Latest news with #Abdulaziz
Saudi Gazette
a day ago
- Saudi Gazette
Interior minister inspects Hajj security checkpoint and surveillance tech at Al-Shumaisi
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Saudi Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif inspected the Al-Shumaisi checkpoint on the Makkah–Jeddah highway on Thursday, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and smooth movement of pilgrims during Hajj 2025. During the visit, Prince Abdulaziz received a detailed briefing from Public Security Director Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami on the security procedures in place at the checkpoint. These include verifying the legality of pilgrim entry and preventing unauthorized individuals from entering the holy sites. He also reviewed the coordination mechanisms between various security and service agencies aimed at facilitating the safe and smooth flow of pilgrims. The minister was also briefed on the latest technologies deployed at the Field Monitoring Center of the Special Forces for Road Security, including the advanced Lucid patrol vehicle equipped with smart security systems and rapid response addition, Prince Abdulaziz reviewed the use of winged drones designed to monitor crowds and analyze human density with high precision, as well as thermal imaging cameras that provide real-time surveillance under diverse environmental center also features mobile broadcast units that deliver live field footage to operations rooms, supporting swift and informed inspection reflects the Kingdom's commitment to employing cutting-edge technologies to enhance safety and operational efficiency during the Hajj season.
Arab Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Is Saudi Arabia About to End Its 73-Year Booze Ban?
RIYADH, May 28: A senior Saudi official on Monday shot down swirling media reports claiming the kingdom was set to end its decades-long ban on alcohol, calling the rumors baseless and untrue. The speculation began last week when an obscure wine blog alleged that Saudi authorities planned to green-light booze sales in select tourist zones—a move reportedly aimed at polishing the country's image ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The post offered no named sources but quickly gained traction across international media outlets. Saudi Arabia, Islam's birthplace and home to its holiest sites in Mecca and Medina, has long outlawed alcohol for Muslims. The kingdom's King also bears the revered title of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques—underscoring the country's deep religious significance. While the ban remains firmly in place, Saudi Arabia has been busy rewriting parts of its social rulebook under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's sweeping reform campaign. Known as Vision 2030, the initiative aims to diversify the oil-reliant economy and open the gates to tourism and global investment. In recent years, the kingdom has hosted music festivals, reopened cinemas, and relaxed rules on gender mixing in public spaces—changes that would have been unthinkable just a decade ago. In 2017, Saudi Arabia made global headlines by lifting its notorious ban on women drivers. Still, the idea of legalizing alcohol has stirred fierce debate online, with many Saudis citing religious and cultural red lines that remain non-negotiable. As it stands, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are the only Gulf states that continue to outlaw alcohol entirely. However, as per BBC report, Saudi Arabia has quietly opened its first official alcohol store—but don't expect to grab a bottle anytime soon unless you're part of the diplomatic corps. The exclusive shop, located in Riyadh's high-security Diplomatic Quarter, will cater solely to non-Muslim diplomats, who have long been allowed to import alcohol via sealed 'diplomatic pouches.' Saudi officials say the move is part of an effort to clamp down on the black market and curb the 'illicit trade of alcohol' that's flourished despite the kingdom's ironclad prohibition laws. Alcohol has been outlawed in Saudi Arabia since 1952, following a scandal that rocked the monarchy: a son of King Abdulaziz fatally shot a British diplomat while allegedly drunk, prompting a sweeping ban that's lasted more than seven decades. According to documents obtained by AFP and Reuters, diplomats shopping at the new store will face a quota system. Each customer is capped at 240 'points' of alcohol per month, where one liter of spirits counts for six points, a liter of wine equals three points, and a liter of beer just one. Though the controls exist, the restrictions are not described as especially rigorous. Still, the store will remain firmly off-limits to ordinary expats and tourists in Saudi Arabia, who are not entitled to consume alcohol under current law. So while diplomats may soon be sipping their scotch legally, the rest of the kingdom remains firmly dry—for now. For now, it appears the Saudi stance on spirits isn't budging—World Cup or not.
Sharjah 24
23-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Ajman CP witnesses signing of 10 strategic MoUs
The event saw participation from a UAE delegation representing various government and economic entities. During the event, His Highness Sheikh Ammar toured the UAE pavilions in the accompanying exhibition and witnessed the signing of 10 strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Government of Ajman and Chongqing Municipality. Leading the list was an MoU to establish a sister-city relationship between Ajman and Chongqing, alongside agreements in industrial investment, free zone development, logistics connectivity, clean energy, and education—all reflecting a shared commitment to expanding bilateral partnerships and advancing sustainable growth. These MoUs represent a pivotal step in supporting the implementation of Ajman Vision 2030, which aims to establish a balanced and integrated development model. Dignitaries in attendance were Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development; Sheikh Rashid bin Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Vice President of Ajman Club; Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to the People's Republic of China; Senior officials from Ajman Government, and business leaders and investors from both sides. The conference included presentations on investment opportunities across various Emirates. In his keynote address, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi emphasised that the UAE's wise leadership, under President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has laid the foundations for a balanced foreign policy based on openness and international cooperation. The UAE-China partnership, he noted, is a model of mutual understanding and joint action. He highlighted that the MoUs signed reflect the vision of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman, to enusre the Emirate's prosperity and quality of life, making it one of the world's most attractive destinations for living and investment. Sheikh Abdulaziz emphasised that the Crown Prince's leadership of the delegation underscores Ajman's deep commitment to expanding international cooperation and forging strong partnerships with China, building on their long-standing bilateral ties. He noted that the UAE-China strategic partnership spans decades, advancing into key sectors such as clean energy, education, tourism, and future technologies. Regarding the MoU between Ajman and Chongqing, Sheikh Abdulaziz stated that it aims to establish a sister-city relationship and foster strategic partnerships, supporting Ajman Vision 2030, which aspires to a diversified, competitive economy and sustainable development built on innovation, a robust private sector, and improved quality of life for future generations. Sheikh Abdulaziz also announced the launch of the Ajman Economic Report 2025, developed in collaboration with the Oxford Business Group. The report highlights the Emirate's economic growth drivers and its path toward a diversified and sustainable economy aligned with Ajman Vision 2030. The report showcases key sectors such as industry, technology, tourism, and financial services, addressing efforts in digital transformation and balancing cultural identity with economic development. It underscores Ajman's growing stature on the global investment map and provides a comprehensive analysis of its economic landscape and available investment opportunities. Sheikh Abdulaziz welcomed Chinese companies and investors to explore the UAE's exceptional opportunities and join a thriving development journey that embodies the UAE-China partnership spirit. He noted that the two countries share aligned visions for sustainable development, innovation, and a future-forward approach. The conference, he said, offers a vital platform for direct engagement between business communities and highlights new initiatives to deepen economic ties. He concluded by thanking the UAE Embassy in Beijing and organising entities for their efforts in fostering bilateral cooperation and supporting initiatives that contribute to a brighter, more prosperous future for both nations. For his part, the UAE Ambassador to China confirmed that the conference reflects the depth of the two countries' economic relations. He noted that non-oil trade exceeded US$ 90 billion in 2024, with mutual aspirations to reach US$ 200 billion by 2030. Ding Xiangdong, Deputy Mayor of the Chongqing Municipal, commended the level of bilateral relations and stressed the importance of the conference in deepening cooperation. He emphasised Chongqing's strategic economic role in Western China and its significance in the Belt and Road Initiative, seeking to enhance global partnerships in advanced industry, smart transport, energy, and cultural exchange. He affirmed the municipality's commitment to providing a welcoming environment for UAE businesses and boosting institutional and economic collaboration. The conference witnessed active participation from KEZAD Group, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ); Abu Dhabi Investment Office; Dubai Chambers; Ajman Free Zone Authority; Ajman Chamber of Commerce; and several CEOs and investors. Key MoUs signed between the Government of Ajman and Chongqing Municipality included collaborations between the two following entities: -Ajman's Department of Economic Development and Chongqing's Economy, Trade, and IT Commissions; -Ajman's Department of Tourism Development and Chongqing's Culture and Tourism Committee; -Ajman's Ports and Customs Department and Chongqing's Ports and Logistics Office; - Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)- Chongqing; -Ajman Free Zone and the Liangjiang New Area Free Trade Zone. For academic cooperation, Ajman University signed MoUs with Chongqing University, and Southwest University. City University Ajman also signed an MoU with Southwest University, fostering academic and research collaboration and student exchange. The conference aligns with the UAE's efforts to enhance international cooperation, anticipate the future of the global economy, and solidify the country's position as a global hub for trade and investment through sustainable economic partnerships with friendly nations.
Leaders
11-05-2025
- Science
- Leaders
Saudi Students Arrive in USA for ISEF 2025
A delegation of 40 talented Saudi students specializing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has arrived in Columbus, Ohio, to participate in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF 2025). The event, taking place from May 10 to 16, is expected to bring together more than 1,700 students from 70 countries. Representing the Kingdom through the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) and the Ministry of Education, Saudi Arabia has been a consistent presence at ISEF since 2007, earning a total of 160 awards to date. The Saudi team has completed a year-long intensive training program led by Mawhiba, which included expert evaluations and six progressive stages aimed at enhancing research and presentation skills, ensuring their readiness for this prestigious global competition. Related Topics : Over 400 Students Showcase Scientific Projects at Ibdaa 2025 Regional Exhibitions Global Health: Gaza System Stockpiles to Run Out in 2 Weeks to Month QIC, Deloitte Collaborate to Launch Advanced Guest Management System Ministry of Interior Highlights Importance of Media Collaboration in Hajj System Short link : Post Views: 6 Related Stories
Campaign ME
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Campaign ME
RAM launches the world's shortest flight ‘RHO Airlines'
RAM Trucks has taken to the skies – briefly – to launch its latest performance vehicle with a bold and unexpected activation. In partnership with Publicis Middle East, the brand unveiled 'RHO Airlines', a creative stunt that turned the desert into a runway for what is being described as the world's shortest flight, lasting just 1.2 seconds. To bring the idea to life, RAM and Publicis built a fully immersive airport experience in the middle of the desert, complete with check-in counters, security, ground staff, air traffic control and cabin crew. The only thing missing was a plane. Instead, at the centre of the experience was the new RAM RHO 1500, a high-performance truck engineered for speed, agility and off-road capability. The activation featured Saudi Arabia's popular duo The Saudi Reporters in what the brand calls a 'first-of-its-kind' influencer stunt. One brother, Abdullah, pranked the other, Abdulaziz, into thinking he was boarding a new desert-based airline. Instead, he found himself in the passenger seat of the RHO 1500 as it launched off a sand dune – piloted by a professional stunt driver. 'This stunt captures the essence of RAM. It is about power, capability and the spirit of adventure,' said Stuart Laurie, Head of RAM Brand at Stellantis Middle East. 'The RAM RHO 1500 is not just built to conquer roads and terrains. It is engineered to push boundaries and fire up imaginations, which is exactly what RHO Airlines brings to life.' The campaign kicked off with teaser content across RAM's social platforms, hinting at the arrival of a mysterious new airline. The full reveal came through a hero video that documented the prank and airborne moment in a fast-paced, cinematic format. 'The RHO is unexpectedly thrilling to drive, and we wanted to create an experience that was equally unexpected,' added Tuki Ghiassi, Executive Creative Director at Publicis Middle East. 'RHO Airlines is what happens when you take a product truth and turn it into a full-blown experience.' The activation marks the first phase of a wider brand campaign, with additional content expected to roll out in the coming weeks.
