JEDDAH: A grant agreement worth $63.3 million for the establishment of facilities and services in South Darfur, Western Sudan, was signed by the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in Tunis on Saturday.
Fluctuations on the foreign currency black market forced the Sudanese central bank to twice devalue the pound since January.
The pound hit an all-time low in January when it was selling for between 43 and 45 to the dollar.
Earlier this month, the IDB agreed to lend Tunisia $185 million to finance developments including an electricity project, an official told Reuters.
The bank agreed to finance an electricity link worth $150, as well as the construction of hospitals in Kasserine and Kef worth $34 million.
Founded in 1973, the IDB is a Jeddah-based multilateral development financing institution. It began its activities in 1975. The present membership of the bank consists of 57 countries.
The IDB is engaged in a wide range of specialized and integrated activities such as project financing in the public and private sectors; and boosting economic and trade cooperation among member countries.
Islamic Development Bank grants $63.3 million to Sudan
Islamic Development Bank grants $63.3 million to Sudan
- IDB agreed to lend Tunisia $185 million
- IDB is a Jeddah-based multilateral development financing institution
Little Explorer event in Jeddah connects young minds with archeology, heritage
- Initiative offered interactive, engaging educational experience
Jeddah: The Little Explorer event, which was organized by the Heritage Commission in Jeddah and ran from May 6-10, offered an interactive and engaging educational experience for children.
The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of archeological excavation and strengthen the connection between younger generations and the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Blending entertainment with education, the event sought to foster a generation that values antiquities and their role in strengthening national identity.
Held in Bab Jadeed, the event was part of the commission’s efforts to engage young people in heritage preservation through educational and hands-on activities, which introduced archeological principles and promoted the protection of historic sites.
The event featured five main pavilions, each designed as an educational and interactive station, according to the SPA.
The Little Explorer’s Tale took place in an interactive cinema screening an educational animation that simulated an exploratory journey to the Al-Faw archeological site, offering an engaging introduction to cultural heritage.
Children at the Explorer’s Academy viewed authentic artifacts from various civilizations and learned about excavation tools and archeological processes.
The Excavation Simulation offered a hands-on experience, allowing participants to search for artifacts using real tools in a realistic sand-filled setting.
The Archeological Workshop provided a space for creative drawing with children learning about historic monuments with the help of iPads.
The Play and Learn area combined recreational games with archeological themes, making heritage exploration both fun and educational for children.
Olympiad delegates explore Saudi heritage, hospitality
Dhahran: International delegations taking part in the Asian Physics Olympiad, hosted by Saudi Arabia in Dhahran from May 4 to 12, enjoyed a dynamic schedule of scientific competitions, cultural activities, educational events and entertainment.
The enriching experience brought together 240 students from 30 countries and 110 international physics specialists, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Beyond the competitions, the program included educational and cultural visits highlighting Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and scientific progress, while promoting global youth engagement and cultural exchange.
Wearing traditional Saudi attire as a sign of respect, participants experienced the Kingdom’s hospitality, sampled Saudi cuisine and took part in interactive events that fostered cultural connection.
This year’s Olympiad holds special significance as it marks the 25th anniversary of the competition. For more than two decades, it has united talented youth from across the globe, encouraging scientific excellence and cross-cultural understanding.
The final results — organized by the Ministry of Education, the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals — will be announced during the closing ceremony on May 11 at King Fahd University in Dhahran.
Kingdom arrests 15,928 illegals in one week
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 15,928 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
A total of 10,179 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,912 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,837 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,248 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 63 percent were Ethiopian, 35 percent Yemeni, and 2 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 45 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 26 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.
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.
New Hajj plan backs moderate, guided pilgrimage
MAKKAH: The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched the “Enriching the Field Path” initiative as part of the Kingdom’s operational plan for this year’s Hajj season.
The initiative aims to enhance the pilgrimage experience through scientific guidance and awareness programs that promote a message of moderate Hajj in multiple languages, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
It includes more than 20 digital, technical, educational, devotional and faith-based awareness initiatives delivered in various languages.
Its goal is to enrich pilgrims’ spiritual journey with impactful religious content and high-quality services, enabling them to perform rituals with understanding in a devotional atmosphere.
Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency, emphasized the importance of strengthening on-the-ground efforts to deliver improved enrichment services for all pilgrims.
He urged a focus on promoting the message of a moderate, faith-based Hajj to the global community through multilingual platforms.
Al-Sudais also called for easing ritual performance with gentleness, wisdom and compassionate guidance, while using digital tools and AI to overcome time and geographic barriers in spreading the message of a humane and moderate Hajj.
