Prince Alwaleed pledges $30m to fight pandemic

Prince Alwaleed bin Talal at the Elysee palace in Paris. (Reuters)
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Updated 29 April 2020
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Prince Alwaleed pledges $30m to fight pandemic

  • Prince Alwaleed bin Talal: With many developed nations struggling to cope with COVID-19, we must spare a thought for the developing countries of Africa and the less fortunate countries in the Middle East
  • The $30 million comes after the prince pledged the use of his hotels, schools and other businesses in Saudi Arabia to support the government’s measures against the pandemic

DUBAI: Alwaleed Philanthropies, the charitable organization founded by Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, has given an extra $20.6 million to fight the coronavirus pandemic in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

The donation, in partnership with some of the world’s leading philanthropies, comes on top of the organization’s existing funding of $9.4 million, which has been reallocated to fight the pandemic. This brings the prince’s total commitment to medical and economic help to $30 million.

“In these times of unprecedented crisis it is more important now than ever that we pull our resources together in the battle against COVID-19,” he said.

“With many developed nations struggling to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, we must spare a thought for the developing countries of Africa and the less fortunate countries in the Middle East.”

The $30 million comes after he pledged the use of his hotels, schools and other businesses in Saudi Arabia to support the government’s measures against the pandemic, and support for Lebanese students studying in virus-ravaged Europe to return home.

The funds will be spent on a variety of initiatives, including those led by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the GAVI vaccination projects, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

“The series of impact-driven initiatives will seek to tackle the health and economic implications of the pandemic, such as manufacturing rapid diagnostic tests for developing countries and reducing the long-term impact of the potential economic fallout of COVID-19,” Alwaleed Philanthropies said.

“Continuing to support the Middle East and North Africa, the fund includes a significant allocation towards initiatives including allocation to UN-Habitat to improve water, sanitation and hygiene in the most vulnerable communities, and to establish shelter and rehabilitate damaged housings in order to address overcrowding and enable social / physical distancing in disadvantaged neighborhoods.”

Alwaleed Philanthropies is also working with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) to mitigate the economic fallout of the crisis in Africa while promoting hygiene in developing countries.

The amount allocated to ICESCO will strengthen local manufacturing capabilities to produce hygiene products and protective equipment, while empowering women and young entrepreneurs in the informal and local sector.

Many of the initiatives will support vital work to support communities and curb the spread of COVID-19.

Alwaleed Philanthropies will be working with Gates Philanthropy Partners to fund health projects to accelerate the development of therapeutics and delivery of diagnostics to protect vulnerable populations across Africa.

This includes an allocation to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, which will allow for additional diagnostic laboratories and testing capabilities throughout the continent.

Additionally, Alwaleed Philanthropies is building upon its existing relationship with Splash to provide clean water and promote hand washing in rural and urban areas in South Asia and Africa. 

Supporting scientific research to reduce future outbreaks, Alwaleed Philanthropies has built on its four-year relationship with GAVI, with a further amount allocated to provide accessibility and innovative solutions to reach remote areas, and an allocation to support the WHO in strengthening its existing procurement capacity to rapidly secure needed emergency products and build a global stockpile.

Separately, GAVI — backed by Saudi Arabia — on Monday made $40 million available to the UN Children’s Fund to secure personal protective equipment, diagnostic tests and other vital supplies on behalf of 58 low-income countries in response to the pandemic, bringing its total support so far in the crisis to $200 million.


Experience the horror house with a Saudi twist at Souq Al-Awaleen

Updated 05 January 2025
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Experience the horror house with a Saudi twist at Souq Al-Awaleen

  • Visitors are warmly welcomed by actors representing different regions of the Kingdom

RIYADH: From the northern to the eastern regions of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh’s Souq Al-Awaleen unites the diverse cultures of the Kingdom.

Visitors are greeted with warm welcomes from actors representing each region, allowing them to appreciate the variety of Saudi traditions and the distinct traditional outfits of every area.

Guests can explore the culture of coastal cities, like Jeddah, and mountainous regions such as Asir, experiencing a true melting pot of Saudi culture. They can don the flower headbands and traditional attire of the southern people, and take part in the Ardah dance from the central Najd region, brandishing Arabian swords.

The immersive experience continues as actors reenact everyday life, such as teaching in a classroom. Visitors can sit at school desks, use chalk to write on the blackboard, and take an Arabic language class that evokes nostalgic memories for many.

Additionally, guests can step into an old prison to imagine life behind bars, and browse a selection of nostalgic toys that offers a delightful trip down memory lane.

Each corner of the souq tells a unique story, offering authentic handicrafts, traditional attire and an array of spices that capture the essence of various regions. 

HIGHLIGHT

Visitors can sit at school desks, use chalk to write on the blackboard, and take an Arabic language class that evokes nostalgic memories for many.

One of the standout attractions in the souq is the horror house themed around Saudi folklore, known as Al-Sa’alawa. The chilling experience is inspired by tales of a mysterious creature that has captivated the imagination of many.

The Al-Sa’alwa tent offers a thrilling horror house experience that immerses visitors in the legends of Saudi folklore. Osama Al-Balawai, an actor in the tent, describes the creature Al-Sa’alwa, which has become the subject of various interpretations.

Some view it as a ghost, others as a male figure, while some believe it takes the form of a beautiful woman. Regardless of its form, caution is advised when encountering this enigmatic being.

“Join us at the Al-Sa’alwa tent for an unforgettable experience,” Al-Balawai told Arab News. “Will you emerge safe, or will you be captivated by the legend?

“We encourage you to visit Souq Al-Awaleen to partake in this thrilling adventure. We can’t wait to see you there!”

In addition to the horror experience, Arab News discovered Bin Ghaith Textiles, a fabric shop in the market. Owner Hassan passionately shared his love for textiles, highlighting their historical significance.

“My passion is textiles and the history behind them,” he said. “I collect organic fibers and enjoy exploring what people wore before the rise of synthetic materials. This gives me a chance to connect with history.”

Hassan said that his interest lies in the organic materials used in the past, such as linen, cotton, silk and wool, contrasting sharply with today’s disposable fashion culture.

“The market is the heart of any city,” he said. “It reflects the identity of the place, offering insights into its culture and history.”

This year marks Hassan’s second time at Souq Al-Awaleen, where he appreciates the diverse crowd that arrives to explore the rich tapestry of Saudi heritage.

“The younger generation is especially curious about what their ancestors wore and how textiles have evolved,” he said. “It’s essential to preserve this knowledge and tradition.”

The market, which offers free entry, also hosts handicrafts, folk art and live performances. Local artisans have a platform to showcase their work, and visitors can take part in workshops focusing on traditional Sadu weaving and pottery.

In addition to its artisanal offerings, Souq Al-Awaleen serves up a taste of authentic Saudi cuisine at Sufrat Al-Deira. The atmosphere evokes a bygone era, enhanced by cooking demonstrations and other cultural performances.

This year’s Riyadh Season runs until March 2025 and has already drawn more than 13 million attendees, according to the Saudi Press Agency.


Saudi Arabia’s first ‘recycled road’ built in Al-Ahsa

Updated 05 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s first ‘recycled road’ built in Al-Ahsa

RIYADH: The Roads General Authority has completed construction of a road using recycled construction and demolition waste for the first time in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The project, a collaboration with Al-Ahsa municipality and the National Center for Waste Management, incorporated waste material into the asphalt layers of a road in the Al-Ahsa governorate, following research by the authority to assess the performance of asphalt and gravel layers made from aggregates sourced from the municipality’s environmental landfill.

Using recycled material in infrastructure projects supports the Kingdom’s goal of transitioning to a circular economy. The target is a 60 percent recycling rate for such waste by 2035, which “highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to environmental sustainability and efficient infrastructure development,” the SPA said.

This initiative “reduces the environmental impact of waste accumulation, decreases reliance on raw materials, and promotes cost-effective road construction and maintenance,” the SPA added.


Ajwady crowned winner of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Cup in Riyadh

Updated 05 January 2025
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Ajwady crowned winner of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Cup in Riyadh

Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif presented the Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Cup to the winner of the race held as part of the Kings and Princes Cups events organized by the Riyadh Equestrian Club in Riyadh.

The cup was won by the horse Ajwady, owned by Sheikh Faisal Abdullah Hamoud Al-Malek Al-Sabah. He received the cup from Prince Saud in the presence of jockey Mohammed Al-Daham.


Nesting activities of endangered Egyptian Vulture documented in King Salman Reserve

Updated 04 January 2025
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Nesting activities of endangered Egyptian Vulture documented in King Salman Reserve

  • Documented nesting activity noteworthy due to rarity of occurrences in northern Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has reported significant nesting activity of the endangered Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) within the reserve’s natural habitats, it was reported by the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

Globally classified as endangered, the Egyptian Vulture belongs to the family of diurnal birds of prey and is known for its ecological importance.

Within the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve (KSRNR), the Egyptian Vulture holds multiple roles — as a resident breeding species, a migratory passerby, and a rare winter visitor.

The documented nesting activity is noteworthy due to the rarity of such occurrences in northern Saudi Arabia.

Renowned for its extraordinary ability to detect prey from great distances, the Egyptian Vulture can travel up to 80 kilometers daily in search of food.

It thrives in open habitats, arid regions, and rocky cliffs, primarily feeding on carrion or weakened animals. The reserve also serves as a critical stopover for the species during autumn and spring migrations, with over 25 individuals recorded during these seasons.

Measuring approximately 62cm in length with a wingspan of up to 155cm, the Egyptian Vulture prefers dry, remote areas featuring cliffs and rocky outcrops for breeding.

While carrion remains its primary food source, it is also known to forage at landfills, markets, animal enclosures, slaughterhouses, and farms.

The species has suffered a dramatic decline, with its population in the Arabian Peninsula decreasing by an estimated 90 percent over the past 50 years. The authority attributes this alarming drop to factors including poisoning, collisions with power lines, habitat loss, and human disturbances.

By identifying and protecting these nesting sites, the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority underscores its commitment to biodiversity conservation and the preservation of endangered species.


Heart of Africa’s culture, cuisine now at Boulevard World

Updated 04 January 2025
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Heart of Africa’s culture, cuisine now at Boulevard World

  • Food, coffee, music, crafts on offer in Riyadh
  • New zone features giraffes, lions and parrots 

RIYADH: Boulevard World has brought the vibrant spirit of Africa to Riyadh with a special zone featuring the cuisine and culture from some of the continent’s countries.

The Africa Zone has exotic wildlife including giraffes, colorful parrots, and lions. There is also an array of food and music from various nations.

A highlight is the Ethiopian Coffee experience, which showcases the country’s hospitality and rich traditions. This coffee is made using traditional methods which bring out unique flavors. 

Hanan Amro, a coffee maker at one of the Ethiopian restaurants, told Arab News: “We bring our coffee beans from our farm in Ethiopia. They are fresh, and we carefully select them. 

“We sun-dry, roast, and brew the coffee in our special pot to create a strong drink that combines elements of Turkish and Americano coffee.” 

The Africa Zone also hosts live music featuring traditional rhythms and folk tunes.

For those looking to take a piece of Africa home, the zone features many kiosks selling antiques, animal statues and leather goods. 

There is also an array of skincare products made with Shea butter, for which certain nations are renowned.  

The launch of the Africa Zone coincides with Boulevard World’s expansion for this year’s Riyadh Season, which has increased the number of themed zones by five to 22.

The expansion is a part of Riyadh Season’s initiative to attract people from various backgrounds and promote cultural understanding.