In a move aimed at enhancing the flexibility of the government work environment and employing modern technology to serve the public interest, the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdul Aziz Al Sheikh, issued an administrative decision to regulate administrative work during the holy month of Ramadan for the employees of the Ministry’s headquarters in the capital, Riyadh.

The ministerial decision included a directive to partially implement a remote work system, stipulating that the percentage of employees working remotely should not exceed 50% of the total staff of agencies and departments affiliated with the Ministry's headquarters in Riyadh. The decision emphasized the necessity of adhering to regulatory frameworks and precisely defining work schedules, while submitting employee rosters to the General Directorate of Human Resources to ensure the smooth continuation of work.

Implementation mechanism and work controls

To ensure continued productivity and uninterrupted service delivery, the decision stipulates providing all necessary technical and technological support to the employees covered by it, along with ongoing and rigorous performance monitoring. The directive also includes a crucial provision allowing for the immediate recall of employees to their workplaces when needed and in accordance with the exigencies of the work, thus balancing job flexibility with professional commitment.

Keeping pace with digital transformation and the Kingdom's Vision 2030

This decision is consistent with the tremendous development that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is witnessing in the field of e-government and digital transformation, which is one of the pillars of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The digital infrastructure of Saudi government agencies has proven its high efficiency in recent years, making the option of remote work a successful strategic option that contributes to the continuity of business without the need for full physical presence in headquarters, especially during periods that require flexibility such as the holy month of Ramadan.

Social and organizational dimensions of the decision

This decision has multiple positive dimensions. From a social perspective, it facilitates matters for employees during the holy month, positively impacting their mental health and balance between work and religious observance. On an organizational and local level in Riyadh, reducing the number of employees commuting to their workplaces indirectly contributes to alleviating the traffic congestion that the capital typically experiences during peak hours in Ramadan.

This approach reflects Minister Al-Sheikh’s keenness to develop the institutional work environment and raise the efficiency of performance, taking advantage of the technological leap that the ministry has achieved in managing its work and advocacy services, and expanding its programs locally and internationally in preparation for the month of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH.

The Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center announced a significant achievement: a remarkable 25% decrease in service disruptions and encroachments on underground infrastructure assets. This reduction encompasses the protection of vital networks such as water networks, power lines, communication cables, and other assets that are essential to daily life in the capital.

Development of the infrastructure management system in Riyadh

This achievement is a direct result of the center's tireless efforts to develop its infrastructure management system, fostering integration and effective coordination among various stakeholders. These steps have contributed to improved planning and execution efficiency at project sites, reflecting the center's commitment to regulating the sector and implementing global best practices in managing and standardizing technical data to ensure the sustainability of services provided to Riyadh's residents and visitors.

Urban development context and Vision 2030

These figures are particularly significant given the comprehensive urban development underway in Riyadh, which aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. With the increasing pace of major projects and the expansion of the urban area, protecting infrastructure has become a key challenge requiring innovative solutions. Reducing service interruptions is a vital indicator of improved quality of life, ensuring the continuity of services for homes and businesses, and minimizing the financial and time losses resulting from repairing accidental damage during excavation work.

Launch of the geospatial verification service: a quantum leap

In a move aimed at reinforcing this positive trend, the center announced the launch of a "Geospatial Verification Service" for infrastructure assets. This advanced digital service enables contractors and project managers to accurately view the routes and locations of existing networks during the licensing process and before any actual excavation work begins. This step is a cornerstone for enhancing the reliability of information, allowing project managers to plan their work with high precision and avoid surprises on the ground.

Unified database for 17 government entities

The center explained that the geospatial verification service is based on a centralized and unified geospatial database, compiled and harmonized in collaboration with more than 17 government and service entities. These efforts are part of the center's transformative initiatives aimed at enhancing the accuracy of geographic data and supporting decision-makers before implementation, thereby raising public safety standards and protecting national assets from damage. This digital integration underscores the importance of digital transformation in smart city management, making Riyadh a model to be emulated in urban infrastructure management.

stc Group, the region’s leading digital enabler, continues its extensive celebrations of Saudi Arabia’s “Foundation Day” through a program full of enriching events that extend for a full week, aiming to enhance the spirit of national belonging among its employees, their families and customers throughout the Kingdom.

Deep historical roots and a celebration of national identity

stc's celebration of this momentous occasion stems from its deep appreciation for the significance of Founding Day, which symbolizes the historical and cultural depth of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, dating back to 1727 AD when it was founded by Imam Muhammad bin Saud. This anniversary provides an opportunity to draw inspiration from the stories of struggle and unity that established the foundations of security and stability in the Arabian Peninsula, a vision the group is keen to embody by connecting its rich past with its prosperous present and promising future.

Comprehensive activities in all regions

The King Abdulaziz Telecommunications Complex in Riyadh witnessed a remarkable and strong turnout of employees and their families, coinciding with the launch of similar events at the group's headquarters in the northern, southern, western, and eastern regions. This inclusive approach embodies national unity and connects with the historical roots across the nation, transforming the company's headquarters into festive spaces imbued with the spirit of history.

Heritage activities that simulate the lives of our ancestors

Under the slogan "Celebrating Communication as the Foundation Upon Which the Nation Was Built and Continues to Be Built," the program offered a diverse range of activities that engaged thousands of employees. The events included folkloric performances showcasing traditional colors from various regions of the Kingdom, henna painting stations, traditional cuisine, and classic car displays that were well-received by attendees. The celebrations also featured storytelling sessions recounting tales from the past that evoke the glories of the nation's founding, and the opening of miniature museums that revived the atmosphere of traditional markets, highlighting the transformation from "a single, centralized space for communication in the old market to countless digital spaces today.".

Employee appreciation and exceptional customer offers

Keen to celebrate its employees, whom it considers the cornerstone of its success, stc provided valuable gifts for them and their children and organized interactive competitions for the best photo that captures the spirit of the occasion. For its customers, the group launched its "Foundation Day: A Beginning We Celebrate with You" campaign, offering major prizes including luxury cars and hundreds of valuable gifts, along with exclusive offers and significant discounts on various digital and communication services.

A voice identity that enhances communication

In conjunction with this national atmosphere, the group continues to broadcast the anthem “We are in touch” via the stc tv platform, an artistic work with lyrics by Fahd Al-Musaed and sung by the artist Abdul Majeed Abdullah, to be the sonic identity of this celebration that raises the slogan “We celebrate our roots and are proud of a journey we started and continue towards the future,” thus confirming its pioneering role not only in the telecommunications sector, but also as an active national partner in all national occasions.