Saudi Arabia’s KSRelief refugee aid reaches $17bn

KSRelief’s plan for 2020 included the implementation of many programs and relief projects aimed to support the needy around the world. (SPA)
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Updated 19 December 2019
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Saudi Arabia’s KSRelief refugee aid reaches $17bn

  • $925 million of the total was dedicated to the UN and other international organizations
  • KSRelief’s plan for 2020 includes the implementation of many programs around the world

GENEVA: General Supervisor of the King Salman Humanitarian and Relief Center (KSRelief) Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah said that the Kingdom has donated over $17 billion for refugees and displaced people in the last two decades.

He added that $925 million of the total was dedicated to the UN and other international organizations, including $287.9 million donated to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

This announcement came during Al-Rabeeah’s participation in the First Global Refugee Forum held in Geneva, Switzerland, in the presence of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and Filippo Grandi, head of states and governments at the UNHCR.

Al-Rabeeah started his speech by thanking the organizers of the forum, which aims to alleviate pressure on host countries and enhance refugees’ self-reliance, allowing them to safely return to their homelands. He stressed the Kingdom’s appreciation for the host communities’ efforts, as well as its eagerness to find effective solutions.

He said: “The Kingdom is aware of its humanitarian role and has dedicated a lot of programs to support refugees and displaced people. It has also ensured the implementation of essential projects in food security, health, sheltering, water, environmental sanitation, nutrition and education.

“In participation with the UAE and Kuwait, the Kingdom has also sponsored the Rohingya Pledging Conference held at the UN headquarters in New York in September, where states committed to giving more than $283 million.”

He added that Saudi Arabia has also hosted 1.9 million Syrian, Yemeni and Rohingya refugees, provided them with job opportunities and offered them health, education and other services for free. 

He noted that the Kingdom has also contributed to providing developmental support for infrastructure in host countries, in order to alleviate their burden of hosting refugees.

The general supervisor said that KSRelief’s plan for 2020 included the implementation of many programs and relief projects aimed to support the needy around the world in partnership with UN and international organizations.

The three-day forum will look into many topics such as the role of civil society in helping and employing refugees, dealing with forced displacement and alleviating poverty and refugees’ suffering.


Makkah royal commission showcases city’s cultural, tourist offerings at World Travel Market

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Makkah royal commission showcases city’s cultural, tourist offerings at World Travel Market

  • Saudi minister of tourism speaks of Kingdom’s investment in sector

LONDON: The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites this week showcased key projects that highlight the Saudi city’s rich cultural and historical significance, as part of the Saudi delegation at the World Travel Market 2024 in London.

Major initiatives featured by the RCMC included the Hira Cultural District, the Revelation Exhibition, the Kiswa Factory of the Holy Kaaba, and the Institute of Manuscripts and Revival of Islamic Heritage.

The RCMC pavilion also provided insights into major infrastructure developments, such as Makkah’s public transportation system.

This system, with 12 bus routes covering all neighborhoods, is designed to ensure seamless, reliable travel and improve the quality of life for both residents and visiting pilgrims.

This year’s World Travel Market event, which finished on Thursday, also saw Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the Saudi minister of tourism and chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority, launch the Kingdom’s participation with the Saudi Land Pavilion.

The pavilion included the Visit Saudi exhibition, organized by the Saudi Tourism Authority for the fourth consecutive year and supported by more than 70 partners in the sector, including destinations, hotels, airlines and travel companies.

Al-Khateeb said: “Saudi Arabia, the fastest-growing tourist destination globally, seeks to solidify its leadership in world tourism, aligning with the Saudi Vision 2030 goals by highlighting unique destinations, new projects, and significant investment opportunities.”

He added: “Saudi Arabia is the largest global investor in the tourism sector.”


Meet Reman Assere, Saudi Arabia’s youngest Arabic calligraphy instructor

Updated 22 min 54 sec ago
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Meet Reman Assere, Saudi Arabia’s youngest Arabic calligraphy instructor

  • She became the youngest certified instructor at the age of just 11
  • Assere now tutors students of all ages

MAKKAH: After qualifying at just 11 years old, Reman Assere officially became Saudi Arabia’s youngest calligraphy instructor.

Her journey started in fifth grade, sparked by a school activity. She began with basic exercises but, with continuous practice and self-learning through platforms such as YouTube, she steadily refined her skills.

Arabic calligraphy is celebrated for its variety of styles, including Kufic, Naskh, Thuluth, Diwani, and Ruq’ah, each with a unique character and distinct lettering technique. (Supplied)

Her ambitions and her love of the art drove her to undertake professional training in Kufic calligraphy, believed to be the earliest example of a universal style of Arabic calligraphy. Once qualified, she was registered on the Ministry of Culture’s official platform, Al-Khattat.

What truly set her apart and caught people’s attention was her relentless dedication to learning. Even during vacations, she practiced tirelessly, seeking out special events and connecting with other calligraphers.

FASTFACT

Reman Assere’s ambitions and her love of the art drove her to undertake professional training in Kufic calligraphy.

Now aged 15, Assere told Arab News that her professional training was carried out under the guidance Shurooq Al-Harbi. She also highlighted the pivotal role played in her development by Prof. Siraj Al-Omari, whose ongoing support and encouragement were instrumental.

Today, Assere has become proficient in both in writing and teaching Kufic calligraphy and is expanding her expertise to include the Diwani style.

Reman Assere

However, her journey has been far from easy. A lack of calligraphy institutes in her native region of Abha posed considerable challenges and meant she had to rely on online courses or travel to other cities.

It was worth it, however. Her numerous awards include first place in the 2023 Cultural Skills Competition and the Ministry of Education’s National Olympiad for Arabic Calligraphy. She has also demonstrated her talents at prominent events, such as the Layalina Festival in Wadi Al-Dawasir and the Abha Shopping and Entertainment Festival.

Arabic calligraphy is celebrated for its variety of styles, including Kufic, Naskh, Thuluth, Diwani, and Ruq’ah, each with a unique character and distinct lettering technique. (Supplied)

Assere has also led courses at the Holy Mosque Library in Makkah and organized calligraphy workshops in schools.

Today, she is recognized as one of the most influential trainers in Arabic calligraphy, teaching across all age groups. She takes pride in seeing her students compete in calligraphy competitions, a testament to the success of her approach and teaching methods.

Reman Assere has become proficient in both in writing and teaching Kufic calligraphy and is expanding her expertise to include the Diwani style. (Supplied)

Even in an age of rapid technological advancements, Assere is confident that calligraphy’s unique beauty will endure. She believes the future is bright for students and trainees, as the art of calligraphy continues to inspire and cultivate creativity.

She explained how the beauty of Arabic calligraphy is in the balance and harmony of its letters, with fluid lines that interlace. For Assere, Arabic calligraphy not only captures the essence and grace of the Arabic language, but it also allows the writer to convey thoughts and emotions.

Arabic calligraphy is celebrated for its variety of styles, including Kufic, Naskh, Thuluth, Diwani, and Ruq’ah, each with a unique character and distinct lettering technique. Rooted in precise geometric principles, Arabic calligraphy achieves a harmonious visual balance, allowing for flexibility in letter formation, overlapping designs, and intricate decorative motifs.

Assere said: “The beauty of Arabic calligraphy extends beyond writing; it is a visual art that enhances both artworks and decorations. Over time, it has become a cultural symbol that embodies Arab and Islamic identity.”

 

 


Saudi Arabia’s urban planning on display at WUF

Updated 08 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s urban planning on display at WUF

  • The pavilion highlighted prominent Saudi infrastructure development initiatives, in line with international quality standards, that meet the needs of residents and visitors of Saudi cities

CAIRO: The Saudi pavilion at the World Urban Forum in Cairo this week hosted a series of workshops and bilateral meetings on the Kingdom’s strategies and projects in comprehensive urban planning.

The Saudi presence also underlined the positive effect of these strategies on achieving sustainable urban development and improving the quality of life in Saudi cities, in line with the goals of Vision 2030.

Through representatives and officials of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and more than 30 national entities, the Saudi pavilion showed the Kingdom’s efforts to adopt and expand comprehensive urban planning practices focused on sustainability, and apply the requirement to study environmental impact in municipal and investment projects.

The meetings highlighted the concept of smart municipalities aimed at improving the quality of municipal services in Saudi regions and adopting modern technologies and enhanced municipal regulations for smart city policies, as well as the use of artificial intelligence technologies and data in improving the quality of life.

The pavilion highlighted prominent Saudi infrastructure development initiatives, in line with international quality standards, that meet the needs of residents and visitors of Saudi cities, the Saudi Press Agency reported, in addition to urban landscape development projects and visual distortion treatment projects.

 

 


Saudi foreign minister, Blinken discuss regional crises

Updated 08 November 2024
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Saudi foreign minister, Blinken discuss regional crises

  • Two discussed ongoing efforts to address the issues in Gaza and Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan spoke on the phone on Friday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call, they reviewed regional issues, with a particular focus on Gaza and Lebanon and ongoing efforts to address the issues there, SPA added.

In a separate call on Friday with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Blinken stressed the need to stop the fighting in Sudan and the need to support efforts to form a civilian government, the State Department said.

Blinken also discussed the need to expand humanitarian access to Sudan and thanked the UAE for its provision of aid for Gaza and Lebanon, according to a State Department statement.


Saudi health minister unveils new healthcare projects in Qassim

Updated 08 November 2024
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Saudi health minister unveils new healthcare projects in Qassim

  • Saudi Health Minister’s visit marked the inauguration of several healthcare projects, including 54 initiatives valued at more than SR 448 million ($119.4 million)

BURAIDAH: Saudi Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel visited Qassim to review several healthcare projects designed to enhance the quality, efficiency and accessibility of medical services for residents.

These initiatives align with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program, a key component of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to foster a “vibrant society” enjoying a healthy and prosperous life, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

His visit marked the inauguration of several healthcare projects, including 54 initiatives valued at more than SR 448 million ($119.4 million). Among these were key projects under the Qassim Health Cluster, such as the dental center in Unaizah, along with community-supported initiatives worth nearly SR102 million.

Highlights included the Prince Faisal bin Mishaal Fertility Center in Buraidah, the Abdullah Saleh Al-Othaim Diabetes Treatment Center at Al-Rass General Hospital, the Al-Rajhi Bank Cardiac Catheterization Center, and several other specialized healthcare facilities.