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Arab News
17-04-2025
- Health
- Arab News
First phase of Saudization in healthcare professions starts today
RIYADH: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in partnership with the Ministry of Health, announced the commencement of the first phase of Saudization in the healthcare sector. Saudization rates will increase across four key private-sector healthcare professions as of April 17, 2025 in line with the approved professional titles, the MHRSD said in a series of posts on X. The first phase targets specific Saudization percentages: 65 percent for radiology, 80 percent for clinical nutrition, the same for physiotherapy, and 70 percent for medical laboratories, it added. The stipulated minimum monthly salaries are SR7,000 for specialists and SR5,000 for technicians in these roles. The decision, according to the MHRSD, aligns with ongoing efforts by each ministry to enhance the participation of national talent in the labor market and to provide productive and lucrative job opportunities for Saudi citizens, while simultaneously supporting the objectives of the Labor Market Strategy and the Health Sector Transformation Program. 'It's a steady step towards empowering national competencies in the healthcare professions, investing in their capabilities and skills to build their professional futures and enhance their opportunities in the private sector,' the MHRSD said. The initial implementation covers all establishments, regardless of size, in the major cities — Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, Dammam and Al-Khobar. Large and mega-sized companies in other regions of the Kingdom are also included in this first phase. The second phase of implementation, which will encompass the remaining establishments throughout the Kingdom, is scheduled to begin on Oct. 17, 2025. Comprehensive procedural guidelines outlining the decision and the mandatory Saudization rates are available on the official website of the MHRSD. Businesses that fail to meet Saudi localization quotas are subject to fines. The MHRSD urged all relevant establishments to comply with these regulations to avoid penalties. The Kingdom in October 2024 announced higher mandatory localization rates in four private sector health professions with the mandatory localization rate in radiology to be raised to 65 percent, medical laboratory to 70 percent, therapeutic nutrition to 80 percent and physiotherapy to 80 percent. Welcoming the decision, Abdullah Ahmed, a physiotherapist in Riyadh said: 'It's a good decision for Saudi graduates in this sector and aligns with the Kingdom's efforts to make more employment opportunities available for nationals in the private sector.' In March 2024, the MHRSD and the MOH began implementing a mandatory 35 percent localization rate in dental professions. They also applied localization ratios to private sector establishments employing three or more workers in dental professions.
Arab News
05-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
US fintech partners with largest Pakistani Islamic bank for cross-border transactions
ISLAMABAD: American financial services company Payoneer has partnered with Meezan Bank, Pakistan's largest Islamic bank, to enhance cross-border payments for Pakistani businesses, entrepreneurs, and freelancers, a press release said on Wednesday. Under the partnership, Meezan Bank customers can link their Payoneer accounts to the bank's mobile banking app to make real-time withdrawals in multiple global currencies directly into their Meezan local receiving accounts. The mobile app integration will allow businesses in Pakistan to receive funds from clients, vendors, and marketplaces worldwide, enabling them to be 'local' to their customers regardless of where they are. Meezan Bank customers will also access benefits including multi-currency balance monitoring, transparent FX rates, no hidden costs, pre-populated personal details, quick authentication via SMS, and a straightforward account-linking process. The integration will also ensure that Proceeds Realization Certificate (ePRC), an essential document provided by Meezan Bank for regulatory adherence, tax filing, and securing export rebates, will be issued with every transaction, addressing a critical legal requirement for Pakistan's small and medium businesses engaged in cross-border trade. 'By partnering with Meezan Bank, we are providing Pakistani businesses access to financial management tools that will support their global expansion and help them grow alongside the evolution of Pakistan's export landscape,' said Mohsin Muzaffar, country manager at Payoneer Pakistan. 'We're committed to enabling Pakistan's businesses to thrive on the global stage while contributing to the acceleration of the country's digital export growth.' Abdullah Ahmed, group head transaction and international bankinggroup at Meezan Bank, said the institution's strong digital infrastructure and deep expertise in the interconnected global economy had made it an 'ideal Islamic banking partner' for Payoneer. 'This seamless integration reflects our shared vision of fostering financial inclusion, driving innovation, and supporting Pakistan's digital economy in alignment with ethical and Islamic financial principles,' the official said. "We look forward to a successful collaboration that empowers businesses and individuals alike through responsible and inclusive banking solutions.' The collaboration comes at a pivotal time for Pakistan's digital economy. The nation's IT exports reached $3.2 billion in FY2023-24, a 24% year-on-year increase. Pakistan's freelance worker community of over 1.5 million professionals also contributed $350 million to the country's foreign exchange reserves last year.
Arab News
05-03-2025
- Climate
- Arab News
Mild Ramadan weather ushers in cool comforts
RIYADH: Ramadan is being observed in March during the winter season in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the northern hemisphere for the first time in many years. The mild weather is ushering in cool comforts for fasting Muslims, making it a pleasant experience for them compared to recent years, when the faithful have endured the challenge of fasting during long, hot days at the peak of the summer season. 'After long (spells) of having Ramadan in summer, now being observed in winter for the first time in many years, and fasting during (these) cold days has made the experience considerably comfortable and pleasant,' said Abdul Ghaffar, an expat who has been living in the Kingdom for the past 25 years working as a senior consultant in talent development. Although last year had pleasant weather for much of the month, prior to that Muslims had endured the challenge of fasting during long, hot days at the peak of summer, he said. 'The shorter winter days significantly reduce the fasting hours, allowing us to break our fast a bit earlier and relief from the scorching sunshine in the summer,' said Abdullah Ahmed, a university student in Riyadh. 'This pleasant weather is a welcome change, as it lightens the physical burden of fasting. Also, the cool weather enables engaging in outdoor activities during the day as well as after the iftar,' he added. Iffat Aabroo, a homemaker in Riyadh, echoed the view on fasting in winter season: 'The lower mercury level of below 20 degree Celsius maximum temperature during the last week and varying between 19 to 27 degree Celsius maximum and 7 to 15 degree Celsius minimum this week, and shorter days, ease the fasting. 'It's common to feel thirsty when fasting for long hours during the intense summer heat, and it's important, as medically advised, to take the necessary precautions to stay hydrated when fasting, but it's easy to fast during winter and do don't feel thirsty like the summer,' she said. Javed Hasan, a taxi driver in the capital, said: 'It made fasting easy, particularly for those of us who cannot always stop for iftar due to the nature of our work. 'To be on the streets to pick and drop people from one place to another is much easier these days as opposed to the hot summer season. 'The pleasant weather not only makes fasting less daunting but also improves our overall well-being, making the spiritual journey more engaging and fruitful,' he added. Counting on many advantages — both in spiritual upliftment and social engagement — when Ramadan is observed in winter, Shahid Anwar, an Indian expat who works as a safety manager in Riyadh, said: 'To be on the working site while fasting now in winter is much easier. 'The confluence of spiritual reflection and favorable weather makes Ramadan a uniquely enjoyable experience,' he added. 'The nights are particularly lively, with traditional decorations and treats drawing more people outdoors than in the hotter days during the summer.' With milder temperatures, many community organizations are arranging outdoor iftars, enhancing community dining experiences for families and friends, he said. A cold wave gripping several parts of the northern border region last week froze a decorative fountain in Rafha governorate. Viral photos on social media showed the fountain covered in ice as temperatures plunged below zero degrees. The severe drop in temperature, recorded at -2 degrees Celsius in Rafha, caused water to freeze in open areas and frost to form on trees and green spaces, while temperatures in Turaif plummeted to -4 degrees Celsius, leading to frozen water surfaces and layers of snow on ponds and basins, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Turaif, known for its harsh winters, frequently experiences frost and snow due to polar air masses moving south from Europe. With a significant temperature drop marking Ramadan's arrival in the Northern Borders region, Turaif on Monday recorded 1 degree Celsius, and Arar dipped below 4, according to the National Center for Meteorology. This cold snap, expected to persist mid-month, evokes memories of Ramadan's winter seasons three decades ago, with residents recalling iftar cannons in the chilly air in the 1990s.
Arab News
21-02-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Riyadh turns green for Founding Day
RIYADH: It is one of two occasions — the other is National Day — when the Kingdom is adorned with national flags. Citizens and residents will take to the streets in their thousands tomorrow, Feb. 22, to celebrate Saudi Arabia's fourth Founding Day. The Riyadh Municipality has arranged for the streets to be adorned with more than 8,000 national flags, turning the capital green. The flags, representing both the First Saudi State and the modern Kingdom, have been hung strategically on main road masts, squares, bridges, intersections and lampposts, reported the Saudi Press Agency. The positioning was carefully planned to ensure aesthetic harmony with the city's landscape and were safely installed by mechanical means. The range of sizes means the flags can also be clearly seen. Specialized field teams followed a strict timetable to carry out the installations efficiently, prioritizing safety, sustainability and regular maintenance throughout the celebrations. The efforts reflect the Riyadh Municipality's commitment to highlighting national identity and improving the urban landscape, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 to enhance the capital's visual appeal and emphasize the Kingdom's heritage. Landmarks including ministry buildings were decorated with green lights on Friday, the eve of Founding Day, while special events across the region will include firework displays and traditional folk acts. 'We invite you to attend the Riyadh Municipality events in 47 municipalities within the governorates and centers of the region in more than 47 locations; to enjoy lively events, quality activities, diverse areas and participations,' Riyadh Municipality wrote on X. Abdullah Ahmed, a resident of the capital, praised the authority for its efforts to make Founding Day such a special occasion. He told Arab News: 'I am thankful to the Almighty Allah for bestowing safety and security on us as we live in complete solidarity and peace. We are fortunate that we have good leadership in King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and we are fortunate to have Imam Mohammed bin Saud as the founder of the First Saudi State in 1727.' The modern Kingdom took its first steps on the road to nationhood in 1727, when Imam Mohammed bin Saud succeeded his cousin, Zaid bin Markhan, as ruler of the city state of Diriyah. It is this pivotal moment, recognized as the date when the First Saudi State came into being, that is celebrated as Founding Day each year.
