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RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization Deemah Al-Yahya received Palestinian Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Abdul Razeq Natshe and his delegation at the organization’s headquarters in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between the organization and Palestine in digital economy development, supporting innovation, inclusive growth and opening new opportunities in the digital sector.

Al-Yahya highlighted the organization’s commitment to Palestine’s digital transformation, praising national efforts toward economic openness.

She emphasized building partnerships that expand market access, attract investments and bridge digital divides, particularly through initiatives such as Digital Foreign Direct Investment.

Natshe and his delegation commended the organization’s evidence-based, data-driven approach in advancing digital growth among member states and its platforms that enable knowledge sharing, performance measurement and connecting emerging digital systems globally.

Both sides highlighted the importance of a robust digital ecosystem that supports entrepreneurs, empowers youth and creates opportunities for cross-border integration.

They also highlighted exchanging best practices and expertise between member states and Palestine to advance digital transformation, share knowledge and support regional digital development.

They agreed to continue coordination and explore practical areas of cooperation to boost the digital economy and enhance regional collaboration.

In a separate meeting, Al-Yahya also held talks with Syrian Minister of Communications and Technology Abdel Salam Heikal.

The two sides highlighted the importance of exchanging best practices and expertise between the organization’s member states and Syria.

They discussed the organization’s support approach and its role in connecting Syria to a broader network of global digital stakeholders.

The Digital Cooperation Organization confirmed its readiness to assist the Syrian Arab Republic in its digital transformation and commended the country’s national efforts toward economic openness.

Al-Yahya said that the organization is committed to supporting regional digital transformation and building a sustainable ecosystem that empowers individuals and entrepreneurs.

She added that dialogue and cooperation with countries like Syria are essential to fulfilling the organization’s mission of enabling digital prosperity for all.

Riyadh: “Lomi Hasawi,” an exhibition dedicated to the lime fruit of ����ֱ��’s Al-Ahsa region, attracted crowds of visitors, businessmen, and officials from the Kingdom and other Gulf countries.

The exhibition aims to present limes from Al-Ahsa — one of the governorate’s key agricultural products after dates — highlight the product’s derivatives, and encourage investment in related industries.

Organized by the Al-Ahsa Chamber in collaboration with the Al-Ahsa Development Authority, the exhibition runs until Sept. 6 and features 73 pavilions displaying innovative lime-based products.

The event also hosts youth initiatives and booths for artisans and families in the cottage industry, attracting strong visitor interest and engagement, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Over three days, the exhibition held the “Lomithon” hackathon in partnership with King Faisal University, where more than 60 entrepreneurs presented 14 projects to enhance the value of lime and create economic opportunities.

Interactive events include a live cooking platform with prominent chefs from the Kingdom and Gulf region, along with tourist programs and handicraft workshops, the SPA added.

Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr, the governor of Al-Ahsa, inaugurated the exhibition on Aug. 21, highlighting the governorate’s competitive advantages and promising investment opportunities.

The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Reef Saudi, is participating as a gold sponsor of the exhibition.

Reef Saudi spokesman Majed Al-Buraikan said the program, which supports producers, provided SR342,000 ($91,000) to the lime sector in the Eastern Province, benefiting 89 farmers.

This support has increased lime production to more than 122,400 tonnes, Al-Buraikan added.

The fruit sector is a key focus for Reef Saudi, which aims to diversify local agriculture, improve efficiency, and contribute to self-sufficiency, in line with Vision 2030, according to SPA.

Al-Buraikan highlighted the high economic value of Al-Ahsa’s limes, its strong marketing potential, and its role in processing industries.

He added that Reef Saudi empowers small farmers by developing their tools and skills, thereby boosting incomes and economic returns.