Faisal, Emir of Makkah region, welcomed new partners to the “Dialogue of Joint Responsibility” which was inaugurated last Tuesday. The new partners include mosques, the business sector, universities, schools and all public-sector agencies. Prince Khaled made the announcement at a meeting on Tuesday which was attended by Dr. Hashim A. Hashim, Editor-in-Chief of Okaz newspaper, Ali Hasoon, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Bilad newspaper, Dr. Osama Al-Bar, Mayor of Makkah, and other senior officials from different ministries. During the meeting, the Prince also stressed that every citizen should participate in the development process. However, he questioned why some government officials feel annoyed when they are criticized by the press. He said government agencies should work to improve their performance, if the criticism is correct, or ignore the criticism if it has no foundation. “Constructive criticism brings about a lot of benefits and attracts our attention to our mistakes. Unconstructive criticism or that which seeks to achieve personal benefits should not be accepted and it is not befitting for those who work in the media. Criticism should not divert the media from its honorable goals,” the Emir said. The Prince also called for all government agencies to respond to newspaper reports and to cooperate with the media. He also talked about the role of imams of mosques in educating Saudi youth about their religion, culture and their responsibility towards their country. “I'm very happy and satisfied with the extraordinary activities of Makkah youth through forums, meetings and organizations seeking to serve their society. The contribution of our youth to the development of the country is better than having them engage in dangerous or seditious activities,” Prince Khaled said. He also announced that Jeddah Mayoralty is to build large recreation areas where Saudi youth can develop their skills and entertain themselves away from unsuitable or crowded places.” The Prince called on the media to focus on the talents of youths and facilitate their participation in the development process. He expressed his amazement at the talents of Saudi youth which he has witnessed on official visits. “We are very proud of them and it is our duty to provide them with the necessary opportunities to excel at what they do,” he said. The Emir said that he has been briefed by Ali Al-Barak, Executive Director of the Saudi Electricity Company, on ongoing electricity projects in Makkah worth more than SR33 billion. “According to Al-Barak, the Kingdom adds 4,000 megawatts every year, which is equal to the consumption of four Arab countries, and the Kingdom's capability to produce electricity has exceeded 50,000 megawatts, which is equal to the production of the United Kingdom,” the Emir said. Prince Khaled was also briefed on the Taif Technology Oasis project by the SRI Company consultant. He was furnished with information on the project's vision and estimated timeline. An SRI team has visited similar projects in Singapore, South Korea, France and China and has met with senior officials at the ministries of commerce, health, labor, interior, water and electricity and the Taif Mayoralty. The Taif Technology Oasis project seeks to enhance national development and the economy, increase competitiveness and create job opportunities for citizens. The general plan for the project is to be approved by the end of this year.
