Japanese singer ASCA, Yamato perform at Jeddah’s Anime Village

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ASCA performed three shows at City Walk alongside compatriot DJ Yamato. (Supplied)
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Yamato has performed for three days at City Walk. (Supplied)
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ASCA performed three shows at City Walk alongside compatriot DJ Yamato. (Supplied)
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ASCA performed three shows at City Walk alongside compatriot DJ Yamato. (Supplied)
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ASCA performed three shows at City Walk alongside compatriot DJ Yamato. (Supplied)
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ASCA performed three shows at City Walk alongside compatriot DJ Yamato. (Supplied)
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ASCA performed three shows at City Walk alongside compatriot DJ Yamato. (Supplied)
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ASCA performed three shows at City Walk alongside compatriot DJ Yamato. (Supplied)
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ASCA performed three shows at City Walk alongside compatriot DJ Yamato. (Supplied)
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ASCA performed three shows at City Walk alongside compatriot DJ Yamato. (Supplied)
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ASCA performed three shows at City Walk alongside compatriot DJ Yamato. (Supplied)
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ASCA performed three shows at City Walk alongside compatriot DJ Yamato. (Supplied)
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ASCA performed three shows at City Walk alongside compatriot DJ Yamato. (Supplied)
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ASCA performed three shows at City Walk alongside compatriot DJ Yamato. (Supplied)
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Updated 07 June 2023
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Japanese singer ASCA, Yamato perform at Jeddah’s Anime Village

  • ASCA in Kingdom for second time following December show in Riyadh
  • DJ Yamato, first Japanese artist to collaborate with DJ Avicii, in Saudi Arabia for first time

JEDDAH: The famous Japanese singer ASCA, known for singing the opening theme song for the anime Sword Art Online and ending theme song for Edens Zero, held her second concert in Saudi Arabia at City Walk, Anime Village in Jeddah 1st of June. Also, a highly skilled DJ and producer from Japan, Yamato, who was the first Japanese artist to perform with the late DJ Avicii, has performed for three days at City Walk, Anime Village in Jeddah on June 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

ASCA, came to Saudi Arabia before to Riyadh last year in December, this marks her second time in the kingdom. She said “Jeddah’s climate is very similar to that of Japan. It was very comfortable for me personally because the temperature was similar, and the humidity was high.” 

“Fans also made handmade boards, jumped with us, and yelled out. Saudi Arabia is very far from Japan, but I was very happy when I thought that there were people in Saudi Arabia who supported me so much,” ASCA told Arab News.




Yamato has performed for three days at City Walk. (Supplied)

She also mentioned how Saudi Arabian people are active at night and how it is the opposite of Japan. She said, “I am a night person so, Saudi Arabia suits me!”

As for Yamato, it was his first time performing in the kingdom and he performed three days. Here is his impression of Saudi Arabian fans. “At first, I got the impression that people in Saudi Arabia were shy, but once they opened up, everyone was super friendly. 

When my performance started, they jumped up and down, and I felt their power. It was amazing!” Yamato told Arab News.

Yamato came to perform in Saudi Arabia, as the company he belonged to, Avex, was in charge of designing this year’s Anime Village. His performance was planned together with Avex’s overseas team and was able to be brought to fruition.


OCHA donor support group discusses humanitarian strategies for 2025, Saudi Arabia highlights commitment to Sudan

Updated 18 October 2024
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OCHA donor support group discusses humanitarian strategies for 2025, Saudi Arabia highlights commitment to Sudan

  • A key concern raised during the meeting was the funding gap in OCHA’s 2025 budget

LONDON: The UN’s humanitarian office met on Thursday in Geneva to discuss its plans for 2025, with representatives from Saudi Arabia taking part in the meeting, Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) donor spport group convened its regular expert-level meeting, which was chaired by Norway. 

Aqeel Al-Ghamdi, assistant supervisor general of planning and development at the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) led the Kingdom’s delegation.

The meeting covered key topics including the implementation of OCHA’s Strategic Plan for 2025 and its Flagship Initiative, which aims to enhance global humanitarian coordination. 

Al-Ghamdi lauded the initiative, calling for a stronger integration of humanitarian and development efforts to ensure long-term sustainability in global aid responses.

Discussions also touched upon updates on the analysis of global humanitarian needs and resource allocation strategies. Al-Ghamdi emphasized the importance of involving local communities in the planning processes to ensure effective and inclusive aid delivery.

A key concern raised during the meeting was the funding gap in OCHA’s 2025 budget. 

Al-Ghamdi advocated for sustainable solutions to bridge this gap and called for stronger oversight and accountability mechanisms to ensure that aid reaches those most in need.

In a special session focusing on the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, Al-Ghamdi highlighted Saudi Arabia’s active role in supporting the region.

He noted the Kingdom’s recent efforts during the United Nations General Assembly, where more than $500 million was pledged to support humanitarian efforts in Sudan and surrounding regions, including a $25 million contribution from the Central Emergency Response Fund.

Saudi Arabia has committed to providing $115 million to support Sudan’s humanitarian needs, focusing on critical areas such as food aid, health services, water, sanitation, and shelter for displaced populations and refugees.

The meeting concluded with a call to strengthen cooperation and partnerships between donor countries and OCHA to ensure the necessary funding for a comprehensive and sustainable humanitarian response to crises around the world.


Heavy rain, floods forecast for Saudi Arabia

Updated 1 min 47 sec ago
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Heavy rain, floods forecast for Saudi Arabia

  • The Eastern Province, Najran, Al-Baha, Asir and Jazan regions will likely be impacted by moderate-to-heavy rainfall

RIYADH: The Civil Defense has warned of heavy rainfall and flash floods in several regions of Saudi Arabia.

Citizens and residents should take precautions by avoiding areas prone to flooding, including valleys, and not swim in dangerous areas, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

It stressed that the public should follow warnings issued by the Civil Defense in the media.

There is likely to be dust-laden winds and moderate-to-heavy rainfall in Makkah and Riyadh.

The Eastern Province, Najran, Al-Baha, Asir and Jazan regions will likely be impacted by moderate-to-heavy rainfall.

In Madinah, the Northern Borders, Qassim and Hail there will likely be light-to-moderate rainfall, the SPA reported.

 


Saudi Arabia, Spain discuss economic cooperation

Updated 1 min 14 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia, Spain discuss economic cooperation

  • Alkhorayef highlighted the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and, through various incentives, attract foreign investment in the industrial and mining sectors

MADRID: Saudi Arabia’s Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar Alkhorayef held talks on Friday in Madrid with Spain’s Industry and Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu, and Economy, Trade and Business Minister Carlos Cuerpo.

During the meetings, they discussed ways to develop economic relations and increase Spain’s investments in the Kingdom.

Alkhorayef highlighted the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and, through various incentives, attract foreign investment in the industrial and mining sectors.

 

 


Saudi Arabia takes part in global drug regulatory conference

Updated 36 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia takes part in global drug regulatory conference

  • Topics on the agenda include regulatory reforms, drug safety, and regulating emerging technologies

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is participating in a major international pharmaceutical regulation conference in India this week.

The 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities is taking place in New Delhi from Oct. 14-18, bringing together drug regulators from around the world to discuss key issues in pharmaceutical oversight.

The event is organized by the Indian government, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization, and the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, with this year’s theme being “Smart Regulation: Delivering Quality-Assured Pharmaceuticals for All.”

India’s Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel opened the conference, which aims to enhance cooperation and exchange experiences among regulatory bodies, and formulate crucial recommendations for drug regulation.

Topics on the agenda include regulatory reforms, drug safety, and regulating emerging technologies.

The Saudi delegation is led by Dr. Hisham bin Saad Al-Jadhey, CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, who highlighted the event’s importance in working towards shared goals of safe and effective medicines globally.

 

 


Reef Saudi program aims to boost rainfed crop yields in Jazan

Updated 12 sec ago
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Reef Saudi program aims to boost rainfed crop yields in Jazan

  • The program includes training sessions for ministry employees on conducting research on rainfed crops and equipping agricultural advisers with the skills they need to provide high quality support

JAZAN: The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, also known as Reef Saudi, has launched an initiative at the Jazan Agricultural Research Center to enhance rainfed crop productivity, bringing together experts, specialists and employees from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.

The initiative will help to increase the yield of crops like corn, millet and sesame by implementing effective agricultural practices and modern technologies. It also aims to educate farmers about the benefits of genetically improved varieties in boosting crop production.

The program includes training sessions for ministry employees on conducting research on rainfed crops and equipping agricultural advisers with the skills they need to provide high quality support.