DOCSLIB.ORG

Saudi Arabia Pioneering and Leadership

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Saudi Arabia Pioneering and Leadership 1 2 SAUDI ARABIA PIONEERING AND LEADERSHIP By Khodr Saleh First published in 2001 by THE ARAB WORLD MEDIA CENTER – AUSTRALIA 3 In The Name of God Most Gracious, Most Merciful SAUDI ARABIA PIONEERING AND LEADERSHIP Edited by: Khodr Saleh Updated Edition 2003 First published in 2001 by: THE ARAB WORLD MEDIA CENTER - AUSTRALIA P.O.BOX 766 RIVERWOOD NSW 2210 - SYDNEY - AUSTRALIA ISBN 0646400347 4 Preface By: Khodr Saleh The scene that the Arabic author Amin Elrihani discovered shortly after his first visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and his audience with King Abdel-Aziz, was unusual scene. It was as he expressed in one of his essays a total world that needs days and probably months to explore. It was probably similar to the scene I grasped few days after my arrival to Riyadh, the city I visited for the first time. I was invited by the invitation of the high committee chaired by the Governor of Riyadh, Prince Salman ben Abdel-Aziz, for the centennial celebration of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Before I go through the component of this world scenery, I must admit that I arrived to Riyadh holding only this holy vision which every Muslim carries since his birth, for the land of revelation and the birth place of the Prophet’ s mission and the home of the most noble the Prophet. Added to that another traditional vision spread by some media heavily clouded with vagueness and confusion about the land of camels and deserts that suddenly luck smiled on it with wealth and oil. I must admit that although my experience was limited in following this impression, with its accounts, exaggerations, and generalized assumptions about the domestic political system of the Kingdom, and the way of thinking of the Saudi people, and the manner they conduct their lives and behavior, it was clearly to me that this impression is false. It was probably fabricated by those who are biased politically and ideologically and motivated by predisposed assumptions, lack of objectivity and motivated by envy, hatred, and prejudice etc, My conviction was deepened by the observations and impressions that went through mind and my spirit in the few days I spend as guest and participant in its centennial celebration. I found myself visiting Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, and Medinah. I moved between Najd and Hijaz. I met and held discussion with princes, personalities, intellectuals and down to earth people seeking factual accounts about the Kingdom and the eras it went through; these facts that were obscured through the changes, the directions of interests and concealing the truth. I discovered through my studies the true and intrinsic values the Saudi people hold. These values were not affected by the changes that took place nor it were affected by the fortune of oil and wealth. I noted their kindness and sensitivity, their passion for learning, knowledge and innovation. They followed progress in a manner that holds high the true values and preserved their established culture and history. They retained their simplicity and moderation that were intrinsic part of the There is no God but Allahز unification mission under the eternal banner of Islam that declares that This banner that was held by followers of the founder .سand Mohammed is the Prophet of Allah King Abdel-Aziz ben Abdel-Rahman Al-Saud on their way to reclaim the kingdom of their forefathers and ancestors a hundred years ago. This banner is still being carried by his sons who observe its laws and supported by the loyalty of the Saudi people. The importance of this impression I held during my stay in the Kingdom is that it coincides with the fundamental changes and achievements on the threshold of the third millennium in the political and economical arena as well as in the development and education. It goes side by side with the information revolution, globalization and the contemporary variables. In the same time they hold tight to their established Islamic identity, gains and values and responsibilities. Added to that I noted the attention and response of the Saudi public to the cultural activities, their participation, their creativity with poems, with painting, with books, seminars, with music and with dramatic arts, with their crafts and traditional handicrafts that were reflected in Jenaderia acvities. I would like before ending this preamble to address my appreciation to Saudi Arabia leadership and pioneering, and express my deep appreciation and thanks to those who supported and advised me and facilitated matters for me during my journey to Saudi Arabia. Without their help this book would not have seen the light. 5 New Doors to the Kingdom By : Peter Harrigan The general manager of Annakheel Village, a sprawling, palm-dotted beach resort north of Jiddah, al-Siddiqi is the organizer of this day's outing. For Qadi, manager of domestic tours for Saudi Tourist and Travel Bureau, it is part of one of the tours that his agency runs - in fact, one of about 30 such tours it has organized in the months between late 2000 and spring 2001. Working with foreigners who have come to Saudi Arabia neither to work nor to worship, but to sightsee and to learn, puts both men on the leading edge of a blossoming tourism industry. Now nearly two weeks into the tour, the group has clocked some 6500 kilometers (4000 mi), beginning in Riyadh, where its members toured the National Museum and the ruins of the former capital, al-Dir'iyah, and walked the suqs, including a camel market. They then zigzagged across the country on six domestic flights, visiting al jawf in the far north, Dammam, jubail, Hofuf and Qatif in the east and the Nabataean masterpiece of Mada'in Salih in the northwest. According to the itinerary, today is for relaxation: "a full excursion to the Red Sea, which contains one of the greatest coral reefs in the world, with over 200 species of coral." Internet consultant Jan Zastrow of Honolulu, Hawaii cannot wait for the anchor to drop so she can don mask, snorkel and fins. "I'm not an exotic destination junkie, and I've never even been a group tourist before, but this was the only way to get here," she says. For her, the trip to Saudi Arabia satisfied a curiosity that she developed two decades ago when she worked in the library at Columbus College in Georgia. "We received a lot of titles on Bedouin life and desert culture and 1 became fascinated by those images and descriptions," she explained. "But what really nailed my interest was that I could step out of the library and bump right into Saudis who had once led the life those books described, had moved out of the desert to towns in Arabia, and had gone on to become students in the States." Zastrow herself went on to a master's degree program in Arab studies at Georgetown University. A visit to Arabia, however, had to wait until last year, when she spotted an advertisement for the tour offered by California-based Distant Horizons, one of some 50 international tour operators now offering excursions to Saudi Arabla in partnership with 10 government - approved Saudi tour operators. This year, these numbers are expected to rise as travel companies in North America, Europe, Australia, Taiwan and Japan eye Saudi Arabia, and Saudi investors pump up what the kingdom hopes will become a significant, nonpetroleum part of the economy. Janet Moore, proprietor of Distant Horizons, calls the level of interest in Saudi Arabia "remarkable," and has four groups scheduled to travel there this year. These efforts are very new. The first full international package tour of the kingdom was organized in 1995, when Saudi Arabian Airlines invited one group of Japanese to see the rnajor sights on a two- week trip. "We learned a loi from thatinitiative, says Farouk Ilyias, tourism manager for the national flag carrier. The airline then began to "bring in selected groups from America and Europe." Yet properly speaking, the first Western tourists arrived on a day trip in 1992, when a Bombay-to- Aqaba cruise ship carrying alumni of Stanford University received permission to dock for a guided tour of the city of Jiddah. "That visit gave us a kick-start," says Peter Voll, who organized the cruise for Stanford and went on to found Peter Voll Associates (PVA), which specializes in educational tours worldwide and which ran its first all Saudi Arabia tour in 1999. For 2001, Voll has slated - and in many cases, already filled - 10 tours to Saudi Arabia, and he has scheduled stops at Jiddah, Dammam and Jubail for two international cruises. Last year, Japan still led the arrivals list with 661 tourists in 41 groups. Germany held second position with 566 visitors; the United States was a close third at 500, all of whom came under the auspices of university alumni associations, the Smithsonian Institution or the American Bar Association. The tourists' average age is over 65 and most are "retired professionals, educated and well-traveled, with money and leisure," explains Voll, who adds that, in the United States alone, "this is a half-billiondollar-a-year market of intelligent, sensitive, experienced and serious travelers. It is the most significant travel audience in the USA today." For this group, Voll says, "Arabia is the strongest market for the educational travel audience focusing on cultural and eco-tours. People want to come to Arabia. This is the last frontier of tourism, closed for years and now gradually, thoughtfully and carefully opening up." It also benefits, Voll contends, from being historically misunderstood in the West.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Saudi Arabia.Pdf
    A saudi man with his horse Performance of Al Ardha, the Saudi national dance in Riyadh Flickr / Charles Roffey Flickr / Abraham Puthoor SAUDI ARABIA Dec. 2019 Table of Contents Chapter 1 | Geography . 6 Introduction . 6 Geographical Divisions . 7 Asir, the Southern Region � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �7 Rub al-Khali and the Southern Region � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �8 Hejaz, the Western Region � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �8 Nejd, the Central Region � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �9 The Eastern Region � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �9 Topographical Divisions . .. 9 Deserts and Mountains � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �9 Climate . .. 10 Bodies of Water . 11 Red Sea � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11 Persian Gulf � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11 Wadis � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11 Major Cities . 12 Riyadh � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �12 Jeddah � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �13 Mecca � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
    [Show full text]
  • ECFG-Saudi-Arabia-2020.Pdf
    About this Guide This guide is designed to prepare you to deploy to culturally complex environments and achieve mission objectives. The ECFG fundamental information contained within will help you understand the cultural dimension of your assigned location and gain skills necessary for success (Photo: Saudi soldiers perform a traditional dance). Kingdomof Saudi Arabia The guide consists of two parts: Part 1 “Culture General” provides the foundational knowledge you need to operate effectively in any global environment with a focus on the Arab Gulf States. NOTE: While the term Persian Gulf is common in the US, this guide uses the name preferred in the region, the Arabian Gulf. Part 2 “Culture Specific” describes unique cultural features of Saudi society. It applies culture-general concepts to help increase your knowledge of your assigned deployment location. This section is designed to complement other pre- deployment training (Photo: US soldiers dine on a traditional Saudi meal of lamb and rice). For further information, visit the Air Force Culture and Language Center (AFCLC) website at http://culture.af.mil/ or contact the AFCLC Region Team at [email protected]. Disclaimer: All text is the property of the AFCLC and may not be modified by a change in title, content, or labeling. It may be reproduced in its current format with the express permission of the AFCLC. All photography is provided as a courtesy of the US government, Wikimedia, and other sources. GENERAL CULTURE PART 1 – CULTURE GENERAL What is Culture? Fundamental to all aspects of human existence, culture shapes the way humans view life and functions as a tool we use to adapt to our social and physical environments.
    [Show full text]
  • Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Clinical Trials in Saudi Arabia: a Cross- Sectional Study
    Open access Original research BMJ Open: first published as 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031305 on 22 October 2019. Downloaded from Knowledge of and attitudes toward clinical trials in Saudi Arabia: a cross- sectional study Nedal Al-Rawashdeh,1,2,3,4 Rana Damsees,1,2,3,4 Majed Al-Jeraisy,1,3,4 Eman Al Qasim,1,3,4 Ahmad M Deeb 1,3,4 To cite: Al-Rawashdeh N, ABSTRACT Strengths and limitations of this study Damsees R, Al-Jeraisy M, Objectives Clinical trials (CTs) are considered an et al. Knowledge of and important method for developing new treatments and ► The Saudi public’s knowledge of and attitudes to- attitudes toward clinical trials providing access to potentially effective drugs that are still in Saudi Arabia: a cross- ward clinical trials (CTs) are under-researched. under investigation. Measuring the public’s knowledge sectional study. BMJ Open ► This is the first study to explore the Saudi public’s of and attitudes toward CTs is important for assessing 2019;9:e031305. doi:10.1136/ knowledge and attitudes in terms of the different their readiness for and acceptance of human drug testing, bmjopen-2019-031305 phases of CTs in adult and paediatric populations. which has previously not been assessed in the Kingdom of ► The main limitation is possible selection bias due to ► Prepublication history for Saudi Arabia (KSA). The objective of this study is to explore convenience sampling. this paper is available online. the Saudi public’s knowledge of and attitudes toward CTs To view these files, please visit as well as participation in trials to test new or approved the journal online (http:// dx.
    [Show full text]
  • Dynamics of Iranian-Saudi Relations in the Persian Gulf Regional Security Complex (1920-1979) Nima Baghdadi Florida International University, [email protected]
    Florida International University FIU Digital Commons FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations University Graduate School 3-22-2018 Dynamics of Iranian-Saudi Relations in the Persian Gulf Regional Security Complex (1920-1979) Nima Baghdadi Florida International University, [email protected] DOI: 10.25148/etd.FIDC006552 Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd Part of the International Relations Commons, and the Other Political Science Commons Recommended Citation Baghdadi, Nima, "Dynamics of Iranian-Saudi Relations in the Persian Gulf Regional Security Complex (1920-1979)" (2018). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3652. https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/3652 This work is brought to you for free and open access by the University Graduate School at FIU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of FIU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY Miami, Florida DYNAMICS OF IRANIAN-SAU DI RELATIONS IN THE P ERSIAN GULF REGIONAL SECURITY COMPLEX (1920-1979) A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in POLITICAL SCIENCE by Nima Baghdadi 2018 To: Dean John F. Stack Steven J. Green School of International Relations and Public Affairs This dissertation, written by Nima Baghdadi, and entitled Dynamics of Iranian-Saudi Relations in the Persian Gulf Regional Security Complex (1920-1979), having been approved in respect to style and intellectual content, is referred to you for judgment. We have read this dissertation and recommend that it be approved. __________________________________ Ralph S. Clem __________________________________ Harry D.
    [Show full text]
  • Oman UAE & Arabian Peninsula 5
    ©Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd 467 Behind the Scenes SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK We love to hear from travellers – your comments keep us on our toes and help make our books better. Our well-travelled team reads every word on what you loved or loathed about this book. Although we cannot reply individually to your submissions, we always guarantee that your feed- back goes straight to the appropriate authors, in time for the next edition. Each person who sends us information is thanked in the next edition – the most useful submissions are rewarded with a selection of digital PDF chapters. Visit lonelyplanet.com/contact to submit your updates and suggestions or to ask for help. Our award-winning website also features inspirational travel stories, news and discussions. Note: We may edit, reproduce and incorporate your comments in Lonely Planet products such as guidebooks, websites and digital products, so let us know if you don’t want your comments reproduced or your name acknowledged. For a copy of our privacy policy visit lonelyplanet.com/ privacy. Kuwaitis and Bahrainis were generous with OUR READERS their time and unfailingly patient with my Many thanks to the travellers who used questions. To Jan – much strength to you the last edition and wrote to us with help- in the days (and hopefully journeys) that ful hints, useful advice and interesting lie ahead. Special, heartfelt thanks to Mari- anecdotes: na, Carlota and Valentina for enduring my Hao Yan, Jens Riiis, Johann Schelesnak, Jonas absences again and again and welcoming me Wernli, Margret van Irsel, Nicole Smoot, Peter home with such love.
    [Show full text]
  • The Gold-Mines of Midian and the Ruined Midianite Cities. a Fortnight's
    \ McKEW PARR COLLECTION MAGELLAN and the AGE of DISCOVERY PRESENTED TO BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY • 1961 r^ Y^, ,-^^ctusJ-c^-- If! Ufa- THE GOLD-MINES OF MIDIAN THE RUINED MIDIANITE CITIES. — — — THE INNER LIFE OF SYRIA, PALESTINE, AND THE HOLY LAND. By Mrs. Richard Burton. IVitk Photographic Portraits of Captain Burton and the Author, and with Coloured Ilhcstratiotis and Map. Second Edition, 2 vols, demy 8vo. Price 243-, "Vivid pictures of the outer as well as the Inner Life of Syria." Pall Mall Gazette. " Her account of harem life is one of the best and most truthful that has yet appeared." Academy. "Vivid, clever, and brilliant sketches of Damascus and the Mahom- medan and Christian races of Syria." Edinburgh Review. C. Kegan Paul & Co., i. Paternoster Square, London. : THE GOLD-MINES OF MIDIAN AND THE RUINED MIDIANITE CITIES. A FORTNIGHTS TOUR IN NORTH-WESTERN ARABIA. BY RICHARD F. BURTON, MEMBRE DE l'iNSTITUT EGYPTIEN. LONDON C. KEGAN PAUL & CO., i, PATERNOSTER SQUARE. 1878. — .1^ I5-O VAj / L ji\ ^C^ * ' We have the authority of Niebuhr, that the precious metals are not found or known to exist in Arabia, which has no mines either of gold or silver."— Crichton's Histojy of Arabia, ii. 403. " Namentlich sind es die Arabir, welche den grossten Theil des in Alterthum vorhandenen Goldes unter die menschen geschlendert haben."—Sprenger, Alte Geographic, etc., p. 299. " Peregrinatio notitiam dabit gentium, novas tibi montium formas ostendit, inusitata spatia camporum et ii-riguas perennibus aquis valles, et alicujus fluminis sub observatione naturam. " L. Anncei SenectE, Epist. civ. HIS HIGHNESS ISMAIL I., KHEDIV OF EGYPT, A RULER WHOSE LOVE OF PROGRESS AND WHOSE PRINCELY HOSPITALITY HAVE MADE THE NILE-VALLEY, ONCE MORE, THE RESORT OF SCIENCE • AND THE DELIGHT OF TRAVELLERS, Cfjese ^agfs ARE RESPECTFULLY AND GRATEFULLY INSCRIBED.
    [Show full text]
  • Saudi Arabia. REPORT NO ISBN-0-93366-90-4 PUB DATE 90 NOTE 177P
    DOCUMENT RESUME ED 336 289 SO 021 184 AUTHOR McGregor, Joy; Nydell, Margaret TITLE Update: Saudi Arabia. REPORT NO ISBN-0-93366-90-4 PUB DATE 90 NOTE 177p. AVAILABLE FROM Intercultural Press, Inc., P.O. Box 700, Yarmouth, ME 04096 ($19.95, plus $2.00). PUB TYPE Reports - Descriptive (141) EDRS PRICE MF01 Plus Postage. PC Not Available from EDRS. DESCRIPTORS Cultural Differences; Cultural Opportunities; *Foreign Countries; *Foreign Culture; Intercultural Communication; International Relations; Overseas Employment; Tourism; Travel IDENTIFIERS *Saudi Arabia ABSTRACT A guide for persons planning on living in or relocating to Saudi Arabia for extended periods of time, this book features information on such topics as entry requirements, transportation, money matters, housing, schools, and insurance. The guide's contents include the following sections: (1) an overview; (2) before leaving; (3) on arrival; (4) doing business; (5) customs and courtesies; (6) household pointers; (7) schools; (6) health and medical care; (9) leisure; (10) cities in profile; (11) sources of information; and (12) recommended readings. Three appendices are also included: (1) chambers of commerce and industry in Saudi Arabia; (2) average celsius temperatures of selected near eastern cities; and (3) prior to departure: recommended supplies. (DB) ***********************************************1!*********************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * *********************************************************************** U.S. DEPARTMENT OP EDUCATION Office of Educitional Research Ind Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) ty,thls document has been reproduced Se Keived from the person or worn/aeon I (Quieting it O Minor changes Aare been made to improve reproduction Quality Points of view or opinions stated in this docu .
    [Show full text]
  • 7.1 Introduction Our Study of Islam Begins with the Arabian Peninsula
    Name and Date: _________________________ Text: HISTORY ALIVE! The Medieval World 7.1 Introduction Our study of Islam begins with the Arabian Peninsula, where Islam was first preached. The founder of Islam, Muhammad, was born on the peninsula in about 570 C.E. In this chapter, you’ll learn about the peninsula’s geography and the ways of life of its people in the sixth century. The Arabian Peninsula is in southwest Asia, between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. It is often called Arabia. Along with North Africa, the eastern Mediterranean shore, and present day Turkey, Iraq, and Iran, it is part of the modern Middle East. Most of the people living in Arabia in the sixth century were Arabs. Some Arabs call their home al-Jazeera, or “the Island.” But it is surrounded by water on only three sides. The Persian Gulf lies to the east, the Red Sea to the west, and the Indian Ocean to the south. To the north are lands bordering the Mediterranean Sea. These lands serve as a land bridge between Africa, Asia, and Europe. Imagine that you are flying over the Arabian Peninsula. As you look down, you see vast deserts dotted by oases. Coastal plains line the southern and western coasts. Mountain ranges divide these coastal plains from the desert. The hot, dry Arabian Peninsula is a challenging place to live. In this chapter, you will study the geography of Arabia and its different environments. You’ll see how people made adaptations in order to thrive there. 7.2 The Importance of the Arabian Peninsula and Surrounding Lands Arabia lies at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe.
    [Show full text]
  • Neolithic Period, North-Western Saudi Arabia
    NEOLITHIC PERIOD, NORTH-WESTERN SAUDI ARABIA Khalid Fayez AlAsmari PhD UNIVERSITY OF YORK ARCHAEOLOGY SEPTEMBER 2019 Abstract During the past four decades, the Neolithic period in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) had received little academic study, until recently. This was due to the previous widely held belief that the Arabian Peninsula had no sites dating back to this time period, as well as few local researchers and the scarcity of foreign research teams. The decline in this belief over the past years, however, has led to the realisation of the importance of the Neolithic in this geographical part of the world for understanding the development and spread of early farming. As well as gaining a better understanding of the cultural attribution of the Neolithic in KSA, filling the chronological gaps in this historical era in KSA is vital, as it is not well understood compared to many neighbouring areas. To address this gap in knowledge, this thesis aims to consider whether the Northwest region of KSA was an extension of the Neolithic developments in the Levant or an independent culture, through presenting the excavation of the Neolithic site of AlUyaynah. Despite surveys and studies that have been conducted in the KSA, this study is the first of its kind, because the site "AlUyaynah", which is the focus of this dissertation, is the first excavation of a site dating back to the pre-pottery Neolithic (PPN). Therefore, the importance of this study lies in developing an understanding of Neolithic characteristics in the North-Western part of the KSA. Initially, the site was surveyed and then three trenches were excavated to study the remaining levels of occupation.
    [Show full text]
  • Visit Saudi Content Toolkit December 2020
    Content Toolkit 1 Visit Saudi Content Toolkit December 2020 VisitSaudi.com Content Toolkit 2 This is your ‘Welcome to Arabia’ content toolkit. The purpose of this toolkit is to provide you with information, images and video to give you the support needed to create beautiful, inspiring, consistent content to promote Saudi as a destination around the world. The contents of this toolkit can be used to create powerful communications across print, social and online formats. Content Toolkit 3 A word from our CCO Dear Friends and Partners of the Saudi Tourism Authority, Saudi is the most exciting travel destination in the market today. Largely unexplored by international leisure visitors, Saudi is the true home of Arabia – a land rich in culture, heritage, mystique and romance. A land of adventure and unparalleled hospitality. Saudi is a study in contrasts. From Al Jouf in the north to Jazan in the south, you’ll find arid deserts and lush valleys, clear seas and rugged mountains, ancient archaeological sites and modern architecture, haute cuisine and street food. It is a country of natural beauty, great diversity and hidden treasures. Saudi’s tourism offering focuses on delivering authentically Arabian adventure, culture and heritage underpinned by remarkable hospitality. It is the Kingdom’s unique natural attributes and its authenticity as the home of Arabia that will attract and enthrall travelers. Saudi opened its doors and hearts to the world of leisure tourism in September 2019 with the launch of our tourism e-visa service. And before the global ban on international travel is response to the coronavirus pandemic, it was the fastest growing tourist destination in the world, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Economic Impact Report.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report 2019 1440 - 1441
    Annual Report 2019 1440 - 1441 www.mcit.gov.sa Annual Report 2019 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud 4 5 Annual Report 2019 His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister & Defense Minister of Saudi Arabia 6 7 Annual Report 2019 Table of Contents Statement by Minister of Communications and Information Technology 10 • Digital Ecosystem Integration 110 Vision of Digital Transformation 14 • E-Government Effectiveness 138 ICT Ecosystem 28 • Telecommunications Sector Transformation 150 • Vision of ICT Sector 31 • Human Capacity Development 152 • Values 32 Developing Technology; Supporting, Stimulating Innovation; Expanding the 164 Market • Executive Summary 33 Regulation of the Postal Sector 178 • ICT Ecosystem 33 • Institutional Excellence 180 • MCIT 34 • Enhancement of Sector’s Regulatory and Legislative Environment 183 • National Digital Transformation Unit (NDU) 35 • MCIT Contribution to Vision 2030 184 E-Government Program (Yesser) 36 • Objectives 188 • National Center for Digital Certification (NCDC) 38 National Transformation Program 2.0 192 • Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) 39 Indicators 198 • Saudi Post 41 Initiatives 222 • Digital Transformation 44 International Participations and Events 228 Digital Transformation Ecosystem 46 Appendices 236 Digital Transformation Governance 54 • Appendix (A) - International ICT-related Indicators 239 Digital Transformation Framework 62 • Appendix (B) - Terms and Definitions 246 • Role of ICT Ecosystem in Digital Transformation 64 • Appendix (C) - National Transformation Program’s Initiatives’ Cards 250 • ICT Sector Strategy 78 • Appendix (D) - Proposed MCIT Organizational Chart 256 • Achievements 96 8 9 Annual Report 2019 Foreword In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most and enhanced the Kingdom’s inter- Merciful national presence.
    [Show full text]
  • Impact of Elevation and Slope Aspect on Floristic Composition in Wadi
    www.nature.com/scientificreports OPEN Impact of elevation and slope aspect on foristic composition in wadi Elkor, Sarawat Mountain, Saudi Arabia Mohamed A. Fadl1,2, Hatim M. Al‑Yasi1 & Emad A. Alsherif2,3* The current research was carried out in Wadi Elkor, one of the Sarawat Mountains regions, which is a special location from an environmental standpoint and one of the only places in Saudi Arabia where a range of Palaearctic fora co‑exists with Afrotropical species. The study aimed to determine the foristic composition as well as the efects of slope aspect and elevation on species, life forms, and phytogeographical elements distribution. The study area is located in Wadi Elkor, a valley in the Sarawat Mountains that cuts of the Al‑Hada escarpment, 47 km southeast of Makkah City, Saudi Arabia. We conducted the research at three diferent locations, each with a diferent elevation and slope aspect. Based on foristic composition, Ward classifcation moreover Jaccard comparisons were performed. A total of 189 species was discovered, divided into 131 genera and 43 families. The current study identifed Argyrolobium rarum Dumme as a new vascular plant in Saudi Arabia’s terrestrial fora. In the current study, the Gramineae, Leguminosae, and Compositae families contributed 29% of the total plant species, whereas 14 families were represented by one species each. Solanum was the most numerous genus, with seven species, followed by Acacia and Pulicaria, each with six species, while Commicarpos and Euphorbia, each with four species. At an elevation of 1060 m above sea level, the north facing slope had the most plants, genera, and families.
    [Show full text]