Middle East

Riyadh, Nov 13: Former Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) scientist and Madinah expansion project consultant Abdul Salam emphasized on the need for centers of national excellence in Muslim countries. He said that these centers of excellence would cater to the development of huge human resources and convert them into a diverse talent pool serving the purposes of the Ummah at large. He hailed

Jeddah, Nov 12: The Labor Ministry’s ongoing inspections backed by security teams to check on expatriates’ legal work status, particularly those working in the industrial sector is causing much concern among those who are not in compliance with the Kingdom’s work and residency laws. With the Labor Ministry having joined forces with security teams, illegal workers who could earlier slip through the

Jeddah, Nov 11: A proposal under consideration by the Shoura Council suggests the possibility of returning rehabilitated addicts to their former jobs after treatment. The security committee of the council has, however, rejected the proposal. Some members, on the other hand, quoted a survey indicating that 45 percent of current addicts are holding jobs at present. The proposal, submitted by Shoura

Beirut, Nov 10: Unknown assailants killed five nuclear engineers Sunday while they were on a bus just north of Damascus, near the research center where they worked, a monitor said on Sunday. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on a network of sources on the ground for its reports, was unable however to say how they were killed or supply their nationalities.

Jeddah, Nov 9: The Ministry of Transport has decided to implement new regulations for taxis, whether owned by individuals or firms, starting from mid-February. The new regulations involve extensive amendments, mainly insurance coverage to include third parties, the passengers and drivers through an insurance company licensed to operate in the Kingdom. Also, vehicles must be equipped with GPS and

Makkah, Nov 8: Anyone endangering the security of the country is, in fact, playing into the hands of the enemies who are looking for an opportunity to destroy the society, said Grand Mosque Imam Saud Al-Shoraim in his Friday sermon. He warned Muslims to beware of those who want to drive a wedge between them in order to advance their nefarious designs. “Sleep without security will be restless and a

Riyadh, Nov 7: Forbes magazine has ranked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah as the most powerful person in the region, and 11th on its world list. In a media statement, Forbes Magazine-Middle East said that King Abdullah was chosen several times over the years as one of the most influential people in the world because of his decisive decisions and contribution to global peace and

Jeddah, Oct 6: Saudi Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh has slammed the terrorists who gunned down seven people this week, for trying to destabilize and divide the country. “What happened in Al-Ahsa is an example of brutal aggression and a great injustice. This is carried out by sick minds seeking to incite fitna between people, God forbid,” he said. He said these acts were being carried out

Riyadh, Nov 5: The Ministry of Health will launch a Kingdom-wide vaccination campaign against the seasonal flu today. Health Ministry Spokesman Dr. Khalid Al-Mirghalani said the vaccination is suitable for people of all age groups including health officials, pregnant women, patients suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, renal problems, heart and thoracic diseases. The flu shots will be

Jeddah, Nov 4: More than 200 illegally operated stalls were raided and closed down in the Balad district in downtown Jeddah over the past month, Sami Al-Ghamdi, spokesman for Jeddah municipality, said Monday. ''Municipal officials have undertaken round-the-clock inspection of stalls in all districts in the city. Food items unfit for human consumption sold in such stalls have been destroyed while