Third Saudi International Maritime Forum Opens in Eastern Region

The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions. (SPA)
The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions. (SPA)
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Third Saudi International Maritime Forum Opens in Eastern Region

The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions. (SPA)
The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions. (SPA)

The Third Saudi International Maritime Forum opened in the Eastern Region on Tuesday.

The event is organized by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces under the theme “Maritime Security in the Age of Artificial Intelligence – Trends and Threats”.

The forum, held under the patronage of Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, was attended by Chief of the General Staff General Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili, alongside senior naval leaders, experts, government officials, and representatives of global maritime companies and regulatory bodies.

Chief of Naval Staff Lieutenant General Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Ghuraibi expressed gratitude for the Minister of Defense’s support, noting that the forum aligns with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence shaping global maritime security.

He highlighted the forum’s objectives, including fostering international collaboration on maritime security, exchanging knowledge among naval leaders, promoting the adoption of advanced systems in the maritime sector, raising awareness about environmental conservation, and leveraging emerging technologies to address security challenges.

The forum also features an exhibition, inaugurated by Al-Ruwaili, showcasing strategic services and innovations from sectors and companies specializing in maritime security.

Spanning three days, the forum brings together 42 speakers across five dialogue sessions and 21 workshops. Key topics include maritime strategies in the age of artificial intelligence, policies and regulations for integrating AI into maritime operations, the impacts of advanced maritime systems on security and cybersecurity, training and development of maritime professionals in the AI era, and the future of military industries in AI-driven technologies.

Additionally, 29 government agencies and 23 local and international companies are participating in the exhibition, displaying the latest equipment and technologies in maritime security.

The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions.



Coordination Committee Seeks to Promote Bahraini-Saudi Tourism Exhibitions

Sara Ahmed Buhijji, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority 
Sara Ahmed Buhijji, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority 
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Coordination Committee Seeks to Promote Bahraini-Saudi Tourism Exhibitions

Sara Ahmed Buhijji, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority 
Sara Ahmed Buhijji, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority 

Sara Ahmed Buhijji, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, revealed the formation of a committee dedicated to coordinating exhibitions, conferences, and tourism events between Manama and Riyadh, with the aim to maximize mutual benefits for both countries in the sector.
Buhijji was speaking on the sidelines of the 9th UNWTO Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, held in Bahrain from November 18-19.
The event, which is taking place for the first time in the Middle East, is organized by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, the UN World Tourism Organization, and the Basque Culinary Center.
According to Buhijji, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are promoting a shared tourism product, given their geographical proximity and close ties. Visitors to Manama can easily travel to Saudi Arabia, either via the King Fahd Causeway—reaching the Eastern Province in less than 20 minutes—or by air, with a flight to Riyadh taking approximately 30 minutes.
She also highlighted a targeted effort to attract tourists from five key countries, including GCC nations, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia as one of the largest sources of visitors to Bahrain.
Buhijji emphasized the significance of hosting the 9th UNWTO Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in the Middle East, which has attracted over 650 participants from 59 countries, including the GCC.
She noted that hosting such a prominent event demonstrates Bahrain’s capability to attract large-scale events, thanks to its robust infrastructure, numerous hotels, and Bahrain International Airport’s capacity to handle a significant number of visitors.