Day: June 2, 2024

An interceptor missile exploded near the Lebanese-Palestinian border after sirens sounded in settlements in the eastern sector. Source: National News Agency - Lebanon

Riyadh: The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has directed, based on the recommendation of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to name a road in Riyadh after the late Prince Badr bin Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. This road is located west of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, bordered by King Salman Road to the north and Al-Thumama Road to the south. This decision honors the late prince's significant national contributions and appreciates his unique poetic experience, which revitalized Nabati poetry and left a profound impact on Saudi and Arab literature. Born in Riyadh on April 2, 1949 (corresponding to Jumada Al-Akhirah 4, 1368 AH), Prince Badr contributed for half a century to enhancing national sentiment with his poems, which were sung by prominent Saudi artists. His words crafted memorable national operettas. His creativity and enriching influence spread th roughout the Arab world with the sweetness of his words, the beauty of his verses, and his unique style, making him an enduring Saudi Arabian icon. He was known for encouraging Saudi intellectuals and artists and chaired the first board of the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in 1973. This directive is an extension of the wise leadership's appreciation for the legacy of the late prince. In 2019, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques honored him with the King Abdulaziz Sash. Additionally, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) honored him the same year, coinciding with World Poetry Day. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Jeddah: The Sand and Dust Storm Warning Regional Center has reported an 80% decrease in dust and sand storms in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the past month, marking the lowest rate for May in 20 years. The Vice President of the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) and Executive Chief of the Sand and Dust Storm Warning Regional Center, Jumaan Al-Qahtani, stated that Riyadh and Eastern regions recorded an 80% decrease, while Qassim and Northern Border regions recorded a 100% decrease. The rate of dust and sand storms in the cities of Riyadh decreased by 95%, Al-Ahsa by 86%, and Qassim and Arar by 100%. Al-Qahtani attributed this decrease to the Kingdom's efforts on environmental issues through the Vision 2030 programs, which aim to reduce dust and sand storms and mitigate their effects in order to promote environmental sustainability and achieve a sustainable future for current and future generations. Source: Saudi Press Agency

NEOM, The Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha, has toured NEOM to review the progress of strategic plans and innovative digital projects aimed at building the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's city of the future, according to a press release from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. During the tour, Al-Swaha met with NEOM's Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Nadhmi Al-Nasr and the senior executive team at Tonomus. Tonomus, a subsidiary of NEOM, is responsible for delivering cutting-edge digital infrastructure and developing cognitive solutions for NEOM and its subsidiaries. Tonomus executives briefed Al-Swaha on the projects' progress and outlined future plans for deploying digital technologies at NEOM, within the Kingdom, across the region, and globally. Al-Swaha emphasized that under the leadership of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom is accelerating towards a more prosperous future through innovative projects desig ned to empower future generations. As part of the tour, the minister visited NEOM's Command Center and the Tonomus Innovation Hub. He also met with students participating in NEOM's scholarship program, highlighting their crucial role in the growth of Saudi Arabia's digital economy, research and development, and innovation ecosystem. The minister noted their significant contribution to strengthening the Kingdom's global competitiveness in these areas. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Riyadh: The Kingdom's accession, through the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, to the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIMC) initiative reflects its interest in uniting the efforts of partners towards increasing and accelerating innovation in agricultural and food systems to support climate action. This initiative provides a unique platform for cooperation between countries on common challenges regarding agricultural innovations in light of climate change. The initiative aims to significantly increase investment in climate action by its participants. It also seeks to support frameworks that enable technical discussions and enhance expertise, knowledge, and priorities across all international and national levels of innovation. The initiative is keen on establishing appropriate structures for exchanges between ministers, senior scientists, and other relevant stakeholders to foster creativity and cooperation in common research priorities among countries. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Casablanca, The Saudi Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, Dr. Sami bin Abdullah Al-Saleh, inspected the terminal designated for the "Makkah Route Initiative" at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca. During the visit, Ambassador Al-Saleh was briefed on the progress of work in the initiative's terminal and the procedures implemented to facilitate the Hajj journey, lauding the work team of the "Makkah Route Initiative" in the Kingdom of Morocco and the services they provide to pilgrims. Source: Saudi Press Agency