To mark the occasion of International Childhood Cancer Day, Diriyah hosted a special commemoration for childhood cancer survivors featuring a series of events in support of their battles against the disease.
Observed each year on Feb. 15, International Childhood Cancer Day is a global collaborative initiative that aims to promote better understanding of how the lives of young cancer patients and their families can be changed for the better. The 2022 theme focuses on “Better Survival” and how this is achievable #throughyourhands.
The Diriyah Gate Development Authority’s community engagement team worked across two days, Feb. 14 and 15, to raise awareness about childhood cancer in Saudi Arabia and encourage support within the local community for children affected by the disease, and their families.
A mobile blood donation unit from King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center was stationed at a popular commercial center in Diriyah with support from Sanad, a nonprofit children’s cancer support association that aims to assist cancer centers for children in Saudi Arabia. The local community was invited to donate blood to aid this important cause and also learn about Sanad’s efforts to help childhood cancer patients and survivors across the country.
To honor the survivors of childhood cancer, DGDA projected images of the children onto the historic Salwa Palace in At-Turaif and invited the youngsters and their families to take an exclusive tour of the birthplace of the Kingdom and learn about the heritage of Diriyah.
Nourah Aljuhaymi, a community engagement specialist at DGDA, highlighted the success of the International Childhood Cancer Day events and said: “The staff and residents of the Diriyah community were inspired to take a further step to support the children by bringing them some joy. We were moved by their smiles as they saw their images projected onto At-Turaif’s Salwa Palace.
“Through their shared experiences, we learned that communities could help increase survival rates for childhood cancer through blood-donation drives, spending quality time with the children and listening to their stories.
“These children are very special to the Diriyah community and we feel honored that we were able to make this small gesture to improve their lives, and pray for their immediate recovery and for strength for their families.”
In a heartfelt gesture, members of the local community and employees of DGDA presented the children with generous gifts, including iPhones, dollhouses and video game consoles, from a wish list compiled by Sanad.
“The past year-and-a-half has been a monumental challenge to global public health, with childhood cancer prevention among the areas affected by people staying at home during the pandemic,” said Aljuhaymi.
“Although there have been obstacles in blood-donation drives and meet-ups for families, the world is now rising to meet the challenge head-on. Diriyah is no exception and is committed to bringing joy and support to these little heroes and their families.”
Diriyah, Jewel of the Kingdom: Diriyah supports young survivors on International Childhood Cancer Day
https://arab.news/r89gm
Diriyah, Jewel of the Kingdom: Diriyah supports young survivors on International Childhood Cancer Day
Founding nations sign Global Water Organization charter in Riyadh
- Ceremony was attended by Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan, who highlighted the importance of the GWO in tackling water issues worldwide through a holistic approach
- Prince Faisal said that Saudi Arabia would provide financial and logistical support to the GWO for the next five years
RIYADH: The Global Water Organization officially launched operations from its headquarters in Riyadh on Wednesday, with founding member states signing the organization’s charter.
The ceremony was attended by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, who highlighted the importance of the GWO in tackling water issues worldwide through a holistic approach, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
“The launch of the Global Water Organization affirms Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening international initiatives and addressing global challenges through partnerships based on cooperation between countries and governments,” Prince Faisal said.
“The Kingdom looks forward to the organization becoming an international platform that drives sustainable solutions and supports developing nations in enhancing their water capabilities,” he said.
Prince Faisal said that Saudi Arabia would provide financial and logistical support to the GWO for the next five years, emphasizing that collective action was essential to achieving shared objectives. Prince Faisal invited all countries and private-sector entities to join the organization.
Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadley took part in the ceremony and emphasized that the signing of the Global Water Organization’s charter and the launch of its operations from Riyadh reinforced shared international responsibility to preserve water resources.
Al-Fadley added that the importance of the organization stemmed from water being not just a resource, but a source of economic and social development and stability worldwide.
He described the organization as “not just a platform that brings countries together, but a collective global mind working to develop and integrate the efforts of countries and organizations to address water challenges comprehensively.”
“The Global Water Organization will lead international efforts to address water-related challenges and transform traditional water management approaches. These challenges go beyond water scarcity to ensure its availability at the right time and place and recognize its impact on the economy, public health, food security and supply chains, especially in the face of climate change,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of having an integrated system that covered all stages of the water cycle, adopting innovative economic models based on cost-benefit analysis, introducing new financing mechanisms, reducing reliance on government subsidies, and actively involving the private sector.
The GWO’s charter was signed by representatives from founding countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Spain, Senegal, Pakistan, Greece and Mauritania.
The organization aims to strengthen the efforts of countries and organizations to address water challenges.
Saudi FM receives US envoy to Syria in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received US envoy to the Syrian Arab Republic Thomas Barrack in Riyadh on Wednesday.
During the meeting, they discussed steps to provide economic, humanitarian and other support to the Syrian people, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a post on X.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Ambassador of Italy to the Kingdom Carlo Balducci in Riyadh on Wednesday.
They discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.
The smart pilgrim’s suitcase: What Saudis are packing for Hajj
- Tech gadgets find their way to the holy cities alongside traditional garments
- Modern pilgrims pack for comfort as well as reverence and spiritual intent
RIYADH: As Hajj season approaches, pilgrims throughout Saudi Arabia are making lists, checking supplies, and organizing their thoughts for what many consider the most significant journey of their lives.
Alongside the spiritual preparations, pilgrims are packing Hajj suitcases with the traditional white garments and hygiene essentials as well as more personalized, thoughtful and even high-tech items.
From prayer lists and handwritten dua cards to smartwatches, earbuds, and journal notebooks, the modern pilgrim approaches Hajj not only with reverence but with intent, structure, and a little comfort.
For many, this approach reflects how deeply Hajj is embedded into the personal identity and emotional world of the pilgrim.
Arab News spoke with a few people who have previously completed Hajj to get an idea of what it is like to prepare for the pilgrimage.
“I packed my journal because I felt this experience deserved to be documented in detail,” Shatha Al-Jadaan, 25, told Arab News. “I also included my daily skincare products, easy-access snacks, and drip coffee sachets — lifesaver,” she added.
The contents of Al-Jadaan’s suitcase told the story of a young woman approaching Hajj with equal parts practicality and reflection.
Her essentials included headphones, a smartwatch and a hair dryer — items she considered necessary after each of the physically demanding rituals.
For her, the process of preparation brought a deep sense of meaning.
“What struck me the most was the realization that this journey is unlike any other,” she said. “The version of me leaving home is not the same one returning.
“That thought hit me hardest when I was writing prayer lists for loved ones. People sent very specific prayers, personal hopes and goals. I even made a separate list so I wouldn’t forget anyone, including myself.”
Some pilgrims take a simpler approach. For Ethar Abdulrahman, 22, the focus was on utility and peace of mind.
“My essentials were a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, deodorant, underclothes, outerwear, hair ties and wet wipes,” she said. “And I only brought my personal phone — just to stay in touch with my family.”
What made her preparation emotional was the fact that it was her first Hajj — and at a young age.
“The idea that I was going on Hajj for the first time and at such a young age was emotional on its own. Packing my personal items and bringing prayer books made it even more special.”
She also relied heavily on advice from seasoned pilgrims: “Bring Panadol, fever reducers, painkillers, and muscle relief cream. That advice helped me a lot.”
Her words reflect the layered purpose of each item: some for health, some for spiritual focus, and some simply for emotional safety.
Al-Jadaan echoed the sentiment. “A lot of people told me to only wear cotton and make sure my shoes were extremely comfortable. And it was the best advice I received.”
The overlap between generational wisdom and modern convenience shows how today’s pilgrims are combining tradition with adaptation.
For Mariam Al-Osaimi, 27, essential oils were a must. “I brought lavender and peppermint oil. Lavender helped me sleep, and peppermint was great for energy. They became part of my daily Hajj routine — almost like a spiritual ritual.”
Others took folding prayer mats, lightweight Qur’an readers, and portable chargers — recognizing the role technology can play in navigating crowds, locating tents, or staying connected to family.
One of the more discreet but powerful changes to the modern Hajj experience is the seamless integration of digital tools. Most pilgrims now use digital Qur’an apps, prayer reminder apps, or even step counters to track their movement during the rites.
Abdulrahman Al-Ruwaili, 29, said his smartwatch was more than just a gadget. “I set reminders for prayer times, prayers for each ritual, and even tracked my heart rate on the way to Jamarat,” he said.
“It helped me stay focused, grounded, and aware of how my body was responding, in case of potential panic attack due to my medical condition.”
While some may frown at these modern additions, many people see them as useful companions in the demanding spiritual and physical journey.
Saudi robotics deal supports STEM learning
- The program encourages students to explore robotics, develop skills, and participate in global competitions
RIYADH: The Saudi Federation for Robotics and RC Sports partnered with VEX Robotics and the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation to support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education in the Kingdom.
The initiative aims to introduce advanced robotics technologies into classrooms and competitions, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
It supports Saudi students by providing educational tools aligned with Vision 2030’s focus on technology and youth development.
The program encourages students to explore robotics, develop skills, and participate in global competitions, the SPA reported.
Abdullah Alsunaydi, CEO of the Saudi federation, said: “This partnership supports our mission to build a knowledge-based society and create opportunities for youth.”
Tony Norman, CEO of VEX Robotics, said that the partnership aims to equip the next generation with tools to succeed in a changing world.
VEX Robotics offers a hands-on educational program called VEX Continuum, for students from elementary to university levels.
The REC Foundation organizes robotics competitions that encourage students to apply learning, solve problems, and collaborate.
The partnership will provide teacher training and resources, organizing competitions to expand access to robotics education and inspire interest in STEM careers.
Riyadh hosts warehousing, logistics expo
RIYADH: Rumaih Al-Rumaih, Saudi Arabia’s vice minister of transport and logistic services, inaugurated the second Saudi Warehousing and Logistics Expo at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.
Al-Rumaih said that the Kingdom is experiencing a leap in the logistics sector, driven by an ambitious vision and strong leadership support to enhance its position as a global logistics hub.
He said that the expo came at a pivotal time, helping it keep pace with this critical phase of industrial and logistics development, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The exhibition featured more than 40 speakers from leading government entities. Sessions highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in developing supply chains, focusing on automation, fleet management, and modern logistics services.
The three-day expo, from May 27-29, is a leading platform bringing together public and private sector entities in the industry under one roof.
It offers an ideal opportunity to explore the latest solutions, including handling and storage equipment, automated systems, robotics, packaging, control and weighing systems, and security.
