struck with the final ball of his first over to bowl Aslam Khan and claim his maiden international wicket.

Malaysia were 13 for 1 after two overs when Ishtiaq removed Syed Aziz, caught by Faisal Khan. Imtiaz then took the key wicket of Virandeep Singh, who was caught behind for just one off five balls, leaving Malaysia struggling at 21 for 3 in the fourth over.

Amir Khan and Ahmed Aqeel led a steady recovery, guiding the hosts to 62 for 3 at the halfway stage. The fourth wicket fell at 97 in the 15th over when Amir was dismissed by Zain Ul Abidin for 38, ending a 76-run partnership spanning 11.1 overs. Zain struck again, bowling Sharvin Muniady for a dangerous 20 off nine balls.

Imtiaz returned to bowl the 19th over and took his third wicket by dismissing Vijay Unni, finishing with figures of 3 for 26. Ishtiaq delivered an excellent final over, removing Ahmed Aqeel for a vital 44 off 42 balls and returning 2 for 18 from his four overs, as Malaysia closed on 135 for 7.

Despite the strong bowling performance, the match was finely poised. Aqeel and Amir’s stand had given Malaysia something to defend, and early wickets would be key.

Perhaps it was the modest target of 136 that led to a cautious start from the Saudi openers, though Abdul Waheed did strike a six to end the second over. Faisal Khan managed only two singles from seven deliveries before being bowled by Syed Aziz.

Waheed launched into a flurry of boundaries while his partner Waji Ul Hassan remained scoreless. Waji was the third wicket to fall, lbw to Virandeep Singh, and Saudi Arabia found themselves in deep trouble when Waheed was also trapped lbw for 44 off 26 balls, leaving the score at 50 for 4.

Saudi Arabia slumped further to 71 for 7 in the 13th over, with Pavandeep Singh and Vijay Unni taking two wickets apiece. However, Zain Ul Abidin and Nawazish Akhtar revived hopes with an eighth-wicket stand of 43 in 5.3 overs.

With 23 runs needed from the final two overs, Ishtiaq Ahmed joined Zain at the crease.

But Virandeep Singh bowled a brilliant 19th over, conceding just three runs, leaving 20 required from the final six balls.

Ishtiaq was run out from the first ball of Rizwan Haider’s over as he ensured Zain retained the strike. But Zain was caught by Virandeep next ball for 32 off 30, and Saudi Arabia were bowled out for 117 in 19.2 overs.

The hosts claimed the Malaysia Quadrangular title by 18 runs in a tournament marked by eye-catching batting displays but ultimately decided by quality bowling. Rizwan Haider finished with 2 for 11 as Saudi Arabia lost their final three wickets for just three runs.

Ahmed Aqeel was named Player of the Match for anchoring Malaysia’s innings from a perilous 21 for 3, scoring 44 off 42 with two fours and a six. In the end, the hosts edged Saudi Arabia, who had pushed them hard across all three contests.

Both sides proved far too strong for Singapore and Thailand, with the former finishing third after beating Thailand by 30 runs in the play-off.


Never argue: 115-year-old British woman, now the world’s oldest, gives her recipe to long life

Updated 17 min 13 sec ago
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Never argue: 115-year-old British woman, now the world’s oldest, gives her recipe to long life

  • “Never arguing with anyone, I listen and I do what I like,” she said from her nursing home in Surrey
  • She was born on Aug. 21, 1909, in the village of Shipton Bellinger in the south of England

LONDON: For Ethel Caterham, the trick to a long life — and in her case, it really has been — is not to argue.
Caterham, who is 115, became the world’s oldest living person, according to the Gerontology Research Group, after Sister Inah Canabarro , a Brazilian nun and teacher, died on Wednesday at the tender age of 116.
“Never arguing with anyone, I listen and I do what I like,” she said from her nursing home in Surrey, southwest of London, on the secret to her longevity.


She was born on Aug. 21, 1909, in the village of Shipton Bellinger in the south of England, five years before the outbreak of World War I. She was the second youngest of eight siblings.
Travel has been in her blood, it’s clear. In 1927, at the age of 18, Caterham embarked on a journey to India, working as a nanny for a British family, where she stayed for three years before returning to England, according to the GRG.
She met her husband Norman, who was a major in the British army, at a dinner party in 1931, and they were stationed in Hong Kong and Gibraltar, the GRG said. They had two daughters whom they raised in the UK Norman died in 1976.
Hallmark Lakeview Luxury Care Home in Camberley, where Caterham is a resident, posted pictures of her cutting a cake and wearing a “115” tiara in a Facebook post on Thursday.
“Huge congratulations to Lakeview resident, Ethel on becoming the oldest person in the world! What an incredible milestone and a true testament to a life well-lived,” it said in an accompanying statement. “Your strength, spirit, and wisdom are an inspiration to us all. Here’s to celebrating your remarkable journey!”
The title of the oldest person ever is held by French woman Jeanne Calment, who lived to 122 years 164 days, according to Guinness World Records.


Saudi Ministry of Interior warns of strict penalties for Hajj permit violations

Updated 23 min 41 sec ago
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Saudi Ministry of Interior warns of strict penalties for Hajj permit violations

  • Authorities instructed to arrest violators, take legal action against them

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced on Friday it had launched a campaign to prevent violations of Hajj regulations, warning of strict penalties for individuals attempting to perform the pilgrimage without the required permits.

As part of its efforts, the ministry has begun enforcing measures aimed at stopping violators from entering or remaining in Makkah and surrounding sacred sites.

Authorities have been instructed to arrest violators and take legal action against them, and anyone who assists in the breach of Hajj rules.

The ministry announced that individuals caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, including those holding any type of visit visa, face fines of up to SR20,000 ($5,333).

The crackdown also targets those facilitating unauthorized access to Makkah and the holy sites.

Those found guilty of aiding violators, whether by applying for visit visas on their behalf, transporting them, housing them in hotels, apartments or pilgrim accommodations, or otherwise helping them remain in restricted areas, may be fined up to SR100,000.

The ministry clarified that penalties will be determined based on the number of violators involved.

Offenders, including residents and individuals who overstay or breach Hajj protocols, will face deportation and a ban from re-entering the Kingdom for 10 years.

In addition, Saudi courts will be asked to confiscate vehicles used in transporting violators if owned by the carrier or any accomplice.

Officials have urged the public to strictly follow all Hajj-related regulations, stressing that the measures are in place to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of pilgrims.

The ministry has also called on the public to report any violations. Residents in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province can contact authorities via 911, while those in other regions are advised to call 999.


India’s new deepwater port announces presence on global maritime map

Updated 29 min 35 sec ago
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India’s new deepwater port announces presence on global maritime map

  • Port will triple India’s cargo handling capacity and reduce foreign transshipment dependence
  • Critics say project comes at high environmental and human cost

NEW DELHI: India on Friday registered its presence on the global maritime map with the inauguration of its first deepwater multipurpose seaport at Vizhinjam in the southern Indian state of Kerala.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned the Vizhinjam port, built at a cost of $1.04 billion under a public-private partnership with business conglomerate the Adani Group and the Kerala government holding the majority stake.

Late last year, the port began limited operations and received MSC Turkiye — one of the world’s largest cargo ships with a capacity of more than 24,000 containers — making it the first port in India to handle a vessel of that size.

The port is to be built in four phases by 2028 at a total cost of 180 billion Indian rupees ($2.11 billion). In full-page advertisements in several national and local dailies a day before the inauguration, the Adani Group — considered close to Modi — said the port is only 10 nautical miles from global shipping routes and will have an annual capacity of up to 5 million TEUs (20ft equivalent units).

TEU is a unit of measurement used to quantify the capacity of container ships and terminals. It represents the volume of a standard 20-foot shipping container and is a common way to express the cargo-carrying capacity of vessels and facilities.

“The existing capacity of this transshipment hub will triple in the coming time,” Modi said in his inaugural address.

“So far 75 per cent of the Indian transshipment used to take place outside the country. This used to cause huge revenue loss to the country.

“Now this situation is going to change.

“Now the money of this country will be utilized for the service of the nation. The money which used to go outside will now bring new economic opportunities for the people of Kerala and Vizhinjam.”

India has 13 major ports and 217 non-major ports, but none of them are deepwater multipurpose transshipment ports, which include terminals where cargo containers are shifted from one vessel to another before reaching their final destination. With India until now lacking infrastructure to handle large vessels, close to 75 percent of its transshipment cargo went through external ports like Colombo, Singapore and Jebel Ali, UAE.

Industry bodies see a big opportunity with the opening of the Vizhinjam port.

“It’s a mother port. One of the kinds in the country. It is a fully automated port, and the port can handle any ship, the biggest in the world. It is hardly 10 nautical miles from the international sea route. It’s very conveniently set. It’s a God-given gift to the country,” S.N. Raghuchandran Nair, president of the Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told Arab News.

“Cargos originating from this place will cut down the time by almost two weeks, it is also going to save $600 to $1,000 per container in view of the handling charges and various things. This is going to be a big saver. You will save 2,000 to 3,000 crore rupees ($2.5 million to $3.5 million) by way of foreign exchange every year once this port opens fully.”

The Vizhinjam port has been controversial from the beginning and faced protests from fishermen and environmentalists over displacement and harm to coastal and marine life.

Kerala journalist K.A. Shaji made a documentary, “Stolen Shorelines,” highlighting the displacement of fishermen and environmental damage.

He questions the need for the port.

“Actually, there is a big port in Colombo and international movements of freight are through Singapore, Dubai and Colombo, there is no need for the big vessels to come to Vizhinjam, which is in a corner of Kerala and it has to take a deviation from the main route,” Shaji told Arab News.

“I feel in the highly competitive world of international freight movement Vizhinjam can do very little, but environmental and socio-economic costs are very high.”

He said thousands of families have been affected by the port, directly and indirectly.

“Directly more than 450 fishermen’s families have been impacted and indirectly over 4,500 families have been impacted as coastal erosion and change of the direction of the waves by the impact of the project destroyed most of the houses and livelihood.”