Latest news with #Tabuk
Al Arabiya
9 hours ago
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Saudi Arabia's NEOM port receives first automated cranes, trains female operators
Saudi Arabia's futuristic NEOM megaproject has received its first fully automated, remote-controlled cranes for its massive new port as the Kingdom pushes to establish a major Red Sea trade hub by 2026, with a pioneering program training Saudi women as crane operators. The Port of NEOM welcomed the arrival of automated Ship-To-Shore and Electric Rubber-Tyred Gantry cranes, marking the first such equipment deployed in Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom seeks to diversify its economy under the Vision 2030 reform program. The Port of NEOM is at the heart of Oxagon, an advanced global manufacturing hub taking shape over 48 square kilometers. Together, they represent the maritime and industrial heart of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's NEOM mega-project, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Located on one of the world's busiest maritime corridors, the port is positioned to serve as a critical gateway on East-West trade routes. The facility has completed a 900-meter quay wall and deepened its channel to 18.5 meters to accommodate the largest container vessels transiting the Suez Canal. 'The arrival of our first automated cranes marks a tangible milestone as we lay the foundations for an advanced, future-ready port,' said Sean Kelly, managing director of Port of NEOM. The project includes an intensive two-year training program for Production Specialists, with ten participants from the Tabuk region learning to operate the remote-controlled equipment. The initiative represents a significant step in Saudi Arabia's efforts to increase women's participation in traditionally male-dominated industries. Hajjer Alatawi, one of the female trainees, said the program had shown her that 'port logistics is far more complex than just moving cargo; it's about teamwork, precision and responsibility.' She added that seeing more Saudi women entering the field 'gives me hope for a future where industries are defined by skills, not gender.' The remote-control capability allows operators to manage equipment from secure, ergonomic environments rather than traditional crane cabins, potentially making the roles more accessible to women and supporting workplace safety standards. Terminal 1 of the port is scheduled to launch in 2026 and will feature horizontal transport automation as part of broader plans for full automation. The facility aims to significantly expand the Kingdom's logistics capacity and enhance supply chain resilience in the region.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Swissport scales up in Saudi Arabia with groundbreaking 13-airport launch
Marking one of its largest coordinated go-lives in recent years, Swissport has expanded operations to 13 airports across Saudi Arabia, reinforcing its strategic growth in the Middle East and strengthening its alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. Swissport, the world's leading provider of airport ground services and air cargo handling, has launched coordinated ground handling operations across the Kingdom on June 1, welcoming inaugural flights from Air Arabia with celebration events at each location. The new stations—Hail, Al Jouf, Tabuk, Yanbu, Taif, Abha, and Jizan—join Swissport's existing network of six airports: Jeddah, Riyadh, Madinah, Dammam, Al-Qassim, and Al-Ula. This milestone also marks the beginning of a new collaboration with Air Arabia, one of the region's leading low-cost carriers. The execution of such a marvellous expansion plan in such a short span of time is attributed to the successful conclusion and signing of the ground handling agreement with Air Arabia that operates to all these airports. "This launch marks a critical step in Swissport Saudi Arabia's growth strategy, aligning with Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030. Expanding our ground operations to 13 airports reflects both our long-term commitment to the Kingdom and our readiness to deliver operational excellence at scale," says Dirk Goovaerts, CEO of Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa & India, and Global Cargo Chair at Swissport. "Our investments in innovation, sustainability, and talent are clear signals of our continued focus on safety, reliability, and world-class service. Together with our trusted partners, we are proud to be shaping the future of aviation in the region." After having received the license from the authorities on 24 April 2025 for the opening of these airports, it was a great deal of challenge to be ready for the delivery of quality services to the client on 01 June 2025. It included successfully completing the training process of 400+ staff in addition to transporting the fleet of heavy GSE to remotely scattered apart airports. In less than merely a forty (40) days of time span, the target was effectively achieved. The entire team at Swissport KSA worked tirelessly and meticulously under the professional and devoted leadership of its CEO Mr. Hamad Alhemede together with the effective support of Swissport global and ensured all the seven newly added locations were fully equipped and operationally ready ahead of schedule. This included setting up infrastructure, recruitment and training of local staff, and the deployment of Swissport's proven global processes and standards. Swissport's on-time performance in the Kingdom consistently exceeds 99%—the highest in the country and among the best across its global network. This outstanding performance reflects Swissport's operational discipline and its commitment to delivering punctual, high-quality service for airline partners. The dedication, hard work and the passion are the driving force behind the management of SP KSA and its team in achieving such an exciting result in OTP. "This is a proud moment for our teams across the Kingdom. Our expansion to 13 airports was made possible thanks to the dedication of our local talent and the strength of our Swissport training programs," says Hamad Alhemede, CEO of Swissport Saudi Arabia. "Our operations are locally led and supported by global experts and international best practices. Together, we are building a future-ready operation that reflects the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and service." Swissport's continued expansion is further supported by its strategic partnership with Asyad Holding Group and its close collaboration with key stakeholders, including GACA, Matarat, and the Air Connectivity Program. With operations now live across 13 airports, Swissport is exploring the introduction of additional services—such as cargo handling, aircraft cleaning, and lounge operations—to offer a comprehensive ground service solution for airline partners. As demand in Saudi Arabia's aviation market accelerates, Swissport is well positioned to support this growth with a scalable, safe, and reliable operation. In 2024, Swissport International AG provided best-in-class airport ground services for some 247 million airline passengers (2023: 232 million) and handled roughly 5 million tons of air freight (2023: 4.7 million) at 117 air cargo centers worldwide. Several of its warehouses have been certified for pharmaceutical logistics by IATA's CEIV Pharma and by the British MHRA. At the end of December 2024, the world's leader in airport ground services and air cargo handling, with currently around 62,000 employees, was active at 276 airports in 45 countries on six continents. Media contacts Swissport International AG, Group Communications, Silvia Garrido, P.O. Box, 8058 Zurich Airport, Switzerland media@
Zawya
28-05-2025
- General
- Zawya
Saudi: Supreme Court announces Arafat Day on June 5; first day of Eid Al-Adha on June 6
TABUK — Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court announced on Tuesday that Standing at Arafat, which marks the climax of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj, will be on Thursday, June 5, and Friday, June 6 will be the first day of the Eid Al-Adha celebrations, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The Supreme Court announced that Wednesday, May 28, is the first day of Dhul Hijjah, the month during which Hajj takes place. The top court made the announcement following the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu Al-Hijjah in the Kingdom. The Crescent Sighting Department of the Supreme Court took this decision after holding a session on Tuesday evening and reviewing the testimonies submitted by a number of witnesses with regard to the sighting of the crescent moon for the month of Dhul-Hijjah. The Supreme Court prayed God to enable the pilgrims perform their rituals of Hajj in ease and comfort and accept from them, as well as to preserve the security, stability, and prosperity of Saudi Arabia.
Arab News
24-05-2025
- Science
- Arab News
Earliest use of harmal plant discovered in Saudi Arabia's Tabuk
RIYADH: A study published in the journal Communications Biology has revealed the earliest known use of the harmal plant (peganum harmala) — dating back about 2,700 years to the Iron Age — is based on findings from the ancient settlement of Qurayyah in Saudi Arabia's Tabuk region, according to the Saudi Heritage Commission. The research was conducted jointly by the Saudi Heritage Commission, the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany, and the University of Vienna in Austria. It examined the therapeutic and social aspects of ancient practices in the Arabian Peninsula. Using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, researchers analyzed organic residues inside pottery incense burners and detected alkaloids from the harmal plant, providing evidence of its use in fumigation rituals for therapeutic purposes. The harmal plant, known locally as rue, is recognized for its antibacterial and healing properties. Its use at Qurayyah suggests early medicinal knowledge and traditional practices in the region. This discovery highlights the cultural and therapeutic traditions of the Arabian Peninsula and helps to support the commission's collaboration with international researchers. The study aligns with the Saudi Ministry of Culture's efforts to promote research that advances the understanding of history and the cultural heritage of the Arabian Peninsula.
Asharq Al-Awsat
23-05-2025
- Science
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Heritage Commission Reveals Oldest Known Use of Harmal Plant in Human History
A landmark scientific study published in the international "Communications Biology" journal revealed the earliest known use of the harmal plant (Peganum harmala), dating back around 2,700 years to the Iron Age, based on archaeological findings from the ancient settlement of Qurayyah in Saudi Arabia's Tabuk Region, according to a Saudi Heritage Commission press release, SPA reported. Conducted as part of a joint research effort by the Saudi Heritage Commission, the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany, and the University of Vienna in Austria, the study explores the therapeutic and social dimensions of ancient practices in the Arabian Peninsula, underscoring the Kingdom's commitment to advancing scientific understanding of its cultural heritage. Using high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), researchers performed advanced chemical analyses on organic residues preserved inside pottery incense burners. These analyses detected alkaloids from the harmal plant, providing physical evidence of its use in fumigation rituals for therapeutic purposes. The harmal plant, also known locally as rue, is recognized for its antibacterial and healing properties. Its documented use at Qurayyah not only reflects early medicinal knowledge but also highlights the continuity of traditional practices in the region. This discovery further underscores the longstanding cultural and therapeutic traditions of the Arabian Peninsula and demonstrates the Saudi Heritage Commission's ongoing commitment to international research collaboration. This research aligns with the broader goals of the Saudi Ministry of Culture to support pioneering initiatives that contribute to the global understanding of human history and to reframe the cultural legacy of the Arabian Peninsula through a modern scientific lens.
