King Salman’s visit to Asian countries to achieve Vision 2030 aims, say experts

March 8, 2017

Riyadh, Mar 8: Experts said the visit of King Salman to several Asian countries carries investment mega-opportunities that will help achieve the objectives of Vision 2030.

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They said strengthening relations with the East Asian countries allows the Kingdom to benefit from trade locations and the experiences of these countries, local media said.

The board chairman of the Eastern Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abdulrahman Al-Otaishan, said openness to the emerging economies of East Asian countries will allow the Kingdom to diversify income sources, and attract new expertise from these countries.

Nasir Al-Hajri, a businessman, said the visit reflects the correct approach of the Kingdom’s leaders in reading economic developments. Eastern openness will strengthen the Kingdom’s economy and link it to mega-economies that have weight in global markets, he said.

Abdullah Al-Majdouie, another businessman, said openness is the feature of the modern era, and it becomes imperative to gain new additions from countries that have accomplished a lot in terms of economic growth that will serve the Kingdom’s strategic objectives in the long term.

Atif Sukkar, professor of Political Sciences at King Abdul Aziz University, said the king’s visit is not only important locally, but it is equally important at the foreign level for the Kingdom’s reputable international position.

Abdulbari Al-Nuwaihi, professor of economics at Prince Sultan Management College at Al-Faisal University in Jeddah, said the king’s visit is of paramount importance, as it will increase political, military and economic cooperation between the Kingdom and these countries. It will also allow openness to new markets and build strong alliances, he said.

Suha Allawi, assistant professor of Corporate Governance and Investment at King Abdul Aziz University, said the king’s visit aims to diversify the Kingdom’s strategic partnerships and strengthen its bilateral relations with the East Asian countries.

A Shoura Council member and professor of history and antiquities at King Saud University, Ahmed Al-Zailai, said the deals signed during the king’s visit to these Asian countries were good products of his visit.

The head of the Committee of Economy and Energy at the Shoura Council, Abdulrahman Al-Rashid, said the energy deals signed with the Indonesian side would boost relations with the Asian counties, in general, and the Kingdom’s strategic partners in oil and petrochemicals in particular.

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News Network
April 2,2020

Dubai, Apr 2: A senior Saudi official urged more than 1 million Muslims intending to perform the hajj to delay making plans this year in comments suggesting the pilgrimage could be cancelled due to the new coronavirus pandemic.

In February, the kingdom took the extraordinary decision to close off the holy cities of Mecca and Medina to foreigners over the virus, a step which wasn’t taken even during the 1918 flu epidemic that killed tens of millions worldwide.

Restrictions have tightened in the kingdom as it grapples with over 1,500 confirmed cases of the new virus. The kingdom has reported 10 deaths so far. The Middle East has more than 71,000 confirmed cases of the virus, most of those in Iran, and over 3,300 deaths.

“The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is prepared to secure the safety of all Muslims and nationals,” Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Muhammad Saleh bin Taher Banten told state television. “That’s why we have requested from all Muslims around the world to hold onto signing any agreements (with tour operators) until we have a clear vision.”

Saudi Arabia has barred people from entering or exiting three major cities, including Mecca and Medina, and imposed a nighttime curfew across the country. Like other countries around the world and in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has suspended all inbound and outbound commercial flights.

Each year, up to 2 million Muslims perform the hajj, a physically demanding and often costly pilgrimage that draws the faithful from around the world. The hajj, required of all able-bodied Muslims to perform once in their lifetime, is seen as a chance to wipe clean past sins and bring about greater humility and unity among Muslims.

Standing in Mecca in front of the cube-shaped Kaaba that Muslims pray toward five times daily, Banten also said the kingdom was already providing care for 1,200 pilgrims stuck in the holy city due to global travel restrictions. A number of them are being quarantined in hotels in Mecca, he said.

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KT
April 16,2020

Dubai, Apr 16: Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), unveiled a series of outdoor ads that form part of its new campaign to encourage the community to stay home.

Featuring the slogan 'For My Sake #StayHome for Us', the campaign depicts stunning artwork developed in collaboration with Emirati artist Maitha Demithan. The ads have been displayed on billboards, lamp posts and digital screens across Dubai.

The campaign reinforces the importance of staying at home in line with the strict restrictions on movement put in place by Dubai's Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management as part of intensified measures to combat Covid-19.

Nehal Badri, Director of Brand Dubai, said: "The outdoor campaign, displayed in prominent locations across Dubai, was designed to illustrate the importance of staying at home during the current sensitive period. Using Maitha Demithan's stunning creative artwork, we sought to send out a clear message to the community that staying at home is vital to safeguard the wellbeing of our loved ones. 

This project is one of a series of initiatives launched in collaboration with UAE-based artists to raise awareness about the need to unite efforts to protect vulnerable people from the risk of infection."

Emirati artist Maitha Demithan said: "It has been a privilege for me to work on this project and an honour to serve my country through my artworks. The three portraits featured in the campaign create a triptych that represents the people who are the most vulnerable to being infected by the virus. During such difficult times, art can play a crucial role in raising awareness on how to stay safe, but most importantly it can keep everyone inspired. I encourage all my fellow artists and the creative community to continue practicing social distancing and stay connected by using their creativity and innovation to raise awareness during this period."

Brand Dubai partnered with several media outlets, including Media 24/7, Arabian Outdoor Media and Hypermedia to launch the outdoor ads. The ads are displayed on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Marina.

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News Network
April 11,2020

Dubai, Apr 11: Saudi Arabia has reported another 382 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 4,033, the Ministry of Health announced on Saturday.

The ministry also confirmed five more deaths from the virus, pushing the death toll in Kingdom to 52.

A total of 35 people has made full recovery from the deadly disease, taking the tally of patients recovered to 720.

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