Riyadh set to host African leaders with a view to strengthening trade and diplomatic ties

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Leaders of Arab and African nations have gathered in Riyadh for the inaugural Saudi-African Summit. (SPA)
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Updated 10 November 2023
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Riyadh set to host African leaders with a view to strengthening trade and diplomatic ties

DUBAI: Leaders from 50 nations throughout the Middle East and Africa will gather in Riyadh for the inaugural Saudi-African Summit on Nov. 10.

Saudi and African officials hope the meeting will lead to a long-term partnership between the Kingdom and the African Union, capitalizing on pre-existing economic, cultural, and diplomatic relations while setting out to forge new ones.

Separated by the narrow expanses of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba, the geographical proximity of Saudi Arabia and the African continent means they have a long history of shared cultural and linguistic ties that pre-date the birth of Islam.

“Africa and Saudi Arabia share a common geography, common culture, and common traditions,” Yahaya Lawal, the Nigerian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, told Arab News.

“We are bound together by history. Islam spread to Africa. Saudi Arabia and Africa are bound together through Islamic culture and tradition.”

Formal ties were first established between the Kingdom and several African nations in the 1960s, when they secured independence from European colonialism.

Lawal said: “Our relations have been growing ever since. Saudi Arabia is a very important partner for us.”

INNUMBERS

  • 50 world leaders from the Middle East and Africa will meet in Riyadh.
  • $13.5bn — the sum provided to 54 African nations by the Saudi Fund for Development.

During a ceremony to celebrate Africa Day in May this year, Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji, the Saudi vice minister of foreign affairs, said the Kingdom recognized the need to support the development of African nations.

Since its establishment in 1974, the Saudi Fund for Development has provided 580 loans and grants with a total value of approximately $13.5 billion to more than 54 African countries.

The Kingdom currently enjoys diplomatic relations with 54 African countries, operates 31 resident missions, and is working on opening 13 further missions in the near future, El-Khereiji added. A further range of projects, loans, and grants worth more than $800 million are also in the pipeline.

The Arab world consists of 22 countries, of which 10 are in Africa — Comoros, Somalia, Djibouti, Sudan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania. These nations form an important cultural bridge between the continents.

“As a member of the Arab League and an African nation, both summits are important to us,” Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti to Saudi Arabia, told Arab News.

“The relationship between Africa and Saudi Arabia is not new,” he added, noting it had been “very strong” since the independence of Djibouti 40 years ago.

The first Saudi-African Summit aims to enhance political coordination between the Kingdom and the continent, fostering joint action, economic development, and investment cooperation.

Bamakhrama said: “This summit has long been awaited by African nations.”

The fifth Arab-Africa Summit, which was planned to take place on Nov. 11 after a seven-year hiatus, has been postponed. A statement said this was due to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and a commitment to prevent regional political events from impacting the Arab African partnership focused on developmental and economic dimensions. The summit was originally scheduled for 2020 but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Its new date has yet to be announced.

The fourth Arab-Africa Summit took place in November 2016 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. It concluded with the endorsement of the Malabo Declaration, with Arab and African countries pledging to enhance cooperation in areas of sustainable development, security, and peace.

“Riyadh is now one of the most important capitals in the Middle East region and in the world. To have these two summits side by side in Riyadh is very important for all African countries,” Bamakhrama added.

The Islamic Development Bank, or IsDB, established in Jeddah in 1975, has long financed projects in Africa. It provides loans and credit to member countries to support the development of both social and physical infrastructure. Among its 57 member countries are 27 African nations.

From 1975 to June 2022, the IsDB has advanced financing worth approximately $65 billion to African countries, including $20 billion for trade financing activities as well as energy, education, health, and road transport projects.

On May 25, the African Union celebrated its 60th anniversary. Upon its creation it set out to liberate the continent from colonialism, strengthen African solidarity, eliminate economic underdevelopment, and elevate the continent in international decision-making.

Six decades later, while much work still needs to be done, the continent is on the rise and has immense economic potential. Covering an area larger than China, Europe, the US, and India combined, Africa also has the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population.

According to the UN, by 2050 one in four people will be African. While birth rates are declining in richer nations, Africa’s population is expected to double to 2.5 billion over the next 25 years.

Africa’s youth is bursting with new ideas, eager to jumpstart initiatives and work across a variety of sectors. The continent’s cities are also rapidly expanding, creating space for new markets and industries.

Saudi Arabia has been quick to recognize Africa’s potential for increased economic, social, and political partnerships, and African officials are eager to encourage investment.

“These two summits are quite significant because they’ll bring and solidify the existing bridges that have always existed between the Arab Peninsula and the African continent,” Lawal said.

It is not just trade and investment that will feature on the agenda at the forthcoming summit. Security issues, including regional conflicts and extremist insurgencies, are also a source of shared concern.

“We have common challenges to discuss. I believe we will discuss many of our issues during the summits. Saudi Arabia has always been a great partner and is already pursuing mediation initiatives in several African conflicts,” Lawal added.

Saudi Arabia has been involved in brokering talks between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which plunged Sudan into violence and humanitarian catastrophe in April.

Since the war broke out more than six months ago, several rounds of talks have been held in Jeddah to establish a ceasefire and to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid. The US and Saudi-sponsored talks, together with the African Union, restarted on Oct. 30.

“The Kingdom is not only contributing to peace initiatives and to resolving conflicts but also to the development of Africa,” Lawal said.

Stability and development will be key to unlocking Africa’s full potential. But to equip young Africans with the tools they need to transform their societies, investment is needed in educational programs — which is why the issue will feature on the summit agenda.

Bamakhrama said: “Without education you can’t understand the world we live in. Education is vital for the development of Africa.”

Staging the twin conferences sends a strong signal to the African continent that Saudi Arabia is committed to building upon its existing relationships and identifying new ways to forge a common vision for development.

“There is already important Gulf Cooperation Council investment in Africa. Through these summits we will be able to deepen our cooperation and make our investments stronger and more practical,” Bamakhrama added.


Saudi crown prince meets Iranian foreign minister amid regional diplomacy push

Updated 08 July 2025
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Saudi crown prince meets Iranian foreign minister amid regional diplomacy push

  • Leaders discuss ties and regional stability
  • Prince Mohammed urges dialogue and diplomacy as means of resolving disputes

JEDDAH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his delegation at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Their meeting came as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries and navigate a turbulent regional landscape.

 

 

During the meeting, Prince Mohammed and Araghchi reviewed the state of Saudi-Iranian relations and exchanged views on recent developments across the region.

The crown prince underscored the Kingdom’s hope that the current ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel would help lay the groundwork for enhanced regional security and stability.

Reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s longstanding support for diplomatic solutions, the crown prince stressed the importance of dialogue in resolving regional disputes and reducing tensions.

For his part, Araghchi expressed gratitude for the Kingdom’s stance in condemning Israeli aggression, and praised Prince Mohammed’s personal commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

The meeting was attended by several senior Saudi officials, including Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, and National Security Advisor Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban.

Earlier in the day, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Iranian counterpart in Makkah, where the two officials also discussed bilateral relations and explored ways to foster regional cooperation.

Their talks focused on the evolving situation in the region and mutual efforts to safeguard security and stability.


Cabinet commends HRC adoption of resolution to protect children in cyberspace

Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet held a session on Tuesday. (SPA)
Updated 08 July 2025
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Cabinet commends HRC adoption of resolution to protect children in cyberspace

  • Crown prince briefed the Cabinet on the contents of his discussions with Indonesian president and phone call he received from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

RIYADH: The Cabinet commended on Tuesday the Human Rights Council’s unanimous adoption of a resolution submitted by the Kingdom to protect children in cyberspace.

The resolution, submitted by Saudi Arabia, aims to protect children in cyberspace and is rooted in the global initiative “Child Protection in Cyberspace” launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in October 2024.

The Cabinet said that Saudi Arabia maintaining its position as the top-ranked country in global cybersecurity according to this year’s edition of the International Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Yearbook adds to a series of achievements made by this sector in record time.

Saudi Minister of State and Cabinet member Issam bin Saad bin Saeed said the Kingdom’s first-place ranking globally in the ICT Development Index 2025 issued by the International Telecommunication Union is a confirmation of the strength of the its digital infrastructure.

It was also testament to the attractiveness of its investment environment and the development of the local digital economy, which has reached SR 495 billion ($132 billion) in size, he added.

The Cabinet also discussed the Kingdom’s efforts and contributions at the international level to support multilateral action and enhance global economic growth rates, including continued cooperation with OPEC+ producers to maintain stability in oil markets.

The crown prince also briefed the Cabinet on the contents of his discussions with the President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto and a phone call he received from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

 


Reimagining the road ahead in Saudi Arabia

As Saudi Arabia rethinks how cities function, the role of local digital infrastructure is becoming more central. (Supplied/SPA)
Updated 08 July 2025
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Reimagining the road ahead in Saudi Arabia

  • A Saudi-developed navigation platform signals a deeper shift in how smart cities are designed

JEDDAH: As cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah grow at an unprecedented pace, they face mounting pressures that come with rapid urban expansion: increased traffic, infrastructure demands, and changing mobility patterns.

These challenges have sparked new conversations — and innovations — to support evolving everyday life.

Among the latest digital tools to emerge is Balady+, a Saudi Arabia-developed navigation app that is gaining traction with more than 1 million downloads on Google Play according to the app’s listing.

As the country continues its digital transformation, mobility solutions such as Balady+ are becoming a part of the conversation on how to make urban environments more efficient, accessible and responsive. (Supplied)

Launched in May, the app offers a locally tailored alternative to global platforms such as Google Maps and Waze to address navigation needs across Saudi cities.

Developed by Balady, a subsidiary of NHC Innovation, the app’s features include real-time traffic updates, indoor navigation in malls and multistory buildings, and alerts for roadworks and speed bumps with accurate spatial and timing information.

FASTFACT

Balady+, a Saudi-developed navigation app, is gaining traction with more than 1 million downloads on Google Play.

A notable moment for the platform came during this year’s Hajj season, when Balady+ collaborated with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites to support pilgrims with an interactive mapping system.

Yasser Alobaidan, CEO of Balady+

Over 11,000 key landmarks — including mosque entrances and exits, surrounding streets, hospitals, Red Crescent stations, restrooms, fountains, and more than 160 critical facilities — were updated in real time to ease the flow of people through dense and high-pressure areas.

“Navigation apps aren’t just tools anymore; they’re daily essentials,” said Abdulrahman Al-Babtain, a Riyadh-based commuter who has been using Balady+ for the past two months.

“What makes this app more useful for me is how it reflects the real condition of roads, especially when it comes to closures or construction zones.”

“Navigation apps aren’t just tools anymore; they’re daily essentials,” said Abdulrahman Al-Babtain, a Riyadh-based commuter who has been using Balady+ for the past two months. (SPA)

Built with an artificial intelligence-powered search engine, the app has generated a mix of enthusiasm and thoughtful critique from users on app stores.

Many have praised its realistic 3D mapping, with comments including “extraordinary” and “custom made” to better visualize surroundings.

Some reviews highlight standout features such as the “snap and send” municipal reporting tool, with one user noting that a damaged road was fixed within 12 hours of being reported.

Adel Alzahrani, ROSHN executive director of community development charters

While one review described the app as a “decent alternative to Google Maps,” others note a learning curve for new users and hope for future updates that make the interface more user-friendly and inclusive.

According to Al-Babtain, speed-bump alerts and government data integrations are particularly helpful in avoiding unexpected delays during his daily commute.

“The GPS is smart, but what really matters is having the most current local info — and that’s where Balady+ wins,” he said.

If we design cities for cars, we get traffic. If we design cities for people, we get life.

Adel Alzahrani, ROSHN executive director of community development charters

For Adel Alzahrani, executive director of community development charters at ROSHN, the app is part of a larger conversation about urban design and mobility.

“We’re not just developing real estate — we’re influencing how people move, live, and interact. Mobility behavior starts with design. I often say the cities of the future won’t be shaped by concrete alone — they’ll be sculpted by intelligence, data, and empathy,” he said.

While international apps dominate global markets, Alzahrani — who has used them all — sees Balady+ as an attempt to address local needs through an initiative that is “culturally aware, government-backed, and citizen-focused.”

“If we design cities for cars, we get traffic. If we design cities for people, we get life,” he said.

As Saudi cities are increasingly digitized, apps such as Balady+ represent a broader shift in how people interact with their surroundings, not just as commuters but also data contributors and active participants in shaping smart urban systems.

Yasser Alobaidan, CEO of the app, told Arab News it was built on a combination of local and global technologies.

It was “created through 3D modelling programs for areas like Hajj camps, the Grand Mosque, the Prophet’s Mosque, and key landmarks across cities — and global technologies that convert residential and commercial buildings into 3D visualizations.”

“Work is currently underway to render the main roads across Saudi cities in 3D to provide drivers with a more realistic navigation experience,” he added.

Available on Android, iOS, and Huawei Store, it supports both Arabic and English, and features a voice assistant that guides users in both languages.

Alobaidan explained the technical challenges of rendering 3D environments, such the Grand Mosque and Hajj camps, on users’ mobile devices.

“Managing and optimizing the processing power and battery usage on users’ mobile devices when rendering 3D models was not easy.”

As the country continues its digital transformation, mobility solutions such as Balady+ are becoming a part of the conversation on how to make urban environments more efficient, accessible and responsive.

“Saudi Arabia stands at a unique moment. We have the chance to leapfrog the mistakes of car-first urbanism and become a global model of people-centered innovation — where design, policy, and technology converge to create cities that breathe, move, and serve with grace,” Alzahrani explained.

“It’s not just a digital tool, it’s a statement of intent. It tells us that Saudi Arabia isn’t just building smart cities — we’re designing smarter ways to live in them.”

Looking ahead, he said: “I’d love to see Balady+ connect with multimodal platforms, so users can seamlessly move between metro, bus, walking, or even autonomous shuttles.

“I’d also advocate for opening up APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), so urban developers and municipal agencies can build on top of the platform, creating custom layers for districts or temporary events.”

As the Kingdom rethinks how cities function, the role of local digital infrastructure is becoming more central.

Balady+ may not be the only tool in that transition, but it points to a growing appetite for locally developed, tech-driven solutions to urban challenges.

“It’s not following global models. It’s redefining them through a uniquely Saudi lens. And I think that’s something worth celebrating,” Alzahrani said.

 


Jazan’s stone castles draw travelers into the past

For generations, Jazan’s castles and houses served as vibrant hubs of social and cultural activity. (SPA)
Updated 08 July 2025
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Jazan’s stone castles draw travelers into the past

  • Residents ingeniously utilized available resources to create functional homes tailored to the needs and lifestyles of their communities

RIYADH: The stone castles and ancient homes scattered across Jazan stand as silent witnesses to a rich history and architectural legacy spanning generations.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the structures play a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism and form an integral part of Jazan’s tourism and cultural heritage.

For generations, Jazan’s castles and houses served as vibrant hubs of social and cultural activity. (SPA)

The designs of these castles and stone houses vary widely and visitors are invited to gain insight into the traditional building methods and local materials used.

Residents ingeniously utilized available resources to create functional homes tailored to the needs and lifestyles of their communities.

For generations, Jazan’s castles and houses served as vibrant hubs of social and cultural activity. (SPA)

Far from being mere dwellings, these castles and houses served as vibrant hubs of social and cultural activity. They hosted countless family gatherings, celebrations and social events, highlighting the strong cohesion of the local community.

They remain emblematic of regional identity. Today, the castles and stone houses of Jazan draw history buffs and eco-tourists alike, offering a glimpse of the Kingdom’s cultural tapestry and efforts to preserve Jazan’s legacy.

 


HRC adopts Saudi-submitted resolution to protect children in cyberspace

A general view of a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. (File/AFP)
Updated 08 July 2025
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HRC adopts Saudi-submitted resolution to protect children in cyberspace

  • Resolution mirrors the key pillars of the crown prince’s initiative, calling for enhanced global cooperation, the exchange of best practices and raising awareness

RIYADH: The Human Rights Council has unanimously adopted a resolution submitted by Saudi Arabia aimed at protecting children in cyberspace, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The resolution is rooted in the global initiative “Child Protection in Cyberspace” launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in October 2024.

Presented during the council’s 59th session, the draft resolution was introduced by the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and International Organizations in Geneva, Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila.

The resolution, co-sponsored by Kuwait, Algeria, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Vietnam, received unanimous approval, reflecting broad international support.

In his address to the council, the official highlighted the dual nature of the digital space in children’s lives, noting that while it offers valuable opportunities for learning and interaction, it also presents growing risks that demand coordinated international responses.

He emphasized the need for strengthened national frameworks and international cooperation to ensure safety for children online.

The resolution mirrors the key pillars of the crown prince’s initiative, calling for enhanced global cooperation, the exchange of best practices, raising awareness, and the development of skills necessary to foster a safe and empowering digital environment for children.

It further underscores the importance of providing tailored technical assistance to meet each country’s specific needs and priorities, thereby building sustainable national capabilities in digital child protection.

With its unanimous adoption, the resolution underscores the Kingdom’s ongoing leadership in international efforts to create a secure, inclusive cyberspace for children worldwide, SPA said.

It also affirms Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in shaping global policy on child protection and cybersecurity.