KSrelief provides shelter kits for thousands of displaced in Sudan
There were 400 shelter bags delivered in Blue Nile state, benefiting 2,300 people, and 590 were delivered in the Northern State, helping 3,240 individuals
Updated 25 July 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has distributed nearly 1,000 shelter kits across Sudan to families most in need, the Saudi Press Agency reported late Wednesday.
There were 400 shelter bags delivered in Blue Nile state, benefiting 2,300 people, and 590 were delivered in the Northern State, helping 3,240 individuals.
The assistance is part of the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by Saudi Arabia through KSrelief to support countries and people in need worldwide.
Saudi rewilding program: Endangered wildlife released in Riyadh reserve, rare oryx born in Qassim park
Wildlife included sand gazelles, oryxes, wild hares, steppe eagles, and Black kite
NCVC team documents birth of rare Arabian oryx in Qassim National Park
Updated 16 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Over 30 endangered animals had been released into Riyadh's King Khalid Royal Reserve as part of the Kingdom's rewilding program, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
The release included 20 Arabian sand gazelles, five Arabian oryx, four wild hares, three steppe eagles, and a Black kite, according to the National Center for Wildlife (NCW).
A Steppe Eagle is released into the wild at the King Khalid Royal Reserve on April 21, 2025. (SPA photo)
The NCW, in collaboration with the Imam Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, maintains a breeding center in the reserve.
In the central region of Qassim, the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) has reported the birth of an Arabian oryx in Qassim National Park.
The birth of the wildlife was documented in all stages by a team from the NCVC, giving specialists to study the behavior of this endangered native species, a separate SPA report said.
A new-born Arabian oryx is seen with its mother at the Qassim National Park. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia is a global leader in protecting the Arabian oryx. Since the 1970s, it has launched a national program with international organizations to save the species from extinction.
Efforts have included establishing reserves like Mahazat as-Sayd and Uruq Bani Ma'arid, implementing captive breeding programs, and supporting gradual reintroduction, making Saudi Arabia a global model for wildlife protection.
Saudi and Greek ministers chair inaugural meeting of joint cultural committee
They say it is important to strengthen cultural cooperation between the two nations and the committee will help achieve this
Ministers praise the Saudi Cultural Week hosted by Athens in 2024, which showcased music, theater, films, crafts, food, Arabic calligraphy and fashion from the Kingdom
Updated 24 April 2025
Arab News
JEDDAH: Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and his Greek counterpart, Lina Mendoni, chaired the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-Greek Strategic Partnership Council’s Culture Committee on Wednesday.
The ministers said it was important to strengthen cultural cooperation between Riyadh and Athens, and activate a memorandum of understanding they signed in July 2022, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Prince Badr said the committee will help achieve this.
The ministers praised the Saudi Cultural Week hosted by Athens from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1, 2024, which showcased musical and theatrical performances, films, traditional crafts, food, Arabic calligraphy and fashion from the Kingdom.
Greece participated at Saudi International Crafts Week in Riyadh in November 2024, and the Benaki Museum in Athens is taking part in the Islamic Arts Biennale, which began in January in Jeddah and continues until May.
Other senior Saudi and Greek officials present at the committee meeting included Alexis Konstantopoulos, the Greek ambassador to the Kingdom.
Head of Saudi National Center for Meteorology elected regional chair of global organization
Ayman Salem Ghulam was chosen to lead the Asian branch of the World Meteorological Organization
He highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to efforts to improve meteorological and climate services, and address environmental challenges
Updated 23 April 2025
Arab News
JEDDAH: Ayman Salem Ghulam, the CEO of the Saudi National Center for Meteorology, was elected on Wednesday as the World Meteorological Organization’s regional chairperson for Asia.
He was chosen during the 18th session of the WMO’s Regional Association II — Asia by representatives of member states and bodies specializing in meteorology and climate services.
After his selection was confirmed, Ghulam highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to efforts to improve meteorological and climate services, and address urgent environmental challenges in Asia and worldwide, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Kingdom plans to introduce training programs and professional qualifications for people working in the field, and improve forecasting and monitoring infrastructure to benefit all members of the WMO, he added.
The Saudi National Center for Meteorology, which uses advanced atmospheric and climate-monitoring technologies for weather research and forecasting, was established in 2019. The World Meteorological Organization is a specialized UN agency responsible for promoting international cooperation on weather and climate-related activities.
Riyadh pavilion showcases Saudi literary, cultural diversity at Argentina book fair
Riyadh’s selection highlights the city’s growing role in the global cultural scene, as well as its commitment to fostering dialogue, embracing diversity, and using culture as a bridge for human connection and knowledge exchange
Updated 23 April 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission launched the Riyadh pavilion at the 49th Buenos Aires International Book Fair in Argentina.
Running from April 22 to May 12, the event features the Kingdom’s capital as guest of honor, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Riyadh’s selection highlights the city’s growing role in the global cultural scene, as well as its commitment to fostering dialogue, embracing diversity, and using culture as a bridge for human connection and knowledge exchange.
Saudi delegation includes representatives from the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the Heritage Commission, and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.
The King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex, King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, King Abdulaziz Public Library, and King Fahad National Library are also taking part.
The Riyadh pavilion boosts Saudi cultural presence in Latin America, presenting the capital as a model of civilization aligned with Vision 2030. It features diverse literary and cultural content, including Spanish translations to foster cross-cultural understanding.
The launch was attended by Literature Commission CEO Abdullatif Alwasel, Buenos Aires Chief of Government Jorge Macri, Minister of Culture Gabriela Ricardes, and Fundacion El Libro President Christian Rainone.
During the fair, the Heritage Commission will highlight the richness of Saudi cultural heritage through global promotion and awareness efforts.
Its program includes live artisan demonstrations, panel discussions, and displays of archaeological replicas, along with publications documenting the Kingdom’s cultural legacy.
The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language is showcasing recent publications, including scientific books and research journals, emphasizing its role in enhancing linguistic knowledge.
It also highlights its work in language planning, computational linguistics, education, and cultural initiatives, alongside digital projects and tools.
The academy promotes Arabic publishing in new regions, encourages cultural and linguistic diversity, and fosters collaboration with communities interested in Arab culture.
Saudi ambassador to UK voted MENA diplomat of the year
Prince Khalid bin Bandar picked up his award at a ceremony in London attended by the diplomatic community
Updated 23 April 2025
Arab News
LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar, has been named “Diplomat of the Year” for the Middle East and North Africa at a ceremony in London.
Prince Khalid was voted for by fellow diplomats representing more than 180 missions accredited to the UK, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The award, run by London-based “Diplomat Magazine,” recognizes ambassadors and diplomats who have made outstanding contributions to diplomatic work in the UK.
Prince Khalid was presented with the award during the magazine’s annual ceremony at London Hilton on Park Lane on Tuesday. The event was attended by ambassadors and high commissioners from more than 90 countries.
HRH Prince Khalid Al Saud, Saudi Ambassador to the UK, has received the prestigious Diplomat of the Year Award from Middle East & North Africa Award at #DiplomatAwards2025, voted by UK-based diplomats from 180 country, for his outstanding diplomatic contributions. pic.twitter.com/n3IqNEpMV3
