Local News
20 tons of food destroyed and 111,000 animals inspected in preparation for Ramadan
The Ministry of Environment announced the destruction of 20 tons of spoiled food and the monitoring of 111,000 slaughtered animals during 6,000 inspection tours in preparation for Ramadan, to ensure food safety in Saudi markets.
As part of the intensive preparations to welcome the holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has intensified its monitoring and field efforts to ensure food safety and the availability of supplies, in order to achieve the highest public health standards for consumers during this season, which witnesses a significant increase in demand for food products.
Extensive inspection campaigns and destruction of spoiled food
The ministry announced that its inspection teams destroyed approximately 20 tons of various food products, including fruits, vegetables, and dates, after confirming they were unfit for human consumption. Official statistics indicated that field teams destroyed over 19,900 kilograms of spoiled fruits and vegetables, in addition to confiscating and destroying approximately 1,697 kilograms of meat and fish, as part of a comprehensive plan for continuous monitoring of markets and retail outlets across the country.
Slaughterhouse readiness and livestock inspection
Given the high demand for meat during the holy month, the Ministry has given special attention to the livestock sector, with veterinary and specialized teams inspecting more than 111,300 carcasses . This step aims to ensure that livestock are free from disease and that health requirements are met in slaughterhouses and public markets, thus enhancing consumer confidence when purchasing sacrificial animals.
Field efforts supported by laboratory testing
The ministry revealed the scale of its field operations prior to the holy month, during which approximately 6,300 inspection tours with the active participation of 428 inspectors . The ministry did not limit itself to visual inspections but also supported its operations by collecting and testing 658 laboratory samples to ensure their compliance with standard specifications and strict health requirements.
The importance of proactive monitoring during seasons
These campaigns are of paramount importance in the local context, as Ramadan marks the peak of the consumer season in the Kingdom and the region. These proactive measures thwart attempts by some violators to market substandard or expired goods, exploiting the increased demand. These efforts also reflect the commitment of relevant authorities to achieving food security and improving quality of life, aligning with national objectives to ensure a healthy and safe environment for society.
Awareness and community partnership
Believing that oversight is incomplete without awareness, the Ministry implemented more than 122 awareness programs for beneficiaries and sector employees, aiming to raise the level of compliance with regulations. Additionally, 23 food preservation associations to support field efforts, thus reinforcing the concepts of social responsibility and sustainability.
On the enforcement side, these strict campaigns resulted in the monitoring and recording of 1,475 violations and warnings against non-compliant establishments and individuals, confirming their continued application of regulatory penalties to protect the consumer throughout the days of the holy month.
Local News
The Ministry of Defense signs 28 contracts at the World Defense Show to support Vision 2030
The Ministry of Defense signed 28 contracts with international and local companies at the World Defense Show in Riyadh, to enhance combat readiness and localize 50% of military spending in accordance with Vision 2030.
In a strategic move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to developing its defense system, the Ministry of Defense today signed 28 contracts with leading local and international companies specializing in military industries. This took place during the World Defense Show, hosted by the capital, Riyadh, a global platform that brings together leaders in the defense and security sector from around the world.
International partnerships to enhance defense capabilities
The signing ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, with Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs, Dr. Khalid bin Hussein Al-Bayari, concluding four major contracts with the CEOs of leading global companies. These agreements included the French missile systems leader MBDA, the Saudi Arabian subsidiary of the American defense giant Raytheon, the South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace, and the Italian aerospace, defense, and security firm Leonardo.
In the same vein, the Deputy Minister of Defense for Procurement and Armament, Ibrahim bin Ahmed Al-Suwaid, signed eight additional contracts with CEOs of local, French, Turkish, Korean, and Italian companies, reflecting the Kingdom's diverse international partnerships. The package also included 16 contracts signed by the Ministry's Executive Directors General for Procurement and Armament with representatives of various companies.
World Defence Exhibition: A Gateway to the Future
The signing of these major contracts comes in the context of the World Defence Exhibition, a pivotal event on the global defense agenda. The exhibition not only showcases the latest military technologies but also provides a fertile ground for forging strategic partnerships that serve national interests. This event underscores Riyadh's position as a regional and international hub for defense decision-making and the exchange of military expertise.
Vision 2030 and the localization of military industries
These contracts are particularly important as they directly contribute to achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Through these agreements, the Ministry aims to effectively contribute to localizing more than 50% of government spending on military equipment and services. This approach not only enhances the Kingdom's strategic independence but also contributes to the transfer of technology and knowledge, and creates high-quality job opportunities for Saudi nationals in the promising military industries sector.
Enhancing combat readiness and ensuring the sustainability of systems
The contracts signed primarily aim to enhance the military readiness of all branches of the Saudi Armed Forces. This includes strengthening defense capabilities, raising combat efficiency, and ensuring the sustainability of military systems through advanced maintenance and technical support services. Combining global expertise with local capabilities will guarantee the Kingdom a sophisticated defense system capable of effectively and competently addressing current and future security challenges.
Local News
Saudi Arabia integrates video games into its education curriculum with the Savi Group
The Ministry of Education signed three agreements with the Savi Group to include electronic games in school curricula and develop the technical skills of teachers and students in service of Vision 2030.
In a strategic move aimed at keeping pace with global technological advancements and enhancing future skills, the Saudi Ministry of Education, the National Institute for Professional Development in Education, and Tatweer Educational Services Company signed three key memoranda of understanding with the "Safi Electronic Games Group," a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund. These agreements aim to formally integrate the electronic games industry and development into the general and university education system, as well as technical and vocational training.
A strategic context that serves Vision 2030
This step aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the National Strategy for Gaming and Esports launched by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, which aims to make the Kingdom a global hub for this sector by 2030. The "Safi" Group is the Kingdom's primary investment arm in this field, working to build an integrated ecosystem encompassing game development, publishing, and talent investment. Linking this vital sector to education is a foundational step to ensure the sustainability of qualified human resources to lead this growing market both locally and globally.
Details of agreements and areas of cooperation
The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Education headquarters in Riyadh, in the presence of Minister of Education Yousef Al-Bunyan, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the SAFI Group Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, and other education leaders. The areas of cooperation focus on several key areas:
- Curriculum development: Working in coordination with the National Center for Curricula to include electronic game concepts within the curriculum.
- Scholarships and career paths: Preparing national cadres through the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program and the "Wa'ed" path, to graduate specialists in the gaming industry.
- National Competitions: Designing and implementing a national competition specializing in the electronic games industry and development to discover talents.
- Digital Infrastructure: Establishing the "Savi Gaming and Innovation Lab" and accrediting the Savi Academy as one of the strategic partnership institutes.
Empowering teachers and developing the Madrasati platform
The agreements also addressed the educational needs of teachers, including collaboration between the National Institute and the Savi Group to develop teachers' skills in adopting innovative teaching methods based on gamification and artificial intelligence. Specialized workshops and forums will also be organized to assess the impact of these methods on the educational process.
Regarding educational tools, the memorandum signed with “Tatweer” Company stipulated the production of specialized educational games and the development of interactive content on the “My School” platform, in addition to building digital educational laboratories based on simulation, and creating school activities that promote the culture of electronic sports in a positive way.
Expected impact: A digital economy and an innovative generation
This partnership is expected to have a significant long-term impact, not only by improving academic achievement through engaging educational tools, but also by supplying the Saudi labor market with highly qualified national talent capable of competing in the technology and programming sector. It will also contribute to transforming students from consumers of digital content into producers and developers of it, thus strengthening the Kingdom's position as a hub for digital innovation in the region.
Local News
Prince William's arrival in Riyadh: A visit that strengthens Saudi-British relations
Britain's Prince William arrived in Riyadh today and was received by the Deputy Governor of Riyadh. Learn more about the visit and its importance in strengthening the strategic partnership.
His Royal Highness Prince William, Prince of Wales and Crown Prince of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, arrived in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, today (Monday), on an official visit that affirms the strength of bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.
Upon his arrival at King Khalid International Airport, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region, was at the forefront of those welcoming him and wishing him a pleasant stay. Also participating in the reception were His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah bin Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the United Kingdom, and the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Kingdom, Mr. Stephen Charles Hitchin, in addition to the Undersecretary of Royal Protocol, Mr. Fahd Al-Suhail, and a number of other officials.
Dimensions of the visit and its political implications
The visit of the Crown Prince of the United Kingdom to Riyadh is of paramount importance at this time, reflecting the depth of the strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. This visit comes within the framework of ongoing communication between the leadership of both countries to strengthen ties of cooperation across various fields. Saudi-British relations serve as a model of long-standing international relations, built on mutual respect and shared interests that contribute to the stability of the region and the world.
A long history of diplomatic relations
This visit cannot be viewed in isolation from the long-standing historical ties between the two countries' royal families and the diplomatic relations that span more than a century. The United Kingdom has always been a key partner of Saudi Arabia, and Prince William's visit serves to strengthen this historical legacy and propel it to new heights, particularly in light of international developments that necessitate high-level coordination among influential global powers.
Strategic partnership and Vision 2030
On the economic and developmental level, these reciprocal visits represent a valuable opportunity to discuss ways to support the strategic partnership, especially in light of the massive development movement that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is witnessing under the umbrella of Vision 2030. Political and economic circles look forward to this visit contributing to opening new avenues for cooperation in the fields of sustainability, clean energy, cultural exchange, and technological innovation, in line with the aspirations of both countries towards a more prosperous future.
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