Saudi Forum: UN must assist Arab sustainability projects

An aerial view of Abha city, one out of the 13 major cities in each region in Saudi Arabia. (Shutterstock)
Updated 23 July 2019
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Saudi Forum: UN must assist Arab sustainability projects

  • SDGs not possible to achieve without the ownership and engagement of civil society, says Faisal Al-Fadl

JEDDAH: The founder of the Saudi Green Building Forum (SGBF), Faisal Al-Fadl, has delivered a statement to the UN arguing that Arab countries are at risk of failing to meet their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Al-Fadl said that “UN agencies in the Middle East are not up to speed with civil society movements supported by Arab countries according to their internal reports as far as awareness and applications of SDGs are concerned.” 

The address was delivered at an important meeting of the Economic and Social Council of the UN  (ECOSOC) in New York. SGBF is one of the few established Saudi Arabian NGOs in consultative status with the UN.

Al-Fadl told Arab News: “The UN’s agencies in the Arab world must keep up with repeated changes in cooperating with civil society organizations. Arab governments have shown an increase in cooperative assignments with civil society, especially since 2014. This growth of collaboration has been especially clear since 2015, when the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were approved and endorsed by 193 countries, including Saudi Arabia.




Faisal Al-Fadl

“This is counterproductive practice from the UN’s international agencies. Since the SGBF is an NGO joining major groups and other stakeholders, we advised the global community that there should be major restructuring of how UN agencies do business in the Arab World according to the purpose of advancement and achieving SDGs, if we ought to succeed in the 2030 agenda.”

Al-Fadl said that it was not possible for the SDGs to be achieved without the ownership and engagement of civil society.

“Our governments in the Arab region have been doing a great job of adopting the principles, yet we are asking for more, and time is running out, so everything will be possible. It is so important that both the public and private sectors engage in the process of redirecting, utilizing and improving their building capacity and knowledge to move forward.”

Al-Fadl said that he was grateful to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for all their support and allowing the position of a Saudi nongovernmental establishment to exist.

FASTFACT

The 13 major cities in each region in Saudi Arabia: Makkah, Madinah, Tabuk, Buraydah, Najran, Arar, Jazan, Al-Baha, Abha, Riyadh, Dammam, Sakaka and Hail.

“Without the encouragement of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, being here at the UN and delivering this statement would not be possible.”

 The SGBF was first initiated in 2010 and established in 2014. In 2017, the foundation became the first professional association body from Saudi Arabia in consultative status with the UN.

 “It was only in 2017 that ECOSOC recognized SGBF and this says a great deal about how the vision is executed by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who has been supporting everyone, everything and everywhere for Saudi civil society to join a global movement supporting the SDGs.” 

In his statement, Al-Fadl mentioned the importance of humanitarian, environmental, and economic needs to take advantage of the performance index by recording and documenting buildings, neighborhoods and cities. 

“Green sustainable development is achieved through strategic and applied policies to improve the ‘quality of life’ of visitors, residents, and citizens concerning the 13 major cities in each region in Saudi Arabia. The public will develop professional businesses and investment in the region for the safety and health of the environment.”


Japan’s crown prince visits Saudi pavilion at Osaka Expo

Updated 04 July 2025
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Japan’s crown prince visits Saudi pavilion at Osaka Expo

  • Visited in the company of Saudi Ambassador to Japan Ghazi Faisal Binzagr.

TOKYO: Japan’s Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Akishino visited Saudi Arabia’s pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo on Thursday, in the company of Saudi Ambassador to Japan Ghazi Faisal Binzagr.

“We were deeply honored by the visit of their Imperial Highnesses,” Binzagr told Arab News Japan. “It was a beautiful visit.”

He noted how much the pair had enjoyed the music of the oud, which was being played as the imperial guests entered the courtyard of the pavilion and which echoed throughout the building owing to the design of the walls and corridors to amplify the sound.

“The imperial couple also enjoyed Saudi coffee and (a selection of various) dates,” Binzagr said, adding that the variety and color of Saudi dates is influenced by the minerals in the soil of each region where they are grown in the Kingdom.

Binzagr said they had discussed the similarities in the cultures of Saudi Arabia and Japan, adding that despite appearing different, they shared a deep pride in their heritage and history, and both countries' ability to link the East and West.

He added that Japan is authentic with what it has but is also able to blend it with foriegn best practices with its great openness. Binzagr said that he believes this makes for something very special that Saudi Arabia also shares with Japan.

“We both value our roots and connectivity, and we both seek to celebrate balance in everything we do,” he said.

At the pavilion, the imperial couple viewed the plan for Riyadh Expo 2030 and indicated they were keen to visit at that time or even before, Binzagr said.

“We are keenly looking forward to more visits between members of Japan’s Imperial Family and members of our Royal Family of Saudi Arabia,” Binzagr added.

”Such visits add a special dimension to an already special relationship.”


Buraidah’s blossoming farm scene offers a cool summer alternative

Updated 04 July 2025
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Buraidah’s blossoming farm scene offers a cool summer alternative

BURAIDAH: Those hoping to escape the scorching Saudi summer heat can head to Buraidah, where its farms have become a favored summer destination.

Buraidah, about 360 kilometers northwest of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia’s Qassim region, is a place for those seeking calm, comfort and a distinctive leisure experience.

“This rising popularity stems from ongoing efforts to transform these farms into integrated tourist attractions that cater both to families and individuals, offering an authentic experience with a modern touch,” according to the Saudi Press Agency.

These farms stand out for their natural beauty and the balance they strike between simplicity and contemporary features.

Visitors can step away from the pace of city life and enjoy peaceful moments surrounded by lush greenery. The experience is supported by restaurants serving traditional and international dishes, cafes with authentic design and stalls selling local produce. There are family seating areas aplenty, children’s play zones and a variety of nature-based activities.

Ali Mohammed Al-Waili, who is from the Najran region, expressed his admiration of the unique tourism diversity found in the Qassim region. He praised the rural farms that have become an attractive, offering a fully immersive natural experience that reflects the authenticity and agricultural richness of the area.

He pointed out that the farms spread across the region’s governorates provide a well-rounded family tourism experience, featuring traditional seating areas, authentic local cuisine, and a variety of agricultural and recreational activities suited for all age groups.

Another visitor, Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi, noted that rural farms have become a top family destination during the summer holiday because they meet visitors’ needs and offer a range of services that ensure an enjoyable time in a natural and safe environment.

The rising interest in this form of domestic tourism points to a clear shift in public preference toward nature and stillness. Better infrastructure and improved service quality are reinforcing the role of rural farms as a top option for day trips and short breaks.

According to the SPA, the growing interest in domestic tourism and nature helps to support the local economy and achieve sustainable development — aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to improve quality of life, diversify income sources, and enhance the balance between people and the environment.


Saudi, Russian foreign ministers meet in Moscow

Updated 04 July 2025
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Saudi, Russian foreign ministers meet in Moscow

  • Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing relations and building on existing strategic partnerships

MOSCOW: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Friday, as part of an official visit aimed at strengthening the longstanding relationship between the two countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, the two ministers reviewed Saudi-Russian ties and ongoing cooperation between the Kingdom and the Russian Federation, and discussed avenues for further collaboration across a range of fields, SPA added. 

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing relations and building on existing strategic partnerships.

The talks were followed by an official session, in which Prince Faisal and Lavrov underscored the depth of friendship between the Kingdom and Russia. It also included a wide-ranging discussion on key regional developments and joint efforts to support stability and security in the Middle East, including the crisis in the Gaza Strip.

The visit comes amid ongoing diplomatic engagement between Riyadh and Moscow on regional issues and shared interests in global energy markets and political coordination.

Prince Faisal reiterated, in a press conference during his visit, that the Kingdom rejected military solutions and consistently advocated for resolving all conflicts, regardless of their nature, through negotiation.


Justice Ministry Training Center boosts legal expertise

Updated 04 July 2025
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Justice Ministry Training Center boosts legal expertise

  • More than 8,000 people trained by the center in Q2 2025

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Justice has enhanced the competency of legal professionals through its Judicial Training Center, focusing on improving training quality and professional reliability in line with best practices.

“In Q2 2025, the Judicial Training Center at the Ministry of Justice trained over 8,000 individuals through 107 courses. Beneficiaries included judges from the Ministry of Justice and the Board of Grievances, lawyers, notaries, marriage registrars, legal researchers, Judicial Support Center for Enforcement staff, and enforcement service providers,” said the ministry.

The center delivered programs such as lawyer qualifications, judicial assistant training, notary certification, lawyer development, internal conciliator training, marriage registrar training, and enforcement service provider training.

These align with the ministry’s goals to enhance training quality and efficiency.

“The MOJ’s training center plays an important role in qualifying individuals to work in judicial services roles such as qualifying individuals to become licensed attorneys and qualify other individuals to play important roles such as becoming judges and marriage registrars,” Dr Osama Ghanem Alobaidy, adviser and professor of law at the Institute of Public Administration in Riyadh, told Arab News.

“It employs best methods to do that including teachers who are well qualified to instill legal skills and knowledge in order to do their jobs,” he added.

The center’s training plan focuses on specialized qualification, continuous professional development, and addressing trainees’ needs, said the ministry.

It incorporates diverse digital training tools and supports research to advance judicial and legal personnel development.

The Judicial Training Center adheres to rigorous standards to deliver specialized qualification programs, continuous professional development, targeted training needs assessments, and a diverse range of digital training tools, reinforcing its role in advancing judicial and legal expertise.

In 2024, the center introduced over 14 new certification and training diplomas. It also developed more than 74 training modules with innovative educational approaches and added over 13 new services to its online platform.


Silver jewelry exhibition draws crowds at Abha Festival

Updated 04 July 2025
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Silver jewelry exhibition draws crowds at Abha Festival

ABHA: A silver jewelry exhibition staged as part of the 26th Abha Shopping Festival has proven very popular with visitors, according to a report published by the Saudi Press Agency on Friday.

Highlights from the exhibition included rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches, intricately adorned with silver and agate, long favored in local markets.

Ali Basha, an investor in the silver and agate trade, told the SPA that visitors had been drawn to a wide variety of precious stones and jewelry, with particular interest in Yemeni agate, Turkish and Italian rings, liver agate, and natural agate.  He also highlighted the appeal of prayer beads made from yusr, amber, amber dust, and bakelite, along with pure silver pieces plated in rhodium to achieve a brilliant, diamond-like shine.

Basha noted that products were available across a wide range of prices to suit most budgets, with silver rings priced between SR100 and SR1,000 ($27 to $270), and handcrafted silver jewelry pieces ranging from SR100 to SR2,500.

He added that he had witnessed a growing demand for antique silver, particularly pieces inlaid with amber and coral, which remain especially popular among collectors and enthusiasts.

“The silver and agate jewelry market continues to evolve, marked by the rise of contemporary designs crafted entirely by hand, without the use of machinery,” Basha told the SPA. “This careful craftsmanship endows each piece with a distinctive artistic character, deeply appealing to those who value originality and sophisticated elegance.”

He concluded by suggesting that the pieces’ beauty, rich colors, natural luster, and varied designs make them an ideal choice for gifts for both men and women, which he believed contributed to the strong turnout at the exhibition.