Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Chairs Meeting of Central Hajj Committee

The meeting focused on reviewing the operational plans and ensuring the readiness of various agencies and services for this year's Hajj. (SPA)
The meeting focused on reviewing the operational plans and ensuring the readiness of various agencies and services for this year's Hajj. (SPA)
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Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Chairs Meeting of Central Hajj Committee

The meeting focused on reviewing the operational plans and ensuring the readiness of various agencies and services for this year's Hajj. (SPA)
The meeting focused on reviewing the operational plans and ensuring the readiness of various agencies and services for this year's Hajj. (SPA)

Governor of the Makkah Region and Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee Prince Khalid bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz and Deputy Governor of Makkah Region and Vice Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz chaired on Tuesday a meeting of the Central Hajj Committee in Jeddah.

The meeting focused on reviewing the operational plans and ensuring the readiness of various agencies and services for this year's Hajj pilgrimage.

The Holy Makkah Municipality presented its plan for this year's Hajj, which involves 11,800 employees and workers and 28 municipal service centers in the holy sites.

These centers are strategically located throughout the holy sites area, operate around the clock and boast the necessary workforce and logistical support.

Central teams have been allocated to handle emergencies.

The municipality has also prepared teams and committees to oversee markets, food stores, restaurants, cleaning, and environmental sanitation.

The Ministry of Health has prepared 16 hospitals, 123 health centers, and five seasonal health centers in Makkah and the holy sites.

The Supreme Authority for Hajj Transport Control presented its operational plan for transporting pilgrims to and from the Grand Mosque, which involves 3,500 buses. Around 12 million trips will be carried out during the Hajj.



Global Cybersecurity Forum 2024 Kicks Off in Riyadh

The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)
The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)
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Global Cybersecurity Forum 2024 Kicks Off in Riyadh

The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)
The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)

The fourth Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) 2024 began in Riyadh on Wednesday. It is organized by Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority, in partnership with the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE).
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed participants on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The two-day event, themed “Advancing Collective Action in Cyberspace,” has drawn leaders, policymakers, and experts from over 120 countries.
In a message read at the opening ceremony in Riyadh, the Crown Prince stated: “Cyberspace is closely linked to the growth of economies, the prosperity of societies, the security of individuals, and the stability of nations.”
According to SPA, he noted that due to the cross-border nature of cyberspace, it is essential to harmonize international efforts to seize the opportunities and “face the challenges it presents, by investing in people.”
Welcoming the participants, the Crown Prince said: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always been a force for good for the benefit of humanity and human prosperity around the world.”
“It has continuously worked to uphold the principle of cooperation and strengthen international collaboration toward efforts that support development and prosperity for all nations. It has initiated several initiatives aimed at achieving these genuine goals in all sectors,” he noted.
“Believing in the importance of investing in people in this vital and promising domain, in 2020 we launched two global initiatives. The first relates to protecting children in cyberspace, and the second focuses on empowering women in the field of cybersecurity,” he added.
“The institute for the Global Cybersecurity Forum is entrusted with overseeing both initiatives, as well as implementing the associated projects,” affirmed the Crown Prince.
He highlighted the progress made by these initiatives, particularly the increased understanding of needs at the global level that has led to new and inspiring visions, enabling the GCF to develop impactful initiatives and programs, publish research and studies, and formulate new frameworks and strategies.
These efforts empower decision-makers worldwide to develop policies and programs that enhance child protection in cyberspace and promote women’s participation in the field of cybersecurity.
The first day of GCF 2024 featured discussions on five main topics: closing cybersecurity gaps, online behavior, the social structure of cyberspace, a thriving cyber economy, and new cyber opportunities.
Key officials, decision-makers, and experts from governments, academia, and global companies took part in the sessions.
The forum is a global platform that brings together leaders from governments, cybersecurity, academia, and NGOs. Its goal is to strengthen international cybersecurity, support economic and social development, and align global efforts in the field.