Saudi Arabia’s Hadiyah charity to distribute 7 million free goods at two holy mosques

During Ramadan, 550 hosts and hostesses will serve pilgrims, worshippers, and needy families at the association’s various points of contact. (SPA)
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Updated 09 April 2022
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Saudi Arabia’s Hadiyah charity to distribute 7 million free goods at two holy mosques

  • 800,000 meals, 2m containers of Zamzam and other water, 200,000 products

MAKKAH: Hadiyah, the Hajji and Mu’tamer’s Gift Charitable Association in Makkah, has launched a series of programs and services aimed at providing over seven million free products to pilgrims.

During Ramadan, 550 hosts and hostesses will serve pilgrims, worshippers, and needy families at the association’s various points of contact.

Hadiyah’s Executive Director Ihsan Al-Rayes said that the association will distribute the valuable items to pilgrims during Ramadan. The organization will also provide guidance programs, broadcast the Prophet’s Sunnah, and distribute food and water for iftar and sahoor.

Hadiyah will further extend authentic Arab hospitality and receive delegations at the association’s offices near the two holy mosques, Al-Rayes added.

Al-Rayes said that Hadiyah has 45 points of contact to serve pilgrims and worshippers heading to the two holy mosques, as well as transportation centers affiliated with the General Syndicate of Cars and the Haramain High-Speed Railway in Makkah and Jeddah.

He added that a total of 800,000 meals will be prepared during Ramadan, consisting of 4.8 million items, provided at the association’s points of contact, as well as two million containers of Zamzam water and drinking water, and 200,000 Hadiyah products.

Hadiyah’s board of directors is also working on training volunteers to provide the association’s services, to achieve the goal of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 of one million volunteers.

 


Princess Noura Al Saud to address Creative Women Platform’s forum in London

Updated 15 April 2025
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Princess Noura Al Saud to address Creative Women Platform’s forum in London

  • Culture House CEO among 60 speakers at annual gathering
  • Event highlights vital role women play in leading change, championing environment, organizer says

LONDON: Princess Noura Al Saud will be among the key speakers at the Creative Women Platform’s annual networking forum next month in London.

The Culture House CEO will be joined by author and philanthropist Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and a host of entrepreneurs, policymakers and business leaders from around the world for the three-day event at the House of Commons and Plaisterers’ Hall.

Olga Balakleets, founder and CEO of the Creative Women Platform, said the event highlighted the essential role women played in advancing global sustainability efforts, innovation and social impact.

“As we navigate a complex world, women are stepping into critical roles across industries, leading change, championing the environment and building inclusive economies,” she said.

“Our forum exists to amplify those voices, foster collaboration and empower the next generation of female change-makers.”

The theme of this year’s event is “Gateway to a Sustainable Future.” It will open with a reception at the House of Commons on May 7, followed by two days of panels and workshops, and conclude with a gala dinner and awards ceremony on May 9.

Since its creation in 2016, the Creative Women Platform has celebrated the leadership and entrepreneurial achievements of women from more than 50 countries.


Saudi leadership offers condolences to Malaysia after passing of former PM

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 15 April 2025
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Saudi leadership offers condolences to Malaysia after passing of former PM

  • 85-year-old Abdullah passed away in hospital on Monday after a lingering illness and was buried on Tuesday after a state funeral

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s king and crown prince sent cables of condolences on Tuesday to Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Iskander after the passing of the country’s former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

King Salman and Prince Mohammed bin Salman prayed for the deceased’s forgiveness and offered their condolences to his family.

85-year-old Abdullah passed away in hospital on Monday after a lingering illness and was buried on Tuesday after a state funeral.

Abdullah became prime minister in 2003, succeeding Mahathir Mohamad who resigned after 22 years in power.

Prince Mohammed also sent another cable to current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in which he offered his condolences to the premier and the family of the deceased.


US energy secretary visits Saudi Aramco HQ, Shaybah oil field

Updated 15 April 2025
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US energy secretary visits Saudi Aramco HQ, Shaybah oil field

  • Chris Wright accompanied by Saudi counterpart, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman
  • Sides discuss renewable energy, cooperation, investment

RIYADH: US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright visited the headquarters of Aramco in Dhahran on Tuesday in the company of his Saudi counterpart, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.

Amin Nasser, the president and CEO of the petroleum and natural gas giant, gave a briefing on the company’s latest initiatives and innovations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During his visit, Wright saw Aramco’s Exploration and Petroleum Engineering Advanced Research Center, the Accelerated Innovation Laboratory and the Fourth Industrial Revolution facility.

The two officials were also shown the Shaybah oil field and visitor center — one of Aramco’s environmental initiatives — in the Empty Quarter.

Wright, who arrived in the Kingdom on Sunday, has praised the Saudi leadership for supporting energy cooperation between the two countries.

He also discussed renewable energy sources, such as green hydrogen and solar power, with Saudi officials and stressed the need for long-term investment to meet rising global demand, the report said.


Saudi foundation, UN sign deal to tackle food waste

Updated 15 April 2025
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Saudi foundation, UN sign deal to tackle food waste

  • Agreement aims to strengthen partnerships that support the charitable sector and contribute to national development goals
  • Establishes a framework for knowledge exchange, joint programs and food waste reduction efforts

RIYADH: The Grace Preservation Foundation signed a cooperation agreement on Tuesday with the UN Environment Programme to promote sustainability and reduce food waste through community awareness and joint initiatives.

The agreement aims to strengthen partnerships that support the charitable sector and contribute to national development goals, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It establishes a framework for knowledge exchange, joint programs, food waste reduction efforts, and the development of scientific tools for data analysis and informed decision-making.

Abdullah Abdulrahman bin Saeed, the foundation’s secretary-general, said the agreement aligns with Vision 2030 and national priorities in sustainability and food security. He also emphasized the value of strategic cooperation in empowering community efforts.

The agreement covers food waste competitions and awards aligned with Sustainable Development Goal, the SPA reported.

Key activities include awareness campaigns, educational programs, and the UNEP “Recipe for Change” initiative.

Seasonal efforts will be launched during Ramadan, Hajj, and UN international days to promote food preservation and environmental responsibility.


Madinah forum to discuss Islamic finance progress

Updated 15 April 2025
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Madinah forum to discuss Islamic finance progress

  • Symposium will explore six main topics and over 20 sub-themes, focusing on Islamic banking’s role in economic development, justice, and sustainability
  • Scientific sessions will cover early foundations, current industry analysis across economies, and regulatory and technological shifts

JEDDAH: Under the patronage of Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan, Al-Baraka Islamic Economics Symposium will be held on Wednesday under the theme “Islamic Banking in 50 Years: Achievements of the Past and Hopes for the Future.”

Hosted by Prince Muqrin University’s female campus, the event’s 45th edition will gather ministers, financial leaders, experts, and representatives from more than 15 countries.

The two-day symposium will explore six main topics and over 20 sub-themes, focusing on Islamic banking’s role in economic development, justice, and sustainability.

Scientific sessions will cover early foundations, current industry analysis across economies, and regulatory and technological shifts.

Future-focused discussions will highlight Shariah governance, financing mechanisms, Islamic windows, acquisitions, and the sector’s contribution to sustainable development.

Distinguished individuals and institutions will be honored for advancing Islamic economics in theory and practice.

Abdullah Saleh Kamel, the forum’s chairman, said that since 1981, Al-Baraka has been a key platform for dialogue on Islamic economics.

He said the 50-year milestone offers a chance to reflect and look ahead, reaffirming the commitment to innovation, financial inclusion, and Shariah-compliant progress.

Several cooperation agreements will also be signed, reinforcing the symposium’s role as a hub for intellectual exchange.

A documentary titled “Glimpses of Islamic Banking: From Inception to Contemporary Reality” will be screened, tracing the evolution of Islamic banking and its pioneers.

The symposium will also announce this year’s nomination topics for the Saleh Kamel Award for Islamic Economics, which honors his legacy and supports excellence in research.