MANILA: More than 800,000 Filipino expatriates in Saudi Arabia will receive a free COVID-19 vaccine as part of the Health Ministry’s drive to inoculate all residents in the Kingdom, Saudi Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Bussairy said.
“The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Manila confirms that more than 800,000 Filipinos residing in the Kingdom are included in acquiring the coronavirus vaccines for free,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
The campaign, he added, is a continuation of the Kingdom’s “great efforts and proactive steps” since the start of the pandemic and will include foreign residents, “regardless of their nationality and status of their residency without any legal consequences.”
“It is an important step in addressing the pandemic and preserving the health and safety of the citizens and residents on its lands,” he said.
Commending the Kingdom on its move, Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Adnan Alonto said: “The Filipino labor force is an important component of Saudi Arabia’s economic recovery amid this pandemic.”
“I have no doubt that the Kingdom will vaccinate all residents until herd immunity is reached and realized,” Alonto told Arab News on Saturday.
He added that the Kingdom’s vaccination process involved a “simplified, systematic and impressive set of protocols” designed to inoculate all citizens and expatriates.
“To date, almost 4 million residents have been vaccinated, and the numbers increase by the minute,” Alonto said, adding that as of March 19, the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia had reported 445 active cases of COVID-19 infections among Filipinos, with 549 recoveries and 420 deaths.
“We are still trying to get data on the number of OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) who have been inoculated,” he said.
Al-Bussairy said that the “Human Health and Their Safety First” campaign launched by Saudi King Salman aims to “provide complete health care to all those infected with the coronavirus.”
He said the Kingdom had supported international efforts to combat the pandemic and had contributed to the international COVAX facility to accelerate the availability of vaccines. It has given $150 million to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization “to make it available to all countries of the world in an equitable manner,” according to Al-Bussairy.
This is in addition to the Saudi government’s support for the UN response plan to combat the pandemic and several projects supported by various UN organizations and agencies.
“The Kingdom desires to be one of the top countries in the world in performing humanitarian actions due to its concern for human rights at the international level, the most significant of which is the aid and donations provided by the Kingdom to many countries, especially those that have been greatly affected by this pandemic,” Al-Bussairy said.
Saudi envoy in Manila highlights Kingdom’s policy of free jabs to all
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Saudi envoy in Manila highlights Kingdom’s policy of free jabs to all
- Focus on Kingdom’s initiative to inoculate all residents against coronavirus, irrespective of nationality or residential status
- Alonto: “The Filipino labor force is an important component of Saudi Arabia’s economic recovery amid this pandemic”
US energy secretary praises Saudi cooperation
- Chris Wright discussed renewable energy sources with Saudi officials
RIYADH: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright praised Saudi Arabia’s leadership for fostering robust energy cooperation between the two countries.
Wright, who visited the Kingdom on Sunday, expressed his gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman for supporting energy partnership with the US.
During a media briefing at the Energy Ministry in Riyadh, Wright discussed his conversations with Saudi officials regarding energy investment, trade and security. He praised the Kingdom’s solar energy sector and innovative energy development approach.
He discussed renewable energy sources such as green hydrogen and solar power with Saudi officials, stressing the need for long-term investments to meet rising global demand, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Wright highlighted the importance of stable oil prices to encourage investments in vital minerals, and emphasized the need to promote mutual investment and consistent growth in energy supplies, the SPA added.
Regarding the tariffs introduced globally by the US, he said the focus was on fair trade and bringing jobs back to the country. Wright described them as strategic tariffs aimed at encouraging domestic investment.
Fashioning identity: Saudi designer champions tour guides as ambassadors
- Dallal Al-Juhani’s uniform concept weaves together tradition, technology
- We should showcase Saudi heritage to the world through tourism and fashion, she says
JEDDAH: In Saudi Arabia, where each region’s distinct heritage shines through its landscape and traditions, tour guides serve as vital ambassadors — and one Saudi designer believes their attire is key to embodying the cultural treasures they represent.
Dallal Al-Juhani, a fashion design faculty member at Taibah University, has developed a visionary concept for tour guide uniforms in AlUla which blends heritage with modern style.
Using technology to champion heritage, her project merges the cultural identity of AlUla with aesthetics and the functional needs of the job, highlighting Saudi identity in its finest form.
“Saudi heritage has its place and value,” she told Arab News. “We should be proud of it and showcase it to the world through the tourism and fashion sectors."
HIGHLIGHT
Dallal Al-Juhani, a fashion design faculty member at Taibah University, has developed a visionary concept for tour guide uniforms in AlUla which blends heritage with modern style.
Al-Juhani holds a bachelor’s degree in clothing and jewelry design from Taibah University, and boasts a master’s in fashion design from King Abdulaziz University.
She added: “During my studies there was a significant focus on fashion that reflects heritage, as well as the role of modern technologies in the development of the fashion industry.”
Reflecting on the inspiration behind her vision for tour guide uniforms, she said: “During my visit to AlUla in 2021 I noticed that tour guides did not have a specific uniform to stand out to visitors.
Saudi heritage has its place and value. We should be proud of it and showcase it to the world through the tourism and fashion sectors.
Dallal Al-Juhani, Saudi designer and academic
“As a fashion designer I felt compelled to find a solution to this issue by creating designs suitable for this role.”
Al-Juhani’s uniform concept reflects the rich identity of AlUla through colors, patterns, materials, and techniques, all inspired by the region’s heritage.
It serves as a visual narrative, representing the beauty of AlUla’s monuments while establishing a deep connection between the storyteller and the place itself.
She said: “Patterns were inspired from iconic locations such as Al-Hijr and Jabal Ikmah, incorporating Nabataean letters and prominent symbols such as the bull, lion, and hand.”
Functionality was a key consideration in the uniform’s design, and Al-Juhani added: “The uniform gives the tour guide a sense of belonging and comfort, leaving a positive impression on tourists, which elevates the level of professionalism in the tourism sector.”
As a young Saudi designer Al-Juhani’s message to her peers is to keep up with modern trends by utilizing new technologies in design and illustration. In fact, as part of her project, she harnessed artificial intelligence techniques to enhance her designs.
And to bring her vision to life she used AI-powered tools like Midjourney and Lexica to develop prototypes before transitioning to manual work.
She said: “I used natural leather and techniques such as burning and decoration that mimic the ancient Nabataean style. I also added traditional details using leather threads and blanket stitching to enhance the heritage touch.”
While Al-Juhani did face some challenges in sourcing high-quality materials, the input offered by tour guides made the process smoother.
She added: “I made sure to involve them in every stage to strengthen their connection to the uniform, making it a project they felt a part of rather than just a product.”
Her innovative approach has already earned her recognition, and Al-Juhani was awarded the gold medal at the London International Exhibition of Inventions and Innovations in 2024, as well as receiving special recognition from Croatia and Romania at the same event.
“It was proof that heritage and monuments give design authenticity, uniqueness, and enhance its aesthetic and expressive value,” she said.
Saudi traditional crafts on show at Jouf camel auction
- Women demonstrate art of making sameel storage pouches
RIYADH: The art of making leather containers for storing food and drinks was just one of the attractions at the recent Jouf camel auction in Dumat Al-Jandal governorate.
With 2025 designated as the Year of Handicrafts, festivals across Saudi Arabia are providing important platforms for artisans to showcase and market their traditional skills.
At the camel auction, which ends on Tuesday, craftswoman Umm Meshaal, told the Saudi Press Agency how she produced sameel, a type of pouch made from animal hide and used for storing ghee, yogurt and water.
Meshaal said that sheep skin worked best for keeping yogurt, while goat skin was better for ghee.
FASTFACTS
• At the Jouf camel auction, craftswoman Umm Meshaal told the Saudi Press Agency how she produced sameel.
• It is a traditional pouch made from animal hide and used for storing ghee, yogurt and water.
The process starts by tanning the skins using a tree extract and salt to remove the hair and any impurities. The hides are then left to dry before being cut and sewn together into the desired shape.
The ancient art of making sameel is still relevant in modern-day Jouf, particularly among Bedouin communities who use them for storing and carrying vital supplies.
Many consumers say the best ghee in the Kingdom comes from these traditional vessels, the report said.
Riyadh expo to feature poultry innovations
- The ministry highlighted the broad participation expected at the event, including public and private sector representatives, scientific associations, and nonprofit organizations focused on livestock development
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli will inaugurate the fourth Middle East Poultry Expo at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from April 14 to 16.
This year’s exhibition will feature 340 local and international companies showcasing innovations in poultry, feed, animal health, and nutrition, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The ministry highlighted the broad participation expected at the event, including public and private sector representatives, scientific associations, and nonprofit organizations focused on livestock development.
Specialized pavilions will cover poultry production, feed manufacturing, milling technologies, veterinary services, and animal nutrition and health, the SPA added.
Visitors can explore more than 800 advanced products and technologies aimed at strengthening poultry industry supply chains.
The ministry emphasized the poultry sector’s growth, driven by government support through loans, poultry project facilities, and private sector investment. These efforts, aligned with Vision 2030, are vital for enhancing the Kingdom’s food security.
Boost for nonprofits in Saudi cultural sector
- To qualify, applicants must be registered in Sauddi Arabia and show readiness to launch initiatives aligned with literature, publishing and translation sectors
RIYADH: The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission has launched a new program designed to boost the role of the nonprofit sector in the cultural landscape.
Known as Madeed, the initiative underscores the commission’s commitment to strengthening cultural partnerships with nonprofit entities and empowering them to contribute to the nation’s cultural transformation.
It seeks to create lasting community impact while supporting Vision 2030 goals in literature, publishing and translation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The program offers a multi-faceted support system, including mentorship, training, promotional support and grants.
Operating through two tracks — one for third-sector organizations and another for student clubs — it guides participants from application and evaluation to implementation and final assessment.
To qualify, applicants must be registered in the Kingdom and show readiness to launch initiatives aligned with literature, publishing and translation sectors.
Interested organizations can apply via engage.moc.gov.sa/madeed.
