JEDDAH: Yasser Al-Mahmoud, a specialist doctor at the rehabilitation hospital at King Fahd Medical City (KFMC), revealed that the disability rate is up to 8 percent of the population according to a recently published study.
He noted that the Kingdom has one of the highest rates of spinal cord injuries in the world with 62 people injured per 1 million, and the injuries are mostly due to traffic accidents.
“The Kingdom ranks first in material and human losses, and disabilities where the financial losses as a result of traffic accidents are estimated at about SR26 billion annually. It causes the deaths of 16 people every day along with 35 injuries mostly with chronic disabilities,” said Al-Mahmoud.
Al-Mahmoud was speaking at the Rehabilitation Hospital at KFMC at an event to mark World Disability Day under the slogan “My disability does not constrain me. I can challenge it.”
The event witnessed the participation of the relevant bodies from inside and outside KFMC. He revealed that the number of patients who have been met by consultants at the rehabilitation hospital during this year reached 1,728.
“The number of new patients amounted to 896, while the total number of patients received by the outpatient clinics for day and night services, and the new patients and follow up stood at 5,092 people,” added Al-Mahmoud.
He explained the number of patients who were given health consultation services amounted to 364 people, and the number of those hospitalized was 378. The total number of patients who were received by the comprehensive rehabilitation division was 30,678, and 50,278 patients availed themselves of services by the physiotherapy department.
Meanwhile, the head of the committee organizing events on the occasion, Manal Al-Gouth, said the event aims to help people with disabilities to integrate into society, and to deliver their message on the importance of involving people with disabilities in various areas of life, asserting to them that they are important members of society in addition to acknowledging that their abilities qualify them to engage and participate in the activities and efforts of the community.
KSA has one of the highest rates of spinal cord injuries from traffic accidents
KSA has one of the highest rates of spinal cord injuries from traffic accidents
King, crown prince congratulate Sultan of Brunei on accession anniversary
RIYADH: King Salman sent a cable of congratulations on Saturday to the Sultan of Brunei on the anniversary of his accession to the throne, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The king wished the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Brunei steady progress and prosperity, SPA added.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent a similar cable of congratulations.
Saudi FM discusses Lebanon with French counterpart
- The two ministers discussed efforts exerted to achieve ceasefire in Lebanon
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs hosted a meeting on Saturday with Jean-Noel Barrot, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, to discuss relations and key regional developments, Saudi Press Agency reported.
During their talks, Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Barrot emphasized the importance of strengthening the partnership between Saudi Arabia and France, focusing on shared interests.
High on the agenda were the ongoing situations in Gaza and Lebanon and the international efforts being made to address them.
The meeting was attended by Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati and Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan, advisor to the foreign minister for political affairs.
The exchange highlighted both nations' commitment to working closely on pressing international matters, SPA added.
Saudi Film Confex in Riyadh brings interactive experiences to life
- Business Hub to serve as a center for signing agreements, forging partnerships
RIYADH: The Saudi Film Commission has announced the activities accompanying the second Saudi Film Confex, which is set to take place from Oct. 9-12 in Riyadh.
These activities will include interactive experiences, with the Business Hub as a key highlight. The space will serve as a center for signing agreements and forging partnerships among companies in the film industry.
In addition, Consultation Platforms will offer specialized advice on various aspects of filmmaking, from financing to production, and provide an area for freelancers to register and connect with companies needing their expertise.
An interactive activation will also be available, giving visitors hands-on experience in roles such as actors, photographers, directors, and other key positions within a film crew at the On-Set Challenge.
The Film Talk segment will bring together prominent figures in the film industry to share their success stories, insights, and experiences. Alongside this, an exhibition will showcase cutting-edge equipment used in aerial cinematography.
The Junior Filmmaker zone will provide children with an engaging introduction to filmmaking through interactive and simplified activities, while the Cinematic Arts zone offers insights into the art of makeup and costume design, demonstrating the process of transforming a character from concept to screen.
The Saudi Film Confex also features an exhibition representing key locations across the filmmaking value chain. It will showcase a specialized conference with 30 panel discussions and 15 workshops covering various aspects of the industry.
The activities are expected to significantly enhance the visitor experience, offering a deeper understanding of the film industry’s diverse aspects and shedding light on the untapped potential within this burgeoning sector.
Kingdom arrests 22,094 illegals in one week
- The report showed that among the 1,337 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 22,094 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
According to an official report, a total of 13,731 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,873 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,490 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,337 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 53 percent were Ethiopian, 44 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 37 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 23 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
KSrelief launches food aid project in Kyrgyzstan
- In Yemen, KSrelief distributed 370 shelter kits and 100 tents in the Taiz governorate in one day
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief launched a food distribution project on Saturday to assist vulnerable families in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital.
The event was attended by Saad bin Abdullah Al-Duwayan, acting charge d’affaires at the Saudi Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, senior Kyrgyz officials, and a KSrelief team.
The initiative will see 8,100 food baskets distributed, benefiting over 35,000 people, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Al-Duwayan spoke on Saudi Arabia’s ongoing global humanitarian efforts, emphasizing King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s commitment to ensuring food security.
Kyrgyz officials praised the project’s impact and the Kingdom’s humanitarian work.
In Yemen, KSrelief distributed 370 shelter kits and 100 tents in the Taiz governorate in one day, helping 2,220 people.
In the Abyan governorate, 735 food baskets benefited 5,145 people, and in the Aden governorate, 400 baskets aided 2,800 people.
In Pakistan, KSrelief provided 750 shelter kits in flood-hit areas of Balochistan and Punjab, aiding 5,250 people.
In Sudan, KSrelief distributed 1,000 food baskets to displaced families in River Nile State, helping 5,850 people.
