Latest news with #MinistriesofDefense
Roya News
26-05-2025
- Health
- Roya News
Saudi Arabia reveals comprehensive safety plan for Hajj season 2025
Saudi Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel confirmed Monday that the general health conditions among Hajj pilgrims remain reassuring, with no outbreaks or epidemic threats detected so far. Speaking at a press conference in Riyadh, Al-Jalajel detailed the Ministry's preparations for the Hajj season, including the deployment of 11 air ambulance aircraft, 900 ambulances, and 71 medical points across the holy sites. Three field hospitals with a combined capacity of over 1,200 beds have been set up in coordination with the Ministries of Defense, Interior, and the National Guard. Additionally, a new emergency hospital with more than 200 beds has been established in Mina, raising the overall hospital bed capacity by 60 percent compared to last year. Al-Jalajel also revealed that critically ill pilgrims have been equipped with smart sensor devices linked to the Virtual Health Hospital—the largest of its kind globally—allowing remote monitoring of their conditions. So far, over 50,000 health services have been delivered through 14 land, air, and sea entry points, with 140 surgeries and 65 cardiac catheterizations performed. The minister stressed that pilgrims' adherence to preventive guidelines is crucial to ensuring a safe and healthy pilgrimage. To mitigate heat stress, the Royal Commission for Makkah and the Holy Sites has planted over 10,000 trees, installed 400 water dispensers, and placed misting fans across key locations. In related announcements, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser said rubberized and cooled walkways have been expanded, and drones are being used to monitor pilgrim movement.
Morocco World
24-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
UK Eases Sanctions on Syria
Rabat – On Thursday, April 24, the United Kingdom removed asset freezes on Syria's Ministries of Defense and Interior, as well as its main intelligence agencies, including the General Intelligence Directorate and Air Force Intelligence Agency. These are all entities that were previously sanctioned for their roles in repressing civilians and supporting the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad. This move comes four months after Assad was ousted from power by opposition groups led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an armed group still designated as a 'terrorist organization' by the UK and US. As the new Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa seeks to rebuild the country's economy and international relationships, it is urging countries to lift the sanctions against Syria, arguing that these measures were taken against the previous government and should have no place on the current. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office said the decision aims to aid Syria's economic recovery, encourage the return of Syrian refugees, and promote regional stability. The UK government had previously lifted sanctions on Syria's central bank and oil companies in March. Sanctions remain in place on individuals connected to the Assad regime in an effort to hold the regime accountable for its actions since 2011, during the Syrian Civil War. Restrictions on the export of certain goods and technologies will also remain in place. This includes the prohibition of military, advanced communication and surveillance equipment, as well as dual-use technology; which can be used for both civilian and military purposes. The regional chief for Arab States at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Abdallah al-Dardari, urged the Syrian authorities last week to start the economic recovery process without waiting for Western countries to lift their sanctions, asserting in a statement that 'Waiting for sanctions to be lifted leads nowhere.' Tags: Ahmad al-SharaaSyriaUnited Kingdom
Shafaq News
29-03-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Rebuilding Basra's maritime power: Is Al-Faw Port the game changer for Iraq?
Shafaq News/ As Iraq's only maritime gateway, Basra connects the country to global trade through its southern ports—Umm Qasr, Al-Maqal, Khor Al-Zubair, and Abu Flous. Yet, years of laxity have left the ports' infrastructure outdated, limiting their potential. With the Al-Faw Port project promising a new era, can Iraq finally overcome stagnation and emerge as a key player in global shipping? Security Within Global Standards The safety of Iraq's ports and maritime navigation is managed by the Ministries of Defense and Interior, which oversee both port security and the protection of ships. "The measures taken at the ports meet global standards," Aqeel Al-Fraiji, head of the Basra Provincial Council's Security Committee, told our agency. 'This includes safety and firefighting equipment, surveillance cameras, and all other aspects of port protection.' Al-Fraiji also highlighted the specialized department within the Ministry of Interior—the Port Police—and the role of the Naval Forces Command within the Ministry of Defense. "Both forces are well-prepared, trained, and equipped," he added. Decades of Neglect Iraq's vital ports in Basra, which serve as the country's primary economic artery, have remained largely unchanged for decades. Despite their crucial role in supplying goods across all provinces, transportation expert Basel Al-Khafaji asserted to Shafaq News that these ports "have not seen any developments since the last century." The failure to modernize key facilities such as Umm Qasr and Khor Al-Zubair is due to a mix of mismanagement and political interference, according to Al-Khafaji. 'The primary issue is administrative and financial corruption, along with political party control over the ports,' he explained. 'There has been no intention to upgrade these facilities.' Umm Qasr Port, one of the most important hubs, remains a critical asset due to its maritime routes and well-equipped quays, yet its capacity is limited by outdated infrastructure. "Iraqi ports have remained the same for the past 40 years, without deepening the docking areas to accommodate larger and medium-sized vessels," Al-Khafaji noted. As a result, ships arriving at the ports can only carry cargo up to 25,000 tons. To address this, he suggested the draft should be deepened from 10 meters to 20 or 25 meters, allowing giant vessels to dock and increasing the volume of goods that can be imported. The expert also highlighted the shortcomings of the older Al-Maqal Port, where the draft is only 6 or 7 meters. "This means that large or even medium-sized vessels cannot enter, only smaller ones." Al-Faw Port Is The Solution The Al-Faw Port project is set to reshape Iraq's economic future, with the first phase scheduled for inauguration in 2025. Maitham Al-Safi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport, emphasized that this milestone is crucial for addressing the challenges of Basra's ports. In an interview with Shafaq News Agency, Al-Safi outlined the project's steady progress. "Work is proceeding as scheduled, and the port will eventually integrate with the current railway system. Full operation is expected by 2030, in line with the Development Road Project," he said, confirming that the project is meeting international standards. Spanning 54 km, Al-Faw Port will feature Iraq's largest industrial city, making it the heart of the Road Project. "This port will be the first station to link the East with the West," Al-Safi explained. "At just 1,200 km from Europe, it will be the closest global port, offering new opportunities to diversify Iraq's economy and reduce its reliance on oil revenues for financing the general budget." Addressing concerns about ship draft depths, raised by transportation expert Al-Khafaji, Al-Safi reassured, "The dredging operations at Al-Faw Port will reach a depth of 19.8 meters, the highest draft level possible. We are fully committed to adhering to the highest dredging standards." 5 in 1: The Latest On Al-Faw Port's Progress The progress of the Al-Faw Port development is marked by several key milestones, with the first phase considered the most crucial. As Al-Safi explained, "This phase is foundational, focusing on the infrastructure through the port's five key projects." Work on the five-dock project has been 'successfully' completed. The spokesperson shared, "We are now finalizing the 62 km connecting road, which is 97% complete. This road will significantly reduce time, effort, and pollution." The second project, which involves the construction of two overpasses, is also nearing completion, with over 98% of the work done, and efforts are in place for its inauguration as soon as possible. Moving on to the third project, Al-Safi described the submerged tunnel as being in its final stages, with concrete block installation underway. "This project is particularly complex and is the first of its kind in the Middle East," he noted. The fourth project, focused on the container yard, has reached over 86% completion. The fifth and final project, dredging the navigation channel, is on track. Al-Safi reassured, "The ministry is committed to the established timelines for its completion." Operations at all ports and maritime navigation are reportedly progressing without any reported issues. The General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI) announced on December 30, 2024, that its annual revenue surpassed one trillion Iraqi dinars (760 million USD). Container handling reached 1.8 million, and over 3,000 ships docked at the port.
Zawya
18-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
High turnout of officials and military personnel at Tasleeh Holding's pavilion at IDEX 2025
Abu Dhabi – Tasleeh Holding's pavilion at the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX 2025) in Abu Dhabi witnessed a significant turnout of senior military officials, decision-makers, and defense and security experts. Visitors explored the latest defense and tactical solutions presented by the company in collaboration with its global partners. Throughout the exhibition, Tasleeh Holding welcomed high-ranking delegations from Ministries of Defense and Interior, along with representatives from armed forces worldwide. The pavilion showcased cutting-edge technologies in military training, smart weapon storage systems, and advanced simulation solutions. The pavilion also received visits from prominent UAE and international military leaders, who praised the advanced level of the showcased systems. These innovations reflect Tasleeh Holding's commitment to fostering innovation in the defense sector, aligning with the UAE's vision for developing military industries and adopting state-of-the-art technologies. At IDEX 2025, Tasleeh Holding collaborated with two leading global companies: MILO Live RMA from the United States and SWS Inntech SDN BHD from Malaysia. The exhibition featured live-fire training systems, advanced tactical simulation solutions, and smart weapon storage systems that meet the highest standards of safety and control. Salem Al Matrooshi, Founder and CEO of Tasleeh Holding, emphasized that participating in the exhibition represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen strategic partnerships with government and private entities, exchange expertise in advanced defense solutions, and reinforce Tasleeh's position as a leading company in the defense and security sector.
Egypt Today
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Media Production City Expresses Gratitude to State Institutions for Supporting MrBeast's Pyramids Episode Filming
Media Production City, under the leadership of Chairman and Managing Director Abdel Fattah El-Gebaly, extends its sincere gratitude to all relevant Egyptian state institutions for their invaluable support in facilitating the filming of an episode featuring world-renowned YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast. The episode was shot at the Pyramids over five days, with eight hours of filming per day, and was viewed by millions on MrBeast's official YouTube channel. The breathtaking footage, captured with state-of-the-art technology and the highest level of professionalism, left a lasting impression on global audiences. The production was overseen by the Egypt Film Commission at Media Production City, ensuring seamless execution. A special thanks is extended to the Ministries of Defense, Interior, and Tourism & Antiquities, as well as the National Security Authority, Military Intelligence Department, and National Security Sector, for their essential collaboration with the Egypt Film Commission. Their support included providing helicopters, drones, and security measures, as well as facilitating the necessary security and archaeological approvals. Media Production City also extends its deep appreciation to world-renowned archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass for his significant contributions, providing invaluable historical insights and assisting during the filming inside the Great Pyramid. Additionally, the city expresses its highest gratitude to officials from the General Free Media Zone, Cairo International Airport, and the Customs Authority for their exceptional efficiency in handling the logistics for the foreign production team—comprising around 70 members—along with their equipment, cameras, and gear. Their professionalism ensured a smooth process that reflected the importance of this production. It is important to note that the Egypt Film Commission at Media Production City is the official entity responsible for issuing permits for foreign film productions in Egypt. Operating under a streamlined one-stop-shop system, it simplifies administrative procedures for international production companies, offering comprehensive production services, customs facilitation, and logistical support. The commission also ensures security arrangements, including access to helicopters and drones, to accommodate high-level productions. Over the past four years, the commission has supervised the filming of more than 70 international productions across various archaeological and touristic sites in Egypt. Media Production City remains committed to collaborating with state agencies to attract global filmmakers, highlighting Egypt's rich cultural heritage and positioning the country as a premier international filming destination.
