Family vacation ends in tragedy as prominent Saudi doctor dies trying to save drowning son in Swiss lake

Update Family vacation ends in tragedy as prominent Saudi doctor dies trying to save drowning son in Swiss lake
A Saudi family’s holiday in Switzerland ended in tragedy when Dr. Abdullah Alanazi died after jumping into Brienz Lake trying to save his drowning 2-year-old son over the weekend. (X/@Shahinaz_77)
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Updated 06 July 2024
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Family vacation ends in tragedy as prominent Saudi doctor dies trying to save drowning son in Swiss lake

Family vacation ends in tragedy as prominent Saudi doctor dies trying to save drowning son in Swiss lake
  • The family was spending a day at the Giessbach Waterfalls in Brienz Lake near the Swiss Alps
  • Dr. Alanazi’s son Abdulaziz was said to have slipped down into the waterfalls while the family took photos

BEIRUT: A Saudi family’s holiday in Switzerland ended in tragedy when Dr. Abdullah Alanazi died after jumping into Brienz Lake trying to save his drowning 2-year-old son over the weekend.

A prominent doctor and head of the research unit at the College of Applied Medical Sciences in Riyadh, Alanazi was reported by Saudi media to have been on a family vacation when the tragedy occurred.

The family was spending a day at the Giessbach Waterfalls in Brienz Lake near the Swiss Alps.

Reportedly, Alanazi’s son Abdulaziz was said to have slipped down into the waterfalls as the family took photos. The doctor immediately jumped after his drowning son in an attempt to save him, but the two were swept away by the strong currents and disappeared in front of the eyes of Alanazi’s weeping and traumatized wife and daughter.

Swiss police and rescue teams arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and launched immediate search and rescue operations that were purported to have lasted two days until Alanazi’s body was recovered. The search for Abdulaziz’s body continues. Media reports said helicopters and boats were also used during the search operation.

The Saudi Embassy in Switzerland and King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences offered condolences to Alanazi’s family.

Meanwhile, the doctor’s wife was cited in some media reports as saying that on that day, they did not intend to go out, but Alanazi insisted on going to the waterfalls, which are located 50 minutes away from where they had been residing. She was allegedly told by some people who were present there that the waterfalls were easily reachable and suitable for children.

She claimed that her husband asked her to hold their daughter’s hand while he held Abdulaziz’s hand. But while they were taking photos, their 2-year-old let go of his father’s hand suddenly, lost his balance and fell into the water.

Dr. Fares Alanazi, a professor at the Institute of Public Administration and brother of Abdullah, told Arab News that the family initially planned to stay exclusively in Austria during the trip. However, after renting a car, they decided to extend their journey to Switzerland and visit the Interlaken waterfalls.

He added that prayers were held last Saturday in Riyadh at the North Cemetery in Al-Muhaini Mosque, and expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Saudi Embassy in Switzerland, including the ambassador and all the employees.

“They all worked tirelessly and provided every possible assistance, showing exemplary cooperation and remarkable support. They stood by his wife, who was in an unthinkable position in the mountains, having witnessed the tragic loss of her family,” he said.

“The embassy promptly addressed the incident, providing a translator, and covering the costs for the hotel, car, coffin, and tickets for the wife and daughter. Our brother, Dr. Amer Alanazi, also diligently followed up on all the details.”

Amer, dean of the College of Pharmacy at King Saud University, told Arab News that the incident was a major tragedy.

He said that he was at his parents’ house when Abdullah called their mother, expressing his happiness about the trip, and saying the family were on their way to Interlaken and were in high spirits.

“On Monday evening, after the incident, I traveled directly to Switzerland,” Amer said. “An embassy official received me, and I went to Bern and then to the site. The Swiss authorities found the body two hours after the incident, identified it, and followed the routine procedures.”

Amer added that Abdullah’s wife returned two days before to identify her husband’s body. DNA samples were taken to confirm the identity. “I then accompanied the body back to Riyadh,” he said.


Saudi foreign minister calls Algerian counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf on Tuesday. (File/SPA/AFP)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf on Tuesday. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 21 sec ago
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Saudi foreign minister calls Algerian counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf on Tuesday. (File/SPA/AFP)
  • The two officials discussed regional developments and exchanged views on them during the call

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two officials discussed regional developments and exchanged views on them during the call.


Arabic-speaking students gain access to world’s largest collection of music books

Arabic-speaking students gain access to world’s largest collection of music books
Updated 21 min 35 sec ago
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Arabic-speaking students gain access to world’s largest collection of music books

Arabic-speaking students gain access to world’s largest collection of music books
  • Sheet music, songbooks and instrument method books to be translated
  • New opportunities for musicians, teachers throughout the region

RIYADH: Arabic-speaking students will gain access to a significant collection of international sheet music, songbooks and instrument method books as part of a new agreement.

The Saudi Music Commission is partnering with Muse Group, owner of Hal Leonard — the world’s largest publisher of sheet music.

Along with Dar Nasher, the partnership will bring Hal Leonard’s material to a Saudi and wider Arabic-speaking audience, which the group said will create opportunities for musicians and teachers throughout the region.

Mo Chandi, COO of Muse Group, visited Riyadh to formalize the deal. “This partnership is about creating a connection between music education and cultural identity,” he said.

In an interview with Arab News, Chandi discussed the importance of cultural relevance in music education.

“Understanding music is not merely about technical skills; it’s also about appreciating the cultural context from which it arises. If you don’t understand certain pieces, you miss out on their cultural significance,” he added.

Chandi highlighted the Saudi Music Commission’s commitment to developing an Arabic-first set of books that translate the language and adapt content to resonate with local culture.

“Our goal is to ensure that young musicians can connect with their heritage while learning,” he added.

“We have an opportunity to elevate Arabic instruments to an international stage, ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve. The goal is to create an environment that fosters creativity and cultural growth.”

The significance of representation in music education is also a key focus for Chandi. “By showcasing Arabic instruments and music, children in Saudi Arabia will find relatable role models, inspiring them to pursue their musical interests while staying connected to their cultural roots,” he said.

The immediate focus of the partnership will be to translate Hal Leonard’s titles into Arabic and make them available in schools and libraries across the Kingdom.

“This effort will benefit students and enrich the broader music community by making quality educational resources widely accessible,” Chandi said.

He envisions a framework where children can explore music from an early age, cultivating their talents and potentially leading to a new generation of musicians from Saudi Arabia.

“We aim for a future where Saudi children can gain recognition on the global music stage,” he said. “Every child should have access to music education, as it can change their world.”


Saudi Red Crescent exhibits medical vehicles for pilgrimage services

Saudi Red Crescent exhibits medical vehicles for pilgrimage services
Updated 35 min ago
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Saudi Red Crescent exhibits medical vehicles for pilgrimage services

Saudi Red Crescent exhibits medical vehicles for pilgrimage services
  • Spider motorcycle is designed for rapid deployment in emergencies
  • A medical amphibious vehicle can transport 2 patients, has a continuous operational capacity of up to 19 hours

JEDDAH: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority is displaying advanced technology aimed at improving its services to pilgrims at the Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah.

The authority is introducing advanced 4x4 ambulances linked to control centers to enhance response times and medical services.

Another vehicle introduced by the authority is the Spider motorcycle, designed for rapid deployment in emergencies, particularly in crowded areas in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The vehicle contains essential medical devices, such as oxygen cylinders and immobilization splints, to respond to emergencies like asthma attacks and cardiac arrests.

The authority also introduced an amphibious vehicle, the first in the Middle East, which can navigate rugged terrain, water and muddy areas, the SPA reported.

It can transport two patients and six additional people, and has a continuous operational capacity of up to 19 hours.

The Hajj Conference and Exhibition runs until Jan. 16.


Saudi aviation authority imposes $5m in fines in 2024

Saudi aviation authority imposes $5m in fines in 2024
Updated 43 min 23 sec ago
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Saudi aviation authority imposes $5m in fines in 2024

Saudi aviation authority imposes $5m in fines in 2024
  • Report detailed 111 violations by airlines for failing to adhere to instructions
  • 305 violations related to passenger rights protection led to fines exceeding SR14.4 million

RIYADH: The General Authority of Civil Aviation issued 542 fines totaling SR18.8 million ($5 million) in 2024 for violations of civil aviation law, its regulations, and authority instructions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The report detailed 111 violations by airlines for failing to adhere to instructions, including the advance passenger information system and time-slot compliance, resulting in fines of SR3.65 million. Nine other violations incurred fines of SR290,000.

Additionally, 305 violations related to passenger rights protection led to fines exceeding SR14.4 million. Licensed companies faced 17 violations for non-compliance with civil aviation regulations, amounting to fines of SR175,000.

Two companies were fined SR40,000 for breaching licensing provisions, SPA reported.

The report also highlighted 92 violations committed by individuals, including 15 for unpermitted drone use with fines of SR75,000, 74 for non-compliance with safety instructions and onboard misconduct with fines of SR79,200, and three for trespassing restricted airport areas with fines of SR3,000.

Six violations for unauthorized glider operations resulted in fines of SR155,000, SPA added.

The authority emphasized its commitment to transparency, regulatory enforcement, and enhancing passenger experiences and air transport services in the Kingdom.


Saudi Cabinet praises Riyadh ministerial meeting on Syria

Saudi Cabinet praises Riyadh ministerial meeting on Syria
Updated 14 January 2025
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Saudi Cabinet praises Riyadh ministerial meeting on Syria

Saudi Cabinet praises Riyadh ministerial meeting on Syria

RIYADH: The Saudi Cabinet on Tuesday praised the outcomes of a conference that gathered top European and Middle Eastern diplomats in the Saudi capital of Riyadh earlier this week to discuss Syria’s future. 

During the weekly meeting chaired by Saudi King Salman, the cabinet commended the broad international participation in the ministerial meetings held in Riyadh this week on Syria calling for easing sanctions on the country.

In addition, the cabinet statement said the Riyadh conference also discussed steps to support the Syrian people on the humanitarian and economic levels, and to provide aid as the country goes through a transitional period.  

 

 

The Cabinet also addressed the current developments on the regional and international arenas, and reiterated the Kingdom’s call on the international community to assume its responsibility to stop the ongoing Israeli violations of international laws and norms.

It also followed up on Saudi humanitarian efforts and contributions worldwide to alleviate the suffering of the needy and affected people.