Employees work in the clean rooms of a factory in the semiconductor industry near Grenoble, eastern France. AFP
Employees work in the clean rooms of a factory in the semiconductor industry near Grenoble, eastern France. AFP
Employees work in the clean rooms of a factory in the semiconductor industry near Grenoble, eastern France. AFP
Employees work in the clean rooms of a factory in the semiconductor industry near Grenoble, eastern France. AFP

Saudi Arabia launches global forum to discuss rapidly changing skills requirements


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Riyadh will host a major international forum next year bringing business and academic experts together to discuss rapid changes in the world, and how they affect human development.

The Human Capability Initiative will gather more than 6,000 experts and 150 international keynote speakers from government, private and non-profit entities under the theme of Future Readiness.

Specifically, speakers will look at workplace skills as companies rapidly adopt Artificial Intelligence, automation in manufacturing and office processes, and transition to the green economy.

The forum will also attract think tanks from more than 50 countries to engage in dialogue and opportunities around developing human capability.

The first forum will be held on February 28 and 29 at King Abdulaziz International Convention Centre in Riyadh, under the patronage of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The kingdom's Minister of Education, Yousef Al Benyan, said the conference will discuss the key skills required in the future global labour market, as well as the impact of rapid developments in digital economies.

“The conference is the first-of-its-kind global co-operative platform to catalyse international collaboration, enrich global dialogue in human capability development, and contribute to the development of human skills and a prosperous global economy,” said Mr Al Benyan, who is also chairman of the Executive Committee of Saudi Arabia's Human Capability Development Programme.

“Topics addressed at HCI are of vital importance in driving new conversations on shaping policy, collaboration, and private-public-third sector partnerships and investment at a global level in developing human capabilities. This will contribute to building strong and flexible economies to meet future challenges.”

Saudi Arabia hosts several international forums through the year under the patronage of Prince Mohammed.

Last week, the seventh edition of the Misk Global Forum took place in Riyadh under the theme The Big Now with youth, leaders, and innovators from all over the world participating in panels and discussions.

More than 5,000 people from 90 countries attended the seventh edition of the Future Investment Initiative forum in the Saudi capital from October 24 to 26.

Prince Mohammed attended a speech delivered by South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol at FII event.

Defence review at a glance

• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”

• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems

• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.

• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%

• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade

• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
JERSEY INFO

Red Jersey
General Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the leader of the General Classification by time.
Green Jersey
Points Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the fastest sprinter, who has obtained the best positions in each stage and intermediate sprints.
White Jersey
Young Rider Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the best young rider born after January 1, 1995 in the overall classification by time (U25).
Black Jersey
Intermediate Sprint Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the rider who has gained the most Intermediate Sprint Points.

VEZEETA PROFILE

Date started: 2012

Founder: Amir Barsoum

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: HealthTech / MedTech

Size: 300 employees

Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)

Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC

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Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

Easter%20Sunday
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PROFILE OF CURE.FIT

Started: July 2016

Founders: Mukesh Bansal and Ankit Nagori

Based: Bangalore, India

Sector: Health & wellness

Size: 500 employees

Investment: $250 million

Investors: Accel, Oaktree Capital (US); Chiratae Ventures, Epiq Capital, Innoven Capital, Kalaari Capital, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Piramal Group’s Anand Piramal, Pratithi Investment Trust, Ratan Tata (India); and Unilever Ventures (Unilever’s global venture capital arm)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
 
  • Grade 9 = above an A*
  • Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
  • Grade 7 = grade A
  • Grade 6 = just above a grade B
  • Grade 5 = between grades B and C
  • Grade 4 = grade C
  • Grade 3 = between grades D and E
  • Grade 2 = between grades E and F
  • Grade 1 = between grades F and G
Updated: November 22, 2023, 12:39 PM