In a strategic move aimed at regulating and developing the environmental services market in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, in cooperation with the National Center for Environmental Compliance, announced the launch of the “Athar” platform for freelancers. This platform, part of the Professional Accreditation Initiative, is the first regulatory framework of its kind enabling individuals to practice environmental freelance work in a certified and official manner, opening new horizons for Saudi specialists and supporting the national transformation towards a green economy.

National context and future vision

The launch of the “Athar” platform cannot be viewed as an isolated event, but rather as an integral part of the major transformations the Kingdom is undergoing within the framework of Vision 2030. The Vision seeks to diversify income sources and reduce dependence on oil, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability. Initiatives such as “Green Saudi Arabia” and “Green Middle East” are fundamental pillars of this direction, aiming to improve the quality of life and protect the environment for future generations. Hence, the “Athar” platform serves as an implementation tool that translates these aspirations into tangible reality by building a qualified national workforce capable of leading the environmental services sector.

Launch details and first phase

The platform's launch ceremony was attended by high-level officials, including the Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Social Development for Labor, Dr. Abdullah Abu Thnein, and the Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Engineer Mansour Al-Mashiti, reflecting the importance the government places on this project. As a first step, 99 licenses were issued to accredited environmental practitioners who will begin their careers by providing environmental management plan (EMP) services for low-impact facilities, such as auto repair shops, in collaboration with the private sector.

Expected economic and social impact

The official spokesperson for the National Center for Environmental Compliance, Saad Al-Mutrafi, explained that the platform serves a vast market of over 50,000 establishments, making it a promising economic market. Opening this field to individuals will directly contribute to supporting localization efforts and creating quality job opportunities for citizens in a specialized and in-demand sector. It will also raise the overall level of environmental compliance in the Kingdom, as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be able to access certified environmental services at competitive prices, thus enhancing their sustainability and reducing their environmental footprint.

A look to the future

The platform's development plans don't stop there, with the next phase scheduled for launch in the second quarter of this year. This phase will involve training a new cohort of environmental practitioners through specialized programs implemented in collaboration with several leading Saudi universities. These academic partnerships aim to ensure the quality of the outputs and provide the market with highly qualified professionals capable of delivering comprehensive consulting services across multiple environmental fields, extending beyond simply preparing plans to include periodic reports and environmental audits.

Amr Adib referred to trial in his dispute with Mortada Mansour

The competent investigative authorities in the Agouza district of Cairo have ordered the referral of prominent Egyptian media figure Amr Adib to the appropriate court, in the latest development in his ongoing legal and media dispute with Mortada Mansour, the former president of Zamalek Sporting Club. This referral stems from accusations leveled by Mansour against Adib, including slander, defamation, and misuse of social media, opening a new chapter in one of the most controversial cases in Egyptian circles.

Background to the long conflict between Adib and Mansour

This conflict was not a spontaneous outburst, but rather the latest in a long series of tensions and confrontations between the two figures, both known for their combative styles. Amr Adib is one of the most prominent media personalities in Egypt and the Arab world, while Mortada Mansour is a controversial figure who has combined law, politics, and long tenure as president of Zamalek Sporting Club. For years, their relationship has been marked by media and legal skirmishes, the most recent of which occurred in April 2024 when the Economic Court acquitted Mansour in a defamation lawsuit filed against him by Adib, paving the way for a new round of conflict.

The spark of the latest crisis: Zamalek Club's land

The dispute escalated sharply in August 2023 when the issue of withdrawing a plot of land allocated to Zamalek Club in 6th of October City arose. Amr Adib used his popular program "Al-Hekaya" on MBC Egypt to launch a scathing attack on Mortada Mansour, holding him responsible for the loss of the land, which was intended for a new branch of the club. Adib accused Mansour of filing a report that led to the land being withdrawn, describing this action as "a stab in the back for the club's future.".

Fiery statements and media escalation

Adib didn't stop at mere criticism; he used harsh language in the August 29, 2023 episode, stating that "Mortada Mansour is an idea that must die," and describing his tenure as a "council of ruin." He also accused him of harboring "deep-seated resentment" towards the current board of directors, headed by Hussein Labib. These statements sparked a storm of controversy, prompting Mansour to respond forcefully on his social media platforms.

The battle moves to the courts

In response to Adib's attack, Mortada Mansour announced that he had filed 40 reports with the Public Prosecutor against the media personality, accusing him of slander, defamation, and libel. He also submitted a formal complaint to the Supreme Council for Media Regulation, considering what was said on the program to be a "death threat" and a violation of the media code of ethics. For his part, Amr Adib did not remain silent; on September 2, 2023, he filed a report against Mansour on the same charges. After investigating the reports submitted by Mansour, the Public Prosecutor decided to summon Adib, ultimately leading to his referral to trial on October 13, 2023.

The importance and expected impact of the issue

This case is particularly significant because it represents more than just a personal dispute; it reflects the complex intersections between media, sports, and law in Egypt. Observers believe the verdict in this case could reshape the boundaries of freedom of expression and media criticism of public figures. It also casts a shadow over Zamalek Sporting Club, whose current board is striving for stability and distancing itself from the conflicts that have long been associated with its former president. As the battle moves to the courtroom, Egyptian circles are watching with great interest the outcome of this legal confrontation between two of the country's most prominent public figures.

In a historic move reflecting growing global confidence in Saudi scientific expertise, the Joint Committee of Experts on Food Additives (JECFA) of the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization announced the appointment of Dr. Najla Al-Harbi, Head of the Chemical Hazards Department at the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to its list of accredited experts. This achievement marks a significant milestone, underscoring the Kingdom's pivotal role in shaping the future of food safety standards on the international stage.

Historical context and importance of the JECFA committee

The Joint Commission on Food and Agriculture (JECFA) was established in 1956 as an independent international scientific body, operating under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) of the United Nations. Its primary mission is to conduct rigorous scientific assessments of the safety of food additives, contaminants, natural toxins, and veterinary drug residues in food. Its recommendations and assessments, such as the establishment of the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI), form the scientific basis upon which the Codex Alimentarius Commission develops its international standards, which are adopted by the majority of countries worldwide as a regulatory framework for protecting consumer health and facilitating fair international food trade.

The strategic impact of the Kingdom's accession

The presence of a Saudi expert on this prestigious committee is not merely a personal recognition, but rather an international acknowledgment of the advanced level achieved by the Kingdom's food safety system, under the leadership of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. This membership grants the Kingdom an influential voice in the scientific discussions that shape global food policies and standards, ensuring their alignment with international best practices and safeguarding the health of citizens and residents. Regionally, this achievement reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leader in food regulation, enabling it to share its expertise to support the development of regulatory systems in the region. Internationally, it enhances confidence in Saudi food products and strengthens their competitiveness in global markets.

The role of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority and Vision 2030

This achievement is the culmination of the strategic efforts undertaken by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), which aim to build specialized national capabilities and develop risk assessment methodologies based on the latest scientific and technological tools. The Kingdom's representation on the JECFA committee aligns directly with the objectives of Vision 2030, particularly those related to improving quality of life, promoting public health, and building a knowledge-based economy. Through active participation in shaping international scientific decisions, the SFDA contributes to enhancing the efficiency of the national food safety system, strengthening consumer confidence, and supporting the Kingdom's food security.