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Saudi Cabinet looks forward for innovative outcomes of Riyadh humanitarian forum

Saudi Cabinet looks forward for innovative outcomes of Riyadh humanitarian forum
Saudi cabinet weekly meeting. (SPA)
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Updated 25 February 2025

Saudi Cabinet looks forward for innovative outcomes of Riyadh humanitarian forum

Saudi Cabinet looks forward for innovative outcomes of Riyadh humanitarian forum
  • Cabinet hopes to see more developed and innovative solutions would come out of 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum

RIYADH: The Saudi Cabinet, during a session chaired by King Salman, said on Tuesday it looked forward to the outcomes of the fourth Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum and how it can contribute to unifying efforts. 

The cabinet statement said it hoped to see more developed and innovative solutions come out of the Riyadh forum to enhance humanitarian response for crises around the world, the Saudi Press Agency reported.   

The Riyadh event was attended by princes, ministers, diplomats, and leaders from local, Gulf, Arab, and international governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as UN humanitarian experts. 

The Cabinet also thanked Russian President Vladmir Putin for praising Ƶ’s efforts in hosting fruitful talks with US last week. 

It said that, during a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Putin has expressed “positive feelings towards the kingdom and its efforts in hosting the US-Russia talks” SPA reported.  

The Council reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to exerting efforts to enhance security and peace around the world, and to consolidate dialogue as the only way to resolve all international crises.

Recognizing the Kingdom’s increasing influence on the world stage, the Cabinet noted its upcoming presidency of the General Council of the World Trade Organization for 2025-2026, a milestone underscoring its leadership in global trade.

The ministers also lauded the success of the fourth Saudi Media Forum in Riyadh, which attracted significant international participation and introduced initiatives to modernize media, support talent, and encourage regulatory and financial transformations within the sector.

During the session, the Cabinet also approved a series of economic and trade agreements, reinforcing Ƶ’s strategic partnerships.

These included a headquarters agreement to relocate the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association to Riyadh, as well as memoranda of understanding with Brazil on mineral wealth cooperation and with Ivory Coast and Bahrain on encouraging direct investment.

Cultural and educational cooperation was also a focal point, with the Cabinet approving a Memorandum of Understanding between the King Fahd National Library and the Polish National Library, as well as an agreement with the US to enhance collaboration in higher education and scientific research.

Additionally, an MoU was approved with Mexico to strengthen cooperation in auditing and oversight.

Security and civil protection agreements were ratified between Ƶ and Tanzania, furthering collaboration in crime prevention, civil defense, and emergency response. In the transportation sector, the Cabinet approved an air services agreement with Guinea, aimed at expanding aviation ties between the two nations.

In domestic matters, ministers reviewed financial reports and approved the final accounts of the Saudi Center for Economic Business and the universities of Najran and Majmaah for the previous fiscal year.

Several senior government officials were also promoted to high-ranking advisory positions in key departments, including regional governance, municipal affairs, and passport services.

The session concluded with the Cabinet reviewing annual reports from the General Authority for Statistics, the General Organization for Technical and Vocational Training, and the University Higher Education Fund, ensuring that necessary measures were taken to support their continued progress.


Riyadh to host International Restoration Week in October

Various organizations, institutions, and companies from at least 12 countries are expected to take part in the event. (SPA)
Various organizations, institutions, and companies from at least 12 countries are expected to take part in the event. (SPA)
Updated 23 September 2025

Riyadh to host International Restoration Week in October

Various organizations, institutions, and companies from at least 12 countries are expected to take part in the event. (SPA)
  • The exhibition is as part of Heritage Commission efforts to protect and develop Ƶ’s urban heritage — there are more than 34,000 heritage assets recorded in the National Urban Heritage Register

RIYADH: The Heritage Commission will organize the International Restoration Week exhibition from Oct.1-5 in the Jax district of Diriyah.

The event will bring together leading local and international institutions specializing in restoration and the preservation of urban heritage, to exchange expertise and strengthen cooperation by demonstrating the latest practices and technologies in conserving historic buildings and sites, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The exhibition is as part of Heritage Commission efforts to protect and develop Ƶ’s urban heritage — there are more than 34,000 heritage assets recorded in the National Urban Heritage Register.

The commission also seeks to raise awareness of restoration as an integrated process that safeguards historic sites and cultural identity while supporting their sustainable development in line with contemporary needs.

Various organizations, institutions, and companies from at least 12 countries are expected to take part in the event.

The Heritage Commission said the International Restoration Week is a specialized platform for cooperation and knowledge exchange in the field of urban heritage conservation.

It further reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing restoration standards in line with global best practices and strengthening its position in cultural heritage preservation.

 


Ƶ to host seventh law conference

Minister of Justice Dr. Walid bin Mohammed Al-Samaani. (SPA)
Minister of Justice Dr. Walid bin Mohammed Al-Samaani. (SPA)
Updated 23 September 2025

Ƶ to host seventh law conference

Minister of Justice Dr. Walid bin Mohammed Al-Samaani. (SPA)
  • Conference organizers have structured the event around specialized discussion panels and workshops featuring government officials, practicing attorneys, technology specialists, and business leaders from domestic and international markets

RIYADH: Experts, legal professionals and academics from across the Kingdom and beyond will converge in Riyadh on Sept. 28-29 for the seventh Saudi Law Conference.

Themed “The Future of Legal Systems in the Age of Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Sustainability,” the two-day event will examine how AI and digital transformation are reshaping legal systems worldwide, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Minister of Justice Dr. Walid bin Mohammed Al-Samaani will headline the opening ceremony, bringing his dual roles as president of the Supreme Judicial Council and chairman of the Saudi Bar Association board of directors.

His participation signals the government’s recognition that legal frameworks must evolve rapidly to accommodate digital transformations and global changes while strengthening cooperation between legal, academic and professional institutions to support legislative development in the Kingdom.

This gathering represents a cornerstone of Ƶ’s strategy to modernize its legal and regulatory framework as outlined in Vision 2030, providing a forum for examining the profound changes reshaping the legal profession and addressing both the obstacles and possibilities created by emerging technologies and environmental imperatives.

Conference organizers have structured the event around specialized discussion panels and workshops featuring government officials, practicing attorneys, technology specialists, and business leaders from domestic and international markets.

The sessions will tackle pressing questions including how legal systems should adapt to accelerating digital transformation, protecting personal data and privacy rights in digital economies, establishing regulatory frameworks for AI and emerging technologies, defining legal responsibility and ethical boundaries for technological applications, and integrating sustainability principles into national and international legislation.

Princess Hala bint Khalid, as president of the conference organizing committee, positioned the event within Ƶ’s broader ambitions for global legal leadership.

She described the seventh conference as embodying the Kingdom’s determination to establish itself as a premier international platform for legal system development that matches the pace of rapid technological and sustainability-focused changes.

“Our wise leadership embraces a vision extending beyond simply responding to developments,” Princess Hala said. “We are creating practical solutions and innovative perspectives that help design an advanced legislative future supporting Saudi Vision 2030’s aspirations while establishing the Kingdom's regional and international leadership position.”

 


Hackathon launches for tech enthusiasts

Hackathon launches for tech enthusiasts
Updated 23 September 2025

Hackathon launches for tech enthusiasts

Hackathon launches for tech enthusiasts
  • The hackathon’s slogan reflects the ambition to build a digital generation equipped to lead the Kingdom’s technical transformation

RIYADH: The Digital Technical College for Girls in Riyadh has launched the Saudi OpenSource 2025 hackathon under the slogan “One programmer for every 100 Saudis — Towards an Innovative Digital Future.”

The hackathon was launched in collaboration with the Digital Transformation Department at the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, and the Digital Government Authority, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The hackathon’s slogan reflects the ambition to build a digital generation equipped to lead the Kingdom’s technical transformation.

It offers two tracts for participation: the first focuses on developing alternative open-source products, while the second centers around the development of existing government products.

Each track presents several challenges, with each team selecting only one challenge to address, delivering specialized solutions that advance the government’s digital transformation.

The hackathon is open to a wide range of national talent, targeting students from Saudi public and private universities from various technical disciplines, as well as trainees from technical and vocational training institutes and colleges throughout the Kingdom.

This ensures a rich diversity of ideas and proposed solutions.

The timing of the hackathon’s launch coincided with the 95th National Day and Software Freedom Day, bridging the heritage of the past with the ambitions of the future.

Individuals wishing to join this national technical event can register via the official website at https://saudi-open-source2025.netlify.app/.

 


Saudi aid chief meets Save the Children International CEO

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah (R) and Inger Ashing in New York. (Supplied)
Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah (R) and Inger Ashing in New York. (Supplied)
Updated 23 September 2025

Saudi aid chief meets Save the Children International CEO

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah (R) and Inger Ashing in New York. (Supplied)
  • The organizations signed an agreement to establish a strategic partnership that will focus on cooperation in humanitarian aid, relief, and volunteer work

NEW YORK: Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, general supervisor of the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, met with Save the Children International CEO Inger Ashing at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York City on Tuesday. 

The organizations signed an agreement to establish a strategic partnership that will focus on cooperation in humanitarian aid, relief, and volunteer work, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The officials also discussed ongoing humanitarian and relief projects focused on supporting children worldwide and providing them with essential aid.

 


Saudi students in London for AI bootcamp

Saudi students in London for AI bootcamp
Updated 23 September 2025

Saudi students in London for AI bootcamp

Saudi students in London for AI bootcamp
  • The course provides advanced skills in computer vision, deep learning, and generative models under the guidance of international experts

RIYADH: Thirty Ƶ university graduates arrived in London on Monday for an Artificial Intelligence Engineering Bootcamp, a collaboration between the Saudi Data and AI Authority and the University of Oxford, running until Oct. 9.

The program targets those with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in AI and computer science, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Participants will gain hands-on experience with frameworks including TensorFlow and PyTorch, and technologies covering YOLO and Hugging Face. (SPA)

The course provides advanced skills in computer vision, deep learning, and generative models under the guidance of international experts.

The first phase of the boot camp was conducted remotely, while the second and final three-week portion is held at Oxford University.

Participants will gain hands-on experience with frameworks including TensorFlow and PyTorch, and technologies covering YOLO and Hugging Face.

This initiative supports the SDAIA’s mission to enhance the skills of citizens, and aligns with the digital transformation objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, ensuring graduates are globally competitive.