Saudi Arabia Bars Travel to Indonesia over Pandemic

Locals wearing protective masks, to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), stand in line to receive assistance from Indonesian president in Jakarta, Indonesia, July 16, 2021. (Reuters)
Locals wearing protective masks, to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), stand in line to receive assistance from Indonesian president in Jakarta, Indonesia, July 16, 2021. (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Bars Travel to Indonesia over Pandemic

Locals wearing protective masks, to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), stand in line to receive assistance from Indonesian president in Jakarta, Indonesia, July 16, 2021. (Reuters)
Locals wearing protective masks, to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), stand in line to receive assistance from Indonesian president in Jakarta, Indonesia, July 16, 2021. (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday it was barring its citizens from traveling to Indonesia over concerns about the coronavirus outbreak there.

An official source at the Interior Ministry said the decision is based on the Kingdom’s keenness on the safety of its citizens, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

It urged Saudis in Indonesia to exercise caution and avoid areas with high infection rates.

Indonesia has one of the world's worst coronavirus outbreaks due to a rapid spread of the Delta variant, reporting around 1,000 deaths from the respiratory disease each day in the past week, including a new record on Wednesday of 1,383 fatalities.



Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Appointed Chairman of KAUST Board of Trustees

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
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Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Appointed Chairman of KAUST Board of Trustees

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA

A Royal Order has been issued by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud based on the recommendation of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, appointing Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).

The appointment reflects KAUST’s strategic role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s research, development, and innovation agenda, particularly in areas critical to the Kingdom’s future, such as energy, sustainability, and technological advancement. Under Prince Abdulaziz’s leadership, KAUST is poised to further its mission as a global hub for scientific excellence and transformative innovation.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman brings extensive expertise in the energy and sustainability sector, having played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing policies that drive the transition towards clean energy and foster innovation in this field. His appointment represents a strategic step in advancing KAUST's "Accelerating Impact" strategy, which aims to fast-track scientific research and bridge its outcomes with industrial and technological applications in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

The appointment also underscores the Kingdom's commitment to advancing research efforts aimed at addressing environmental and climate challenges, enhancing the adoption of renewable energy, and achieving net-zero emissions through the university's pioneering research initiatives.

Commenting on the appointment, KAUST President Sir Edward Byrne AC stated: “We are honored to have Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman as the Chairman of KAUST Board of Trustees. His appointment marks a significant milestone in the university's journey.”

“His vision and deep expertise in energy and sustainability will accelerate KAUST's impact and strengthen its role in linking scientific research with economic and technological development. We look forward to achieving further milestones, expanding strategic partnerships, and supporting the next generation of scientists and innovators,” he added.