Riyadh humanitarian forum spearheads innovation, use of AI in disaster response

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Updated 23 February 2023
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Riyadh humanitarian forum spearheads innovation, use of AI in disaster response

  • Top UN, EU leaders attend two-day event in Saudi capital
  • Artificial intelligence has “vital role to play in streamlining humanitarian efforts,” expert says

RIYADH: The Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum has concluded with recommendations on minimizing funding gaps in relief aid and utilizing science and innovation for quicker response and coordination.

The third edition of the forum was organized by the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid (KSrelief) in partnership with the UN and its humanitarian organizations. Held in the Saudi capital on Monday and Tuesday it was attended by hundreds of international leaders, donors, researchers and aid groups.

Among the speakers were Saudi government officials, including Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir and Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel, as well as top UN and EU officials such as UN aid chief Martin Griffiths, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic, OCHA Humanitarian Financing Director Lisa Doughten, WHO Environment Director Maria Neira and Maimunah Mohd Sharif, executive director of the UN Human Settlements Program.




Among the forum’s speakers were Saudi government officials, including Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. (Yazeed Alsamrani)

The conference aimed at strengthening dialogue and communication between aid actors, and finding innovative solutions to streamline response, including by adopting technology and digital transformation to serve humanitarian work.

KSrelief Supervisor General Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah told Arab News in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the forum that one of the main takeaways of the meetings was thorough discussions on minimizing the “big gap” between needs and funding, and proactive response as the number of natural and human-made disasters had been on the rise.

“We have seen an increasing number of conflicts, disasters and earthquakes, so we have to improve our response and be quicker in terms of response. Coordination remains an issue, especially when there is an emergency response and this is an area that has been also discussed — how we can be more coordinated than ever,” he said.




Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum has concluded with recommendations on minimizing funding gaps in relief aid and utilizing science and innovation for quicker response and coordination. (Yazeed Alsamrani)

“One of the important issues discussed is how can we utilize research, science, digitalization and artificial intelligence in data collection and also prioritization and coordination. These are the top issues that have been really discussed heavily.”

At the end of the forum, the participants agreed on adopting a series of recommendations to further collective efforts in the fields of partnership, assessment, anticipatory action and achieving the UN’s sustainable development goals through a humanitarian, developmental and peace nexus.

Among the key recommended actions was assessing humanitarian needs and monitoring interventions by using “innovative technologies, researched and evidence-based approaches, data collection mechanisms and big data analytics.”




Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan speaks at the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum. (Yazeed Alsamrani)

The use of the newest technologies, like AI, in supporting response is a new area of humanitarian work, and the Riyadh forum was one of the first international meetings to highlight the need for it.

“The necessity for humanitarian aid and the urgency in having an efficient process with adequate data is becoming paramount, as was clearly stated in the humanitarian forum that KSrelief led these two days and included in its recommendations for future action plans,” Marita Kassis, political analyst and media expert on the Middle East, told Arab News on the sidelines of the conference.

“AI is the future, and today is taking the world by storm, with governments and world leaders trying to incorporate it in most sectors.

“Between wars and natural disasters, there is no shortage of catastrophes to attend to. AI can play a vital part in streamlining these humanitarian efforts and efficiently instill a process of coordination that will list needs, delivery and transparency,” Kassis said.




Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum has concluded with recommendations on minimizing funding gaps in relief aid and utilizing science and innovation for quicker response and coordination. (Yazeed Alsamrani)

 


Saudi medical team begins to separate Egyptian conjoined twins

Updated 07 May 2025
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Saudi medical team begins to separate Egyptian conjoined twins

  • Most delicate case ever undertaken by his team, says surgeon Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah

DUBAI: A medical team of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program began on Wednesday to separate Egyptian twins at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, advisor at the royal court and supervisor general of the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief, who heads the team, said the twins are joined at the back, lower chest, abdomen and pelvis, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

One of the twins lacks essential organs, including a heart and head, and suffers from severe congenital defects, making survival impossible.

The complex operation is expected to last approximately 11 hours and will proceed in six stages.

It involves a multidisciplinary team of 26 consultants, specialists, and support staff in fields including anesthesia, neurosurgery, pediatric surgery, and plastic surgery.

Al-Rabeeah described the case as one of the most delicate the team has undertaken, noting the shared spinal canal as a major surgical challenge.

Advanced imaging and surgical microscopes will be used to ensure precision, he said.

This marks the 63rd separation procedure under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, which has reviewed 149 cases from 27 countries since its inception in 1990.


What’s the matcha with everyone? The beloved green tea powder hits mainstream in Saudi Arabia

Updated 07 May 2025
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What’s the matcha with everyone? The beloved green tea powder hits mainstream in Saudi Arabia

  • The Japanese tea’s rise in the Kingdom is a cultural shift, one green cup at a time

RIYADH: Once a niche ceremonial tea in Japan, matcha is now gaining mainstream popularity in Saudi Arabia, thanks to a growing interest in wellness trends, evolving taste preferences, and the rise of mindful living.

The data backs the trend. According to a recent report by IMARC Group, Saudi Arabia’s green tea market, which includes matcha, was valued at $140.14 million and is projected to grow to $229.24 million by 2033.

Imports of packaged green tea nearly doubled in value between 2020 and 2023, suggesting a growing appetite for premium, health-focused drinks.

That growing demand is reflected on cafe menus and social media feeds across the Kingdom. Matcha lattes, once limited to specialty coffee shops, are now a fixture at trendy cafes and home kitchens alike.

Whether it’s served iced in sleek glass cups or whisked at home with oat milk, matcha is more than a drink. It’s a mood, a personal statement, and for many, a healthier way to start the day.

In Dammam, 19-year-old Sara Anas remembers her first taste of matcha back in 2019. “My dad likes trying new things,” she said. “It didn’t taste that great at first, but when matcha became popular in 2021, I got excited to try it again from local cafes.”

Now, she drinks it almost daily. “It might sound strange, but I don’t feel like it’s heavy on my body like coffee. It makes me feel more relaxed and gives me energy in a better way.”

Anas is part of a growing demographic. In Riyadh, 26-year-old Amal Al-Mutairi starts every morning with matcha. “I prefer it iced with vanilla milk to make the flavor smoother and lighter,” she said.

For her, the appeal began with reading about its benefits. “It gives me calm energy without the jitters or crash I usually feel after drinking coffee. It also helps me focus for longer periods.”

That calm, focused energy — often described as a “cleaner” caffeine experience — has made matcha especially popular among students and professionals.

For Anas, it’s a campus essential. “It’s a must before classes! It gives me the energy to continue my day at uni,” she said.

But matcha is more than functional. It’s become a lifestyle, embraced for both its wellness claims and its visual charm.

Globally, matcha’s rise is part of a broader wellness boom. Japan’s matcha production rose 185 percent from 2010 to 2023, and demand is now so high that suppliers are warning of shortages. Japan’s top growers have begun limiting exports to meet domestic needs.

Matcha’s health appeal is not just hype. Rich in antioxidants — especially a compound called EGCG — studies suggest it may reduce inflammation, support cardiovascular health, and aid cognitive function.

A recent Saudi study also found that over half of the participants believed matcha could help with weight management and blood sugar balance.

Still, experts note that moderation matters. Excessive matcha consumption may interfere with iron absorption and isn’t recommended for everyone.

The ritual of preparing matcha, especially for those who make it themselves, has become part of a broader shift toward slow, intentional living — something many young Saudis are leaning into.

That ritual is deeply personal for 27-year-old Leen Al-Zamil, who turned matcha from curiosity into a daily indulgence. “I was curious at first and honestly, I hated it so much, but I think (that’s) because it was hot,” she said. “I liked it cold with vanilla syrup and oat milk. I definitely can’t drink it alone.”

Now, she can’t go a day without it. “Sometimes twice or more,” she said. “I like its color … I enjoy every step of making it, and it just tastes so good. It brightens my mood.”

Al-Zamil is not the only one who sees matcha as more than just a drink.

For 28-year-old Mona Abdullah, matcha represents healing. “As someone who suffers from IBS, coffee tends to affect me for a while, whereas matcha provides steady energy without causing any discomfort,” she said. “I’ve stopped drinking coffee for the past three months. I now believe that matcha is a better source of caffeine compared to black coffee.”

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common digestive condition. Many people with IBS find that coffee, with its acidity and high caffeine content, can trigger discomfort, making gentler alternatives like matcha a preferred choice. 

Abdullah drinks it twice a day, iced, and without any added flavors. “Health,” she says, is what made her switch.

Still, matcha’s appeal goes beyond health — it’s also about aesthetics and culture. “I think it’s a mix of everything,” said Al-Mutairi. “The health benefits, the taste, and yes, the aesthetic.”

Anas echoed that idea, noting that people’s motivations vary. “For me, it’s for its health benefits and for the taste. You don’t usually get a healthy drink with a good taste,” she said. “But I think there are a lot of people who drink it just for the aesthetic. You see them adding hundreds of syrups just to say they drink matcha.”

That blend of wellness and image — serious health meets playful branding — has fueled matcha’s surge on social media. With its bright green hue, minimalist packaging, and frequent cameos in cafe selfies, matcha has become the drink of the “soft life” movement, one that prioritizes peace, balance, and pleasure.

“It’s definitely the vibe and the taste,” said Al-Zamil.

In a country where coffee culture runs deep, matcha is not replacing tradition; it’s offering something new: a blend of taste, lifestyle, and personal meaning, one bright green cup at a time.


GCC chief receives newly appointed Omani ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Updated 06 May 2025
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GCC chief receives newly appointed Omani ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi received Sayyid Najib bin Hilal Al-Busaidi, Oman’s newly appointed ambassador to Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh on Tuesday.

Albudaiwi congratulated Al-Busaidi on his appointment and wished him success in his duties.

The parties discussed various topics and explored ways to enhance bilateral efforts toward “greater integration, solidarity, and interconnectedness.”

They also looked at the latest developments in regional and international arenas.


Riyadh hospital advances breast tumor diagnosis

Updated 06 May 2025
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Riyadh hospital advances breast tumor diagnosis

  • The new CEM-guided approach allows immediate, accurate tissue sampling during the same session, eliminating the need for additional appointments

RIYADH: The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh has implemented an advanced interventional technique to diagnose breast tumors that conventional imaging cannot detect.

It enables physicians to obtain precise biopsy samples during the same visit, accelerating diagnosis and allowing earlier treatment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The shift addresses recent cases where certain breast abnormalities were only visible through contrast-enhanced imaging, leading the hospital to adopt contrast-enhanced mammography as a precise clinical tool.

Previously, the standard protocol required a separate MRI-guided biopsy after initial imaging, often resulting in redundant procedures, greater patient burden, higher costs and treatment delays.

In contrast, the new CEM-guided approach allows immediate, accurate tissue sampling during the same session, eliminating the need for additional appointments.


Saudi crown prince receives phone call from Iraqi PM

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 06 May 2025
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Saudi crown prince receives phone call from Iraqi PM

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Tuesday.

During the call, they reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen them in various fields, Saudi Press Agency reported.