Saudi GAMI Signs 11 Agreements with Global Military Defense Industry Companies

The Saudi Falcons aerobatic flight team performs at the 'World Defense Show 2024', north of the Saudi capital Riyadh on February 4, 2024. (Photo by Fayez Nureldine / AFP)
The Saudi Falcons aerobatic flight team performs at the 'World Defense Show 2024', north of the Saudi capital Riyadh on February 4, 2024. (Photo by Fayez Nureldine / AFP)
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Saudi GAMI Signs 11 Agreements with Global Military Defense Industry Companies

The Saudi Falcons aerobatic flight team performs at the 'World Defense Show 2024', north of the Saudi capital Riyadh on February 4, 2024. (Photo by Fayez Nureldine / AFP)
The Saudi Falcons aerobatic flight team performs at the 'World Defense Show 2024', north of the Saudi capital Riyadh on February 4, 2024. (Photo by Fayez Nureldine / AFP)

Minister of Investment Eng. Khalid Bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih and Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) Eng. Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali witnessed on Monday the signing ceremonies of 11 cooperation agreements and several joint memoranda of understanding with various international companies specialized in military and defense industries.

The ceremonies took place on the sidelines of the World Defense Show, which is being held in Riyadh from February 4 to 8.

The agreements focus on building the capacity of vital fields. They entail, among others, transfer and localization of technology, establishment of local production lines, and training and developing national talent in these fields.

These agreements and MoUs contribute to the strategic objectives of the Kingdom's military industries, such as localizing defense manufacturing, improving military readiness, enhancing industrial participation, and creating investment opportunities that support the Vision 2030 goal of localizing 50% of military equipment and services spending by 2030.

The agreements also align with the National Investment Strategy's objective of increasing the sector’s contribution to the GDP.

Al-Ohali said that GAMI, in collaboration with government agencies and manufacturers, launched the Industrial Participation Program to stimulate small- and medium-size companies' participation, promote exports, transfer technology, build capabilities, conduct research, train talent, and establish global partnerships.



Saudi Interior Ministry Announces Fines on Unauthorized Hajj Pilgrims, Facilitators 

A view of the Kaaba in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
A view of the Kaaba in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
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Saudi Interior Ministry Announces Fines on Unauthorized Hajj Pilgrims, Facilitators 

A view of the Kaaba in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)
A view of the Kaaba in the holy city of Makkah. (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced Monday fines on individuals who violate regulations requiring a permit to perform the Hajj, as well as for those who facilitate such violations.

Starting from April 29 until the end of June 10, the following fines will apply:

First, a fine of up to SAR20,000 will be imposed on individuals caught performing or attempting to perform the Hajj without a permit, and on holders of all types of visit visas who attempt to enter or stay in Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period.

Second, a fine of up to SAR100,000 will be imposed on anyone who applies for a visit visa for an individual who has performed or attempted to perform the Hajj without a permit, or who has entered or stayed in Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period. The fine will multiply for each individual involved.

The same fine will apply to anyone who transports or attempts to transport visit visa holders to Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period, as well as to those who shelter or attempt to shelter visit visa holders in any accommodations, including hotels, apartments, private housing, shelters, or Hajj pilgrims' housing sites. This includes concealing their presence or providing assistance that enables their stay. The fine will multiply for each individual sheltered, concealed, or assisted.

Third, illegal infiltrators attempting to perform the Hajj, whether residents or overstayers, will be deported to their countries and banned from entering the Kingdom for ten years.

Fourth, the relevant court will be requested to confiscate land vehicles used to transport visit visa holders to Makkah city and the holy sites during the specified period, if owned by the transporter, facilitator, or any accomplices.