Lavrov praised the growing bilateral relations and expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s balanced and principled position on the Ukraine conflict. “We value the Kingdom’s responsible approach to the Ukrainian crisis,” Lavrov stated, while also acknowledging Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, especially in Yemen.

Focus on Gaza, Iran, and Regional Stability

The diplomatic talks were part of Prince Faisal’s official visit to Russia, where the situation in Gaza featured prominently. “Our immediate priority must be achieving a permanent ceasefire,” Prince Faisal emphasized, urging the international community to step up pressure to end hostilities and prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.

He also called for renewed engagement over Iran’s nuclear program, urging Tehran to cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to restore diplomatic momentum.

Key Events to Boost Russia-Saudi Ties

Looking ahead, Lavrov announced several key events aimed at bolstering Russia–Saudi relations:

• Saudi Arabia will participate as Guest of Honor at the 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, a move Lavrov called symbolic as 2025 marks 100 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
• The first-ever Russian-Arab Summit is scheduled for October in Moscow.
• The 8th Russia–GCC Strategic Dialogue Ministerial Meeting will be held on September 11 in Sochi.

Lavrov described these events as “important milestones that underscore the strength of our enduring partnership and strategic alignment.”

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Flight Schedule:

• From Kochi to Jeddah:
  • Saturdays and Mondays at 6:10 PM
• From Jeddah to Kochi:
  • Saturdays and Mondays at 6:45 AM
  • Sundays at 7:45 AM and 10:10 AM

Passengers are allowed 30 kg of check-in baggage and 7 kg of hand luggage per flight.

As part of its network expansion, Akasa Air has also announced plans to soon begin services to Riyadh and Kuwait.

The post Akasa Air Launches Kochi–Jeddah Direct Flights; Four Weekly Services appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The projects include a medical complex and amusement park in Al Khobar, and an industrial and employment data center in Jubail. With a focus on tourism and entertainment, these initiatives aim to drive urban development in Dammam, Al Khobar, and Jubail, while also creating significant employment opportunities.

Key Projects:

Al Khobar:
A comprehensive medical complex and research center will be established. Additionally, a large-scale amusement park equipped with all modern facilities will be developed on 20 million square meters at Al Khobar’s Half Moon Beach. This is expected to significantly boost the local tourism sector.

Jubail:
In Jubail, an industrial hub, an integrated industrial employment data center is set to be developed under a signed agreement. This will provide strong support for the industrial sector.

The agreements were formalized in the presence of Eastern Province Governor Prince Saud bin Nayef, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, and Eastern Province Mayor Engineer Fahad Al-Jubeir.

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Riyadh : An Indian all-party parliamentary delegation visiting Riyadh has praised Saudi Arabia’s unwavering stance against terrorism. The delegation arrived on a two-day visit aimed at sharing India’s perspective on counterterrorism efforts, particularly in light of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Indian military operation, ‘Sindoor’.

The Indian representatives held formal discussions with senior Saudi officials, including Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council Dr. Mishaal Al-Sulami and Major General Abdul Rahman Al-Harbi, Chairman of the Saudi-India Friendship Committee. Later, the team met with Adel Al-Jubeir, Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and the Kingdom’s representative to the UN Climate Committee. The meetings addressed bilateral concerns and areas of mutual interest.

The delegation lauded Saudi Arabia’s strong measures in combating terrorism and stressed the importance of global cooperation in eradicating extremist threats.

Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi

On Wednesday morning, the delegation paid floral tribute at the Mahatma Gandhi statue at the Indian Embassy premises. They also held discussions with Indian Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan and later engaged with senior Saudi officials, cultural and business leaders, highlighting India’s vision and commitment to fighting terrorism.

The visit will conclude today (Thursday) with further meetings across various sectors. A special interactive session titled “Meet the Indian Delegation” will be held at the Indian Embassy’s multipurpose hall from 3:00 to 4:30 PM for Indian expatriate community representatives and media personnel.

Warm Welcome at Riyadh Airport

The seven-member team arrived at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Tuesday night and was formally received by Major General Abdul Rahman Al-Harbi and Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy.

Originally an eight-member team was designated to visit Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Algeria. However, former Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was hospitalized during the Kuwait visit due to illness, had to return to India, leaving a seven-member delegation to proceed to Saudi Arabia.

Delegation Composition

The delegation is led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda and includes:

• Dr. Nishikant Dubey (BJP), Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Communications and IT
• Phangnon Konyak (BJP)
• Rekha Sharma (BJP)
• Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM)
• Satnam Singh Sandhu (MP)
• Harsh Vardhan Shringla, former Foreign Secretary

Following the completion of the Riyadh leg, the delegation is scheduled to depart for Algeria on Friday.

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With the weekend included, investors and market participants will enjoy an extended break.

Eid Al Adha Holiday Plans Across the GCC:

• United Arab Emirates: Eid Al Adha is expected to begin on Friday, June 6, 2025, according to astronomical calculations by the Emirates Astronomy Society. The UAE’s public holiday is likely to commence with Arafah Day on Thursday, June 5, followed by Eid celebrations from June 6 to 8 (Friday to Sunday).
• Qatar: The Qatari government has officially declared a five-day public holiday starting from the ninth day of Dhu Al Hijjah, known as Arafah Day.
• Kuwait: Eid Al Adha will be observed on Friday, June 6, based on projections from the Al Ojairi Scientific Center.

What Is Eid Al Adha?

Eid Al Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, marks the Quranic story of Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) unwavering devotion, as he prepared to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. However, God provided a ram to be sacrificed in his son’s place — an act that symbolizes faith and submission.

Coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Eid Al Adha is observed through special prayers, charitable giving, family gatherings, and the ritual sacrifice of livestock such as sheep, goats, or cows. The meat is then distributed among family, friends, and those in need, reinforcing the values of compassion and community.

The post Eid Al Adha 2025: Six-Day Break for Saudi Exchange, Extended Holidays Across GCC appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

Speaking at the Hail Forum during a session on “Investment Opportunities in the Transport and Logistics Sector,” Saud Al-Arifi, Director General of the General Administration of Privatization at the ministry, emphasized that the expansion supports the Kingdom’s goal of transforming Hail into a fully integrated logistics hub.

Currently serving as the main airport for the Hail Province, the facility is used by airlines such as Air Arabia, flynas, and flyadeal. The airport’s strategic location—within 60 minutes of 11 Arab capitals and 200 minutes from Central Europe—makes it an ideal candidate for further development.

In addition to the airport upgrade, the Ministry, in cooperation with the Hail Region Development Authority, is developing a massive logistics centre covering more than 374,000 square meters. This facility will enhance supply chain efficiency and boost cargo movement across Saudi Arabia.

A separate initiative to upgrade roadside services across the region is also underway, aimed at improving road safety and enhancing travel amenities.

Vision 2030: Saudi Arabia’s Aviation and Logistics Overhaul

The Hail airport expansion is part of Saudi Arabia’s larger Vision 2030, a national plan to diversify the economy beyond oil and position the Kingdom as a global leader in logistics, aviation, and tourism.

Key goals under the Saudi Aviation Strategy include:

• Passenger Growth: Increase total passenger traffic to 330 million annually by 2030, up from 112 million in 2023.
• Cargo Expansion: Grow air cargo volume to 4.5 million tonnes annually.
• Global Connectivity: Connect Saudi airports to over 250 international destinations.
• Infrastructure Investment: Modernize airports across the Kingdom, including the upcoming King Salman International Airport in Riyadh and the new Abha International Airport.
• Airline Development: Launch new carriers like Riyadh Air and NEOM Airlines, joining existing players like Saudia and flynas.

Riyadh Air, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is expected to launch in Q3 2025. Its fleet will include 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft and up to 72 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with further discussions ongoing for additional wide-body aircraft, including the Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 777X.

These developments underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to transforming its aviation and logistics sectors into global benchmarks, anchoring the Kingdom’s vision for a diversified and connected future.

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The Saudi delegation was led by Eng. Al Badr Adel Fawad, Deputy Minister of Industrial Development at the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, and Albar Alaskandarani, Deputy Minister for International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Economy and Planning.

The meeting emphasized the importance of advancing joint efforts in industry, commerce, and investment in alignment with the national visions of both countries. Enhancing the investment climate and promoting public-private partnerships were key points of discussion.

Dr. Saleh bin Saeed Masan, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion in Oman, also held talks with the Saudi delegation. The discussions focused on strategic sectors for industrial integration and economic cooperation.

Opportunities in production, supply chains, and value-added industries were highlighted, along with initiatives to integrate industrial institutions from both Oman and Saudi Arabia.

The meeting was part of ongoing efforts to reinforce the long-standing economic partnership between the two nations, officials said.

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This IPO not only marks another major listing in the Kingdom’s capital markets, but also puts the spotlight back on the Gulf’s booming aviation industry. With its extensive network spanning 72 destinations, flynas transported 10.9 million passengers in the first nine months of 2024 alone.

The airline continues to grow its fleet with a robust order of 30 Airbus A330neo and 130 A320neo aircraft. Financially, flynas is cruising steadily, posting revenues of SR434 million in 2024’s first nine months, up from SR401 million in the same period a year earlier. In 2023, annual revenues had soared past SR7.5 billion.

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According to the Saudi Central Bank, total liquidity (broad money supply, M3) exceeded SR3 trillion (SR3,033,684 million), up from SR2,756,193 million during the same period in 2024.
This robust expansion underscores the strong performance of the broad money supply, a key indicator of economic vitality.
On a monthly basis, liquidity rose by SR67.54 billion, or 2.3 per cent, compared to SR2,966,140 million at the end of January 2025. These elevated liquidity levels are a key driver of Saudi Arabia’s economic momentum, underpinning both commercial activity and overall economic growth.
Breaking down the components of broad money supply, demand deposits held the largest share, accounting for 48.5 percent of total liquidity, or SR1,470,383 million as of February’s end. Time and savings deposits followed, amounting to SR1,031,712 million and comprising 34 per cent of the money supply.
Quasi-cash deposits came in third, contributing SR293,683 million, or 9.7 percent of total liquidity. Currency in circulation outside the banking system ranked fourth, standing at SR237,905 million, or approximately 7.8 per cent of the total. Quasi-cash deposits include residents’ deposits in foreign currencies, deposits backed by letters of credit, ongoing remittance transfers, and repurchase (repo) agreements with the private sector. The broad money supply is categorised as follows: M1 includes currency in circulation and demand deposits; M2 combines M1 with time and savings deposits; and M3 encompasses M2 along with quasi-cash deposits.

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“The certificate was issued after the airline met all regulatory requirements and safety standards,” GACA said on Sunday. Riyadh Air is projected to fly to more than 100 destinations by 2030.

The post New Saudi airline Riyadh Air gets Air Operator Certificate, set to launch flights in 2025 appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The tally was collected through more than 19 million donation operations conducted during the lunar month that ended in the kingdom on March 30, the National Platform for Charitable Work Ehsan said.
Last month, Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed launched the fifth edition of the Ehsan campaign with a combined donation of SR70 million.

During the month of Ramadan, the Ehsan operations centre witnessed the signing of a slew of agreements aimed at supporting the campaign by enhancing integration between the private sector and the Ehsan platform.
The agreements have had an impact in promoting the culture of donation and social solidarity to support the platform’s work in various charitable fields.
Inaugurated in mid-April 2021, Ehsan receives donations that benefit a wide range of charitable works including health, social, food, housing, and education according to high and transparent governance that ascertains swift processing of the donations and delivering them to those who deserve them as quickly as possible.

The platform is an integrated portal aimed to manage donations in the kingdom. It is designed to invest data and artificial intelligence to maximise impact of development projects and services by providing advanced technological solutions and building an effective system through partnerships with governmental and non-profit private sectors.
Donors have easy access methods to the portal including via the smartphone.

The benefactors have the option to specify the sector into which they want their money to be channeled.

The post Saudi charity drive raises SR1.8 billion in Ramadan appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

Having inherited the profession from his ancestors, Saudi citizen Bin Ghaith said he has been keen to make the traditional attires more attractive and highly treasured.
“Folk costumes are associated with the two Eid and important occasions,” he told the Saudiah TV channel, referring to the Islamic festivals of Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha.

“This is our family’s profession, which I decided to develop and transform into folklore. I also decided to develop a reference for expensive and precious fashion pieces.”
The seasoned professional explained that he has innovated a reference about the authentic types of clothing that uphold the heritage and national identity.
“Traditional Eid costumes include those of children and embroidered pieces that exude distinction and vibrancy,” he said. “Children are the stars of the Eids. The Eid clothes are noted for movement and should be different from the everyday clothing,” he argued.

Bin Ghaith staunchly advocated the heritage attires.
“The past is lovely and should not be tampered with. We should not labour under the illusion that things coming to us from abroad are better than ours. We have beautiful costumes that carry our heritage and our folks’ memories. They make our civilization different from others.”

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has placed increasing emphasis on national identity and heritage.

Since 2022, February 22 has been designated as Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day and an official holiday.

This day commemorates the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727 by Imam Mohammad bin Saud, aiming to forge a stronger connection between present-day Saudis and their national heritage.
The Founding Day anniversary typically features cultural and folk festivities, spotlighting the kingdom’s rich heritage spanning three centuries.

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From Sunday (tomorrow) until Wednesday, when Eid is expected, maximum temperatures will range from 30 to 38 degrees Celsius, according to the Saudi National Centre for Meteorology (NCM). Moderate conditions are anticipated in the kingdom’s southwestern heights and parts of the northern regions, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 29 degrees Celsius.

At night, most areas will experience moderate conditions, with minimum temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. However, it could be cold in the north and in the southwestern heights, with temperatures between 11 and 14 degrees Celsius.

The NCM also forecasts moderate to heavy thunderstorms accompanied by hail showers in parts of Tabuk, Al Jawf, the Northern Borders, Medina, Ha’il, Al Qassim, the northern parts of the Eastern Province, and the western areas of Riyadh, as well as in the heights of Asir, Al Baha, Jazan, and Mecca.

Meanwhile, dust-raising active winds are expected during the day in the regions of Mecca, Medina, Tabuk, Al Jawf, the Northern Borders, Ha’il, Al Qassim, Riyadh, and the northern parts of the Eastern Province.

The Eid Al Fitr holiday, marking the end of the Islamic sacred month of Ramadan, is a peak travel season.

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The number of passengers, who boarded the train on the 15th of the current month of Ramadan, reached about 48,000.

Since the lunar month began on March 1, the average daily passenger number surpassed the 39,000 mark, reflecting the high demand for the service as the fastest means of transport to Mecca, home to Islam’s holiest mosque, SPA added.

The number of the train journeys has been gradually increased since the beginning of Ramadan, reaching 130 per day during the last 10 days of the month, noted for devout worshipping.

The lunar month traditionally marks the peak season of the Umrah or minor pilgrimage in the Grand Mosque, Islam’s most sacred site, in Mecca.

After performing Umrah, many pilgrims would head to Medina to perform prayers in the Prophet’s Mosque, Islam’s second holiest, and visit other landmarks in the city.

To cope with the surge in the passenger traffic, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has adjusted train schedules to handle peak times for pilgrims, worshippers, and visitors. It has also provided additional lounges at the Medina station.

The operator had earlier announced its operational plan for the Ramadan season, which includes providing 1.6 million seats through more than 3,400 journeys on the Haramain trains.

Inaugurated in 2018, the Haramain rail service connects Mecca and Madina via the port city of Jeddah and the King Abdulaziz International Airport. The 453-km-long service, which provides fast, efficient, and congestion-free travel, aims to transport about 60 million passengers annually.

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Mecca and Medina, home to Islam’s two holiest mosques, usually witness huge numbers of visitors from inside and outside Saudi Arabia during the last days of the Islamic sacred month of Ramadan, expected to end on Saturday.
Road security forces have intensified their efforts to regulate entry and exit of traffic, direct vehicles carrying pilgrims to alternative routes when necessary, and give the faithful a smooth access to their destinations in Mecca and Medina.

The closing days of Ramadan are expected to witness a further increase in the numbers of vehicles and passengers heading to both cities.
In undertaking the stint, the Special Road Security Forces have beefed up their field presence by intensifying patrols and checkpoints on the main roads leading to Mecca, known as the “Holy Capital” — home to the Grand Mosque.

Likewise, the forces are working to secure the roads leading to the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina through checkpoints to ensure the smooth inflow of pilgrims.

To this end, the forces utilize smart systems to monitor roads via screens connected to cameras installed along highways, enabling swift responses to accidents and traffic violations.

The month of Ramadan usually marks the peak season of the Umrah or lesser pilgrimage in the Grand Mosque.

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Key directives include the prohibition of raising flags that are faded or in poor condition. When a flag becomes worn or obsolete, it must be properly disposed of by the entity responsible for it.
The ministry further clarified that the flag should never be used for commercial purposes or as part of a trademark.

It is also forbidden to use the flag for tying or carrying objects or to place or print it on animals.
The flag must always be treated with respect and should not be displayed in a manner that could cause damage or disorder.

Additional rules specify that no slogans, phrases, or images may be printed on the flag.

It should be displayed in a way that allows it to stand freely and move naturally on the mast. The flag should never be fixed or tied in a way that limits its movement, nor should it be raised upside down.

The national flag must never touch the ground, water, or any other surface. Adding any logos, except for the emblem of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques — two crossed swords topped by a palm tree placed near the lower corner by the flagpole — is also prohibited.

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Heading Oman’s delegation, His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, stressed the urgent need to fully implement the ceasefire, facilitate the return of displaced Palestinians, and ensure uninterrupted humanitarian aid delivery. He warned against any attempts to displace Palestinians or violate their rights, calling for an effective international mechanism to protect civilians and hold Israel accountable for violations.
On the sidelines of the OIC gathering, His Excellency Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi held bilateral talks with key foreign ministers:
Dr. Abbas Araqchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran – Discussed regional security, bilateral cooperation, and diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts through peaceful dialogue.

Bakhtiar Saidov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan – Focused on enhancing economic, investment, cultural, and scientific partnerships between Oman and Uzbekistan.

Oman’s delegation also included Ambassador Sheikh Ahmed bin Hashel Al Maskari, Minister Plenipotentiary Salim bin Mohammed Al Busaidi, and several senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The OIC meeting, chaired by Cameroon’s Foreign Minister, Lugen Mbela Mbela, brought together foreign ministers from member states to address regional challenges and coordinate joint action against ongoing Israeli aggression.

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Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs and Guidance Abdullatif Al Alsheikh made the remarks as some groups were uncovered illegally attempting to raise donations in the run-up to the month of Ramadan, marked by benevolence.

“We must stop this huge bleeding coming out of the Muslims’ pockets and work together to deliver aid to those who deserve it,” the official told the Saudi TV Al Ekhbariya.

“It is not just anyone who comes forward and says, “Pay 1 riyal, 30 riyals to build a mosque, and pay 90 riyals to build three mosques.” This is a lie,” he added.

“On my personal responsibility, there are many associations that market themselves and say, “I will sponsor an orphan and a widow, and pay bills for so-and-so!” Who will guarantee this for me?”
The minister called for cooperation to ensure that the aid, which he estimated to total billions of riyals annually, will actually reach the people who deserve it.

Earlier this week, Al Alsheikh disclosed that a company was collecting money from the public purportedly for constructing and renovating mosques. The unidentified company alleged it had obtained official approvals for raising donations, but it hadn’t.

Another group was monitored advertising for donation collection to build mosques in the holy city of Mecca although this group has not got sites for such construction and the ministry had not issued related approvals, according to Al Alsheikh.
He warned that such violations are on the rise in the run-up to Ramadan expected to begin on Saturday. He urged members of the public not to be misled by unauthorised calls for donations that should go through official channels.

As part of regulations for the work of mosques during the fasting month of Ramadan, Saudi authorities have banned collecting donations for the Iftar (fast-breaking) projects.

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Applications for engaging in volunteerism in the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina are accepted from females and females in coordination between the Presidency of Religious Affairs for the Two Holy Mosques and the Ministry of Human Resources.
Cairo: Saudi Arabia has opened registration for volunteers wishing to serve worshippers in Islam’s two holiest mosques during the upcoming sacred month of Ramadan.

Applications for engaging in volunteerism in the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina are accepted from females and females in coordination between the Presidency of Religious Affairs for the Two Holy Mosques and the Ministry of Human Resources.
The presidency, the official said, has set up a database to facilitate identifying volunteer opportunities, work needs, and receiving requests via an electronic platform in such volunteer fields as guidance, awareness promotion, religious affairs, media, technical fields, row management, and translation.

Ramadan traditionally marks the peak season of the Umrah or minor pilgrimage in the Grand Mosque amid stepped-up preparations from Saudi authorities to cope with the expected influx of worshippers.

The current season of Umrah, which can be undertaken around the year, began in late June after the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Many pilgrims also head to the Prophet’s Mosque, the second holiest place, and visit other Islamic landmarks in Medina.

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Eng. Aladdin Bait Fadhel, Chief Commercial Officer of Omantel, stated: “At Omantel, our vision is to solidify our leadership role as a key enabler of Oman’s digital transformation and to be the premier provider of innovative technology solutions in the region. Our collaboration with Shaffra will significantly contribute to developing cutting-edge technology solutions, particularly in artificial intelligence, for our customers”.
Al Harith Al Atawi, CEO of Shaffra Technology Labs, expressed his enthusiasm about partnering with Omantel on this strategic project. He noted that this cooperation would open vast opportunities for Shafra in the Omani market by introducing successful AI and metaverse solutions, such as the AI employee project, which is now being adopted by numerous government and private entities in several countries. “We aim to deliver a unique experience for Omantel customers through this partnership and innovative projects that enhance productivity and reduce costs,” said Al Atawi..
Omantel has previously signed multiple agreements to localize global technologies and enhance the ICT infrastructure in the Sultanate. In collaboration with major international technology giants, Omantel seeks to attract the latest technological and innovative advancements to foster Oman’s digital transformation. This strategic initiative aligns with Omantel’s vision to become an integrated provider of digital solutions, catering to the diverse needs of government institutions, private sector companies, and individual subscribers under one umbrella.

Omantel has succeeded, through the integration of its operations, processes, and extensive expertise in the field of communications and digital technology, in establishing its position as a leading telecommunications company within the Sultanate of Oman and beyond. The company’s innovative approaches have contributed to providing state-of-the-art solutions to different consumer and business sectors. The company aims to deliver an unparalleled, exceptional experience to its customers and strives to always exceed their expectations. To achieve the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, Omantel invests in emerging technologies and provides cutting-edge ICT solutions, such as cloud solutions, AI, Smart solutions, cybersecurity, and much more, in addition to harnessing its technological capabilities to enhance innovation and leadership in new and advanced technologies.

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The step is the result of cooperation between the Ministry of Eudcation and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA).

The guidelines are designed to upgrade the quality of education and improve its outputs in an “ethical and responsible” way that ensures the preservation of the pivotal role of the teacher, supports the educational process for students, and raises parents’ awareness about the technologies involved in the process, reported the Saudi news portal Akhbaar24.
The guidebook focuses on key topics in generative AI in education targeting students, teachers and parents with the aim of to raising awareness about the mechanism of generative AI, and providing guidance for using its tools ethically and responsibly while suggesting appropriate methods for its utilization.
The three-part guidebook, among other things, provides a definition of generative artificial intelligence, its outputs, mechanism of action, and education benefits. The second part features guidelines for using generative artificial intelligence and its tools in the educational process.

The third introduces students, teachers, and parents to the basics of command engineering linked to generative AI tools.

The ministry has banned the use of generative AI tools for students under the age of 13 except under direct supervision. The ministry also stressed that students under the age of 18 cannot use generative AI tools unless they obtain a clear consent from their parents, Al Yaum newspaper reported.
The related methodology has been developed in line with the guidelines issued by competent government agencies in the kingdom including SDAIA, and the National Centre for E-Learning. To this end, a comprehensive global comparative study was also conducted.

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