JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission will hold a Scientific Conference on Underwater Cultural Heritage in Jeddah on Monday, with the participation of researchers from several countries.
The conference aims to discuss studies on research projects and the importance of preserving the features of underwater heritage. The event will also honor pioneers and researchers in the field.
The commission hopes to preserve underwater cultural heritage, prioritize survey and excavation projects for underwater heritage sites, and promote the exchange of expertise and experiences in the field.
This aligns with the objectives of the National Strategy for Culture within the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The conference will announce the establishment of a specialized center to protect underwater cultural heritage in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. Sessions will be broadcast on the Heritage Commission’s YouTube channel.
The conference will feature four panel discussions, each addressing key aspects of underwater cultural heritage.
The first will delve into “Survey Projects for Submerged Heritage in Saudi Arabia,” showcasing ongoing efforts within the Kingdom.
The second will explore “Results of Submerged Heritage Survey Projects Worldwide,” providing a global perspective on underwater cultural heritage.
The third will focus on “Archaeological Research Sources and Modern Techniques in Surveying and Excavating Submerged Heritage,” highlighting innovative approaches employed in the field.
The fourth will address “Capacity Building and Management of Submerged Cultural Heritage,” emphasizing the importance of developing expertise and sustainable management practices.
Participants from various Arab and international countries will be hosted during the event, including the US, Spain, the UK, Argentina, Italy, Slovenia, Mexico, South Korea, Egypt, Algeria, Lebanon, Bulgaria and Australia.
The commission’s commitment to organizing this conference stems from its belief in the integral role of submerged cultural heritage in shaping national culture and heritage.
Submerged heritage serves as a living testament to the historical relationships between the Kingdom and ancient civilizations.
In addition to the conference sessions, the commission has planned a historical tour and special activities to engage and educate attendees about the significance of submerged cultural heritage.
This interactive approach aims to foster a deeper understanding of the historical narratives embedded in the underwater heritage of Saudi Arabia.
Jeddah forum to discuss underwater heritage preservation
https://arab.news/mfuy9
Jeddah forum to discuss underwater heritage preservation
- Saudi commission leads global discussion on protecting underwater cultural heritage
- The conference will announce the establishment of a specialized center to protect underwater cultural heritage in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
KSrelief helps Syrian orphans in Jordan
- Project was signed by the agency’s general supervisor, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabiah, and the Secretary-General of the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization Hussein Al-Shebli
- Signing ceremony, held at the Saudi Embassy in Amman, was attended by Nayef bin Bandar Al-Sudairi, the Kingdom’s ambassador to Jordan
AMMAN: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has signed an agreement to implement a project to support 1,000 Syrian orphans and their host communities in Jordan.
The project, valued at almost SR4.9 million ($1.3 million), was signed by the agency’s general supervisor, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabiah, and the secretary-general of the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization, Hussein Al-Shebli.
The signing ceremony, held at the Saudi Embassy in Amman, was attended by Nayef bin Bandar Al-Sudairi, the Kingdom’s ambassador to Jordan and non-resident ambassador to the State of Palestine, and representatives of international humanitarian organizations.
As well as providing funds to cover the cost of the orphans’ basic needs, the agreement will support a range of education, recreation and community initiatives in Amman, Zarqa, Mafraq, Irbid, Ajloun, Jerash, Balqa, Madaba, Karak, Tafilah, Ma’an and Aqaba.
Saudi citizenship granted to selection of researchers, innovators, and specialists
RIYADH: Saudi citizenship has been granted to a number of scientists, doctors, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and people who have rare capabilities, expertise, and specializations, Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The granting of citizenship was issued as part of a royal order granting Saudi citizenship to people with legal, medical, scientific, cultural, sports and technical competencies for the benefit of the nation in various fields.
It is also in line with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enhancing the investment environment for human capabilities to be developed and distinguished and creative people are attracted to.
A number of specialists, whose expertise in the economic, health, cultural, sports and innovation fields was considered distinguished, were previously awarded citizenship in 2021.
Two lynx kittens born at Prince Saud Al-Faisal National Center in Taif
- Births follow launch of specialist breeding program in 2022
- New arrivals tribute to center’s efforts to protect endangered species, NCW chief says
RIYADH: A breeding program set up by the National Center for Wildlife Development has paid off after a lynx at the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Center for Wildlife Research in Taif gave birth to two kittens, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The program was established in 2022 and is part of the center’s wider efforts to preserve wildlife and protect ecosystems in line with the National Environment Strategy and Saudi Green Initiative under Vision 2030.
NCW CEO Dr. Mohammed Ali Qurban said the birth of the kittens represented the center’s “ongoing efforts to preserve endangered species and expand breeding programs” and was “evidence of the continued success in implementing ambitious environmental programs that aim to protect biodiversity in the Kingdom.”
Such initiatives sought to “promote the best practices of environmental conservation in accordance with an integrated legislative structure that embodies the center’s vision of achieving a thriving and sustainable wildlife,” he said.
Qurban said the predator breeding program was being run alongside other programs that sought to create suitable environments for the animals on their release, and that the Taif center had played a key role in helping to get endangered species back into their natural environments.
Kiswa of Kaaba to be replaced with advent of new Islamic year
- Production of the Kiswa requires about 1,000 kilograms of raw silk which is dyed black at the complex, 120 kilograms of gold wire, and 100 kilograms of silver wire
RIYADH: The intricate black cloth covering the Kaaba will be replaced on Muharram 1, the beginning of the Hijri year, as part of an annual tradition.
The Kiswa will be changed with the help of 159 technicians and craftsmen, Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The old Kiswa will be removed and replaced by a new one which consists of four separate sides and a door curtain. Each side will be raised separately to the top of the Kaaba in preparation for its unfolding over the old side.
The new Kiswa will be attached from above and the ropes of the old cloth will then be loosened.
Over 200 craftsmen and administrators work at the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa in Makkah where the special cloth is produced.
The complex has separate departments for dyeing, machine-weaving, hand-weaving, printing, belts, gold-plating, sewing, and assembling.
The sewing and assembling department features the largest sewing machine in the world which is 16 meters long and runs on a computer system.
Production of the Kiswa requires about 1,000 kilograms of raw silk which is dyed black at the complex, 120 kilograms of gold wire, and 100 kilograms of silver wire.
The new Hijri year is due to start on July 7.
Family vacation ends in tragedy as prominent Saudi doctor dies trying to save drowning son in Swiss lake
- The family was spending a day at the Giessbach Waterfalls in Brienz Lake near the Swiss Alps
- Dr. Alanazi’s son Abdulaziz was said to have slipped down into the waterfalls while the family took photos
BEIRUT: A Saudi family’s holiday in Switzerland ended in tragedy when Dr. Abdullah Alanazi died after jumping into Brienz Lake trying to save his drowning 2-year-old son over the weekend.
A prominent doctor and head of the research unit at the College of Applied Medical Sciences in Riyadh, Alanazi was reported by Saudi media to have been on a family vacation when the tragedy occurred.
The family was spending a day at the Giessbach Waterfalls in Brienz Lake near the Swiss Alps.
Reportedly, Alanazi’s son Abdulaziz was said to have slipped down into the waterfalls as the family took photos. The doctor immediately jumped after his drowning son in an attempt to save him, but the two were swept away by the strong currents and disappeared in front of the eyes of Alanazi’s weeping and traumatized wife and daughter.
Swiss police and rescue teams arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and launched immediate search and rescue operations that were purported to have lasted two days until Alanazi’s body was recovered. The search for Abdulaziz’s body continues. Media reports said helicopters and boats were also used during the search operation.
The Saudi Embassy in Switzerland and King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences offered condolences to Alanazi’s family.
Meanwhile, the doctor’s wife was cited in some media reports as saying that on that day, they did not intend to go out, but Alanazi insisted on going to the waterfalls, which are located 50 minutes away from where they had been residing. She was allegedly told by some people who were present there that the waterfalls were easily reachable and suitable for children.
She claimed that her husband asked her to hold their daughter’s hand while he held Abdulaziz’s hand. But while they were taking photos, their 2-year-old let go of his father’s hand suddenly, lost his balance and fell into the water.
