World Civil Defense Day marked in Saudi Arabia with workshops, demos

1 / 2
A firefighter from the civil defense team in Hail (northern Saudi Arabia) tries to put out a fire in a factory in October 2020. (Photo/Civil Defense)
Short Url
Updated 02 March 2022
Follow

World Civil Defense Day marked in Saudi Arabia with workshops, demos

  • The events included presentations of the procedures and equipment employed in disasters, occupational safety workshops and a rally displaying the latest vehicles used by firefighters

Riyadh: The Saudi General Directorate of Civil Defense (GDCD) launched activities on Tuesday in dozens of cities and towns across Saudi Arabia, focusing on civil defense vehicles, workshops and modern equipment presentations

The activities come as part of the GDCD’s celebration of World Civil Defense Day, which falls on March 1 each year.

GDCD Lt. Gen. Suleiman Al-Amr said that the events aim to enhance societal participation in civil defense and civil protection, and help employees in various countries deepen safety concepts and spread preventive awareness.

“GDCD activities are in partnership with all government and private sectors. The activities focus on learning about the dangers surrounding humans and how to avoid them, providing the necessary safety requirements to prevent them, and enhancing the concept of protection from risks and human continuity,” said GDCD spokesman Lt. Col. Mohammed Al-Hammadi.

The events included presentations of the procedures and equipment employed in disasters, occupational safety workshops and a rally displaying the latest vehicles used by firefighters.




Muzahim Al- Mohawes

Al-Hammadi said that the GDCD was keen to emphasize the importance of safety and prevention in the Kingdom.

He added that the slogan for the Kingdom in this year’s World Civil Defense Day, “Human Safety is Building and Development,” stresses the concept of risk prevention as a responsibility that all Saudis should promote.

Muzahim Al-Mohawes, a certified occupational health and safety international trainer, told Arab News of the importance of protecting individuals and workers from potential dangers, in accordance with local and international protocols.

He stressed the need to safeguard property and create work environments free of accidents and injuries.

Al-Mohawes, who is certified by the US firefighting board, said that Saudis should look to prevent accidents before they occur, and employers should raise awareness among workers of the importance of safe environments.

He described the role of civil defense as a “spearhead” in promoting professional awareness in society.

Al-Mohawes said that civil defense means raising performance levels, avoiding risks that could lead to accidents and raising the skills of industrial security inspectors.


Saudi minister holds talks with Chinese, EU officials on climate, global issues 

Updated 58 min 33 sec ago
Follow

Saudi minister holds talks with Chinese, EU officials on climate, global issues 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir received China's Special Envoy for Climate Change Liu Zhenmin in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, they discussed strengthening cooperation in climate action and environmental conservation, along with other topics of mutual interest.

Both officials also reviewed the Kingdom’s ongoing initiatives and achievements in this field, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In a separate meeting, Al-Jubeir received the deputy secretary-general for political affairs at the European External Action Service, Olof Skoog, and his accompanying delegation.

The meeting reviewed international developments and the efforts being made to address them, in addition to discussing topics of mutual interest.


Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid to deliver Arafah sermon during Hajj 2025

Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid will deliver the Arafah sermon during this year’s Hajj. (@PRAGOVSA)
Updated 25 May 2025
Follow

Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid to deliver Arafah sermon during Hajj 2025

  • The day of Arafah (the 9th of Dhul Hijjah) is widely considered the pinnacle of Hajj, marking the most important day for pilgrims
  • The sermon is delivered from Masjid Al-Nimra on Mount Arafat before Dhuhr and Asr prayers are performed together on Dhul Hijjah 9

RIYADH: Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid will deliver the Arafah sermon during this year’s Hajj, the Presidency of Religious Affairs announced on Sunday.

The day of Arafah (the 9th of Dhul Hijjah) is widely considered the pinnacle of Hajj, marking the most important day for pilgrims. Muslims around the world who are not performing the pilgrimage mark the day by fasting and engaging in worship.

The sermon is delivered from Masjid Al-Nimra on Mount Arafat before Dhuhr and Asr prayers are performed together on Dhul Hijjah 9.

Head of Religious Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the appointment.

The appointment underscores the Kingdom’s global religious leadership, reflects its continued support for religious institutions, and exemplifies the leadership’s care for the two holy mosques, the presidency said.


Saudi deputy FM receives EU official in Riyadh

Updated 25 May 2025
Follow

Saudi deputy FM receives EU official in Riyadh

  • A meeting was also held as part of the third round of political consultations between Saudi Arabia and the EEAS

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Olof Skoog, deputy secretary-general for political affairs at the European External Action Service, and his accompanying delegation, in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations between the Kingdom and the EU and other topics of common interest, the Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X.

A meeting was also held as part of the third round of political consultations between the Kingdom and the EEAS. Senior officials from both sides participated in the session, chaired by Raed bin Khalid Qarmli, director-general of the general directorate of policy planning at the Saudi Foreign Ministry, with Skoog representing the European side.

 


Pakistani ambassador to Saudi Arabia meets with CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Authority

Ahmad Farooq, Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, meets with Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Authority.
Updated 25 May 2025
Follow

Pakistani ambassador to Saudi Arabia meets with CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Authority

  • The meeting focused on strengthening Saudi-Pakistani ties in the field of heritage and culture

RIYADH: Ahmad Farooq, Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, met with Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Authority in Riyadh.

The meeting focused on strengthening Saudi-Pakistani ties in the field of heritage and culture, the Pakistani Embassy wrote in a post on X on Sunday.

The ambassador presented Inzerillo with a painting from his own Diriyah-themed series, created to celebrate the Kingdom’s history and heritage.

He also presented him with a made-in-Pakistan FIFA-standard football “symbolizing Pakistan’s craftsmanship and the mutual spirit of friendship.”


Saudi reserve engages pilgrims on biodiversity

Updated 25 May 2025
Follow

Saudi reserve engages pilgrims on biodiversity

  • Pilgrims were welcomed at Al-Shuqaiq in the Jouf region, where more than 4,000 gifts reflecting the reserve’s history and conservation efforts were distributed

RIYADH: Hajj pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom by land were introduced to projects and initiatives of the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority.

The initiative aims to enhance biodiversity, restore vegetation and breed endangered species to create a more sustainable natural environment.

The authority also distributed educational brochures to raise awareness about environmental preservation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Pilgrims were welcomed at Al-Shuqaiq in the Jouf region, where more than 4,000 gifts reflecting the reserve’s history and conservation efforts were distributed.

Visitors were informed about the reserve’s environmental heritage, biodiversity, and commitment to sustainable ecological stewardship, the SPA added.

The authority works to preserve biodiversity by protecting habitats and creating safe environments for wildlife and plants to thrive.

Its achievements include planting more than 2.4 million trees, scattering four tonnes of native seeds and rehabilitating 250,000 hectares of degraded land.

The reserve hosts more than 290 documented bird species — about 58 percent of those recorded in the Kingdom — and includes five internationally recognized important bird areas.

Covering 130,700 sq. kilometers, the King Salman Reserve is the largest natural terrestrial reserve in the Middle East, spanning four administrative regions: Jouf, Hail, Northern Borders, and Tabuk.