Saudi aid agency distributes thousands of bread packs in Lebanon

Saudi aid agency distributes thousands of bread packs in Lebanon
A girl collects a KSrelief-provided bread pack in northern Lebabon. (SPA)
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Updated 08 June 2024
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Saudi aid agency distributes thousands of bread packs in Lebanon

Saudi aid agency distributes thousands of bread packs in Lebanon
  • The aid is part of Saudi Arabia’s effort to support vulnerable families in the region and beyond.

RIYADH: King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center distributed 25,000 bread bundles to needy families in Lebanon, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
The food packs were given to Syrian and Palestinian communities living in northern Lebanon, benefiting 62,500 individuals from 12,500 families.
The aid is part of Saudi Arabia’s effort to support vulnerable families in the region and beyond.
Around 100,000 Syrians relocated to neighbouring Lebanon after the civil war of 2011, with over 90 percent of Syrian households there living in poverty.
The inflow of refugees into Lebanon has caused tensions within society as the country is struggling to cope with a persistent financial crisis and a simmering war with Israel on its southern border.  
KSrelief also distributed 25 tonnes of dates each to Kyrgyzstan and Montenegro, the SPA said Friday.


Jeddah dedicates mural to teachers

Jeddah dedicates mural to teachers
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Jeddah dedicates mural to teachers

Jeddah dedicates mural to teachers
  • The mural is set to have its official unveiling in a ceremony on Oct. 17

JEDDAH: Artists, students, families, and community members in Jeddah created an eye-catching mural on the Corniche in honor of the city’s teachers, featuring the slogan: “We all appreciate you.” 

The mural project is a collaborative effort between Jeddah Education, Jeddah Municipality, and the Distinguished Initiatives Association as part of World Teachers’ Day.

The creation, which features an array of colors telling the story of education in Saudi Arabia, is expected to enter into the Guinness World Records as more than 30,000 people from various segments of society participated in the creating the world’s largest mural to dedicated to teachers, organizers said.

The mural is set to have its official unveiling in a ceremony on Oct. 17.

Saudi artist Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, who is supervising the project, told Arab News: “The mural tells the story of education in Saudi Arabia and its history, starting with the books and passing through the beginning of education in the Kingdom, all the way to the modern stage of education and its distinction with science and technical knowledge.

“It’s a love letter to teachers from the whole society. It’s an expression of their thankfulness to their teachers through a vibrant art form,” he added.

On Thursday night at Red Sea Mall, in front of hundreds of teachers and visitors, officials of Jeddah Education and members of the Distinguished Initiatives Association launched the mural project for Teacher’s Day.

Celebrations will also be held in other malls within the next few days and around 1,000 teachers will be recognized for their role in education.

Osama A. Al-Khereiji, general director of the Jeddah Distinguished Teacher Award, told the press that the day represents an opportunity to express thanks and gratitude to teachers for their vital role in preparing a generation that contributes to achieving the nation’s future aspirations.

Fawzi Al-Nahdi, a member of the association’s board of directors, explained that such events embody a true appreciation for the role of male and female teachers in society, noting that the association seeks, through these initiatives, to enhance national and social values and stimulate the spirit of giving and excellence among educational personnel.

Al-Nahdi added that the mural, which aims to honor teachers, reflects the great support from various governmental and private sectors, which reflects the position of teachers in the hearts of society.


All-women ranger team leads Saudi royal reserve’s 5,000th patrol

All-women ranger team leads Saudi royal reserve’s 5,000th patrol
Updated 04 October 2024
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All-women ranger team leads Saudi royal reserve’s 5,000th patrol

All-women ranger team leads Saudi royal reserve’s 5,000th patrol

RIYADH: An all-women team of Saudi environmental rangers has led the 5,000th patrol of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve in the Kingdom’s northwest.

Andrew Zaloumis, the reserve authority’s CEO, said that women are “breaking new ground” at the 24,500 sq. km site “one patrol at a time.”

Ranger teams play a significant role in protecting the environment, but are also involved in women’s empowerment efforts that are a focus of the reserve, Zaloumis said in a statement.

“Globally, women rangers are recognized as vital for conservation success, but gender inequalities and challenges persist,” he added.

“At Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, women make up 30 percent of our 183-strong Saudi ranger team — well above the global average of less than 11 percent.”

Women’s leadership is behind the success of empowerment efforts, he said, citing women in senior management positions and a specialized unit in social and economic development that allows local women to become environmental conservation leaders.

“We are building the next generation of conservationists, equipped with the specialist skill set necessary to conserve Saudi Arabia’s endangered wildlife and wild landscapes,” Zaloumis said.

The all-women ranger team, which was appointed two years ago, is paving the way for new career positions for women in the Kingdom.

Ghaida Al-Balawi, one of the rangers, told Arab News about some of the team’s achievements.

“The most significant achievement since joining the team has been successfully raising the level of environmental awareness among local and international visitors, as well as protecting certain endangered species such as the Arabian partridge and the hawksbill turtle. This was accomplished through our effective environmental protection patrols,” she said.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve contains 15 distinct ecosystems across its mountain ridges, life-giving wadis and Red Sea coral reefs.

The reserve launched a development plan two months ago, publishing a road map covering environmental, economic, social, cultural and tourism targets.


KSrelief provides training for earthquake victims in Turkiye’s Hatay

KSrelief provides training for earthquake victims in Turkiye’s Hatay
Updated 04 October 2024
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KSrelief provides training for earthquake victims in Turkiye’s Hatay

KSrelief provides training for earthquake victims in Turkiye’s Hatay
  • The third and fourth volunteer training programs were for members of the Syria and Turkiye communities
  • The training for 91 people took place between Sept. 29 and Oct. 4, with 20 volunteers participating

RIYADH: Volunteers from the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief have provided training for earthquake victims in Hatay province, Turkiye, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The third and fourth volunteer training programs were for members of the Syria and Turkiye communities.

The training for 91 people took place between Sept. 29 and Oct. 4, with 20 volunteers participating.

Since the campaign’s launch, advanced economic empowerment courses have been offered including sewing and embroidery, refrigeration and air conditioning, multimedia technology, graphic design, and computer maintenance.

In addition, other support included therapy sessions, psychological empowerment, and first aid training.

This was provided for 217 people including the sighted and visually impaired.


Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief volunteers conduct heart surgery in El Salvador

Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief volunteers conduct heart surgery in El Salvador
Updated 04 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief volunteers conduct heart surgery in El Salvador

Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief volunteers conduct heart surgery in El Salvador
  • The operations were conducted between Sept. 26 and Oct. 3 by eight medical specialists

RIYADH: A volunteer medical team from the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has performed 20 specialized vascular and catheterization operations in San Salvador, El Salvador, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The operations were conducted between Sept. 26 and Oct. 3 by eight medical specialists.

The volunteer program is a part of Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts, through KSrelief, to provide aid to those in need around the world.


Experts show off skills at Riyadh culinary event 

Experts show off skills at Riyadh culinary event 
Updated 03 October 2024
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Experts show off skills at Riyadh culinary event 

Experts show off skills at Riyadh culinary event 
  • Sirha Arabia gathered 300 exhibitors from the Kingdom and around the world to share their expertise in the culinary and hospitality sectors

RIYADH: In collaboration with the Culinary Arts Commission and the Saudi Conventions & Exhibitions General Authority, Sirha Arabia gathered 300 exhibitors from the Kingdom and around the world to share their expertise in the culinary and hospitality sectors on Thursday.

“The experience is extremely positive: Sirha brought to Arabia a very high-profile audience and the organization has been premium, we could feel its quality,” Vittorio Rocchi, the CEO of Sitaf Saudi Co. for Trade, told Arab News.

Sitaf was established in 1976 and currently has a list of more than 3,000 products.

It was one of the main exhibitors presenting during Sirha Arabia with two large booths.

The company showcased live cooking shows in their kitchens offering guests the opportunity to sample pizzas, pasta, dairy products, and seafood.

“There is a fantastic production of fresh sushi and sashimi with dedicated Japanese chefs,” Rocchi told Arab News. “The highlight was the live cutting of a 180 kg fatty tuna, performed by a professional tuna cutter. Simply amazing,” he said.

The Kingdom is working to expand its position as a global player in the catering and hospitality sectors embracing international trends while showcasing local and international products and companies such as Sitaf.

Sirha Food is organized by Sirha Lyon, a globally renowned food service event, taking place every two years in Lyon, France.

The event has expanded to include Saudi Arabia on its list of host countries.

“This is the first time ever for Sirha in KSA and we believed a lot in it. We will continue our path with Sirah for the years to come and grow together,” Rocchi said.

Sirha Arabia consisted of 60 speakers and three pavilions: the Sirha Food Forum, the Sirha Food Masters, and Newcomers for exhibitors presenting for the first time.

The exhibition also served as a one-stop shop for chefs and businesses looking to start a restaurant or expand their at-home culinary portfolio.

The exhibition also hosted a masterclass in macaroons led by the executive pastry chef, Steve Thiery, and other international chefs.

Discussion sessions were hosted which highlighted topics such as Saudi and intentional flavor fusions, “inspiring the next generation of culinary and hospital experts,” dairy trade and export, and navigating the challenges of different markets.

Discussing the reactions of visitors, Rocchi said: “Most visitors were amazed by the size and display of the booth, but most importantly they were impressed by the chefs cooking at the live stations.

“They could enjoy the best flavors of Italian cuisine and this made everyone really happy,” he added.

“For sure, Sitaf is the leading Saudi company in gourmet food,” he stressed. “Sitaf has a range of 70 percent Italian products, we are very proud to be representing this country in the Kingdom. But Sitaf is more, we consider products all over the world as long as it is genuine and high quality,” he said.

On trade relations between Saudi Arabia and Italy, Rocchi said: “We would like to see more Saudi products expand their market share in Italy, I am sure they will because they are of very high quality.” 

He added: “On our hand, we will work to help Saudi brands and products improve and increase, it will work very well.“