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Transaction, first announced in September 2023, represents Aramco’s first downstream retail investment in South America.
Saudi Aramco successfully completed the acquisition of a 100 percent equity stake in Chile’s Esmax Distribucion, a leading diversified downstream fuels and lubricants retailer, it was announced on Friday.
Esmax has a national presence that includes retail fuel stations, airport operations, fuel distribution terminals and a lubricant blending plant.
The transaction, which was first announced in September 2023, represented Aramco’s first downstream retail investment in South America, illustrating the attractiveness of this market, and supports the Saudi company’s strategic goal to strengthen its downstream value chain.
“We are delighted to conclude the acquisition of Esmax and look forward to working with the outstanding team on the ground in Chile to achieve our shared ambitions,” Yasser Mufti, Aramco executive vice president of products & customers, said.
“Aramco aims to be a primary global retail player and this deal combines our high quality products and services, including Valvoline lubricants, with the experience and quality of an established operator in Chile.”
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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Pictured at the transaction closing are Southern Cross Group Partner Raul Sotomayor, front left, and Aramco Europe President & CEO Mazin Dabbagh, front right. Back row, from left, are Southern Cross Group Partner Jaime Besa, Aramco Vice-President of Retail and Esmax Chairman Ziyad Juraifani, and Aramco International Retail Director Nader Al Douhan. (Aramco)
Eight community partnership leaders have received the 11th Princess Seetah bint Abdulaziz Award for Excellence in Social Work.
Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi announced the winners of the prestigious Saudi accolade in Riyadh on Tuesday.
Established in 2012 by royal decree, the Princess Seetah bint Abdulaziz Foundation for Excellence in Social Work encourages and supports community upliftment programs.
The award aims to encourage competition among pioneers of social work, and to support excellence in social work both locally and internationally.
A total of 1,177 candidates applied for the 11th award. Among them, 95 advanced to the scientific evaluation stage, and 15 to the final judging stage. Following thorough screening and field visits for each candidate, the judging committee selected eight winners.
Al-Rajhi, chairman of the board of the foundation, praised the award, highlighting its societal value and pioneering role and alignment with the ministry’s objectives for community development, national initiatives and innovation.
Princess Nouf bint Abdullah bin Saud Al-Kabeer, chair of the foundation’s executive committee, said that the award was in line with the state’s direction in social work.
She stressed the award’s pivotal role in fostering and motivating creative work while adopting ideas, initiatives and projects for regional development in social, humanitarian and charitable work within the Kingdom.
Princess Nouf praised the award’s diverse partnerships with government, non-government and civil society organizations. These partnerships enhanced the award’s objectives, especially in empowering young individuals and improving their skills.
Dr. Fahad Al-Maghlouth, the foundation’s secretary-general, said that the common goal was to serve the nation and enhance citizens’ lives.
He said that the 11th award’s theme, “Community Partnerships in Meeting Humanitarian Needs,” reflected Saudi Arabia’s support for the social sector.
Al-Maghlouth also highlighted the award’s interest in human needs and its efforts to align with the state’s objectives, asserting that social responsibility was a collective obligation for all.
The excellence in national achievement award went to Mohammed bin Saleh Albuty, CEO of the National Housing Co., and Firas Aba Al-Khail, deputy general manager of business at the Human Resources Development Fund.
The excellence in Islamic endowment award went to Mansour bin Mohammed Al-Jumaih, deputy secretary-general of the Mohamed Abdullah Abdulaziz Al-Jomaih Endowments Foundation.
The excellence in social work programs award went to Nora Al-Rashid, deputy chairperson of the board of the Abdul Moneim Al-Rashid Humanitarian Foundation.
Prince Sultan bin Salman received the award in the category of excellence for social work pioneers.
The corporate social responsibility award went to Mohammed Al-Abbadi, CEO of the transport and operators unit at Saudi Telecommunication Co., and Abdulmalik Al-Rajhi, chairman of the board of Hail Cement Co.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Mushaikeh, a former member of the Saudi Shoura Council, received the environmental sustainability award.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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A number of princes and individuals interested in social work attended the ceremony for the Princess Seetah bint Abdulaziz Excellence Award for Social Work in Riyadh on Tuesday (27 Feb).
Sustainable desalination technology in Saudi Arabia has achieved global recognition, with the Kingdom’s Saline Water Conversion Corp. receiving nine Guinness World Records.
In a ceremony at the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture headquarters in Riyadh, the company was awarded a certificate for its multi-effect distillation water desalination plant. This facility, with a daily capacity of 92,000 cubic m., is recognized as the largest in the world.
In December 2021, the organization unveiled its roadmap for achieving environmental sustainability at a major international industry conference. By being awarded the record for the lowest energy consumption for a water desalination plant globally, SWCC has taken a significant step toward fulfilling its Saudi Green Initiative action plans.
Saudi Arabia, considered one of the most water-stressed countries globally, is implementing various measures to ensure water security, a foundational element for the socioeconomic transformation outlined in the Vision 2030 plan.
The actions include reducing water demand through optimizing agricultural production and increasing water supplies via expanded desalination and storage capacity. Additionally, water system resilience will be enhanced through the implementation of transmission and interlinkage projects, as outlined in a report by the nation’s desalination company.
During the ceremony, the company was recognized for achieving a record for the largest water storage facility, the Riyadh Strategic Water Reservoir, with a capacity of 4.79 million cubic m.
It also received acknowledgment for having the largest drinking water storage tank network, totaling a capacity of 8.79 million cubic m..
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, SWCC Gov. Abdullah Al-Abdulkarim, said: “The corporation is proud to have achieved these new records that enhance its pioneering and leadership role in the desalination industry and to continue its race with the future with deliberate and confident steps.”
He further outlined that achieving nine new Saudi records in the Guinness resulted from continuous development, research, and innovation efforts. This success reflects a strategy emphasizing increased business efficiency through technology harnessing, capability empowerment, and knowledge localization.
“Our vision expands today in the desalination industry, so that our ambitions exceed the horizons of competing for record achievements to making a change, making a difference, and exporting Saudi leadership to the world,” added Al-Abdulkarim.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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A ceremony to mark the records was held at the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture headquarters in Riyadh. Supplied
Theyab bin Hamdan Al-Howaiti sets sights on glory at the Crown Prince Camel Festival Awards.
Theyab bin Hamdan Al-Howaiti has become a standout name in camel racing circles across the Kingdom — despite his tender years.
The 17-year-old has collected 30 local awards for racing, the most prestigious of which came at the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival.
Al-Howaiti said: “I grew up in a family and community that loved camels, used them, and were keen to race as well. We considered it part of our heritage, customs and traditions.”
Hailing from Al-Wajh city, his love for the “ship of the desert” began in childhood years and he soon began training, raising and caring for them, while also following races. Once he had reached the legal age, he began participating in national races himself.
Al-Howaiti has competed in around 80 races, including the Al-Wajh Camel Race, and has won 30 awards so far.
Camel racing is a competitive sport in which the animals undergo training in stages, beginning with being tamed and then moving on to being prepared for races.
Racing has strict rules, the most important of which involves the characteristics of the participating camels — the necessity of descending from purebred Arabian breeds.
Purebred camels are characterized by their slim bodies, agility, and great ability to withstand tough training. There are separate races for different breeds and ages of camels to ensure equal opportunities for all racers.
Al-Howaiti has set his sights for the future. He hopes one day to claim glory at the Crown Prince Camel Festival Awards, No. 1 in prestigious ranks within Saudi society.
Al-Howaiti said: “I hope to see a place and arena for camels in every city within the Kingdom, in appreciation of its (racing’s) status and the legacy it carries that embodies the history of the Kingdom’s civilization.
“In light of the care and attention given to sports in general and camel sports in particular by the Kingdom’s sovereigns, we’re proud to name 2024 as the Year of the Camel.”
He added that the recognition contributed to the cultural and civilizational values of the animal while cementing its place at the heart of Saudi society.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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Seventeen-year-old Theyab bin Hamdan Al-Howaiti has competed in around 80 races, including the Al-Wajh Camel Race. (SPA)
As many as25,000 fragments of artifacts dating back the Islamic caliphates during the first two centuries of the Hijri Calendar, corresponding to the 7th to 8th centuries AD, have been discovered from the Jeddah Historic Area.
The announcement in this regard was made by the Jeddah Historic District Program (JHDP), in collaboration with the Saudi Heritage Commission. The archaeological discoveries were announced as part of the Historic Jeddah Revival Project, initiated by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman..
According to a press release from the JHDP, the project of excavation started in January 2020 with exploratory studies and a geophysical survey. The goal was to unveil the historical significance of four key locations: Othman bin Affan Mosque, Al-Shona, a segment of the Northern Wall, and Al-Kidwah. This archaeological endeavor falls within the purview of the Jeddah Historic District Program. The project aims to preserve national antiquities and archaeological sites, uncover the rich history of the Kingdom, and promote Historic Jeddah as a cultural and tourist destination, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.
According to the release, in November 2020, the archaeological survey and excavations yielded significant findings, including 11,405 pottery shards weighing 293 kg, 11,360 animal bones weighing 107 kg, 1,730 shells weighing 32 kg, 685 building materials weighing 87 kg, 187 glass artifacts weighing 5 kg, and 71 metal artifacts weighing 7 kg. The combined weight of these archaeological findings is 531 kg; and they constitute a valuable contribution to Saudi Arabia’s archaeological discoveries.
Archaeological investigation at Othman bin Affan Mosque revealed artifacts dating back the first two centuries AH and spanning different historical periods, notably, ebony pillars found near the Mihrab, analyzed and traced back to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) Island in the Indian Ocean, which highlight the extensive trade connections of historic Jeddah.
According to the release, excavations at the same site also unveiled a collection of ceramic vessels and fragments, including high-quality porcelain. Some of the pieces are made in the Chinese province of Jiangxi and date back to the 16th-19th centuries AD, while older pottery fragments are from the Abbasid era.
The archaeological site at Al-Shona, dating back at least to the 19th century AD, has yielded numerous pottery shards, including porcelain and ceramic from Europe, Japan, and China, dating from the 19th to 20th centuries. Excavations at Al-Kidwah (Bab Makkah – Makkah gate) revealed parts of the Eastern Moat, which most likely date back to the late 18th century.
Tombstones made of Mangabi stone, marble, and granite were found at different locations within historic Jeddah. These tombstones contain inscriptions of names, epitaphs, and Qur’anic verses, dating back possibly to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AH. Specialists are currently studying them carefully.
The archaeological studies at the four historical sites involved excavations, radiocarbon analysis, soil analyses, geophysical surveys and scientific examination of artifacts. Samples of wood from 52 buildings were sent to international laboratories for identification and dating. Moreover, extensive international archival research led to the collection of over 984 historical documents, including maps and drawings of historic Jeddah. They are currently undergoing detailed study.
The Jeddah Historic District Program and the Heritage Commission collaborated to oversee the documentation, registration and preservation of archaeological artifacts found in Historic Jeddah. These discoveries were listed in the National Archaeological Register, and scientific databases were created to preserve the information related to the discovered artifacts.
The archaeological discoveries were announced as a part of the Historic Jeddah Revival Project, initiated by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, expressed his appreciation for the patronage and the support the Award continues to receive from His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. He also praised Sheikh Mansour’s contribution to the development of the date palm cultivation and production sector at the national, regional and international levels.
This is in addition to strengthening the UAE’s leading position through cooperation with date-producing countries and concerned regional and international organisations, where Sheikh Nahyan expressed his confidence in the efforts of the Award’s General Secretariat, which played an important role in building global partnerships to develop this sector.
Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Secretary-General of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, announced the winners of the Award in its 16th session during his speech at the press conference held on Monday at the Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi, in the presence of Dr. Helal Humaid Saed Al Kaabi, Member of the Award’s Board of Trustees, and Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Council for Quality and Conformity.
International Award Winners:
The award in the Distinguished Innovative Studies and Modern Technology category was won by Dr. Khaled Masmoudi – College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine (UAEU) for “Enzyme stabilization and thermotolerance function of the intrinsically disordered LEA2 proteins from date palm” and Dr. Ezzeldin Gadallah Hussein Ahmed – Agricultural Research Centre, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation (Egypt), for “Phoenix dactylifera in vitro culture and transformation of Thio-60 antifungal gene via chitosan nanoparticle”.
The award in the Pioneering Development and Productive Projects category was won by Dr. Lim Swee Hua Erin – HCT (Abu Dhabi), for “Sustainable Seeds: A Tale of Two Innovations” and AFRICA ORGANICS (Morocco), for the world’s largest organic date palm plantation (1200 ha) of farmland.
The award in the Pioneering and Sophisticated Innovations Serving the Agricultural Sector category was won by Dr. Yarub Kahtan Abdul Rahman Al Doruri – University of Sharjah for “Production of powder-activated carbon from natural resources” and VALORIZEN LLC, Research and Innovation Centre (Egypt) for “Scalable, Market Driven and Climate Positive Solutions of Date Palm Waste”.
The award in the Influential Figure in the Field of Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation category was won by Dr. Ramzy Abdelrahim Dessoky Aboaiana (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) and Prof. Ibraheem Jaddoa Olelwi Al Juboori, PhD (Iraq) for “A qualitative leap and big steps”.
Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, has appointed Saudi Professor Manahel Thabet as her special envoy for science and technology. This decision highlights Thabet’s notable expertise and her significant contributions to the scientific and technological realms.
The Commonwealth, comprising 56 countries and representing over 2.5 billion people globally, focuses on fostering sustainable development, advanced technologies, coexistence, and peace, marking its status as a prominent entity in both political and scientific spheres.
Professor Thabet’s role will be pivotal in connecting member states to achieve sustainable development goals. Her responsibilities include facilitating communication, exchanging knowledge and expertise, directing scientific and technical research efforts, adopting best practices, and utilizing technology to tackle environmental issues.
Additionally, she will play a key role in enhancing economic cooperation, developing policies, formulating legal frameworks to foster innovation, and capacity building of scientists and professionals within the member states.
Professor Thabet’s illustrious career includes several high-profile roles. She serves as an advisor to the president of King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), president of the Economic Forum for Sustainable Development, and founder president of Consortium Consultants. She is also the deputy director of the Institute for Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition at Imperial College, vice president of the World Intelligence Network (WIN), and vice-chancellor of the UK Gifted Academy.
The index measures the levels of trust and credibility between governments and citizens.
Saudi Arabia has claimed the top spot in the “Edelman Trust Barometer 2024” index, which measures the levels of trust and credibility between governments and citizens. The kingdom achieved a remarkable 86 per cent in the Index for Trust in Government, marking a significant 5 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
According to Edelman, a global public relations consultancy firm, China followed closely in second place with 85 per cent, the UAE secured third place with 84 per cent, and Singapore ranked fourth with a trust level of 77 per cent.
Edelman report unveiled that Saudi Arabia stands at the fourth position globally in the business confidence index. Additionally, the Kingdom earned the seventh spot in the media trust index among the 28 countries included in the report.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Information has recently implemented major changes, covering both organizational and administrative aspects. These reforms are complemented by dynamic movements in various media fields, including the launch of several media initiatives, projects, and programs.
Trust in Saudi Arabia’s government increased to 86 per cent, followed by the business sector at 78 per cent. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and media have trust levels of 64 per cent and 61 per cent, respectively.
The survey gathered responses from nearly 32,000 individuals across 28 countries. China, the UAE, and Singapore also ranked high in government trust.
Saudi Arabia’s record-breaking hanging prayer room offers spectacular Kaaba views.’
Saudi Arabia has set a new world record with the opening of the highest hanging prayer room, as recognised by Guinness World Records.
Situated at a breathtaking 483 meters above sea level, this architectural marvel offers unparalleled views of the Kaaba and other significant religious landmarks in Mecca.
Nestled within the bridge connecting the two towers of the Address Jabal Omar Mecca Hotel, the prayer room is not just a feat of engineering but also a testament to architectural ingenuity and creative prowess.
Using the latest technology and specially designed equipment, the 650-tonne steel bridge was initially assembled at 312 meters above ground before being elevated to its final position, linking the hotel’s twin towers across floors 36, 37, and 38.
The hall, which can accommodate up to 520 worshippers in a spacious 550 square meter area, blends traditional Arabic designs with modern luxury. Arabic calligraphy adorns its interiors, enhancing the room’s sanctity with the names of Allah and reflecting the rich Islamic heritage.
Worshippers in this prayer hall are treated to a spiritual experience filled with peace and tranquility. During Fajr prayers, they can witness the sunrise over Mecca, while the sunset bathes the chapel in warm.
source/content: gulfnews.com (headline edited)
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It was initially assembled at 312 meters above ground before being elevated to its final position, linking the hotel’s twin towers across floors 36, 37, and 38. / Image Credit: Courtesy of X/@ThamerAlbugami
Invention scans for threats and informs driver on display or mobile
Boost for Saudi Arabia’s Ceer Motors, fledgling electric car industry, says lead developer
King Saud University in Riyadh has been granted a patent in the US for software that protects the computer systems of electric cars when linking to charging stations.
The invention is named the Motor Vehicle Cyber Inspection System. After conducting an inspection, the system notifies the driver of the cybersecurity status on a smart display or mobile device. The system can scan for malware, ransomware, backdoors, data leakage, and software vulnerabilities.
Announcing the receipt of the patent, the KSU media center said Thursday the team that achieved this success was led by Prof. Muhammad Khurram Khan and included Dr. Wazir Khan.
“This breakthrough patent achievement highlights KSU’s dedication to pioneering research and technological advancements, solidifying its position at the forefront of innovation in automotive cybersecurity,” it said.
The approval was granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office on Jan. 16, and the application was submitted in March 2023.
Khan, who led the team, told Arab News: “The granting of this US patent to the KSU represents a momentous achievement in the realm of cybersecurity, particularly for the burgeoning automotive sector in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030. The invention holds substantial significance for the local automotive industry, particularly for entities like Ceer Motors and the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company.”
“Saudi Vision 2030 emphasizes the importance of developing a skilled and knowledgeable workforce to meet the demands of a diversified economy. Therefore, the development and implementation of advanced technologies, as reflected in the patent, contribute to job creation and skill development,” he added.
Khan further said: “Integrating patented technology into vehicles and charging stations would offer a considerable competitive advantage. It would not only enhance the cybersecurity resilience of automotive products but also position local manufacturers at the forefront of technological innovation and economic diversification efforts while the Saudi automotive industry is taking off.”
He added that the “patent aligns with the national goals of technological innovation and localization. By implementing this technology locally, companies could contribute to building indigenous capabilities, fostering economic growth, and creating high-value jobs in the technology and automotive sectors.”
Under the Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia is actively diversifying its economy, with a particular emphasis on the automotive sector. This commitment is exemplified by the establishment of Ceer Motors, the Kingdom’s inaugural EV brand, dedicated to manufacturing local electric vehicles.
Moreover, a recent development includes the launch of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Co., or EVIQ, a strategic initiative to bolster EV adoption. The firm aims to facilitate this transition by establishing a nationwide network of 1,000 charging stations consisting of 5,000 chargers by 2030.
