BEIRUT: Saudi Arabia's embassy in Lebanon has confirmed it has facilitated the “evacuation of Saudi residents and visitors” from the country.
“The evacuation operation, imposed by the security situation in Lebanon and the importance of ensuring the safety of Saudi nationals, started Saturday at 5 a.m. after the Kingdom secured three Saudia aircraft to transport them,” the embassy told Arab News.
“Three hundred people were evacuated as of Saturday afternoon, while the total number of those wishing to leave remains unclear. We have identified a hotel in Beirut as a starting point,” it added, noting that most of those who had left were tourists.
The embassy also confirmed evacuees were escorted to Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut by Lebanese security forces to guarantee their safety.
Protests broke out in Lebanon on Thursday night, and disorder has disrupted roads leading to the airport, with burning tires blocking several key routes.
On Friday, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged its citizens already in Lebanon to exercise “utmost caution.”
Egypt’s Embassy in Beirut also called on its nationals in the country to avoid protest areas, Egyptian state news agency MENA said.
“The embassy calls on all Egyptian citizens in Lebanon to avoid the areas of gatherings and protests, to be careful in their movements and to abide by the instructions of the Lebanese authorities in this regard,” MENA reported.
Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Embassy in Lebanon asked citizens wishing to travel to the country to delay trips where possible.
“The embassy also calls on citizens currently in Lebanon to take utmost care and stay away from crowds and demonstrations,” it said on social media site Twitter.
Bahrain and the UAE warned against travel to Lebanon and called on their citizens in the country to leave immediately.
Saudi Embassy evacuates 300 tourists from Lebanon
Saudi Embassy evacuates 300 tourists from Lebanon
- The embassy said that evacuees were escorted to Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut by Lebanese security forces to guarantee their safety
- Three Saudia aircraft were used to transport them
Thousands benefit from Saudi Red Crescent volunteer initiatives
JEDDAH: Thousands of volunteers have clocked in vast amounts of hours in service with the Saudi Red Crescent Authority during April, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The SRCA saw 2,762 volunteers collectively log 16,755 hours of service throughout the month.
The volunteers supported 9,295 individuals with 251 unique initiatives, the report added.
The diverse services include providing humanitarian aid, ambulance services, education awareness campaigns, and environmental efforts.
Saudi defense minister, Yemen PM discuss relations
RIYADH: Prince Khalid bin Salman, Saudi minister of defense, met with Yemen’s newly-appointed Prime Minster Salem Saleh Bin Braik.
The pair discussed ways to boost Saudi-Yemeni relations, in addition to regional developments and the situation in Yemen.
”I reaffirmed the Kingdom’s continued support for the government of Yemen in ways that will meet the aspirations of the Yemeni people,” Prince Khalid said in a post on X.
He also conveyed the Saudi leadership’s best wishes to Bin Braik after his appointment as Prime Minister, as well as their hopes for his success and for the stability, security, and prosperity of the people of Yemen.
Yemen’s internationally recognized government named finance minister Bin Braik as its new prime minister on Saturday.
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
