Saudi cabinet pledges its support for Afghan people, calls for stability

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Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers holds its weekly session chaired remotely by King Salman from NEOM. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers holds its weekly session chaired remotely by King Salman from NEOM. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers holds its weekly session chaired remotely by King Salman from NEOM. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers holds its weekly session chaired remotely by King Salman from NEOM. (SPA)
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Updated 17 August 2021
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Saudi cabinet pledges its support for Afghan people, calls for stability

  • During cabinet meeting, ministers were briefed on preparations to increase capacity at the Two Holy Mosques to two million pilgrims a month
  • The king shared details of letter he sent to Kuwait’s emir, and a phone call with Algeria’s president in which he affirmed Kingdom’s support for efforts to battle wildfires in the country

RIYADH: Saudi authorities said on Tuesday that they are closely monitoring current events in Afghanistan, and expressed their hopes that the situation in the country will stabilize as quickly as possible.
During the weekly cabinet meeting, chaired remotely by King Salman from NEOM, the Council of Ministers also affirmed its support for the Afghan people.
At the start of the session, the king briefed ministers on a letter he sent to Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He also shared details of his phone call with Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune, during which he affirmed the Kingdom’s support for Algeria in its efforts to battle wildfires that have been raging in a number of regions, and his directive to send urgent humanitarian aid to help those affected by the disaster.
The cabinet reviewed a number of reports on regional and international developments. It reiterated the Kingdom’s firm stance in support of the Yemeni people and their legitimate government, and the continuing regional and international efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution to the crisis in Yemen that promotes security, stability and development, and stops the activities of the Houthi militia that are disrupting efforts to end the war.
Acting Minister of Information Majid Al-Qasabi said the Council of Ministers was briefed on preparations to begin receiving international Umrah requests and for the increase in capacity at the Two Holy Mosques to two million pilgrims a month, along with efforts to ensure the highest levels of care for pilgrims through an integrated system that uses the latest technology to safeguard their health, safety and comfort, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The cabinet also discussed regional and international developments in the pandemic and the latest statistics and indicators of the health situation in the Kingdom, including a lowering of the epidemiological curve, a decline in critical cases, and the growing demand for vaccinations. More than 32 million vaccine doses have been administered in the country to date.
The council authorized the foreign minister to discuss and sign a draft memorandum of understanding with Russia regarding political consultations between the two nations’ foreign ministries.
It also called on the Saudi Accreditation Center to discuss and sign an agreement with an accreditation body in the UK, and approved a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of fisheries between the Saudi government and the government of Mauritius.
The cabinet authorized the minister of industry and mineral resources and the chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Export-Import Bank to discuss with the British a draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of export credit between their governments.
It also authorized the minister of economy and planning and the chairman of the board of directors of the General Authority for Statistics to discuss a draft agreement for cooperation between the authority and the UK Office for National Statistics.
The ministers called on the ministries of interior, justice, municipal and rural affairs and housing, and environment, water and agriculture to take the necessary action to protect streams, valleys and reefs, prohibit land sales and building, remove encroachments, and ensure all relevant regulations, decisions and instructions are implemented.
They approved the appointments of Dr. Fahd Al-Rabiah, Dr. Johan Carlson, and Dr. John Norman Newton as members of the Public Health Authority’s board of directors. They are specialists experienced in the authority’s responsibilities.
The cabinet also approved the formation of a Central Committee for Training and Scholarships of Civil Service Employees as part of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
Ministers reviewed a number of general topics on its agenda, including the annual reports of the Saudi Press Agency, the General Authority for State Real Estate, the National Development Fund and the Saudi Fund for Development.


Thousands of volunteers join Madinah’s green future drive

Updated 01 November 2024
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Thousands of volunteers join Madinah’s green future drive

MADINAH: Ayman bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, director general of the environment, water and agriculture branch in Madinah, has launched the “2024 National Planting Season” in the city.

The program extends the ministry’s nationwide campaign “We Plant for Our Future,” supporting sustainable environmental development and vegetation growth as part of the Saudi Green Initiative.

The regional campaign features 36 volunteer programs involving more than 1,800 female and male participants. Plans include planting 50,000 water-efficient and environmentally sustainable seedlings, comprising mesquites, thorn jujube and sweet acacia trees, alongside 20 other wild plant species, aiming to boost environmental and agricultural awareness.

The campaign’s first phase targets education facilities, Prince Sultan Military Medical City and the Saudi Authority for Industrial and Technology Zones, or Modon.

This effort focuses on expanding green spaces, streamlining planting processes, and encouraging community-wide participation in vegetation preservation and planting initiatives.
 


Horror in spotlight at Boulevard World

Updated 01 November 2024
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Horror in spotlight at Boulevard World

RIYADH: Boulevard World is offering an array of thrilling horror experiences, inviting visitors to embark on spine-chilling adventures filled with mystery and surprise.

One of its standout attractions, The Dolls' Trip, takes visitors into an abandoned doll factory hidden within an ancient Mexican pyramid. What starts as a school trip quickly turns into a nightmare as dolls come to life in the shadows, trapping visitors in dark, labyrinthine tunnels.

Along the way they encounter eerie scenes such as the abandoned bus and the doll workshop, in which the lifeless figures seem poised to awaken. This adventure accommodates groups of eight, ensuring an exhilarating experience.

In the Egypt zone, the Mystery of the Nile adventure plunges visitors into the depths of ancient Egyptian history.

Aboard a boat navigating a mystical river, guests face mummies that shake the boat violently. As they journey through narrow bridges and corridors filled with traps, hieroglyphic symbols light up the walls, accompanied by spine-tingling sounds. This experience features stunning visual and sound effects, keeping participants on high alert throughout.

Pyramid Trail, which is also in the Egypt zone, challenges visitors with puzzles and obstacles deep inside an ancient pyramid. The adventure begins in a laser-filled room in which participants must carefully maneuver to avoid detection.

They then board a conveyor belt adorned with hieroglyphic symbols, dodging moving obstacles. The journey concludes with leaps over circular trampolines above a snake-themed pit.

Meanwhile, The Vampire Hotel awaits visitors to the Italy zone, where an Italian-inspired design sets a dark and eerie atmosphere. The journey begins in a haunted elevator that leaves participants with an unsettled feeling.

As they navigate the dim corridors, visitors encounter sticky walls, with curtains and furniture moving mysteriously. The highlight of the experience is the coffin room, where guests are invited to lay inside coffins. The hotel also boasts a dining room resembling a chilling movie scene.

Boulevard World’s horror attractions promise unparalleled thrills during Riyadh Season 2024, offering visitors the chance to explore new levels of fear and excitement at every turn.
 


Saudi humanitarian relief agency signs $10.4m million Ukraine aid deal

Updated 01 November 2024
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Saudi humanitarian relief agency signs $10.4m million Ukraine aid deal

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief has signed a cooperation agreement worth more than $10.4 million with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to provide shelter assistance to internally displaced people affected by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

The funding will be used to provide 11,000 shelter kits, 2,400 rapid heating kits and a host of essential building materials to insulate homes during the winter. Almost 49,000 people are set to benefit.

The agreement was signed at the agency’s headquarters in Riyadh by Ahmed bin Ali Al-Baiz, KSrelief’s assistant supervisor for operations and programs, and Kelly Clements, UNHCR’s deputy high commissioner.

Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, who heads KSrelief and is an adviser at the Royal Court, was also present.

The deal is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to provide humanitarian aid to displaced people and refugees around the world.


Saudi, Bahraini officials review King Fahd Causeway expansion plans

Updated 01 November 2024
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Saudi, Bahraini officials review King Fahd Causeway expansion plans

MANAMA: Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef and his Bahraini counterpart, Lt-Gen. Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa, conducted a joint inspection on Thursday of the King Fahd Causeway connecting the two kingdoms.

The officials were welcomed by Eastern Province Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Bandar and Suhail Abanmi, who heads both the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority and the causeway’s board of directors.

During the tour, Prince Abdulaziz and Sheikh Rashid reviewed ongoing development projects, focusing on expanded processing facilities and increased capacity measures designed to enhance cross-border travel efficiency, in line with Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council guidelines.

The 25-km long King Fahd Causeway is a series of bridges and causeways connecting AlKhobar in eastern Saudi Arabia and Al Jasra island in Bahrain. It was constructed in 1981 and opened to traffic in April 1985.

 


First AlUla World Archaeology Summit Symposium 2024 unearths past for the present and future

Updated 01 November 2024
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First AlUla World Archaeology Summit Symposium 2024 unearths past for the present and future

ALULA: Antiquity came alive here at the first AlUla World Archaeology Summit Symposium 2024 titled “Moving Forward: Past, Present and Future in the Archaeology and Heritage of Mobile Communities.”

Held on Oct. 30 and 31, it was organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla and is a part of the new biennial series aimed at fostering global dialogue among experts in archeology and cultural heritage.

This year’s symposium provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the interactions between mobile and settled communities, with participants sharing global research, case studies and best practices.

The event took place at Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building, which has 9,740 glass panels reflecting AlUla’s desert and landscape.

Built in 2019, Maraya has become an iconic part of AlUla’s cultural scene, hosting concerts, exhibitions and events that showcase both modern and traditional Saudi Arabia culture.

It was the perfect place to quite literally reflect on the past, while living in the present and looking to the future.

Reflecting on the symposium’s theme of mobility, organizers also addressed the global experience of halted movement during the recent COVID-19 global pandemic.

The theme of this year’s symposium encouraged critical examination of past and present mobility, from prehistory onward, as people have moved for various reasons; to access scarce resources, adapt to environmental pressures and respond to socio-political instability.

Speakers from six continents gathered to discuss topics including trade, commerce, climate change and conflict — all of which have shaped mobile communities throughout history.

The symposium highlights included keynote addresses by Willeke Wendrich from the University of California, Los Angeles, Stefano Biagetti from Pompeu Fabra University, UNESCO’s Peter DeBrine, and Khalid Alasmari from King Saud University.

Attendees visited archeological sites in Khaybar and Tayma and participated in panels and workshops focused on Saudi Arabia’s expanding role in archaeology.

Abdulrahman Alsuhaibani, vice president of culture at the RCU, spoke about AlUla’s unique heritage in light of the symposium, describing itas‘a crossroads for connection, cultural and knowledge exchange.’ (Supplied)



In addition, the symposium program featured a new, specially-curated showcase of recent archaeological discoveries in AlUla, along with a preview of a world-first exhibition that will include artifacts from the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli in Italy.

Ekhlass Al-Qananweh, who holds a doctorate in Northwest Semitic epigraphy, expressed delight at attending the symposium.

“I have a deep interest in antiquities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and journeyed here from Jordan to the architectural marvel that is Maraya to attend this gathering of the sharpest minds in the world of archaeology,” she told Arab News.

“In addition to the talks, I look with keen interest at the extremely qualified upcoming generation of archeologists — many of whom are in attendance — and I’m particularly interested in the vital participation of Saudi women in the field of archeological studies and in managing heritage and preserving it.”

During an Arab News interview, Adam Ford, cultural-heritage content expert at the royal commission, emphasized AlUla’s global significance and why it was chosen as host of the symposium.

“It is the World Archaeology Summit — it’s not an AlUla Summit. We want the world to come to us to discuss the world,” he said.

“The local community should be regarded as research partners with us,” he said, reiterating the RCU’s commitment to involving indigenous populations in preserving their heritage and amplifying it worldwide.

Ford also shared personal insights on the continuity of human experience across millennia. “We stand on the shoulders of giants … millions of actions and decisions and mistakes made by people of the past all culminate to now.”

He said that “although we will never meet these people,” their stories and choices continue to shape humanity’s present, emphasizing a universal pattern to endure, overcome challenges and pass on knowledge to future generations.

Certainly, if the lands could speak, they would echo stories that date back thousands of years when Lihyanite and Nabataean kingdoms reigned.

Today, AlUla contains lush oases, mountains and ancient heritage sites — as well as a thriving modern society. The best-known location in AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A 52-hectare ancient settlement, Hegra was the principal southern city of the Nabataean kingdom. It comprises more than 100 well-preserved tombs, many with elaborate facades cut out of the sandstone outcrops surrounding the walled urban settlement.

In addition, AlUla is home to ancient Dadan, the capital of the kingdoms of Dadan and Lihyan, which is considered to be one of the most developed cities of the first millennium B.C.E. in the Arabian Peninsula.

There is also Jabal Ikmah, an open-air library with hundreds of inscriptions and writings, which has been listed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.

AlUla Old Town, a hodgepodge, labyrinth of more than 900 mudbrick homes, dotted with small businesses developed from at least the 12th century, was selected as one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages in 2022 by UN Tourism.

Abdulrahman Alsuhaibani, vice president of culture at the RCU, spoke about AlUla’s unique heritage in light of the symposium, describing it as “a crossroads for connection, cultural and knowledge exchange.”

“Today, AlUla is one of the world’s most active areas for archeological exploration, with over 30,000 areas of archeological interest identified and more than a dozen active research projects,” he said.

“We established this event to become a progressive and leading platform for dialogue and collaboration, holding the first gathering in 2023 with an alternate format of symposium one year and summit the next.

“We are already laying the groundwork to build on the momentum of this event and for AWAS 2025.”