RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is working to complete large-scale projects that will allow Hajj and Umrah to take place safely in the exceptional circumstances created by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, King Salman said on Wednesday as he opened the eighth session of the Shoura Council
He added that the Kingdom had responded swiftly to the economic effects of the health crisis by implementing a number of initiatives and measures, the Saudi Press Agency reported. These include SR 218 billion ($58 billion) of support for the private sector and SR 47 billion for the health sector.
The contributions by the nation in support of international efforts to mitigate the global effects of the pandemic include the provision of medical aid and supplies to a number of countries, the king told the government’s top advisory body during a virtual session also attended by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
He also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the public to slow the spread of the virus, saying: “I reiterate my thanks to my brothers, sisters, sons and daughters, citizens and residents, for their understanding and cooperation in adhering to measures and protocols.”
Turning to the oil industry, King Salman said that the Kingdom has been working to ensure the stability of global oil markets, and continues to do so in the interests of producers and consumers, despite the effect the pandemic is having on the sector. He noted that Saudi Arabia played a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining the OPEC+ agreement on this.
Looking ahead, the king said Saudi Vision 2030 is a road map for a better future for the country, and highlighted the effect it has already had on improving government services and raising the level of home ownership as examples of this.
He added that the empowerment of women is another important part of Vision 2030, along with the ongoing development of entertainment, sport and tourism in the Kingdom.
King Salman also reiterated the serious threat posed by the malign regional influence of the Iranian regime.
“The Kingdom stresses the dangers of Iran’s regional project, its interference in other countries, its fostering of terrorism, its fanning the flames of sectarianism … in its efforts to possess weapons of mass destruction,” he said as he addressed council members by videolink.
The international community must take a firm stance against the regime in Tehran, he added, and a radical solution is needed to ensure that Iran does not further develop its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
The king also noted that Iranian-backed Houthi militias in Yemen continue to violate international laws through their actions in the country.
“We affirm the support of the Yemeni people so that Yemen can regain its sovereignty from Iran’s control,” he said. “We will continue to provide humanitarian aid to the Yemeni people.”
King Salman condemned the deliberate targeting by the Houthis of civilians in the Kingdom, using drones and ballistic missiles. He said Saudi Arabia rejects any attempts by outside forces to interfere in its internal affairs, as it also rejects extremism and terrorism, along with its financing.
“Our region is facing attempts by regional powers seeking to impose their political influence and spread their extremist ideology to serve their own interests,” he added.
Regarding events in the wider Middle East, the king said Saudi Arabia supports efforts to bring peace to the region through negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis for a fair and permanent agreement. Saudi Arabia continues to support the right of the Palestinian people to have an independent state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, he added.
He also reaffirmed the Kingdom’s solidarity with Iraq and its people, and the efforts of the Iraqi government in its fight against terrorism. He said it also supports efforts to preserve the unity of Syria and remove militias and mercenaries from the country. King Salman called for an end to foreign interference in Libya’s affairs and stressed the importance of supporting Sudan at the present time.
With the G20 summit in Riyadh just 10 days away, he said Saudi Arabia’s presidency of the organization this year had confirmed the strength of its economy, which affects the stability of the global economy.
“During the G20 summit, we are looking forward to finding solutions to the pressing issues of the 21st century,” he added.
Closer to home, he said: “We are continuing with our approach to combating and eliminating corruption to preserve public money,” adding that the Kingdom will continue to release details of all corruption cases and investigations with full transparency.
King Salman addresses Saudi Shoura Council at opening of 8th session
https://arab.news/v88kh
King Salman addresses Saudi Shoura Council at opening of 8th session
- ‘Kingdom has responded swiftly to economic effects of coronavirus with a number of initiatives’
- ‘The international community must adopt a firm stance against the Iranian regime’
Prominent artworks at Riyadh Metro stations blend daily life, creativity
RIYADH: Riyadh Art, one of the world’s largest public art programs, has unveiled four monumental public artworks with the launch of the Riyadh Metro, transforming stations into cultural landmarks, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
At the King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station, designed by the internationally acclaimed Zaha Hadid Architects, Alexander Calder’s “Janey Waney” takes center stage.
The lofty and colorful sculpture exemplifies Calder’s pioneering spirit in kinetic art, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors.
Nearby, Robert Indiana’s “LOVE (Red Outside Blue Inside)” — one of the world’s most recognizable artworks — captivates visitors with its vibrant interplay of color and universal themes of connection and hope.
Together, these masterpieces transform the daily commute into a celebration of art, architecture and creativity.
At the Qasr Al-Hokm Downtown Metro Station, designed by the renowned architectural firm Snohetta, Ugo Rondinone’s “The Sun” makes a striking golden centerpiece, symbolizing energy and renewal.
Complementing this is Zaman Jassim’s “When the Moon is Full,” a reflective and poetic piece inspired by Riyadh’s cultural heritage.
“These permanent artworks embody our vision of transforming Riyadh into an open-air gallery that enriches the quality of life and fosters a deeper connection between people and art,” said architect Khalid Al-Hazani, executive director of Riyadh Art.
“By collaborating with some of the most creative minds of our time, we’re not just adding art to public spaces — we’re creating cultural landmarks that inspire and engage generations,” he added.
Led by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, Riyadh Art is championing cultural innovation and economic diversification, and positioning the Kingdom’s capital as a global center for contemporary art and culture.
Since its launch in 2019, Riyadh Art has seamlessly integrated art into the urban fabric, displaying over 500 artworks by more than 500 local and international artists, hosting more than 6,000 community engagement activities, and engaging more than 6 million visitors.
As the program continues to expand, the number of artworks and initiatives is expected to grow significantly, fostering a sense of community, enriching the city’s identity, and elevating Riyadh’s standing as a global arts destination.
World’s falconers set for fierce contest in Riyadh
- With $9.6m in prizes, King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival preserves and promotes Arab tradition
RIYADH: The Saudi Falcons Club has finalized preparations for the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, scheduled to take place from Dec. 3 to 19 at the club’s headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh.
Recognized as the largest world’s gathering of falcons, the festival will feature a distinguished group of falconers, including amateurs, professionals and falcon owners from Saudi Arabia and abroad.
They will compete in Al-Mellwah (falcon racing) and Mazayen (falcon beauty pageant) competitions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The club's CEO, Talal Al-Shamaisi, said that the festival’s primary aim is to advance falconry as a cultural hobby while preserving and promoting this Arab tradition.
He said that the club strives to position falconry as a major heritage tourism attraction, fostering national pride and engaging younger generations in a competitive yet spirited environment.
The festival also aligns with efforts to promote environmental conservation and protect wildlife, Al-Shamaisi added.
He said that the festival has earned a spot in the Guinness World Records three times for hosting the world’s largest gathering of falcons.
This year, the competition will span 17 days and feature 138 rounds, with more than 900 prizes up for grabs, totaling SR36 million ($9.6 million).
In addition to the main competitions, the festival will feature various accompanying events.
The club’s spokesman, Walid Al-Taweel, said that one of the highlights will be the Falconer of the Future Pavilion, aimed at engaging and educating the next generation of falconers.
This initiative will incorporate interactive activities blending modern technologies with traditional falconry knowledge, history and hunting techniques.
Al-Taweel said that the festival will have 10 internal pavilions displaying falconry and hunting gear, as well as trip equipment. These pavilions will offer a comprehensive experience for visitors, combining authenticity with adventure.
Al-Mellwah, the racing competition, will have 49 qualifying rounds, while the Mazayen competition will feature six rounds for falcons sourced from international production farms, in addition to special rounds for emerging young falconers.
Falconers will compete for prestigious prizes, including the King Abdulaziz Cups and the coveted King’s Sword, underscoring the festival’s role in celebrating the cultural heritage of falconry and pushing the boundaries of competitive spirit.
Saudi team wins top Arab spot at World Robot Olympiad in Turkiye
- The Kingdom sent 15 teams of 30 students from various regions, supported by 11 advisers and 15 trainers
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Al-Jawhara Al-Qahtani and Aseel Al-Jasser secured first place among Arab countries and ninth globally on debut in the Future Engineers category at the World Robot Olympiad International Final.
Held in the Turkish city of Izmir from Nov. 26 to 30, the contest drew participants of all ages from more than 90 countries, with a focus on creativity in robotics and artificial intelligence.
The Kingdom sent 15 teams of 30 students from various regions, supported by 11 advisers and 15 trainers, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The collaborative effort involved the Saudi Ministry of Education, the Saudi Federation for Robotics & RC Sports, Tuwaiq Academy, and Tatweer Education Holding Co.
The competition featured categories such Robo Missions, Robo Sports, Innovators of the Future, and Future Engineers.
Al-Qahtani and Al-Jasser credited their success to months of work at a camp at Tuwaiq Academy, SPA reported.
They built the robot using artificial intelligence, machine learning, 3D printing, and sensors connected to camera and radar technologies.
A training camp for Saudi participants was held at Tuwaiq Academy, the training arm of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, aimed at enhancing students’ creativity, design capabilities and problem-solving skills through robotics competitions and activities aligned with educational plans.
Saudi aid supports Nigerian orphans, Yemen’s displaced
Riyadh: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has signed a joint agreement to support orphans in Ilorin, Nigeria.
Under the agreement, 800 orphans aged 2 to 18 will receive housing, food, healthcare and education through orphanages in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Kwara State.
About 150 orphans between the ages of 15 and 18 will be trained in craft trades to help them earn a living, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
KSrelief also signed a cooperation agreement with a civil society organization to establish a residential complex for internally displaced persons in the Midi district of Yemen’s Hajjah governorate.
The project, valued at $3.81 million, will benefit 4,094 people, SPA reported.
The initiative will provide 232 housing units, each consisting of two rooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and an open courtyard.
Additional facilities will include a secondary school, a mosque and a children’s playground to support residents and the host community.
Both agreements were signed by KSrelief’s Assistant Supervisor General for Operations and Programs Ahmed Al-Baiz at the center’s headquarters in Riyadh.
KSrelief continues humanitarian activities in Lebanon, Sudan
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s (KSrelief) activities in Lebanon and Sudan continues, with its latest humanitarian and medical outreach for needy individuals.
In Lebanon, Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian agency distributed vouchers on Thursday, enabling beneficiaries to purchase winter clothing according to their needs from approved stores.
The latest undertaking benefited 520 individuals from Syrian and Palestinian refugee families, as well as host communities in Lebanon’s Naema and Sidon, as part of the center’s Kanaf-3 project for 2024.
The KSrelief-funded Souboul Al-Salam Association ambulance team in Miniyeh of northern Lebanon meanwhile carried out 38 ambulance missions from Nov. 8 to 14, which included transporting patients to and from hospitals and assisting individuals injured in road accidents.
In Sudan, a team of 13 specialist volunteers conducted orthopedic surgeries on Thursday for nine patients as part of the Kingdom’s effort to support the Sudanese people amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
