Saudi authorities clampdown on drugs, illegal goods

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.

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.

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 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.