JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), signed an agreement with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) in Riyadh on Thursday to provide food services to 4 million displaced people in Syria.
Another $6 million agreement was signed to provide support for half a million refugees in Jordan, according to local media.
Yousef bin Ibrahim Al-Bassam, vice president and managing director of the SFD, signed the agreements for Saudi Arabia while Abdallah Al-Wardat, director of WFP Office for the GCC countries, signed on behalf of the WFP.
Al-Wardat said on the sidelines of the signing ceremony: “We are grateful for this contribution from the SDF which will help us to provide food aid to thousands of Syrians inside both Syria and Jordan. We have enjoyed close partnership with Saudi Arabia for more than four decades as Saudi Arabia is one of the key countries that supports the WFP projects and has thus far helped to save the lives of millions of people around the world.”
He noted that the two agreements are the second major cooperation agreement between the SDF and the WFP, adding: “Half the Saudi contribution value will be allocated to provide emergency food aid to thousands of displaced families inside Syria, including assistance for breastfeeding women, in addition to supporting the school feeding project for children as well as for skills training courses on agricultural projects. The other half will be used to provide food aid for refugees in Jordan, including support for the school feeding project there.”
Meanwhile, the Saudi National Campaign (SNC) in support of the Syrian people distributed schoolbags and stationery to 747 Syrian students in a Jordanian refugee camp in Irbid.
This comes within the framework of the 11th session of the SNC’s educational program entitled “My brother, with science we will build it,” which includes all age groups from the primary to the secondary study levels.
The campaign’s regional director, Badr Al-Samhan, said that the program aims to distribute 150,000 schoolbags containing stationery materials to Syrian students in Jordan in cooperation with the Jordanian Ministry of Education and the Jordanian Charity Organization for Arab and Islamic Relief, Development and Cooperation.
Al-Samhan pointed out that the campaign office in Jordan is proceeding in accordance with the plans that have been prepared in advance so that distributions can include all of the children of refugees. He emphasized that the Saudi campaign will continue to provide humanitarian support to refugees in Jordan, as well as in Turkey and Lebanon to alleviate their suffering and provide a decent life for them.
In another development, Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, adviser to the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid, met with Christos Stylianides, member of the European Commission in charge of Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, in Brussels on Wednesday evening.
Al-Rabeeah briefed Stylianides on the humanitarian efforts extended by Saudi Arabia through its center to a number of countries including Yemen and Syria.
Detailing relief measures undertaken by the Kingdom, Undersecretary of the Interior Ministry Ahmed Al-Salem said that the Kingdom has received 2.5 million Syrian refugees and 500,000 Yemenis so far, and confirmed that the government has provided all of the relevant services to them.
In a speech at the 2016 Crans Montana Forum which kicked off in Brussels Thursday, he noted that Saudi Arabia ranks third worldwide in terms of the amount of relief and humanitarian aid given to needy and displaced people across the globe.
Al-Salem went on to highlight the Kingdom’s efforts in relief and humanitarian field, noting its achievements over the past four decades in which more than $139 billion has been given to the needy throughout the world, without discrimination based on their religious or ethnic affiliations.
Additionally, thousands of Syrians and Yemenis have entered the Kingdom as guests, and that the government has provided them with all of the necessary means of care to create decent lives for themselves and their families, including the ability to work and free access to health care and education.
Saudi Arabia to provide food aid for 4m Syrian refugees through WFP
Saudi Arabia to provide food aid for 4m Syrian refugees through WFP
Saudi Arabia, UK set up sustainable infrastructure assembly to bolster trade
- Partnership will support initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030
- London ‘a natural partner in achieving our shared vision,’ Saudi investment minister says
LONDON: Saudi Arabia and the UK on Sunday unveiled a new strategic partnership aimed at deepening collaboration between British financial and professional services firms and the Kingdom’s sustainable infrastructure developers.
The deal was announced by the Saudi Ministry of Investment, UK Department for Business and Trade and City of London Corp.
Central to the agreement is the establishment of the UK-Saudi Sustainable Infrastructure Assembly, a platform that will bring together companies, policymakers and industry experts from the two countries to shape the future of investment in the sector.
The assembly will initially focus on projects such as the new Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Co., led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, and the Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Sustainable Sports City project, spearheaded by the Kingdom’s National Center for Privatization.
Set to launch next month in Riyadh, the assembly will also meet in London in June under the banner of the UK Government’s “Great Futures” campaign, which showcases cooperation across trade, investment, tourism, education and culture. A final meeting will take place during the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh in the fall.
Among the Saudi members of the assembly are Deputy Assistant for Service Sectors at the Ministry of Investment Fahad Al-Hashem, and Hatim Alghamdi, Hisham Sumayli and Faisal Abdeen from the Ministry of Economy and Planning.
Sultan Al-Khalil, general manager of alternative funding at the National Debt Management Center, and Salman Badr, vice president of infrastructure advisory at the National Center for Privatization, will also take part.
The British side includes UK Export Finance CEO Tim Reid and Deputy Trade Commissioner for the Middle East Arabian Peninsula Peter Ashby.
As Saudi Arabia pursues a $1 trillion infrastructure development pipeline as part of Vision 2030, the assembly is set to help strengthen business ties between the two countries.
Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih said: “Saudi Arabia is driving one of the most ambitious infrastructure transformations in the world, with approximately $1 trillion committed to projects that are not only reshaping our cities but also setting new global benchmarks for sustainability.
“Through Vision 2030, we are integrating cutting-edge technologies, green financing and world-class expertise to ensure that our infrastructure delivers long-term economic, social and environmental value.
“The City of London’s leading global expertise and innovative approach to sustainable finance, infrastructure governance and public-private partnerships complement our own ambitions.
“Our long-standing partnership with the UK spans decades, making the City of London a natural partner in achieving our shared vision for a more sustainable and prosperous future,” he said.
UK Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson said the UK and Saudi Arabia shared a deep commitment to driving sustainable economic growth and attracting global investment into transformational infrastructure projects.
“These assemblies represent an opportunity to strengthen commercial ties between our two nations, ensuring that Saudi projects are well positioned to secure international capital and expertise through the UK.
“This landmark UK-Saudi collaboration exemplifies our ‘Great Futures’ campaign, fostering partnerships that will drive sustainable development and prosperity, with the UK as a trusted partner in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 journey.”
Lord Mayor of London Alastair King echoed the sentiment.
“This new partnership offers exciting opportunities for both countries,” he said.
“The UK’s expertise in sustainable finance is in demand across the globe. We are world leaders because of our reputation for innovation, access to capital and world-class clusters of expertise.
“This assembly will identify new growth opportunities for Saudi infrastructure and will make it easier for UK firms to engage with Saudi Arabia’s thriving market.”
Saudi Arabia welcomes Oman’s hosting of Iran-US talks, says dialogue is the way to go
- Kingdom says it prefers dialogue as a way to end all regional and international disputes
- American and Iranian delegations met for the first time in Muscat, Oman, to lay down the format of their talks
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia welcomed Oman's hosting of the Iran-US talks on Tehran's nuclear program, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said, adding that the Kingdom prefers dialogue as a way to end all regional and international disputes.
In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the ministry said Saudi Arabia hopes that the talks "will lead to supporting joint action to enhance security, stability and peace in the region and the world."
On April 12, American and Iranian negotiators met for the first time in Muscat, the Omani capital, as the long-term adversaries try to come up with a new nuclear deal in place of the failed 2015 accord.
The 2015 accord, or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was a long-term deal that Iran agreed with world powers known as the P5+1 — composed of the US, UK, France, China, Russia and Germany.
Under that agreement, Iran was to limit its nuclear activities and allow international inspectors to visit its nuclear sites. In return, economic sanctions on Iran would be lifted by the world powers, notably the US.
Donald Trump, however, pulled the US out of the agreement in his first term of office in 2018 amid objections by other regional powers that the accord lacked the teeth to curtail Iran's nuclear activities and only empowered Tehran to continue interfering in the affairs of its neighbors.
In his second term as president, Trump invited Iran's leadership to the negotiating table to avoid military action.
In Saturday's initial meeting in Muscat, Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi acted as intermediary, shuttling from one room to the other where the American and Iranian delegations were assigned, as the long-time adversaries tried to lay the groundwork for their high-stakes nuclear talks.
Albusaidi later told reporters that the talks took place in a “friendly atmosphere,” adding: “We will continue to work together.”
According to the Iranian foreign ministry, the negotiators also spoke directly for “a few minutes,” and that the talks were held “in a constructive and mutually respectful atmosphere.”
Steve Witkoff, a real estate magnate, headed the US team, while Iran's team was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, a seasoned diplomat and key architect of the 2015 accord.
Just before the first meeting started, Trump told reporters: “I want Iran to be a wonderful, great, happy country. But they can’t have a nuclear weapon.”
Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s adviser Ali Shamkhani said Iran was “seeking a real and fair agreement.”
The two sides have agreed to meet again.
Misk Foundation, London Business School sign strategic agreement
- The agreement aims to explore collaboration in areas such as leadership development, executive education, scientific research, and strategic communication
RIYADH: The Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, also known as Misk, and London Business School signed on Sunday a strategic agreement to strengthen leadership and advance executive education.
The agreement aims to explore collaboration in areas such as leadership development, executive education, scientific research, and strategic communication, in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals to empower leadership across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
It was signed by Dr. Badr Al-Badr, CEO of the foundation, and Professor Sergei Guriev, Dean of London Business School, in the presence of Majid Al-Qasabi, Vice Chairman of Misk Foundation, and Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan, Minister of Education.
The cooperation includes designing and delivering empowerment and leadership development programs for youth, and developing short executive courses and tailored workshops for Saudi leaders.
It will study the potential establishment of a regional executive education hub in Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City.
Commenting on the partnership, Al-Badr said the agreement reflects Misk Foundation’s commitment to developing a generation of leaders capable of shaping a sustainable future and driving national transformation.
“Through the strategic collaboration, we aim to deliver effective educational and executive solutions, and to advance scientific research that support the development of qualified leadership capabilities, contributing to enhancing the Kingdom’s competitiveness regionally and globally,” he added.
This partnership with London Business School, one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions, falls within Misk Foundation’s broader efforts to provide innovative learning and training opportunities that contribute to building a thriving society led by youth.
US energy secretary praises Saudi cooperation
- Chris Wright discussed renewable energy sources with Saudi officials
RIYADH: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright praised Saudi Arabia’s leadership for fostering robust energy cooperation between the two countries.
Wright, who visited the Kingdom on Sunday, expressed his gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman for supporting energy partnership with the US.
During a media briefing at the Energy Ministry in Riyadh, Wright discussed his conversations with Saudi officials regarding energy investment, trade and security. He praised the Kingdom’s solar energy sector and innovative energy development approach.
He discussed renewable energy sources such as green hydrogen and solar power with Saudi officials, stressing the need for long-term investments to meet rising global demand, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Wright highlighted the importance of stable oil prices to encourage investments in vital minerals, and emphasized the need to promote mutual investment and consistent growth in energy supplies, the SPA added.
Regarding the tariffs introduced globally by the US, he said the focus was on fair trade and bringing jobs back to the country. Wright described them as strategic tariffs aimed at encouraging domestic investment.
Fashioning identity: Saudi designer champions tour guides as ambassadors
- Dallal Al-Juhani’s uniform concept weaves together tradition, technology
- We should showcase Saudi heritage to the world through tourism and fashion, she says
JEDDAH: In Saudi Arabia, where each region’s distinct heritage shines through its landscape and traditions, tour guides serve as vital ambassadors — and one Saudi designer believes their attire is key to embodying the cultural treasures they represent.
Dallal Al-Juhani, a fashion design faculty member at Taibah University, has developed a visionary concept for tour guide uniforms in AlUla which blends heritage with modern style.
Using technology to champion heritage, her project merges the cultural identity of AlUla with aesthetics and the functional needs of the job, highlighting Saudi identity in its finest form.
“Saudi heritage has its place and value,” she told Arab News. “We should be proud of it and showcase it to the world through the tourism and fashion sectors."
HIGHLIGHT
Dallal Al-Juhani, a fashion design faculty member at Taibah University, has developed a visionary concept for tour guide uniforms in AlUla which blends heritage with modern style.
Al-Juhani holds a bachelor’s degree in clothing and jewelry design from Taibah University, and boasts a master’s in fashion design from King Abdulaziz University.
She added: “During my studies there was a significant focus on fashion that reflects heritage, as well as the role of modern technologies in the development of the fashion industry.”
Reflecting on the inspiration behind her vision for tour guide uniforms, she said: “During my visit to AlUla in 2021 I noticed that tour guides did not have a specific uniform to stand out to visitors.
Saudi heritage has its place and value. We should be proud of it and showcase it to the world through the tourism and fashion sectors.
Dallal Al-Juhani, Saudi designer and academic
“As a fashion designer I felt compelled to find a solution to this issue by creating designs suitable for this role.”
Al-Juhani’s uniform concept reflects the rich identity of AlUla through colors, patterns, materials, and techniques, all inspired by the region’s heritage.
It serves as a visual narrative, representing the beauty of AlUla’s monuments while establishing a deep connection between the storyteller and the place itself.
She said: “Patterns were inspired from iconic locations such as Al-Hijr and Jabal Ikmah, incorporating Nabataean letters and prominent symbols such as the bull, lion, and hand.”
Functionality was a key consideration in the uniform’s design, and Al-Juhani added: “The uniform gives the tour guide a sense of belonging and comfort, leaving a positive impression on tourists, which elevates the level of professionalism in the tourism sector.”
As a young Saudi designer Al-Juhani’s message to her peers is to keep up with modern trends by utilizing new technologies in design and illustration. In fact, as part of her project, she harnessed artificial intelligence techniques to enhance her designs.
And to bring her vision to life she used AI-powered tools like Midjourney and Lexica to develop prototypes before transitioning to manual work.
She said: “I used natural leather and techniques such as burning and decoration that mimic the ancient Nabataean style. I also added traditional details using leather threads and blanket stitching to enhance the heritage touch.”
While Al-Juhani did face some challenges in sourcing high-quality materials, the input offered by tour guides made the process smoother.
She added: “I made sure to involve them in every stage to strengthen their connection to the uniform, making it a project they felt a part of rather than just a product.”
Her innovative approach has already earned her recognition, and Al-Juhani was awarded the gold medal at the London International Exhibition of Inventions and Innovations in 2024, as well as receiving special recognition from Croatia and Romania at the same event.
“It was proof that heritage and monuments give design authenticity, uniqueness, and enhance its aesthetic and expressive value,” she said.
