RIYADH: Saudi Arabia reiterated its “firm and historical position” in support of peace and stability and building solidarity in Afghanistan, the cabinet said on Tuesday.
The Kingdom also reaffirmed its recent statement made at an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in its capacity as the head of the current session of the Islamic Summit.
Saudi Arabia called for the need to accelerate efforts to reach a comprehensive political settlement and for the international community to join hands in support of urgent humanitarian work in Afghanistan, and support efforts for development, stability and rehabilitation in the country.
Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers issued the statement following its weekly session that was chaired virtually by King Salman from NEOM.
At the beginning of the session, the cabinet reviewed discussions held between the Kingdom and a number of countries during the past week to strengthen cooperation in various fields, enhance joint coordination toward regional and international issues, and support and stand by nations in various crises and situations.
King Salman briefed the ministers on his phone call with the Tunisian President Kais Saied, during which he affirmed his country’s keenness on Tunisia’s security and stability, and its support in light of the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic that has pushed the north African country’s health system to the brink of collapse.
During the call, the king also directed the Saudi government to provide further health support, in addition to the previous aid that has been sent to help meet the needs of the Tunisian health sector.
The Kingdom, through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, has set up an air bridge to provide urgent medical aid and protective equipment and has dispatched a number of planes in the past month to help the country combat the spread of the virus.
The cabinet also discussed a number of regional and international developments, Dr. Issam bin Saad bin Saeed, state minister and acting minister of media said in a statement following the meeting.
The Council of Ministers reviewed the preparations for the return to schools at the start of the new academic year, the measures and arrangements that have been taken to ensure the safety of students, teachers, staff, their families and community.
The ministers also discussed the latest coronavirus statistics and indicators, with the Kingdom passing important stages in confronting the pandemic and reducing its effects on all aspects of life, including working to increase societal immunity, by continuing to administer vaccines and accelerating the immunization pace in all regions.
They also reviewed the noticeable improvement in a number of economic sectors, raising the operational capacity of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, and the return of inbound tourism.
Meanwhile, the cabinet authorized the foreign minister to negotiate and sign a draft agreement with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, as well as the culture minister to discuss a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the cultural field with the UK’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
The council approved a protocol attached to a memorandum of cooperation between the Saudi and South Korean governments on the Saudi-Korean Vision 2030.
It also asked the chairman of the Saudi Space Commission to discuss a draft MoU with the UK Space Agency to cooperate in the “peaceful use of outer space.”
The ministers approved exemption rules in the anti-concealment system and the rules for granting financial rewards to workers for detecting crimes and violations. They also approved a contractor classification system.
Saudi Arabia reaffirms support for peace, stability in Afghanistan: Cabinet
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Saudi Arabia reaffirms support for peace, stability in Afghanistan: Cabinet
- Ministers reviewed preparations for the return to schools and the measures and arrangements that have been taken to ensure public safety
- The cabinet also discussed the latest coronavirus statistics and indicators
International conference celebrates the camel as a pillar of Arab culture
- Scholars highlight the camel’s role in Arab history and the Arabic language
- Experts from Saudi Arabia and abroad gather in Riyadh
RIYADH: Scholars at a Riyadh conference this week underscored the fundamental role the camel has played in shaping Arab heritage, emphasizing the profound link between camels and the Arabic language.
King Saud University, in partnership with the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, is hosting the Fifth International Conference, titled “Camels in Arab Culture,” which ends on Thursday.
Prominent scholars and specialists from Saudi Arabia and abroad are participating in the conference, which is exploring key topics related to camels, including heritage, history and geography, and archaeological findings.
Hajed Al-Harbi, conference chairman, said: “Honoring camels is a tribute to our deep-rooted values and rich heritage, reflecting our pride in our origins and historical legacy.”
Ibrahim Al-Furaih, conference secretary, told Arab News how the conference underscores the central role camels have played in shaping Arabic literature and intellectual thought throughout history.
“Camels are a fundamental element of our national identity and Arab culture, with a significant presence in our heritage.
“Whether through literature, poetry, inscriptions, or the daily life of early Arabs, they have left an indelible mark. Their influence endures, continuing to shape the lives of Arabs to this day,” Al-Furaih said.
Bedoor Al-Fassam, chair of the public relations committee for the conference, said organizers spent months preparing for the event.
Dr. Al-Fassam, who is also an assistant professor of literature and criticism in the Arabic language department at the university, confirmed that conference participation requests exceeded 300, from which 40 research papers were selected. The submitted papers covered a wide range of fields, including literary, linguistic, historical, and social studies, in addition to anthropology research.
Alongside participants from Saudi universities, the conference features academics from Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco and Canada.
The attendees discussed the definition of camels in language and lexicography, as well as their effect on cultural and national identity.
Additionally, they explored the role of camels in Arabic poetry, narrative storytelling and biographies, highlighting their significance in other literatures and cultures.
The conference further delved into the role of camels in the national economy, addressing sectors such as investment, tourism, and entertainment, in addition to camel festivals, sports and racing events.
Saudi ministry records 7,521 tourism violations
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism revealed the results of its third-quarter 2024 inspections, involving 9,655 checks on hospitality facilities and tourism activities across the Kingdom.
During the period, 7,521 violations were identified and 11,494 complaints were addressed, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Common violations included operating without a license, poor cleanliness, failure to meet licensing conditions and non-compliance by facility representatives.
Makkah had the highest number of inspections with more than 3,600, followed by Riyadh with more than 1,350, Madinah with over 1,100 and the Eastern Province with more than 1,070. The remaining regions accounted for more than 2,500 inspections.
These efforts aim to enhance the tourism sector’s sustainability, ensure compliance with regulations, improve service quality and boost visitor experiences.
Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire agreement in Gaza
- Kingdom stresses need for adherence to the deal, end to aggression against Gaza, and withdrawal of all Israeli forces from the occupied territories
RIYADH: Saudi authorities welcomed the announcement of a Gaza ceasefire agreement on Wednesday and expressed the Kingdom’s appreciation for the efforts of mediators from Qatar, Egypt and the US.
The Kingdom stressed the need for adherence to the deal, an end to Israel’s aggression against Gaza, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory and all other occupied Palestinian and Arab lands.
It also highlighted the importance of building on the agreement by addressing the underlying reasons for the conflict and enabling the Palestinian people to secure their rights, the foremost of which is the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Saudi Arabia expressed hope that the ceasefire deal would mark a permanent end to a brutal Israeli war that claimed the lives of more than 45,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 100,000.
Abu Shamikh’s journey from street vendor to Saudi tourism icon
- Food truck owner overcame dire personal struggles to achieve viral stardom
- Farhan Al-Anzi entertains tourists with English renditions of ancient traditions
MAKKAH: Through the window of his food truck in Tabuk, northern Saudi Arabia, Farhan Al-Anzi, known affectionately as Abu Shamikh, greets visitors with a warmth that embodies the essence of traditional Arabian hospitality.
His infectious cheer resonates with domestic and international tourists, and he has gained global recognition through a viral video on TikTok.
For Al-Anzi, tourism is a calling, a chance to showcase Saudi Arabia’s generosity in its most authentic form.
He performs Al-Hajini and Al-Mashoub traditional poetry originating from the ancient Nabataean kingdom, which is now northern Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
The performances are in English, which creates novel moments of cross-cultural connection.
Tourists find themselves joining in, matching his rhythm and enthusiasm, proving that music and art are universal languages that bridge cultures.
Al-Anzi’s transformation from a sidewalk merchant in Tabuk to an ambassador of Saudi hospitality speaks to a universal truth: that triumph often emerges from life’s greatest challenges.
A simple man with spontaneous humor, his story carries inspiring details about struggle, patience and giving.
“I started with just a tea cart on the sidewalks of Tabuk,” Al-Anzi told Arab News, reminiscing about his modest beginnings. “As more tourists started coming — locals, Gulf visitors and Europeans — we expanded to a food truck.”
However, his path to success was far from smooth. A series of severe health challenges, including multiple strokes and heart complications, left him bedridden for years.
During this period, his wife battled kidney failure, placing tremendous pressure on the family. “It was the darkest time of my life,” Al-Anzi recalled. “My children had to juggle between caring for both parents while keeping our business alive.”
The family’s resilience during this period proved crucial. After recovering, Al-Anzi returned to work with a renewed sense of purpose.
He introduced an innovative initiative: every Friday, his truck, aptly named “Our Sweet Days,” provides free services to those in need, including people with special needs, cancer patients, and the elderly.
His food truck began attracting a wide range of customers, from which he picked up invaluable and unexpected skills.
“I used to interact with university students from the tourism college, who taught me the basics of promotion and dealing with foreign visitors. I learned simple English words and started using them while providing services, and the results were amazing,” he said.
His breakthrough moment came unexpectedly. A video of him entertaining an American tourist at AlUla’s Elephant Rock, wearing traditional attire and singing, went viral on TikTok.
This exposure transformed his food truck into a must-visit destination, earning a spot on international tourism maps.
For Abu Shamikh, success is a mission to serve the nation. “What I do is part of our ancient Saudi culture.
“We aim to present a bright image of our traditions through generosity and hospitality, and this is part of our beloved Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which seeks to make Saudi Arabia a global tourist destination.”
With Saudi Arabia preparing to host Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034, he hopes to play an even larger role in showcasing Saudi culture to the world.
Manga Productions, Koei Tecmo unveil new Dynasty Warriors game in Riyadh
- AAA-rated game will be published across MENA on Jan. 17
- Arabic version follows later this year, says Essam Bukhary
RIYADH: Manga Productions celebrated the launch of Dynasty Warriors: Origins at an event here recently.
The AAA-rated game, developed by Koei Tecmo Games, will be published by Manga Productions across the Middle East and North Africa on Jan. 17. An Arabic-language version is expected in the second quarter of the year.
The event marks the first visit to Saudi Arabia of series producer Oba Masatomo and the development team behind Dynasty Warriors: Origins.
The event attracted content creators and key figures from the entertainment industry. And attendees were able to experience game demos and participate in a panel discussion with the development team.
In an interview with Arab News, Masatomo said: “I heard from the staff at Manga Productions when we visited Diriyah yesterday that there were many comments from local Saudi people expressing their love and excitement for the franchise and the game Dynasty Warriors: Origins.
“It’s wonderful to hear that so many fans in Saudi Arabia, as well as across the Middle East and North Africa, are eagerly anticipating this game. We are grateful to Manga Productions for their wholehearted support in localizing the game to provide a greater experience for players in Saudi Arabia.”
Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, said: “This partnership is a strategic step toward empowering Saudi youth in the gaming industry and fostering regional and global expansion.
“We aim to provide a unique experience to our partners in the Middle East and North Africa, contributing to the development of the creative content ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.”
Masatomo added: “Achieving success with globally recognized titles requires acceptance not just in Western markets but also in emerging regions like MENA.
“The Dynasty Warriors series is vital to our company, and it is significant that Dynasty Warriors: Origins represents our first event in Saudi Arabia and our initial localization into Arabic.
“We felt the enthusiasm from both media and fans, reinforcing the value of our efforts. We hope to use this title as a springboard to further elevate our initiatives with Manga Productions and continue creating compelling titles for everyone to enjoy.”
The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with Manga Productions collaborating with Koei Tecmo Games to localize the game for Arabic-speaking audiences.
