KSrelief celebrates Youth Skills Day at Zaatari camp

King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s Saudi Center for Community Service recently celebrated Youth Skills Day at the Zaatari Syrian refugee camp in Jordan. (SPA)
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Updated 21 July 2023
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KSrelief celebrates Youth Skills Day at Zaatari camp

  • Awareness and training activities in various specializations were organized

AMMAN: King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s Saudi Center for Community Service recently celebrated Youth Skills Day at the Zaatari Syrian refugee camp in Jordan.
The celebration highlighted the skills needed for youth to find work that matches their interests and abilities.
Awareness and training activities in various specializations were organized with a focus on the importance and positive results of working.
Sewing machines were distributed to women enrolled in the course at the center for community service.
This comes as part of the series of humanitarian and relief projects provided by the Kingdom to the families living in the camp. Projects also aim to provide families with social and practical services, and improve their professional skills.
 


IMF to begin review Egypt’s loan program on Tuesday

Updated 27 min 30 sec ago
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IMF to begin review Egypt’s loan program on Tuesday

  • Review is fourth under Egypt’s latest 46-month IMF loan program approved in 2022
  • Egypt had requested financing under the RSF since 2022, with hopes it could unlock up to an additional $1 billion

CAIRO: The International Monetary Fund will begin its review of Egypt’s loan program on Tuesday, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said on Sunday at a press conference with IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva.
The review, which could unlock more than $1.2 billion in financing, is the fourth under Egypt’s latest 46-month IMF loan program that was approved in 2022 and expanded to $8 billion this year after an economic crisis marked by high inflation and severe foreign currency shortages.
Madbouly emphasized the mutual cooperation with the IMF, adding that Egypt “expects continued successful and fruitful partnership in the coming period.”
Georgieva also praised the fund’s cooperation with Egypt and highlighted the current global challenges.
She noted that the IMF’s discussions with Egypt next week will also look into ways of supporting the Egyptian objectives in the area of greening the economy and Egypt’s access to the Resilience and Sustainability Facility in the pursuit of this effort.
Egypt had requested financing under the RSF since 2022, with hopes it could unlock up to an additional $1 billion.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has recently cautioned that Egypt may need to reassess its expanded loan program if international institutions do not factor in the exceptional challenges the region currently faces.
Madbouly later said that talks with the IMF during the fund’s annual meetings in October did not include additional financing but aimed to reassess Egypt’s commitments, targets, and timings.
When the IMF completed its third review in July, it said that inflationary pressures were gradually abating, foreign exchange shortages have been eliminated, and fiscal targets (including those related to spending by large infrastructure projects) were met.
It also underscored the need for greater efforts to accelerate a program of divestment of state-owned enterprises and carry out reforms to prevent them from using unfair competitive practices.


At Riyadh Season, Pakistan Week draws over 300,000 visitors to art, music and cultural activities

Updated 21 min 4 sec ago
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At Riyadh Season, Pakistan Week draws over 300,000 visitors to art, music and cultural activities

  • The event was held from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 during the annual Riyadh Season as part of the Saudi Global Harmony Initiative
  • It showcased vibrant performances by Pakistani singers, delicious food, clothing stalls, truck art and other activities

ISLAMABAD: Art, music, delicious cuisine and clothing fascinated more than 300,000 visitors during Pakistan Week at Riyadh Season, the Pakistani embassy in Saudi Arabia said on Sunday, adding the event was “well received” by local and expatriate communities in the Saudi capital.

Pakistan Week activities were held at Al-Suwaidi Park, located in the heart of the Saudi capital, from October 30 till November 2 as part of the Global Harmony Initiative under Riyadh Season.

The event featured vibrant performances by Pakistani artistes, delicious food, clothing stalls, and the iconic truck art from the South Asian country, attracting diplomats, top entrepreneurs and community members from both nations.

“Pakistan Week was well received by local and expatriate community in Riyadh as over 300,000 people visited colorful activities and arenas,” the Pakistani embassy told Arab News, adding that performances by leading Pakistani singers, drum maestros and schoolchildren as well as puppet shows and handicrafts captivated audiences with the diversity of Pakistani culture.

“The [Al-Suwaidi] Park was filled with food stalls, truck art, a play zone for kids and a cultural parade, which was a highlight of the event.”

The participants described the event as a “unique and unforgettable experience” as it offered a delightful blend of music, sports and culture.

“For the overseas Pakistanis in Riyadh, Pakistan Cultural Week in Riyadh was not just an event, it was a homecoming as it was a chance to reconnect with their roots, to share their culture with their Saudi friends and other global communities and to create lasting memories with their families,” Waqar Naseem Wamiq, a Pakistani expatriate working as a trade manager in Riyadh, told Arab News.

He said the vibrant atmosphere and the “sea of people” transformed the venue into a buzzing hub of entertainment and cultural exchange, setting a new benchmark for future events.

“Over 130,000 enthusiastic fans gathered to enjoy the performances by [singers] Ali Zafar and Asim Azhar on days two and three of Pakistan Cultural Week,” he said, adding that the overwhelming response not only highlighted the immense popularity of the singers, but also underscored the significance of cultural events in bringing together communities and fostering a sense of unity and celebration.

He said the meticulous planning and execution of the event by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority and the Ministry of Media left a lasting impression on everyone.

“Attendees lauded the Saudi hosts for their warm hospitality and dedication to creating an inclusive and engaging atmosphere,” Wamiq added.

Ali Swati, who owns Traditional Taste Restaurant in Riyadh, said his stall at Pakistan Week featured ‘matka tea,’ ‘samosas,’ ‘biryani’ and other Pakistani dishes.

“Visitors loved these items so much that they placed numerous large orders for home delivery to be fulfilled after the festival,” he told Arab News.

Swati said Arab and other expatriate communities showed “great interest” in Pakistani food, appreciating its taste and diversity.

“It was a great opportunity for our business as it introduced our restaurant to many people and will help attract more customers to our outlet in Riyadh,” he said.

Another Pakistani expatriate, Muhammad Naveed, who works as an engineer in Riyadh, said the seamless blend of diverse cultural performances and activities not only entertained attendees, but also fostered a sense of unity and appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultures present.

“This exceptional effort by the Saudi hosts and organizers has set a new standard for cultural events, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to bringing joy and fostering community spirit,” Naveed told Arab News.

“The presence of celebrated cricketers, Shoaib Malik, Shadab Khan and Sarfraz Ahmed, added a touch of sporting excellence to the event as their participation not only boosted the spirits of the fans, but also highlighted the importance of sports in cultural celebrations.”

Besides the performances, he said, the week was full of a variety of cultural activities that showcased the rich heritage of Pakistan.

“From traditional dance performances to art exhibitions, every aspect of Pakistani culture was on display, providing a holistic cultural experience,” Naveed added.

The Kingdom recently launched the Global Harmony Initiative to celebrate the diverse nationalities and cultures of its residents by exploring their lives, contributions and cultural integration.

The initiative, a collaboration of the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority, Ministry of Media and the Quality of Life Program, has been featuring events that showcase cultures, cuisine and heritage of countries such as Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and others.


Saudi Arabia calls for robust action against land degradation

Updated 4 min 55 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia calls for robust action against land degradation

  • Kingdom’s incoming UNCCD presidency aims to increase the number of participating countries and the ambition of their goals
  • More than 71,000 square km of land expected to face deterioration before the Dec. 2nd start of the conference

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is encouraging urgent action to combat drought, as vast areas of land — larger than the size of Ireland — are projected to face degradation globally in the near future.

With less than one month remaining until the 16th session of the Conference of Parties of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification begins in Riyadh, the Kingdom’s incoming UNCCD presidency has urged the international community to take decisive measures on drought resilience and land restoration. 

Recent data underscores the urgency of this appeal, with more than 71,000 square km of land expected to face deterioration before the Dec. 2nd start of the conference, according to the UNCCD. 

“COP16 in Riyadh is a critical moment for the international community to address land degradation if we are to meet the UNCCD target of restoring 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030,” said Osama Faqeeha, the Kingdom’s deputy minister for environment at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. 

Faqeeha, who is also the adviser to the COP16 presidency, added: “As the hosts, we are calling for all parties to come to Riyadh ready to increase their ambition by strengthening land restoration targets, bolstering drought resilience initiatives, and enhancing land tenure rights.” 

Since 2015, countries have been aligning with voluntary Land Degradation Neutrality targets as part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

Over 130 nations have engaged in the LDN Target Setting Programme, with more than 100 already defining their objectives.

Saudi Arabia’s incoming UNCCD presidency aims to increase the number of participating countries and the ambition of their goals. 

The UNCCD has estimated that more than $44 trillion in economic output, representing over half of global gross domestic product, is moderately or highly dependent on natural capital. 

Restoration investments are highlighted as economically beneficial, with projections that each dollar invested could yield up to $30 in returns, presenting a significant opportunity for a trillion-dollar restoration economy. 

COP16 in Riyadh will mark the first time the UNCCD will introduce a Green Zone, a dedicated space for businesses, scientists, and financial institutions, as well as NGOs, the public, and impacted communities to collaborate on sustainable solutions. 

The conference will also feature seven thematic days focused on key topics such as land restoration, governance, and agri-food systems, as well as resilience, finance, and advancements in science, technology, and innovation. 


Oman’s oil exports hit 230.6m barrels by September: official data

Updated 52 min 24 sec ago
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Oman’s oil exports hit 230.6m barrels by September: official data

JEDDAH: Oman’s oil exports totaled approximately 230.6 million barrels by the end of September, averaging $82.60 per barrel and accounting for 84.6 percent of total production, which exceeded 272.4 million barrels.

According to statistics from the country’s National Center for Statistics and Information, as reported by the state news agency, oil exports increased by 0.1 percent compared to September 2023, when total exports were nearly 230.3 million barrels. This rise occurred alongside a 5.1 percent decrease in production, which was recorded at over 287 million barrels during the same period last year.

Total crude oil production declined by 6.7 percent, reaching over 208.5 million barrels by the end of September, while condensate production saw a slight increase of 0.6 percent, totaling more than 63.86 million barrels. The NCSI noted that the average daily oil production was 994,200 barrels through the end of September.

The World Bank forecasts Oman’s economic growth will rise to 2.7 percent in 2025 and 3.2 percent in 2026, driven by a rebound in oil and gas production as the Duqm refinery reaches full capacity, alongside a revival in agricultural and construction activities and a strong services sector.

The report also indicated that inflation is expected to remain low, averaging 1.3 percent from 2024 to 2026, largely due to the country’s currency being pegged to the US dollar and regulated fuel prices.

According to the Oman News Agency, China was the top importer of Omani oil, with imports totaling approximately 219.6 million barrels, marking a 4.5 percent increase compared to September 2023.

Japan followed with nearly 4 million barrels, a decline of 46.4 percent, while South Korea imported around 3.8 million barrels, an increase of 31.8 percent. Exports to India totaled 2,002,000 barrels, down 26.3 percent.

Overall, Oman’s oil exports during the first half of 2024 increased by 0.3 percent to 153,362,300 barrels, with the average price per barrel at $82.20, according to the NCSI.

Oil exports constituted 84.6 percent of the total oil production volume, which was over 181 million barrels, down 5.3 percent from 191.4 million barrels in the same period in 2023. Total crude oil production also fell by 7.4 percent to over 138.7 million barrels by the end of the first half of 2024, while oil condensate production rose by 2.3 percent to 42.5 million barrels. The average daily oil production at that time was reported at 842,700 barrels. During this period, China remained the leading country importing oil from Oman, with nearly 148 million barrels.


UNESCO chair hosts translating cultures workshops

Updated 03 November 2024
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UNESCO chair hosts translating cultures workshops

RIYADH: The UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, supported by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, recently hosted three online workshops.

The workshops were attended by members of the Translating Cultures Lab and researchers with an interest in translating cultures.

The lab unites renowned scholars and early-career Saudi researchers to publish papers on the 2024 theme, “Rethinking Translating Cultures and its Conceptual Framework,” focusing on knowledge transfer and translation in the Global South.

At the workshops researchers presented papers and received feedback from lab members to refine them for publication.

In the first two workshops, six papers were presented, addressing issues in translating cultures, including cultural narratives, religious concepts such as “mahr” in Islam, and humor translation in modern Saudi literature.

Other topics included foreignizing and domesticating Arab culture in translation, translation as knowledge transfer, and translating Plastic Arts into Arabic.

The papers were presented by scholars from King Khalid University (Saudi Arabia), Indira Gandhi National Open University (India), Jagiellonian University (Poland), Mohammed I University Oujda (Morocco), the Catholic University of America (US), and an independent Australian researcher.

The third workshop reviewed papers for an edited volume by the Translating Cultures Lab on the theme of “Rethinking Translating Cultures.”

The UNESCO chair views “translating cultures” as a concept tied to broader debates in the humanities, regarding it as a continuous process involving translation, cross-cultural communication, and knowledge sharing.