GENEVA: The United Nations said on Monday it is seeking $6 billion for Sudan this year from international donors to help ease suffering in what it called one of the most devastating crises of our times, characterised by mass displacement and growing famine.
The UN appeal represents a rise of more than 40 percent from last year’s for Sudan at a time when aid budgets around the world are under increasing strain, partly due to a pause in funding announced by US President Donald Trump last month that has affected life-saving programs across the globe.
But the UN says the funds are necessary because the impact of the 22-month war between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — that has already displaced a fifth of its population and stoked severe hunger among around half its population — looks set to worsen.
“Sudan is a humanitarian emergency of shocking proportions,” said UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher ahead of the launch. “Famine is taking hold. An epidemic of sexual violence rages. Children are being killed and injured. The suffering is appalling.”
Famine conditions have been reported in at least five locations in Sudan, including displacement camps in Darfur, the UN statement said, adding that this was set to worsen with continued fighting and the collapse of basic services.
One of the famine-stricken camps was attacked by the RSF last week as the paramilitary group tries to tighten its grip on its Darfur stronghold.
While some aid agencies say they have received waivers from Washington to provide aid in Sudan, uncertainty remains on the extent of coverage for providing famine relief.
The UN plan aims to reach nearly 21 million people within the country, making it the most ambitious humanitarian response so far for 2025, and requires $4.2 billion — the rest being for those displaced by the conflict.
UN seeks $6 billion to ease ‘appalling’ suffering in Sudan
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UN seeks $6 billion to ease ‘appalling’ suffering in Sudan
- Appeal represents 40 percent increase from 2024 amid tight budgets
- UN plan is most ambitious globally, aiming to reach 21 mln people
Morocco ‘water highway’ averts crisis in big cities but doubts over sustainability
- Morocco is spending hundreds of millions of dollars on tapping northern rivers to supply water to parched cities farther south
KENITRA: Morocco is spending hundreds of millions of dollars on tapping northern rivers to supply water to parched cities farther south but experts question the sustainability of the project in the face of climate change.
The North African kingdom has spent $728 million so far on what it dubs a “water highway” to redirect the surplus flow of the Sebou River to meet the drinking water needs of capital Rabat and economic hub Casablanca, according to official figures.
In the future, it plans to tap other northern rivers to extend the project to the southern city of Marrakech.
Officials say the project has been a success in heading off the immediate threat to the water supply of the country’s most populous region.
“Transferring surplus water from the Sebou basin in the north allowed us to prevent about 12 million people from running out of water,” said senior agriculture ministry official Mahjoub Lahrache.
In late 2023, the capital Rabat and its surrounding region came perilously close to running out of water when the main reservoir supplying the city ran dry.
Morocco has long suffered from extreme disparities in rainfall between the Atlas mountain ranges and the semi-arid and desert regions farther south.
“Fifty-three percent of rainfall occurs in just seven percent of the national territory,” Water Minister Nizar Baraka told AFP.
In the past, rainfall in the Atlas ranges has created sufficient surplus flow on most northern rivers for them to reach the ocean even in the driest months of the year.
It is those surpluses that the “water highway” project seeks to tap.
A diversion dam has been built in the city of Kenitra, just inland from the Atlantic coast, to hold back the flow of the Sebou River before it enters the ocean.
The water is then treated and transported along a 67-kilometer (42-mile) underground canal to supply residents of Rabat and Casablanca.
Inaugurated last August, the “water highway” had supplied more than 700 million cubic meters (24.7 billion cubic feet) of drinking water to the two urban areas by early March, according to official figures.
But experts question how long the Sebou and other northern rivers will continue to generate water surpluses that can be tapped.
The kingdom already suffers from significant water stress after six straight years of drought.
Annual water supply has dropped from an average of 18 billion cubic meters in the 1980s to just five billion today, according to official figures.
Despite heavy rains in the northwest in early March, Morocco remains in the grip of drought with rainfall 75 percent below historical averages.
The dry spell has been “the longest in the country’s history,” the water minister said, noting that previous dry cycles typically lasted three years at most.
Rising temperatures — up 1.8 degrees Celsius last year alone — have intensified evaporation.
Experts say that climate change is likely to see further reductions in rainfall, concentrated in the very areas from which the “water highway” is designed to tap surplus flows.
“Future scenarios indicate that northern water basins will be significantly more affected by climate change than those in the south over the next 60 years,” said water and climate researcher Nabil El Mocayd.
“What is considered surplus today may no longer exist in the future due to this growing deficit,” he added, referencing a 2020 study in which he recommended scaling back the “water highway.”
Demand for water for irrigation also remains high in Morocco, where the farm sector employs nearly a third of the workforce.
Researcher Abderrahim Handouf said more needed to be done to help farmers adopt water-efficient irrigation techniques.
Handouf said the “water highway” was “an effective solution in the absence of alternatives” but warned that climate challenges will inevitably “create problems even in the north.”
“We must remain cautious,” he said, calling for greater investment in desalination plants to provide drinking water to the big cities.
Taliban leader says there is no need for Western laws in Afghanistan
- The Taliban leader says there is no need for Western laws in Afghanistan and that democracy was dead as long as sharia laws are in effect
- Hibatullah Akhundzada made the remarks Sunday in a sermon marking the Islamic holiday of Eid Al-Fitr in the southern city of Kandahar
The Taliban leader said Sunday there was no need for Western laws in Afghanistan and that democracy was dead as long as sharia laws are in effect.
Hibatullah Akhundzada made the comments in a sermon marking the Islamic holiday of Eid Al-Fitr, in the southern city of Kandahar’s Eidgah Mosque. The 50-minute audio of his message was published on X by the Taliban government’s chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.
“There is no need for laws that originate from the West. We will create our own laws,” Akhundzada said, speaking in Pashto, while emphasizing the importance of Islamic laws.
The Taliban’s interpretation of sharia has led to bans on Afghan women and girls, who have been excluded them from education, many jobs and most public spaces. Such measures have isolated the Taliban on the world stage, although they have established diplomatic ties with countries including China and the United Arab Emirates.
Akhundzada has taken a stronger hand in directing policy since the Taliban seized control of the country in 2021, despite some officials initially promising a more moderate rule.
Akhundzada on Sunday criticized the West, saying non-believers had united against Muslims and that the US and others were united in their hostility toward Islam, citing the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
Democracy had come to an end in Afghanistan and sharia was in effect, he said, adding that supporters of democracy were trying to separate the people from the Taliban government.
The Taliban have no credible opposition inside or outside the country, but some senior figures within the administration have criticized the leadership’s decision-making process and concentration of power in Akhundzada’s circle.
Some Taliban want greater engagement with the international community and scrapping harsher policies to attract more outside support. In recent months, however, there has been increased engagement between the Taliban and the US under President Donald Trump, mostly because of prisoner exchanges and releases.
Qatar’s producer prices steady in February as oil, gas drag index
RIYADH: Qatar’s general producer price index for the industrial sector stood at 114.01 points in February, reflecting stability compared to January and a 0.33 percent decrease year on year.
Released by the Gulf country’s Planning and Statistics Authority, the data indicated that the PPI for the industrial sector is made up of four main components: mining and quarrying, which constitutes 82.46 percent, manufacturing at 15.85 percent, electricity at 1.16 percent, and water at 0.53 percent.
The newly released figures align with Qatar’s inflation easing by 1.15 percent year on year in January, with the consumer price index settling at 107.45 points, driven by declines in food, housing, and transport costs, official figures showed.
This trend is consistent with the 2.53 percent drop in CPI in January, mainly attributable to a decline in housing, water, electricity, and other fuel costs.
The decline comes as Qatar is projected to record the lowest inflation in the Gulf Cooperation Council region this year, averaging 1.4 percent, below the GCC’s 1.9 percent and the wider Arab region’s 8.5 percent, according to Kamco Invest.
The data further showed that the mining and quarrying sector index declined by 0.12 percent compared to January, primarily owing to a 0.11 percent drop in the prices of crude oil and natural gas extraction, while the costs for other mining and quarrying activities remained unchanged.
Annually, the sector’s index dropped by 0.42 percent, primarily due to a decline in oil and gas extraction, although there was a modest 0.06 percent increase in prices for other mining and quarrying activities.
In the manufacturing sector, the index rose by 0.50 percent on a monthly basis, driven by price increases in rubber and plastic products, refined petroleum, chemicals, and basic metals, as well as cement, non-metallic minerals, and beverages.
On an annual basis, the manufacturing sector index increased by 0.60 percent compared to the corresponding month a year earlier, driven by a notable rise in prices for basic metals, cement and non-metallic mineral products, and rubber and plastic products, as well as chemical products, beverages, and printing.
In the electricity, gas, and air conditioning supply sector, the index rose by 1.01 percent compared to January but showed a year-on-year decline of 8.28 percent.
The water supply sector saw a decrease in its index by 2.75 percent compared to January but recorded an annual increase of 7.24 percent in February.
The numbers also indicated that prices declined for refined petroleum goods and food products, while there was no change in the prices of printing and reproduction of recorded media.
Islamabad denies reports of China deploying its forces in Pakistan to protect its nationals
- Chinese nationals have been in the crosshairs of separatist militants who believe Beijing is helping Pakistan exploit minerals in Balochistan
- Pakistani officials say there is no credibility to these reports and the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan is still a ‘work in progress’
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani Foreign Office on Sunday refuted reports about the deployment of Chinese security forces in Pakistan to ensure security of Chinese nationals working in the country, describing them as “totally false.”
Media reports, following talks between Pakistan and China on the security of Chinese nationals this week, suggested that China has for the first time deployed its own security personnel in Pakistan to protect its projects and citizens amid rising terror attacks.
Chinese nationals have been in the crosshairs of separatist militants who believe Beijing is helping Pakistan exploit minerals in the underdeveloped southwestern province of Balochistan, where China has a strategic port and mining interests.
“I completely deny this. No Chinese forces are being deployed in Pakistan,” Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan told Arab News. “This is totally false and there is no credibility to these reports.”
Thousands of Chinese nationals are working in Pakistan, primarily on roads, infrastructure and development projects associated with the $65 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
“Discussions on the security of Chinese nationals are an ongoing process,” Khan said. “This is our commitment to ensure the security of Chinese personnel in Pakistan and these dialogues between the two countries are part of that arrangement.”
Beijing has been pushing Pakistan to allow its own security staff to provide protection to thousands of Chinese citizens working there, frustrated by a string of attacks on its citizens.
The push came after a bombing at the Karachi airport last October killed two Chinese engineers who were returning there to work at a power plant. In March 2024, five Chinese workers were killed in a suicide bombing in northwest Pakistan.
In October, the Pakistani government approved an additional Rs45 billion ($160 million) budget for the armed forces, primarily to enhance their capacity to protect Chinese commercial interests in Pakistan.
This week, Pakistan’s envoy to Beijing, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, told reporters that discussions between the two countries on security measures to protect Chinese nationals working in Pakistan are still a “work in progress.”
“It’s a complex security environment,” he said. “We have the capability to resolve, to counter and combat and defeat these terrorist forces.”
Saudi Arabia’s domestic tourism thrives as Eid travel peaks
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s domestic tourism sector is experiencing a sharp rise in travel during Eid Al-Fitr, injecting fresh momentum into the hospitality industry. A growing preference for local destinations is reshaping the market as residents seek immersive experiences within the nation’s tourism landscape.
The Kingdom saw a 45 percent rise in domestic flight bookings in 2024, driven by expanding tourism offerings and greater connectivity through low-cost carriers, according to Almosafer’s latest travel trend report released in January.
Domestic travel has surged in recent years, with Eid Al-Fitr becoming a peak period for local tourism, said Nicolas Mayer, PwC Middle East partner and global tourism industry lead. He noted that domestic flight bookings rose 45 percent year-on-year in 2024, highlighting a growing preference for local exploration.
“There are a few key reasons behind this shift. First, the Kingdom has made huge strides in improving its tourism offerings. With more affordable flight options due to low-cost carriers, travel has become a lot more accessible,” Mayer said.
The report showed a 39 percent increase in domestic room night bookings, while combined local flight and hotel reservations accounted for over 40 percent of the travel market, up 11 percent year-on-year.
The surge in domestic travel is fueled by a broader range of destinations, accommodations, and experiences attracting leisure visitors. Family and group travel have been major drivers, with bookings in these segments soaring over 70 percent.
Saudi Arabia’s mega-projects, including NEOM, a futuristic city on the Red Sea, and The Red Sea Project, which focuses on luxury and eco-tourism, further fuel domestic tourism growth. Cultural landmarks like AlUla, known for its ancient Nabatean heritage, and Diriyah, the birthplace of the Saudi state, are undergoing significant restoration to offer visitors rich historical and cultural experiences.
“Eid Al-Fitr is a special time for families and culture, and it encourages travel and experiencing something new. There are so many great options for people to celebrate within the Kingdom — it’s a great opportunity to discover Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and hidden gems right here at home,” he added.
Mayer pointed to Saudi Arabia’s massive investment in tourism infrastructure under Vision 2030, which is making it easier for residents to explore new destinations.
The Kingdom’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb recently said that the nation’s tourism accommodation is expected to double over the next decade. The country currently has around 400,000 guest rooms, projected to reach 800,000 by 2030. Al-Khateeb reiterated Saudi Arabia’s goal of becoming one of the world’s top seven tourism destinations by the end of the decade.
At King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, officials have observed a significant rise in family and group bookings, which have grown over 70 percent across key traveler segments.
Nour El-Shikh, media and public relations specialist in global branding and communications at KAUST, said travel groups are gravitating toward destinations that offer distinctive events and experiences.
“While major cities like Makkah, Riyadh, and Jeddah remain popular, emerging spots like Abha, Al Jubail, Jizan, Tabuk, and Hail are drawing increased attention for their unique landscapes and activities,” El-Shikh said.
AlUla, a UNESCO-listed site, has also gained traction as a premier domestic and international destination, a sign of Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in diversifying its tourism appeal.
“This has fostered a renewed appreciation for the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The combination of improved infrastructure, increased accessibility, and a growing emphasis on family-oriented activities has made exploring local destinations more appealing than ever,” El-Shikh added.
The Haramain Train, which connects Madinah, Jeddah, and Makkah, is another example of how Saudi Arabia is reducing car traffic and improving access to Islam’s two holiest cities, she added.
Hotels, resorts adapt to demand
With the surge in domestic travelers, Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector is evolving to cater to changing preferences. Mayer pointed out that hotels and resorts are focusing on personalized experiences rather than simply increasing room capacity.
“Take Eid, for example. It’s a time when families want to be together, enjoy traditions, and make memories. Operators are catching on to that and offering packages and programs that feel more meaningful — whether it’s culturally inspired dining, kids’ activities, or even small touches that reflect the spirit of the holiday,” he said.
The demand for alternative accommodations is also growing, with vacation rentals, villas, and hotel apartments gaining popularity, particularly among families. Meanwhile, digital innovation is playing a critical role in enhancing the travel experience.
“If the booking process isn’t smooth or the service isn’t responsive, people notice. Tech isn’t a nice-to-have anymore — it’s expected,” Mayer added.
El-Shikh echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that many establishments are expanding and renovating to accommodate larger groups. “They are also introducing special Eid packages with family activities, cultural events, and traditional culinary experiences,” she said.
Mobile apps, virtual tours, and seamless payment methods such as Apple Pay and buy now, pay later options are also shaping consumer behavior. Sustainability and eco-friendly practices are becoming a priority, aligning with modern travelers’ values.
Future of domestic tourism
Saudi Arabia’s domestic tourism market is set for further transformation, driven by technology and evolving consumer expectations. Mayer expects a rising demand for personalized, culturally immersive, and seamless experiences.
“On the business side, I’m seeing a lot of energy going into creating more curated, tech-enabled journeys. Travelers expect smooth bookings, helpful digital tools, and recommendations that feel relevant. It’s no longer about just having a website or an app — it’s about using tech to anticipate what people want before they even ask,” he said.
The expansion of tourism beyond the well-known urban centers is also unlocking new opportunities. “More regions across the Kingdom are starting to offer these kinds of experiences. We’re moving beyond the well-known cities, and that’s opening up a whole new set of opportunities for domestic tourism,” Mayer added.
El-Shikh highlighted a growing trend toward experiential travel, where visitors seek immersive cultural experiences. “Stakeholders are developing unique offerings that highlight the Kingdom’s diverse heritage and natural landscapes,” she said.
New infrastructure fuels demand
The Kingdom’s infrastructure expansion is proving to be a game-changer for domestic tourism. Mayer noted that investments in roads, airports, and public transport are making once-remote destinations more accessible.
“It’s not just about building new airports or roads — it’s about opening new areas of the country that people might not have explored before,” he said.
Businesses are capitalizing on this momentum by designing experiences tied to local culture. “Around Eid especially, we see more businesses take advantage of that momentum. They’re creating experiences that feel connected to a place — whether it’s a cultural festival, a family-friendly activity, or a beautifully restored heritage site that tells a local story. These touchpoints resonate with travelers because it’s not just leisure — it’s personal,” Mayer explained.
El-Shikh added that in-destination activities such as guided tours, adventure sports, and cultural experiences are central to travel, enhancing engagement with local communities. “By collaborating with local artisans, cultural institutions, and heritage sites, tourism businesses are creating unique experiences that resonate with residents and encourage them to appreciate their own cultural heritage,” she said.
As Saudi Arabia continues to develop its tourism sector, a rising emphasis on domestic travel is expected to fuel sustained growth, further embedding Eid Al-Fitr as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s evolving travel landscape.
