RIYADH: The Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Foundation, “MiSK Foundation,” won the Arab Social Media Influencers prize for the category of community service, due to its tremendous efforts in this field.
The organization was awarded for its initiatives and programs in enhancing social communications, and raising the quality of thought and creativity of youths in this domain.
In a ceremony held on Tuesday in Dubai, the prize was handed over to the secretary-general of MiSK Foundation, Badr bin Mohammed Al-Asaker, by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, vice president of the United Arab Emirates, prime minister and ruler of Dubai. The Arab Social Media Influencers Summit is being held in Dubai on Dec. 13 and 14.
The award was delivered in appreciation of the MiSK Foundation’s successive initiatives, diverse programs and initiatives promoting skills, energies, and creativity, as well as creation of a positive environment for growth in the fields of culture, media, technology, and communications. The foundation focuses on youths around the Kingdom, and aims to provide different means to support pillars of knowledge in society.
Activities range from training programs, to meetings which enrich youths and raise their level of awareness and skills in dealing with social media. Discussions support positive arguments and dialogue to address social and youth issues.
Among the efforts led by the foundation over the past years was the launch of the annual Tweeps forum, which helps youths share and hone their skills and creativity via social networking sites, as well as four sessions, since 2013, on educational and awareness-raising workshops focused on communication skills development.
The annual digital visual media forum, Shoof, is also one of the foundation’s initiatives that has been carried out over the past four years.
Each year, the forum promotes new themes and visons to keep up with the latest developments in the digital visual media industry, and expand platforms and means of visual social communications. The forum also helps highlight the national capacity, and raise awareness of youths, while harnessing digital media tools to service the nation and boost partnerships between young talent, investors, and relevant authorities.
Shoof itself has seen the launch of seven different initiatives, including the establishment of an educational platform to develop educational and skills content on YouTube and Snap Chat for public and higher education students.
Other initiatives include the launch of a competition for film production focused on national and community development; supporting the development of specialized cultural films about the Kingdom’s history; training 20 young men and women in photography and visual production in partnership with the New York Film Academy; supporting the production of 30 videos for 30 charities around the Kingdom; training 500 young men and women in fields linked to visual digital media; and the founding of the Shoof Community for Visual Production to bring together youths specialized in this field; and creating skilled job opportunities.
MiSK Foundation receives Arab Social Media Influencers prize
MiSK Foundation receives Arab Social Media Influencers prize
Hajj transport teams stationed at 20 locations
- Stationed at more than 20 locations, the authority’s teams are operating around the clock to assist pilgrims arriving in Makkah and Madinah
RIYADH: Inspection teams from the Transport General Authority have begun early operations at entry points to the Makkah region, the holy sites, and Madinah as part of preparations to serve pilgrims during Hajj.
Stationed at more than 20 locations, the authority’s teams are operating around the clock to assist pilgrims arriving in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Their daily operations focus on ensuring a smooth experience for pilgrims and verifying that all licensed operators comply with regulations.
The authority has instructed all transport operators to follow approved guidelines during the pilgrimage season.
These include using designated routes, securing operating licenses, and avoiding entry into Hajj-regulated areas without authorization.
It also emphasized that drivers must wear approved uniforms and obtain vehicle operating cards, the SPA reported.
The authority highlighted its continued cooperation with government agencies to ensure safe and secure transport for all pilgrims.
The public s been advised that reports and inquiries can be submitted via the unified number 19929 or through the authority’s Beneficiary Care account on social media.
Saudi Arabia activates first smart buoy in Arabian Gulf
RIYADH: The National Center for Environmental Compliance has activated the first smart buoy in the Arabian Gulf at King Fahd Industrial Port in Jubail, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It is part of a national initiative to deploy 35 smart buoys across the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf by the end of 2025 as part of a comprehensive marine and coastal environmental monitoring strategy.
Anwar Alnahdi, the center’s general manager of monitoring operations, said that the deployment was progressing rapidly.
The first was launched off Jeddah Islamic Port, followed by deployments in Yanbu and Jazan, and the project is now extending to the Arabian Gulf, the SPA added.
Alnahdi said that the full network of 35 buoys will be operational by the end of 2025.
He added that the first buoy in the Arabian Gulf represented a major step in environmental monitoring, allowing real-time data transmission from both the Kingdom’s eastern and western coasts to its major ports.
This will provide vital data for environmental oversight and decision-making, Alnahdi added.
The solar-powered buoys, which are equipped with smart sensors, measure parameters like temperature, salinity, oxygen levels, dissolved solids, and chemicals.
They also feature wireless systems for real-time data transmission, enabling swift detection and response to pollutants.
Alnahdi stressed the importance of this technology, given the Kingdom’s active maritime traffic and ongoing port development, which could lead to pollutants threatening the marine and coastal environment if not addressed promptly.
Saudi Arabia condemns attack on Port Sudan
- Saudi Arabia has condemned the recent RSF attacks on vital facilities in Port Sudan and Kassala
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has condemned and strongly denounced the recent attacks on vital facilities in Sudan, in Port Sudan and the eastern border town of Kassala.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Kingdom reaffirmed its rejection of such attacks, saying it “threatens regional stability and Arab national security.”
The ministry also said the solution to the current crisis is only through political means and that it must respect Sudan’s sovereignty and unity.
The Kingdom also underlined the importance of adhering to the commitments outlined in the Jeddah Declaration, which aims to safeguard civilians in Sudan.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces on Sunday struck Port Sudan with drones, targeting Osman Digna air base, a goods warehouse and some civilian facilities.
The RSF, at war with the regular army since April 2023, have increased their use of drones since losing territory, including much of the capital Khartoum, in March.
#بيان | تعرب وزارة الخارجية عن إدانة المملكة العربية السعودية واستنكارها استهداف المرافق الحيوية والبنية التحتية في "بورتسودان وكسلا" بجمهورية السودان، وهو ما يمثل تهديداً للاستقرار الإقليمي والأمن الوطني العربي والأفريقي pic.twitter.com/HJQ7zXc2Cr
— وزارة الخارجية (@KSAMOFA) May 4, 2025
Visitors drawn to historic mosques pavilion in Jakarta
- Pavilion featured illustrated panels and information on mosques that have played a pivotal role in Islamic history
- Presented in a visually engaging and informative manner, the exhibition included rare photographs and detailed architectural renderings
RIYADH: Visitors to the Jusoor exhibition, which was organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs in Jakarta, Indonesia, were attracted to the pavilion showcasing the historic mosques in Makkah and Madinah.
The pavilion featured illustrated panels and information on the mosques that have played a pivotal role in Islamic history, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Among them were the Quba Mosque — the first established in Islam — and the Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where Prophet Muhammad received the command to change the qibla (direction of prayer). Also featured was the Al-Jum’ah Mosque, where the Prophet is said to have led his first Friday prayer. Other historically significant mosques were also highlighted.
Presented in a visually engaging and informative manner, the exhibition included rare photographs and detailed architectural renderings that placed the spotlight on the spiritual importance of these sacred sites.
It also reinforced the deep emotional and historic connection Muslims around the world have with the legacy of the Prophet’s life and mission, the SPA added.
The pavilion was part of the exhibition’s broader goal to promote Islamic values and underscore Saudi Arabia’s leading role in preserving, maintaining, and documenting historic mosques as part of its custodianship of Islamic heritage.
Jeddah’s Balad Al-Fan Festival is haven for creative souls
- Festival features art competitions, workshops, cultural talks, weekend markets, and live music shows
JEDDAH: Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district has once again transformed into a vibrant hub of art for the second Balad Al-Fan Festival, which runs until June 13.
The festival, which began on April 5, and is organized by Zawiya 97 in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, features more than 90 events, including artistic competitions, creative workshops, cultural talks, school workshops, live shows, and weekend markets.
Abdulrahman Al-Aseri, managing director of Zawiya 97, told Arab News: “Building on our mission at Zawiya 97 to enhance the cultural and artisanal presence in Historic Jeddah, we place creativity at the heart of our vision by bridging living heritage with the spirit of contemporary innovation. Through our participation in Balad Al-Fann 2, we present more than 90 artistic and craft events aimed at reviving Historic Jeddah with a crafting energy.”
The festival includes four themed weekends: handmade crafts; nature and sustainability; youth weekend; and “A Sweet-Scented Farewell,” which focuses on Al-Balad apothecaries.
HIGHLIGHT
The festival includes four themed weekends: handmade crafts; nature and sustainability; youth weekend; and ‘A Sweet-Scented Farewell,’ which focuses on Al-Balad apothecaries.
“This season, we have designed a vibrant platform that celebrates traditional crafts, reimagining them through sustainability, cultural storytelling, and youth empowerment,” said Al-Aseri. “We believe that creativity is not merely about having an idea, but about breathing new life into the timeless alleys of Al-Balad.
“With a new group of distinguished artisans joining our Artisans Incubator Program, we continue to build a community that preserves heritage and innovates for the future. We welcome everyone who shares this passion to be part of reviving Historic Jeddah.”
Visual artist Khloud Nass will be running one of the workshops. She said: “I have been working with Zawiya 97 for a year to train those who want to learn through workshops such as pottery.”
Azzam Al- Ghamdi from Dar Azzam will be working with fragrances including musk, oud, and rose, to showcase the art of perfumery using native plants of Saudi Arabia.
He told Arab News: “Traditional know-how and the perfect soil for growing aromatic plants in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have given perfume a central role in our lifestyle. (It is) deeply entrenched in Saudi culture. The use of perfumes for cultural and religious purposes dates back many centuries in this country.”
Beside showcasing his creativity, Al -Ghamdi is also training visitors in his workshops.
Hashem Al-Shawi is offering soap-making workshops at the festival. “Organic skincare methods have always proven reliable and I am so glad to be part of this festival and to share the different types of soap and the process of soap making,” he said.
The festival also offers visitors the chance to take part in various competitions, including “Your Creativity Revives Al Balad” and “Handcraft & Calligraphy,” which allows them to redesign Al-Balad’s pavements and public spaces into works of art, with the chance of winning cash prizes.
