Latest news with #SaudiGazette
The Sun
42 minutes ago
- Health
- The Sun
Saudi Arabia's ‘Sleeping Prince' dies after 20-year coma
RIYADH: Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, widely referred to as the 'Sleeping Prince,' has died after spending 20 years in a coma. According to Saudi Gazette, the Saudi royal family confirmed his passing at a specialised medical facility in the kingdom. Born in April 1990, Prince Al Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, a prominent royal and nephew of billionaire Prince Al Waleed bin Talal. His life took a tragic turn in 2005 when, at just 15 years old, he suffered severe brain injuries and internal bleeding in a car accident while studying as a military cadet in London. Despite extensive medical intervention from specialists in the US and Spain, he never regained full consciousness. His father, Prince Khaled, became a symbol of unwavering devotion, refusing to withdraw life support despite the prolonged coma. The family shared moments where the prince showed slight responses to Quran recitations, which drew public admiration. 'For over 20 years, Prince Al Waleed remained in a largely unresponsive coma, though occasional involuntary movements offered hope,' a family statement noted. The prince's hospital room became a spiritual landmark, visited by many offering prayers. His story resonated deeply, with social media tributes pouring in under the hashtag #SleepingPrince. The narrative of patience, faith, and paternal love captivated audiences worldwide.
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Saudi 'Sleeping Prince' Al-Waleed dies after 20 years in coma
RIYADH: A Saudi royal who spent about 20 years in a coma following an accident in London in 2005 has died, reports said. He was 36. According to a report by the Saudi Gazette, the death of Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal was confirmed by his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal. Prince Khaled was quoted as saying that funeral prayers for his son will be held at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh on Sunday. Prince Al-Waleed, widely known as "The Sleeping Prince" due to his condition, fell into a coma after the accident at the age of 15 while studying in the United Kingdom. As a result of the accident, Prince Al-Waleed suffered a brain haemorrhage and internal bleeding and was kept on a ventilator in hospital. Since then, he has never regained full consciousness. According to Prince Al-Waleed was studying at a military college in London when the accident occurred.
Saudi Gazette
11 hours ago
- General
- Saudi Gazette
‘Sleeping Prince' Alwaleed bin Khaled passes away after 20-year coma
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Prince Khaled bin Talal has announced the passing of his son, Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal, following nearly two decades in a coma after a severe traffic accident in London in 2005. Prince Khaled stated that funeral prayers for his son will be held on Sunday at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, following Asr prayer. Known widely as 'The Sleeping Prince,' Prince Alwaleed fell into a complete coma after the accident during his studies in the UK. He remained under close medical supervision for almost 20 years, never regaining consciousness despite brief episodes of limited movement that offered fleeting moments of hope. Throughout this period, Prince Khaled firmly resisted removing life support, expressing unwavering faith that life and death rest solely in God's son's condition attracted immense sympathy across the Kingdom and beyond, with millions closely following his story over the Alwaleed's prolonged medical struggle came to an end with the announcement of his death on Saturday, closing a chapter that deeply touched the hearts of many.
Saudi Gazette
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi–Japanese cultural fusion shines at Expo 2025 with 'Bisht Kimono'
Saudi Gazette report TOKYO — In a striking display of cultural dialogue, the Royal Institute for Traditional Arts (Wirth) showcased a unique artwork titled "Bisht Kimono" during the Saudi Cultural Week at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Held from July 12 to 15, the event is part of Saudi Arabia's broader effort to elevate traditional arts on the global stage, support creative entrepreneurship, and offer immersive live experiences to international audiences. The participation coincides with the "Year of Handicrafts 2025" and celebrates the 70th anniversary of Saudi-Japanese diplomatic relations. The centerpiece of the institute's showcase, "Bisht Kimono", creatively merges the elegance of the traditional Saudi bishtwith the form of the Japanese kimono, symbolizing a harmonious cultural exchange. The live collaboration between Saudi artisan Salman Al-Hamad and Japanese artist Yuho Ohkota resulted in a hybrid garment embroidered with contemporary flair—visually capturing a shared language of heritage and artwork reflects Wirth's mission to reimagine traditional crafts through a modern lens while promoting national identity and cultural such efforts, the institute continues to affirm its leadership in preserving Saudi heritage, nurturing talent, and inspiring new generations to engage with traditional arts both at home and Royal Institute for Traditional Arts plays a pioneering role in supporting and promoting the Kingdom's living treasures, honoring artisans, and safeguarding cultural legacy by fostering appreciation and mastery of traditional arts across generations.
Saudi Gazette
12 hours ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia's skill-based work permit system reshapes expat employment landscape
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's new skill-based work permit system marks a major shift in the Kingdom's labor market regulation, aligning directly with the goals of Vision 2030 to foster a knowledge-based economy, attract global talent, and boost economic diversification. Under the new classification, expatriate workers are grouped into three main categories — high-skill, skilled, and basic — based on a detailed assessment of qualifications, work experience, technical ability, wages, and age. The system, which came into effect for existing workers on June 18 and for new arrivals from July 1, is already prompting businesses across the Kingdom to adapt their workforce planning and recruitment strategies. Speaking to Saudi Gazette, Haider Hussain, Partner at Fragomen, called the system as a 'deliberate and sophisticated recalibration' of Saudi Arabia's human capital approach. 'This ensures the inflow of specialized expertise critical for developing emerging sectors while reducing reliance on traditional industries,' Hussain noted that the measure enhances Saudi Arabia's position as a global business hub by introducing greater transparency and meritocracy in the labor market, ultimately improving governance and supporting foreign direct reclassification already underway for the current expatriate workforce, Hussain urged employers to conduct immediate and thorough workforce audits.'Every expatriate must now be assessed against the new criteria—academic credentials, certifications, experience, wages, and age,' he said, warning that delays could risk compliance and operational second phase of implementation, beginning August 3, applies to new foreign to Hussain, HR departments must ensure all applicant documentation, including employment contracts and qualifications, meet the new requirements.'Recruitment strategies must now integrate these classifications from the outset,' he ahead, Hussain predicted long-term operational and financial shifts for expects reduced reliance on low-skilled labor, with companies re-evaluating workforce structures and potentially increasing investment in automation and the upskilling of local talent.'The focus will shift from hiring in volume to sourcing specialized talent with a strategic fit,' he said, adding that a more skilled workforce is likely to deliver stronger productivity and time, he noted, the new system will simplify immigration processes and speed up permit approvals for qualified Hussain warned that compliance may present challenges. Vague interpretations of terms like 'technical ability' or appropriate 'wage level' could lead to classification advised companies to establish internal mechanisms for regular assessment and reclassification to stay aligned with evolving roles and job market also stressed the importance of proactive internal communication.'Employers must explain the rationale behind the new system to their employees, reassure them of the company's support, and address any concerns about job security or residency status,' he system reflects a broader vision to build a future-ready labor market in Saudi Arabia—one that prioritizes expertise, encourages innovation, and strengthens the Kingdom's competitiveness on the global stage.
