Muslim World League expands humanitarian efforts in Africa

MWL has intensified its humanitarian initiatives in Africa, with Secretary-General Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa leading several relief projects in Kenya. (Supplied)
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MWL has intensified its humanitarian initiatives in Africa, with Secretary-General Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa leading several relief projects in Kenya. (Supplied)
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Updated 19 August 2024
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Muslim World League expands humanitarian efforts in Africa

MWL has intensified its humanitarian initiatives in Africa.
  • New programs aim to improve vision health, slum living conditions, and energy access for Kenyans

RIYADH: The Muslim World League has intensified its humanitarian initiatives in Africa, with Secretary-General Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa leading several relief projects in Kenya.

In a move to combat vision impairment, and in the presence of Kenyan Ministry of Health officials and humanitarian organizations operating in Africa, Al-Issa inaugurated the blindness prevention program in partnership with Lions SightFirst Eye Hospital.

This initiative aim is to provide surgical interventions for hundreds of cataract patients, as well as comprehensive eye examinations and essential medical supplies, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Al-Issa also inspected a slum development project in Kenya, overseen by the MWL and its international partners, and announced MWL’s commitment to meeting the community’s solar energy needs.

Additionally, Al-Issa attended the signing of a cooperation agreement between MWL and The Hepatitis Fund, which will provide prevention, treatment and care for those affected by the disease, which threatens millions worldwide.

Last Friday, Al-Issa delivered a sermon at Nairobi’s largest mosque, attended by tens of thousands of Kenyan Muslims. He discussed the values and morals of Islam, emphasizing coexistence, national brotherhood and harmony in diverse societies. 


Cabinet appreciates positive results of international conference on Palestine co-chaired by Saudi Arabia

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairs the Cabinet session in NEOM on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairs the Cabinet session in NEOM on Tuesday. (SPA)
Updated 05 August 2025
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Cabinet appreciates positive results of international conference on Palestine co-chaired by Saudi Arabia

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairs the Cabinet session in NEOM on Tuesday. (SPA)
  • Cabinet welcomed announcements made by several participating countries of their intention to recognize the Palestinian state

RIYADH: The Cabinet on Tuesday expressed its appreciation for the positive results of the recently held High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.

The conference, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, was held between July 28-30 and aimed to catalyze concrete, time-bound, and coordinated international action toward the implementation of the two-State solution.

The chairs underlined the need to support Palestinian statehood, reinforce regional and international cooperation, and ensure respect for international law.

The Cabinet also welcomed announcements made by several participating countries of their intention to recognize the Palestinian state, Saudi Press Agency reported.

France, the UK, Canada, Portugal, Malta, and other countries have said they may recognize a State of Palestine at the UN in September.

The Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s call on all UN member states to support the final declaration issued by the international conference, which constitutes a comprehensive and implementable framework for implementing the two-state solution, that would in turn achieve international peace and security and contribute to building the future of the region and its peoples.

The Cabinet is following up on the Kingdom’s comprehensive support for the State of Palestine and its people, particularly on the humanitarian front, by continuing to send shelter, medical, and food aid to the Gaza Strip through the Saudi air and sea bridges.

It also condemned in the strongest terms provocative practices by Israeli government officials at Al-Aqsa Mosque, and stresses Saudi Arabia’s demand that the international community halt these practices, which violate international laws and norms.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman briefed the Cabinet on the contents of letters received by King Salman and himself from the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his meeting with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.


‘Terhal’ play returns to Diriyah with rich tapestry of Saudi culture

‘Terhal’ depicts a compelling tale of a young man searching for roots in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
‘Terhal’ depicts a compelling tale of a young man searching for roots in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
Updated 05 August 2025
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‘Terhal’ play returns to Diriyah with rich tapestry of Saudi culture

‘Terhal’ depicts a compelling tale of a young man searching for roots in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
  • Compelling tale of young man searching for roots in Kingdom
  • Innovative use of live music, acrobatics and equestrian displays

RIYADH: A celebration of Saudi Arabia heritage is underway in Diriyah with the return of the play “Terhal,” which offers a visually rich and emotionally resonant expression of the Kingdom’s cultural tapestry.

Held at the Mayadeen site and running until Aug. 25, the production of the Ministry of Culture combines live performance, cinematic visuals, and traditional storytelling to narrate the evolving story of the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

‘Terhal’ depicts a compelling tale of a young man searching for roots in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

At the heart of “Terhal” is the story of Saad, a young Saudi who travels across the country’s diverse regions in search of his roots and future.

His personal journey becomes a symbolic reflection of the nation’s broader transformation and is grounded in heritage, driven by ambition, and inspired by generations past.

FASTFACTS

• Held at the Mayadeen site and running until Aug. 25, the Ministry of Culture’s production of ‘Terhal’ combines live performance, cinematic visuals, and traditional storytelling.

• The production seamlessly fuses the Kingdom’s landscapes with innovative stage technology, creating a captivating showcase.

• Tickets can be booked via webook.com.

The production seamlessly fuses the Kingdom’s landscapes with innovative stage technology, creating a captivating showcase.

‘Terhal’ depicts a compelling tale of a young man searching for roots in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Audiences are treated to dazzling acrobatics, immersive soundscapes, live music, equestrian performances, and cultural displays, including references to traditional crafts, attire and cuisine.

Building on the artistic and public success of its 2023 debut, “Terhal” continues to push the creative boundaries of local theater production.

Tickets can be booked via webook.com.

 


Saudi craftsman creates inclusive artwork by adding Braille to decorative plaque

Al-Shehri said that the true purpose of his work is to carry a profound humanitarian message: Art should be accessible to all. (
Al-Shehri said that the true purpose of his work is to carry a profound humanitarian message: Art should be accessible to all. (
Updated 05 August 2025
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Saudi craftsman creates inclusive artwork by adding Braille to decorative plaque

Al-Shehri said that the true purpose of his work is to carry a profound humanitarian message: Art should be accessible to all. (
  • Adel Al-Shehri created heritage piece intended to be accessible to all
  • Using specialized tools, he embossed Braille onto luxury wood

MAKKAH: Craftsman Adel Al-Shehri has created a unique decorative plaque inspired by Saudi heritage and embossed with Braille writing.

His creation honors Saudi culture and embraces the concept of inclusivity, driven by a conviction that the decorative piece should be accessible to all, including the visually impaired.

The plaque, titled “My Heritage in Braille,” is designed in a traditional style that reflects the deep-rooted culture of Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi artist hopes that his approach will inspire artists across the Arab world to embrace inclusivity in their work. (Supplied)

It features a globe in its center surrounded by artistic motifs reflecting the concepts of universality.

In an interview with Arab News, Al-Shehri spoke about the inspiration behind his selected materials and design choices.

He crafted the plaque from luxurious walnut and mahogany woods, prized for their durability and rich, elegant grain.

It wasn’t easy, but through countless experiments and careful refinements, I achieved a delicate balance between tactile clarity and visual elegance.

Adel Al-Shehri, Saudi craftsman

He added subtle metal inlays to complement the aesthetics and highlight the geometric details with contemporary flair.

The plaque’s base features a stepped circular design, inspired by the shape of ancient terraces found in historical buildings in the Kingdom.

Incorporating Braille into the design proved to be a challenge for the craftsman. The reading system, which features raised dots that are read by touch, is not easy to recreate on materials like wood and metal.

Braille is usually printed on paper, but adding it to a solid surface requires extreme precision.

Al-Shehri devised a special method to achieve this, using engraving tools that enabled him to shape the Braille dots to the appropriate height (between 0.9 mm and 1.4 mm), while maintaining precise geometric spacing between the dots.

This allowed them to be read by touch without losing their meaning or interfering with the other decorative elements on the plaque.

“This step presented both a technical and aesthetic challenge. How could I create a language that is read by touch and integrate it into a plaque meant to be admired visually?

“It wasn’t easy, but through countless experiments and careful refinements, I achieved a delicate balance between tactile clarity and visual elegance,” he said.

Al-Shehri said that the true purpose of his work is to carry a profound humanitarian message: Art should be accessible to all.

He hopes that his pioneering approach will inspire artists across the Arab world to embrace inclusivity in their work.

 


Saudi ambassador receives Pakistan’s High Commissioner in South Africa

Saudi ambassador receives Pakistan’s High Commissioner in South Africa
Updated 05 August 2025
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Saudi ambassador receives Pakistan’s High Commissioner in South Africa

Saudi ambassador receives Pakistan’s High Commissioner in South Africa
  • The two sides “discussed matters of mutual interest and ways to enhance relations between the Kingdom and Pakistan

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to South Africa Faisal Al-Harbi recently received Pakistan’s High Commissioner to South Africa Malik Farooq.

During the meeting, the two sides “discussed matters of mutual interest and ways to enhance relations between the Kingdom and Pakistan,” the embassy wrote in a post on X on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Saudi Ambassador to Brazil Faisal Ghulam recently received UN Development Programme Representative Claudio Providas.

They reviewed the organization’s activities in Brazil.

 

 


Family of Saudi student killed in UK pay tribute to ‘best of brothers’

Family of Saudi student killed in UK pay tribute to ‘best of brothers’
Updated 05 August 2025
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Family of Saudi student killed in UK pay tribute to ‘best of brothers’

Family of Saudi student killed in UK pay tribute to ‘best of brothers’
  • Mohammed Al-Qasim, 20, was stabbed to death in Cambridge on Friday
  • Relatives set up fundraiser to provide Saudi families in need with clean water as tribute

RIYADH: Family and friends of Mohammed Al-Qasim, the 20-year-old Saudi student who was stabbed to death in Cambridge, UK on Friday, have been sharing their condolences and memories online.

His relatives have also set up a fundraiser to provide families in need in Saudi Arabia with clean water as a tribute. At the time of writing it had raised more than SR30,000 ($8,000).

Al-Qasim was on a 10-week placement at the EF International Language Campus in the city when he was killed. Two men from Cambridge have been arrested on suspicion of murder and assisting an offender.

Al-Qasim’s uncle, Majed Abalkhail, said on X that his nephew’s death “has been a huge shock for all of us — especially since Mohammed came to Cambridge as a student, carrying nothing but dreams and hopes for the future.”

“We truly hope … that this will be the last such tragedy, and that full justice will be served, with everyone responsible held fully accountable. May Allah have mercy on Mohammed and grant him the highest place in paradise.”

Abalkhail described his nephew as “a young man raised upon goodness, and our hearts still weep over his loss.”

Al-Qasim’s sister, Jana, wrote on X that he was “a man worth a thousand men, the true meaning of support, strength, and dignity.”

“I never knew the taste of fear for a single day, because I knew Mohammed was my backbone and my support after Allah,” she said.

“With the magnitude of his pride and love for me, I was proud of him and loved him many times more. Since our childhood, I would hear that brothers often annoy, quarrel, and fight with their siblings, but by Allah, he never raised his voice at me once, and I never saw from him anything but kindness and love.”

Another sister, Thekra, said: “O Allah, your servant Mohammed Al-Qasim was the best of brothers. Kind, gentle, and fearful of you among us. He never once raised his voice since the day my mother gave birth to him until you took him back to you.”

Abdallah Al-Matrafi, who described himself as a neighbor of the family, said on X that Al-Qasim’s “late father, his brothers and his sons are among the finest people we have known in manners, character, appreciation, respect, and good neighborliness.”

“To this day, we remember them fondly, and we will continue to do so for the rest of our lives.”

Professor Fahad Al-Olayan said: “May Allah have mercy on Mohammed. I was honored to have him as one of my students at the university last semester. He was a hardworking student, eager to learn.”

Nawaf Al-Darrab, a friend of Al-Qasim, said he knew the young man to be “close to Allah … always smiling, committed to his prayers, and forgiving toward everyone.”

“Until we meet again, my beloved and my brother, in the highest paradise with the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous — what an excellent company they are.”

In a public statement, his family described Al-Qasim as a “young man brimming with enthusiasm, with chivalry, and courage,” and said he was “the family’s charisma” and “his father’s support.”

“He was the most compassionate person to ever visit a mother’s heart,” they said.

The fundraiser set up in Al-Qasim’s name can be found at https://ehsan.sa/donationcampaign/details/1828254.