
Saudi Arabia Launches the 'Precious Metals and Gemstones Association' to Support Innovation and Empower Artisans
In a strategic move aimed at advancing the jewelry and ornament sector, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources in Saudi Arabia announced the establishment of the non-profit Precious Metals and Gemstones Association, with the goal of supporting local industry, encouraging innovation, and empowering national talent — including designers and artisans.
In an official statement issued on Monday, the ministry emphasized that the launch of the association falls within broader efforts to enable non-profit organizations in the industrial and mining sectors, based on a firm belief in their role in driving economic and social development, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Strategic Goals: Sector Growth and Talent Empowerment
The newly established association is designed to fulfill several key strategic goals, including:
Enhancing local content in the jewelry, precious metals, and gemstone industries.
Supporting creative industries and strengthening their presence in local and international markets.
Empowering women and young talents in the fields of craftsmanship and design.
Raising professional standards through specialized training programs, workshops, and accredited certifications.
Providing technical and financial support to Saudi designers and artisans, and boosting their participation in local and global exhibitions.
Focus on Sustainability and the Digital Ecosystem
One of the association's main priorities is to promote sustainability, particularly by encouraging environmentally responsible practices in the gemstones and precious metals sector. It also aims to build a unified professional community through a digital platform that connects stakeholders and investors within an interactive and collaborative environment.
This digital platform will feature tools to link artisans and designers with value chains, contributing to greater integration and a broader impact across the sector.
Aligned with Vision 2030 Objectives
The creation of the association is part of the ministry's roadmap to activate the non-profit sector's role in industrial and mining growth, increasing its contribution to the gross domestic product through initiatives grounded in innovation, capacity-building, and community engagement.
The association is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Saudi-made jewelry and ornaments, while opening new horizons for local designers to market their creations both domestically and globally — reflecting the Kingdom's cultural identity and rich heritage.
read more
CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion
Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect
Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document
Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister
Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years
Business
Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves
Business
Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue
Business
Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday
Business
Wheat delivery season commences on April 15
News
Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters
Arts & Culture
"Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date
News
China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier
News
Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia
Business
Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs
Videos & Features
Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall
Lifestyle
Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt
Arts & Culture
South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle
Arts & Culture
Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani
Sports
Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily News Egypt
4 hours ago
- Daily News Egypt
Madinet Masr launches Talala in New Heliopolis with EGP 90bn investments
Madinet Masr, one of Egypt's leading urban community developers, has announced the launch of its latest flagship project, Talala, in New Heliopolis City, with total investments of EGP 90bn. The project is projected to generate estimated sales of EGP 202bn, underscoring the company's commitment to supporting and developing the Egyptian economy through the creation of sustainable, integrated communities with high added value. Strategically located in the heart of New Heliopolis City, Talala spans two adjacent land plots with a combined area of 491.41 feddans (2,064,065.16 sqm). The development will be executed in two phases: Phase One covering 246.31 feddans and Phase Two covering 245.12 feddans. The first phase will comprise 4,174 fully finished residential units, offering a diverse range of options. These include standalone villas ranging from 180 sqm to 287 sqm, townhouses of 175 sqm, double-loaded townhouses of approximately 170 sqm, S-Villa units ranging from 215 sqm to 245 sqm, and apartments ranging from 35 sqm to 170 sqm. Delivery of the units is scheduled within 4.5 years. Commenting on the launch, Abdallah Sallam, President and CEO of Madinet Masr, said: 'The launch of Talala reflects our long-standing vision of developing sustainable, integrated communities that combine quality, luxury, and global standards to meet diverse customer needs. Building on over 66 years of legacy, the project also includes administrative and retail spaces, a clubhouse for sports and social activities, and a university offering high-quality education—reinforcing our commitment to innovation, expansion, and making a positive impact on Egypt's real estate market.'


Daily News Egypt
4 hours ago
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt launches first-ever bachelor's degree in banking sciences across commerce faculties
In a landmark step toward cultivating a new generation of banking professionals and accelerating financial and economic development, the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Supreme Council of Universities, and the Egyptian Banking Institute (EBI), has announced the launch of a Bachelor's degree in Banking Sciences. The programme will be introduced at several Egyptian universities starting in the 2025/2026 academic year. The announcement was made during an event held yesterday, attended by Hassan Abdalla, Governor of the CBE; Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Mostafa Refaat, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Universities; Hussein Issa, former President of Ain Shams University and Coordinator of the Presidential Specialized Council for Economic Development; Abdel Aziz Nosseir, Executive Director of the EBI; as well as presidents of universities, deans of commerce faculties, and senior figures from the banking sector. During the ceremony, a partnership agreement was signed between the EBI and participating universities to ensure effective coordination and guarantee the programme's success. The degree is designed to equip students with the specialised knowledge, hands-on skills, and ethical grounding required to excel in an increasingly dynamic banking landscape, particularly in light of rapid digital transformation and growing economic challenges. Hassan Abdalla described the initiative as 'a pioneering step to enhance the skills and talent within the banking sector.' He added: 'This programme will help prepare future leaders and highly qualified bankers, driven by our firm belief that empowering youth with global banking competencies is a strategic, long-term investment that will provide a strong boost to both the sector and national economic development.' The Governor noted that students will gain advanced skills in areas such as financial inclusion, digital banking, fintech, risk management, advanced regulatory frameworks, sustainable banking, and environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG). He emphasised that the programme's intensive practical training and case studies—conducted in collaboration with banks operating in the Egyptian market—will ensure graduates enter the workforce with both academic excellence and job-ready experience, enabling them to make immediate contributions to economic growth and financial stability. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education, stressed that the initiative reflects the shared vision of the Ministry and the CBE to deliver modern academic programmes aligned with labour market demands. He pointed out that this is the first such programme developed jointly by the Ministry and the CBE, featuring specialised curricula, innovative teaching methods, and extensive training opportunities in banks. Initially launching in select universities, the programme is planned for gradual expansion in the coming years. He expressed confidence that it will significantly enhance the skills of graduates in the banking field, strengthening their role in national economic progress. Ashour further explained that the Bachelor of Banking Sciences aims to train students passionate about financial and banking services, preparing them to play an active role in Egypt's development journey. This specialised degree—awarded by universities and institutes following high school—aligns with the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research and is a key step toward integrating efforts across state institutions to prepare students for professional success. From the perspective of the Supreme Council of Universities, Secretary-General Mostafa Refaat underlined the importance of aligning academic content with Egypt's Vision 2030 and the future needs of the labour market. He noted that, on 31 May 2025, the Council approved unified academic regulations for a new Bachelor of Commerce specialising in Banking Sciences. The credit-hour programme, to be taught in English, will be offered in commerce faculties at Egyptian universities. Refaat added that the curriculum integrates academic study with practical training in banks and financial institutions, while also offering accredited professional certificates alongside the graduation degree—further improving graduates' employability. Abdel Aziz Nosseir, Executive Director of the EBI, expressed pride in the collaboration, describing the Bachelor of Banking Sciences as 'a genuine response to the evolving needs of the banking job market.' He stated: 'At the EBI, we believe that building future banking leaders starts with providing specialised education that fuses theory and practice, enriched by the latest banking technologies and methodologies. The practical component will be delivered by banking sector experts alongside distinguished faculty members from participating universities.' Designed to keep pace with digital transformation, the programme embeds the latest technological trends into its curricula, fosters ethical and responsible banking practices, and champions sustainable financial solutions. Through this integrated approach, it aims to prepare a new generation of bankers ready to shape the future of Egypt's banking industry.


Daily News Egypt
4 hours ago
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt signs vaccine production agreement with UAE's Al Qalaa, China's Red Flag
Egypt's Holding Company for Biological Products and Vaccines (VACSERA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UAE-based Al Qalaa Investments and China's Red Flag to expand its capacity in human and veterinary vaccine production and develop plasma-derived therapies, the Ministry of Health announced on Monday. Health Ministry spokesperson Hossam Abdel Ghaffar said the agreement supports Egypt's national strategy to attract foreign investment, localise biotechnology industries, and advance scientific research and innovation under the country's Vision 2030 sustainable development framework. The partnership aims to position Egypt as a regional hub for vaccine manufacturing and exports—particularly to African and Arab markets—while ensuring self-sufficiency in critical vaccines and plasma-based products. Sherif El-Fil, CEO of VACSERA, described the deal as a major step toward transferring advanced vaccine manufacturing technologies to Egypt. He said it would secure the domestic supply of safe, effective vaccines and open new export opportunities. El-Fil added that the collaboration will also strengthen VACSERA's capabilities in plasma processing and biopharmaceutical production, reinforcing its role as a key regional player in the vaccine industry. The MoU was signed by Sherif El-Fil for VACSERA, Li Yang, CEO of China's Red Flag, and Ashraf El-Badawy, CEO of UAE's Al Qalaa Investments.