Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman appointed chairman of KAUST’s board of trustees

Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz has been appointed as the chairman of the board of trustees of KAUST. (KAUST)
Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz has been appointed as the chairman of the board of trustees of KAUST. (KAUST)
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Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman appointed chairman of KAUST’s board of trustees

Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz has been appointed as the chairman of the board of trustees of KAUST. (KAUST)
  • Order was issued by King Salman at recommendation of crown prince, reflects KAUST’s role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s research, development, and innovation agenda

RIYADH: Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz has been appointed as the chairman of the board of trustees of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology by royal order.

The order was issued by King Salman at the recommendation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and reflects KAUST’s strategic role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s research, development, and innovation agenda, Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

Under Prince Abdulaziz’s leadership, KAUST is poised to further its mission as a global hub for scientific excellence and transformative innovation, SPA said.

Prince Abdulaziz has extensive expertise in the energy and sustainability sector, having played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing policies that drive the transition toward clean energy and foster innovation in this field.

His appointment represents a strategic step in advancing KAUST’s “Accelerating Impact” strategy, which aims to fast-track scientific research and bridge its outcomes with industrial and technological applications in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, SPA said.

The appointment underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing research efforts aimed at addressing environmental and climate challenges, enhancing the adoption of renewable energy, and achieving net-zero emissions through the university’s research initiatives.

Commenting on the appointment, KAUST President Sir Edward Byrne AC said: “We are honored to have Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman as the Chairman of KAUST Board of Trustees. His appointment marks a significant milestone in the university’s journey.

“His vision and deep expertise in energy and sustainability will accelerate KAUST’s impact and strengthen its role in linking scientific research with economic and technological development. We look forward to achieving further milestones, expanding strategic partnerships, and supporting the next generation of scientists and innovators.”


Farasan Islands to spend $112 million on infrastructure, housing

Farasan Islands to spend $112 million on infrastructure, housing
Updated 12 sec ago
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Farasan Islands to spend $112 million on infrastructure, housing

Farasan Islands to spend $112 million on infrastructure, housing
  • Islands offer opportunities for local, international investors

RIYADH: The Farasan Islands in southern Saudi Arabia have become well-known attractions for their sandy beaches, clear waters, and vibrant marine life.

A small group of coral islands about 40 km off the coast of Jazan in the Red Sea, they are rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty.

This has inspired a development initiative aimed at improving the area’s infrastructure to strengthen its appeal as a prime destination for tourists and investors.

The Jazan Region Municipality has revealed 20 completed and ongoing projects in the Farasan Islands governorate, costing a total of SR423 million ($112 million).

There are 16 municipal initiatives costing SR103 million, including road paving, sanitation, and city operations, all of which are aimed at enhancing quality of life.

Around SR320 million has been set aside for the development of four housing projects.

Three residential plans covering 1,711 plots and a developmental housing project comprising 92 residential units have been earmarked by the municipality.

By building new parks, beautifying beaches, and providing family-friendly recreational areas, the municipality aims to meet the needs of the local community and amplify investment opportunities.

The Farasan Islands represent a substantial investment opportunity for both local and international investors, especially considering their many attractions.

The cultural village of Al-Qassar, known for its well-preserved historical houses, abundant fresh groundwater, and flourishing date palms, provide a glimpse into the traditional island way of life.

Other sites include the Al-Qandal Forest for its mangrove trees, as well as the Deer Reserve, Al-Dana Park, and Al-Hases Park.

In addition to the natural wonders of the islands, there are archeological sites, including the house of Al-Rifai and the historic Najdi Mosque.

The projects and investments are expected to create jobs and strengthen the local economy, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.


Eastern Province bus network carries 6m passengers in 3 years

Eastern Province bus network carries 6m passengers in 3 years
Updated 24 April 2025
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Eastern Province bus network carries 6m passengers in 3 years

Eastern Province bus network carries 6m passengers in 3 years
  • System set to add 7 new routes soon, municipality says
  • Kingdom’s public transport networks have seen significant expansion in recent years

More than 6 million passengers have used the public bus network in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province since its introduction in 2022.

Comprising 10 routes and 279 stops, the service operates 85 buses for 18 hours a day. During the recent Eid Al-Fitr holiday, it was used by about 12,500 passengers per day, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

According to the municipal government, a new phase will be introduced soon that will see a fleet of environmentally buses running on seven routes in Dammam, Alkhobar, Qatif and Al-Bayda. The expansion is part of a wider plan to improve urban infrastructure, promote sustainable transport and support tourism in the region, the report said.

With tickets priced from SR3.45 (92 US cents) more than 90 percent of passengers surveyed in the first quarter of this year said they were satisfied with the service.

The country’s public transport networks have been expanded significantly in recent years as part of the government’s efforts to reduce traffic congestion and improve quality of life for people living in cities.

The six-line Riyadh Metro, which opened in December and covers about 176 km, carried more than 18 million passengers in its first two months of operation.

A key component of the King Abdulaziz Project for Riyadh Public Transport and Saudi Vision 2030, the system is designed to carry up to 3.6 million passengers a day. It has driverless trains, air-conditioned cabins and designated seating for different passenger groups.

Riyadh also has an extensive bus network, which spans more than 1,900 km, has more than 2,860 stops and a daily capacity of 500,000 passengers.


Sri Lanka holds tourism roadshow in Saudi Arabia

Sri Lanka holds tourism roadshow in Saudi Arabia
Updated 24 April 2025
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Sri Lanka holds tourism roadshow in Saudi Arabia

Sri Lanka holds tourism roadshow in Saudi Arabia
  • Riyadh, Alkhobar events aim to attract Saudi Arabia travelers

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh has been holding a tourism roadshow in the Kingdom to attract travelers from Saudi Arabia.

The embassy organized the roadshow with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, with the first event held on Tuesday in Riyadh, and the second on Thursday in Alkhobar.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ameer Ajwad inaugurated the roadshow which included several destination-management companies from both nations.

Ajwad told Arab News on Thursday that the initiative marked a significant new chapter in Sri Lanka’s tourism promotion efforts in Saudi Arabia as it comes after a six-year hiatus.

He urged tourism firms of both nations to collaborate on marketing Sri Lanka. He said Saudi Arabia tourists are expected to spend $25.49 billion by 2027 on overseas travel.

Ajwad said the two nations have strong ties and recently marked 50 years of diplomatic relations.

“As Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia are promoting the tourism industry in an active manner, both countries have huge potential to collaborate and complement each other in this sector.

“For this purpose, regular interaction between the inbound and outbound tour operators of both countries facilitated by both government authorities, will be helpful,” he added.

Ajwad also launched on Tuesday a dedicated Snapchat account named “Jannat Dunya” in Arabic for the promotion of Sri Lanka tourism in Saudi Arabia.

Addressing the gathering, Sampath Nissanka, managing director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, provided an overview of his country’s growing industry.

He said Sri Lanka’s was targeting 5 million arrivals by 2030 with high-end travelers accounting for 50 percent of that figure.

Thusitha Wickramasinghe, country manager for Sri Lankan Airlines, and tourism representatives, highlighted the attractions of the country for travelers.

The attractions include halal eateries, luxury wellness retreats, wildlife safaris and cultural experiences.

A networking session between the visiting top 20 Sri Lankan tourism firms and their Saudi Arabia counterparts took place during the Riyadh event.


Japan, OIC discuss Afghan humanitarian cooperation

Japan, OIC discuss Afghan humanitarian cooperation
(OIC)
Updated 24 April 2025
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Japan, OIC discuss Afghan humanitarian cooperation

Japan, OIC discuss Afghan humanitarian cooperation

JEDDAH: Leading officials from Japan and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation held talks here Wednesday on bolstering joint humanitarian programs in Afghanistan.

The OIC officials included Tarig Ali Bakheet, assistant secretary-general for humanitarian, social and cultural Affairs, and special envoy of the OIC secretary-general for Afghanistan.

The Japanese delegation included Masayuki Kameda, principal deputy director of the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Daisuke Yamamoto, the consul general in Jeddah.


Endangered wildlife released in Riyadh, rare oryx born in Qassim

Endangered wildlife released in Riyadh, rare oryx born in Qassim
Updated 24 April 2025
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Endangered wildlife released in Riyadh, rare oryx born in Qassim

Endangered wildlife released in Riyadh, rare oryx born in Qassim
  • Sand gazelles, hares, steppe eagles, black kite included
  • Animals released under Saudi Arabia’s rewilding program

RIYADH: Over 30 endangered animals have been released into Riyadh’s King Khalid Royal Reserve under the Kingdom’s rewilding program, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The release included 20 Arabian sand gazelles, five Arabian oryx, four wild hares, three steppe eagles, and a black kite, according to the National Center for Wildlife.

A Steppe Eagle is released into the wild at the King Khalid Royal Reserve on April 21, 2025. (SPA photo)

The NCW, in collaboration with the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, maintains a breeding center in the reserve.

Also, the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification reported the birth of an Arabian oryx in Qassim National Park.

The birth was documented by a team from the NCVC, allowing specialists to study the behavior of this endangered native species, according to a separate SPA report.

A new-born Arabian oryx is seen with its mother at the Qassim National Park. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia is a global leader in protecting the Arabian oryx. Since the 1970s it has collaborated with international organizations to save the species from extinction.

Efforts have included establishing reserves such as the Mahazat As-Sayd and Uruq Bani Ma’arid, implementing captive breeding programs, and supporting gradual reintroduction.