MAKKAH: The Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques announced it is ready to receive the first worshippers of this year’s Umrah season.
The presidency’s official spokesman, Maher Al-Zahrani, said it had 5,000 manual and 3,000 electric wheelchairs on standby, along with staff to operate them, to ensure a smooth passage for worshippers requiring assistance. These wheelchairs can be reserved through the Tanaqol app.
Trained staff will also be on duty overseeing spaces and guiding visitors to the correct spots for prayer. Doors will be manned, and visitors will be assisted throughout to allow easy entry and exit.
The presidency promises to provide vital services in the northern expansion of the Grand Mosque ranging from the filling of Zamzam water containers, controlling of air conditioning, and providing ample shelving to store copies of the Qur’an. The presidency is also in charge of monitoring the audio and lighting systems, cleanliness of the lavatories, and operating escalators to transport worshippers, especially the elderly.
Al-Zahrani said: “The women’s department will also help with organizing the entry and exit of worshipers to the Grand Mosque and provide gifts to them such as copies of the Holy Qur’an and bottles of Zamzam water, in addition to providing copies of (the) Qur’an in Braille to those who require them.”
He indicated that there are 200 qualified supervisors on the ground who will monitor the spaces and 4,000 workers tasked with washing and cleaning the Grand Mosque 10 times a day. This is in addition to having 800 workers on the ground to distribute 4,500 bottles of Zamzam water to worshipers throughout the Grand Mosque. It is estimated that nearly 500,000 liters of Zamzam water is consumed at the site during Umrah every day.
First day of Umrah season welcomes worshippers to Grand Mosque
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First day of Umrah season welcomes worshippers to Grand Mosque
- The presidency’s official spokesman, Maher Al-Zahrani, said it had 5,000 manual and 3,000 electric wheelchairs on standby
- Trained staff will also be on duty overseeing spaces and guiding visitors to the correct spots for prayer
KSrelief’s global humanitarian activities continue
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continues with its work in various countries, delivering support and services to needy individuals ranging from prosthetics to winter clothing.
In Syria’s northern city of Aleppo, the Saudi aid agency distributed food and hygiene kits to 797 families in earthquake-hit areas, benefiting 4,782 individuals.
In Afghanistan, 100 shelter kits were handed out by KSrelief on Friday in the Yakawlang District of Afghanistan’s Bamyan Province. The kits, benefiting 600 people, are part of this year’s shelter project for those returning from Pakistan and those affected by floods.
KSrelief also provided prosthetic limbs to nine Ukrainian refugees in Rzeszow, Poland, as part of a medical mission this week.
In Yemen’s Hadhramaut, KSrelief launched a vocational training program with a Yemeni civil-society organization to train 200 young men and women.
The program will train displaced people and host community members in eight vocational skills and help them find jobs.
In Lebanon, KSrelief distributed 1,009 winter clothing vouchers in the Beqaa Governorate and Zgharta District. The vouchers allow recipients to choose their own winter clothes from approved stores. The initiative has benefited 1,009 orphans, people with disabilities, Syrian refugees and members of the host community.
KSrelief distributes winter vouchers in Lebanon (SPA)
Why restoring ecosystem balance is crucial for economies, societies, and wildlife
- Biodiversity loss weakens ecosystems, driving migration and potential conflict, says UN Environment Programme director
- Saudi Green Initiative announces $60 million in environmental projects as 12-day COP16 conference concludes in Riyadh
RIYADH: Imbalanced ecosystems and biodiversity loss, driven by habitat destruction, pollution, or climate change, are key challenges the Saudi Green Initiative is tackling to mitigate their environmental, economic, and social impacts.
The decline of certain species can destabilize food systems, leading to overpopulation of others and resource depletion. This imbalance, whether driven by natural factors or human activities, often degrades habitats as unchecked species overgraze or consume vegetation.
“The highest point of the mountain is connected to the deepest point in the ocean,” said Mohammad Qurban, CEO of the Saudi National Center for Wildlife, explaining how environmental damage in one area is linked to issues elsewhere.
For instance, desertification in mountain peaks leads to soil erosion, which is carried by rain into the seas. Along with the soil, plastics and toxins from land and air pollute the water, destabilizing marine ecosystems, he told Arab News at the UN Convention to Combat Desertification’s COP16, which concluded in Riyadh on Friday.
“Where does this go? It goes to the ecosystem,” Qurban said, referring to the movement of toxins from land to the sea. “So, we start losing coral reefs, seagrass, and we start losing fish.
“We are all part of this system that we call the food web. It is a chain. With each link lost, we lose the next one and the next one.”
As part of its ecosystem management efforts to combat desertification, the Saudi government plans to plant 10 billion trees and rehabilitate 40 million hectares of land by 2030.
The Kingdom also aims to protect 30 percent of its land and marine areas by 2030 through the 30x30 initiative, which Qurban discussed last week during the session “MEAs Synergies for Strengthened Environmental Governance: Insights from the Bern III Conference,” held on the sidelines of COP16.
Qurban said disturbances in one animal population can have consequences elsewhere, such as the overpopulation of another species. In his recent interview with Arab News, he recounted an incident in which a farmer contacted him about a snake species affecting his soil.
“He called me and told me to get rid of all the snakes. I said sure, but you have to promise me that you won’t complain if you witness an increase in rats and mice around the area because (the snakes) feed on them.”
The UN has said that a million animal and plant species worldwide are at risk of extinction as a result of human-induced environmental issues.
Biodiversity loss also reduces resilience, making ecosystems more vulnerable to external shocks, such as diseases or climate events.
“Having a balanced ecosystem means the rains will come when we expect them to come, means the cold comes when it’s just right for our crops to get a little of a nip in the air, and means that the sun comes out at the right time when the grains have to ripen and dry under the sun. That is a balanced ecosystem,” Inger Andersen, executive director of the UN Environment Programme, told Arab News.
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Restoring balance is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems, which sustain life on Earth, including human communities that depend on these natural systems for resources and services.
“Some people who are living in the cities may not think that they are relying on the ecosystem because they get their food from the grocery store,” Andersen said. “But the reality, of course, is that there is an ecosystem somewhere in the world that provides that food that they purchased. So, we are all relying on that ecosystem.”
DID YOU KNOW?
- The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority protects 90 percent of the reserve with more than 100 rangers patrolling it.
- About 700,000 trees have been planted in the reserve to improve vegetation cover, according to CEO Mohammed Al-Shaalan.
- The reserve, which is in the Kingdom’s northeast, spans several regions, including Jawf, Qassim, Hail, Northern Borders, and the Eastern Province.
Furthermore, an unstable ecosystem imposes a financial burden on the government for restoration and ongoing maintenance.
In Asir, in the Kingdom’s southwest, the decline in Arabian leopard populations led to a significant increase in the baboon population. Large troops of baboons, typically found in the southern mountain ranges, have negatively affected local communities. As a result, despite the region’s stunning landscapet, tourism in the area has declined in recent years.
“People lost tourists in Asir because of the baboons,” said Qurban, citing safety concerns. “Some people abandoned their farms; they abandoned their farms completely in Asir and Al-Baha.”
And while some argue that protecting and restoring a sustainable environment is costly to the economy, other business owners believe the cost of sustainable development depends on their objectives.
During a panel discussion at COP16, Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed, CEO of the asset management company KBW Ventures, discussed the economics of ecosystems and the real financial costs of implementing green development.
He said that solutions vary by location and must align with the private sector’s objectives to effectively implement sustainable development goals.
“It is not a one size fits all,” he said. “It is a bouquet of opportunities that you have to be customized for it to be actually scalable and profitable for the private sectors and industries in these private sectors to actually flourish.”
Although securing a balanced ecosystem may be costly, the Kingdom made several significant announcements at COP16 over the past two weeks regarding environmental projects.
The Saudi Green Initiative launched five new projects worth $60 million, reflecting the Kingdom’s bold environmental strategy and commitment to sustainable development. This brings the total investment in SGI projects to more than $188 billion.
But Saudi Arabia is not alone in its commitment to green development; many countries share this goal. However, some urban activities can inadvertently harm the environment despite efforts to protect it.
Damage to soil and polluted water sources have also increased social pressure in some communities, prompting people to migrate to regions with better environmental conditions for their families and future.
“If the ecosystem is so imbalanced that I can no longer farm, that I can no longer sustain my family, and I can no longer feed my children, I have only one choice, and it has been the same for thousands of years,” Andersen said. “I will walk.”
Saudi Arabia reaffirms commitment to global humanitarian efforts at high-level UN meeting
- Delegation emphasizes Kingdom’s strong advocacy for integration of modern technology to enhance efficiency
NEW YORK: Saudi Arabia has become one of the largest international humanitarian donors, reaffirming its commitment to supporting global efforts, a Saudi official said this week.
Aqeel Al-Ghamdi, assistant supervisor general of planning and development at the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, spoke at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’ donor support group in New York on Thursday, where he led the Kingdom’s delegation.
He emphasized Saudi Arabia’s strong advocacy for the integration of modern technology in humanitarian operations to enhance efficiency and better serve vulnerable populations, particularly in conflict-affected regions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Kingdom’s support for OCHA operations, including the provision of unrestricted funding, was underscored as vital for enabling prompt and effective responses to crises.
Al-Ghamdi also outlined KSrelief’s inclusive approach to humanitarian aid, with a focus on supporting women, children, and persons with disabilities. He stressed the importance of designing humanitarian programs that addressed the unique needs of the most vulnerable populations around the world.
The UN meeting reinforced the collective efforts of donor countries to advance humanitarian responses and tackle challenges in delivering aid in complex crisis zones. Saudi Arabia’s ongoing contributions were commended as a model of global solidarity and leadership in addressing pressing humanitarian needs, the SPA added.
How will the World Cup change Saudi Arabia?
- As well as the stadiums, Saudi Arabia plans to construct around 230,000 hotel rooms across five host cities to accommodate visiting fans and dignitaries
RIYADH: Preparations are set to begin across Saudi Arabia to ensure a seamless World Cup in 2034 after the Kingdom was officially named host.
So, how will the World Cup, one of the world’s premier sporting events, change Saudi Arabia? As stated in the Kingdom’s bid, games will be played in 15 stadiums, with 11 yet to be built, spread across Riyadh, Jeddah, Alkhobar, Abha, and NEOM.
Luckily, the Kingdom has ample time to learn from previous World Cups, as well as the upcoming event: 2026 will be jointly hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, and 2030 jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
Saudi Arabia’s opening game and final will be held in the new 92,760-capacity King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh.
Existing stadiums, including “The Shining Jewel” in Jeddah, will undergo major refurbishment and expansion.
Each stadium must have a capacity of at least 40,000, with quarterfinal and semifinal venues able to accommodate 60,000 spectators. Stadiums for the opening match and the final must have a minimum capacity of 80,000.
As well as the stadiums, Saudi Arabia plans to construct around 230,000 hotel rooms across five host cities to accommodate visiting fans and dignitaries.
Looking at its eastern neighbor Qatar might give some indication of how the major infrastructure projects will leave their mark on Saudi Arabia.
While many of Qatar’s World Cup venues, including the iconic Lusail Stadium, are being used by the Qatar Stars League, others are being repurposed. These include the Al-Bayt Stadium, part of which will be converted into a hotel and shopping center.
Ebraheem Alghafees is one of many Saudis excited about the Kingdom hosting the World Cup.
Alghafees attended the 2022 tournament in Qatar, and said that it was nothing short of extraordinary.
“Attending the games was thrilling, and the electrifying atmosphere in the stadiums left an indelible impression on me.”
He told Arab News that Saudi Arabia can “draw several lessons” from previous World Cups.
“First, investing heavily in infrastructure and transportation is crucial for accommodating global audiences.
“Second, creating a cultural narrative that showcases Saudi heritage, while leveraging advanced technologies, can help deliver a memorable experience.
“Lastly, fostering a welcoming environment through hospitality initiatives will ensure that visitors leave with positive impressions of the Kingdom.”
Describing his excitement about Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 2034 event, Alghafees said: “It represents a golden opportunity for the Kingdom to showcase its rapid transformation and global aspirations under Vision 2030.
“Hosting such an event will unite people worldwide and position Saudi Arabia as a hub for cultural exchange, innovation, and excellence. It is an honor to see the Kingdom rise to the occasion on such a grand scale.”
Saudi Arabia first held a FIFA event, the World Youth Championship, in 1989. In 1997, there was the Confederations Cup.
But during the past five to 10 years, the number of sporting events and tournaments — not just football — held in the Kingdom has skyrocketed, earning the country a solid reputation as a host.
Soundstorm kicks off with music legends Eminem, Linkin Park
- The concert concluded with a bittersweet moment, as Eminem performed his most popular song “Lose Yourself,” the theme song for Eminem’s semi-biographical movie “8 Mile”
RIYADH: Eminem, Linkin Park, A$AP Rocky and Calvin Harris were among the big names that rocked Riyadh for MDLBeast Soundstorm, with hitmaker Camila Cabello set to perform on Saturday.
American rapper Eminem, also known as Slim Shady, performed on Thursday, introducing himself as the Arabified “Saleem Shadi.”
The concert began with a video depicting a mock “breaking news” segment announcing the death of Eminem on the big screen, before he emerged to perform his song “Lucifer.”
Rapper Mr. Porter was Eminem’s hypeman during the show, and the duo partook in comedic conversations between each song, dropping hints on what song will be played next and interacting with the crowd.
FASTFACT
This year’s three-day MDLBeast Soundstorm will witness more than 150 artists performing in 10 different areas around the festival venue.
Skylar Grey, singer-songwriter and record producer, was a guest star during the concert, performing during hit songs “Monster” and “Love the Way You Lie.”
Eminem and Grey spoiled the crowd with an emotional performance of the rapper’s most recent song “Temporary,” an ode to his daughter Hailie Mathers, with a backdrop of archival videos of her as a child.
The rapper showed his admiration and love for Saudi Arabia throughout the concert, including teasing comments about moving to the Kingdom.
The concert concluded with a bittersweet moment, as Eminem performed his most popular song “Lose Yourself,” the theme song for Eminem’s semi-biographical movie “8 Mile.”
American rock band Linkin Park also performed on Thursday. The group is back on the road this year for the first time since their original co-lead vocalist Chester Bennington’s death in 2017. His replacement is Emily Armstrong, who performed new songs as well as throwbacks “In the End” and “Numb/Encore.”
In just a few years since its launch in 2019, MDLBEAST Soundstorm has established itself as the Gulf’s biggest music festival, but has also staked a claim to being the world’s largest rave — last year’s event reportedly drew in 730,000 attendees.
This year’s three-day music festival will witness more than 150 artists performing in 10 different areas around the festival venue. Once again, the focus in on electronic dance music, with the vast majority of performers being DJ-producers — from global A-listers like David Guetta and Armin Van Buuren to local luminaries like Baloo and Biirdperson.
