Leading Gulf women recognized for transformative contributions

Leading Gulf women recognized for transformative contributions
During the ceremony, the five panelists were each presented with a trophy onstage for their “impact on Gulf society.” (AN photo/Loai El-kellawy)
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Updated 09 March 2024
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Leading Gulf women recognized for transformative contributions

Leading Gulf women recognized for transformative contributions
  • GCC chief stresses pivotal role of women in society, acknowledges leaders’ support for female empowerment

Riyadh: The Gulf Cooperation Council hosted an International Women’s Day event at the GCC headquarters in Riyadh on March 8, celebrating the accomplishments of women from the Gulf.

On behalf of Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji participated in the celebration, which was also attended by Qatari Minister for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi and several ambassadors.

Elkhereiji stressed that the empowerment of women is an important goal of Saudi Vision 2030, and that the role of women is a “very important element” of society as a whole.




Saudi deputy FM Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji speaks during the event. (SPA)

He also highlighted the Kingdom’s focus on protecting women’s rights, eliminating discrimination against them, and supporting them at all levels, adding that Saudi women have become “an essential partner in the transformation, development, and growth march in various fields.”

The deputy minister also noted the difficulties that Palestinian women in the Gaza Strip are currently experiencing due to ongoing Israeli violations of international laws and humanitarian principles, and reiterated the Kingdom’s strong condemnation and denunciation of the “illegal practices and human rights crimes” being committed by Israeli forces against Palestinian women and Palestinian people in general.

He called for an immediate cease-fire, and emphasized the need to ensure the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law.




The Gulf Cooperation Council hosted an International Women’s Day event at the GCC headquarters in Riyadh on March 8, celebrating the accomplishments of women from the Gulf. (AN photo/Loai El-kellawy)

Dr Hala Al-Tuwaijri, president of the Saudi Human Rights Commission and one of five leading women from the Gulf who participated in a panel discussion at the event, told Arab News: “I feel overwhelmed. It’s such a great honor to be among this group of wonderful, successful ladies from the GCC. But what matters most is that we have this platform starting this year and hopefully continuing to honor women from the GCC countries in all areas.”

The other speakers on the panel were Emirati photographer and anthropologist Noura Al-Neyadi; the secretary-general of Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Women, Lulwa Al-Awadhi; Omani author Jokha Alharthi, the only writer from the Arab world so far to win the Man Booker International Prize; and the secretary-general of the Women’s Cultural and Social Society in Kuwait, Ghada Youssef Al-Ghanim.

“We have seen today samples of women from different sectors, which is a great thing, and we hope to see more and more diversity in the fields and areas where women are getting honored,” Al-Tuwaijri said.

She also stressed her optimism for the future of female empowerment in Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region.

“We know that this comprehensive approach to the empowerment of women has achieved its goals,” she said. “We aimed for a 30-percent participation rate by 2030, and this target has already been accomplished by 2021. We are revisiting all of these KPIs and targets for the future. I believe there is no barrier any more for women in Saudi Arabia or the GCC countries. The future is bright. The sky is the limit.”




Dr Hala Al-Tuwaijri, president of the Saudi Human Rights Commission. (AN photo/Loai El-kellawy)

In his opening speech, GCC secretary-general Jasem Albudaiwi lauded the women of the GCC countries, expressing appreciation for their accomplishments.

“Today, we stand in admiration and appreciation for the inspiring GCC women,” said Albudaiwi.

He went on to stress that women have always played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of societies in GCC countries, and thanked the leaders of those countries for their “unlimited support for GCC women,” which, he noted, is ongoing.

“(The leaders’) directives aim to enhance women’s participation in the blessed journey of the GCC,” Albudaiwi said.

During the ceremony, the five panelists were each presented with a trophy onstage for their “impact on Gulf society.”


KSrelief clinics serve 2,483 refugees in Jordan in a week, deliver dialysis solutions to Yemen

KSrelief clinics serve 2,483 refugees in Jordan in a week, deliver dialysis solutions to Yemen
Updated 11 November 2024
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KSrelief clinics serve 2,483 refugees in Jordan in a week, deliver dialysis solutions to Yemen

KSrelief clinics serve 2,483 refugees in Jordan in a week, deliver dialysis solutions to Yemen
  • Patients in Jordan’s Zaatari camp for Syrian refugees include 283 children
  • Third batch of dialysis machines and medical supplies delivered to Yemen's Marib governorate

AMMAN/MARIB, Yemen: A total of 2,483 Syrian refugees at the Al-Zaatari camp in Jordan sought assistance from the medical clinics of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center during the first week of November 2024, the Saudi aid agency said on Sunday.
In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the aid agency known by its acronym KSrelief said the emergency department received 253 patients, the cardiology clinic treated 27 patients, and the internal medicine clinic treated 122 patients with diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.
The rest were diagnosed with various ailments, including 285 children.
In Yemen, KSrelief delivered the third batch of dialysis solutions and medical supplies to the Ministry of Public Health and Population office in Marib governorate on Saturday.
The batch, weighing approximately 30 tons, is designated to support the dialysis centers at two hospitals in Marib Directorate and Harib Directorate, SPA reported.
Dr. Ahmed Saleh Al-Abadi, health director in Marib, praised the significant humanitarian support provided by Saudi Arabia, which is part of a comprehensive health program being provided by the Kingdom to Yemen in more than a decade.
 

 

 


Saudi Food and Drug Authority cites health benefits of turmeric

Saudi Food and Drug Authority cites health benefits of turmeric
Updated 11 November 2024
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Saudi Food and Drug Authority cites health benefits of turmeric

Saudi Food and Drug Authority cites health benefits of turmeric
  • Says it acts as an antioxidant and alleviates arthritis symptoms
  • Turmeric had long been used in Asia for folk medicine and food additive

RIYADH: Turmeric has numerous health benefits, including the numerous health benefits, including the ability to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) said on Sunday.
In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the SFDA said the herb plant known in Botany as Curcuma longa, is also known for its antioxidant properties.
Turmeric had long been used in Asia for folk medicine and food additive.
The SFDA, however, stressed the importance of using herbal medicines with caution and recommends consulting a healthcare professional before using such, as they can interact with certain medications or foods.
"It is essential to note that turmeric may interact with blood thinners like aspirin and certain blood pressure medications," the authority said.
It recommends a daily turmeric powder intake of 0.5 to 1 gram, taken in three smaller doses consumed between meals.
The SFDA also warned against using turmeric continuously for more than six weeks, saying it may lead to gallbladder or stomach pain.
It further warned women to avoid turmeric during pregnancy, as it could impact the uterus.
The SFDA issues warnings against harmful herbs, plants, and cosmetic products, and updates its list in its website every now and then.


Palestinian president arrives in Riyadh ahead of Arab-Islamic summit

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is welcomed on arrival in Riyadh on Sunday evening. (SPA)
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is welcomed on arrival in Riyadh on Sunday evening. (SPA)
Updated 10 November 2024
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Palestinian president arrives in Riyadh ahead of Arab-Islamic summit

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is welcomed on arrival in Riyadh on Sunday evening. (SPA)
  • Arab and Muslim leaders will discuss continued Israeli aggression on Palestinian territories and Lebanon at a summit on Monday

RIYADH: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrived in Riyadh on Sunday evening ahead of an Arab-Islamic follow-up summit focusing on Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

Arab and Muslim leaders will discuss continued Israeli aggression on Palestinian territories and Lebanon at the summit on Monday.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, the Foreign Minister of Guinea Morissanda Kouyate, the President of Senegal Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Uganda’s Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Isanga Nakadama also arrived in Riyadh on Sunday.

The President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Ghazouani arrived in the Kingdom’s capital on Sunday after performing Umrah and praying in the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah on Saturday.


Saudi foreign minister holds meetings ahead of Arab and Islamic Summit on Gaza, Lebanon wars

Saudi foreign minister holds meetings ahead of Arab and Islamic Summit on Gaza, Lebanon wars
Updated 10 November 2024
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Saudi foreign minister holds meetings ahead of Arab and Islamic Summit on Gaza, Lebanon wars

Saudi foreign minister holds meetings ahead of Arab and Islamic Summit on Gaza, Lebanon wars

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs on Sunday held a series of meetings ahead of the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit to be held on Monday.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with several foreign ministers, including Palestinian Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Mustafa, Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Bassam Sabbagh, Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Abdallah Bou Habib, and Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.

In his meeting with Mustafa, discussions focused on the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian and political challenges facing the region.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of collective action within the framework of the summit's agenda.

The conversation with Syria's Sabbagh centered on relations and included an exchange on key regional and international developments of mutual concern. The two ministers highlighted the need for continued dialogue to foster regional stability and cooperation.

During discussions with the Lebanese FM, Prince Faisal reviewed current issues affecting Lebanon amid Hezbollah's war with Israel and explored ways to support the country amid its ongoing challenges. 

The meeting with Nigeria's Tuggar covered a range of topics from the summit’s agenda and touched on shared regional and global concerns. The two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing diplomatic relations and addressing international issues of mutual interest.

All the meetings were attended by Dr. Saud bin Mohammed Al-Sati, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, and Abdulrahman Al-Dawood, Director General of the Foreign Minister’s Office.


Saudi crown prince receives call from Iran president

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. (File/SPA/AFP)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 10 November 2024
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Saudi crown prince receives call from Iran president

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. (File/SPA/AFP)
  • The chief of staff of Saudi Arabia’s armed forces visited Tehran to meet with his Iranian counterpart and discuss defense ties earlier on Sunday

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During the phone call, Pezeshkian praised the Kingdom’s initiative to host a joint Arab-Islamic follow-up summit to discuss continued Israeli aggression on Palestinian territories and Lebanon. The president expressed his wishes that the summit would be a success.

Arab and Muslim leaders will convene in Riyadh for the summit scheduled for Monday, focusing on Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

On Sunday, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan chaired the preparatory ministerial meeting, where officials reviewed the latest developments and outlined the summit’s agenda.

Earlier on Sunday, the chief of staff of Saudi Arabia’s armed forces visited Tehran to meet with his Iranian counterpart and discuss defense ties, the Saudi Ministry of Defense said.

Fayyad Al-Ruwaili and Iran’s Major General Mohammad Bagheri discussed opportunities to develop relations between the two countries in the military and defense fields.