Saudi Fund for Development finances over $20bn global projects in 50 years — minister
SFD financed 77 health projects, including 325 medical facilities in 45 countries
Fund financed 230 projects in 71 countries in the transportation sector
Updated 02 September 2024
REEM WALID
RIYADH: Exceeding a total cost of $20 billion, the Saudi Fund for Development has financed 800 projects in more than 100 countries over the last 50 years, according to a top official.
Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb revealed that the institution has financed 77 health projects that resulted in 325 medical facilities in 45 countries with a capacity of more than 25,000 beds. Most notable of the initiatives was King Faisal Hospital in Rwanda, which carried out the first kidney transplant in the country.
He was speaking during a ceremony held by the fund to mark the 50th anniversary of its establishment in the capital, Riyadh.
Al-Khateeb, who is also the chairman of the fund’s board of directors, said SFD funded 84 education projects to establish 600 academic facilities benefiting more than 1 million students, according to a statement.
This falls in line with the fund’s vision to be a comprehensive strategic partner that advances the sustainable economic development of the world’s least developed countries.
It also aligns with its mission to empower the stable economic development of countries in need by leveraging the Kingdom’s resources to provide financial, technical, and human support to meet the needs of its partners.
During his speech, the minister said the fund also financed 230 projects in 71 countries in the transportation sector, including airports, roads, and ports.
These initiatives include the Velana International Airport in the Maldives, initially established in 1978, along with its expansion project to boost capacity from 2 million to 8 million passengers, and King Fahd Road in Djibouti. Additionally, the fund has financed 230 oil projects in more than 70 countries.
Saudi Arabia retains top spot in global cybersecurity rankings for 2025
National digital transformation strategy helps propel Kingdom to forefront of international standards, officials say
Saudi Arabia cited as Tier 1 ‘role-modeling’ nation by UN specialist agency, further underlining its world standing
Updated 07 July 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has maintained its position as the top-ranked country in global cybersecurity, according to this year’s edition of the International Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Yearbook.
The cybersecurity indicator ranking reflects what officials describe as continued support from the country’s leadership, including King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Officials added the leadership’s national digital transformation strategy has helped propel the Kingdom to the forefront of international benchmarks.
They also said the Kingdom’s achievements in cybersecurity stem from a comprehensive, long-term strategy that balances national security with economic and technological development.
Saudi Arabia was also designated a Tier 1 “role-modeling” nation in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 published by the UN’s International Telecommunication Union, further underlining its international standing.
Central to this model is the National Cybersecurity Authority, the country’s primary body for overseeing cybersecurity affairs, and the Saudi Information Technology Company, which serves as its technical and strategic partner.
Together, these institutions have helped strengthen national cyber defenses, localize key technologies, and expand collaboration both domestically and internationally.
The NCA, which acts as the national reference point for all matters relating to cybersecurity, is tasked with enhancing the Kingdom’s digital resilience by safeguarding critical infrastructure, key sectors, and government services.
It is also responsible for setting policies, frameworks, and standards while encouraging innovation, investment, and growth within the Kingdom’s cybersecurity sector.
These initiatives form part of Saudi Arabia’s wider efforts to build a secure and trusted digital environment that supports economic growth and global cooperation.
Designed for over 1m passengers a day, the system is impressing locals as temperatures soar
Updated 07 July 2025
Nada Alturki
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
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
Updated 07 July 2025
Arab News
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.
They reviewed relations between the Kingdom and the EU, as well as regional and international developments of common interest
Updated 07 July 2025
Arab News
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.
