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Saudi minister crowns winners at Ada’a Health Awards

Saudi minister crowns winners at Ada’a Health Awards
Saudi Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel at the seventh annual Ada’a Health Awards in Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Saudi minister crowns winners at Ada’a Health Awards

Saudi minister crowns winners at Ada’a Health Awards
  • Saudi Health Minister Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel said that the Ada’a Health initiative had become one of the Kingdom’s leading transformation programs
  • Minister highlighted that healthcare providers had set a new record by conducting more than 11,300 surgeries in a single week

RIYADH: Saudi Health Minister Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel this week honored the winners at the seventh annual Ada’a Health Awards ceremony in Riyadh, which was attended by leaders, partners and specialists from across the health sector.

AlJalajel said the Ada’a Health initiative had become one of the Kingdom’s leading transformation programs, assessing the performance of more than 2,700 healthcare facilities and producing over 70,000 analytical results that tracked clinical quality, operational efficiency, and patient safety.

The minister highlighted that healthcare providers had set a new record by conducting more than 11,300 surgeries in a single week, compared to about 2,000 weekly surgeries when the program was launched in 2018.

He added that this milestone reflected improved operational efficiency, stronger clinical planning, and reduced waiting times.

The ceremony announced winners across six specialized tracks, recognizing achievements in maternal and child care, emergency services, primary care, public health promotion, service efficiency, and lifesaving interventions.

AlJalajel said these tracks were designed to raise the quality of care and improve the overall health experience for individuals and communities.


ֱ consolidates position as global AI leader

ֱ consolidates position as global AI leader
Updated 16 September 2025

ֱ consolidates position as global AI leader

ֱ consolidates position as global AI leader

RIYADH: As the world races to adopt advanced technologies, the Kingdom of ֱ continues to cement its position as a global leader in artificial intelligence.

Guided by the ambitious national vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom has adopted a transformative approach to building an innovative and sustainable economy founded on AI and innovation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Backed by bold investments, advanced infrastructure, and strategic alliances with leading global technology companies, ֱ has undergone unprecedented economic transformations that are creating opportunities for international cooperation and a sustainable future powered by AI to serve humanity.

At the LEAP 2025 tech conference, ֱ announced investments exceeding $14.9 billion in AI and emerging technologies in its latest edition alone.

In recent years, LEAP has delivered landmark announcements from global tech giants, including Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and others.

Through these investments and partnerships, the Kingdom has established itself as a global hub for digital innovation.

According to the ministry of communications and information technology, these partnerships include Microsoft’s $2 billion-plus investment to build an AI-powered data center, Groq’s $1.5 billion commitment, and Salesforce’s $500 million investment to train 30,000 Saudis by 2030.

The launch of Humain, a Public Investment Fund-owned company, marked the establishment of a national engine for smart projects.

Humain is backed by strategic agreements with NVIDIA, AWS, and Cisco to build AI factories, establish a dedicated “AI Zone,” and launch a research institute at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.

Reinforcing the Kingdom’s global momentum, US President Donald Trump visited ֱ in May.

The president was accompanied by more than 100 CEOs of leading US tech companies, a historic event that reflected confidence in the Kingdom’s investment environment.

The visit resulted in the launch of groundbreaking partnerships and strategic investments aimed at accelerating ֱ’s transition to an AI-driven economy.

It further amplified the Kingdom’s global economic influence and its role as a driver of advanced technologies, according to the SPA.

These steps go far beyond financial investments and represent a holistic strategy built on three pillars: global alliances, which position the Kingdom as a key partner in shaping the future of AI; smart infrastructure, which is focused on delivering advanced data centers, high-performance computing, and next-generation processors; and talent empowerment, which is dedicated to equipping Saudi nationals with education, training, and the tools to develop local AI models and applications.

In line with this vision, the ministry has announced large-scale initiatives with major global technology companies focused on training, upskilling and workforce readiness to prepare the Kingdom’s talent for the AI era.

These efforts have already translated into tangible impact, creating thousands of jobs and boosting ֱ’s economic footprint.

According to IDC estimates, the Kingdom is not merely a recipient of technologies but a producer and global driver of AI innovation, positioning itself among the world’s most influential nations, shaping the future of the intelligent era.


Qiddiya carries out tree preservation and relocation program

Qiddiya carries out tree preservation and relocation program
Updated 16 September 2025

Qiddiya carries out tree preservation and relocation program

Qiddiya carries out tree preservation and relocation program

RIYADH: PIF-owned megaproject developer Qiddiya Investment Company is carrying out a tree preservation and relocation program at its site on the outskirts of Riyadh.

A key focus of its program is preserving local tree species including the acacia tortilis, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The tree preservation process includes field surveys to assess the health of trees, and the company says it is making efforts to keep trees in their original locations.

If relocation is necessary, trees are moved either to other sites within Qiddiya or to a dedicated holding facility until they can be reused in landscaping plans.

About 3,000 native trees are currently housed in a nursery and closely monitored until replanting, supporting biodiversity, soil stabilization and protection against sandstorms.

The company will open some sites for public educational activities, aiming to set a precedent for sustainable development in the Kingdom, SPA reported.

In 2025, Qiddiya plans to expand its relocation efforts and evaluate replanting success rates by 2026.

The company also partners with universities and research centers to monitor the outcomes of its environmental programs.

This initiative aims to protect natural systems and enhance biodiversity, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 by integrating urban development with nature.

The company adheres to the 2021 Environment Act and collaborates with national bodies, including the National Center for Environmental Compliance and the National Center for Wildlife.

Qiddiya is also collaborating with the Green Riyadh project to work on environmental initiatives across the city.

This initiative aims to plant more than 7.5 million trees throughout the capital by 2030.

It involves the afforestation of 43 parks, 148 sq km of valleys and their tributaries, and 1,205 linear km of main roads.

The Kingdom is undertaking its ambitious Saudi Green Initiative, under which more than 151 million trees have been planted and 500,000 hectares of land rehabilitated so far, with a total goal of 10 billion new trees, SPA reported.


Saudi interior minister visits Sabah Al-Ahmad Coast Guard Base in Kuwait

Saudi interior minister visits Sabah Al-Ahmad Coast Guard Base in Kuwait
Updated 15 September 2025

Saudi interior minister visits Sabah Al-Ahmad Coast Guard Base in Kuwait

Saudi interior minister visits Sabah Al-Ahmad Coast Guard Base in Kuwait
  • Visit highlights commitment to strengthening maritime security, enhancing border protection

LONDON: Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif has visited the Sabah Al-Ahmad Coast Guard Base in Kuwait to help enhance maritime security cooperation. He was received by his counterpart Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah.

Maj. Gen. Sheikh Mubarak Ali Yousef Al-Sabah, the director general of the Kuwait Coast Guard, briefed the Saudi delegation on Monday about the maritime force’s mission and responsibilities, including operations to secure ports and territorial waters.

Prince Abdulaziz looked at vessels and visited facilities, including operation rooms and the mobile command and monitor center, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The visit highlights the countries’ commitment to strengthening maritime security, enhancing border protection, and sharing expertise in modern technologies to improve coordination, the Kuwait News Agency said.

Several senior security and ministerial officials participated in the visit, including Prince Sultan bin Saad bin Khalid, the Saudi ambassador to Kuwait.


Deal to enhance digital judicial services in KSA

The meeting reviewed major joint projects in support of digital transformation in various sectors. (SPA)
The meeting reviewed major joint projects in support of digital transformation in various sectors. (SPA)
Updated 15 September 2025

Deal to enhance digital judicial services in KSA

The meeting reviewed major joint projects in support of digital transformation in various sectors. (SPA)
  • The minister said that collaboration with the authority is key to accelerating digital transformation through innovative solutions that enhance transparency, streamline processes, and deliver superior judicial services

RIYADH: Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council Walid Al-Samaani met with Governor of the Digital Government Authority Ahmed Al-Suwaiyan to strengthen their strategic partnership and improve digital judicial services.

The minister said that collaboration with the authority is key to accelerating digital transformation through innovative solutions that enhance transparency, streamline processes, and deliver superior judicial services.

He said that the partnership is a strategic step toward building a comprehensive digital judicial system aligned with the leadership’s vision and public expectations for efficient, accessible services.

The meeting reviewed major joint projects in support of digital transformation in various sectors, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Notably, the ministry of justice excelled in the Digital Government Authority’s 2024 indicators, achieving the “Innovation” level in the Digital Transformation Measurement Index and the “Advanced” level in the Digital Experience Maturity Index through its Najiz platform.

 


Jeddah conference focuses on AI, libraries, heritage

The conference will bring together international and regional experts in library and information sciences. (X @MOCLibraries)
The conference will bring together international and regional experts in library and information sciences. (X @MOCLibraries)
Updated 15 September 2025

Jeddah conference focuses on AI, libraries, heritage

The conference will bring together international and regional experts in library and information sciences. (X @MOCLibraries)
  • More than 70 papers will be presented, highlighting applications of artificial intelligence and new technologies in heritage preservation and knowledge management

JEDDAH: The 28th annual conference of the Special Libraries Association (Arabian Gulf Chapter) starts on Tuesday in Jeddah and runs until Sept. 18.

The event, organized with the Ministry of Culture’s Libraries Commission, focuses on the “sustainability of knowledge and preservation of culture.”

This includes “managing rare documents, manuscripts, and heritage materials in the era of emerging technologies and AI.”

The conference will bring together international and regional experts in library and information sciences, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

More than 70 papers will be presented, highlighting applications of artificial intelligence and new technologies in heritage preservation and knowledge management.

The program includes workshops, an exhibition on information systems, and a cultural section with a tour of historic Jeddah and traditional performances.

Discussions will cover the use of smart technologies in libraries, governance and policies for archives and manuscripts, intellectual property, privacy, and standards for sustainable access to heritage information.

The event aims to provide a platform for knowledge exchange and explore how advanced technologies can help safeguard cultural heritage and ensure the sustainability of knowledge institutions.