Riyadh forum promotes cross-sector partnerships for sustainable development

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The Social Responsibility Association organized the second Social Responsibility Forum to integrate efforts across sectors to support sustainable development and Vision 2030. (SPA)
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Updated 24 March 2025
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Riyadh forum promotes cross-sector partnerships for sustainable development

  • Event, held on Saudi Social Responsibility Day on March 23, raised awareness about the importance of social responsibility in community development and sustainable growth
  • Saud Al-Subaie, chairman of the association, stressed the need for concerted efforts across all sectors to reinforce social responsibility

RIYADH: The Social Responsibility Association in Riyadh organized the second Social Responsibility Forum to integrate efforts across sectors to support sustainable development and Vision 2030.

The event, held on Saudi Social Responsibility Day on March 23, raised awareness about the importance of social responsibility in community development and sustainable growth.

It aimed to strengthen the role of companies in fostering this culture and contributing to societal, economic, and environmental development, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

Saud Al-Subaie, chairman of the association, stressed the need for concerted efforts across all sectors to reinforce social responsibility.

He highlighted the complementary roles of the government, private, and nonprofit sectors in creating a positive impact on society and the economy, while promoting a culture of giving.

Abdullah Al-Muhanna, CEO of the association, noted its commitment to building effective partnerships and spreading social responsibility.

He said that the occasion serves as an opportunity to instil values of generosity and solidarity, while enhancing institutional contributions to community service.

Statistics from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development show that the percentage of major companies implementing social responsibility programs increased from 30 percent in 2019 to 65 percent by the end of 2023.

The forum featured two panel discussions on the role of the government, private, and nonprofit sectors in activating social responsibility.

The discussions also covered national experiences, governance of community work, and ways to instill a culture of social engagement among future generations.

Additionally, the forum addressed methods for measuring social responsibility outcomes and adopting impactful programs.

During the event, the Princess Al-Anoud Charity Foundation was honored for its contributions to community initiatives and sustainable development.

Several institutions, private sector entities, and individuals were also recognized for their work.

This year’s Saudi Social Responsibility Day, under the theme “We Commit to Our Social Responsibility,” reaffirmed the role of all entities in fostering a culture of generosity and citizenship.

The event is vital for entrenching the culture of giving and enhancing collaboration across sectors, contributing to sustainable development and raising awareness of commitments toward individuals and institutions.


Saudi Arabia issues royal orders

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. (File/AFP)
Updated 5 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia issues royal orders

RIYADH: Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz has been appointed as an advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by royal order, Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday. 

In another royal decree, Major General Saleh bin Abdulrahman bin Samir Al-Harbi was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed as Head of the Military Apparatus.


Saudi Ministry of Health provides 65,000 health services for worshippers during Ramadan

Updated 39 min 43 sec ago
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Saudi Ministry of Health provides 65,000 health services for worshippers during Ramadan

  • Medical assistance during first 25 days of holy month includes 52,000 visits to ERs, 10,000 cases of first aid, 3,000 dialysis sessions and 400 surgeries
  • In addition, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority handles more than 46,000 emergency calls in Makkah and Madinah

RIYADH: Thousands of Umrah pilgrims and other visitors to the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah have benefited during Ramadan from medical assistance provided by the Saudi Ministry of Health.

The ministry said on Wednesday that more than 65,000 health services were provided for mosque visitors during the first 25 days of the holy month, which will conclude this weekend. The care forms part of the ministry’s commitment to the safety and well-being of visitors to Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The provided health services included 52,000 visits to emergency departments, 10,000 cases of first aid, 3,000 dialysis sessions, 400 surgeries, and more than 150 cardiac catheterizations.

In addition, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority has handled more 46,000 emergency calls in Makkah and Madinah since the start of Ramadan. Paramedics responded to 31,000 calls in an average of 5 minutes and 48 seconds, and to the remaining 15,000 calls in an average of 5 minutes and 26 seconds.


Saudi Supreme Court urges sighting Shawwal crescent on Saturday evening

Supreme Court is calling on Muslims throughout Saudi Arabia to look out for the crescent moon of Shawwal on Saturday evening.
Updated 27 March 2025
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Saudi Supreme Court urges sighting Shawwal crescent on Saturday evening

  • Supreme Court called on anyone who sights the crescent moon the naked eye or through binoculars to report to the nearest court and register their testimony

RIYADH: The Supreme Court is calling on Muslims throughout Saudi Arabia to look out for the crescent moon of Shawwal on Saturday evening, Ramadan 29, 1446, which corresponds to March 29, 2025.

In an announcement on Thursday, the Supreme Court called on anyone who sights the crescent moon the naked eye or through binoculars to report to the nearest court and register their testimony.

The announcement read: “The Supreme Court calls on all Muslims throughout the Kingdom to sight the Shawwal crescent moon on Saturday evening. The Supreme Court requests that anyone who sights it with the naked eye or through binoculars report to the nearest court and register their testimony, or contact the nearest center for assistance in reaching the nearest court. The Supreme Court hopes that those who are able to see it will pay attention to this matter and join the committees formed in the all regions for this purpose, seeking reward and recompense for their participation, as it promotes cooperation in righteousness and piety and benefits all Muslims.”

The sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan that this year began on March 1.


Laylat Al-Qadr: Worshipers pack Holy Mosques for 27th night of Ramadan

Updated 27 March 2025
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Laylat Al-Qadr: Worshipers pack Holy Mosques for 27th night of Ramadan

  • Makkah’s Grand Mosque received over 4.2 million worshipers on Wednesday night

RIYADH: Millions of Muslims from around the world flocked to the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah for the 27th night of Ramadan, where they performed Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers.

In a new record, the Grand Mosque received over 4.2 million worshipers on Wednesday night, according to Al-Ekhbariya.

Worshipers were seeking Laylat Al-Qadr (The Night of Power), one of the most important nights in Islam and is, as stated in the Qur’an, better than a thousand months.

Laylat Al-Qadr falls within the final 10 days of Ramadan but its exact date remains unknown, however it’s widely regarded as falling on the 27th of Ramadan. Mislims are also encouraged to seek this night during the odd-numbered nights of the last 10 days.

Operational plans on Wednesday included preparing the Mataf (Area of Circumambulation) to accommodate 107,000 pilgrims per hour, ensuring a smooth movement inside the Grand Mosque.

Authorities have also equipped 428 escalators and 28 elevators and modern audio systems including 1,300 speakers, in addition to providing power sources with a capacity of up to 90,000 tons to cool the Grand Mosque.

The Makkah region Health Affairs Department has boosted its services through medical centers located within the Grand Mosque and its courtyards to provide medical services to pilgrims. 


New initiative launched to boost agroforestry in Saudi Arabia

Updated 27 March 2025
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New initiative launched to boost agroforestry in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has launched the Agroforestry Action Plan Development Project to enhance environmental sustainability, social development and economic growth.

The project assesses agroforestry conditions, applies global best practices and promotes investment for sustainable forest management, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, it supports environmental sustainability and combats desertification, the SPA added.

As part of the project, the center will activate its December 2024 memorandum with the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry to enhance research collaboration and implement advanced agroforestry techniques.

The initiative aims to restore land, expand vegetation, protect habitats and reduce carbon emissions. It also fosters resilient forest ecosystems and improves forest areas across the Kingdom.

Additionally, the center is advancing sustainable forests through its initiative to plant 60 million trees, rehabilitating 300,000 hectares by 2030.