Saudi project clears 829 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 829 Houthi mines in Yemen
1 / 2
Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 21 October 2024
Follow

Saudi project clears 829 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 829 Houthi mines in Yemen
  • The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 829 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included one anti-personnel mine, 49 anti-tank mines, 777 unexploded ordnances and two explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 466,711 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.


Thousands of flags raised in Jeddah to mark Saudi Flag Day

Thousands of flags raised in Jeddah to mark Saudi Flag Day
Updated 8 sec ago
Follow

Thousands of flags raised in Jeddah to mark Saudi Flag Day

Thousands of flags raised in Jeddah to mark Saudi Flag Day
  • Occasion celebrated annually on March 11, symbolizing unity, strength of Kingdom

JEDDAH: Thousands of Saudi flags were raised on Tuesday in the Red Sea city of Jeddah to mark Saudi Flag Day.

The occasion is celebrated annually on March 11 and symbolizes the unity and strength of the Kingdom. Authorities this year raised more than 3,000 Saudi flags in the various streets and squares of Jeddah. It was planned that some buildings would be illuminated later in the day with green light to commemorate the occasion.

The Saudi flag has significant national and religious meanings, according to the Saudi Press Agency, and is characterized by its green color, symbolizing prosperity; the Arab sword, symbolizing strength, justice, and wisdom; and the inscription of the Islamic creed.


Saudi tech authority helps drive national digital transformation with e-gates at Kingdom’s airports

Saudi tech authority helps drive national digital transformation with e-gates at Kingdom’s airports
Updated 45 min 29 sec ago
Follow

Saudi tech authority helps drive national digital transformation with e-gates at Kingdom’s airports

Saudi tech authority helps drive national digital transformation with e-gates at Kingdom’s airports
  • Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority has installed 152 automated e-gates at key airports in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah
  • Gates are integrated with a number of other digital systems relating to border control, including visas, biometrics and airline operations

RIYADH: The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority hailed the introduction of electronic passport gates at the Kingdom’s airports as one of the ways in which it is helping to drive the digital transformation in various sectors across the country.

The authority, in partnership with the General Directorate of Passports and aviation-management company Matarat Holding, has installed 152 automated e-gates at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The e-gates automate the process of entry into the country, significantly speeding up border-control procedures, the authority said. To accomplish this, the gates are integrated with a number of other digital systems relating to border control, including visas, biometrics and airline operations, it added.


US-Ukraine talks take place in Jeddah

Talks between the US and Ukraine aimed at ending the war with Russia are held in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Talks between the US and Ukraine aimed at ending the war with Russia are held in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Updated 11 March 2025
Follow

US-Ukraine talks take place in Jeddah

Talks between the US and Ukraine aimed at ending the war with Russia are held in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
  • Talks were held at the direction of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and took place in the presence of the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan
  • The talks come within the Kingdom’s efforts to resolve the crisis in Ukraine, thanks to its balanced relations with various parties

RIYADH: Talks between the US and Ukraine aimed at ending the war with Russia took place in Jeddah on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The talks were held at the direction of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and took place in the presence of the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Minister of State and Member of the Council of Ministers Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Minister of State and Member of the Council of Ministers Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban. (SPA)

The US was represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, while Ukraine was represented by the head of the Ukrainian presidential office Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

The talks come within the Kingdom’s efforts to resolve the crisis in Ukraine, thanks to its balanced relations with various parties, and as part of its efforts to enhance global security and peace, SPA said.

They are based on Saudi Arabia’s belief in the importance of adhering to international laws and norms, and that dialogue is the most successful means of resolving disputes and bringing viewpoints closer together, SPA added.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky left the Kingdom early on Tuesday morning after meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a brief visit before the talks started.

After the meeting, Saudi Arabia expressed hope that efforts would succeed in ending the crisis in Ukraine in line with international law and the United Nations Charter, including respect for the principles of sovereignty and internationally recognized borders.

Kyiv expressed appreciation for Riyadh’s efforts in hosting talks between Ukraine and the US, and for humanitarian and development aid provided by the Kingdom.


Tabuk University signs pact to enhance AI learning

Tabuk University signs pact to enhance AI learning
Updated 11 March 2025
Follow

Tabuk University signs pact to enhance AI learning

Tabuk University signs pact to enhance AI learning
  • University inks agreement with Proven Solution, which specializes in AI, robotics, and digital transformation solutions
  • Dr. Anas Bushnag: As we aim towards equipping our students with industry-driven curriculum, we are thrilled to partner with Proven Robotics

RIYADH: The University of Tabuk has signed an agreement with a technology company to equip students with advanced robotics and artificial intelligence knowledge in preparation for the job market.

The pact was signed recently with Proven Solution, a leading technology company specializing in AI, robotics, and digital transformation solutions.

Under the agreement, the firm’s subsidiary, Proven Robotics, will introduce advanced robotics training.

There will also be science, technology, engineering and math courses, and research and innovation initiatives for students, according to a release issued by the company on Tuesday.

The program aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 digital transformation objectives.

Mohammed Aldousari, regional robotics lead at Proven Robotics, said: “By partnering with one of the leading universities in the country, we are focused on reinforcing our commitment to advancing robotics education and supporting Vision 2030.

“This partnership will expand our impact, develop future-ready talents, strengthen academia-industry collaboration, and position us as leaders in the robotics industry in Saudi Arabia.”

Dr. Anas Bushnag, the vice dean of the college of computing and information technology at the University of Tabuk, said: “As we aim towards equipping our students with industry-driven curriculum, we are thrilled to partner with Proven Robotics.

“Their regional expertise in robotics and AI, pre-developed university-focused programs, and a strong track record in STEM education and technology integration make them an ideal partner to bridge the gap between academia and industry.”

The program will be delivered through multiple learning formats, including classroom sessions, ensuring accessibility and flexibility.


Saudi Arabia, Ukraine issue joint statement as talks kick off in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia, Ukraine issue joint statement as talks kick off in Jeddah
Updated 11 March 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia, Ukraine issue joint statement as talks kick off in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia, Ukraine issue joint statement as talks kick off in Jeddah
  • Saudi Arabia expressed hope that efforts would succeed in ending crisis in Ukraine
  • Kyiv also expressed appreciation for Riyadh’s efforts in hosting Ukraine talks with US

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Ukraine issued a joint statement Tuesday following the visit of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky to the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saudi Arabia expressed hope that efforts would succeed in ending this crisis in Ukraine in line with international law and the United Nations Charter, including respect for the principles of sovereignty and internationally recognized borders.

Kyiv also expressed appreciation for Riyadh’s efforts in hosting talks between Ukraine and the United States. In addition, the Ukranian side also expressed gratitude for the humanitarian and development aid provided by the Kingdom to Ukraine.

Earlier, Zelensky arrived in the Kingdom ahead of talks between Ukrainian officials and Saudi and US representatives in the Red Sea city of Jeddah.

Ukrainian and US officials are meeting in Jeddah to seek a way out of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, more than three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Senior Ukrainian delegation met with America’s top diplomat for talks in the presence of Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan. 

In the joint statement, the Kingdom and Ukraine also praised the strength of their economic ties and the importance of joint work to develop the volume of trade exchange between both countries. They welcomed the re-establishment of the Saudi-Ukrainian Joint Business Council in 2025.

The two sides affirmed their determination to enhance investment relations by establishing promising investment and economic partnerships.

They also discussed the latest developments, and exchanged views on issues of common interest on the regional and international arenas.