Muslim World League, evangelicals discuss ways to promote coexistence and dialogue

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The secretary-general of the MWL participates in the International Religious Forum 2022. (@MWLOrg_en)
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Updated 28 March 2022
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Muslim World League, evangelicals discuss ways to promote coexistence and dialogue

  • The forum was launched by an introduction to the Makkah Declaration and a speech by the US ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom
  • Pastor said he was proud of strong partnership with the MWL led by Al-Issa in its journey to establish coexistence

RIYADH: Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League, participated in the International Religious Forum 2022 at the invitation of the Evangelical Leaders of Texas, representing the center of the Evangelical community of the US.

The forum, held under the slogan “Unusual Allies Build Prosperous Communities,” was hosted for the first time by the three most important US states that foster the American Evangelical community, numbering more than 90 million people. These states are Texas, the first and most important incubator for Evangelicals in the world; Kansas, where the largest US churches are located, and Maryland.

The forum also saw the participation of representatives from the US government, the leaders of various other American religious communities, and the leaders of several international organizations. It was also attended by representatives of the American Muslim community, and a selection of influential religious, social, intellectual, and academic figures from inside and outside the US.

The forum was launched by an introduction to the Makkah Declaration and a speech by the US ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, Rashad Hussain.

In his speech, Bob Robert, an Evangelical pastor and community leader, said: “We are happy to welcome Al-Issa in this forum, the famous international religious figure in the Muslim world, who is leading the Makkah-based organization representing all Islamic peoples. Al-Issa, whose name has been deeply engraved in the field of world peacemaking, building bridges between religions, cultures, and civilizations.

“Al-Issa is a strong, moderate voice that our world needs today to face all the voices of hatred, racism, and extremism, thanks to his strong influence on the international scene.”

Robert said that he was proud of the strong partnership with the MWL led by Al-Issa in its journey to establish community coexistence and world peace. “We are working hand-in-hand to bridge negative gaps between followers of religions and cultures, particularly hate speech, racism and intolerance, promoted by extremists, fanatics and conflict advocates.”

Stressing that the exceptional efforts of such leadership gives hope to overcome the world’s current problems, and to look forward to a better future, he praised the Makkah Declaration, a turning point in contemporary Islamic thought, laying the foundations for justice, human rights, and universal human dignity.

Al-Issa highlighted in his speech that real progress occurs only when work and courage are accompanied by determination to create a better world for all people, regardless of religious, ethnic or other differences. The pursuit of positive change, he said, “is not easy at first, in terms of accepting it, and then in terms of the time of response necessary, which might require long cycles, and most of all a sound and ambitious vision.

“I am pleased that our dialogue today has produced a strong alliance to support our shared values,” Al-Issa said, pointing out that “hate speech is at the forefront of the causes of division and violence and must be criminalized in all legislation, with no leniency.”

The Executive Director of the UN World Food Program David Paisley stressed that the hotbeds of conflict in the world have taught us something important: The lack of communication between followers of religions causes a lot of pain to all.

“We do not care about the religion of that hungry child, what we care about is that he does not starve again. We see the consequences of religious discrimination all over the world. At the end of the day, one does not think about the children one saved but the children one fails to save. One person dies every four seconds due to hunger. One must love for one’s brother what one loves for himself. If we could instill this principle in places of conflict, people would not fight,” he told the forum.

“When we look at the religious backgrounds of victims of human trafficking, they are of all religions in the world,” said human rights activist Christine Caine. “Since we help everyone regardless of their religion, we must protect them regardless of their religions as well.”

Caine stressed that the joint work of followers of all religions is the only way to end human trafficking and modern slavery.

Al-Issa held meetings with various Evangelical leaders in three American states during his trip.

In its final statement, the leaders of the forum confirmed that the MWL represents an Islamic religious reference and a strong ally with whom they can work to promote shared values.


Pakistan’s prime minister arrives in Jeddah

Updated 3 sec ago
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Pakistan’s prime minister arrives in Jeddah

  • Saudi ambassador to Islamabad attends reception

JEDDAH: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Jeddah on Wednesday with his accompanying delegation.

Prince Saud bin Meshaal bin Abdulaziz, deputy governor of the Makkah Region, welcomed Sharif at King Abdulaziz International Airport.

Saudi Ambassador to Islamabad Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki also attended the reception alongside other senior officials from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.


Egyptian child with parasitic twin arrives in Saudi Arabia for possible separation surgery

Updated 37 min 45 sec ago
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Egyptian child with parasitic twin arrives in Saudi Arabia for possible separation surgery

  • Parents thank the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program and the Kingdom’s leaders for their help and the care and attention their son has received
  • The boy was taken to King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh for assessment by a medical team led by Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah

RIYADH: Mohammed Abdulrahman Juma, a child from Egypt with a parasitic twin, flew with his family to Riyadh on Wednesday for examination by a Saudi medical team to assess whether separation surgery is possible.

It followed directives from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that the Kingdom help care for the child.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, the head of the medical team at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital, and also an advisor to the Royal Court and Saudi aid agency KSrelief, thanked the Kingdom’s leaders for their support of this humanitarian case. He also acknowledged their backing of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, which provides assistance to critical cases worldwide.

Mohammed’s parents said they deeply appreciated the help provided by the program and the Saudi leaders, and the care and attention they have received, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

A parasitic twin, also known as vestigial twin, is an identical twin that stopped developing during gestation but is physically attached to the fully developed twin. Because it is not fully developed, it cannot survive on its own and often dies in the womb or during birth.


Diriyah program to empower, upskill local community

Fifth Diriyah Graduate Development Program has been launched to equip local talent with essential skills and knowledge.
Updated 19 March 2025
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Diriyah program to empower, upskill local community

  • Enhance technical, behavioral skills with hands-on experience and training in key sectors 

RIYADH: The fifth Diriyah Graduate Development Program has been launched to equip local talent with essential skills and knowledge to assist in the transformation of the location and the Kingdom. 

As a part of its efforts to empower and upskill the Diriyah community, the program focuses on personal and professional development while fostering a connection to the operating firm’s values, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

Launched by Diriyah Co., the program offers graduates an educational experience enhanced through collaboration with experts, consultants, and management institutes. It is designed for bachelor’s and master’s graduates with up to one year of experience. 

Aligned with the goals of Vision 2030, participants will build both behavioral and technical skills, paving the way for strong career prospects in a dynamic work environment, the SPA reported. 

The program includes competitive monthly stipends, housing and transportation allowances, health insurance, and social insurance registration. 

Participants will also have opportunities for secondments with leading consulting firms, international training at renowned educational institutions, and paid annual leave. 

Since its launch, the program has benefited 101 graduates, with nearly 30,000 applications received across four editions, the SPA reported. 

Participants gain hands-on experience by rotating through key departments including finance, marketing, human resources, legal affairs, and governance.

They also receive specialized training in fields including data management, cybersecurity, and risk management.

Registration for the program is now open and will remain available until April 13.

Through this initiative, Diriyah Co. continues to invest in its community, nurturing the next generation of leaders and supporting the Kingdom’s progress, the SPA reported.


Saudi Arabia gears up for dazzling Eid Al-Fitr celebrations

Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority has issued Eid Al-Fitr Events 2025 details, featuring a wide range of activities
Updated 19 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia gears up for dazzling Eid Al-Fitr celebrations

  • GEA unveils range of family-friendly activities, including concerts, theatrical performances, across the Kingdom
  • Fireworks will illuminate the night sky at 9 p.m. in key locations in major cities

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority has issued Eid Al-Fitr Events 2025 details, featuring a wide range of activities to mark the occasion.

GEA has unveiled a nationwide celebration featuring concerts, theatrical performances, fireworks, and a variety of activities across the Kingdom's entertainment zones, offering unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Musical concerts will take place in Riyadh, Shaqra, Abha, Qassim, Jeddah, and Eastern Region cities, while theatrical productions will take center stage in Riyadh (April 1-19), Jeddah (April 1-6), and Dammam (April 1-3).

Fireworks will illuminate the night sky at 9 p.m. in key locations, including Boulevard World in Riyadh, Jeddah Art Promenade, Alkhobar Corniche, and Arruddaf Park in Taif.

Eid celebrations will kick off on day one at Riyadh's Boulevard City, Boulevard World, VIA Riyadh, and Jeddah Art Promenade, with City Hub in Alkhobar hosting festivities on day two, providing diverse and family-friendly entertainment.

The events underscore GEA's dedication to celebrating Eid and advancing the Kingdom's entertainment sector.


Saudi Arabia’s AgriServ receives 8 ISO certifications for quality in agriculture

Updated 19 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s AgriServ receives 8 ISO certifications for quality in agriculture

  • Company recognized for meeting international quality, safety standards

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Company for Agricultural Services was awarded certifications from the International Organization for Standardization on Wednesday.

AgriServ, which provides services to farmers, breeders and agricultural enterprises, received eight ISO certifications for achieving quality standards and meeting international specifications of safety and efficiency.

Abdulrahman Al-Fadli, minister of environment, water and agriculture, and chairman of AgriServ, was present at the award ceremony.

The company obtained certifications in eight categories: anti-bribery, compliance, information security, quality, energy, environment, occupational health and safety, and customer satisfaction, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Omar Al-Suhaibani, CEO of AgriServ, said that the achievement was a result of the company’s efforts to enhance internal procedures and implement the highest quality standards.

He highlighted AgriServ’s commitment to international standards in its regulations, policies and procedures, the SPA added.