Day: September 10, 2024

President Joe Biden announced on Monday the extension of the national emergency declared in the wake of terrorist attacks in 2001 for another year.

In a letter to Congress released by the White House, Biden said, “Consistent with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1622(d), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency previously declared on September 14, 2001, in Proclamation 7463, with respect to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the continuing and immediate threat of further attacks on the United States.” “Because the terrorist threat continues, the national emergency declared on September 14, 2001, and the powers and authorities adopted to deal with that emergency must continue in effect beyond September 14, 2024,” Biden continued.

Former US President George Bush declared a national emergency at the time after the September 11 attacks in the United States 23 years ago.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

Saudi Arabia has reiterated its firm dedication to protecting coral reefs and marine environments at the Red Sea Coral Reef Forum, held by the General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS), in Jeddah from September 9 to 13, according to a press release by SHAMS.

This position is consistent with sustainable development objectives, and bound to solidify the Kingdom’s global leadership in environmental conservation and natural resource preservation.

The forum coincides with the 38th meeting of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), which gathers a diverse group of experts, environmental scientists, decision makers, university students, and marine environment enthusiasts.

In his speech during the opening ceremony, SHAMS CEO Dr. Khaled Asfahani stressed that the forum is part of ongoing efforts to preserve marine environments, raise awareness about coral reefs, address the problems Red Sea coral reefs face, and discuss effective protection strategies.

He a
dded that the forum also focuses on the need to develop joint projects to ensure environmental sustainability, promote the blue economy, and increase awareness about the importance of preserving marine environments to protect coral reefs in the Red Sea and beyond.

Asfahani said that the Kingdom has the capability to drive initiatives that bolster the protection of the Red Sea, making it a global example in marine environment conservation due to visionary leadership focused on environmental protection.

“SHAMS is dedicated to safeguarding the marine environment in the Kingdom, but its ambitions extend beyond borders,” said Asfahani.

He urged increased cooperation to protect marine ecosystems, both in the Red Sea and worldwide, with the aim of preserving and protecting our natural heritage.

Asfahani stressed that the Red Sea holds vast potential and is a model of biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods for millions of people.

“The Red Sea Coral Reef Forum 2024 reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to achi
eving sustainable development goals, enhancing its position as a global hub for scientific research and environmental dialogue, and highlighting its leading efforts in preserving natural heritage and promoting environmental sustainability,” reads the release.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned the ongoing war crimes committed by the Israeli occupation in Gaza Strip. The most recent was the brutal massacre resulting from the targeting of tents of displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza Strip, which led to the death and injury of dozens of civilians, in flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, UN Security Council resolutions and the relevant International Court of Justice orders.

OIC emphasized that the international community’s inability to fulfill its obligations in enforcing justice and international law and resolutions has bolstered the culture of impunity among the Israeli occupier and worsened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza Strip.

It called on the UN Security Council to assume its responsibilities and impose an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, as well as take decisive measures to put an end to the Israeli occupation regime and the illegal colonial settlement in the occupied Palestinian terri
tory.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

For the first time in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, doctors from the Orthopedic Department at King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAAUH), from Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, performed a shoulder replacement surgery using mixed reality technology on a patient in her sixties.

This breakthrough will advance orthopedic surgery in the Kingdom, offering innovative medical experiences.

Mixed reality technology displays three-dimensional images of the patient’s tissues and bones during surgery, providing surgeons with a detailed view for precise planning. It helps minimize side effects common in traditional surgeries, reduce recovery and rehabilitation periods, and improve outcomes, ultimately enhancing the patients’ quality of life.

This accomplishment demonstrates KAAUH’s commitment to incorporating the latest technologies to improve efficiency and results. By leveraging these advancements, KAAUH is better equipped to perform joint replacement surgeries effectively, expanding it
s services to benefit a wider range of patients.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Jerusalem – Ma’an – Settlers continued their storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque on Sunday, while municipal vehicles carried out a demolition operation in the town of Shuafat in Jerusalem.

180 extremists stormed the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque and performed prayers inside it, in a daily scene in Al-Aqsa, “public and collective prayers by settlers” for about a month.

Meanwhile, the occupation municipality stormed the town of Shuafat in Jerusalem with its crews and vehicles, and demolished a commercial facility, a “car wash”, under the pretext of building without a permit.

Source: Maan News Agency

The Aseer Region Development Authority took part in the International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF Asia), which is being held from September 9 to 11 in Hong Kong, to introduce to investors the advantages of Aseer and the promising opportunities available in the region’s tourism sector.

The authority has a pavilion at the exhibition accompanying the forum, engaged in dialogue sessions, and held meetings with international investors attending the event to promote the region.

Chief of Investment at the authority Sultan Al-Shehri participated in a session titled “Catalysts of Tourism and Hospitality Investment: Infrastructure, Regulation, Policy and Mega Projects”, in which he underscored the kingdom’s commitment to diversifying its economy through significant projects that pave the way for new economic opportunities.

He stressed that forging international partnerships plays a pivotal role in driving investment in the Aseer region, and that the development strategy for Aseer revolves around tourism an
d relies on leveraging the unique environment of the region.

The ongoing developments in Aseer, he said, reflect the kingdom’s broader investment and economic ambitions, which aim to position Aseer as the premier tourist destination in the kingdom and a global year-round tourist hotspot.

The authority’s participation in the forum coincides with the conclusion of this year’s summer season; over 1.1 million tourists visited Aseer in the last seven months.

The number of tourists to Aseer increased from 6.8 million in 2022 to 7.6 million in 2023.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

HEBRON – Ma’an – Clashes erupted with Israeli occupation forces on Tuesday evening in the town of Dura, south of Hebron.

Local sources reported that the occupation forces stormed the town, which led to the outbreak of clashes during which soldiers fired live bullets, without any injuries being reported.

Source: Maan News Agency

King Abdulaziz University’s College of Science introduced today a student exchange program with the University of Oxford, designed to equip students in the field of education and scientific research with the latest advancements in AI technologies.

The program covers areas such as AI, cybersecurity, data science, and software development; it also entails experts in technology and AI holding discussions, workshops, and lectures, and forging new agreements and partnerships to enhance the training and development of the students.

Outstanding projects by university and postgraduate students were presented at the launching ceremony, including graduation projects and research efforts. The aim is to inspire future entrepreneurs to turn these projects into practical real-world solutions.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Hebron – Ma’an Report – The prices of poultry sold to consumers have witnessed a noticeable increase since the end of last month, and have increased steadily since the beginning of this month. A kilo of meat is sold in the markets of Hebron for between 17.5-18 shekels.

Dr. Hazem Shawer Al-Tamimi, an expert in poultry farming, attributed the rise in prices to the effects of the war on the Gaza Strip and the northern front on the border with Lebanon. He explained that the fluctuation and interruption of production chains at several stages affected the breeding process and thus there is an increase in demand and a decrease in quantities.

Al-Tamimi, who is considered one of the most important poultry farmers in southern Palestine, said during his interview with our correspondent in Hebron: ‘The direct reason behind the increase is the impact of the war on air traffic, in addition to the fact that a large percentage of poultry farms in Israel are located in the northern region, and work has stopped in many of th
em, and they no longer meet the needs of the market, resulting in a severe shortage of eggs and breeding chicks.’

He added in his speech: “This increase will continue for two weeks at most, and then prices will gradually decline again, but it will not be at the required level in light of the fluctuations in production chains.”

Al-Tamimi hopes that the state of uncertainty and constant anxiety experienced by poultry farmers will end and that they will recover again.

Source: Maan News Agency

Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel received in his office today a delegation from the Gavi organization, the Vaccine Alliance, headed by Gavi CEO Dr. Sania Nishtar, with whom he discussed issues of mutual interest and ways to enhance cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Gavi in the field of health.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Hebron-Ma’an- Rateb al-Jabour, coordinator of the National and Popular Brigades to Resist the Wall and Settlements in southern Hebron, said that the occupation authorities demolished a house, a water well, and retaining walls in southern Hebron.

Al-Jabour added that the demolition vehicles, including bulldozers, accompanied by a large force from the occupation army, raided the Khalidiya area of ??the town of Al-Karmel, east of Yatta. In addition to the demolition operations, they destroyed water tanks belonging to citizen Ghanem Ahmed Jaber Abu Aram, where he lives with his family of 10 people. His son Osama is supposed to get married next week and live with him in the same house that was demolished.

Source: Maan News Agency

In a ceremony held under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Monday evening honored the winners of the fourth edition of the National Cultural Awards at the King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials, intellectuals, writers, artists, and media professionals.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prince Badr said: “We welcome the creators and innovators from various cultural sectors at the conclusion of the 2024 National Cultural Awards initiative, which comes under the generous patronage of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the supporter and enabler of our cultural sector.”

He added that “our country is experiencing a great cultural renaissance under the umbrella of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, and the Ministry of Culture has been keen to adopt a strategy to develop cultural capacities in a comprehensive and integrated journey with partners in v
arious sectors. The National Cultural Awards initiative serves as a supportive and encouraging umbrella for talents and their creativity.”

Prince Badr congratulated this year’s winners and announced the addition of two new awards, the Cultural Media Award and the Handicrafts Award, to open new avenues for creativity and cultural expression.

Dr. Saad Al-Sowayan received the Cultural Pioneer Award for his significant scientific, literary, and cultural contributions. Writer and artist Diaa Youssef was awarded the Youth Culture Award for her support of culture and young talents. The Business Owners Award, recognizing support for cultural activities, was given to Badr bin Mohammed Al-Bowardi in acknowledgment of Al-Bowardi family’s efforts to preserve cultural heritage. The International Cultural Excellence Award was presented to the Turquoise Mountain Foundation for its contribution to the protection of cultural heritage and support for artisans. The MBC Group received the Cultural Institutions Award in the p
rivate sector track, while King Faisal Foundation (KFF) received the award in the non-profit sector track.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Sharakh won the National Heritage Award, short story writer and novelist Osamah Al-Muslim won the Literature Award, and Qyadiya Publishing House, specializing in publishing for children, won the Publishing Award. Dr. Walid Al-Omari received the Translation Award, film director Tawfik Al-Zaidi won the Film Award, and Abadi Al-Johar won the Music Award. Dr. Khalid Azzam received the Architecture and Design Award, Mohammed Al-Tuwaiyan won the Theater and Performing Arts Award, and Dr. Mohammed Al-Mansouri won the Culinary Arts Award. Taha Al-Sabban received the Visual Arts Award, and Dr. Lailah Al-Bassam won the Fashion Award.

The ceremony marks the culmination of the fourth edition of the National Cultural Awards, which is organized by the Ministry of Culture annually to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of Saudis from various cultural sectors in the Kingdom.

The Ministr
y of Culture is dedicated to nurturing the cultural sector, supporting creative people, and encouraging a dynamic cultural environment that aligns with the goals of the National Culture Strategy and objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Source: Saudi Press Agency