GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi, left, received the ambassador of Kuwait to Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Sabah Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, in Riyadh. (SPA)
Sheikh Sabah presented Jasem Albudaiwi with a letter from Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya
Officials discussed strategies to strengthen joint efforts to advance Gulf cooperation
Updated 07 April 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Albudaiwi has received in Riyadh Sheikh Sabah Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the ambassador of Kuwait to Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Sheikh Sabah presented Albudaiwi with a letter from Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya which extended an invitation to participate in the third ministerial meeting between the GCC and Central Asian countries, scheduled to take place in Kuwait on April 16.
Albudaiwi commended Kuwait’s efforts in supporting the council’s progress, emphasizing that its initiatives and constructive positions reflected a strong commitment to enhancing joint Gulf cooperation and fulfilling the aspirations of the citizens of the GCC countries for greater integration and solidarity.
The two officials discussed strategies to strengthen joint efforts to advance Gulf cooperation, in alignment with the visions of the GCC leaders, and exchanged perspectives on the latest regional and international developments.
Saudi Arabia showcases Islamic heritage at Jusoor exhibition in Kosovo
The 10-day event coincides with the launch of the final qualifiers for the third international Holy Qur’an memorization competition in the Balkans
Updated 6 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti recently inaugurated the sixth Jusoor exhibition at Skanderbeg Square in the capital, Pristina.
The exhibition is organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs in cooperation with the religious attache at the Saudi Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The 10-day event coincides with the launch of the final qualifiers for the third international Holy Qur’an memorization competition in the Balkans, held in cooperation with the Islamic Sheikhdom in Kosovo.
The exhibition promotes authentic Islamic principles and highlights values such as moderation, mercy and justice, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It features diverse cultural and outreach activities and showcases the Kingdom’s rich Islamic and historical heritage, aiming to foster intercultural dialogue and build bridges between communities.
Kurti praised the Kingdom’s historical and humanitarian support for Kosovo, noting its consistent solidarity, especially during critical moments in the country’s recent history. He added that this reflected the friendship and ties between the two nations.
“The Kingdom is close to the people of Kosovo, and the support it provided — especially during difficult times — is evidence of the strong and sincere friendship between us. We are grateful for it,” he said.
Kurti said that relations between the two countries had developed into a strong and growing partnership. He highlighted cooperation in tourism, education, the economy and culture, pointing to recent citizen exchanges for various purposes.
He added that the exhibition’s name reflected Arab heritage and the Kingdom’s spirit, enriching Kosovar understanding of Saudi culture.
Kurti said that this cultural bridge connected societies, serving as a platform for reflection and interaction.
The Kingdom stood as a model promoting peace and unity, honoring the past and offering hope for the future, he said.
Sheikh Naim Ternava, grand mufti and head of the Islamic Sheikhdom in Kosovo, expressed gratitude to the Kingdom for its support.
He said that the event resulted from cooperation between the Islamic Sheikhdom and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, reflecting their shared commitment to promoting Islamic values, cultural exchange and building bridges of communication.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief has launched a project to protect and empower women affected by gender-based violence in Yemen’s Aden and Taiz governorates.
The project is being implemented in cooperation with UN Women and Yemen’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Over 12 months, it will directly benefit 18,000 displaced women and survivors of violence, as well as 325 frontline workers in safe spaces and protection centers. It also aims to indirectly impact about 126,000 individuals.
The initiative seeks to enhance protection for women and girls, build the capacity of workers handling violence cases, expand psychosocial and legal support, and raise community awareness through women’s rights education campaigns.
UN Women Yemen representative Dina Zorba thanked Saudi Arabia, through KSrelief, for its generous support and humanitarian vision prioritizing women’s empowerment.
She said that the project went beyond protection services, offering an integrated approach to restoring dignity, enhancing resilience and empowering women as partners in peace-building and recovery.
Meanwhile, KSrelief has launched another project to distribute 4,012 food baskets to the neediest individuals across several districts in Yemen’s Hadramout governorate, benefiting 28,084 people.
Hadramout Undersecretary for Valley and Desert Affairs Amer Al-Amri praised KSrelief’s pioneering humanitarian role and the Kingdom’s support across various humanitarian sectors in Yemen.
This effort is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader relief projects to bridge the food gap in Yemen and improve quality of life.
Transporters urged to comply with Hajj regulations
Saudi authorities ensure seamless operations across air, sea, land and rail sectors for millions of pilgrims
Updated 03 May 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority has directed all transport operators, especially in Makkah, not to carry any passengers heading to Makkah or the holy sites without a Hajj permit or valid work and Makkah-residence entry permit.
The rules, effective April 29, are part of the Interior Ministry’s efforts to manage crowds and ensure pilgrim safety, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
Violators transporting visit visa holders to Makkah or the holy sites before June 10 face fines of up to SR100,000 ($26,600) and possible vehicle confiscation, as ruled by the relevant court.
This applies whether the vehicle is owned by the transporter, an accomplice or any party involved in the violation, the SPA added.
The authority also reminded licensed carriers to meet all regulatory requirements for Hajj, including securing proper licenses and permits, using designated routes and avoiding restricted areas without approval.
Operators are urged to fully cooperate with security and checkpoint authorities. Any violations will result in penalties.
These measures support the authority’s Hajj operational plan to ensure compliance, safety and smooth transport for authorized pilgrims, reflecting the quality of services during the season.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services and its affiliated bodies announced full readiness for the Hajj season, ensuring seamless coordination across air, sea, land and rail sectors to provide top-tier services in line with the Kingdom’s role in serving the Two Holy Mosques.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed more than 3 million seats on charter and scheduled flights for domestic and international pilgrims during arrival and departure.
Oversight teams have increased performance monitoring at airports and among service providers to maintain quality standards, according to the SPA.
Matarat Holding Co. completed preparations at 11 dedicated pilgrim lounges, supported by 18,000 staff. Services include the “Traveler Without Baggage” initiative for easier luggage handling and Zamzam water delivery from residences.
Saudia airline confirmed readiness with more than 1 million seats and 2,000 flights via its 158-aircraft fleet, while flynas is set to carry more than 120,000 pilgrims on 294 flights from 15 international destinations.
In land transport, the Transport General Authority deployed 25,000 buses and 9,000 taxis, with 180 supervisors stationed at 20 key locations near Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites to enforce safety and service standards.
The Roads General Authority completed maintenance on more than 7,400 km of roads to the holy sites and inspected 247 bridges for safety. More than 300 road monitors and 20 advanced technologies have been deployed for surveillance.
In rail transport, Saudi Arabia Railways has arranged more than 2,000 trips for Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro, transporting more than 2 million passengers between Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway, with 35 electric trains operating at 300 km/h, will carry passengers between Makkah and Madinah, including a station at King Abdulaziz International Airport, one of the largest airport-linked stations globally.
In maritime transport, the Saudi Ports Authority deployed 436 staff at Jeddah Islamic Port to manage the arrival of about 5,000 pilgrims, coordinating reception and logistics.
The National Transport Safety Center announced its readiness, implementing a phased operational plan with human and technical resources to respond to major accidents across all transport modes, 24/7 from Jeddah to the holy sites during peak Hajj.
These efforts reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing the pilgrim experience and supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by delivering exceptional services throughout the Hajj journey.
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 17,153 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
A total of 10,305 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,644 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,204 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,109 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 62 percent were Ethiopian, 35 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 76 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 13 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
How green journalism in Saudi Arabia can grow stronger roots
Experts call for closer media-academia bonds to boost impact of environmental journalism as Saudi Arabia ramps up sustainability efforts
Reporters need more support, ranging from AI tools and training and expert access to explain complex climate and sustainability issues
Updated 03 May 2025
Hebshi Alshammari
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s accelerated sustainability drive under its Vision 2030 plan puts environmental journalism at a critical juncture. While coverage of science and environmental issues is expanding, experts say that oversimplification, lack of specialist training, and weak collaboration between journalists and scientists are holding back high-quality reporting.
Some Saudi media outlets are praised for scientific accuracy, but others often prioritize speed over substance, resulting in fragmented or sensationalized coverage. This inconsistency, experts say, limits public understanding of urgent environmental issues.
Academic and industry leaders in the Kingdom agree that tackling these shortcomings requires institutional investment, the establishment of specialized news units, and the adoption of advanced tools such as data analysis powered by artificial intelligence.
“One of the key challenges facing environmental journalists in Saudi Arabia is striking a precise balance between simplifying complex scientific information for a general audience and preserving its accuracy and scientific integrity,” said Talal Al-Shathry, an expert in environmental journalism.
He told Arab News that while some Saudi outlets have improved accuracy and objectivity through rigorous reporting, others continue to downplay or oversimplify key topics.
This trend, he added, often stems from a focus on speed and breaking news at the expense of deeper analysis.
To improve the quality and credibility of coverage, Al-Shathry emphasized the need for journalistic integrity. He said reporters must “avoid bias” by relying on credible, diverse sources, maintaining transparency throughout the reporting process, and disclosing potential conflicts of interest.
He also underscored the importance of specialized training in science and environmental journalism to help reporters handle the complexity of the topics. Without this training, he warned, journalists may unintentionally compromise the accuracy of the information they present.
Despite current challenges, Al-Shathry, an assistant professor at King Saud University’s Journalism and Mass Communication Department, noted recent improvements. “Saudi media has taken encouraging steps toward increasing its focus on environmental issues,” he said.
However, he urged greater emphasis on in-depth analysis, accurate scientific communication, and public engagement around sustainability. These efforts, he said, should be backed by more investment in training and resources.
To that end, Al-Shathry proposed several initiatives to strengthen ties between academia and the media, including workshops, joint conferences, and digital platforms that help journalists connect with environmental experts.
He also called for major media organizations to establish dedicated investigative teams focused on environmental issues. These units, he said, could deliver in-depth reporting, expose violations, and hold accountable those responsible for environmental harm.
Members of the media and reporters gather in a press room prior to the start of the One Planet Summit on December 12, 2017 at La Seine Musicale venue on l'ile Seguin in Boulogne-Billancourt, west of Paris. (AFP)
Echoing these concerns, Mutlaq Al-Mutairi, supervisor of the Dr. Ibrahim Al-Muhanna chair for energy and specialized media, emphasized the role academic institutions must play in supporting this growing field.
According to him, university research chairs are designed to support specialized studies that align with national development goals, including environmental protection. “Environmental journalism is increasingly gaining prominence as a vital discipline, owing to its close connections with various sectors,” he told Arab News.
Still, Al-Mutairi acknowledged the gap between universities and the authorities meant to act on their findings. The issue, he said, is not a lack of research but a reluctance among institutions to engage in structured academic partnerships, with many opting to work with individual experts instead.
He cited several success stories that demonstrate the potential of stronger, institution-based collaboration and noted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to deepen international academic partnerships. But he cautioned that such collaborations must be effectively implemented to yield real-world benefits.
“Rather than allowing the media market to reshape academic training,” Al-Mutairi said, “educational institutions should shape the media landscape through their expertise and focus on specialization.”
Training in environmental reporting makes it possible for journalists to understand complex scientific information and report on these without losing meaning. (KAUST photo)
Building on this theme, Sattam Fahad Al-Mojil, associate professor of environmental engineering at King Saud University, pointed to the way scientific content is often framed as a major obstacle.
He told Arab News that technical or globalized language too often fails to connect with people’s everyday concerns — such as health, clean water, or food security — reducing both awareness and engagement.
“Covering environmental issues isn’t easy — and for many journalists, it’s a constant uphill battle,” Al-Mojil said. “The complexity of scientific information makes it difficult to communicate without losing meaning, and most reporters receive little to no training in environmental journalism.”
“The lack of reliable sources and limited access to data or experts compounds the issue. Weak institutional interest in environmental topics means fewer resources and minimal editorial support,” he added.
Despite these barriers, Al-Mojil believes journalists can still make a meaningful impact. By taking a constructive tone and offering solutions alongside problems, reporting can help turn public anxiety into awareness — and, eventually, action.
By taking a constructive tone and offering solutions alongside problems, reporting can help turn public anxiety into awareness an. (MEWA photo) action, says Sattam Fahad Al-Mojil, associate professor of environmental engineering at King Saud University,
He said that academics and experts are essential allies, helping to simplify complex concepts, interpret technical data and ensure accuracy. However, collaboration is limited due to institutional disconnects, different working styles and the pressures of the news cycle.
“Despite the importance of this collaboration, it remains limited due to weak institutional communication, differing approaches, and the time pressure journalists often face,” he said.
To bridge the gap, Al-Mojil proposed regular communication channels between media and academia. Joint initiatives — such as training sessions, workshops, and expert databases — could greatly improve the quality and impact of reporting.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Eco-journalism highlights climate change, conservation and sustainability to raise awareness and drive action.
• Environmental reporters face challenges in simplifying complex topics and engaging audiences.
• Eco-journalists use tools like interactive maps and multimedia to simplify complex issues and engage audiences.
Adding to the call for innovation, Farah Al-Gharib, founder and president of Precision & Choice Environmental Solutions, acknowledged recent progress but said current efforts remain inadequate in the face of climate change and other accelerating threats.
“Media coverage of environmental issues is often reactive rather than proactive,” she told Arab News. “This reality underscores the urgent need for greater investment in environmental journalism to keep pace with mounting challenges.”
Al-Gharib also highlighted the potential of technology to support sustainability. “Integrating smart systems is critical to advancing environmental sustainability,” she said. “By leveraging AI and modern technologies, we can classify facilities by environmental impact and use advanced data to support sustainable decision-making.”
Media coverage of environmental issues is often reactive rather than proactive, observes Farah Al-Gharib, founder and president of Precision & Choice Environmental Solutions. (MEWA photo)
Looking ahead, she said she expects environmental journalism in Saudi Arabia to become more specialized, data-driven and influential.
She described the field as a critical bridge between science and the public. “Its strength lies in transforming difficult concepts into clear, actionable information that empowers people to act,” Al-Gharib said.
Her company contributes to this mission by providing transparent data and maintaining open communication with journalists. “Effective communication between the media and the environmental sector is not a choice — it’s a necessity for building a greener tomorrow,” she said.