Libraries Commission Chief Meets with Dominican Republic Ambassador

Libraries Commission chief executive Dr. Abdulrahman bin Nasser Al-Asem met on Wednesday at the commission’s headquarters in Riyadh with the ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the Kingdom, Andy Rodriguez Duran.

During the meeting, they discussed avenues for cooperation in the field of libraries and ways to develop them between the Kingdom and the Dominican Republic.

They also reviewed several of the commission’s programs, initiatives, and achievements both locally and internationally, including projects and strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing cultural and knowledge exchange in the library sector with various countries around the world.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Al-Asem extended an invitation to the Dominican ambassador to attend several upcoming activities that the commission will be organizing in its next agenda.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Russian army liberates two new towns, destroys Ukrainian military-industries sites.

Moscow, Russian Defense Ministry said that its armed forces liberated two new towns in Donetsk People’s Republic, launched an extensive air strike, on weapons factories and warehouses in Lvov city, and destroyed a training center including foreign experts in central and northern Ukraine.

On the 3rd of current month, Russian forces destroyed the 179th training center of the Ukrainian forces in Poltava city, central Ukraine, where foreign soldiers and trainers specialized in communications and electronic warfare gathered and trained Kiev forces and Ukrainian drone operators to strike Russian territory, the ministry reported in its daily report on the progress of the special military operation.

The ministry said that Russian forces destroyed with high-precision weapons the military-industrial complex enterprises in Lvov city, western Ukraine, which were active with NATO support in producing and maintenance of electronic components for aviation and missile weapons.

According to the ministry, the Russian ‘North
ern’ forces continued their advance on Volchansk and Lipetsk axes in Kharkiv region, eastern Ukraine, costing Kiev’s forces 75 soldiers, vehicles, mechanisms, Western cannons, and an ammunition depot.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Saudi Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan: Saudi Arabia Pays Great Attention to Holy Quran and Memorizers


Saudi Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic Ibrahim bin Radi Al-Radi expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its wise leadership for their care of the Holy Quran and its memorizers. He also thanked them for their leading role in serving Islam and Muslims, as well as for the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance’s efforts in organizing and supporting Quran competitions and holding numerous Islamic activities and programs worldwide.

Ambassador Al-Radi made this statement during the closing ceremony of the second Quran Memorization Competition for girls in Kyrgyzstan. The competition, organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance in cooperation with the Religious Presidency of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan, was attended by 270 female competitors.

Ambassador Al-Radi affirmed that the Kingdom has paid great attention to the Holy Quran since its founding by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. The Kingdom has established specialized schools and colleges,
held Quran sessions in mosques, and created the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran, translating it into over 77 languages worldwide, including Kyrgyz, Russian, and others. Additionally, the Kingdom distributes copies of the Quran free of charge to Muslims worldwide, as well as to pilgrims and Umrah performers. It also organizes Quran competitions and offers valuable prizes both inside and outside the Kingdom.

In conclusion, Ambassador Al-Radi expressed his sincere gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for their service to Islam and Muslims, praying to Allah to reward them with the best of rewards. He also thanked the minister of islamic affairs for supervising these competitions, supporting all Islamic activities and programs, and promoting a moderate and tolerant approach.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Activities of Expo Syria 2024, kick off

Damascus, With the participation of 600 companies and an on area of 50,000 meters, activities of Expo Syria 2024 for Syrian exports in its first edition started Wednesday, on Damascus countryside Fairgrounds.

Speaking to SANA’ reporter, head of the Syrian Association of Clothing and Textile Exporters, Ragheed al-Halabi, said that the exhibition, which will last five days, includes many industries such as mechanics, textiles, food and pharmaceuticals.

Al-Halabi noted that after years of war and unjust sanctions imposed on Syria, organizing of this economic event is one of the signs of recovery in the country.

Number of foreign businessmen and guests to the exhibition exceeds 3,000 people, and all logistical services and supplies have been secured for them related to air and road transportation and hosting, al-Halabi said.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Saudi Group Showcases Latest Services at Egypt International Air Show

The “Saudi Group” is showcasing its latest services at the first annual Egypt International Air Show, being held at Al-Alamein International Airport in northern Egypt, through an interactive pavilion featuring the Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI) and the Saudi Academy.

The pavilion has seen large turnout of visitors who were attracted by the displays and services offered by the Saudi Group, including aircraft maintenance, repair, and refurbishment services for both the civil and military aviation sectors. The group also provides comprehensive and integrated solutions for regional and global clients, as well as extensive training programs in the field of aviation on both regional and global levels.

The participation of the Saudi Group in the Egypt International Air Show and other international gatherings aims to familiarize clients and exhibition attendees with the services it provides to drive growth in the aviation sector through its 12 affiliated companies.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

6 people injured in an IED detonation planted by terrorists in Daraa

Damascus, six citizens were injured as a result of the explosion of an explosive charge planted by a terrorist group on the road linking the village of Alma and Khirbet Ghazala in Daraa countryside.

6 people were slightly injured in Daraa province as a result of an explosive device planted by a terrorist group while Daraa Governor, Secretary of the Arab Socialist Baath Party branch, and the police chief were returning from a service tour in al-Harak city, Ministry of Interior said in a statement via its Telegram channel.

The ministry indicated that several patrols headed to the site, where the injured were transferred to Daraa National Hospital for treatment.

A source in Daraa Police Command informed SANA reporter that the convoy of the governor, the party branch secretary and the accompanying delegation were attacked with an explosive device by a terrorist group while the convoy was returning from a work tour in the eastern countryside of the province.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Saudi Handball Team to Face Qatar in AHF Asian Men’s Youth Handball Championship in Jordan on Thursday

The Saudi national youth handball team, composed of players born in 2006, will face the Qatari team tomorrow at 5:15 p.m. at Princess Sumaya Hall in Amman, Jordan. This match will be its second in the 10th Asian Men’s Youth Handball Championship, organized by the Asian Handball Federation (AHF) and hosted by Jordan from September 3 to 14. The championship also serves as a qualifier for the 2025 International Handball Federation (IHF) Men’s Youth World Championship in Slovenia.

The Saudi team aims to continue its progress in the tournament, secure a second consecutive victory, and take the lead in Group C before advancing to the main round. In its first match, the Saudi team defeated the UAE with a score of 45-14.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Syrian Economy Minister ,Tehran Mayor Review Bilateral Cooperation

Damascus, Mohammad Samer al-Khalil, Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade in the caretaker government, discussed on Wednesday, with the Mayor of Tehran, Alireza Zakani, and his accompanying delegation, ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields.

During the meeting held at the ministry building in Damascus, Minister Khalil highlighted the importance of developing cooperation in economic fields and various services and the possibility of joint coordination to establish projects that serve the interests of the two friendly countries

The meeting reviewed the possibility of holding product exhibitions in both countries in an effort to develop joint trade relations and transfer knowledge, the necessity of exchanging expertise on some projects and scopes of common interest was also discussed.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Media Ministry’s Konoz Initiative Takes Part in Venice Film Festival

Konoz, an initiative under the Ministry of Media, is participating in the 81st Venice International Film Festival, running from August 28 to September 5 in Venice, Italy.

The Saudi initiative Konoz specializes in producing documentaries and short films that illuminate the nation’s hidden treasures, historical events, and cultural aspects.

At this prestigious annual event, Konoz seeks to showcase its productions, forge new partnerships, and explore fresh collaboration opportunities, aimed at elevating the standard of Saudi filmmaking in line with global benchmarks.

Furthermore, the initiative aims to fortify its presence on the global stage, spotlight its works, and establish communication channels with producers and organizations worldwide.

The Venice International Film Festival stands as the oldest film festival globally and is among the five biggest film festivals. This year, Konoz will have the chance to present its top films and provide an overview of its productions on large screens, captivating part
icipants.

Konoz is part of the Human Capacity Development Program, a key program that aims to realize Saudi Vision 2030. The initiative’s mission is to visually document the treasures of the Kingdom and drive artistic excellence in filmmaking.

This year, Konoz has won 23 international awards across various global competitions for its recent films, including the Horizon and Station 7 documentaries, as well as the Raee Al-Ajrab short film.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

A new day for Israeli aggression on Gaza and tens of dead and wounded

Occupied Jerusalem, Dozens of Palestinians were martyred and others were injured at dawn on Wednesday as a result of bombing the Israeli occupation of several regions in Gaza Strip.

Wafa News Agency reported that a Palestinian was killed and others were injured when the occupation forces shelled a house in al-Daraj neighborhood in Gaza.

Four Palestinians were also injured when the occupation bombed tents housing displaced people in Gaza City, while the occupation blew up residential buildings in Zeitoun neighborhood, southeast of Gaza.

Palestinian Civil Defense said that its crews had recovered the bodies of two martyrs from under the rubble of Safad School building in Zeitoun neighborhood.

The total number of victims of the Israeli aggression on Gaza rose to 40,819 dead and 94,291 wounded, according to the latest data from the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

GCC Focuses on Job Creation and Skills Development for Citizens

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Abudaiwi affirmed that the member states are continually working to implement the best programs that offer decent job opportunities for their citizens and prepare them with the necessary skills and competencies to obtain suitable jobs, making them the preferred choice for private sector employers compared to expatriate labor.

This statement was made during Secretary General Abudaiwi’s participation in the tenth meeting of the Ministers of Labour of the GCC member states, held Wednesday in Doha, Qatar. The meeting was chaired by Minister of Labour of Qatar and current session president Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri and attended by the Ministers of Labour from the Council member states.

At the beginning of his speech, Secretary General Abudaiwi expressed his utmost gratitude and appreciation to Amir of the State of Qatar and President of the current session of the Supreme Council of the GCC Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and to the leaders o
f the Council member states, for their significant interest in the journey of joint GCC work, especially in providing everything that contributes to improving the GCC labor sector at all levels.

Secretary General Abudaiwi noted that the directives of the leaders of the Council member states, have had a profound impact on advancing this blessed journey to achieve the desired goals. “This has resulted in significant successes for the member states in various economic, social, and political fields over the past years,” he stated.

“In terms of the World Competitiveness Index for 2023, the member states have made remarkable progress in their ranking. Similarly, in the Youth Progress Index, the member states are among the top thirty countries out of 150 included in this index. Other international indicators also confirm the success of the strategic solutions and initiatives adopted by the member states within their visions and development plans. This necessitates the enhancement of these gains and building upon t
hem, guided by the directives of the leaders of the Council member states,” he said.

Moreover, Secretary General Abudaiwi stated that young people in the member states represent 24.6% of the workforce-age population, totaling more than 13 million young men and women. “This is a tremendous human potential,” he stated, stressing the necessity of investing in it properly to drive development and sustainability in the GCC countries.

“This can be achieved by providing all necessary resources and educational and training programs, enabling them to take on their significant responsibilities in the future. Among the most important of these responsibilities is joining the workforce and participating in the building and development of their countries and communities,” Secretary General Abudaiwi said.

During the meeting, the Ministers of Labour of the Council member states discussed several topics, foremost among them the implementation of the Supreme Council’s decisions regarding the completion of the GCC Common Mar
ket pathways in the private sector. They also addressed the GCC’s joint labor strategy for 2024-2030, as well as the inclusion of GCC citizens in the localization rates within the member states and the results of the strategic initiatives of their esteemed committee.

These discussions are part of the ongoing bright journey and the shared vision for Gulf cooperation. Additionally, the Ministers of Labour approved the recommendations and outcomes of the work of the expert team, international relations, and the joint working groups from the ministries of labor in the member states regarding strategic initiatives, leading experiences, and international cooperation.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Elm Joins 24 Fintech as Strategic Partner

“Elm,” a leading digital solutions company, is participating as a strategic partner in the international financial technology event (24 Fintech) held at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center from September 3 to 5.

The official spokesman and CEO of the vice president of marketing at Elm, Majid bin Saad Al-Arifi, promised that the conference would be an important platform for advancing the fintech sector in Saudi Arabia and showcasing the company’s latest digital solutions. He pointed out that Elm’s participation aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 in digital transformation and developing the financial sector.

Elm will showcase its digital services during the conference, such as “Dhaman,” which supports electronic platforms with guarantees for financial transactions, and “Yaqeen,” which helps institutions verify customer data instantly. Additionally, the company will participate in a panel discussion on “Financial Services: Innovating the Customer Experience.”

Source: Saudi Press Agency