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Microsoft Announces $2.2 bn AI, Cloud Investment in Malaysia

(FILES) The logo of Microsoft US multinational technology corporation is seen on the opening day of the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) audiovisual and systems integration exhibition in Barcelona on January 31, 2023. (Photo by Pau BARRENA / AFP)
(FILES) The logo of Microsoft US multinational technology corporation is seen on the opening day of the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) audiovisual and systems integration exhibition in Barcelona on January 31, 2023. (Photo by Pau BARRENA / AFP)
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Microsoft Announces $2.2 bn AI, Cloud Investment in Malaysia

(FILES) The logo of Microsoft US multinational technology corporation is seen on the opening day of the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) audiovisual and systems integration exhibition in Barcelona on January 31, 2023. (Photo by Pau BARRENA / AFP)
(FILES) The logo of Microsoft US multinational technology corporation is seen on the opening day of the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) audiovisual and systems integration exhibition in Barcelona on January 31, 2023. (Photo by Pau BARRENA / AFP)

Microsoft pledged a $2.2 billion investment in artificial intelligence and cloud computing in Malaysia on Thursday to help develop the country's AI infrastructure.
The tech giant's chief executive Satya Nadella is on a three-nation tour of Southeast Asia -- Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia -- to announce a range of investments in data centers, AI and cloud services.
"Today, Microsoft announced it will invest $2.2 billion over the next four years to support Malaysia's digital transformation -- the single largest investment in its 32-year history in the country," it said in a statement released as Nadella gave a keynote speech in Kuala Lumpur.
It said the cash would help to build AI and cloud infrastructure in Malaysia, creating an AI center of excellence and giving AI training to as many as 200,000 Malaysians.
"We are committed to supporting Malaysia's AI transformation and ensuring it benefits all Malaysians," Nadella said in the statement.
"Our investments in digital infrastructure and skilling will help Malaysian businesses, communities, and developers apply the latest technology to drive inclusive economic growth and innovation across the country."
He also confirmed the investment in his keynote speech, saying he was "really pleased" to announce the expansion.
"We really want to make sure that we have world-class infrastructure right here in the country so that every organization, every software developer, every start-up, can use it to really not only to build for this country, but for the world and the region," he told the crowd.
The pledge comes after he announced a $1.7 bn investment in Indonesia, as well as Thailand's first data center region this week to boost cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Research by global consulting firm Kearney showed AI was poised to contribute $1 trillion to Southeast Asia's gross domestic product by 2030, with Malaysia predicted to see more than a tenth of that, the statement said.
"Microsoft's development of essential cloud and AI infrastructure, together with AI skilling opportunities, will significantly enhance Malaysia's digital capacity," Malaysian Trade Minister Zafrul Abdul Aziz said in the statement.
Microsoft began its operations in Malaysia in 1992, according to its official website, and now employs more than 200 employees across its offices in Kuala Lumpur and in northern Penang state.
The company has been hugely rewarded by investors since it aggressively pushed into rolling out generative AI, starting with its $13 billion partnership with OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, in 2023.
Nadella said last week sales in January-March rose 17 percent on-year to $61.9 billion, with net profit up 20 percent to $21.9 billion.
The embrace of AI has boosted sales of Microsoft's key cloud services such as Azure, which have become the core of its business under Nadella's leadership.

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World

South Africa Urges UN's Top Court to Order Ceasefire in Gaza to Shield Citizens in Rafah 

Protesters stand in front of a police officer during a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside Leiden University, on the day of a hearing where South Africa requests new emergency measures over Israel's attacks on Rafah, as part of an ongoing case South Africa filed at the International Court of Justice in December last year accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention during its offensive against Palestinians in Gaza, in The Hague Netherlands May 16, 2024. (Reuters)
Protesters stand in front of a police officer during a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside Leiden University, on the day of a hearing where South Africa requests new emergency measures over Israel's attacks on Rafah, as part of an ongoing case South Africa filed at the International Court of Justice in December last year accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention during its offensive against Palestinians in Gaza, in The Hague Netherlands May 16, 2024. (Reuters)
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South Africa Urges UN's Top Court to Order Ceasefire in Gaza to Shield Citizens in Rafah 

Protesters stand in front of a police officer during a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside Leiden University, on the day of a hearing where South Africa requests new emergency measures over Israel's attacks on Rafah, as part of an ongoing case South Africa filed at the International Court of Justice in December last year accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention during its offensive against Palestinians in Gaza, in The Hague Netherlands May 16, 2024. (Reuters)
Protesters stand in front of a police officer during a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside Leiden University, on the day of a hearing where South Africa requests new emergency measures over Israel's attacks on Rafah, as part of an ongoing case South Africa filed at the International Court of Justice in December last year accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention during its offensive against Palestinians in Gaza, in The Hague Netherlands May 16, 2024. (Reuters)

South Africa urged the United Nations’ top court on Thursday to order a ceasefire in Gaza during hearings over emergency measures to halt Israel’s military operation in the enclave’s southern city of Rafah.

It was the third time the International Court of Justice held hearings on the conflict in Gaza since South Africa filed proceedings in December at the court, based in The Hague in the Netherlands, accusing Israel of genocide.

The country’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Vusimuzi Madonsela, urged the panel of 15 international judges to order Israel to “totally and unconditionally withdraw” from the Gaza Strip.

The court has already found that there is a “real and imminent risk” to the Palestinian people in Gaza by Israel’s military operations. “This may well be the last chance for the court to act,” said Irish lawyer Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh, who is part of South Africa’s legal team.

Judges at the court have broad powers to order a ceasefire and other measures, although the court does not have its own enforcement apparatus. A 2022 order by the court demanding that Russia halt its full-scale invasion of Ukraine has so far gone unheeded.

During hearings earlier this year, Israel strongly denied committing genocide in Gaza, saying it does all it can to spare civilians and is only targeting Hamas fighters. The country says Rafah is the last stronghold of the armed group.

The latest request focuses on the incursion into Rafah.

South Africa argues that the military operation has far surpassed justified self-defense. “Israel’s actions in Rafah are part of the end game. This is the last step in the destruction of Gaza,” lawyer Vaughan Lowe said.

According to the latest request, the previous preliminary orders by The Hague-based court were not sufficient to address “a brutal military attack on the sole remaining refuge for the people of Gaza.” Israel will be allowed to answer the accusations on Friday.

In January, judges ordered Israel to do all it can to prevent death, destruction and any acts of genocide in Gaza, but the panel stopped short of ordering an end to the military offensive that has laid waste to the Palestinian enclave. In a second order in March, the court said Israel must take measures to improve the humanitarian situation.

South Africa has to date submitted four requests for the international court to investigate Israel. It was granted a hearing three times.

Most of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million people have been displaced since fighting began.

The war began with a Hamas attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7 in which Palestinian gunmen killed around 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages. Gaza’s Health Ministry says over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war, without distinguishing between civilians and combatants in its count.

South Africa initiated proceedings in December 2023 and sees the legal campaign as rooted in issues central to its identity. Its governing party, the African National Congress, has long compared Israel’s policies in Gaza and the occupied West Bank to its own history under the apartheid regime of white minority rule, which restricted most Blacks to “homelands.” Apartheid ended in 1994.

On Sunday, Egypt announced it plans to join the case. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Israeli military actions “constitute a flagrant violation of international law, humanitarian law, and the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 regarding the protection of civilians during wartime.”

Several countries have also indicated they plan to intervene, but so far only Libya, Nicaragua and Colombia have filed formal requests to do so.

World

Putin Focuses on Trade and Cultural Exchanges in Harbin, China, After Reaffirming Ties with Xi 

Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a concert marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and China and opening of China-Russia Years of Culture at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, China, on Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Alexander Ryumin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a concert marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and China and opening of China-Russia Years of Culture at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, China, on Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Alexander Ryumin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
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Putin Focuses on Trade and Cultural Exchanges in Harbin, China, After Reaffirming Ties with Xi 

Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a concert marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and China and opening of China-Russia Years of Culture at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, China, on Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Alexander Ryumin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a concert marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and China and opening of China-Russia Years of Culture at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, China, on Thursday, May 16, 2024. (Alexander Ryumin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin focused on trade and cultural exchanges Friday on his state visit to China that started with bonhomie in Beijing and a summit with China's leader Xi Jinping that deepened their “no-limits” partnership as both countries face rising tensions with the West.

Putin will attend the China-Russia Expo in the northeastern city of Harbin and meet with students at Harbin Institute of Technology. Harbin, capital of China’s Heilongjiang province, was once home to many Russian expatriates and retains some of these historical ties in the city’s architecture, such as the central Saint Sophia Cathedral, a former Russian Orthodox church.

Though Putin's visit is more symbolic and short on concrete proposals, the two countries, which both face rising tensions with the West, nonetheless are sending a clear message.

“At this moment, they’re reminding the West that they can be defiant when they want to,” said Joseph Torigian, a research fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institute.

At their summit on Thursday, Putin thanked Xi for China’s proposals for ending the war in Ukraine, while Xi said China hopes for the early return of Europe to peace and stability and will continue to play a constructive role toward this. Their joint statement explicated their world view and expounded on criticism of US military alliances in Asia and the Pacific.

Russia's Putin has become isolated globally for his invasion of Ukraine. China has a tense relationship with the US, which has labeled it a competitor, and faces pressure for continuing to supply key components to Russia needed for weapons production.

Talks of peacefully resolving the Ukraine crisis featured frequently in Thursday's remarks, though Russia last week just opened a new front in the Ukraine war by launching attacks at the country's northeastern border area. The war is at a critical point for Ukraine, which had faced delays in getting weapons from the US.

China offered a broad plan for peace last year that was rejected by both Ukraine and the West for failing to call for Russia to leave occupied parts of Ukraine.

In a smaller meeting Thursday night at Zhongnanhai, the leaders' residential compound, Putin thanked Xi for his peace plan and said he welcomed China continuing to play a constructive role in a political solution to the problem, according to China's official Xinhua News Agency. They also attended events to celebrate 75 years of bilateral relations.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Russia has increasingly come to depend on China as Western sanctions have taken a bite. Trade between the two countries increased to $240 billion last year, as China has helped its neighbor defray the worst of Western sanctions.

European leaders have pressed China to ask Russia to end its invasion in Ukraine, though to little avail. Experts say China and Russia's relationship with each other offer strategic benefits, particularly at a time when both have tensions with Europe and the US.

“Even if China compromises on a range of issues, including cutting back support on Russia, it’s unlikely that the US or the West will drastically change their attitude to China as a competitor,” said Hoo Tiang Boon, who researches Chinese foreign policy at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University. “They see very little incentive for compromise.”

Xi and Putin have a longstanding agreement to visit each other’s countries once a year, and Xi was welcomed at the Kremlin last year.

Arab World

UNAMI: We are Witnessing an Iraq on Rise, Some Challenges Remain

Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert - AFP
Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert - AFP
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UNAMI: We are Witnessing an Iraq on Rise, Some Challenges Remain

Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert - AFP
Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert - AFP

Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said that the country looks different from the one to which the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) was first deployed some 20 years ago.

“We are, so to speak, witnessing an Iraq on the rise,” she said, noting that corruption, factionalism, impunity, undue interference in State functions and armed actors operating outside State control remain.

Her remarks came amid calls from Security Council members to draw down the United Nations mission in Iraq.

"While the government is tackling these scourges, feelings of marginalization and exclusion are spreading in and among certain components, which risk fanning the flames of intra- and inter-community tension. The recent increase in mass unannounced executions of individuals convicted under anti-terrorism laws is a cause for great concern," she added.

On the legislative front, Plasschaert said that despite the successful holding of local elections in 13 of the 15 federal governorates in December 2023, two provinces — Diyala and Kirkuk — remain at an impasse, with no immediate resolution in sight. "And six months of negotiations to replace Iraq’s parliamentary speaker have failed to produce results."

She highlighted that nearly 10 years after ISIS committed a genocide against the Yazidi people, "Sinjar still lies in ruins," expressing hope that the upcoming tenth anniversary will not be wasted but rather used — by all authorities, actors and stakeholders — “to unite and step up to the plate with the sole aim of serving the people of Sinjar”.

Arab World

Guterres: War in Gaza is an Open Wound

UN Secretary-General António Guterres - AFP
UN Secretary-General António Guterres - AFP
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Guterres: War in Gaza is an Open Wound

UN Secretary-General António Guterres - AFP
UN Secretary-General António Guterres - AFP

UN Secretary-General António Guterres repeated his longstanding call for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages held in the enclave, and unimpeded access for aid delivery, in remarks to the Summit of the League of Arab States in Bahrain on Thursday.

“The war in Gaza is an open wound that threatens to infect the entire region,” he said.

“In its speed and scale, it is the deadliest conflict in my time as Secretary-General – for civilians, aid workers, journalists, and our own UN colleagues.”

He stressed that nothing can justify the abhorrent 7 October terror attacks by Hamas against Israel, or the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.

The Secretary-General warned against an assault on Rafah, which would be “unacceptable” as “it would inflict another surge of pain and misery when we need a surge in life-saving aid.”

He also voiced concern over the tensions in the occupied West Bank, highlighting the spike in illegal Israeli settlements, settler violence and excessive use of force by the Israeli Defense Forces, as well as demolitions and evictions.

The Secretary-General told Arab leaders that the only permanent way to end the cycle of violence and instability between Israelis and Palestinians is through a two-State solution.

“The demographic and historical character of Jerusalem must be preserved."

Arab World

Saied Blasts Foreign 'Interference' in Tunisian Affairs

A march to demand the release of imprisoned journalists, activists and opposition figures and to set a date for holding fair presidential elections in Tunisia (Reuters)
A march to demand the release of imprisoned journalists, activists and opposition figures and to set a date for holding fair presidential elections in Tunisia (Reuters)
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Saied Blasts Foreign 'Interference' in Tunisian Affairs

A march to demand the release of imprisoned journalists, activists and opposition figures and to set a date for holding fair presidential elections in Tunisia (Reuters)
A march to demand the release of imprisoned journalists, activists and opposition figures and to set a date for holding fair presidential elections in Tunisia (Reuters)

Tunisian President Kais Saied on Thursday denounced foreign "interference" following international criticism of a recent arrests of political commentators, lawyers and journalists in the North African country.

Saied, who in 2021 orchestrated a sweeping power grab, ordered the foreign ministry to summon diplomats and "inform them that Tunisia is an independent state".

Speaking during a televised meeting, the president told Mounir Ben Rjiba, state secretary to the foreign ministry, to "summon as soon as possible the ambassadors of a number of countries", without specifying which ones.

Ben Rjiba was asked to "strongly object to them that what they are doing is a blatant interference in our internal affairs".

"Inform them that Tunisia is an independent state that adheres to its sovereignty," Saied added, AFP reported.

"We didn't interfere in their affairs when they arrested protesters... who denounced the war of genocide against the Palestinian people," he added, referring to demonstrations on university campuses in the United States and elsewhere over the Israel-Hamas war.

The European Union on Tuesday expressed concern that Tunisian authorities were cracking down on dissenting voices.

France denounced "arrests, in particular of journalists and members of (non-governmental) associations", while the United States said they were "in contradiction" with "the universal rights explicitly guaranteed by the Tunisian Constitution".

The media union said Wednesday that Decree 54 was "a deliberate attack on the essence of press freedom and a vain attempt to intimidate journalists and media employees and sabotage public debate".

Varieties

Syrian Refugees in Jordan Receive Mobile Homes from KSrelief

The project provides 500 mobile homes for 500 Syrian families - SPA
The project provides 500 mobile homes for 500 Syrian families - SPA
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Syrian Refugees in Jordan Receive Mobile Homes from KSrelief

The project provides 500 mobile homes for 500 Syrian families - SPA
The project provides 500 mobile homes for 500 Syrian families - SPA

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) secured a new batch of 500 mobile homes for Syrian refugees in Zaatari Camp, Jordan, as part of the center's project to provide mobile homes in the camp.
Governor of Mafraq Governorate in Jordan, Salman Najada, commended the relief and humanitarian efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in supporting the needy people through KSrelief in Jordan.

He underscored the significant role played by the center in addressing the economic, social, and financial challenges facing Syrian refugees in Jordan.
The mobile housing project aims to offer suitable housing for the Zaatari camp's most vulnerable Syrian refugee families. It involves providing 500 mobile homes for 500 Syrian families, given the increase in the camp's population due to new arrivals and newly married residents.
The project is part of the humanitarian and relief efforts of the Kingdom, implemented through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief, to assist Syrian refugees and enhance their living conditions in various refugee locations.

Varieties

Saudi National Products Exhibition Concludes in Qatar

The exhibition also saw the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding under the auspices of the Saudi-Qatari Business Council - SPA
The exhibition also saw the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding under the auspices of the Saudi-Qatari Business Council - SPA
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Saudi National Products Exhibition Concludes in Qatar

The exhibition also saw the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding under the auspices of the Saudi-Qatari Business Council - SPA
The exhibition also saw the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding under the auspices of the Saudi-Qatari Business Council - SPA

The first edition of the Saudi National Products Exhibition in Qatar concluded with the participation of over 80 Saudi companies from the industrial, food, health, and commercial sectors.
The three-day exhibition helped to strengthen the brand image of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's exports and highlight its position in global markets, which is in line with the goals of Vision 2030 to increase non-oil exports.
Alongside the exhibition, various events and activities were organized to attract visitors, showcase the quality of national industries, and generate innovative ideas across different sectors. A dialogue session titled "Saudi Women and Their Excellence in Business" was held during the exhibition, focusing on the role of governments in supporting women in business, sharing their experiences and successes, and emphasizing Vision 2030's significant role in enhancing women's participation in economic development, SPA reported.
The exhibition also saw the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding under the auspices of the Saudi-Qatari Business Council. Notably, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Saudi Investor Innovation Company and the Qatari Kate Real Estate Group, aiming to collaborate in the field of shopping centers. Additionally, an agreement was signed between Asma Turki Home and Al-Najah Company to enter the Qatari markets, and another agreement was signed between BTOUCH EVENT and EVENT VQ Company for event and exhibition organization exchange.
The first edition of the Saudi National Products Exhibition in Qatar was held under the patronage of Saudi Ambassador to the State of Qatar Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Farhan. The event witnessed the participation of government agencies, including the Ministry of Investment, the Saudi Export Development Authority (SAUDI EXPORTS), and the Federation of Saudi Chambers, as well as a prominent presence from businessmen and interested parties in Qatar.

Varieties

GEA Issues Over 1,673 Licenses for Entertainment Activities during Q1 of 2024

GEA Issues Over 1,673 Licenses for Entertainment Activities during Q1 of 2024
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GEA Issues Over 1,673 Licenses for Entertainment Activities during Q1 of 2024

GEA Issues Over 1,673 Licenses for Entertainment Activities during Q1 of 2024

The General Entertainment Authority (GEA) issued more than 1,673 licenses for various entertainment activities during the first quarter of 2024, signaling an increase of 28% from the same period last year.
The licenses the GEA issued included all entertainment and supporting activities, particularly entertainment events and shows, and live shows in restaurants, cafes, amusement parks, and entertainment centers, operating entertainment facilities, managing the work of artistic and entertainment talents, organizing and managing crowds, and selling tickets for entertainment activities. It also issued 97 licenses for new entertainment destinations.

The entertainment events the authority licensed during the first quarter of this year covered various regions in the Kingdom, SPA reported.

The city of Riyadh witnessed 216 entertainment events, Makkah 101 events, the Eastern Province 76 events, the Qassim region 37 events, followed by Asir and Jazan which hosted region 23 and 16 events, respectively.

The total number of visitors to the events in all regions of the Kingdom reached more than 11 million.

Varieties

Saudi Arabia Joins International Agency for Research on Cancer

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA
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Saudi Arabia Joins International Agency for Research on Cancer

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA

The UN World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) officially celebrated welcoming Saudi Arabia as a new member during the 66th session of the agency’s Governing Council, held in Lyon, France.
Saudi Health Council Secretary General Dr. Nahar Al-Azemi said Saudi Arabia’s joining of the IARC reflects the nation’s leading role in the field of disease prevention and control, SPA reported.
The move also emphasizes the Kingdom’s pioneering efforts in containing the spread of cancer and its complications through a rigorous scientific approach, Al-Azemi added.
He highlighted the Saudi government’s great emphasis on dealing with cancer, addressing various preventive, therapeutic, and social aspects of the disease.
Fahad Al-Ruwaily, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to France and designated permanent representative of the Kingdom to UNESCO, and the participating Saudi delegation led by Al-Azemi attended the celebration.

Varieties

First Red Sea Fashion Week Starts on Ummahat Islands

The event aims to establish Saudi fashion's presence in relevant international forums and position the Kingdom's fashion as a major contributor across various sectors of the fashion industry globally. SPA
The event aims to establish Saudi fashion's presence in relevant international forums and position the Kingdom's fashion as a major contributor across various sectors of the fashion industry globally. SPA
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First Red Sea Fashion Week Starts on Ummahat Islands

The event aims to establish Saudi fashion's presence in relevant international forums and position the Kingdom's fashion as a major contributor across various sectors of the fashion industry globally. SPA
The event aims to establish Saudi fashion's presence in relevant international forums and position the Kingdom's fashion as a major contributor across various sectors of the fashion industry globally. SPA

The first Red Sea Fashion Week (RSFW) kicked Thursday from Ummahat Islands, promising three days of style and glamour at the St. Regis Red Sea Resort.
The RSFW, organized by the Saudi Fashion Commission, is a cultural and economic milestone for the fashion industry in the Kingdom, representing a prominent initiative that integrates Saudi fashion into the global market, SPA reported.
The event aims to establish Saudi fashion's presence in relevant international forums and position the Kingdom's fashion as a major contributor across various sectors of the fashion industry globally. It recognizes the significant impact of fashion as a contributor to national economies.
Fashion Commission chief executive Burak Cakmak expressed the goal of the RSFW to create a platform that fosters cultural exchange and celebrates creativity. He added that the cultural event highlights the commission's steadfast commitment to driving the fashion industry forward in the Kingdom.
He further emphasized the commission's dedication to creating an appealing environment where talented individuals, both male and female, from the nation can connect with experienced international figures and reputable entities in the industry.
With a meticulously planned schedule, the RSFW features an impressive lineup of Saudi and global brands that can adorn the nation’s platforms, showrooms, and forums at the local, regional and global levels, Cakmak said.
The Fashion Commission's strategies and plans revolve around nurturing local talents and integrating them into the global fashion scene, Cakmak said, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to enrich the cultural fabric of the Kingdom.
Cakmak stressed the commission's eagerness to keep up with these objectives that also expand local economic horizons, with culture playing a vital role in the national product and contributing to the overall development of the country's economy.