Saudi Arabia among top 5 donors for Turkiye quake fund

Tents set up to home displaced people following a massive earthquake, in Adiyaman, southeastern Turkiye on March 25, 2023. (AFP)
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Updated 01 April 2023
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Saudi Arabia among top 5 donors for Turkiye quake fund

  • UN raises quarter of $1 bn Turkey quake funds target
  • On Feb 6 a 7.8-magnitude earthquake killed more than 50,000 in Turkiye and nearly 6,000 in Syria leaving entire cities in ruins

RIYADH: The UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs on Friday thanked Saudi Arabia and other donor countries who contributed to raising over a quarter of the flash appeal issued by the UN following devastating earthquakes in Turkiye, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The UN said it had raised $268 million in response to the $1 billion humanitarian funding appeal for relief work in Turkiye following the 7.8-magnitude quake on Feb. 6 and its aftershocks that devastated swathes of southeast Turkiye and parts of war-torn Syria.
OCHA spokesman Jens Laerke said that 27 percent of the appeal had been funded and the largest donors were Saudi Arabia, the US, Kuwait, the European Commission, and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, while urging countries to provide support and contribute to financing the appeal.

He said that the aid comes in support of the response led by the Turkish government, adding that 9 million people were directly affected by the quakes and 3 million people had been displaced.
On Feb. 16, the UN launched the $1 billion appeal to help more than five million people in Turkiye and a twin flash appeal for Syria to help survivors over the first three months. The latter has raised $364 million of the $398 million requested.
The UN and other humanitarian agencies have reached more than 4.1 million people with basic household items and clothes, and 3 million with emergency food aid, while more than 700,000 people have received support to improve their living arrangements, including tents, relief housing units, and tent repair tools, Laerke said.

He added that 1.6 million have received water, hygiene and sanitation assistance and about 1 million liters of drinking water were delivered.
The UN humanitarian agency’s spokesman said that the Turkish Ministry of Health has been supported with 4.6 million vaccine doses, and 16 mobile health clinics, in addition to medicines and medical supplies for reproductive health and treatment of trauma and injuries.
“Now we are involved in the humanitarian emergency phase, where we look at what the survivors need,” Laerke told reporters in Geneva.
With AFP


Riyadh’s coolest ride this summer is the metro

Updated 9 sec ago
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Riyadh’s coolest ride this summer is the metro

  • Designed for over 1m passengers a day, the system is impressing locals as temperatures soar

RIYADH: As Riyadh sizzles under peak summer heat, residents are turning to the city’s new metro system for a faster, cooler way to get around, proving that public transport can thrive, even when temperatures soar.

Arab News spoke to Riyadh residents about why the summer sun is no issue when it comes to commuting.

For the past couple of months, Rashid Alikhan has opted to use the metro to get to work, hopping on at SABIC Station and getting off at King Abdullah Financial District.

Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city’s increasingly congested roads. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

“The most challenging aspect has been getting to the station and back home in a way that made sense. I’d say parking is an issue if you don’t go early,” he said.

“I go before it gets too hot to walk from the parking to the station … The stations are well AC’d … but it does get hot, so you just have to bear it.”

He recommends that passengers take a seat during the transit, whenever they are available, to minimize the burden of the trip.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Riyadh Metro features driverless trains and air-conditioned cabins with designated seating areas.

• The system is also integrated with the Riyadh Bus network, creating a unified public transport solution.

• Riders can pay via contactless cards, station kiosks, or the Darb app.

“Getting first class is worth it, and avoiding the rush and the sun. If you’re walking from the car to the station, I see a lot of people taking umbrellas, so that helps.”

Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city’s increasingly congested roads. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city’s increasingly congested roads.

The system includes several sustainable features, such as energy-efficient trains and stations, and regenerative braking technology that helps cut energy use.

To boost accessibility, rideshare platforms such as Uber are offering free connections through the RPT Link service, which transports passengers to metro stations within a 3 km radius.

Commuters at Qasr Al Hokm Station in Riyadh. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah) 

Nouf Al-Dossari, a content creator, said she relies on the metro for attending events and work-related outings. “It has been cost-friendly to me and saves me lots of time,” she said.

“Usually I’d leave my house an hour before to just reach in time because of the traffic, but now I leave 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled time. It’s been wonderful.”

She encourages others to use the metro during the hot months, but also advises staying hydrated and in the shade as much as possible.

Commuters at Qasr Al Hokm Station in Riyadh. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah) 

“I believe the most challenging part is trying to find an available seat when coming back home, and even in the morning because everyone is heading to work,” she said.

While she is used to the Riyadh heat, she still uses Uber to reach the stations for safety reasons.

“Some are located near highways or busy roads which makes it a bit difficult to safely walk to and from,” she explained.

People purchase tickets at the King Abdullah Finance District "KAFD" metro station in the Saudi capital Riyadh on December 1, 2024. (AFP)

Noura Al-Dakhil has been using the metro for her daily commute for over a month and says that the transition has been relatively smooth.

“The stations I use have a big sidewalk next to it, safety measures, and comfortable access. Although the parking situation isn’t ideal — or, let’s say, nonexistent,” she said.

While she used to walk to a nearby station in cooler months, the summer heat has forced her to adapt.

The metro is built to accommodate up to 1.2 million passengers daily. (Supplied)

“In the summer, I use my car and park next to the station,” she said. For those without that option, she recommends preparing for the weather, such as using an umbrella.

“It’s a game changer. And wear airy fabrics. I switched to cold caffeinated beverages, which helped too.”

The metro is built to accommodate up to 1.2 million passengers daily. It features driverless trains and air-conditioned cabins with designated seating areas.

The system is also integrated with the Riyadh Bus network, creating a unified public transport solution. Riders can pay via contactless cards, station kiosks, or the Darb app.

 


Saudi traditional container keeps its cool — and makes a cultural comeback

For generations, Al-Samil played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water. (SPA)
Updated 13 sec ago
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Saudi traditional container keeps its cool — and makes a cultural comeback

  • Al-Samil is handmade from tanned livestock skin using time-honored methods, and can preserve the quality and taste of ghee, yogurt, and water for extended periods without the need for cooling

RIYADH: As part of Saudi Arabia’s Year of Handicrafts, a traditional handmade leather container used to store food before the advent of refrigeration is making a comeback in the Northern Borders region.

For generations, Al-Samil played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water.

For generations, Al-Samil  played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water. (SPA)

Now the traditional items are being celebrated as a lasting emblem of Bedouin heritage, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Samil is handmade from tanned livestock skin using time-honored methods, and can preserve the quality and taste of ghee, yogurt, and water for extended periods without the need for cooling.

FASTFACT

At Arar’s traditional market, local artisans display Al-Samil alongside other crafts, including sadu weaving, spinning tools, and embroidered garments.

More than just functional, Al-Samil reflects a self-sufficient way of life and craftsmanship passed down through generations.

Today, interest in Al-Samil is being reived at heritage festivals and handicraft exhibitions held across cities and governorates in the region.

The container is still valued for storing wild ghee and fermented yogurt, with the leather adding a distinct flavor. Many rural homes and farms still use it.

At Arar’s traditional market, local artisans display Al-Samil alongside other crafts, including sadu weaving, spinning tools, and embroidered garments.

The market has become a key attraction for both residents and tourists looking to experience the region’s cultural heritage firsthand, the SPA reported.

 


Saudi project clears 1,559 mines in Yemen

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. (Supplied/Project Masam)
Updated 18 sec ago
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Saudi project clears 1,559 mines in Yemen

  • The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 1,559 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 1,513 unexploded ordnances, 45 anti-tank mines and one anti-personnel mines, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said that 504,295 mines have been cleared since the project began in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and delivery of humanitarian aid.

 


Saudi deputy FM receives EU ambassador

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) and Christophe Farnaud in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 30 sec ago
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Saudi deputy FM receives EU ambassador

  • They reviewed relations between the Kingdom and the EU, as well as regional and international developments of common interest

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received EU Ambassador to the Kingdom Christophe Farnaud in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, they reviewed relations between the Kingdom and the EU, as well as regional and international developments of common interest, the Foreign Ministry said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic and Development Affairs Abdullah bin Zarah received Dya-Eddine Bamakhrama, ambassador of Djibouti and dean of the diplomatic corps, in Riyadh on Monday. They discussed economic matters of mutual interest.

 

 


Documentary shines light on Saudi Arabia’s progress, development

New Konoz documentary highlight's Kingdoms advancements towards achieving 2030 goals. (SPA)
Updated 07 July 2025
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Documentary shines light on Saudi Arabia’s progress, development

  • Movie celebrates political, economic, cultural, sporting advancements

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s transformation toward its Vision 2030 goals has been documented in a new film by the Ministry of Media.

Launched by the ministry’s Konoz initiative, “The Destination” highlights the progress made in the political, economic, medical, sporting, cultural, media and artistic fields.

Mirroring the film's title, Saudi Arabia has become a global destination for investment, tourism, and much more. (Supplied)

Its title reflects the Kingdom’s path toward becoming a global destination for tourism and investment.

Konoz CEO Abdullah Al-Ahmari credited megaprojects and upcoming events such as the AFC Asian Cup 2027, Expo Riyadh 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034.

HIGHLIGHT

‘The Destination’ includes interviews with key figures from various fields as well as testimonies, quotes and historical records. It is part of a series of films produced by Konoz in cooperation with almost 90 organizations and more than 2,600 individuals.

“The Konoz initiative aims to document the Kingdom’s achievements through creative productions,” he said, describing the country as a “model admired by the world.”

The film reflected the progress being made on the ground and highlighted the initiative’s focus on Saudi talent in shaping the Kingdom’s future, he said.

“The Destination” includes interviews with key figures from various fields as well as testimonies, quotes and historical records. It is part of a series of films produced by Konoz in cooperation with almost 90 organizations and more than 2,600 individuals.

The Konoz initiative is part of the Human Capacity Development Program under Vision 2030. Its goal is to promote Saudi Arabian culture around the world by highlighting the contributions and success stories of its citizens.