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KSA highlights labor reforms at Cairo conference

KSA highlights labor reforms at Cairo conference
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Abdullah Abuthnain, vice minister of human resources and social development for labor, led º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s delegation at the 51st Arab Labor Conference in Cairo. (SPA)
KSA highlights labor reforms at Cairo conference
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Abdullah Abuthnain, vice minister of human resources and social development for labor, led º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s delegation at the 51st Arab Labor Conference in Cairo. (SPA)
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Updated 20 April 2025

KSA highlights labor reforms at Cairo conference

KSA highlights labor reforms at Cairo conference

RIYADH: Abdullah Abuthnain, vice minister of human resources and social development for labor, led º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s delegation at the 51st Arab Labor Conference, taking place in Cairo until April 26.

The conference brings together labor ministers and representatives of employers and workers from member states of the Arab Labor Organization, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s participation reflects its ongoing efforts to support joint Arab initiatives in labor and its key role in fostering trilateral dialogue among governments, employers and workers.

The agenda includes discussions on social policies for economic inclusion, economic cluster strategies for sustainable development, and adapting labor laws to economic and technological changes.

In his speech, Abuthnain highlighted the ministry’s initiatives to develop the Saudi labor market and boost its competitiveness locally and globally, in line with national economic diversification goals.

The Saudi delegation also took part in the 62nd coordination meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s Council of Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs, held on the sidelines of the conference.

GCC labor ministers discussed shared priorities, labor market developments, and enhanced cooperation with international and regional organizations.


Hajj Ministry activates Nusuk app for offline use by pilgrims

Hajj Ministry activates Nusuk app for offline use by pilgrims
Updated 1 min 13 sec ago

Hajj Ministry activates Nusuk app for offline use by pilgrims

Hajj Ministry activates Nusuk app for offline use by pilgrims
  • Pilgrims can avail themselves of services provided by the app, such as the issuance of permits, booking train tickets, navigating through Nusuk maps, without. the need for internet

JEDDAH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥'s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a new feature enabling full access to the Nusuk app without consuming internet data, according to the Saudi Press Agency. or SPA.

The initiative, launched in cooperation with telecom providers stc, Mobily, and Zain, aims to ease the journey of pilgrims and enhance their digital experience during Hajj and Umrah.

This step allows owners of local SIM cards to use the Nusuk app and all its services without requiring an active data plan or internet connection, explained ministry spokesperson Ghassan Al-Nuwaimi.

Pilgrims can avail themselves of services provided by the app, such as the issuance of permits, booking Haramain High Speed Train tickets, navigating through Nusuk maps, using the Nusuk AI feature, and submitting reports and inquiries — all without consuming mobile data.

Nusuk platform CEO Ahmed Al-Maiman said the new Nusuk app's feature is expected to provide pilgrims further ease and convenience and also helps improve crowd management, provide instant access to essential information and services, reduce the number of lost individuals, and speeds up verification of permits upon entry.
 

 


Where We Are Going Today: Kuuru in Riyadh

Where We Are Going Today: Kuuru in Riyadh
Updated 07 August 2025

Where We Are Going Today: Kuuru in Riyadh

Where We Are Going Today: Kuuru in Riyadh

Kuuru, an ambitious Saudi concept from Leylaty Group and Peru’s MCK Hospitality, delivers on its promise of a vibrant fusion of Peruvian passion and Japanese precision.

The experience begins upon entry. The interior is undeniably sophisticated, radiating a chic, fine-dining ambiance perfect for a special culinary journey. 

Visiting the Riyadh branch located in the King Abdullah Financial District, the service was impeccable, significantly elevating the evening. Our server was a knowledgeable guide, tailoring recommendations and orchestrating a seamless flow of dishes.

The culinary adventure started strong. The Kuuru ceviche was a standout, incredibly fresh and complex. Be advised: Its vibrant acidity is boldly and intensely sour, a hallmark purists adore but some palates might find assertive.

The hotate aburi offered rich, creamy scallop perfection. The tiradito hotate, featuring luxurious Hokkaido scallops and truffle, delivered exquisite flavor, though a touch more textural contrast (perhaps a crisp element) would have elevated its otherwise soft composition. 

The Nikkei-style nigiri maintained excellence. The nakka truffle (salmon belly) was beautifully balanced and simple, while the wagyu a lo pobre with the quail egg added to the umami experience.

The niku karashi main course featured a succulent grilled ribeye, perfectly complemented by Nikkei chimichurri and Japanese sweet mustard atop smooth potato puree.

Dessert provided a satisfying finale. The Lima chocoreto combined moist chocolate cake with Peruvian manjar (dulce de leche), ganache, and honeycomb — rich yet not cloying.

The signature Aka sour cocktail proved a vibrant companion throughout but may have been overpowering on the palate, especially with the already sour element to the dishes I ordered. 

My verdict is that Kuuru offers a compelling, multisensory Nikkei experience within Riyadh’s upscale dining scene. While the ceviche’s sourness is authentic and the tiradito hotate could benefit from added texture, these are minor notes in an otherwise superb symphony. 

Backed by stellar service, a distinctive menu, and an elegant setting, Kuuru is a must-visit destination for adventurous food lovers seeking memorable fusion.
 


Rawasheen of Al-Wajh are carved in wood, cooled by Red Sea breeze

Rawasheen of Al-Wajh are carved in wood, cooled by Red Sea breeze
Updated 06 August 2025

Rawasheen of Al-Wajh are carved in wood, cooled by Red Sea breeze

Rawasheen of Al-Wajh are carved in wood, cooled by Red Sea breeze
  • Ornate balconies symbolize º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s architectural heritage and climatic ingenuity

RIYADH: In the heart of Al-Wajh’s historic old town, the rawasheen — ornately carved wooden balconies — are enduring symbols of º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s architectural heritage and climatic ingenuity.

These elegant, protruding structures once lined the homes of coastal residents, offering more than aesthetic beauty, according to a recent Saudi Press Agency report.

Adorned with intricate arabesque patterns and interlocking geometric designs, the rawasheen served a vital function: cooling homes in the sweltering summer heat.

Their design allows outside air to circulate freely while shielding interiors from direct sunlight, functioning as a natural ventilation system long before modern air conditioning.

The ornate balconies in the heart of the historic Al-Wajh governorate symbolize the Kingdom’s architectural heritage. (SPA)

During the height of the summer, they transformed into protective barriers that welcomed Red Sea breezes and offered shade and comfort to residents, the SPA report explained.

The old town of Al-Wajh, with its preserved port, ancient walls, castles, and historic buildings, remains a testament to the region’s building techniques and rich heritage.

Once known as the port of Hegra (Madaen Saleh), Al-Wajh’s strategic location on the northern Red Sea coast played a key role in shaping its cultural and architectural legacy.
 

The ornate balconies in the heart of the historic Al-Wajh governorate symbolize the Kingdom’s architectural heritage. (SPA)

 


GCC secretary-general meets with Kuwaiti FM

GCC secretary-general meets with Kuwaiti FM
Updated 07 August 2025

GCC secretary-general meets with Kuwaiti FM

GCC secretary-general meets with Kuwaiti FM

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi was received by Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya at the ministry’s headquarters in Kuwait on Wednesday.

During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance joint efforts to advance the collaborative Gulf process as well as the latest regional and international developments, the general secretariat said in a report.

They also reviewed topics on the agenda for the upcoming 165th session of the GCC Ministerial Council of Foreign Ministers of the Cooperation Council states, scheduled for early September.


 


Developing countries must get help to access global markets, says Saudi minister

Developing countries must get help to access global markets, says Saudi minister
Updated 06 August 2025

Developing countries must get help to access global markets, says Saudi minister

Developing countries must get help to access global markets, says Saudi minister
  • Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji was speaking in Turkmenistan at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries
  • He also holds talks with Rashid Meredov, Turkmenistan’s deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs

RIYADH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s deputy foreign minister, Waleed Elkhereiji emphasized the Kingdom’s support for the global economy during a speech on Wednesday in Awaza, Turkmenistan, at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.

He stressed the important need to provide assistance for such countries so that they can more easily access global markets, and as a result enhance their security, stability and sustainable development, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Elkhereiji also highlighted the importance of international collaborations and strategic partnerships in efforts to achieve global economic stability and sustainable development, particularly in landlocked developing countries, and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to finding lasting solutions to global economic challenges and obstacles to trade and development.

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ aims to help implement global plans for sustainable development through smart investments and projects in line with the goals of the nation’s own Saudi Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification, he added, while also supporting cooperation between countries through its membership of international organizations.

Also on Wednesday, Elkhereiji held talks with Rashid Meredov, Turkmenistan’s deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, about cooperation, and regional and international developments.