New incubator will promote sustainable mining in Saudi Arabia

New incubator will promote sustainable mining in Saudi Arabia
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The project seeks to create a sustainable exploration environment to develop the Kingdom’s resource sites (AN/Ghazi Mahdi)
New incubator will promote sustainable mining in Saudi Arabia
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The project seeks to create a sustainable exploration environment to develop the Kingdom’s resource sites (AN/Ghazi Mahdi)
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Updated 30 April 2024
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New incubator will promote sustainable mining in Saudi Arabia

New incubator will promote sustainable mining in Saudi Arabia
  • ‘Nuthree’ aims to boost mining entrepreneurship in the Kingdom

MAKKAH: Nuthree, an exploration incubator initiative for entrepreneurship in geology and mining, has been launched at the Saudi Geological Survey’s headquarters in Jeddah.

The project seeks to create a sustainable exploration environment to develop the Kingdom’s resource sites, positioning mining as its third pillar of income after petroleum and petrochemicals.

Saudi Geological Survey CEO Abdullah Al-Shamrani said the Kingdom was experiencing a new phase of growth and prosperity under King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, driven by the Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program.

He told Arab News: “We aim for cooperation and integration with our partners in the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority to serve and empower emerging investors in the mining exploration sector from individuals to local companies, and to establish a local, sustainable exploration environment through the Kingdom’s resources sites, making it an entry point for promising industries.”

He added Nuthree enhanced geological knowledge due to the variety of metals in the Kingdom and would serve as an incubator for small-scale investors and explorers.

“We support the localization of exploration for Saudi companies and foreign firms operating in Saudi Arabia because of its strategic importance,” Al-Shamrani said.

The Saudi Geological Survey is gathering information quickly to attract investors. This includes a comprehensive survey of the Kingdom’s sedimentary cover and the Arabian Shield.

Al-Shamrani said the incubator’s primary goal was to support and localize exploration in the Kingdom, helping investors engage in the process in a professional and practical way. It supplies information across various geological fields and the range of metals it is planned to explore is extensive.

“We expect investors to form complementary partnerships and alliances to achieve the best outcomes. This is a significant step that we support,” he said. “We will not only offer information but also support drilling, coordination and advisory visits to key locations.”

Abdulrahman Al-Balushi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, told Arab News that exploration was the start of the mining process which was why it was so important.

He said the Kingdom was focused on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises through partnerships with the private and public sectors, as well as academic institutions, to help them obtain licenses and uncover new mining opportunities.

Al-Balushi said: “The ministry granted 500 licenses to private sector companies, allowing them to explore ores in base metals and precious metals.” Some of these companies were Saudi-based, he added, while others were either joint ventures or foreign-owned but registered with the Saudi Ministry of Commerce.

The exploration process receives particular support if “it targets locations with ores that are very important for the Kingdom’s industry, such as nickel, lithium, zinc, and copper, or certain materials that are part of simple and transformative industries and have a significant impact on the Kingdom’s economy,” he said.

Al-Balushi said the Nuthree incubator aimed to support small and medium-sized enterprises in the Kingdom by providing expertise in geology and mining. It offers technical courses, organizes trips to mining sites, and facilitates knowledge sharing with geological experts.


King Abdulaziz University hosts National Development Fund’s governor at panel discussion

King Abdulaziz University hosts National Development Fund’s governor at panel discussion
Updated 24 January 2025
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King Abdulaziz University hosts National Development Fund’s governor at panel discussion

King Abdulaziz University hosts National Development Fund’s governor at panel discussion
  • Stephen Groff looks at achieving aims of Saudi Vision 2030

RIYADH: King Abdulaziz University hosted Stephen Groff, the National Development Fund’s governor, in a panel discussion at the Academic Dialogue Table organized by the Faculty of Economics and Administration.

Groff discussed the role of the NDF and the broader development ecosystem in achieving Saudi Vision 2030, in an event also attended by Dr. Tareef Al-Aama, the university’s president.

King Abdulaziz University hosts NDF Governor at “Academic Dialogue Table”. (Supplied)

Groff said that the fund aimed to enhance developmental impact and improve productivity, highlighting the key strategic priorities and ongoing initiatives being provided to entities under the fund’s umbrella, such as economic diversification and growth stimulation.

He added that the NDF contributed to creating sustainable job opportunities as well as supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurship.

FASTFACT

Groff stressed that one of the fund’s core missions was to develop infrastructure by financing large-scale project.

Groff stressed that one of the fund’s core missions was to develop infrastructure by financing large-scale projects in sectors such as transportation, housing, and public utilities through its affiliated entities, including the recently established National Infrastructure Fund.

He explained that the primary mission of the fund, as a development finance institution, was to empower development funds and banks to achieve their sector-specific objectives, beneficiary goals, and activity targets, while focusing on specific areas and ensuring the financial sustainability of development finance entities in the future.

He concluded by stressing the critical role of the fund in reviewing and evaluating the impact of every program, project, or initiative aimed at addressing developmental needs, economic priorities, challenges, and available opportunities.

 


GCC secretary general meets Lebanese president

Joseph Aoun (R) receives Jasem Albudaiwi at the Presidential Palace in Beirut. (Supplied)
Joseph Aoun (R) receives Jasem Albudaiwi at the Presidential Palace in Beirut. (Supplied)
Updated 24 January 2025
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GCC secretary general meets Lebanese president

Joseph Aoun (R) receives Jasem Albudaiwi at the Presidential Palace in Beirut. (Supplied)
  • Albudaiwi wished the president success in his efforts to uplift the Lebanese people and fulfill their aspirations

BEIRUT: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Albudaiwi met with President of Lebanon Joseph Aoun at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, Beirut on Friday.

Albudaiwi wished the president success in his efforts to uplift the Lebanese people and fulfill their aspirations, the General Secretariat wrote in a report.

He added that the meeting reaffirmed the GCC’s unwavering support for Lebanon, stressing its commitment to bolstering Lebanon’s security and stability and contributing to the sustainable development and prosperity of the Lebanese people.

 

 


‘Nusuk’ celebrates big win at 2024 World Summit Awards

‘Nusuk’ celebrates big win at 2024 World Summit Awards
Updated 24 January 2025
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‘Nusuk’ celebrates big win at 2024 World Summit Awards

‘Nusuk’ celebrates big win at 2024 World Summit Awards
  • Launched in 2003 and with more than 186 countries participating, the prestigious WSAs are held biennially and recognize impactful digital initiatives

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is the sole Saudi participant to win a 2024 World Summit Award in the Culture and Heritage category, thanks to its “Nusuk” platform.

The project competed against over 900 technical submissions from 160 countries.

Launched in 2003 and with more than 186 countries participating, the prestigious WSAs are held biennially and recognize impactful digital initiatives. They seek to bridge the global digital divide by honoring smart applications and creative online content. The WSAs are a key UN initiative, supported by the International Telecommunication Union.

The award reflects the Kingdom’s pioneering strategy in developing innovative technological solutions aimed at enhancing pilgrims’ experiences and highlighting cultural and heritage values.

FASTFACT

‘Nusuk’ is a suite of innovative technological solutions which facilitate the performance of pilgrimage rituals, address challenges and enhance operational efficiency.

It underlines the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s efforts to drive comprehensive digital transformation, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

“Nusuk” is a suite of innovative technological solutions which facilitate the performance of pilgrimage rituals, address challenges and enhance operational efficiency.

It has already advanced significantly with the development of pioneering systems such as the Nusuk Card, Nusuk Masar and crowd management systems.

It also focuses on highlighting the Prophet’s biography and cultural landmarks in Makkah and Madinah, featuring more than 150 museums, monuments, restaurants, cafes and tourist destinations, among other notable sites that enrich the user’s experience.

Over 400 licensed guides are affiliated with the platform, offering customized excursions throughout the Kingdom to pilgrims.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has said it is very proud of its achievement and reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to developing technological solutions that ensured the sustainability of the Hajj and Umrah sectors, facilitating easy access to smart services and ensuring a smooth and tranquil performance of the rituals.

 


Iftar portal opens in Grand Mosque

Iftar portal opens in Grand Mosque
Updated 24 January 2025
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Iftar portal opens in Grand Mosque

Iftar portal opens in Grand Mosque
  • The service allows individuals to select one meal site and charitable organizations to apply for up to 10

MAKKAH: A dedicated portal to receive applications to provide iftar meal services inside the Grand Mosque during Ramadan has been launched by The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.

The service allows individuals to select one meal site and charitable organizations to apply for up to 10. It also requires the contracting of an authority-approved catering company and adherence to specified terms and conditions.

The authority has emphasized the need to provide low-calorie meals for individuals with chronic diseases and diabetes, making up 20 percent of individual meals and 30 percent of meals provided by charitable organizations.

Applications can be submitted through the authority’s website by visiting https://iam.alharamain.gov.sa/sso and selecting “iftar meal reservation system.”

Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of either Feb.28 or March 1, depending on moon sighting in Saudi Arabia.

 


10 Saudi ministries, entities exhibiting at Cairo book fair

10 Saudi ministries, entities exhibiting at Cairo book fair
Updated 24 January 2025
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10 Saudi ministries, entities exhibiting at Cairo book fair

10 Saudi ministries, entities exhibiting at Cairo book fair
  • Universities, libraries and several publishing bodies also represented
  • Delegation led by Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission

RIYADH: Ten Saudi Arabia government ministries, universities and other bodies are participating in the 56th Cairo International Book Fair 2025 to promote the nation’s culture and forge ties with Egypt and other countries.

Organized by the General Egyptian Book Organization, the exhibition that began on Thursday will conclude on Feb. 5.

The participants include the lead Kingdom exhibitor, the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, and the Saudi cultural attache in Egypt are also represented.

The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Issam bin Saad bin Saeed, state minister and cabinet member for Shoura Council affairs, accompanied by Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Egypt, Saleh bin Eid Al-Hosseini, and other officials. (SPA)

The other participants include the King Abdulaziz Public Library, King Fahd National Library, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Prince Sattam University, University of Tabuk, University of Hafr Al-Batin, and the Publishing Association.

The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Issam bin Saad bin Saeed, state minister and cabinet member for Shoura Council affairs, accompanied by Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Egypt, Saleh bin Eid Al-Hosseini, and other officials.

During the event, Bin Saeed toured the booths of the nation’s participating entities to review their contributions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The participation of the commission aligns with the country's ongoing efforts to boost the Kingdom’s publishing houses and literary agencies.