Space debris threatens human rights, Saudi envoy warns UN
Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila, Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, emphasized the need for outer space sustainability
Updated 20 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: In an address to the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the Saudi representative sounded the alarm on the escalating threat of space debris to human rights and sustainable development, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Speaking on behalf of 123 countries, Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila, Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, emphasized the need for outer space sustainability to safeguard the transformative benefits of space technology for humanity.
The use of space has “revolutionized global communications, weather forecasting, and disaster management,” he said, underlining the pivotal role these advances play in protecting fundamental human rights.
However, the ambassador cautioned that the growing problem of space debris poses a significant risk to the infrastructure supporting these operations.
This threat, he said, could severely impede the global community’s ability to protect and promote essential human rights.
Bin Khothaila drew direct links between the management of space debris and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
He emphasized that effective space debris mitigation is crucial for maintaining access to technologies that underpin weather monitoring, disaster response and urban planning.
The Saudi envoy’s concerns are echoed by key UN bodies.
The UN Office for Outer Space Affairs and the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space have each underscored the importance of space debris management for the safety of space operations, international security, environmental protection and satellite services that contribute to human rights and development.
Art, music, fireworks shows on for Saudi National Day celebrations
Events taking place in Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla over 4-day holiday
Traditional arts, theater events also on the schedule nationwide
Updated 20 September 2024
Rashid Hassan Afshan Aziz Jasmine Bager
RIYADH/JEDDAH/ALKHOBAR: With the Saudi National Day holiday running from Friday to Monday, what better way to mark the annual Sept. 23 occasion than by immersing oneself in the Kingdom’s most breathtaking landscapes as well as fireworks, music and art shows.
The General Entertainment Authority has announced there will be fireworks displays across Saudi Arabia. On Sept. 22, Umm Ajlan Park in the capital is hosting, for free, the nation’s biggest fireworks display, a drone show, and a folklore event, starting at 9 p.m.
Saudi folklore shows, air shows and many other events are taking place across the Kingdom as part of Saudi National Day celebrations. (SPA)
There will also be fireworks displays at Jeddah Promenade from Friday to Monday starting at 6 p.m. On the same day, as a part of the festivities, there will be an air show at Jeddah’s North Corniche with planes flying in formation and leaving green smoke trails across the sky.
Having started on Sept. 19, the Mishkat Interactive Exhibition is hosting the “Energy of Glory” celebration until Sept. 21, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., focusing on Saudi Vision 2030 and the nation’s sustainable energy goals.
September 23 will feature a local band performing traditional and modern songs, a Saudi folklore show, and a marine show at the Jeddah Yacht Club. (Supplied)
At Nakheel Mall Riyadh, Fontana Circus will be performing with gravity-defying aerialists. There will also be a musical fountain on display.
At The Globe, one of Riyadh’s most iconic dining spots, which is a glass-enclosed venue with panoramic city views, diners can enjoy afternoon tea from Sept. 20 to 23.
In Alkhobar, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture will have a series of curated interactive cultural programs from Sept. 20 to 23. (Supplied)
Other dining options in the capital include the Mandarin Oriental and Al-Faisaliah where cuisine from the Kingdom’s 13 regions is on the menu.
At Jeddah Yacht Club and Jeddah Art Promenade, a local band will perform traditional and modern songs, in addition to a Saudi folklore show, and a marine show on Sept. 23.
One of the standout events this weekend is “Shojaa,” a family-friendly musical show at The Club in Al-Shallal Theme Park. Running from Sept. 20 to 23, this performance celebrates Saudi Arabia culture with music, storytelling, and a homage to the Year of the Camel.
In Jeddah’s Historic District, the cultural history of Saudi Arabia will be presented at the Tariq Abdulhakim Center. From Sept. 21 to 24, the center will host museum tours, karaoke sessions, art workshops, face painting for children, and an Arabic calligraphy booth.
Zawiya 97 in the Historic District will have an artisan souq on Sept. 23, with handmade crafts for sale, and educational and cultural offerings. From Sept. 22 to 23, there will be performers playing traditional music on the oud at Social Shot Lounge & Bar.
In AlUla, the Azimuth Festival is on from Sept. 19 to 21 at Wadi Al-Fann, featuring international and regional artists. Also, Hero Experiences Group is offering hot-air balloon flights above AlUla’s ancient landscapes
Also on offer is the Sharaan Platinum Dinner Safari, a tour of the nature reserve led by expert guides in the afternoon. There will be tours of canyons with ancient petroglyphs and rock formations. Canapes will be available as the sun sets over the valley.
In the evening, a traditional South African braai, or barbecue, will be on offer in a canyon aglow with lanterns, and later a stargazing session under the vast desert sky.
In Alkhobar, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture will have a series of curated interactive cultural programs from Sept. 20 to 23. The activities include live performances, workshops, exhibitions and film screenings which highlight Saudi heritage.
In addition, there will performances of traditional Saudi art forms, including the Al-Ardah dance.
From Sept. 19 to 23, Alkhobar’s new performing arts center, Fantakah, will stage an original play titled “The Law of Attraction.” Fantakah founder and chief operating officer, Husain Zaber, is the writer and director.
JAZAN: The Higher Institute for Tourism and Hospitality, in cooperation with UN Tourism’s regional office in Riyadh, recently organized a workshop called “Innovative Approaches for Sustainable Tourism Practices” at the institute’s headquarters in Jazan.
The workshop featured an introduction to sustainable tourism, under the supervision of Luis Nicolas Barrios, regional manager for innovation, education and investments at the UN Tourism Regional Office.
Brainstorming sessions were conducted to promote critical thinking and idea generation during the event. (SPA)
Those participating in the event undertook brainstorming sessions aimed at promoting critical thinking and the generation of ideas.
Ali bin Saeed bin Jaber, director of the institute, explained that the initiative was part of the body’s ambitious plans for providing job opportunities for Saudi youngsters while helping them toward meeting the needs of the international hotel and tourism industry through the institute’s programs. These had been designed in cooperation with international academic institutes and the local private sector.
4 Ethiopians arrested for drug smuggling in Saudi Arabia’s Asir
In Al-Ardah, also in Jazan, they thwarted an attempt to smuggle 435 kg of qat
Updated 20 September 2024
SPA
ABHA: The Kingdom’s Border Guard land patrols in Dhahran Al-Janub, Asir, arrested four Ethiopians for illegal entry and attempting to smuggle 40 kg of hashish into the country.
The initial regulatory procedures were completed, and the seized narcotics were handed over to the relevant authority.
Meanwhile, Border Guard land patrols in Al-Dayer, Jazan, thwarted an attempt to smuggle 165 kg of qat.
In Al-Ardah, also in Jazan, they thwarted an attempt to smuggle 435 kg of qat.
Security authorities urge citizens and residents to report all information regarding activities related to drug smuggling or selling by calling the numbers 911 for Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region, and 999 for the rest of the Kingdom.
Saudi aid center expands relief efforts in Chad and Sudan
KSrelief extended its humanitarian reach to Sudan, where it distributed 600 shelter kits in the Merowe area of Northern State
Updated 20 September 2024
Arab News
N'DJAMMENA: In a significant humanitarian initiative, the Saudi aid agency KSRelief recently distributed aid packages in Chad and Sudan, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities in Africa.
In Chad, KSRelief distributed 3,299 food baskets in several cities. This distribution, part of the 2024 food security support project in Chad, benefited 19,794 individuals from the neediest families. The operation underscores the agency’s ongoing efforts to address food insecurity in the region.
Simultaneously, KSrelief extended its humanitarian reach to Sudan, where it distributed 600 shelter kits in the Merowe area of Northern State. This initiative, which is part of the 2024 urgent shelter assistance project for Sudan, helped 3,056 individuals from families severely affected by heavy rains and flooding.
The distributions are part of a broader series of relief and humanitarian projects implemented by KSRelief. The agency serves as the Kingdom’s humanitarian arm, providing assistance to the Sudanese people during the ongoing humanitarian crisis in their country.
MADINAH: President Adama Barrow of the Republic of the Gambia arrived in Madinah on Friday to visit and pray at the Prophet’s Mosque.
On his arrival at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport, he was received by the Deputy Governor of Madinah Region Prince Saud bin Khalid bin Faisal and a number of officials, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
