MWL chief meets members of US Congress

Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa meets with various members of the US Congress and leaders in Washington DC. (Supplied)
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Updated 09 December 2024
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MWL chief meets members of US Congress

WASHINGTON: Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League, met with various members of the US Congress, leaders of think tanks and research centers, and policymakers in Washington, D.C., the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

During the open dialogue, Al-Issa addressed topics related to the goals of the league.

He also chaired the meeting of the Council of Islamic Leaders in North and South America and touched on a number of issues in the international arena, highlighting Islamic values that call for peace and harmony in diversity.

 


Japan, OIC discuss Afghan humanitarian cooperation

(OIC)
Updated 24 April 2025
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Japan, OIC discuss Afghan humanitarian cooperation

JEDDAH: Leading officials from Japan and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation held talks here Wednesday on bolstering joint humanitarian programs in Afghanistan.

The OIC officials included Tarig Ali Bakheet, assistant secretary-general for humanitarian, social and cultural Affairs, and special envoy of the OIC secretary-general for Afghanistan.

The Japanese delegation included Masayuki Kameda, principal deputy director of the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Daisuke Yamamoto, the consul general in Jeddah.


Endangered wildlife released in Riyadh, rare oryx born in Qassim

Updated 24 April 2025
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Endangered wildlife released in Riyadh, rare oryx born in Qassim

  • Sand gazelles, hares, steppe eagles, black kite included
  • Animals released under Saudi Arabia’s rewilding program

RIYADH: Over 30 endangered animals have been released into Riyadh’s King Khalid Royal Reserve under the Kingdom’s rewilding program, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The release included 20 Arabian sand gazelles, five Arabian oryx, four wild hares, three steppe eagles, and a black kite, according to the National Center for Wildlife.

A Steppe Eagle is released into the wild at the King Khalid Royal Reserve on April 21, 2025. (SPA photo)

The NCW, in collaboration with the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, maintains a breeding center in the reserve.

Also, the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification reported the birth of an Arabian oryx in Qassim National Park.

The birth was documented by a team from the NCVC, allowing specialists to study the behavior of this endangered native species, according to a separate SPA report.

A new-born Arabian oryx is seen with its mother at the Qassim National Park. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia is a global leader in protecting the Arabian oryx. Since the 1970s it has collaborated with international organizations to save the species from extinction.

Efforts have included establishing reserves such as the Mahazat As-Sayd and Uruq Bani Ma’arid, implementing captive breeding programs, and supporting gradual reintroduction.


Saudi and Greek ministers chair inaugural meeting of joint cultural committee

Updated 24 April 2025
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Saudi and Greek ministers chair inaugural meeting of joint cultural committee

  • They say it is important to strengthen cultural cooperation between the two nations and the committee will help achieve this
  • Ministers praise the Saudi Cultural Week hosted by Athens in 2024, which showcased music, theater, films, crafts, food, Arabic calligraphy and fashion from the Kingdom

JEDDAH: Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and his Greek counterpart, Lina Mendoni, chaired the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-Greek Strategic Partnership Council’s Culture Committee on Wednesday.

The ministers said it was important to strengthen cultural cooperation between Riyadh and Athens, and activate a memorandum of understanding they signed in July 2022, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Prince Badr said the committee will help achieve this.

The ministers praised the Saudi Cultural Week hosted by Athens from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1, 2024, which showcased musical and theatrical performances, films, traditional crafts, food, Arabic calligraphy and fashion from the Kingdom.

Greece participated at Saudi International Crafts Week in Riyadh in November 2024, and the Benaki Museum in Athens is taking part in the Islamic Arts Biennale, which began in January in Jeddah and continues until May.

Other senior Saudi and Greek officials present at the committee meeting included Alexis Konstantopoulos, the Greek ambassador to the Kingdom.
 

 

 


Head of Saudi National Center for Meteorology elected regional chair of global organization

Updated 23 April 2025
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Head of Saudi National Center for Meteorology elected regional chair of global organization

  • Ayman Salem Ghulam was chosen to lead the Asian branch of the World Meteorological Organization
  • He highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to efforts to improve meteorological and climate services, and address environmental challenges

JEDDAH: Ayman Salem Ghulam, the CEO of the Saudi National Center for Meteorology, was elected on Wednesday as the World Meteorological Organization’s regional chairperson for Asia.

He was chosen during the 18th session of the WMO’s Regional Association II — Asia by representatives of member states and bodies specializing in meteorology and climate services.

After his selection was confirmed, Ghulam highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to efforts to improve meteorological and climate services, and address urgent environmental challenges in Asia and worldwide, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Kingdom plans to introduce training programs and professional qualifications for people working in the field, and improve forecasting and monitoring infrastructure to benefit all members of the WMO, he added.

The Saudi National Center for Meteorology, which uses advanced atmospheric and climate-monitoring technologies for weather research and forecasting, was established in 2019. The World Meteorological Organization is a specialized UN agency responsible for promoting international cooperation on weather and climate-related activities.


Riyadh pavilion showcases Saudi literary, cultural diversity at Argentina book fair

Updated 23 April 2025
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Riyadh pavilion showcases Saudi literary, cultural diversity at Argentina book fair

  • Riyadh’s selection highlights the city’s growing role in the global cultural scene, as well as its commitment to fostering dialogue, embracing diversity, and using culture as a bridge for human connection and knowledge exchange

RIYADH: The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission launched the Riyadh pavilion at the 49th Buenos Aires International Book Fair in Argentina. 

Running from April 22 to May 12, the event features the Kingdom’s capital as guest of honor, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Riyadh’s selection highlights the city’s growing role in the global cultural scene, as well as its commitment to fostering dialogue, embracing diversity, and using culture as a bridge for human connection and knowledge exchange.

Saudi delegation includes representatives from the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the Heritage Commission, and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

The King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex, King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, King Abdulaziz Public Library, and King Fahad National Library are also taking part.

The Riyadh pavilion boosts Saudi cultural presence in Latin America, presenting the capital as a model of civilization aligned with Vision 2030. It features diverse literary and cultural content, including Spanish translations to foster cross-cultural understanding.

The launch was attended by Literature Commission CEO Abdullatif Alwasel, Buenos Aires Chief of Government Jorge Macri, Minister of Culture Gabriela Ricardes, and Fundacion El Libro President Christian Rainone.

During the fair, the Heritage Commission will highlight the richness of Saudi cultural heritage through global promotion and awareness efforts.

Its program includes live artisan demonstrations, panel discussions, and displays of archaeological replicas, along with publications documenting the Kingdom’s cultural legacy.

The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language is showcasing recent publications, including scientific books and research journals, emphasizing its role in enhancing linguistic knowledge.

It also highlights its work in language planning, computational linguistics, education, and cultural initiatives, alongside digital projects and tools.

The academy promotes Arabic publishing in new regions, encourages cultural and linguistic diversity, and fosters collaboration with communities interested in Arab culture.