Pakistan confers Saudi Army Chief with Order of Excellence award

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President Arif Alvi confers the Chief of General Staff of the Royal Saudi Armed Forces, General Fayiadh bin Hamed bin Ragad Al-Rowaily, with the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Order of Excellence) military award on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy: PID)
Updated 24 January 2019
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Pakistan confers Saudi Army Chief with Order of Excellence award

  • Islamabad attaches great importance to its unique relations with Riyadh, President Alvi says
  • Notes a hike in trade and investment ties between the two countries

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Dr. Arif Alvi conferred the prestigious Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Order of Excellence) military award on the Saudi Army Chief on Tuesday.

The award is a state-organized civilian honor which recognizes achievements for Pakistan or an outstanding service for one’s own country. It is not limited to citizens of Pakistan and, while it is a civilian award, it can also be awarded to military personnel.

General Fayiadh bin Hamed bin Ragad Al-Rowaily was conferred with the award at a special ceremony – held at the President House in Islamabad on Tuesday – which was attended by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, and other senior officials.

Later, General Al-Rowaily held a meeting with the president where the two discussed matters of mutual interest.  “Pakistan attaches great importance to its unique and brotherly relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which are based on mutual trust and wishes to expand cooperation in all fields,” a statement released by the President Office read.

President Alvi expressed satisfaction at the close defense and cooperation ties between the two countries, adding that it had scope for more growth particularly in the field of defense production.

“He also highlighted the ever-accelerating trade and investment relations between both the countries,” the statement read, adding that the president underlined the importance of Pakistani expatriates who were making tremendous contributions to the progress and development of Saudi Arabia. “They can play an important role in the implementation of Vision 2030 projects,” an excerpt from the statement read.

General Al-Rowaily thanked the president and the Government of Pakistan for the honor and said that he “hoped that the bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries would further grow in the future,” the statement added.

The Saudi Army Chief also co-chaired the fifth round of Pak-KSA JMCC meeting with Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat on Tuesday. Among other things, the meeting focused on regional security situation, bilateral military engagements, and training cooperation between the two countries.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy deep-rooted defense ties, with the armed forces of both the countries conducting joint exercises in Pakistan and the Kingdom on a regular basis.

Both the nations enjoy multi-faceted cooperation at various levels, too. Recently, Islamabad and Riyadh agreed to further enhance the existing cooperation in diverse fields.


Saudi Arabia expands humanitarian aid to Gaza with new KSrelief-ICRC agreement

Updated 12 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia expands humanitarian aid to Gaza with new KSrelief-ICRC agreement

  • Under the agreement, KSrelief will provide an additional $1.85 million in aid

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center signed a cooperation agreement with the International Committee of the Red Cross to bolster emergency response efforts for Gaza, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The deal was signed by KSrelief Assistant Supervisor-General for Operations and Programs Ahmed Al-Baiz and ICRC Director-General Pierre Krahenbuhl.

Under the agreement, KSrelief will provide an additional $1.85 million in aid, bringing its total support for the ICRC’s efforts in Gaza to $11.85 million.

The funding will be directed toward the delivery of essential medical supplies to health facilities, as well as improving water and sanitation services — critical sectors strained by the humanitarian crisis.

Since the outbreak of hostilities between Hamas and Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated dramatically.

The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties, widespread displacement and severe shortages of food, clean water and medical supplies.

Hospitals and health centers have struggled to cope with the influx of injured civilians, with many facilities facing critical shortages of medicine, electricity and even basic equipment.

The destruction of infrastructure has also left large portions of the population without access to clean drinking water, exacerbating the risk of disease outbreaks.

Saudi Arabia, through KSrelief, has been at the forefront of aid efforts for Gaza, working alongside international partners to provide food assistance, medical supplies and emergency relief.


Princess Fahda to honor female winners of Qur’an memorization competition

Updated 01 March 2025
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Princess Fahda to honor female winners of Qur’an memorization competition

  • Princess Fahda will crown the top three winners across six categories of the competition

RIYADH: Princess Fahda bint Falah Al-Hathleen, the wife of King Salman, will preside over the awards ceremony for the female winners of the 26th edition of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Award for Memorization, Recitation and Interpretation of the Holy Qur’an, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event, set to take place on Sunday, will see Princess Fahda crown the top three winners across six categories of the competition.

Organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, the competition ran from Feb. 24-28 and involved 125 male and female participants.

With a prize pool of SR7 million ($1.86 million), the annual competition highlights the leadership’s dedication to promoting the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and encouraging youth to engage with its values, the SPA added.


Lanterns and spices: Jeddah’s historic district draws Ramadan shoppers

Updated 01 March 2025
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Lanterns and spices: Jeddah’s historic district draws Ramadan shoppers

  • Throughout the Kingdom, residents are embracing traditional Ramadan customs by decorating their homes with welcoming messages and cheerful ornaments

JEDDAH: Streets and public spaces across Saudi Arabia have been adorned with festive decorations, including illuminating crescents and lanterns, symbolizing the joy and anticipation that fills the air as citizens and residents mark the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan.

Throughout the Kingdom, residents are embracing traditional Ramadan customs by decorating their homes with welcoming messages and cheerful ornaments, exchanging heartfelt greetings and organizing family gatherings.

These traditions play a vital role in strengthening bonds of kinship and fostering a strong sense of community during this sacred time.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, traditional markets and public squares in historic Jeddah have become vibrant hubs as Ramadan begins, drawing locals, residents and tourists alike to Al-Balad district for seasonal shopping.

Shoppers are flocking to the bustling streets of old Jeddah, where merchants offer everything needed for Ramadan preparations, from essential food items for traditional dishes and sweets to a variety of coffee and spices.

The shops selling Ramadan lanterns and decorative lights are particularly busy as families prepare to adorn their homes for the holy month, continuing cherished social traditions in Jeddah. Stores are also stocked with kitchenware, serving dishes and hospitality items to meet seasonal demands.

Merchants are providing a wide range of products at competitive prices, with traditional pottery items remaining especially popular among elderly shoppers who appreciate these cultural treasures.

The Ministry of Culture is also hosting Ramadan Season in cities nationwide. The initiative features cultural and community events highlighting Ramadan’s heritage and Saudi traditions.

Under the slogan “Our Nights Have Returned,” the ministry has decorated roads and public spaces with lights and installations. Key locations in Riyadh and Jeddah, including Al-Ghadeer Walkway, Olaya Street and the Jeddah Corniche, will be illuminated during the holy month.

The Jeddah Historic district will host events, including a historical houses area with restaurants and cafes offering iftar and sahoor experiences. “Balad Stalls” will provide a food destination with stalls, trucks and seating.

The ministry is celebrating Saudi Ramadan traditions through a cultural experience combining entertainment and education, reinforcing cultural awareness and social values.

In parallel, the Ministry of Commerce has stepped up its oversight in preparation for Ramadan, conducting more than 19,000 inspection visits throughout the Makkah region.

These regulatory efforts ensure that commercial establishments, particularly those selling food, consumer goods and clothing, are adhering to discount regulations and maintaining the availability of essential goods for consumers.


KSrelief signs $5.15m deal to aid Ukrainians

Updated 01 March 2025
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KSrelief signs $5.15m deal to aid Ukrainians

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has signed a $5.15 million cooperation agreement with the UN Population Fund to provide emergency protection for vulnerable groups in Ukraine.

The deal will benefit 49,360 people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

It was signed by KSrelief Assistant Supervisor General for Operations and Programs Ahmed Al-Baiz and the fund’s deputy executive director, Andrew Saberton, in Riyadh.

The agreement will deliver essential services related to gender-based violence in affected areas of Ukraine.

It focuses on supporting mobile psychosocial teams, and establishing safe spaces for women and girls with economic empowerment opportunities, dignity kits and community psychological support.

Additionally, it aims to strengthen the capabilities of community psychological support service providers.

Al-Baiz also signed a cooperation agreement with the Benevolence Coalition for Humanitarian Relief in Riyadh to promote sustainable agriculture and empower the agricultural and fishery sectors of Yemeni governorates.

The deal will enhance the resilience of farmers and fishermen, and contribute to local food production by supplying agricultural inputs such as seeds, equipment, safety tools, fishing boats, veterinary kits and greenhouses.

It also involves training on agricultural and fishery practices, and improving irrigation by pumping water from wells, and establishing drip irrigation and canal networks.


Jeddah’s Homegrown Festival highlights diverse local talent

Updated 01 March 2025
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Jeddah’s Homegrown Festival highlights diverse local talent

Jeddah: The Homegrown Festival, recently held at Hayy Jameel, celebrated the 11th anniversary of the Homegrown Market, a platform supporting creative talent in Jeddah.

The three-day event highlighted Arab creativity and culture, featuring emerging brands in fashion, jewelry and beauty.

In addition to the marketplace, the festival included wellness and fitness activities by Lululemon, live DJ performances by MDLBEAST Radio, and a selection of local food and beverages.

Tamara Abu Khadra, CEO and founder of Homegrown Market, told Arab News: “We wanted to create an event that showcases local talent and brings the community together.”

Homegrown Market has supported Middle Eastern talent for more than a decade, growing from 15 brands to more than 250 across three branches and an online presence.

Abu Khadra said: “Homegrown is a space for creatives, from fashion designers to beauty brands. Our goal is to help those who started on platforms like Instagram connect with a broader audience.”

The festival also reflected Homegrown’s growing inclusivity, with Abu Khadra adding: “We have always supported women, but now we are expanding into menswear and male designers.”

The event attracted a diverse crowd, offering a range of abayas, dresses, artworks and gifts, providing an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to connect with new customers. It also featured activities like a fitness session focused on health.

Abeer Sinder, founder of SNDR Hair Care, said: “I want kids to love their natural hair. The Homegrown Market has always been one of my favorite concepts, and I am excited to be part of it.”

She added: “My advice to entrepreneurs is to stay focused on your goals — you can achieve anything. I started with nothing, and now we have a thriving team. If I can do it, so can you.”

Traveling from Jordan to attend the festival, Basma Abdul Hadi, creative director and co-founder of Basma Collection, said: “We use recycled materials that are hand-woven on wooden looms. It is our first time in Jeddah, and we are excited to be here. This festival provides a great platform, and we look forward to connecting with new customers.”

Saudi designer Nasiba Hafiz said: “With this collection, I wanted to create versatile pieces suitable for Ramadan and beyond. We pride ourselves on being a sustainable brand, and I enjoy designing items that can be worn more than once.

“Our pieces are made to be worn year-round and mixed and matched to create various outfits. The Homegrown Festival is vibrant and full of new brands. The most important thing is to support each other and local businesses. It is wonderful to see everyone come together.”

Joana Hakki, a Saudi-Syrian designer, shared her connection to both her heritage and the festival: “My designs are influenced by both Jeddah and Syria. For example, I use saya fabric, typical of Syria, and shemagh fabric, a traditional Saudi material. I blend both heritages to create contemporary designs. I also work with high-end fabrics like brocade, finishing my pieces with feathers and embroidery.

“These kaftans are not just for everyday wear, but perfect for weddings and ceremonies. They are timeless pieces, built to last for generations. I carefully select fabrics of the highest quality, ensuring they are pieces you will cherish forever.”

Anoud Mirdan, founder of Bare and Buff, a body care brand, shared the story behind her venture: “We are based in Riyadh, and it is a mom-and-daughter duo — my mom and I. We both have a passion for fragrances and body care. We wanted to create an affordable, accessible product that’s perfect for everyday use. Our scents are powdery and versatile, so they can be layered with anything. We are part of the Homegrown Festival because we love the vibe here and feel our brand connects well with this audience.”

Sakina Rehman, founder of Serene Art, known for her hand-painted floral and Islamic art, shared her creative passion: “I have always loved art, especially combining flowers and calligraphy. I work with watercolors and acrylics to create unique frames and Qur’ans, with laminated designs and matching bookmarks. Since it is Ramadan, people are looking for special gifts, and I specialize in creating customized, meaningful items tailored to individual preferences. It is a beautiful way to blend art with spirituality, and I am happy to bring this to the festival.”

The festival highlighted the rich variety of local craftsmanship, creating an atmosphere of support for the community and showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the Kingdom.

Ahmed Khaberi, founder of Khaberi Leather Goods, spoke about the craftsmanship behind his products: “All of our items are handmade by me using saddle stitching, a technique that can’t be replicated by machines, ensuring durability. We import the finest leathers from Italy, France and the US, using full-grain leather, the highest quality available. It doesn’t peel because it’s not coated with paint.

“We also use vegetable-tanned leather, which takes up to six months to process, ensuring excellent quality for years to come. This is our first bazaar participation, and we are a young brand, having started just four months ago. We are excited to be here and introduce our products to the market.”