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Riyadh Hosts Global Medical Biotechnology Summit

Dignitaries at the summit. (SPA)
Dignitaries at the summit. (SPA)
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Riyadh Hosts Global Medical Biotechnology Summit

Dignitaries at the summit. (SPA)
Dignitaries at the summit. (SPA)

The Riyadh Global Medical Biotechnology Summit (RGMBS) 2021 was inaugurated on Tuesday under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.

Minister of the National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz inaugurated the event on his behalf.

The summit is organized by the King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC) at the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs and is being attended by officials and health sector experts from around the world.

Prince Abdullah unveiled the Biomedical Biotechnology Oasis in KAIMRC, saying it is one of the initiatives of the medical biotechnology system in Saudi Arabia. It will contribute in providing economic development opportunities based on medical knowledge, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The Oasis will work within a national system and part of strategic partnerships with many local partners, such as the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), in addition to many global partners.

Executive Director of Health Affairs at the Ministry of National Guard, Dr. Bandar bin Abdulmohsen Al-Kenawi hailed the development and changes the Kingdom is witnessing in the field of health care.

He noted the innovative and creative discoveries it has witnessed, such as molecular treatments, gene therapy, genetic repair, AI applications and big data analysis, as well as the next generation of pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Minister of Health, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah said the RGMBS is being held at a time when it has become necessary to discuss the areas of developing medical biotechnology because of its direct and close relationship with human health.

The global market value of biotechnology will reach nearly $700 billion by 2025, and global sales in biotechnology drugs are expected to reach nearly $315 billion this year, he revealed.

The Kingdom's leadership has sought to adopt a national strategy for biomedical technology, one of the most prominent branches of its Vision 2030, to support and motivate it for the future and health of man, he remarked.

Minister of Investment, Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih said RGMBS was being held at an important time when Saudi Arabia is seeking to develop itself as a preferred destination for investment in the development and manufacture of vital technologies, as well as its push to become a global center for health care and life sciences.

Chairman of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf confirmed that SDAIA's participation in this summit supports the continuous efforts to develop the capabilities of the health sector.

He highlighted the Authority's previous announcement of the launch of the Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for the health sector in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Health Affairs at the Ministry of National Guard.

He further said that the Center of Excellence aims to find solutions based on modern technologies, artificial intelligence and data technologies in the health field to help increase the accuracy of diagnosing chronic diseases.

Prince Abdullah oversaw the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and partnership on the sidelines of the summit.

The first MoU was signed between KAIMRC and SDAIA, while the second was signed between KAIMRC and the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the Pfizer pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporation. The third MoU was signed between KAIMRC and the Ministry of Investment and AstraZeneca pharmaceutical and biotechnology company.

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Gulf

Saudi Govt: Escalation in Yemen Not Aligned with UAE’s Pledges

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Govt: Escalation in Yemen Not Aligned with UAE’s Pledges

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday that the Kingdom “will not hesitate in taking the necessary steps and measures to confront any violation or threat to its national security.”

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Riyadh.

The cabinet “reiterated its commitment to the security, stability and sovereignty of Yemen and its full support to Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad al-Alimi and his government.”

It regretted that “Saudi Arabia’s efforts to restore calm in Yemen were met with unjustified escalation that go against the foundations of the coalition to support legitimacy in Yemen.”

“The escalation does not serve efforts to achieve security and stability in Yemen and goes against all the pledges Saudi Arabia had received from the United Arab Emirates,” added the cabinet.

The cabinet expressed Saudi Arabia’s hope that “wisdom would prevail and that priority would be given to the principles of fraternity and good neighborliness and close relations between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members.”

It hoped that “the UAE would comply with the Yemeni republic’s demand that it withdraw its forces from the country withing 24 hours and that it would cease all military and financial support to the Southern Transitional Council and any other party in Yemen.”

It hoped that “the UAE would take the desired step to maintain bilateral relations between the two countries, which Saudi Arabia is keen on bolstering.”

The cabinet also reviewed regional and international developments.

It hailed the role of the coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen in protecting civilians in the Hadhramaut and Mahra governorates.

The cabinet renewed Saudi Arabia’s support to Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity, rejecting Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and warning that the move encourages separatist agendas that violate international law.

King Salman also briefed the cabinet on the message he received on Tuesday from Russian President Vladimir Putin that tackled bilateral ties between their countries.

Gulf

UAE to Pull Forces Out of Yemen

The UAE flag. (WAM)
The UAE flag. (WAM)
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UAE to Pull Forces Out of Yemen

The UAE flag. (WAM)
The UAE flag. (WAM)

The United Arab Emirates’ Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday that it was pulling its remaining forces out of Yemen.

In a statement, it said: “In light of recent developments and their potential implications for the safety and effectiveness of counterterrorism missions, the Ministry of Defense announces the termination of the remaining counterterrorism personnel in Yemen of its own volition, in a manner that ensures the safety of its personnel and in coordination with the concerned partners.”

It added that the UAE “has participated as part of the Arab Coalition since 2015 in support of legitimacy in Yemen, in backing international efforts to combat terrorist organizations, and in pursuit of security and stability for the brotherly Yemeni people. The UAE has made great sacrifices in achieving these objectives.”

“The UAE Armed Forces concluded their military presence in Yemen in 2019 after completing the assigned missions within the agreed official frameworks,” it noted. “The remaining presence was limited to specialized personnel as part of counterterrorism efforts, in coordination with relevant international partners.”

It stressed that “this measure comes within the context of a comprehensive assessment of the requirements of the current phase, and in line with the commitments of the UAE and its role in supporting security and stability in the region.”

Gulf

Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Yemen's Sovereignty

Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Yemen's Sovereignty
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Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Yemen's Sovereignty

Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Yemen's Sovereignty

The Muslim World League (MWL) has affirmed its full support for the supplementary statement issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding recent escalatory actions by the Southern Transitional Council in Yemen's Hadramout and Al-Mahara governorates.

The league expressed its support for the statement from the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen concerning the unauthorized movement of ships carrying weapons and heavy vehicles from the Port of Fujairah to the Port of Mukalla, SPA reported.

 

These shipments were reportedly transported without the necessary official permits from the coalition’s Joint Forces Command. The MWL emphasized its unwavering solidarity with the Kingdom and its support for all measures taken to safeguard its national security.

In an official statement by General Secretariat, MWL Secretary-General and Organization of Muslim Scholars Chairman Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa commended the decisive and wise content of the Saudi statement.

 

Speaking on behalf of the league’s global assemblies and councils, Al-Issa noted that these measures are vital to ensuring peace, security, and the unity of the Yemeni people under their internationally recognized leadership.

Al-Issa highlighted that the priority remains preserving stability in Yemen and the broader region. He noted that outstanding issues, including the Southern cause, must be resolved through dialogue within established legal and legitimate frameworks.

Furthermore, he warned that supporting illegitimate practices only deepens internal divisions and serves those who do not have Yemen’s best interests at heart. He cautioned that any further steps deviating from the legitimate path would only ignite sedition, the heavy cost of which would be borne by the Yemeni people.

Concluding the statement, Al-Issa called upon all Yemeni parties to prioritize wisdom and the national interest. He urged them to unite under their legitimate leadership to preserve the country's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, paving the way for a secure and prosperous future for Yemen.