RIYADH: Boulevard World has brought the vibrant spirit of Africa to Riyadh with a special zone featuring the cuisine and culture from some of the continent’s countries.

The Africa Zone has exotic wildlife including giraffes, colorful parrots, and lions. There is also an array of food and music from various nations.

A highlight is the Ethiopian Coffee experience, which showcases the country’s hospitality and rich traditions. This coffee is made using traditional methods which bring out unique flavors. 

Hanan Amro, a coffee maker at one of the Ethiopian restaurants, told Arab News: “We bring our coffee beans from our farm in Ethiopia. They are fresh, and we carefully select them. 

“We sun-dry, roast, and brew the coffee in our special pot to create a strong drink that combines elements of Turkish and Americano coffee.” 

The Africa Zone also hosts live music featuring traditional rhythms and folk tunes.

For those looking to take a piece of Africa home, the zone features many kiosks selling antiques, animal statues and leather goods. 

There is also an array of skincare products made with Shea butter, for which certain nations are renowned.  

The launch of the Africa Zone coincides with Boulevard World’s expansion for this year’s Riyadh Season, which has increased the number of themed zones by five to 22.

The expansion is a part of Riyadh Season’s initiative to attract people from various backgrounds and promote cultural understanding. 

RIYADH: The fifth airlift relief plane, operated by Saudi aid agency KSrelief, arrived on Saturday at Damascus International Airport in Syria.

The plane, which left from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, carried food, shelter and medical supplies to help address the difficult conditions faced by the Syrian people.

The humanitarian initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting those in need worldwide, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

On Jan. 1, Saudi Arabia launched the delivery by air initiative with two planes to provide essential aid to Syria, supporting efforts under the new leadership to rebuild the country after years of civil war.

KSrelief Supervisor General Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah said that the aid delivered by air would be followed by aid delivered by land in the coming days to provide urgent relief to the Syrian people.

According to KSrelief, the Kingdom’s total aid to the Syrian people from 2011 to the end of 2024 exceeds $856 million.

Meanwhile, KSrelief continues its humanitarian efforts in Palestine, Pakistan, Yemen, The Gambia and Bangladesh, benefiting thousands.

In Gaza, KSrelief distributed 4,494 shelter kits in one day, providing essential materials such as blankets, mattresses, kitchen utensils and water containers to displaced families during a wave of cold weather.

In Pakistan, 1,000 food baskets were distributed in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces in a single day, aiding 5,947 individuals affected by flash floods.

In Yemen, KSrelief recently concluded its CPR training program in Aden governorate, conducting five sessions for 57 participants to improve medical skills.

In Abyan governorate, KSrelief distributed 2,754 food baskets in one day, helping 19,278 people.

In The Gambia, KSrelief’s Saudi Noor program examined 3,655 patients, distributed 750 pairs of eyeglasses and performed 196 eye surgeries in Farafenni.

In Bangladesh, KSrelief’s Saudi Noor program in Rajshahi examined 4,253 patients, distributed 1,615 pairs of eyeglasses and performed 503 eye surgeries.

Since its launch in 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,208 projects worth more than $7.2 billion in 105 countries, in cooperation with 458 local, regional and international partners.

The agency’s programs include food security, water sanitation and hygiene, health, education, emergency aid, nutrition, protection, early recovery, logistics and telecommunications.