MOSCOW: The King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid (KSRelief) has extended its humanitarian work to 37 countries, said Abdullah Al-Rabiah, adviser to the Royal Court and KSRelief’s general supervisor.
The Center has formed a network of more than 102 local, regional and international partners to implement more than 191 projects worldwide, he added.
His remarks came at a meeting with Russian media representatives during his official visit to Moscow at the invitation of Mikhail Bogdanov, the Russian president’s special envoy for the Middle East and Africa, and deputy foreign minister.
Al-Rabiah briefed them on KSRelief’s various projects, especially in Yemen and Syria. “Since its inception, KSRelief has been able to deliver assistance to many countries in a systematic humanitarian action in accordance with international humanitarian law,” he said.
“The Kingdom’s established principles work to provide assistance without any motives or discrimination, prompted by serving the human being wherever he is, and looking for the needy everywhere and providing them with assistance.”
KSRelief’s humanitarian assistance in Yemen includes environmental sanitation, agricultural and water programs, he said.
“This assistance has reached all parts of Yemen... regardless of who controls them.”
The Center is at the forefront of humanitarian organizations operating in Yemen, he added.
KSRelief, in cooperation with the coalition forces and the Saudi Defense Ministry, broke the siege of the city of Taiz by air-dropping food and medicine, he said.
The Center also used animals to deliver oxygen cylinders to besieged areas, Al-Rabiah added, saying Houthi militias were withholding or looting the aid provided by KSRelief to people in need.
KSRelief extends humanitarian work to 37 countries
KSRelief extends humanitarian work to 37 countries
UNESCO delegation visits North Riyadh Geopark after global network listing
- Destination showcases Kingdom’s natural and cultural diversity, UNESCO official says
- In April, UNESCO listed North Riyadh Geopark and Salma as part of its Global Geoparks Network
RIYADH: UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, Lidia Brito, visited North Riyadh Geopark on Sunday, praising the destination for preserving both nature and history.
The UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization designated North Riyadh Geopark in April as part of its Global Geoparks Network, which aims to protect geological heritage sites and promote sustainable development.
Hussam Zuhair Al-Turki, director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative, and Hamoud Alnughaymishi, director of the Science Sector at the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, accompanied Brito during her visit.
They explored significant geological features at the North Riyadh Geopark, including the Abu Shaddad Cave and the Edge of the World cliff. They also stopped to explore Ghamra Village, known for its natural adventure routes on the outskirts of Riyadh.
Brito said that the North Riyadh Geopark showcases the natural and cultural diversity of Saudi Arabia, and will enhance eco-tourism in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In April, UNESCO designated North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark as part of its Global Geoparks Network. The Kingdom hopes to register 13 other sites on UNESCO’s network, the SPA added.
Riyadh’s latest group game spot encourages social connection
- Center designed to engage people physically, mentally
RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia encourages more active and social lifestyles, a group of young Saudi entrepreneurs in Riyadh has created a space that blends movement, mental challenges, and social connection.
Opened in 2024, Pixel Games is a locally developed gaming center designed to engage people both physically and mentally. It is also a testament to the vision and drive of young Saudis, who are shaping the Kingdom’s entertainment landscape.
Riyadh has no shortage of entertainment options, and Pixel Games adds to the city’s growing roster of homegrown concepts.
While the founders would like to keep a low profile, they are working behind the scenes to address the local appetite for interactive social spaces that go beyond traditional arcades or seasonal pop-ups.
FASTFACTS
• Activities at Pixel Games range from strategic puzzles to movement-based games, all designed for groups of friends and families to enjoy together.
• Each session lasts an hour, and visitors can reserve private rooms for a more personal experience.
The center features nine themed “moving rooms,” with more than 40 group-based physical and mental challenges.
Activities range from strategic puzzles to movement-based games, all designed for groups of friends and families to enjoy together. Each session lasts an hour, and visitors can reserve private rooms for a more personal experience.
Visitors have responded positively to the experience. Nawaf Aloggayel, a recent guest, said: “The place is beautiful, the games are different and fun, and the prices are reasonable.
“I advise people to come … it’s the best entertainment place in Riyadh so far.”
Ahmed Al-Ahmed, marketing representative for Pixel Games, said: “Pixels is an entertainment center that gathers challenges and fun into a group of different movement activities.
“Groups can enjoy a private room, which makes it more exciting and comfortable.”
What sets it apart is its year-round availability, making it a go-to spot for spontaneous plans or scheduled outings. It provides a safe and stimulating environment where children can burn off energy, develop problem-solving skills, and socialize with their peers.
Whether you are looking for a quick group activity, a family outing, or a way to try something new with friends, Pixels offers a low-key alternative for playful competition and connection.
Biotech program to empower Saudi innovators
- The seven-month program offers participants mentorship, capacity development, and networking opportunities with local and international investors and experts
RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched a biotechnology accelerator program to empower Saudi innovators in biotechnology and life sciences.
The initiative aims to enhance their scientific and commercial readiness, attract investment, and expand their global market reach, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It also seeks to boost their contributions to healthcare quality, aligning with the National Biotechnology Strategy and the Health Sector Transformation Program under Vision 2030, which envisions a thriving, innovation-driven economy and a vibrant society with sustainable health and quality of life.
The seven-month program offers participants mentorship, capacity development, and networking opportunities with local and international investors and experts.
It includes workshops, seminars, individual consultations, and a chance to present innovations at the BIO 2025 Conference.
The application deadline is May 8. Interviews and initial selection will take place from May 15-20, with final acceptances announced on May 25.
The ministry continues to advance health innovation and accelerate the progress of promising national projects. It encourages all Saudi innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups to register for the program and inquire via redbiotech@moh.gov.sa
Insan spends SR55m on beneficiary families in first quarter of 2025
- Programs aim to meet needs through seasonal initiatives, monthly services, direct assistance
RIYADH: The Charitable Society for Orphans Care in Riyadh, also known as Insan, implemented several programs during the first quarter of 2025 aimed at meeting the needs of families through seasonal initiatives, monthly services, and direct assistance.
Total expenditure on services and initiatives provided during the first quarter amounted to SR55.09 million ($14.66 million), which included basic, seasonal, and other services.
The society deposited SR27.6 million into families’ bank accounts for basic expenses (cash, clothing, and food).
It also deposited SR2,790,600 for the Ramadan Basket Project, benefiting 9,251 families to meet their needs during the holy month of Ramadan, and SR1,060,800 for the Eid Gift Project, helping 5,304 through special gifts during Eid Al-Fitr.
There were more than 21,000 beneficiaries from the Zakat Al-Fitr project during the first quarter, covering their food needs before Eid Al-Fitr, at a cost of SR3.86 million.
The quarterly report issued by Insan highlighted the numerous programs and activities provided by it, including Imaniyat, Pioneers of the Future, Be a Human Compass, Mualham, and Medad.
These programs included developmental and empowerment paths, helping 2,853 beneficiaries.
In line with its commitment to meeting the needs of beneficiary families, Insan provided 7,725 diverse services during the first quarter, including emergency assistance, social and health support, bill payments, housing expenses, furnishing and maintenance, contributions to home purchases, healthcare, and other services. The society spent SR19,773,339 on these services.
It also conducted 1,469 visits to families in the first quarter. These assessed conditions, listened to needs, and identified requirements. The family satisfaction rate reached 93 percent.
In an effort to empower beneficiaries in various fields, the society conducted 436 applications for training, diploma, bachelor’s degree, employment, and project financing.
Saudi deputy minister receives newly appointed Spanish ambassador
- Al-Sati welcomed the Spanish ambassador and wished him success in his new duties
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati received the new Ambassador of Spain to the Kingdom Javier Carbajosa Sanchez in Riyadh on Monday.
Al-Sati welcomed the Spanish ambassador and wished him success in his new duties, the Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X.
Separately, the Saudi deputy minister met with Ambassador of Iraq to the Kingdom Safia Taleb Al-Suhail and discussed bilateral relations and issues of common interest.
