Saudi Arabia welcomes political deal between Sudan military and PM Hamdok

Hamdan Dagalo, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, and PM Abdalla Hamdok attend a deal-signing ceremony in Khartoum on Sunday. (AFP)
Short Url
Updated 21 November 2021
Follow

Saudi Arabia welcomes political deal between Sudan military and PM Hamdok

  • The ministry reaffirmed the Kingdom's support for everything that would achieve peace in Sudan
  • Egypt and the Arab League also welcomed the agreement

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia welcomed on Sunday a political deal signed between Sudan’s military and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.

The Kingdom’s foreign ministry said that it welcomed the agreement “regarding the tasks of the next phase, the restoration of transitional institutions leading to elections on time, and the formation of a competent government to push the transitional process forward and contribute to achieving the aspirations of the Sudanese people.”

The ministry reaffirmed the Kingdom's support for everything that would achieve peace and maintain security, stability and development in Sudan.

The 14-point deal signed by Hamdok and the military on Sunday officially restores the transition to civilian rule that had been derailed by the October 25 coup in the country.

The agreement declared that General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan’s decision “to relieve the transitional prime minister (of his duties) is cancelled” and that all political detainees be freed.

Egypt and the Arab League also welcomed the agreement.


Eid Al-Fitr to begin on Sunday

Updated 12 sec ago
Follow

Eid Al-Fitr to begin on Sunday

RIYADH: Eid Al-Fitr will begin on Sunday, it was announced by the Supreme Court on Saturday following the sighting of the Shawwal crescent.

More to follow...


Saudi, Korean experts discuss wastewater treatment solutions

Updated 29 March 2025
Follow

Saudi, Korean experts discuss wastewater treatment solutions

  • Innovative water reuse systems aimed at supporting afforestation projects

RIYADH: Khaled Al-Abdulkader, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, met Moon Young-hak, chairman of the Saudi-Korean Society for Economic and Trade Promotion, in Riyadh.

The meeting focused on discussing potential partnerships with Korean companies and reviewing advanced greywater treatment and separation technologies for national parks, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The meeting, attended by senior center officials, focused on leveraging Korean expertise in developing small-scale and mobile wastewater treatment systems.

With more than 400 national parks across Saudi Arabia, the center has outlined strategic plans to optimize water use, especially as visitor numbers are expected to rise in coming years.

Implementing greywater separation and treatment technologies will enable water reuse for afforestation projects and the creation of artificial lakes, the SPA reported.

The Korean model uses advanced information technology-based control systems to significantly improve the quality and efficiency of treated water production.

The approach allows for doubling treatment capacity using existing infrastructure at just 30 percent of the cost of building new facilities within a swift eight-month timeline, according to the SPA.

It also extends the operational lifespan of these plants by 30 years, ensuring a cleaner environment and better public health standards.

The Saudi center remains dedicated to sustainable environmental initiatives, including land restoration, biodiversity enhancement, rangeland management and resource preservation.

Through these efforts, the center plays a key role in Saudi Arabia’s environmental sustainability and quality of life improvements.


Al-Rumaila Mosque restoration highlights Riyadh’s Najdi heritage

Updated 29 March 2025
Follow

Al-Rumaila Mosque restoration highlights Riyadh’s Najdi heritage

  • The project will use clay construction techniques and natural materials, primarily based on the Najdi style
  • Phase one was completed in 2018, with 30 mosques restored in 10 regions

RIYADH: Historic Al-Rumaila Mosque in the Al-Dhahirah district of Riyadh is one of the oldest religious sites being restored as part of a national project, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for Historic Mosques focuses on renovating and restoring religious and cultural significance, while preserving the ancient architectural style using sustainable, environmentally friendly methods.

The project will renovate the mosque in the Najdi style, expanding its area from 1,185 sq. meters to 1,556 sq. meters, and doubling its capacity from 327 to 657 worshippers.

Although the mosque’s exact construction date is unknown, the design will reflect its original form, showcasing the architectural style of old Riyadh mosques, the SPA reported.

The project will use clay construction techniques and natural materials, primarily based on the Najdi style, which adapts well to the local environment and hot desert climate.

Al-Rumaila Mosque is one of 30 mosques in 13 regions in phase two of the project. These include six in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf, and Jazan. The Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail, and Qassim each have one mosque in the scheme.

Phase one was completed in 2018, with 30 mosques restored in 10 regions. Saudi companies and heritage restoration experts are leading the development efforts.

The project balances traditional and modern construction standards, ensuring the sustainability of mosque components while preserving heritage.

Saudi companies and engineers specializing in heritage restoration are leading the development efforts, according to the report.

The project’s four strategic objectives include restoring historic mosques for worship, preserving architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, and enhancing the religious and cultural significance of religious sites.


KSrelief brings Eid joy to orphans in Jordan

Updated 29 March 2025
Follow

KSrelief brings Eid joy to orphans in Jordan

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief, in cooperation with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization, launched a project distributing Eid Al-Fitr clothing to 1,000 orphaned children from underprivileged Jordanian and Syrian refugee families in Jordan.

The project aims to improve living standards by providing monthly financial support for essential needs and educational sponsorship, including school supplies, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

It also organizes recreational activities during festive seasons to help integrate the children into local communities and boost their psychological well-being.

This initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian commitment through KSrelief to support orphans and vulnerable groups worldwide.

Meanwhile, KSrelief distributed 3,398 food baskets and hygiene kits, benefiting 10,194 people in Tell Abyad, Raqqa governorate, Syria.

KSrelief also sent a new shipment of medical supplies to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East to support hospitals and health care centers in Gaza, which are facing critical shortages.

The aid agency distributed 850 food baskets in Hayya village, Red Sea State, Sudan, benefiting 5,688 people.

In Lebanon, more than 800 food baskets were distributed in Sidon and Arsal, benefiting more than 4,000 people.


Kingdom arrests 25,362 illegals in one week

Updated 29 March 2025
Follow

Kingdom arrests 25,362 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 25,362 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 18,504 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,004 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 2,854 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,533 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 65 percent were Ethiopian, 30 percent Yemeni, and 5 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 62 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and nine were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.