Boost for nonprofits in Saudi cultural sector

The program offers a multi-faceted support system, including mentorship, training, promotional support and grants. (X @LPTC_MOC)
The program offers a multi-faceted support system, including mentorship, training, promotional support and grants. (X @LPTC_MOC)
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Updated 13 April 2025
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Boost for nonprofits in Saudi cultural sector

The program offers a multi-faceted support system, including mentorship, training, promotional support and grants. (X @LPTC_MOC)
  • To qualify, applicants must be registered in Sauddi Arabia and show readiness to launch initiatives aligned with literature, publishing and translation sectors

RIYADH: The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission has launched a new program designed to boost the role of the nonprofit sector in the cultural landscape.

Known as Madeed, the initiative underscores the commission’s commitment to strengthening cultural partnerships with nonprofit entities and empowering them to contribute to the nation’s cultural transformation.

It seeks to create lasting community impact while supporting Vision 2030 goals in literature, publishing and translation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The program offers a multi-faceted support system, including mentorship, training, promotional support and grants.

Operating through two tracks — one for third-sector organizations and another for student clubs — it guides participants from application and evaluation to implementation and final assessment.

To qualify, applicants must be registered in the Kingdom and show readiness to launch initiatives aligned with literature, publishing and translation sectors.

Interested organizations can apply via engage.moc.gov.sa/madeed.

 


Visa overstayers face $13,000 fine, prison, deportation

Visa overstayers face $13,000 fine, prison, deportation
Updated 6 sec ago
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Visa overstayers face $13,000 fine, prison, deportation

Visa overstayers face $13,000 fine, prison, deportation

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia gears up for Hajj 2025, the Ministry of Interior on Tuesday warned that expatriates who fail to leave the Kingdom after their visas expire face heavy penalties.

The ministry announced on X that expatriates may face fines of up to SR50,000 (about $13,000), imprisonment for up to six months, and/or deportation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Saudi Arabia government has appealed to citizens and residents to ensure that their guests who arrived on visit or Umrah visas abide by the regulations.

“Visas of all types — with the exception of the Hajj visa — do not entitle their holder to perform the Hajj pilgrimage,” the ministry stated on X.

Welcoming the decision Osama Ghanem Alobaidy, a law professor in Riyadh, told Arab News the ministry’s decision was “crucial” to ensure visitors comply with the law.

“This move by the Ministry of Interior will help deal with crowd management efficiently, and ensure the safety and security of pilgrims during Hajj,” he added.

Earlier this month, the ministry also warned Hajj and Umrah companies and establishments to adhere to the country’s laws and regulations.

The ministry said that companies or establishments that delay reporting individuals who have failed to leave will be fined up to SR100,000. The fine will be multiplied based on the number of individuals involved.


Saudi Arabia steps up dugong conservation

Saudi Arabia steps up dugong conservation
Updated 11 min 43 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia steps up dugong conservation

Saudi Arabia steps up dugong conservation
  • National Center for Wildlife is leading initiatives to protect the dugong from further population decline
  • Efforts by the center include satellite tracking and scientific research to monitor its distribution in Saudi Arabia’s territorial waters

RIYADH: The dugong, or Dugong dugon, a marine mammal classified as vulnerable, remains a key indicator of marine biodiversity in Saudi Arabia. 

Found in the country’s warm coastal waters, the species is considered an important marker of the health and stability of marine ecosystems, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During Saudi Arabia’s Environment Week, the dugong featured prominently in events, drawing attention to ongoing conservation efforts and the responsibilities shared by researchers, environmental advocates, and policymakers.

The National Center for Wildlife is leading initiatives to protect the dugong from further population decline. These efforts by the center include satellite tracking and scientific research to monitor its distribution in Saudi Arabia’s territorial waters. 

Additionally, national plans are in place to manage and rehabilitate the species’ natural habitats, supporting long-term sustainability and the conditions necessary for dugong reproduction and survival. 

On the international front, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen global cooperation in marine conservation. 

In 2013, the Kingdom signed an agreement to protect dugongs and their habitats and has taken part in initiatives such as the Pacific Year of the Dugong, launched in 2011.

Throughout Environment Week, the center presented recent studies and carried out public outreach activities. 

Educational programs were provided to students, visitors, and marine life enthusiasts, emphasizing the dugong’s ecological role and the importance of preserving its habitat.

The center also showcased modern tracking technologies used to study the species and its movements, the SPA reported.


Saudi minister in China to explore education, research cooperation

Saudi minister in China to explore education, research cooperation
Updated 22 April 2025
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Saudi minister in China to explore education, research cooperation

Saudi minister in China to explore education, research cooperation
  • New agreements focus on scholarships, Chinese language programs, curriculum development

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan met leaders from various universities, institutes and research centers in China, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

He was accompanied by Saudi Ambassador to China Abdulrahman Al-Harbi and Ministry of Education Undersecretary for International Cooperation Nasser Al-Aqeeli.

The meeting, part of the minister’s visit to Beijing, aimed to explore new avenues for cooperation to enhance the educational and research systems in both countries.

The minister discussed promising investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s public and private education sectors through the “Invest Saudi” platform.

The meeting also highlighted the Saudi government’s scholarship program for Chinese students via the “Study in Saudi” platform, along with efforts to expand admission opportunities for Saudi scholarship recipients in Chinese graduate programs.

The Saudi and Chinese education ministries signed two memoranda of cooperation to exchange expertise in advanced curricula and provide scholarship programs for Saudi students in China.

One memorandum secures seats for Saudi students in top Chinese universities, enhances scholarship programs, and increases opportunities for Saudi students in high-demand fields. The China Scholarship Council represented the Chinese Ministry of Education in the signing.

The second memorandum, signed with the Chinese ministry’s Center for Language Education and Cooperation, introduces Chinese language education in Saudi public schools starting this academic year. Experts from both nations will collaborate to develop a comprehensive curriculum.

The Saudi minister also met Chinese counterpart Huai Jinpeng to discuss enhancing cooperation in general and higher education, exploring new opportunities, and exchanging expertise.

The meeting reviewed expanding partnerships between Saudi and Chinese universities and research centers in scientific research, graduate studies, scholarships, and medical education and training.

They explored investment opportunities for Chinese investors in the Saudi education sector, along with key opportunities in Chinese language education, e-learning, research, and innovation.


Indian PM Modi lands in Jeddah on two-day official visit

Indian PM Modi lands in Jeddah on two-day official visit
Updated 47 min 42 sec ago
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Indian PM Modi lands in Jeddah on two-day official visit

Indian PM Modi lands in Jeddah on two-day official visit
  • The prime minister was invited by Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman. 
  • Modi’s plane was escorted by Saudi Royal fighter as it entered Saudi airspace

JEDDAH: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Jeddah on Tuesday as he embarks on a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia. 

Modi’s plane was escorted by Saudi Royal fighter as it entered Saudi airspace, Indian newspapers reported. 

“India deeply values its long and historic ties with Saudi Arabia that have acquired strategic depth and momentum in recent years,” said Modi in a statement released by his office.

“Together, we have developed a mutually beneficial and substantive partnership.”

This is Modi’s third trip to Saudi Arabia overall following visits in 2016 and 2019. 
The prime minister was invited by Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman. 
During the two-day visit, Modi is scheduled to meet members of the Indian community, according to his office. The visit is expected to see several memorandums of understanding being signed.


$37m water projects boost Diriyah supply

$37m water projects boost Diriyah supply
Updated 22 April 2025
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$37m water projects boost Diriyah supply

$37m water projects boost Diriyah supply

RIYADH: The National Water Co. has completed two major water supply projects in Diriyah governorate, Riyadh, at a cost of more than SR140 million ($37 million).

It is part of efforts to enhance water and environmental infrastructure, and expand service coverage, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The projects, covering more than 26 km, will boost supply to Diriyah and nearby Riyadh districts, including Hittin, Al-Nakheel and Al-Khuzama, while also supporting the Diriyah Gate project.

They will add 146,000 cubic meters of water per day to the network, improving operational efficiency, expanding coverage and enhancing service quality.

It aligns with strategic plans aimed at supporting urban growth, ensuring water sustainability and improving infrastructure efficiency to the highest standards, the SPA reported.

The company highlighted its commitment to reliable services, sustainability and improving quality of life in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.