Latest news with #Saudi
Gulf Insider
an hour ago
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Opens Airspace To Over 1,300 Daily Flights Amid Regional Crisis
Saudi Arabia has opened its airspace to ensure the smooth flow of air traffic and flight routes amid escalating tensions in the region, mobilizing all human and material resources to accommodate a surge in transit flights. On average, more than 1,330 daily flights have crossed Saudi airspace in recent days, nearly double the traffic levels seen before the regional crisis. These additional flights were managed safely and efficiently, backed by cutting-edge technologies and stringent security protocols, in full alignment with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. During this heightened period, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) took proactive measures to open supplementary air corridors to absorb the increased traffic. The Kingdom expanded its airspace capacity and optimized flight paths through advanced navigational systems that enhanced both safety and operational efficiency. Over 220 air carriers have passed through Saudi skies since the onset of the crisis, prompting the activation of strategic contingency plans. These included rigorous airport and airspace security procedures, supported by high-tech surveillance systems and infrastructure. Real-time crisis management was handled by teams using advanced data processing tools to facilitate seamless communication and coordination among operators, both locally and regionally. This allowed Saudi Arabia to respond rapidly to evolving conditions while maintaining uninterrupted flight operations at the highest safety levels. The Kingdom's air navigation network is among the most advanced globally, comprising 20 control towers, two regional control centers covering 15 sectors, and 10 approach control centers. More than 1,200 navigation devices are deployed across the country, managed by over 1,900 aviation professionals including 700+ certified air traffic controllers.
Mid East Info
3 hours ago
- Mid East Info
AlUla's ‘Hegra After Dark' Experience Wins Best Arts and Culture Event at Middle East Event Awards 2025 - Middle East Business News and Information
AlUla, Saudi Arabia – June 2025: An immersive experience held exclusively in the ancient heritage destination of AlUla has been awarded Best Arts and Culture Event at the Middle East Event Awards 2025. Hegra After Dark, produced in collaboration with Saudi events company ImaginExperience is an imaginative nighttime journey set in the landscape of Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. This captivating event was first launched in October 2021 and has since welcomed thousands of curious guests. Inspired by historical research and brought to life through dramatic storytelling, sensory encounters and hands-on activities, Hegra After Dark reimagines the rich history of this city in creative and compelling ways. During the over one-hour experience, visitors are led along incense-scented trails, fully surrounding them in the rich cultural legacy of the Nabataeans and the ancient Incense Road, on which AlUla was a vital stop. From horse-drawn carriage rides to live performances and a vibrant theatrical marketplace, the experience is infused with the sights, sounds, scents, and flavours of the Nabataean era, bringing the ancient world vividly to life. Hegra After Dark will return on 26th November 2025 and will run until 14th February 2026 with the re-launch of the annual Ancient Kingdoms Festival, which returns this year from 20th November until 7th December, 2025. The event is one of many authentically crafted tours and experiences in AlUla designed for discerning travellers seeking deeply immersive, culturally rich and meaningful encounters. About AlUla: Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, in North-West Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area, covering 22,561km², includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms reigned. The most well-known and recognised site in AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 52-hectare ancient city, Hegra was the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and is comprised of over 140 well-preserved tombs, many with elaborate facades cut out of the sandstone outcrops surrounding the walled urban settlement. Current research also suggests Hegra was the most southern outpost of the Roman Empire after the Roman's conquered the Nabataeans in 106 CE. In addition to Hegra, AlUla is also home to ancient Dadan, the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms and considered to be one of the most developed 1st millennium BCE cities of the Arabian Peninsula, and Jabal Ikmah, an open-air library of hundreds of inscriptions and writings in many different languages, which has been recently listed on the UNESCO's memory of the World Register. Also, AlUla Old Town Village, a labyrinth of more than 900 mudbrick homes developed from at least the 12th century, which has been selected as one of the World's Best Tourism Villages in 2022 by the UNWTO.
Mid East Info
3 hours ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
In the Presence of H.E. Al-Jasser … Mawani Signs Privatization Contracts for Multipurpose Cargo Terminals at Eight Saudi Ports with Private Sector Investments Exceeding SAR 2.2 Billion
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, June , 2025: In the presence of H.E. Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Saudi Ports Authority, Mawani — in collaboration with the National Center for Privatization — signed contracts to privatize multipurpose cargo terminals at eight Saudi ports under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model spanning 20 years. The agreements were signed with national partners Saudi Global Ports and Red Sea Gateway Terminal Company, with private sector investments exceeding SAR 2.2 billion. The signing ceremony was also attended by Mr. Mazen bin Ahmed Al-Turki, Acting President of Mawani; Eng. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Zamil, Chairman of Saudi Global Ports; Mr. Aamer Alireza, Chairman of Red Sea Gateway Terminal; and a number of other officials. Speaking at the ceremony, H.E. Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser noted that these successive private sector investments reflect the strong appeal of Saudi ports and the logistics sector — a sector that receives generous support from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, may God protect them. He also stated that Saudi ports have witnessed remarkable progress in operational efficiency, cargo handling rates, and maritime connectivity, according to international indices — driven by significant investments from leading global and national logistics companies. The Minister emphasized that the transport and logistics ecosystem will continue to strengthen its partnerships with the private sector across all areas and regions of the Kingdom. He noted that these privatization contracts represent an extension of Mawani's strategic partnerships with major national and international companies, enabling growth in the maritime transport sector, diversifying the economy, and reinforcing Saudi Arabia's position as a global logistics hub — in line with the goals of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030. For his part, H.E. Mr. Mohannad bin Ahmed Basodan, CEO of the National Center for Privatization, affirmed that the Center aims to empower the private sector to play a key role in enhancing public services and improving operational efficiency. He noted that the signing of these privatization contracts across eight seaports is one of the most significant initiatives in this regard, enabling the private sector to leverage its expertise to develop advanced maritime services aligned with the highest global standards — thereby enhancing operational performance and unlocking broad prospects for economic growth. These efforts also reflect the Center's vision of building an effective privatization ecosystem that delivers sustainable economic impact and supports the Kingdom's ambition to become a global logistics hub under Saudi Vision 2030. Under the contracts, Saudi Global Ports will develop, manage, and operate multipurpose terminals at four Eastern Province ports under Mawani's jurisdiction: King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, Jubail Commercial Port, King Fahd Industrial Port in Jubail, and Ras Al-Khair Port. Red Sea Gateway Terminal will manage the development and operations of multipurpose terminals at four Western Province ports: Jeddah Islamic Port, Yanbu Commercial Port, King Fahd Industrial Port in Yanbu, and Jazan Port. The privatization contracts for King Fahd Industrial Port in Yanbu involve increasing container handling capacity through the deployment of the latest STS and RTG cranes, reach stackers, modern trucks and trailers, as well as reducing truck turnaround times and vessel berth stays — all contributing to improved operational efficiency. Notably, these privatization contracts between Mawani and the private sector were signed following approval from the Supervisory Committee for Privatization in the Transport and Logistics Sector, chaired by H.E. Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser. They aim to enhance the competitiveness of Saudi ports, expand operational capacity, support economic growth, and contribute to sustainable development.
The Star
3 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Nooh Gadot named Tokoh Maal Hijrah for 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Religious adviser to the Sultan of Johor, Datuk Dr Nooh Gadot, has been awarded the National Tokoh Maal Hijrah for 2025. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia Haj and Umrah Minister Dr Tawfig Fawzan Muhammed al-Rabiah was conferred the International Tokoh Maal Hijrah 2025 award. The awards were presented by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, during the national Maal Hijrah celebrations here yesterday. Nooh, who was the 11th Johor mufti until 2008, was born in 1946 in Segamat, Johor. He received his early education at Sekolah Melayu Kampung Pagoh, Segamat, before continuing his studies and graduating from Al-Azhar University, Egypt, in 1977. In May 1996, he became the chief assistant director of the Shariah Law Administration Department (chief kadi), a post he held for two years. Nooh was then appointed as deputy mufti of Johor on July 9, 1998. The following year, Nooh was officially appointed as the mufti of Johor, a position he held until 2008. Tawfig, 60, a graduate from King Saud University who also holds a master's degree in computer science from Pittsburgh University, has been in the post since 2021. A former Saudi health minister, Tawfig is known for his digital reforms to the haj system in Saudi Arabia. At a media conference after the event in Kuala Lumpur, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said that both candidates were chosen based on their contributions to Muslims locally and globally.
Business Recorder
4 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Tabeer programme: PSDF sets new standard in world workforce mobilization
LAHORE: Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) is setting a new standard in international workforce mobilization by acting as a true one-window solution for confirmed overseas placements under PSDF - Tabeer – International Placement a flagship programme under Chief Minister's Skilled Punjab Initiative. Through PSDF - Tabeer – International Placement program, PSDF has already placed over 100 highly trained Pakistani graduates in Saudi Arabia's construction and hospitality sectors, managing every step- from demand-driven skills development and internationally recognized certification to job confirmation and visa processing under one roof. PSDF's model begins with close collaboration with Saudi industry partners to develop training that match precise employer requirements. Candidates undergo rigorous screening, complete technical and soft-skills modules and sit for assessment panels jointly administered by PSDF and their future employers. Only those who meet the exacting standards receive confirmed job offers before departure, ensuring zero uncertainty for both trainees and recruiters. 'By guaranteeing confirmed placements and handling the entire process end to end, PSDF removes traditional barriers and risk for our graduates,' said Ahmed Khan, CEO of PSDF. 'Our integrated approach means candidates arrive in Saudi Arabia fully prepared, with visas in hand and contracts signed—ready to contribute from day one.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
