UN food agency director hails Saudi Arabia’s ‘most important’ aid efforts in Yemen

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Yemen is ‘unfortunately going to have the biggest impact because you are already looking at an economy that’s anemic, a population that has almost no buying power. (AFP)
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WFP Country Director in Yemen Richard Ragan speaking to Arab News. (AN photo Ali Mohammad Aldhahri)
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Updated 11 May 2022
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UN food agency director hails Saudi Arabia’s ‘most important’ aid efforts in Yemen

  • Truce gives hope for future with Yemen at crossroads after 7 years of war: World Food Program’s Richard Ragan

RIYADH: The UN World Food Program’s representative in Yemen has hailed crucial Saudi efforts in helping the organization to meet the war-torn country’s urgent sustenance needs.

In an exclusive interview, Richard Ragan told Arab News that the Kingdom had played a vital part in maintaining food supplies to the Yemeni people.

The country director said: “The role of Saudi Arabia is one of the most important if not the most important, it’s a neighbor. So clearly, it’s in the interest of Saudi Arabia to have a stable border.

“The humanitarian assistance that we have been provided with by the Saudis in the past has been critical. They are essential in terms of financial partner, humanitarian partner, political partner.




WFP Country Director in Yemen Richard Ragan speaking to Arab News. (AN photo by Ali Mohammad Aldhahri)

“We really can’t do the kind of program that we need to effectively run in Yemen without the partnership with Saudi Arabia. So that’s why I am in the Kingdom. It’s the first country I have visited since I took charge three months ago. For me, it’s the most important place,” he added.

Ragan also singled out the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center for special praise.

He said: “KSrelief is important in the humanitarian world; they are unique. Most of our partners just give money, but the KSrelief is different; they do projects. They are present in Yemen and very knowledgeable about the dynamics that are going on, particularly in the southern part of the strife-torn country.”

The UN official noted that the WFP viewed the center important in two ways, “as partners to do the work, who are very knowledgeable about how to execute effective programs, and also as very good financial partners.”




Richard Ragan noted that among major donor countries, Saudi Arabia had always been one of the most generous. (Supplied)

He added: “After seven years of war, nothing works in Yemen, the state has in many ways ceased to function. So, without the kind of work that KSrelief does in the healthcare sector, millions of people would go without healthcare. So, it’s one of the real fundamental things.”

On the current situation in Yemen, he said: “For the UN World Food Program, we are feeding slightly over half of Yemen’s population. For us, it’s the biggest program in the world, it’s the biggest program that, historically, WFP has ever run. So, the scale of what we have been trying to do, to keep people alive with food in Yemen, is pretty immense.”

Ragan noted that he had been living in Yemen for three months. “But the one thing I think that is most evident is that there is hope because of the truce. I think Yemen is at a crossroads after seven years of war. And that crossroads is either to return to war, strife, and conflict or to take the other path and move toward peace.

“We really can’t do the kind of program that we need to effectively run in Yemen without the partnership with Saudi Arabia. So that’s why I am in the Kingdom. It’s the first country I have visited since I took charge three months ago. For me, it’s the most important place”

Richard Ragan, UN World Food Program’s representative in Yemen

“So far, it seems like the truce is holding; there are small incidents where there’s conflict. There was an unfortunate attack three days ago in Taiz, where people were celebrating, a building was attacked next to a park, and some people were killed. That’s the sort of thing that’s not good for a truce,” he added.

He pointed out the progress of confidence-building measures negotiated between parties in the UN.

“Fuel ships are discharging in the port, so that the gas shortages that were evident from Jan. 1 through to the end of March have abated, which for us at the WFP was also critical because we weren’t really able to do our work without fuel.”

A two-month ceasefire was announced in April as agreed by warring parties in Yemen.

Ragan said: “We needed fuel, so that part of the puzzle has been answered. I would say our ability to kind of function in the country and deliver food, even during the conflict, has been pretty good. We are feeding between 10 and 15 million people per month.”

In addition to providing people with food, he highlighted the work going on to run the airport for humanitarian needs.

“We have something called the UN humanitarian air service, including for NGO (non-governmental organization) partners and UN agencies. It’s a really big part of what air traffic is going into the country. We also have vessels that we move back and forth from Jeddah that carry humanitarian supplies for people.

“We do a broad range of things that aren’t just about food. We run the telecommunication services for the UN agencies and NGO partners. So, it’s big and it’s an expensive program for the WFP.

“It’s about the equivalent of $200 million per month to do our complete body of work. The funding, part of our operations this year, has not been as generous. So far, we have raised 25 percent of what we need. So, we have to start cutting rations into groups,” he added.

Ragan noted that among major donor countries, Saudi Arabia had always been one of the most generous, besides the US and Germany. “The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) states have been there with us so far, and we are hopeful that it’s coming pretty soon for the future.”

The UN’s Humanitarian Response Plan, recently announced for this year, was seeking around $4 billion in contributions, of which the WFP makes up half.

He said: “In previous years, we have made up more than half of it because food is clearly the most important, and we are feeding people, we bring in wheat in the port. We mill it as fast as we get it. And then it’s out, so we don’t even have stocks that we can store. The requirements are so big.

“I have been in the WFP for 22 years and have managed some of our biggest operations in the world, but nowhere nearly as big and complicated as what we are doing in Yemen.”

Ragan pointed out that the conflict in Ukraine was having an impact on the entire world.

“Yemen is, unfortunately, one of the places that it’s going to have the biggest impact because you are already looking at an economy that’s anemic, you are looking at a population that has almost no buying power. There are over 4 million people who have been internally displaced because of the conflict.

“My most urgent message to the world is please don’t forget Yemen. It’s still one of the potentially biggest catastrophes on the planet. The world’s attention is shifted to Ukraine. But don’t forget Yemen because there is a real opportunity for peace.

“This is the first time since the conflict started, where there is more hope for peace, the people that I have talked to, that’s what they want.

“Certainly, the citizens of Yemen want it. They are tired of conflict, they are tired of bombings, they want to be able to educate their kids, and they want to be able to visit their relatives.

“They are desperate to be able to move, just to do the basic things that we enjoy that they can’t. So, I think there is a lot of hope on the part of the average Yemeni that this conflict is going to stop,” Ragan added.


How a Saudi software developer is revolutionizing road safety with his AI driver-assist system

Updated 6 sec ago
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How a Saudi software developer is revolutionizing road safety with his AI driver-assist system

  • Nasser Al-Khaldi is the mastermind behind a driver-assist system that performs well in congestion and makes roads safer
  • Developed by Comma.ai, the system incorporates AI-driven real-time analysis, using cameras and radar to prevent collisions

JEDDAH: Nasser Mansour Al-Khaldi is the researcher and automotive expert behind the Saudi-made version of an innovative artificial intelligence self-driving system that can be fitted to regular cars.

A native of Taif province, his passion for technology started at a young age through attempts to customize video games — including hacking his Xbox 360.

Since 2015, he has been focusing on autonomous driving technology — self-driving systems powered by AI. In 2023, the results of his efforts became apparent when he launched the first autopilot system in the Kingdom.

Al-Khaldi and his team — in cooperation with their partner, California-based startup Comma.ai — have developed an open-source software that runs the system, allowing motorists to install a driver-assist feature. The software enables the car to drive itself on motorways, staying in one lane and keeping a safe distance from the car in front, and to follow the vehicle immediately in front in traffic without human assistance.

“It took me around five years to develop a device that records vehicle data in order to analyze it and add more advanced safety and smart driving systems to existing vehicles on the market,” Al-Khaldi told Arab News.

“Yes, it is made in collaboration with our partner in the US, but we upgraded our own version and it has more features. So, you can say it is ‘made in Saudi Arabia’ by a very intelligent Saudi team,” he added.

DID YOUKNOW?

• The Saudi-made AI driver-assistance system was trained on over 100 million miles.

• It incorporates AI-driven real-time analysis, using cameras and radar to prevent collisions.

• It is compatible with more than 64 car models not supported by Comma.ai’s original tech.

• The Saudi-made device has been exported to the US, Europe, Africa, and the Arab world.

Although the base technology, Open Pilot, was developed by Comma.ai, Al-Khaldi explained that his version has been significantly developed to align with local needs, expanding compatibility to work with more than 64 car models not supported by the original.

The Saudi programmer also developed the autonomous driver technology to function at low speeds, improving its effectiveness in the stop-start traffic that is common in the Gulf region.

He explained that the self-driving device “leverages AI and remote sensing technology to continuously analyze and understand the vehicle’s surroundings.”

​Aside from developing Saudi Arabia's first autopilot system, Nasser Mansour Al-Khaldi is the researcher also developed the autonomous driver technology to function at low speeds, improving its effectiveness in the stop-start traffic. (Supplied)

The unit has been on the Saudi market for about a year and a half, and approximately 500 have been sold, according to Al-Khaldi.

“In addition to our presence in the Saudi market, we have also exported our device — which can be adapted to almost any modern car — to the US, Europe, Africa and other parts of the Arab world,” he added.

Arab News joined 29-year-old Al-Khaldi to experience the driver-assistance system, which is installed in his Toyota Highlander. We began the ride on the highway north of Jeddah.

The results were impressive. From the driver’s seat, with his hands removed from the steering wheel, Al-Khaldi said: “At this point our (system) can handle all types of curves. On the highway, you can drive for hours without any user intervention. I just drove from Taif to Jeddah on curvy, hilly roads without any user intervention.”

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Al-Khaldi said that the system integrates multiple components to provide “a safe and efficient autonomous driving experience,” controlling steering, acceleration, and braking. It uses open-source AI technology, trained on over 100 million miles and able to adapt to a variety of driving conditions.

“The system relies on high-resolution cameras and radar sensors to detect lanes, track nearby vehicles, and analyze data in real time. This analysis helps prevent collisions and ensures the vehicle stays in its lane,” he explained.

“One of our customers who lives in the US installed our device in his car and recently, while driving down a long stretch of highway heading to another state, he lost consciousness and the car drove itself for two hours until he woke up. He later messaged us and expressed his thanks for our device’s reliability,” he added. “Following this event, the system received an enhanced safety update. Now, if the driver’s eyes remain fixed and unresponsive, signaling potential loss of consciousness, the system prompts the driver to touch the steering wheel, providing an additional layer of safety during medical emergencies like seizures or sudden loss of consciousness.”

Inspired by his team's successes, Nasser Mansour Al-Khaldi now envisions a future where AI powers self-driving cars across the Kingdom. (SPA photo)

According to the US website Consumer Reports, Open Pilot is currently the most advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) on the market.

Al-Khaldi and his team are now exploring ways to tailor the system to various levels of driving experience. “I think we’ll find better ways of doing it that will be simpler and allow more users access to the technology,” he said.

Al-Khaldi envisions a future where AI powers self-driving cars across the Kingdom. He said: “Saudi Arabia has an ambitious vision that embraces artificial intelligence technologies. Self-driving has become one of the most important AI tools.”
 

 


Saudi crown prince, French president discuss relations and regional developments

Updated 14 November 2024
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Saudi crown prince, French president discuss relations and regional developments

  • Leaders discussed progress of relations between Kingdom and France
  • Also addressed current regional developments in Palestine and Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke on the phone on Thursday with French President Emmanuel Macron, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The leaders discussed the progress of relations between Saudi Arabia and France, emphasizing their ongoing cooperation across various fields, SPA added.

The conversation also addressed current regional developments in Palestine and Lebanon and the efforts being made to enhance security and stability in the region.

The discussion underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthen ties and collaborate on shared strategic interests.


Asir launches campaign to promote organic food culture

Updated 14 November 2024
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Asir launches campaign to promote organic food culture

  • Ahmed Al-Mojathel: Our goal is to highlight the importance of organic products and foods as a safer, healthier dietary system
  • Initiative forms part of a broader strategy to promote organic food consumption throughout Saudi society

ABHA: A public awareness campaign by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture kicked off Organic Food Day 2024 in Saudi Arabia, reported Saudi Press Agency.

Ahmed Al-Mojathel, director of the ministry’s Asir branch, said: “Our goal is to highlight the importance of organic products and foods as a safer, healthier dietary system.

“We are working to enhance consumer awareness about the benefits of organic foods while encouraging innovation and excellence in organic product quality.”

The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to promote organic food consumption throughout Saudi society.

Al-Mojathel said the campaign also aimed to achieve economic and social objectives supporting the development of the organic food sector across the Kingdom.


Officials detained as investigators smash drug-smuggling operation at Al-Jouf Airport

Updated 14 November 2024
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Officials detained as investigators smash drug-smuggling operation at Al-Jouf Airport

  • 9 people arrested, including Ministry of Interior employee, 4 people associated with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, and a Saudi Electricity Company worker

RIYADH: A drug smuggling operation at Al-Jouf International Airport in Saudi Arabia, in which several government and other public-sector officials allegedly were involved, has been shut down following an extensive investigation.

An official source at the Ministry of Interior said on Thursday that nine people were detained, including a ministry employee, four people associated with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, and one from the Saudi Electricity Company.

Their alleged roles in the smuggling network included helping to get the drugs into the Kingdom, ensuring shipments bypassed inspections, transporting them, and concealing them in homes and at other locations.

They also engaged in the promotion and distribution of the narcotics in the country, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The amount and type of drugs involved was not immediately apparent.

The Ministry of Interior said it remains committed to confronting all threats to national security and will take stringent action against anyone who jeopardizes the safety and stability of the country.


Saudi Music Commission launches self-learn digital platform for budding musicians

Updated 14 November 2024
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Saudi Music Commission launches self-learn digital platform for budding musicians

  • MusiqAI offers interactive programs to the public and teaches skills for playing Arabic and Western instruments

RIYADH: The Saudi Music Commission has launched an interactive digital platform to teach music to enthusiasts wanting to start playing an instrument or further their musical knowledge.

MusiqAI is the first self-learn digital platform for music in Saudi Arabia and the Arab region. It offers interactive programs to the public and teaches skills for playing Arabic and Western instruments.

The platform name, which includes “AI,” the abbreviation for artificial intelligence, can be translated from Arabic as “My Music.”

The commission said in a statement that MusiqAI offers online courses and trains enthusiasts and professionals on the latest technologies in music production. It also provides accredited certificates, easy access to video streaming courses, and a self-paced learning experience, anytime and from anywhere.

MusiqAI aims to offer a unique way of learning various music genres — in Saudi Arabia and globally — whether by picking an Arabic or Western instrument such as the drums, guitar or oud, and communicating with trainers and experts on the platform.

The commission said nurturing and supporting musical talent are part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. In March, the commission launched the Saudi Music Memory initiative to highlight the history of Saudi art and offer academically documented research for musicians and researchers.

To register on the MusiqAI platform, visit the commission website: https://music.moc.gov.sa/en