Saudi Green Initiative celebrates World Environment Day

Saudi Arabia plans to eliminate 4.1 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually by 2035 and implement an effective waste management system. (Supplied)
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Updated 05 June 2023
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Saudi Green Initiative celebrates World Environment Day

  • The ultimate goal is to remove 4.1 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually and build an effective waste management model to be implemented across the Kingdom by 2035

RIYADH: The Saudi Green Initiative is celebrating World Environment Day on June 5 through the launch of programs to reduce plastic waste and clean the oceans.

Designated by the UN, the theme of World Environment Day 2023, “#BeatPlasticPollution,” will focus on ways to combat the pollution generated by plastic waste.

Approximately 400 million tons of plastic waste are produced annually, while only 9 percent of it is recycled worldwide.

In efforts to improve waste management, the Saudi Basic Industries Corp. has joined the Coalition to Eliminate Plastic Waste with the aim of cleaning plastic from the oceans.




Saudi Arabia plans to eliminate 4.1 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually by 2035 and implement an effective waste management system. (Supplied)

SGI is collaborating with the National Center for Waste Management to develop a comprehensive national plan for waste management in the Kingdom to strengthen its leadership in circular economy practices. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2025.

Also in cooperation with the National Center for Waste Management, the Saudi Investment Recycling Co. is leading a waste management initiative in the city of Riyadh that will divert 94 percent of the city’s waste from landfills and convert over 1.3 million tons of biodegradable waste into agricultural fertilizers.

The ultimate goal is to remove 4.1 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually and build an effective waste management model to be implemented across the Kingdom by 2035.

Since the launch of SGI in 2021, 77 individual programs representing an investment of more than $186 billion in the green economy are already in progress. The programs have three tangible objectives: to reduce emissions, increase vegetation, and protect local biodiversity and landscapes.

During June, SGI will implement an ongoing campaign to raise awareness about environmental conservation efforts in the Kingdom.

For more information about the ongoing programs under the SGI umbrella to protect land and marine areas and enhance biodiversity in Saudi Arabia, please visit: https://www.greeninitiatives.gov.sa/ar-sa/sgi-initiatives

 


A tapestry of traditions: Saudi Arabia’s Farasan Islanders embrace spirit of holy month

Farasan women used to prepare their homes by painting walls to highlight intricate engravings. (SPA)
Updated 6 min 46 sec ago
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A tapestry of traditions: Saudi Arabia’s Farasan Islanders embrace spirit of holy month

  • Blend of faith, maritime charm at Ramadan

RIYADH: Steeped in history, the Farasan Islands have long embraced unique Ramadan traditions, welcoming the holy month with a blend of faith and maritime charm.

Farasan women used to prepare their homes by painting walls to highlight intricate engravings and plasterwork, while laying smooth pebbles on courtyards to add a maritime-inspired touch.

Farasan women used to prepare their homes by painting walls to highlight intricate engravings. (SPA)

Amnah Aqili spoke to the Saudi Press Agency about these preparations, recalling the renewal of wooden bed frames, the polishing of utensils, the preparation of spices, and the weaving of doum palm frond carpets.

Aqili noted that with the arrival of Ramadan, the air would be filled with the scent of mastic from clay water jugs and the sweet aroma of coffee from traditional pots. The exchange of Ramadan dishes among neighbors was another cherished tradition in the community.

FASTFACTS

• The exchange of Ramadan dishes among neighbors is a cherished tradition in the Farasan community.

• The community continues to honor the spirit of Ramadan through acts of worship, compassion, and the exchange of gifts, strengthening both spiritual and social bonds.

Abkar Al-Mashrai’i recalled a time over 70 years ago when the islanders would rely on news from Jazan to begin Ramadan.

Nightly recitations of the Qur’an by the glow of lanterns would echo through the alleys, and the muezzin’s melodic call would announce sahoor. Children and young men filled the evenings with traditional games, Al-Mashrai’i added.

The Farasan community continues to honor the spirit of Ramadan through acts of worship, compassion, and the exchange of gifts, strengthening both spiritual and social bonds.

 


Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza

Updated 02 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza

  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its denunciation of Israel’s move, warning that it constitutes a direct violation of international humanitarian law

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia strongly condemned on Sunday the Israeli government’s decision to halt the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, calling it an act of “blackmail and collective punishment” that violates international law.

In a statement on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its denunciation of Israel’s move, warning that it constitutes a direct violation of international humanitarian law amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“The Kingdom renews its call on the international community to stop these serious Israeli violations, activate international accountability mechanisms, and ensure sustainable access to aid,” the statement said.

The condemnation comes as Israel blocked the entry of aid trucks into Gaza, escalating tensions over a truce that had temporarily halted fighting for the past six weeks.

Hamas has called on Egyptian and Qatari mediators to intervene in the standoff.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that Israel had adopted a proposal from US envoy Steve Witkoff for a temporary ceasefire during the upcoming Ramadan and Passover periods. If agreed upon, the truce would pause hostilities until the end of Ramadan around March 31 and the Jewish Passover holiday around April 20.


Islamic nations back Riyadh Charter for AI

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority. (SPA)
Updated 23 min 58 sec ago
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Islamic nations back Riyadh Charter for AI

  • The charter was approved during the 45th session of the ICESCO Executive Council, held in Tunisia, with all member states in attendance and the Saudi AI authority participating

RIYADH: Fifty-three member states of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, have unanimously approved the Riyadh Charter for Artificial Intelligence in the Islamic World.

The charter was announced during the Global AI Summit, organized by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority in September 2024 in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday.

A milestone in the field, it establishes a shared ethical and strategic framework for AI in the Islamic world, the SPA added.

The charter was approved during the 45th session of the ICESCO Executive Council, held in Tunisia, with all member states in attendance and the Saudi AI authority participating.

The session discussed the Riyadh charter as a comprehensive strategic framework for AI development, aligning with Islamic values, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing international cooperation.

Member states affirmed their commitment to strengthening AI governance and supporting its responsible adoption in the Islamic world.

During the session, the organization’s Center of Foresight and Artificial Intelligence director, Kais Hammami, presented the charter, outlining its key pillars and strategic objectives.

He emphasized its significance in guiding AI development to serve the shared interests of Islamic countries.

 


Riyadh governor receives ambassador of Djibouti, diplomatic corps heads

Updated 6 sec ago
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Riyadh governor receives ambassador of Djibouti, diplomatic corps heads

  • Diplomats offered their congratulations on the holy month of Ramadan

RIYADH: Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Djibouti to the Kingdom Dya-Eddine Bamakhrama, as well as heads of countries accredited to the Kingdom, in Riyadh on Sunday.
Everyone offered their congratulations on behalf of the members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Kingdom on the holy month of Ramadan, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Meanwhile, Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, governor of Jeddah, received the Consul General of Kenya in Jeddah Aden Mahmoud Mohammed, on Sunday. The two discussed topics of common interest.

 


Saudi FM discusses regional developments in call with Algerian counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf. (File/AFP)
Updated 02 March 2025
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Saudi FM discusses regional developments in call with Algerian counterpart

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan made a phone call to his Algerian counterpart on Sunday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call with Ahmed Attaf, Prince Faisal discussed the latest developments in the region and efforts made with regard to them.