RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Friday urged the United Nations Security Council to get its act together and find a way to stop the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from widening further.
Speaking at a Security Council meeting in New York, Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat lamented that despite the successive resolutions passed by the General Assembly, there is no end in sight to the
“catastrophic humanitarian situation” the people of Gaza are facing.
Prince Faisal made the plea as fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah continued to escalate, with Israel expanding its air strikes to the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, while Hezbollah targeting key Israeli facilities with missiles.
He faulted members of the council for being quick to use the veto rather than find consensus to resolve the Gaza crisis. He noted that since last October there were six draft resolutions where the veto was used out of ten.
Even then, he said, the resolutions that were adopted failed to achieve a ceasefire, failed to address the catastrophic humanitarian situation, and failed to pave the way for a creditable political path towards peace.
Last March, Russia and China vetoed a US-proposed resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an Israel-Hamas hostage deal. Other resolutions saw the US objecting and Britain abstaining.
In the 15-member Security Council, the permanent members — Britain China, France, Russia and the US — are entitled to a special voting power known as the ‘”right to veto.” A veto could defeat a resolution even if it is supported by a majority of the council members.
“What does the UNSC need to end the suffering, to implement international law?,” Prince Faisal said. “It is clear there is a widening gap between international consensus and divides within the Security Council, which undermine its performance.”
Prince Faisal cited the General Assembly for passing successive resolutions that reflected what countries where calling for: the urgent need for a ceasefire, providing humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip without interruption, and the right of Palestinians to self determination,
“We value the resolution of the General Assembly that recognized the eligibility of Palestine for full membership at the UN, by virtue of which Palestine received additional privileges, as well as the latest resolutions that called on Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territory, he said.
Saudi FM urges Security Council to act to contain Mideast crisis
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Saudi FM urges Security Council to act to contain Mideast crisis
- Prince Faisal spotlighted the growing rift between a divided Security Council and the international consensus
How NEOM Green Hydrogen Company is championing Saudi Arabia’s clean energy transition
- NEOM is leading Saudi Arabia’s mission to become a top manufacturer and exporter of clean energy
- The project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, diversifying the Kingdom’s economy while cutting carbon emissions
RIYADH: As global efforts to combat climate change intensify, Saudi Arabia is making bold strides in green hydrogen production, positioning itself as a world leader in the manufacture and export of sustainable energy.
At the heart of this transformation is the NEOM Green Hydrogen Company, a key component of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s blueprint for diversifying its economy away from oil and achieving sustainability.
Green hydrogen, produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, has emerged as a critical solution in the fight against climate change.
Unlike gray or blue hydrogen, which are produced from natural gas and emit carbon dioxide or require carbon capture technologies, green hydrogen offers a zero-emissions alternative that can be used across various sectors, from transportation to manufacturing and energy storage.
As part of Saudi Arabia’s long-term energy strategy, NGHC is harnessing the country’s abundant wind and sunshine to produce green hydrogen on a massive scale.
The initiative will not only help Saudi Arabia reduce its domestic carbon footprint but also position the Kingdom as a major global supplier of green hydrogen, helping other countries reduce their emissions.
In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Wesam Al-Ghamdi, CEO of NGHC, described how NEOM’s focus on green hydrogen aligned with the broader objectives of Vision 2030.
“We are proud to say that our vision is driven by Vision 2030,” he said. “Our product, our green ammonia, will be saving the world 5 million tons of carbon emissions.”
NGHC is set to be a cornerstone in Saudi Arabia’s green energy ambitions, producing up to 650 tonnes of green hydrogen daily using renewable energy from the vast solar and wind farms situated in NEOM — a futuristic city being built in northwest Saudi Arabia.
Indeed, NEOM’s geographic position, with optimal sunlight and wind conditions, makes it an ideal hub for green hydrogen production.
At the core of NEOM’s green hydrogen initiative is cutting-edge technology. According to Al-Ghamdi, the company is focused on optimizing the scale of its operations.
“We are building the technology on a very optimized scale. Large scale compacts to lots of small hydrogen plants,” he said.
Additionally, NEOM’s Oxagon — the new high-tech industrial park — will host the Hydrogen Innovative Development Center to ensure the Kingdom stays ahead of evolving green energy technologies.
Al-Ghamdi stressed the entire development was designed with environmental considerations in mind. “Since we started the development and the design phase, we have been building the plant to be environmentally friendly,” he said.
While some critics argue that large-scale hydrogen production could inadvertently create environmental challenges, NGHC’s leadership emphasizes the sustainable nature of the operation
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The company aims to produce hydrogen entirely through renewable energy sources, ensuring minimal environmental disruption.
“We are building the plant to be carbon-free. We are only producing hydrogen from solar and wind,” said Al-Ghamdi.
He further highlighted that environmental policies and procedures would remain central to the project as it evolved.
“For the future, the keyword is reinforcement,” he said. “We build our policy, procedures and framework around starting the operations and continuing the operations to be environmentally friendly.”
NGHC’s ambitions extend far beyond the borders of Saudi Arabia. The project aims to position the Kingdom as a global leader in hydrogen production, while also creating thousands of new jobs and stimulating local economies.
These efforts reflect a broader global shift toward sustainable energy, offering a glimpse into the future of the hydrogen economy.
DID YOUKNOW?
• Green hydrogen releases zero carbon dioxide and its only byproduct is water, making it the cleanest hydrogen fuel.
• By 2030, half of Saudi Arabia’s power will come from renewable sources, including green hydrogen.
• Saudi Arabia plans to invest more than $200 billion in renewable energy by 2030, boosting green hydrogen initiatives.
International collaboration is seen as a key factor in the project’s success. By working closely with leading global technology providers and energy firms like ACWA Power, NGHC is ensuring it remains at the forefront of green hydrogen production.
Such partnerships are crucial for knowledge-sharing and innovation in the hydrogen sector.
“ACWA Power and their experience, deep knowledge, and renewable power continues to be a source for us,” said Al-Ghamdi.
For Saudi Arabia, green hydrogen is more than just a tool for reducing emissions — it is a critical element of its Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
“Saudi Arabia especially, the major countries of the G20, the decarbonizing and net-zero targets, are telling us that there is nowhere to go but to decarbonize,” said Al-Ghamdi.
“No one doubts that hydrogen is the fuel of the future.”
Peace and pottery: women-only workshops in Riyadh a haven for creativity and wellness
- Terracotta Studio in Riyadh offers courses for all abilities
- ‘The turnout has been tremendous,’ owner Ghada Al-Malki says
RIYADH: Terracotta Studio, a women-only pottery space, is shaping more than just clay. Run by Ghada Al-Malki, the venue offers women the chance to explore pottery as both an art form and a therapeutic escape.
Al-Malki said her experience studying psychology helped her to see the benefits of handicrafts, which she described as “a form of therapy.”
Her interest in crafting began with beading but later expanded to pottery.
“When I worked with beads, I felt: Wow! So I thought I must learn another craft. I learned pottery and once I did I opened the studio.”
I thought people needed to experience what I went through and see how pottery helps release negative energy, which is what we need in today’s world.
Ghada Al-Malki
It was that feeling of excitement and exhilaration that she wanted to share.
“I thought people needed to experience what I went through and see how pottery helps release negative energy, which is what we need in today’s world.”
Located in the Al-Yasmin district of northern Riyadh, Terracotta Studio offers a variety of pottery workshops for all abilities.
“The studio is exclusively for women, so they can feel comfortable,” Al-Malki said.
“We have pottery workshops where I teach them how to make cups, plates, or paint the pieces we’ve made. Painting itself is an art.”
She said the response she had received was beyond her expectations.
“Honestly, I was really surprised … The turnout has been tremendous, which shows that we really need a space to release our energy.”
She said some of her customers had even said they had been sleeping better after attending her classes.
“The most satisfying part of running this studio is when a customer leaves happy and comes back to tell me: ‘Ghada, thank you, I really enjoyed it.’
“Sometimes people contact me later and say: ‘Ghada, I truly felt like I had the best sleep in a long time; I feel much more relaxed.’ That feeling wipes away all the exhaustion at the end of the day.”
While the studio might be great at helping her clients to unwind, running it was not always easy, Al-Malki said.
“The biggest issue we face is real estate. Rental prices are high and raw materials are not available in Saudi Arabia, so they are expensive for us. But, thank God, we try to manage the challenges as much as we can.”
Al-Malki said she hoped to expand the studio’s offerings in the future.
“I aim to create spaces specifically for children. You cannot imagine how much children need this craft and playing with clay.”
As well as its regular workshops, Terracotta Studio hosts exhibitions where students can display their work.
Volunteers bring color to Jeddah fruit and vegetable market
- Abdul Rahman Al-Ghamdi, the operational manager of Jeddah Central Market Co., told Arab News that the initiative should improve both the appearance of main floors and public areas
JEDDAH: In a bid to add a splash of color to the walkways of Jeddah’s central fruit and vegetable market, local people volunteered for the Saudi Fingerprints initiative, held from Sept. 17-19.
The initiative, a collaboration between Jeddah Central Market Co., the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and the Hatan volunteering team, aims to improve the local urban landscape.
Abdul Rahman Al-Ghamdi, the operational manager of Jeddah Central Market Co., told Arab News that the initiative should improve both the appearance of main floors and public areas.
“The initiative was a clear message to all visitors, vendors and customers to beautify the pathways of Jeddah’s vegetable and fruit market.
“The activity is a reflection of the deep societal awareness to revive the old areas of the market and turn them into vivid and eye-catching artistic projects in a creative manner.
“It is part of the company’s projects donated to the community that contribute to stimulating creativity and supporting local volunteers, and encouraging families to return to the place in its new attire,” he said.
Art is important for establishing a unique and culturally active place.
Moslah Al-Olayani, Director of the fruit and vegetable market
Attendees watched young volunteers transform the market with paint over the course of the three-day event, which was open to the public.
Al-Ghamdi revealed that more than 200 volunteers took part in the project.
“Art is important for establishing a unique and culturally active place,” said Moslah Al-Olayani, director of the fruit and vegetable market.
“Public art is as important to our district as appealing storefronts, green spaces, and fine stalls. The coloring of the sidewalks of the market brings beauty to our community, and this initiative comes as part of the ministry’s strategy to enhance community engagement, empower creatives, and improve the public landscape.
“Art can help shape a place and this piece has helped revamp the market’s pathway into an exciting experience for residents and visitors coming to the vegetable and fruit market.
“(The) vegetable and fruit market is an old and very crowded place in Jeddah, we wanted to improve the quality of life for all with our support for Saudi volunteers.”
Faisal bin Fahad, the executive manager of Hatan volunteering team, told Arab News that staff volunteers joined the Saudi Fingerprints initiative together to get their hands dirty and add a bright touch to the place.
“The activity is a reflection of the deep societal awareness to keep the vegetable and fruit market in looks neat for the customers and vendors who are spending most of their time there,” he said.
“On behalf of my volunteering team, we are very proud to be part of such a great initiative which will benefit our city.”
Asked about how the market’s new look, Hamdan Al-Mutairi, a vegetable vendor who has been working at the market for the last 10 years, said: “It really looks nice and the market looks different. When you walk in, it really catches your eye.”
Saudi Border Guards in Asir foil attempts to smuggle 180 kg of qat
- The authorities ask citizens and residents to report all information regarding drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 in the rest of Saudi Arabia
ABHA: Saudi Border Guards in Al-Raboah, Asir, have foiled an attempt to smuggle 180 kg of qat. Preliminary procedures have been completed and the seized drug handed to the authorities.
Patrols in Al-Daer, Jazan, have also thwarted attempts to smuggle 7,300 amphetamine pills and 8,600 tablets subject to medical circulation regulations. Preliminary procedures have been completed and the seized narcotics handed to the authorities.
Further patrols in Al-Daer foiled an attempt to smuggle 230 kg of qat. Preliminary procedures have again been completed and the seized drug handed to authorities.
The authorities ask citizens and residents to report all information regarding drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom. People can also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control by calling 995.
Saudi ministry holds intensive course for imams in Indonesia
- The initiative is part of the ministry’s endeavors to organize Shariah courses for preachers and imams to help spread the message and values of Islam while developing the skills of religious figures
PADANG: The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the religious mission of the Saudi Embassy in Indonesia, held its fourth intensive course for imams, sermon givers, preachers, and heads of educational and Islamic institutions in Padang, West Sumatra.
The three-day course, organized by the religious mission in collaboration with the Islamic foundation Yayasan Dar El-Iman Padang, targets 450 male and female participants.
The initiative is part of the ministry’s endeavors to organize Shariah courses for preachers and imams to help spread the message and values of Islam while developing the skills of religious figures.
In his address, Mohammed Elvi Syam, head of the Yayasan Dar El-Iman Padang Foundation, expressed his gratitude to the Saudi government and people for their significant care for Muslims worldwide, especially in Indonesia.
He also commended the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance for its services to the Muslim community.
