Saudi water sector’s role in Hajj highlighted

Saudi water sector’s role in Hajj highlighted
SWA distributed bottles of the world's first packaged desalinated seawater at the Hajj Media Hub. (AN Photo)
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Updated 11 June 2024
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Saudi water sector’s role in Hajj highlighted

Saudi water sector’s role in Hajj highlighted
  • SWA distributed bottles of the world’s first packaged desalinated seawater, produced by the Shoaiba 4 system, at the Hajj Media Hub
  • Water is enriched with magnesium extracted using nanotechnology through ultra-fine membranes

MAKKAH: The Saudi Water Authority is participating in the Hajj Media Hub, which commenced on Monday in Makkah and will continue until June 16, highlighting the readiness of the Kingdom’s water sector for this year’s Hajj season.

At the event the authority distributed bottles of the world’s first packaged desalinated seawater, produced by the Shoaiba 4 system, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The water is enriched with magnesium extracted using nanotechnology through ultra-fine membranes, demonstrating the authority’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies to address the challenges facing the water sector.

The authority’s primary objective is to secure the water supply in the Makkah region and holy sites, adhering to the highest standards and utilizing the latest environmentally friendly technologies.

By participating in the forum, the authority aims to showcase its efforts in serving pilgrims and providing a comfortable and secure experience.

The authority’s pavilion shed light on its responsibilities in enhancing water security and addressing the challenges facing the sector. It also showcases the roles of all actors involved in the water system in the Kingdom and their contributions to the success of this year’s Hajj.

It provides daily updates on the water sector’s activities, supplying all information, data, and statistics to media outlets and journalists to cover its activities and enrich the media content this year’s Hajj season.

Its efforts reflect the government’s dedication to ensuring the comfort and well-being of pilgrims, which enables them to perform religious rituals with ease and reassurance, SPA reported.


Madinah hosts forum on mass gatherings, emergency medicine

Madinah hosts forum on mass gatherings, emergency medicine
Updated 02 October 2024
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Madinah hosts forum on mass gatherings, emergency medicine

Madinah hosts forum on mass gatherings, emergency medicine
  • Featured sessions dedicated to papers and research presented by speakers from the Kingdom and abroad

RIYADH: The second International Conference on Mass Gatherings and Emergency Medicine brings together doctors, health care practitioners and medical students to discuss recent developments and challenges in mass gatherings and emergency medicine.

The conference is organized by the Madinah Chamber of Commerce.

Conference chairman and pediatric emergency medicine consultant at Alfaisal University, Dr. Mohammad Alfaifi, said that the three-day conference, ending on Thursday, features sessions dedicated to papers and research presented by speakers from the Kingdom and abroad.

Among the speakers is Professor Abdo Khoury, who discussed preparations and challenges during the Paris Olympics. Dr. Muna Al-Musleh, a consultant in emergency medicine from Qatar, addressed her country’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research presented a paper on using AI in crowd management during Hajj and Umrah seasons.

Alfaifi emphasized the conference’s role in enhancing the expertise of medical staff in preparation for Saudi Arabia’s upcoming international events, including the World Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup.

He highlighted that such gatherings provided opportunities to discuss and address crowd management challenges, suggesting optimal solutions and best practices, while showcasing Saudi Arabia’s extensive experience in managing crowds during Hajj and Umrah.


Falcons compete for $200,000 in Al-Mellwah race

The Saudi Falcons Club is organizing the Al-Mellwah race from Oct. 7 to 12 at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. (SPA)
The Saudi Falcons Club is organizing the Al-Mellwah race from Oct. 7 to 12 at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. (SPA)
Updated 02 October 2024
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Falcons compete for $200,000 in Al-Mellwah race

The Saudi Falcons Club is organizing the Al-Mellwah race from Oct. 7 to 12 at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. (SPA)
  • In the race, falcons will compete to cover 200 meters in the shortest time to qualify for the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival

RIYADH: The Saudi Falcons Club is organizing the Al-Mellwah race from Oct. 7 to 12 at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh.

This event aims to preserve falconry heritage for future generations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

In the race, falcons will compete to cover 200 meters in the shortest time to qualify for the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival.

This year’s race will feature a category for young falcons, or “farkh,” including hur, shaheen, gyr pure, gyr shaheen, gyr taba, and mathlooth gyr.

A total of SR750,000 ($200,000) in prizes will be awarded to 18 winners in each of the six rounds.

Club spokesperson Walid Al-Taweel noted that the Al-Mellwah race will coincide with the International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition, starting on Oct. 3, featuring over 400 exhibitors from 45 countries.

Two Saudi royal reserves will also participate in the exhibition, which will run until Oct. 12 in Malham.

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority’s pavilion will showcase various ecotourism projects and significant historical sites, including the King Abdulaziz Palace and the Laynah heritage market. It will also present information on the Shamal Reserve for Sustainable Hunting, including types of prey and permitted hunting methods.

The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority’s pavilion will highlight the reserve’s natural and historical components, biodiversity, initiatives, and achievements in line with the environmental objectives of Vision 2030.

The authority aims to raise awareness about preserving natural resources for future generations and emphasizes community involvement in environmental protection initiatives.


KSrelief distribues food, shelter aid in Yemen, Sudan

KSrelief distribues food, shelter aid in Yemen, Sudan
Updated 02 October 2024
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KSrelief distribues food, shelter aid in Yemen, Sudan

KSrelief distribues food, shelter aid in Yemen, Sudan
  • This aid, part of the 2024 date distribution project, benefited 36,000 people

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency, KSrelief, distributed 6,000 cartons of dates in one day to needy individuals in Arma and Jardan districts of Shabwah governorate, Yemen.

This aid, part of the 2024 date distribution project, benefited 36,000 people, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Additionally, KSrelief distributed 358 food baskets in Al-Shamayatayn district of Taiz governorate, assisting 2,506 individuals from 358 vulnerable families affected by floods and heavy rainfall.

The agency also provided 370 shelter bags and 100 tents in Mawza district of Taiz governorate, benefiting 2,220 individuals from 370 families.

In Sudan, KSrelief distributed 940 food baskets in Kassala State, helping 5,307 individuals from vulnerable families as part of the second phase of the 2024 Food Security Support project.

KSrelief has implemented 3,068 projects worth more than $7 billion across 102 countries, collaborating with 450 local, regional and international partners since the agency’s inception in May 2015.

According to a recent report, the countries that benefited the most from KSrelief’s initiatives include Yemen ($4.4 billion), Palestine ($492 million), Syria ($441 million), Somalia ($228 million), and other countries ($441 million).

The programs encompass food security, early recovery, water sanitation and hygiene, health, camp coordination, education, protection, emergency aid and nutrition.


German publisher showcases rare manuscripts at Riyadh book fair

German publisher showcases rare manuscripts at Riyadh book fair
Updated 02 October 2024
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German publisher showcases rare manuscripts at Riyadh book fair

German publisher showcases rare manuscripts at Riyadh book fair

RIYADH: German publishing house Mueller and Schindler is participating in the Riyadh International Book Fair for the third consecutive year with a showcase of rare manuscripts and books.

The annual gathering’s literary treasures are a major attraction for book lovers and academics. 

Mueller and Schindler specialize in creating high-quality replicas of historic texts that are typically inaccessible to the public.

Among their remarkable offerings are the famed notes of Leonardo da Vinci, and a selection of Arabic works, including the renowned Blue Qur’an. 

Their exhibit at the fair highlights not only the beauty of these manuscripts but also their historical significance.   

The owner and CEO of Mueller and Schindler, Charlotte Kramer, elaborating on their mission, told Arab News: “We provide facsimiles, which derive from the Latin term ‘fac simile,’ meaning ‘make it similar.’” 

A facsimile is a faithful reproduction of a manuscript or printed book, capturing all the visible characteristics of the original — vibrant colors, gold and silver embellishments, as well as age marks and irregularities.

Their facsimile editions are published in limited quantities, combining technical precision with the spirit of the original work. 

Highlighting the uniqueness of their offerings, Kramer noted: “One of our notable replicas is Katta Langar Qur’an, which dates back over 1,200 years, making it one of the oldest Qur’anic fragments. This fragment, written in Hijazi calligraphy, is significant for the development of the Qur’anic text.” 

In addition to the Katta Langar Qur’an manuscript, Mueller and Schindler showcased a Moroccan Qur’an, comprised of 50 volumes, meticulously crafted in Kufic script.

They also presented manuscripts containing prayers of the Prophet Muhammad, as well as scientific Arabic texts, including Al-Sufi’s “Book of the Fixed Stars.”

The enthusiasm of the Saudi audience has made a lasting impression on the team. 

“We are thrilled to be here for the third time. The people are incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely interested in our work. They engage with us, asking insightful questions and listening intently to our explanations,” Kramer said.    

The fair concludes on Saturday.


Riyadh forum to fuel SMEs, startups in Kingdom

Riyadh forum to fuel SMEs, startups in Kingdom
Updated 02 October 2024
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Riyadh forum to fuel SMEs, startups in Kingdom

Riyadh forum to fuel SMEs, startups in Kingdom
  • Event will host Entrepreneurship World Cup finals, with participants from 151 countries vying for $1m in prizes

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, known as Monsha’at, will host the Biban 24 forum, themed “Global Destination for Opportunities,” from Nov. 5-9 in Riyadh.

The event will gather over 250 speakers and 1,350 exhibitors, representing local and international entrepreneurs, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The forum aims to boost entrepreneurial growth, promote competitiveness, and increase the number of startups.

It also seeks to identify investment opportunities in the public and private sectors and introduce youths to innovative ideas and strategies aligned with Vision 2030, which emphasizes small and medium enterprises’ contribution to the gross domestic product.

Sami Al-Husseini, Monsha’at's governor, said the forum provides a “platform for entrepreneurs to explore opportunities, promote SME growth, and foster innovation and collaboration between local and global entrepreneurs.”

He added that the forum also offers “a space for interaction among changemakers and supporters of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, contributing to a prosperous future.”

More than 150 entities from the public and private sectors, supporting SMEs in areas such as capacity building and e-commerce, will participate to help address challenges hindering business growth.

The forum will host the finals of the Entrepreneurship World Cup, with participants from 151 countries competing for up to $1 million in cash prizes. Saudi Arabia will host the final qualifiers and closing ceremony.

Around 420 training workshops, expected to benefit over 19,000 participants, will cover topics supporting entrepreneurship and SME growth.

The forum will feature nine sections tailored to different SME needs, including start, enablement, e-commerce, funding, innovation, startups, franchising, fast-growing enterprises, and market access.

It will also see several launches and agreements aimed at fostering SME investment and growth through diverse financing solutions.