Saudi Arabia prepares for inaugural Umrah and Ziyarah Forum

Saudi Arabia prepares for inaugural Umrah and Ziyarah Forum
Muslim worshippers attend prayers on the first day of Eid Al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, in Makkah, on April 10, 2024. (AFP)
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Updated 16 April 2024
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Saudi Arabia prepares for inaugural Umrah and Ziyarah Forum

Saudi Arabia prepares for inaugural Umrah and Ziyarah Forum
  • Forum to showcase services aimed at enriching experiences of Umrah pilgrims, visitors to Kingdom
  • Event will include dialogue sessions, discussion groups, interactive workshops and an exhibition

RIYADH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is in the final stages of preparation for the launch of the inaugural Umrah and Ziyarah Forum, scheduled to convene in Madinah on Monday, April 22, for three days.
Under the patronage of Prince Salman bin Sultan, the governor of Madinah region, the forum will be held at the King Salman International Convention Center.
Developing Hajj and Umrah services in the Kingdom is a key priority of the Saudi government and an extension of the country’s historic role in serving Muslims and Islam worldwide.
The forum will showcase initiatives and services aimed at enriching the experience of Umrah performers and visitors from within and outside the Kingdom. It is part of achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to enable a larger number of Umrah performers to visit Makkah and Madinah and have the best experience they can.
The forum is held in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program, one of the programs of Vision 2030.
The event will include dialogue sessions, discussion groups, interactive workshops and an exhibition displaying the latest advancements in the sector.
It will feature participation from government officials and private sector stakeholders, including travel agencies, pilgrimage and tourism companies, and innovators spanning the insurance, health care, transportation, and technology industries.
The forum will address opportunities in the Umrah and tourism sectors, and will focus on the quality of projects, services, and products.
Participants in the general sessions and accompanying workshops of the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum will showcase their experiences, services and products. During the forum, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will announce new opportunities and innovative work domains.
Moreover, several partnerships and agreements will be signed to enhance services in Makkah, Madinah, and various Islamic, historical, archaeological, and other cultural sites.


KSrelief marks a decade of defining humanitarian aid diplomacy

KSrelief marks a decade of defining humanitarian aid diplomacy
Updated 12 sec ago
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KSrelief marks a decade of defining humanitarian aid diplomacy

KSrelief marks a decade of defining humanitarian aid diplomacy
  • KSrelief’s worldwide aid efforts exceed $7.3 billion
  • King Salman always concerned with humanitarian work, says KSrelief chief

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief’s humanitarian efforts have reached 106 countries with an amount exceeding $7.3 billion, its Supervisor-General Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah noted at the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum on Monday.

The agency has implemented 3,355 relief projects either directly or through its 211 international, national, and local partners.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the forum which is being held in partnership with the UN, Al-Rabeeah said: “This is a moment worthy of reflection, to draw lessons from the past that will help us to direct our actions towards the future.”

He noted that the forum, which is being attended by experts, officials from the UN and various international organization, is held under the theme “Navigating the Future of Humanitarian Response,” and coincides with the 10th anniversary of the establishment of KSrelief.

“King Salman has always been vitally concerned with humanitarian work, which he underscored 10 years ago with his establishment of the KSrelief to be a leading center in delivering Saudi humanitarian aid to those most in need around the world,” Al-Rabeeah said. “(It is) an approach that combines humanitarian giving, strategic planning, effective and rapid emergency interventions during crises of all kinds.”

He added that as a result of these efforts, the Kingdom’s total charitable contributions over the past five decades have surpassed $133.8 billion. “Additionally, KSrelief is one of the leading international organizations that implement extensive networks of global volunteer missions — 876 thus far across 52 countries,” he said.

KSrelief also actively participates with the UN in supporting a wide range of global humanitarian initiatives, including the Sustainable Development Goals, and contributes to the creation of innovative access mechanisms that achieve significant and comprehensive results.

He explained that the forum is being held within the context of collaborative efforts with the international community “as we share experience and knowledge to improve humanitarian crisis response.”

The event features 21 sessions and 132 speakers and will serve as a starting point for developing innovative initiatives that open new opportunities for humanitarian work.

These initiatives will incorporate creative models inspired by the most up-to-date technologies to improve the operational efficiency of humanitarian responses, ensure the optimal use of resources, and minimize duplication of efforts to better meet the lives of vulnerable groups worldwide.

The forum also provides an opportunity to call on the global donor community and partners from both the public and private sectors to provide the necessary financial support for humanitarian programs, to improve the speed and efficiency of crisis response, and to address urgent humanitarian appeals.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan thanked the diverse participation, saying: “We value the efforts and participation.”

He added: “This is a sign of standing firm and united in commitment to addressing the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges.”

Prince Faisal praised KSrelief for being at the forefront of humanitarian efforts for people in need everywhere including Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Sudan and all over the world.

He commended KSrelief’s extraordinary efforts with the Masam project removing landmines in war hit Yemen, as well as its efforts to champion humanitarian diplomacy in conflict areas.

Saudi moves to enhance dialogue and resolve conflicts have been acknowledged by the world, he said, noting that humanitarian diplomacy is very important in conflict areas, and that KSrelief has been playing a crucial role in preserving values.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar read a message on behalf of King Salman that highlighted the commendable role the KSrelief played over the first decade of its run.

The opening ceremony saw the signing of four agreements: the first memorandum of financial contribution was signed between KSrelief and the World Health Organization with the amount of $300 million for the global polio eradication initiative; the second memorandum was signed between KSrelief and UNICEF with $200 million allocated for the initiative; the third between KSrelief and the Islamic Development Bank with a $100 million contribution to the lives and livelihood fund; and the fourth, a renewal of a joint cooperation program between KSrelief and the World Food Programme which has spanned several decades, during which the Kingdom has supported the dates program with more than 100,000 tonnes donated.

Speaking at the session on “Humanitarian diplomacy in conflicts,” Al-Rabeeah said humanitarian diplomacy is key in paving the way to resolve humanitarian catastrophe in conflict areas.

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Saudi Arabia for its humanitarian diplomacy in conflict areas such as Sudan, Ukraine, Gaza, and Syria.

He underlined that impartiality and neutrality is important for humanitarian diplomacy in conflicts.

International Organization for Migration Director General Amy Pope stressed the importance of access to basic services such as healthcare, water, food and shelter in conflict areas. 

She thanked KSrelief for bringing the organization into this key discussion, saying ensuring the needs of the people on the move remain central to the humanitarian agenda. 

Maciej Popowski, director general of the Directorate General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, stressed the importance of the legal aspect of humanitarian diplomacy and called for humanitarian diplomacy according to international humanitarian law, without indulging in politics.

He also mentioned EU sanctions on Syria during the previous regime.

The EU Council, meanwhile, decided on Monday to suspend a number of restrictive measures in view of the improved situation in Syria Arab Republic. This decision is part of the EU’s efforts to support an inclusive political transition in Syria, and its swift economic recovery, reconstruction, and stabilization.

Pierre Krahenbuhl, director general of the International Committee of the Red Cross, praised Saudi Arabia for its important role in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Ukraine for humanitarian diplomacy in these armed conflicts.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, in a video message, praised KSrelief’s key role in humanitarian diplomacy in conflict areas.


University graduates present AI-powered health systems at hackathon

University graduates present AI-powered health systems at hackathon
Updated 31 min 47 sec ago
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University graduates present AI-powered health systems at hackathon

University graduates present AI-powered health systems at hackathon
  • Event co-organized by Saudi aid agency KSrelief
  • Model could help fill gaps in Syria’s healthcare, education systems, inventor says

RIYADH: A team of university graduates presented a mock-up of an AI-powered education and healthcare system at the 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum on Monday.

The project, named BenevolCare, was presented at a hackathon titled “Artificial Intelligence in Humanitarian Relief,” organized by Saudi aid agency KSrelief and Alfaisal University.

BenevolCare is designed to provide automated health assessments and mental health support for children affected by war in the Syrian Arab Republic.

Sham Osama, an engineering graduate of Prince Muqren University and one of the project’s designers, told Arab News that the inspiration for BenvolCare came after she witnessed the lack of healthcare and education services for Syrian children after years of fighting.

“Artificial intelligence will allow us to fill the gap in the healthcare and education system in Syria,” she said. “We wanted to create a device that uses AI that can be used in any school … (and help students) complete their learning experience in a healthy environment.”

Mayas Alnan, a pharmacy graduate of Alfaisal University who worked on the medical elements of the project, said the model would integrate Al-driven healthcare tools into daily school activities, ensuring continuous monitoring of students’ well-being.

“Data-driven insights allow for early intervention, personalized support and better long-term health outcomes,” she said.

“The schools also provide Al-enhanced vocational training, preparing students for sustainable careers.”

Also during the two-day event, KSrelief is expected to sign several agreements with UN and international organizations as part of Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts, according to Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, its supervisor-general and adviser to the Royal Court.

Since 2015, the aid agency has implemented 2,670 projects worth more than $6.5 billion in 95 countries, in cooperation with 175 local, regional and international partners.

The bulk of the support has gone to Yemen ($4.3 billion), Syria ($391 million), Palestine ($370 million) and Somalia ($227 million).

KSrelief’s programs cover food security, health, sanitation, shelter, nutrition, education, telecommunications and logistics.a


Saudi, Hong Kong anti-corruption chiefs hold talks in Riyadh

Saudi, Hong Kong anti-corruption chiefs hold talks in Riyadh
Updated 52 min 41 sec ago
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Saudi, Hong Kong anti-corruption chiefs hold talks in Riyadh

Saudi, Hong Kong anti-corruption chiefs hold talks in Riyadh
  • Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong in promoting integrity as well as combating transnational corruption
  • Danny Woo was briefed on the key measures taken by the Saudi authority to promote integrity, reinforce transparency and combat corruption

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority President Mazin Al-Kahmous received Danny Woo, commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption in Hong Kong, and his delegation at the authority’s headquarters in Riyadh on Monday.

The visit aims to activate the memorandum of understanding signed between the two parties, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong in promoting integrity as well as combating transnational corruption.

Woo was briefed on the key measures taken by the Saudi authority to promote integrity, reinforce transparency and combat corruption, while Al-Kahmous was introduced to Hong Kong’s experience in these areas.

On the sidelines of the visit, Al-Kahmous and Woo inaugurated a four-day workshop with experts from both sides.


Saudi Ardah folk dance sets Guinness World Record in Riyadh

Saudi Ardah folk dance sets Guinness World Record in Riyadh
Updated 24 February 2025
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Saudi Ardah folk dance sets Guinness World Record in Riyadh

Saudi Ardah folk dance sets Guinness World Record in Riyadh
  • Performed on special occasions, the dance form showcases Kingdom’s heritage
  • It begins with recital of a poem, followed by drummers setting rhythm for dancers

RIYADH: The Founding Day celebrations set a Guinness World Record for the largest Saudi Ardah performance in Riyadh, with 633 participants showcasing this traditional dance.

This achievement underscores the Ardah’s deep-rooted significance as a national tradition, reflecting pride in Saudi identity and a commitment to preserving and promoting cultural heritage globally, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Organized by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and the Principality of Riyadh Region from Feb. 20 to 23, the Founding Day event attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors from diverse backgrounds.

Performed on special occasions, the performance showcases the Kingdom’s heritage. It begins with the recital of a poem, followed by drummers setting the rhythm for the dancers.

The group leader then takes the stage, wielding a blade and demonstrating precise movements that mirror those of warriors in battle.


Tales of Founding Day come to life at Diriyah celebrations

Tales of Founding Day come to life at Diriyah celebrations
Updated 24 February 2025
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Tales of Founding Day come to life at Diriyah celebrations

Tales of Founding Day come to life at Diriyah celebrations
  • Theatrical performances, music and educational exhibits tell nation’s story
  • Ancient Bedouin dance among highlights of three-day event

RIYADH: A tale as old as time, Diriyah, heart of the Kingdom and the setting of its first chapter, celebrated Founding Day with an array of musical performances, shows and historical exhibits that ended on Sunday.

Families and guests of all ages and nationalities were welcomed at Diriyah to learn all about the establishment of the First Saudi State.

History lessons were available through shadow theater performances, Kahoot quizzes, interactive screens and palace-side projections displaying the Kingdom’s journey.

Guests were tailed by musical groups singing traditional and cultural songs walking around Diriyah, carrying with them the songs of battles fought and won.

Vincent Pomer, a visitor from Boston in the US who is visiting a friend in the Kingdom, told Arab News: “I feel kind of a sense of contentment and peace, seeing how everybody is respectful of their past.

“I will equate it to, as me being American, the Fourth of July. We celebrate Fourth of July not so much as our freedom but it is our short-lived history … Founding Day is the equivalent here for Saudi Arabia.”

One of the highlights of the celebrations was a Samri show, a Bedouin dance and music that originated in Najd. About 300 years old, Samri was traditionally performed when families gathered on desert nights. Two lines of men would kneel, swaying and clapping while singing poetry and beating on a Daf drum.

The celebrations also included workshops for children and families on various skills, such as perfumery, sketching, painting and bracelet making.

Arab News spoke to Umar Sial, a Pakistani national who has lived in Saudi Arabia for the past six months, to ask about the highlights of his visit to Diriyah with his family.

“This is our first time here. We visited Bujairi Terrace and Al-Turaif area and I think it’s very interesting, especially the old heritage they are showcasing” he said.

“Culturally, it’s very enlightening for newcomers.”

Sial’s favorite attraction was seeing what the old houses were like in Salwa Palace and how people used to live, in addition to the singers and dancers presenting throughout the event.

According to Sial, foreign nationals could greatly benefit from attending such events to strengthen their cultural ties to the Kingdom.

“These (events) are very important to understand how things work here, especially if you want to integrate into their culture, you see how they are raised, how they speak, what their songs are like, how they eat, how their family systems work, you see their families are all around them.

“I think these are very important if you want to understand how culture works in Saudi Arabia,” he said.

Saudi Arabia is known for being proud of its food and this was showcased by real Saudi families on every route.

Each of these families had their own booth and had prepared traditional dishes like saleeg, foul and more, given out freely to the wandering guests.

Historical figures such as Imam Mohammed bin Saud, the founding father of the First Saudi State, and his wife Princess Modi bint Khalid Al Saud were given center stage as their stories were told through performances during the Diriyah Remembrance segments of the evening, detailing Imam Mohammed bin Saud’s full journey in solidifying the early days of the Kingdom.

Melissa Sarawi, a guest from the Philippines in Saudi Arabia with her family, told Arab News that the most exciting aspects of Saudi culture for foreign nationals to see were the food and the people.

Sarawi said that as a Muslim it had been fascinating to learn about Islam from its birthplace and its historic associations with Saudi Arabia.

“Coming here and experiencing Founding Day is very good, it’s very new to me. I am a Muslim in nature and by birth, and learning more about these things in Riyadh, like learning about the history of Islam and all these historical places … (it’s) refreshing to know about these things.”

Contestants from the Rawi Al-Diriyah competition, a storytelling competition produced jointly by the Ministry of Education and the Diriyah Gate Development Authority for school students reciting historic Diriyah stories, were also featured during these narratives.

Other activities included a horse show and showcasing the Arabian horse, presenting traditional Najdi dress and live poetry sessions.