RIYADH: This is a G20 summit like no other. It is taking place virtually because of a pandemic that endangers lives and livelihoods, and has plunged the world into the deepest recession since the Second World War.
It is also the first time that Saudi Arabia is hosting the summit. The Kingdom is the only Arab member of the G20, and one of only three majority Muslim countries alongside Indonesia and Turkey.
The G20 represents the 19 most powerful economic countries plus the EU, representing 90 percent of global gross domestic product, more than 75 percent of trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population. When faced with the global financial crisis 12 years ago, the G20 demonstrated the importance of international cooperation at that level. Then, as now, the world economy stood on the brink of a major recession, with the financial system under threat of collapse.
This time the world faces a crisis that is greater in magnitude and deeper since it also affects the health and lives of the global population. The coronavirus pandemic again raises questions of how to guarantee financial stability, economic recovery and, most importantly, access to vaccines and medical support for all.
The theme of the Saudi presidency is “Realizing Opportunities of the 21st Century for All.” It was chosen wisely, because the pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated inequalities between countries and among populations within countries. The virus knows neither boundaries nor borders.
An extraordinary summit in March played midwife to global stimulus packages equating to an injection of $11 trillion into the global economy. It also mobilized $21 billion to combat the pandemic. The G20 provided emergency support for the world’s poorest countries, including the debt service suspension initiative. A total of 73 countries were eligible and 46 have taken advantage of the assistance so far.
King Salman set the agenda for the G20 summit in his opening remarks, including fighting the pandemic, continued support for the global economy, assistance for developing countries, and laying the foundations for a robust, sustainable and inclusive growth.
The summit will discuss an extension of the debt service suspension. Private lenders also will be encouraged to take part in the initiative, which so far they have not done.
In the same vein, leaders will continue discussing stocking up the International Monetary Fund’s firepower by issuing an additional $500 billion in special drawing rights, or SDRs. During the financial crisis the IMF issued more than $270 billion in SDRs. Up to now most countries supported the issuance of SDRs, while the US failed to do so.
The Saudi presidency stands for ensuring that everyone has access to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics, and that medications will be distributed equitably. The Kingdom has contributed $500 million to support the ACT accelerator and COVAX search for an effective vaccine for all countries. G20 leaders have been urged to plug the $4.5 billion hole required to produce and distribute the vaccines globally. In a pandemic preparedness and response side event, world leaders joined King Salman in emphasizing that global cooperation is needed to combat the virus as well as support from and of multilateral frameworks, namely the WHO.
Why the summit matters to the world: The pandemic has ravaged lives and livelihoods around the world. The world economy has been badly hurt and can only truly recover if the fight against the virus has been won.
The virus knows no borders. Therefore, we are not safe until everybody is safe, which is why it is so important to give all countries, even the poorest, access to vaccines and antiviral drugs.
To this end the G20 cooperation and support of multilateral frameworks is crucial. This is why the ACT accelerator and COVAX are an integral part of finding solutions to the pandemic.
This is where the debt relief program, which postpones interest and principal for the poorest countries, is very important, because they need to rebuild their economies and healthcare systems.
The virus has worsened inequalities; the poorest countries and poorest segments in the population are particularly affected by the pandemic. Women have been especially hard hit by the economic fallout, which again brings us back to the Saudi presidency placing particular emphasis on women assuming their rightful positions and standing in society.
Why the day mattered to GCC and KSA: Saudi Arabia has provided enlightened leadership to the G20 in a year of unprecedented challenges. From a global perspective, Arab and Muslim nations are holding leadership positions. They are part of the family of nations, which comes with responsibilities and privileges.
The Kingdom’s commitment to multilateralism is important at a time when many multilateral arrangements are under review/threat. This holds particularly true for the WHO and the World Trade Organization (WTO), where the Riyadh initiative for the future of the WTO will positively influence the future of the organization.
The GCC and Saudi Arabia stand at the crossroads between East and West. As oil-producing countries, they depend on a thriving global economy. The economy can recover only if we get a handle on the virus. Therefore, the focus of day one on pandemic preparedness and response was the right thing to do not only from a humanitarian standpoint, but also from an economic perspective.
G20 summit sets out to build a future for all
https://arab.news/w575m
G20 summit sets out to build a future for all
- King Salman set the agenda for the G20 summit in his opening remarks, including fighting the pandemic, continued support for the global economy, assistance for developing countries
KSrelief distributes shelter kits in Afghanistan and Somalia
RIYADH: Hundreds of shelter kits have been distributed to people in Afghanistan and Somalia by Saudi aid agency KSrelief, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Over the weekend, 200 kits were handed out as part of a project to help Afghan returnees from Pakistan and those affected by floods.
The project will provide 4,882 in total containing tents, blankets, plastic mattresses and other essential supplies to almost 30,000 people in need across 13 Afghan provinces.
In Somalia, 1,000 shelter kits, 1,000 clothing parcels, and 80 tents were given to displaced people in the Banadir region, benefitting 6,000 people.
KSrelief distributes aid to most needy in Lebanon, Chad and Syria
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered more aid to those most in need in Lebanon, Chad and Syria, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
In Chari-Baguirmi, Chad, the agency delivered 1,600 food parcels that benefitted 9,600 people. A further 333 food aid parcels and 333 hygiene kits were distributed in the Idlib region of Syria to help 1,998 individuals from 333 families who were affected by last year’s devastating earthquake.
And in Lebanon, winter clothing vouchers were given to 300 orphans and people with special needs in Akkar governorate. These will help them buy clothing for the forthcoming winter.
Saudi defense minister meets with Chinese envoy to Kingdom
- Session attended by several high-ranking officials from both sides
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman met with Chinese ambassador to the Kingdom Chang Hua on Sunday.
The meeting focused on reviewing the strong relations between the two nations and discussing various issues of mutual interest, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The session was attended by several high-ranking officials from both sides, SPA added.
King Salman approves hosting of 1,000 Umrah pilgrims from 66 countries
- Pilgrims will be hosted in four groups during the current Islamic year which ends in the final week of June 2025
- Minister said the hosting of the pilgrims is an extension of the great care that Saudi leadership takes to serve Islam and Muslims
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has approved the hosting of 1,000 pilgrims from 66 countries to perform Umrah as part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Programme for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit.
The pilgrims will be hosted in four groups during the current Islamic year which ends in the final week of June 2025.
The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call, and Guidance and general supervisor of the Hajj and Umrah program Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh thanked the Saudi leadership for enabling Muslims from different countries of the world to perform the minor pilgrimage with ease and peace of mind.
The minister said the hosting of the pilgrims is an extension of the great care that the leadership takes to serve Islam and Muslims.
He added it would strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among Muslims in various parts of the world and develop fruitful communication between scholars and influential figures who are hosted by the program.
The program has benefitted people from more than 140 countries since it was launched, the minister said.
Old school, new love: Analog tech captures hearts in Saudi Arabia
- Community bound by love of old gadgets that help enrich the present
RIYADH: In an era marked by digital convenience, analog technology is steadily making a comeback, with everything from vinyl records to film cameras experiencing a renaissance around the Kingdom.
Driven by a blend of nostalgia, artistry, and an appreciation for the tactile, this resurgence reflects a deeper cultural shift toward mindfulness and intentionality.
Arab News spoke to enthusiasts and entrepreneurs about the beauty, challenges, and personal connections that analog offers over its digital counterparts.
For music lovers, vinyl offers an experience that is impossible to replicate digitally. Fawaz Al-Sulaim, owner of Bohemia Records, said: “Experiencing music through vinyl or cassette brings you closer to it, like you’re there with the artists in the studio. You go through every song on the album as intended.”
Vinyl’s allure lies not just in its sound but also in its tangible presence. Holding a vinyl record offers a sense of ownership often missing in digital music, where ownership is more of a fleeting license.
Al-Sulaim said: “Analog represents physical media coming back — not just in a technical sense but as something people can hold on to.”
HIGHLIGHTS
• As Saudi Arabia invests in art, culture, and heritage, there is hope that analog’s value will continue to be recognized and supported.
• With the rise in interest, local communities and businesses are emerging to cater to this renewed passion for analog.
This revival is not limited to vinyl. Bohemia Records has seen an increase in CD sales, suggesting that physical formats resonate with people’s desire to own and cherish music collections.
The appeal of analog does not stop at music. In photography, the return to film presents a refreshing contrast to digital’s immediacy.
Haitham Al-Sharif, founder of Haitham Studio Film Lab in Riyadh, spoke to Arab News about film photography’s unique character, saying: “Film requires patience, thought, and a connection with the moment. You’re fully present, considering every exposure.”
Al-Sharif, who began his film processing journey at home, has seen a surge in Saudi interest, with his studio now serving thousands across the Gulf region.
Haitham Studio’s clients include people from seasoned photographers to students experimenting with their parents’ vintage cameras.
He said: “People come in for graduations, weddings, and even casual shots with disposable film cameras. Each frame has meaning, and the photographer remembers every shot.”
Running a film lab, however, is not without challenges. “We rely on older machines, specialized chemicals, and skilled technicians, which aren’t always easy to source locally,” Al-Sharif explained, adding that the support of Saudi Arabia’s growing art and tourism sectors could enhance this particular industry’s growth.
For retro tech enthusiasts like Zain Al-Mansour, the appeal goes beyond functionality. He said: “Listening to music on vinyl or snapping pictures with a vintage camera offers a joy that’s similar to making espresso — you savor the process as much as the end result.”
With an affinity for devices that evoke memories, Al-Mansour recently acquired a first-generation Tamagotchi, to help rediscover the simplicity and wonder of childhood technology.
Analog devices engage users on a personal level, prompting a more deliberate interaction than today’s instant gratification.
Al-Mansour said: “Retro tech is fascinating because it takes you back to a simpler time. The aesthetics of these devices, the physicality, and even the sounds they make add to their charm.”
For others, analog represents a form of self-expression. Bashayer Al-Bloushi sees a unique beauty in analog’s imperfections, which bring out details often missed in digital formats.
“Film photography forces you to capture moments with intention. There’s no instant review, so you’re careful about each frame,” she said.
For Al-Bloushi, analog provides a richer experience that digital cannot offer, allowing for a deeper connection to each captured moment.
Saja Al-Zahrani spoke about how analog media lets people embrace a slower, more mindful approach.
Al-Zahrani said: “There’s a warmth in vinyl’s crackle or film’s grain that digital can’t match.
“With analog, people reconnect with something real, something authentic.”
This tactile experience of using film or vinyl requires more focus, turning each interaction into a rewarding moment.
The value of analog media extends beyond nostalgia for Ebtsam Al-Dossary. Having grown up with film cameras, she sees them as reliable memory-keepers.
She said: “A camera doesn’t just store images; it keeps your memories safe. Digital files can vanish, but a physical photo endures.”
For Al-Dossary, the resurgence of analog formats is not just a trend; it’s a meaningful way to capture and remember moments more authentically.
As digital convenience reigns, this analog revival may underscore a collective yearning for experiences that slow us down, engage our senses, and encourage a mindful appreciation of art, music, and memories.
Whether it is the crackle of a vinyl record, the anticipation of developing a roll of film, or the tactile joy of a retro gadget, analog’s comeback offers a refreshing alternative to the fast-paced digital world.
In today’s digital landscape, the resurgence of analog offers a bridge between past and present, inviting us to reconnect with timeless traditions and meaningful experiences.
For enthusiasts across Saudi Arabia, this revival is about more than simply reverting to older technology — it is about rediscovering a different kind of connection, one in which every sound, image, and moment is fully appreciated.
Analog’s revival is redefining how Saudi society interacts with technology, pushing back against the trend of disposability and transient media. Each record played, photo developed, or gadget cherished represents a conscious choice to engage deeply with the experience.
Analog enthusiasts find joy in the imperfections, the weight of physical media, and the permanence these formats offer — qualities that digital often lacks.
With the rise in interest, local communities and businesses are emerging to cater to this renewed passion for analog. Haitham Studio and Bohemia Records are not just stores but spaces for Saudi artists, photographers, and music lovers to connect and share their passions. These communities thrive on a shared understanding of the value in slowing down and appreciating the process, rather than just the result.
In Riyadh, Al-Sharif has seen the effect firsthand. “We see customers coming back weekly, sometimes with friends, eager to develop their latest film rolls or browse the latest records,” he said. This sense of community is not just about shared interests; it is about shared values.
While the digital world offers unprecedented convenience and accessibility, analog serves a different purpose. Al-Sharif believes that both can coexist harmoniously. “Digital is essential for instant documentation, but analog is about timeless experiences,” he said.
Al-Zahrani, too, emphasizes that analog does not negate the value of digital but rather offers an alternative that complements it. “Both formats have their place, but analog asks something of you: it asks you to be present, to commit to the moment,” she said.
As Saudi Arabia invests in art, culture, and heritage, there is hope that analog’s value will continue to be recognized and supported. Whether through dedicated spaces like Haitham Studio or local events celebrating vintage tech, these efforts help sustain a trend that is not only about looking back but also about enriching the present.
The resurgence of analog formats is a reminder that technology can be more than just a tool. It can be an experience, a memory, and a form of art.
