Saudi Arabia to launch Environmental Compliance Forum to chart more sustainable future

Saudi Arabia to launch Environmental Compliance Forum to chart more sustainable future
The forum will be a platform for discussing best practices in the field of the environment, in addition to supporting environmental research, innovations and technologies. (SPA)
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Updated 25 February 2024
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Saudi Arabia to launch Environmental Compliance Forum to chart more sustainable future

Saudi Arabia to launch Environmental Compliance Forum to chart more sustainable future
  • Local, regional and global specialists and decision-makers to feature in 2-day gathering in Riyadh

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will launch the first Environmental Compliance Forum 2024 on Sunday.

The Riyadh forum, which is being organized by the National Center for Environmental Compliance, will feature local, regional and global specialists and decision-makers in the field of the environment, state news agency SPA reported on Saturday.

The two-day gathering will seek to develop a comprehensive vision for the advancement of the environmental sector between the governmental, private and nonprofit sectors.

Saad Al-Matrafi, the center’s spokesman, said that more than 40 international and regional figures from 10 countries will discuss topics related to future trends in the field of the sustainable environment.

He said that the forum will offer a platform for discussing best practices in the field of the environment, in addition to supporting environmental research, innovations and technologies, with one section designated the Sustainability Cafe.

Al-Matrafi said that the event offers a rare opportunity for institutions and companies to review their projects, initiatives and tools that support environmental sustainability, and come up with the best global environmental practices by harmonizing plans and projects that contribute to the successful implementation of everything that serves the sustainable environment sector.

The forum’s sessions will discuss the challenges in advancing economic growth and diversification, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, as well as unifying efforts to achieve a qualitative shift in the national economy while protecting and preserving the Kingdom’s natural resources and habitats.

The forum will also deal with other topics, including how to chart the way to a brighter future, policy and governance, technology and innovation in the field of the environment, sustainable development and quality of life, private sector participation, community participation, and youth and the environment.

Meanwhile, the Sustainability Cafe will encourage young people to discuss their aspirations and roles regarding the environment, with the participation of several specialized environmental associations.

Participants will include several CEOs of national environmental centers, and major national companies such as NEOM, Red Sea Global, the New Square Development Company, and the Saudi Mining Company.


KSrelief provides millions of liters of water to needy in Yemen

KSrelief provides millions of liters of water to needy in Yemen
Updated 30 August 2024
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KSrelief provides millions of liters of water to needy in Yemen

KSrelief provides millions of liters of water to needy in Yemen
  • KSrelief pumped 2.79 million liters of drinking water and 2.85 million liters of non-potable water into local tanks in July, the report added

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has provided more than 5.6 million liters of water to vulnerable people in the Al-Khawkhah directorate of Hodeidah, Yemen, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The agency pumped 2.79 million liters of drinking water and 2.85 million liters of non-potable water into local tanks in July, the report added.

In addition, KSrelief completed 111 waste-removal operations from various camps, 85 wastewater drying processes, maintenance of 16 bathrooms, and one water quality inspection.

The various activities benefitted 51,000 people in the region.


KSrelief treats thousands of patients in Yemen and Jordan

KSrelief treats thousands of patients in Yemen and Jordan
Updated 30 August 2024
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KSrelief treats thousands of patients in Yemen and Jordan

KSrelief treats thousands of patients in Yemen and Jordan
  • KSrelief concluded its 28th volunteer program at the Zaatari camp for Syrian refugees in Jordan on Tuesday

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has treated thousands of patients in Yemen and Jordan, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The agency concluded its 28th volunteer program at the Zaatari camp for Syrian refugees in Jordan on Tuesday.

The program took place from Aug. 17 to 24 with the participation of 20 volunteer medical specialists.

During the campaign, services were provided in optometry, dermatology, physical therapy, psychology, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics and dentistry.

An educational and skills development program, “I Can,” was provided for 1,336 children and adults.

Meanwhile in Yemen, until May, 15,415 children were vaccinated against measles by 17 health workers in the districts of Hajjah and Saada.

Also, leaflets and posters were distributed as a part of an awareness program on measles.

The project registered 1,134 pregnant and lactating women, along with 1,030 newborns in the areas targeted by the scheme.

KSrelief continues to provide healthcare and other services for vulnerable people in Yemen, as a part of its global humanitarian program.


Saudi Arabia’s anime and manga boom is a cultural revolution

Saudi Arabia’s anime and manga boom is a cultural revolution
Updated 29 August 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s anime and manga boom is a cultural revolution

Saudi Arabia’s anime and manga boom is a cultural revolution
  • Industry can create jobs, says Manga Arabia editor Nouf Al-Hussein
  • Creation of Arab characters will help build national identity, she adds

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning interest in manga and anime, a trend that can be traced to the 1970s, is helping to usher in a revolution in cultural production.

These Japanese art forms have captivated audiences of all ages, gaining significant popularity in recent years. Their ability to combine entertainment, culture and education has made them of great interest to Saudi Arabia society.

Manga, a form of Japanese graphic novels, differs from Western comics in several ways, including its reading direction which is from right to left.

To foster this growing culture, the General Entertainment Authority has been actively involved in organizing events and exhibitions. This includes the prominent Saudi Anime Expo, the largest of its kind in the Middle East, which has attracted visitors from around the world.

Furthermore, Riyadh’s “Anime Town” has solidified its position as the world’s largest anime city, featuring four distinct areas, and the Sakura Music Festival, held for the first time outside of Japan.

Jeddah also recently hosted the “Anime Village” event, which attracted many visitors and offered a variety of activities, including cosplay competitions, live shows, themed restaurants, and screenings of the latest films.

Manga Arabia magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Nouf Al-Hussein expressed optimism about the future of the local industry.

She said the growing interest in creative initiatives within the education and culture sectors would contribute to a more robust labor market and increased opportunities for growth in the industry.

Al-Hussein said: “Saudi society has become increasingly aware of the importance of nurturing diverse talents and skills, including those related to the Saudi manga and anime industry.”

She emphasized that achieving success in this field requires a strong foundation in drawing, writing and creative thinking.

Al-Hussein added that this trend would foster the development of local characters that embody authentic Arab values, the Saudi Arabia spirit, and a distinctive national identity.

She emphasized that such content could resonate with audiences on a global scale, contributing to the enhancement of Saudi Arabia culture.

Anime and manga critic and analyst Majed Al-Amer said the anime industry in the Kingdom has experienced remarkable growth.

Despite facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Saudi Arabia anime industry has surpassed many other countries that have been developing this culture for a longer period.

Al-Amer said the Kingdom has gained recognition as a producer on global entertainment platforms including Netflix, Shahid, StarzPlay and Crunchyroll. These platforms operate in Saudi Arabia and offer Arabic translations, demonstrating the industry’s significant potential.

He said manga rights are being acquired and distributed locally, with Arabic translations available in various outlets, including libraries and cinemas.

Regarding the most prominent challenges facing anime and manga creators in the Kingdom, Al-Amer said the biggest hurdle is social acceptance.

He emphasized the importance of society embracing the job opportunities available in this industry, including for manga writers and animators.

Al-Amer added that the anime industry would become a key component of the Kingdom’s economy within the next seven years.

He said the industry’s growth would drive the production of local content, leading to the creation of a new form of entertainment tourism in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Amer said content produced by domestic talent would authentically reflect local culture without external influences. This would contribute to spreading Saudi Arabia culture globally.

He expressed appreciation for the government’s support and promotion of the anime and manga industry.

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a vibrant manga and anime culture is evident in its recent initiatives.

The “Manga Education” program, launched by the ministries of culture and education, aims to develop students’ capabilities in this field. This program aligns with the broader strategy of incorporating culture and arts into public education.


Exploring the power of scent

Exploring the power of scent
Updated 29 August 2024
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Exploring the power of scent

Exploring the power of scent
  • Branded perfumes or dupes — which to buy? Saudi women share their thoughts

RIYADH: As you stroll through the mall, you will no doubt have experienced a waft of perfume drifting across your path. But have you ever wondered whether what you can smell is a genuine branded product or a dupe?

Dupes — which smell just like the real deal to most people — are readily available and, thanks to their price point, popular.

Many Muslims and Arabs wear scents with notes of oud, musk, amber and jasmine and more as part of their daily hygiene routines, religious practices, beauty routines and other celebratory rituals.

The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property states that “perfumes are protected under intellectual property laws according to the manner in which the creator or innovator claims them, provided they meet the criteria set by the relevant regulations.”

It also states that “the fragrance composition that produces the scent may be protected by a patent or by being protected as a trade secret.” 

Many perfume makers opt for the latter to avoid having to fully disclose their recipes for fear of imitation

The authority continues: “Additionally, the logos associated with the perfume product can be protected as trademarks, and the external appearance of the perfume bottle can be protected as an industrial design. In the case of protection under any of these categories, any infringement would be considered a violation under the law.”

To avoid legal problems, companies making the dupes use unique names and packaging for their products. However, the debate goes beyond legalities and into the preservation of tradition.

Arab News spoke to some perfume-loving Saudi consumers to understand their preferences.

Hind Hassan told Arab News: “Perfume can be significant to many Saudi women as it is part of their culture and tradition. In Saudi Arabia, perfume is often seen as a symbol of elegance, beauty, tradition, and is an important part of personal grooming and self-expression.

"Many Saudi women wear perfume as a form of adornment and as a way to feel confident and attractive. Perfume also plays a role in social occasions and cultural events in Saudi society.”

Strictly against dupes, she said she preferred branded perfumes for their “quality, authenticity, brand experience, exclusivity, uniqueness, and packaging appeal” and considered dupes “unethical.”

Mai Fuad echoed her sentiments. “Perfumery is a kind of art and so mimicking the formula of a perfumer is in a way similar to appropriating another person’s artistic expression,” she said.

However, Marya Buhlaigah, who formerly worked at boutique shops specializing in niche perfumes, is an avid fan of dupes. Describing perfume as the “signature” of a Saudi woman, Buhlaigah said she chose to buy dupes because they were affordable. She added: “There is now a boom in the Saudi market where local businesses are making perfume dupes and clones, and I would much rather give my money to a local business than a big corporation.”

While she recognizes the quality might not always measure up, Buhlaigah says she chooses which dupes to buy based on reviews and recommendations. The lower price tag also allows her to try more scents.

Leena Al-Awami feels that while buying branded perfumes can bring a sense of self-satisfaction and pride, quality comes before label or price tag.

She added: “Our society comprises of millions of individuals with varying preferences, tastes and circumstances. Different brands and perfume sellers cater to the varying needs of the consumers in our region. However, I believe original perfume creators will always be respected creatively for their time, effort and expertise.”


Citizen arrested over illegal drug

Citizen arrested over illegal drug
Updated 29 August 2024
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Citizen arrested over illegal drug

Citizen arrested over illegal drug

DAMMAM: Patrols of the General Administration Mujahideen in the Eastern Region have apprehended a citizen involved in the promotion of methamphetamine pills. The individual has been arrested and appropriate legal measures have been taken against him. He has been referred to the competent authority for further action.

In addition, patrols of the General Administration Mujahideen in Jazan have apprehended a citizen involved in the promotion of qat. The individual has been arrested and appropriate legal measures have been taken against him. He has also been referred to the competent authority.

Authorities in Jeddah have also apprehended two citizens involved in the promotion of regulated drugs. The individuals have been arrested and appropriate legal measures taken against them. They too have been referred to the competent authority for further action.

Security agencies are asking the public to report any information concerning drug smuggling or promotion by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom’s regions.