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Saudi cabinet anticipates two-state solution talks, calls for Gaza ceasefire

Update Saudi cabinet anticipates two-state solution talks, calls for Gaza ceasefire
Reiterating its position from the recent BRICS Plus 2024 Summit, the cabinet firmly opposed any escalation of conflict in the region. (SPA)
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Updated 29 October 2024

Saudi cabinet anticipates two-state solution talks, calls for Gaza ceasefire

Saudi cabinet anticipates two-state solution talks, calls for Gaza ceasefire
  • Cabinet said ֱ was optimistic that this gathering will yield concrete measures to bolster international peace efforts, establish a timeline for a sovereign Palestinian state

The Saudi cabinet expressed optimism that Wednesday’s high-level meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in Riyadh will establish a timeline for a sovereign Palestinian state and advance efforts to end the occupation.

Reiterating its position from the recent BRICS Plus 2024 Summit, the cabinet firmly opposed any escalation of conflict in the region.

It highlighted the serious threat that ongoing Israeli actions in Gaza pose to both regional and global security, calling for an immediate ceasefire, unobstructed humanitarian assistance, and a renewed commitment to achieving lasting peace.

The cabinet also stressed the importance of coordinated support for Lebanon, as articulated at the "International Conference in Support of the People and Sovereignty of Lebanon."

ֱ emphasized the need for collective assistance to help Lebanon navigate its current crisis, alleviate humanitarian impacts, and strengthen state institutions to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities and extend full sovereignty across all territories.

The cabinet also expressed gratitude for international pledges supporting displaced people and refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad region, showcasing ֱ's commitment to global humanitarian efforts.

It welcomed participants at the 8th Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference, hosted under the patronage of King Salman, aiming to drive economic stability, development, and climate action.

The cabinet highlighted significant agreements at the Energy Localization Forum, with deals worth SR104 billion ($27.6 billion) to boost Saudi energy localization and workforce development.

It praised outcomes of the Multilateral Industrial Policy Forum (MIPF), focusing on industrial policy's role in global supply chains and technology adoption.

The cabinet also commended SR55 billion in investments launched at Riyadh's Global Health Exhibition to enhance healthcare technologies and partnerships. It also valued the inaugural Global Corporate Social Responsibility Forum, promoting sustainable social development in ֱ.

The cabinet approved various agreements, including a political consultation MoU with San Marino and authorized discussions with Bahrain, Qatar, and Estonia on cooperation to develop the small and medium enterprises sector, startups, and entrepreneurship.


Flynas to begin direct Jeddah-Moscow flights from Dec. 23

Flynas to begin direct Jeddah-Moscow flights from Dec. 23
Updated 09 October 2025

Flynas to begin direct Jeddah-Moscow flights from Dec. 23

Flynas to begin direct Jeddah-Moscow flights from Dec. 23
  • Opening comes 6 months after Flynas started Riyadh-Moscow route

RIYADH: Flynas is set to launch direct flights between Jeddah and Moscow, expanding on its Riyadh-Moscow route that opened in August.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday, the low-cost airline said it would operate three flights a week between Moscow’s Vnukovo International Airport and Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, starting Dec. 23.

The route is being undertaken in collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority and the Air Connectivity Program, Flynas said.

The ACP was launched in 2021 to develop new routes that would help expand the Kingdom’s tourism sector.

The plan is in line with the objectives of the National Civil Aviation Strategy to have national air carriers connect ֱ with 250 international destinations.

The goal is for national air carriers to accommodate 330 million passengers and to host 150 million tourists yearly by 2030.

ֱ also wants to ensure access to the two holy mosques under the Pilgrims Experience Program.

Established in 2007, Flynas is now the largest budget carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, connecting 72 destinations across the region, Europe and Asia, and it has a strong presence in the domestic market.

The airline has been recognized as the Middle East’s Leading Low-Cost Airline by the World Travel Awards, and achieved a four-star score by APEX rating.


AlUla to hold astronomy seminar

AlUla to hold astronomy seminar
Updated 08 October 2025

AlUla to hold astronomy seminar

AlUla to hold astronomy seminar
  • AlUla is renowned for its dark skies, considered among the clearest in the world

RIYADH: The Royal Commission for AlUla will organize an educational seminar as part of the “Journey Through the Stars” series on Oct.12 at 5 p.m.

The event will be staged in collaboration with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and the team from AlUla Manara, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The seminar will be presented by specialist in physics and astronomy Dr. Thamer Al-Refay and will cover the fundamentals of astronomy and methods for identifying its components.

The “Journey Through the Stars” series is an educational initiative launched by the RCU to raise awareness of astronomy, in collaboration with several entities, including KACST.

The series features seminars and educational sessions in Arabic, focusing on astronomy, stars, and space science concepts, with an emphasis on connecting astronomical knowledge to the local environment.

AlUla is the site of several pioneering projects in this field, most notably the AlUla Manara observatory project, the first of its kind in the region, as a research and astronomical center that opens new horizons for scientific discoveries.

AlUla is renowned for its dark skies, considered among the clearest in the world.

The RCU obtained DarkSky accreditation for the AlUla Manara observatory site and the Gharameel Nature Reserve, making them the first certified dark-sky locations in ֱ and the Gulf region.

The recognition reflects the RCU’s commitment to promoting astro-tourism and stargazing, as well as supporting space sciences and scientific discoveries.


Arabic Language education held at Riyadh Book Fair

Arabic Language education held at Riyadh Book Fair
Updated 08 October 2025

Arabic Language education held at Riyadh Book Fair

Arabic Language education held at Riyadh Book Fair
  • This approach emphasizes enabling learners to use the language effectively in real-life situations

RIYADH: The Riyadh International Book Fair 2025, organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, held a workshop on Arabic language teaching techniques.

The session was led by professor of Applied Linguistics at King Saud University, Dr. Bandar Al-Ghmaiz, and attended by specialists and enthusiasts of Arabic language instructors for non-native speakers, both from within the Kingdom and abroad.

Al-Ghmaiz outlined several compelling reasons behind the growing global interest in learning Arabic, such as the desire to understand the Holy Qur’an, engage with Arab and Islamic cultural heritage, and the language’s increasing relevance in economic, political and cultural spheres.

He addressed the use of modern technologies in teaching Arabic.

This approach emphasizes enabling learners to use the language effectively in real-life situations.

He discussed the importance of cultural immersion, which integrates language learning with a deeper understanding of the culture and context of its native speakers.

Al-Ghmaiz also highlighted ֱ’s pioneering role in Arabic language education through specialized university institutes and the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, which serves as a model for developing high-quality content and curricula, as well as launching impactful initiatives to promote the Arabic language globally.


Zakat, Tax, Customs Committees wins big

Zakat, Tax, Customs Committees wins big
Updated 08 October 2025

Zakat, Tax, Customs Committees wins big

Zakat, Tax, Customs Committees wins big

RIYADH: The General Secretariat of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Committees has been recognized as the “Best Workplace for Women” for 2025 in the medium-sized enterprises category across the Gulf states, according to the annual list issued by the global organization Great Place to Work.

This achievement reflects the general secretariat’s efforts to create an attractive and distinguished work environment for its female employees, founded on collaboration, respect, excellence, and innovation, the SPA reported on Wednesday. 

It also highlights its commitment to empowering national female talent and enhancing their professional participation, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, to increase women’s contribution to national development.

The general secretariat reiterated its commitment to continuously developing the work environment and empowering women through qualitative initiatives and programs that enhance employee satisfaction, creativity, and performance, in support of the aspirations of the Kingdom’s leadership and vision.


ֱ to host tourism conference in November

ֱ to host tourism conference in November
Updated 08 October 2025

ֱ to host tourism conference in November

ֱ to host tourism conference in November
  • Participants will gather for an international dialogue that charts a roadmap for a more sustainable and prosperous future for global tourism

RIYADH: ֱ will host the 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh from Nov. 7- 11, under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.”

The session coincides with the 50th anniversary of the agency’s founding.

Represented by the Ministry of Tourism, ֱ is set to welcome delegations from more than 160 member states participating in the session, alongside representatives of international organizations and key players in the tourism sector.

Participants will gather for an international dialogue that charts a roadmap for a more sustainable and prosperous future for global tourism. They will also celebrate five decades of cooperation and progress under the UN Tourism framework.

Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb invited the world to come to Riyadh to participate in this historic gathering for global tourism diplomacy.

Al-Khateeb stated that the Kingdom looks forward to hosting the UN Tourism General Assembly, organizing a session that will redefine joint global action in tourism and amplify its impact across other sectors.

The 26th session will feature the election of the secretary-general of the organization.

The program includes several meetings for the General Assembly, in addition to meetings for specialized committees and a thematic session exploring the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on tourism.

The 124th and 125th sessions of UN Tourism’s Executive Council will also take place.