Defending Against Undetected Backdoor Techniques Used in Targeted Cyber Attacks

Posted on December 14, 2014 by مشرف

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Global security software leader Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704) is raising the alarm about backdoors, the primary tool for stealing data that attackers use to go deeper into the target network without being detected.

Although the motivation behind targeted attack campaigns may vary, threat actors continue to go after the “crown jewels” or confidential company data of enterprises.

Based on the recent Harvard Business Review study, “Aggressive and Persistent: Using Frameworks to Defend Against Cyber Attacks”, there are four types of data commonly stolen in targeted attacks: personally identifiable information (PII) (28%), authentication credentials (21%), intellectual property (20%), and other sensitive corporate/organizational data (16%).

The Crucial Role of Backdoors in Targeted Attacks

Before getting to the crown jewels, though, attackers need to gather a whole lot of other information about their target in order to infiltrate the network without being detected.

This may involve gathering publicly available information about the target, as well as information about the target’s network infrastructure. The latter is often done with the use of malware, such as remote access tools or backdoors. Threat actors often employ a wide-array of backdoor techniques to evade detection.

Based on Trend Micro’s previous investigation, many targeted attacks reflected that various tactics are used by backdoors to carry out their routines while remaining undetected by network administrators and security software products. Additionally, these techniques have evolved overtime as IT admins started to employ more sophisticated network defenses.

IT Admins Must “Beef Up” Network Security Against Backdoors

IT or system admins are naturally cautious about their network’s safety. IT professionals are expected to protect their network, with firewalls, secure all mobile stations, and deploy security software across all platforms.

Because data breach, malware, and other forms of cyber-attacks continuously threaten company networks, it is very important to secure its environment with the right protection. However, slippery backdoors still manage to slip through the radar due to exploited vulnerabilities within the network.

Before sensitive data is spied on and stolen, IT admins must beef up their network security against backdoor techniques used in targeted attacks by following Trend Micro’s recommendations for best practices and solution technologies. These include firewall, network patterns, and anti-malware solutions. IT admins also need to watch out for potential vulnerabilities and stay aware and updated on security.

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First Acer 4G LTE Tablet with Dual-SIM To Join Iconia Tablet Family

Posted on December 14, 2014 by مشرف

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Acer announced the launch of the latest addition to its Iconia tablet family: the Iconia Talk S. It is the very first tablet presented by Acer to support 4G LTE connectivity. With its 7-inch display, voice-call functionalities, and microSD support of up to 128GB, this device seamlessly expands the existing product line of Acer tablets.

Balanced Dual World

With the Iconia Talk S, Acer developed a perfectly balanced product. Its large screen makes it a tablet that is pleasant to use, while the voice-calling features allow users to use it as a phone, finally cutting the hassle of having to rely on two devices and constantly needing to switch from one to the other. Its slim, narrow body and its light weight of only 270 grams make the tablet pocketable and provide a comfortable one-handed experience just like those usually enabled by smartphones. Finally, thanks to its Dual SIM slot, the Iconia Talk S allows users to simultaneously access different networks with only one device allowing for more flexibility and cost-effectiveness. This feature is especially convenient for those who are often split between two worlds: frequent travelers, for example, will be able to use their home and local SIM cards, cutting roaming costs and remaining more accessible while on the road, while busy professionals can keep up with both their personal and work lives at the same time.

Blazing Fast Connectivity

With a speed of up to 150 Mbps in download and 50 Mbps in upload, the Iconia Talk S with 4G LTE connectivity ensures users will get the fastest browsing and streaming experience available on the market. This is guaranteed thanks to the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ quad-core processor built-into this tablet. This processor, especially designed for 4G LTE devices, delivers fast data, quick network response times and smooth connection to multiple networks. Additionally, it ensures battery efficiency and secures up to 300 hours of standby time. 3G connectivity is also available on the Iconia Talk S, securing seamless voice calls that allow the tablet’s owner to stay in touch with friends, family and loved ones at all times.

Fantastic Visuals

Fast communication is not the only asset of the Iconia Talk S: securing breathtaking visuals was also one of Acer’s main focus points when developing this product. With its beautiful 7-inch HD IPS  panel, built-in Zero Air Gap technology and Anti Fingerprint coating, the Iconia Talk S promises a fantastic viewing experience, both when used indoors and outside. Furthermore, the design of the device itself is optimized for an immersive viewing experience: thanks to the very narrow display bezel (5.9mm on each side), the screen-to-body ratio is significantly higher than that of other 7-inch tablets on the market ,making it easier for the eye to focus on visuals without being distracted by the frame.

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STC and SAP Leverage Network Technology to Fuel Kingdom’s Knowledge-Based Economy Kingdom Tops Middle East Mobile Subscriptions; Aims to Tap into Global USD 50 Billion Enterprise Mobility Opportunity

Posted on December 1, 2014 by مشرف

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The Middle East’s largest telecommunications service provider, Saudi Telecommunication Company (STC), and SAP, are partnering to leverage STC’s network infrastructure; this will help drive the Kingdom’s knowledge-based economy, the organizations announced today.

SAP predicts a global USD 50 billion enterprise mobility potential, offering immense opportunities for the Kingdom’s public and private sectors to harness the power of the connected economy through use of network technology.

The Kingdom’s cellular sector is particularly strong boasting Middle East’s largest number of mobile subscriptions, 53 million in 2013, according to the Kingdom’s Communication and Information Technology Commission. The country’s smartphone penetration is 73 percent, one of the highest in the world, according to Google’s “Our Mobile Planet” report.

“STC’s leadership in providing state of the art robust network infrastructure has the potential to help realize the vision of knowledge-based economy in the Kingdom. We aim to leverage SAP’s business experience and our world-class data centres to provide top of the line mobility services to our enterprise customers,” commented Dr. Khaled AlBayari, STC Senior Vice President of Technology and Operations.

Utilizing the power of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, the project aims to support informed decision making by providing integration and unified reporting across various applications and functions. This results in increasing efficiency, integrating business processes and strengthening internal controls.

Ahmed Al Faifi, Managing Director, SAP Saudi Arabia, said: “STC’s network life cycle management project has enabled the Kingdom to become one of the world’s best-connected countries. By leveraging our global telecommunications expertise, STC now has the visibility into its network to deliver cutting-edge enterprise applications that will drive ROI.”

As a global market leader in enterprise business-to-business applications and software, SAP helps companies of all sizes and industries run better across sales, services, and marketing. From back office to boardroom, warehouse to store front, desktop to mobile device, SAP empowers people and organizations to work together more efficiently and use business insights more effectively.

Among SAP’s leading solutions are SAP Business Suite on SAP HANA for hybrid analytical and transactional processing, SAP Fiori for enhancing the user experience, SuccessFactors for cloud-based business solutions, Ariba for procurement; along with CRM, billing, and order management.

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Embassy of Japan participated in the International Children’s Day Festival

Posted on December 1, 2014 by مشرف

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The Embassy of Japan participated in the 7th Riyadh International Children’s Day Festival from 20 to 22 November, 2014, which was hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Information at King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh.

 On the opening day, teachers from the Japanese School in Riyadh and seven students performed Japanese drum (Wadaiko) in the presence of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture and Information for Cultural Affairs, Dr. Naser bin Saleh Al-Hujailan. H.E. Dr. Al-Hujailan enjoyed the performance and appreciated the contributions by the students of the Japanese School and the Embassy.

The Embassy also exhibited some traditional handicrafts from Toyone Village which has become a friendship partner of KSA since 2005 when EXPO 2005 was held in Aichi prefecture of Japan. The Embassy also arranged a Japanese calligraphy exhibition, and many visitors to the Festival experienced writing of their names in Japanese characters. They took photographs and took those pieces of work with them as gifts from the Japanese Embassy booth. This was aimed to spread Japanese language in Saudi Arabia in order to enhance bilateral relation between the two countries. In addition to that, there was a small exhibition of Japanese traditional clothes, books and Japanese Manga. Many visitors are attracted by these exhibitions.

As number of youth population increases, more attention is paid to child education and culture. The Embassy would like to encourage and support the collaborative relationship between Japan and Saudi Arabia in the fields of child education and culture.

It is worth mentioning that, 2015 marks 60th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relation between the two countries. Embassy of Japan will sponsor and organize events which meet criteria and are to be held from November 2014 to March 2016. This event was regarded as one of the commemorative events of this anniversary.

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World premiere for Kia KX3 concept at Guangzhou – KX3 concept previews a China-exclusive C-segment SUV – Bold design and SUV practicality for young, outgoing consumers – Advanced 1.6-liter T-GDI engine and four-wheel drive powertrain

Posted on December 1, 2014 by مشرف

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Kia Motors Corporation’s joint venture in China, Dongfeng Yueda Kia (DYK), today unveiled the KX3 concept in Guangzhou, China, previewing a C-segment SUV that Kia envisions to offer exclusively for the Chinese market.

Making its global premiere at the 2014 Guangzhou Motor Show, the KX3 concept’s unique appearance is designed to appeal to young Chinese consumers who are looking for high-value, high-quality cars that reflect their passion for – and pursuit of – an outgoing lifestyle. Kia’s latest concept illustrates what a compact SUV from the Korean brand could look like in a rapidly growing segment of the Chinese car market.

The KX3 concept blends an SUV silhouette with sporty looks, featuring a coupé-inspired glass area, small rear spoiler, gently rising belt-line and muscular wheel arches. Kia’s trademark ‘tiger-nose’ grille gets a new matte chrome-look surround, which sits below the concept’s wraparound LED headlights. The KX3’s high ground-clearance and chrome-look body cladding around the base hint at the concept’s four-wheel drive capabilities and on-road stability. The result is a stylish, athletic-looking compact SUV, promising both a high degree of practicality and a great drive.

At 4,260 mm long, with a wide 1,765 mm body and generous 2,590 mm wheelbase, the KX3 concept ensures that passengers benefit from plenty of cabin space. The raised body, at 1,630 mm in height, offers a commanding view of the drive ahead – on- and off-road – while the concept’s large 400-liter cargo area is completely flat for added practicality.

The KX3 concept is powered by Kia’s high-tech 1.6-liter turbo gasoline direct injection (T-GDI) engine, paired with an advanced seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), and offers motorists fun-to-drive handling characteristics. The four-wheel drive powertrain, backed up by the T-GDI engine’s strong performance and high fuel economy, lets drivers enjoy greater stability in all conditions.

The KX3’s chassis has been engineered for a five-star C-NCAP safety rating, employing ultra-high tensile steel throughout the bodyshell to maximize passive safety.

The high quality cabin is designed to offer a high level of refinement and comfort, while Kia’s latest in-car connectivity technology – with easy-to-use smartphone functionality – will satisfy the needs of young-at-heart Chinese drivers. The KX3 concept promises a high level of standard equipment, and a wide range of options, to ensure the greatest possible value to buyers.

The KX3 concept has been designed and engineered exclusively for the Chinese car market through Kia’s DYK joint venture. Kia Motors has yet to confirm whether the KX3 concept will be put into production.

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IKEA Saudi Arabia’s Soft Toys for Education Campaign Returns IKEA Donates SR2 to Disabled Children’s Association for Every Soft Toy Sold

Posted on December 1, 2014 by مشرف

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Ghassan Ahmed Al Sulaiman Furniture Trading, “IKEA Saudi Arabia,” has launched its Soft Toys for Education campaign around the Kingdom, for the second year in a row, whereby five new soft toy characters have been chosen to be the faces of the campaign.

For every soft toy sold through November and December, IKEA Saudi Arabia will donate two Riyals to children’s education through the Disabled Children’s Association.  The Soft Toys for Education campaign aims to provide first-rate education to disabled children. The greater the number of toys sold, the more disabled children can get an education in hopes for a prosperous future.

“Education is not a privilege; it is a right. We at IKEA believe every child has the right to a quality education, no matter what the circumstances. Our partnership with the Disabled Children’s Association aims to ensure that all disabled children receive the education they deserve,” said Saud Al Sulaiman, CEO of IKEA Saudi Arabia. “Children are an important part of our society and we have a vital role to play in ensuring that they receive the tools to build a brighter future. We call upon our customers to support us in making our goal a reality.”

IKEA Saudi Arabia first launched the campaign last year, where it donated SR 204,000 to the DCA, reaching tens of disabled children. They have now established a partnership with the DCA where the money donated from the sale of soft toys will go directly to improving the education of disabled children.

Dr. Zuhair Abdulraheem Maimani, Manager of the DCA expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support from IKEA co-workers and customers, stating: “We are privileged and honored to be part of the Soft Toys for Education campaign for a second year, and with this partnership we have established with IKEA, we can only look forward towards providing better opportunities for our children.”

For the first time ever, IKEA customers will be able to monitor the sale of soft toys. Throughout the duration of the campaign, customers will be able to track the number of soft toys sold to date, through screens that have been installed across all stores in the Kingdom.

The Soft Toys for Education campaign runs in parallel to the global campaign that is taking place across all IKEA stores worldwide.

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Saudi youth participates in Japanese Language Speech Contest in Riyadh

Posted on November 29, 2014 by مشرف

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the Embassy of Japan, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Information, held the 7th Japanese Language Speech Contest in Saudi Arabia at the Japanese Ambassador’s Residence in Riyadh.

Six participants from all over Saudi Arabia gave their speeches in Japanese language. “Japanese Language and Arabic Language” or “Me and My Teachers” were the themes given and each participant chose on of them. All the audiences were fascinated by the fluent Japanese of their speeches with unique stories and gestures during the speech.

There were two levels in the contest, Standard Level and Advanced Level, depending on total length of stay in Japan. The first prize winner of the Standard Level was Ms. Atheer Khaled Alsoghayer, the second prize winner was Mr. Yousif Adel A Aljomaih. For the Advanced Level, Mr. Saad Mohammed S Alsufayan won the first prize and Mr. Saad Nasser Alhuresen was awarded the second prize.

At the opening of the contest, Charge d’ Affairs, Mr. Katsuhiko Takahashisaid: We are happy to hold the Japanese Language Speech contest this time in the framework of 60th anniversary since establishing diplomatic relations between japan and KSA. This is the 7th Japanese Language Speech Contest, but until the 4th contest, it was only among the students of the Japanese Language Course of King Saud University. Since last two years, and for the first time in Saudi Arabia, the contest was expanded to the public, as it achieved large participation of those who have different backgrounds. In addition to that, participation of women has started since then. There are a number of female participants this year which makes me feel happy”.

He added“Now, there are more than six hundred Saudi students studying in Japan. Those students who finished their studies in Japan are now playing important roles in various fields in Saudi Arabia. We will try our best to do every support in order to increase the number of people who are interested in Japan and will be the bridge between the two countries. In addition to that we will also try hard to expand Japanese Language in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”.

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MEDICAL TOURISM IN HUNGARY

Posted on November 28, 2014 by مشرف

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Hungary is one of the flagship countries of European medical tourism. It is a well known fact that Hungary has one of the most demanding medical and dental educations in the world.

A quarter of all medical students at Hungarian universities come from abroad, and many Hungarian specialists teach and practice internationally. The main reasons for Hungary’s leading role in European medical tourism are its long experience and practice on the international market. The success story began in the eighties, when Hungary was a popular destination for German and Austrian patients seeking top-quality dentistry and dental prosthetic services of Swiss standards. Since Hungary joined the European Union, medical tourism has become more varied and more international.

In fact, the cost of treatments and patient service is some much lower, that you can afford to fly to Hungary, undergo treatment, enjoy the sights, the culture and shopping offers in Budapest and still save up to 40-70 % on what you would have to pay in the UK, USA and Scandinavian countries. The most popular treatments and procedures amongst international patients are dentistry, plastic and orthopaedic surgery, cardiac rehabilitation, fertility treatments, dermatology and anti-aging treatments, obesity treatments, addiction programs and eye surgery (both general and ocular implantation).

Hungary will treat you well

Why not follow the thousands of satisfied customers from all over Europe who seek medical treatment in Hungary? We could say that the treatments offered in the country are cheaper and better than elsewhere, but we won’t say that. Instead, we’re trying to give you facts that make your decision for finding a destination that caters for your medical and cultural needs easier.

Easily accessible within Europe: Hungary, due to its ideal location in the centre of Europe, is easily accessed by low-cost flights from all over Europe.

Medical training in Hungary is world class. The doctors in order to continue to be able to practice, they must fulfil the requirement of an average of 50 hours of further education each year (twice as many hours as in most Western countries).

Good language skills: Thus you can rest assured that a good standard of English is spoken at all private clinics and hotels.

Accreditation: Hungary has a number of accreditation and license schemes applying to its institutions, such as the domestic accreditation schemes from the Hungarian Ministry of Health, and the National Health Commission and Medical Service. Some facilities are also recognised by the Care Quality Commission in the UK and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Good exchange rate: Thanks to the favourable exchange rate Hungary is now even more affordable for foreign patients. But Hungary is not just cheap; it is excellent value. The private clinics have invested heavily in their facilities and treatments to keep the market leader position in Europe and guarantee the highest Western European quality at internationally competitive prices.

Hungary for all kinds of budgets: Whether you are is looking for medical treatment abroad at a reasonable cost or are more interested in luxury travel, you can find it in Hungary. The possibilities range from city apartments through award-winning spa hotels to luxury five star hotels.

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Medical tourism programs: Several clinics run medical tourism programs and packages, organising the entire trip including flights, accommodation, transfers and treatments. Furthermore, travellers can combine medical treatments with their holiday, discovering the 1000-year-old history of the country and the unique fusion of eastern and western cultures, while recovering from surgery in one of the many rejuvenating thermal spas.

The EU directive on cross-border healthcare (effective from 2013) clarifies and expands the rights of patients who seek healthcare in another EU member state. Patients will not only be allowed to receive healthcare in other member states, but will also be reimbursed up to the level of costs of the treatment at home. Also, each country must establish at least one national contact point for patients to get information about health providers, reimbursement procedures, and when prior authorisation is needed.

They say good health is priceless. In Hungary though, getting fit and fab, relaxed and radiant comes at a price. A price that you’ll find really low for the outstanding expertise and quality of treatments you’ll receive.

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Rawabi Holding Group Inaugurates its 5th Annual Talent Exhibit in Riyadh Al Turki: Our CSR Vision Has Become Multi-Dimensional and Has Had a Clear Impact

Posted on November 28, 2014 by مشرف

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In partnership with the Human Resources Development Fund, Rawabi Holding Group inaugurated its 5th Annual RawabiTalent Exhibit in Al Riyadh Schools, on Wednesday November 26 2014. The opening was held in the presence of Rawabi Holding Group Chairman Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Turki, Director General of Career Guidance at the Ministry of LaborYahya AlKhabrani, Deputy Director General of Riyadh SchoolsAbdulrahmanAlGhufaili, and career guidance specialist and licensed trainer of the Arabic version of the Color Q Personality TestDr.Mubarak Al-Dossary.

The Fifth Annual Rawabi Talent Exhibit differs from its preceding exhibits, where it will now be held in Riyadh, Jeddah, Tabuk and Al Khobar throughout duration of 6 months, with a goal of achieving its vision as being a pioneer in the field of vocational guidance in Saudi Arabia. This is achieved through its programs that aim to help youth and students better understand themselves and get to know their abilities by developing their potential with the Color Q Personality System TM. byRowadAlmaarefa for Education Consultancy.  In addition there will be interactive booths hosting professionals from different fields to guide the visiting students and inform them of their occupation and help them envision their future and what the Saudi market has to offer.

Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Turki, Rawabi Holding Group Chairman expressed his gratitude and appreciation towards the Ministry of Labor and the Human Resources Development Fund for playing an important role in expanding this Exhibit and stated, “Today, we feel a sense of pride as we inaugurate the 5th Annual Rawabi Talent Exhibit in partnership with the Human Resources Development Fund here in Riyadh. This Exhibit serves as a first step towards fulfilling our vision for expansion, as evidenced by it reaching Jeddah, Tabuk and finally Al Khobar throughout a duration of six months. The Exhibit further reconfirms the importance of private and public sector partnerships in meeting mutually beneficial goals for education, training and employment. We are confident that these partnerships, which target Saudi youth, will have tangible, positive results in light of the Exhibit’s expansion.”

He further added, “Our CSR vision has become multi-dimensional and has had a clear impact, as shown by all the successes of this Exhibit, which utilizes a scientific method to guide youth towards their career prospects. This is what we aim for here at Rawabi Holding Group, to integrate our social responsibility programs into our development plans and to serve as a core contributor to growth.  We recognize the role that can be played by youth if provided with the opportunity and if they had been empowered to enter the fields that they desire, as they are the driving force behind the development of the nation.”

The Exhibit also offers a digital application, “Career Compass” which includes a list of universities and institutes in the Kingdome and the programs they offer and their career paths.

Director General of the Human Resources Development Fund Ibrahim Al-Moaiqel stated: “Rawabi Holding Group, being a leader in this field and having achieved its objectives throughout its annual Talent Exhibit, was selected to become a partner on account of its successes in the past four consecutive years which led to expanding the scope of the program to more than one city.”

He then added, “We are diligently working on creating innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing the youth’s skills and abilities while also creating employment opportunities for them. We are also encouraging the private sector to develop and partake in such programs and activities. The Rawabi Talent Exhibit is a prime example of such programs that receive great backing from the Ministry of Labor and the Human Resources Development Fund.”

The Rawabi Talent Exhibit comprises of workshops, lectures and other activities designed to strengthen the youths’ talents while also displaying personal success stories. For more information on the Rawabi Talent Exhibit’s programs and activities, visit Al Riyadh Schools from November 26 until December 5, or through visiting the following page https://www.facebook.com/RawabiYouth

 

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Qatar unveils new design of Khalifa International Stadium at Gulf Cup in Riyadh

Posted on November 25, 2014 by مشرف

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The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, the body responsible for building the stadium and infrastructure required for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™, and Aspire Zone Foundation have unveiled the renovated design of Khalifa International Stadium, the third proposed Host Venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™.

The redevelopment includes revamping the venue to encompass a seating capacity of 40,000 during the tournament in order to be compliant with FIFA’s stadium requirements for hosting group, round of 16 and quarterfinal matches.Additionally innovative cooling technology will be incorporated to ensure an optimal playing temperature of 26 Celsius and provide a comfortable viewing environment for fans and players.

The announcement was made at a ceremonial dinner held in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, at the sidelines of the 22nd edition of the Gulf Cup. H.E. Abdullatif Al Zayani, GCC Secretary General, H.R.H. Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ad bin Abdul Aziz General President of Youth Welfare,Presidents of Gulf football associations and other dignitaries from the region attended the event.

Expressing GCC support for Qatar in hosting the world cup, H.E. Abdullatif Al Zayani said, “having such a global tournament organized by a Gulf state will be a source of pride not only for the Gulf, but for all Arab countries as well. “Hosting the FIFA World Cup is a legitimate right for this region,” he explained, “The GCC will always stand with Qatar to safeguard this right and make the world cup happen.”

Commenting on the event, H.R.H. Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ad bin Abdul Aziz, General President of Youth Welfare,said: “We are proud to announce from our country the new design of the third proposed world cup host venue. With being a host for this tournament, Qatar will be able to bring the world cup to the Middle Eastfor the first time. At the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia we stand by Qatar and we firmly support its right to host this event, as it is a remarkable success for all of us. I am confident that Qatar will deliver an exceptional tournament, introducing our culture and traditions to the world and promoting football and sports across the Gulf and the whole region”.

Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al Thani, president of Qatar Football Association said: “We are pleased to be here with our brothers in Riyadh, which is currently hosting the Gulf Cup. This tournament reflects the importance of sport, especially football, in strengthening the brotherly relationship between Gulf countries. Likewise, we hope that the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ will offer another good opportunity for the people of our region to come together and make it an impressive track record of success”.

In his speech, Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, said: “Unveiling the design of our third proposed World Cup host venue from Riyadh shows how much the World Cup is welcomed by all the countries and peoples of the region, especially Saudi Arabia which has been supporting us since the early days of our bid. It also demonstrates our determination and firm commitment to deliver on an amazing tournament, creating a long legacy for Qatar, Gulf States and the whole region.”

Built in 1976, and renovated for Asian Games in 2006, Khalifa International Stadium will see a comprehensive renovation to meet the FIFA standards for World Cup stadiums, this includes adding a new building to the east wing and building a single roof to cover the whole seating area.

Hilal Jeham Al Kuwari, President of Aspire Zone Foundation, which is supervising the renovation project, said: “Khalifa international stadium has been always pivotal to the sporting scene in Qatar. It hosted several international tournaments and friendly matches. The aim of the renovation is not only refurbishing the stadium to fulfill the FIFA requirements, but enhancing it with new features as well. In such a way, we will be able to keep the stadium sustainable for longer time and ensure that it will remain a global sports hub and a focal point to the local community.”

Among the new additions, the stadium will see 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports museum. This museum will include historic sport collections and interactive exhibits, demonstrating the strong relationship that connects Qatar with world sports. Food courts, shops, multi-purposes rooms, VIP lounges and a health center will also be available on the upper and lower concourses to be built in the Eastern Side.

In addition, cooling technology will be employed in the stadium and training sites to ensure players and fans are encompassed by a comfortable atmosphere.

This new technology was put to test by the SC at an open-air fan zone set up in Doha during the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014. Aspire Zone Foundation also featured a fan zone the size of a full scale football pitch, designed to test the cooling technology capabilities for training sites and facilities in Qatar during the 2022 FIFA World Cup™.  The fan zones were a great success, bringing the temperature down by 12 degree Celsius and providing comfortable environment for more than 15,000 fans.

To ensure the fans will have a unique experience, the tournament will be the first compact edition of the FIFA World Cup™. This means the players and fans will not have to fly from one city to another for matches. Instead, a modern transport network will be in operation to take fans from their accommodations to the stadiums in less than 45 minutes.

A new road network along with two new metro stations in the surrounding area will connect the stadium to public transportation, allowing it to be easily accessible. Meanwhile, the close distance between the stadium and its surrounding hotels and shopping center will make walking an enjoyable experience.

 A joint venture between Midmac Contracting and a subsidiary of the Belgian Besix Group, Six Construct, is overseeing main contractor works on the stadium. Dar Al Handasah and Projacs are the Design Consultant and Project Manager respectively.

Commenting on the project Yasir Al-Jamal, Acting Assistant Secretary General for Delivery Affairs at the SC said: “Khalifa International Stadium is the third proposed FIFA World Cup™ Venue which the SC has revealed so far. This comes after revealing the designs of Al-Wakrah Stadium in November 2013, and Al Bayt Al Khor City stadium in June 2014”.

He added: “The SC has previously announced that work will start in five proposed FIFA World Cup™ venues before the end of this year, in the upcoming weeks we will be unveiling the design of Qatar Foundation Stadium which is currently in the enabling works phase and Al Rayyan stadium which will be announced during Qatar’s National Day Celebrations in Darb Al-Saa’i ”.

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