KSrelief aids displaced families in Chad, Sudan, Yemen

KSrelief aids displaced families in Chad, Sudan, Yemen
1 / 6
Sudanese carry their share of goods distributed by KSrelief in the Nile River State. (SPA)
KSrelief aids displaced families in Chad, Sudan, Yemen
2 / 6
A Chadian woman brings home her family’s share of food aid from KSrelief at a refugee center in N’Djamena. (SPA)
KSrelief aids displaced families in Chad, Sudan, Yemen
3 / 6
A Yemeni man carries a boxful of food aid at a KSrelief distribution center in the Sheikh Othman district of Aden governorate. (SPA)
KSrelief aids displaced families in Chad, Sudan, Yemen
4 / 6
Displaced people take their share of shelter bags from KSrelief in Sudan’s Northern State. (SPA)
KSrelief aids displaced families in Chad, Sudan, Yemen
5 / 6
Sudanese refugees in Khartoum state carry home their share of KSrelief goodies. (SPA)
KSrelief aids displaced families in Chad, Sudan, Yemen
6 / 6
Sudanese women bring home their share of goods distributed by KSrelief in the Nile River State. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 08 July 2024
Follow

KSrelief aids displaced families in Chad, Sudan, Yemen

KSrelief aids displaced families in Chad, Sudan, Yemen
  • 2,032 food baskets, 1,175 shelter kits for 19,668 people
  • Since 2015, KSrelief has spent over $6.5bn in 95 nations

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief said on Sunday it provided support for displaced families in Chad, Sudan and Yemen over the past few days.

In separate announcements reported by the Saudi Press Agency, the agency said it distributed 2,032 food baskets and 1,175 shelter kits for 19,668 people in the three countries.

In Chad, 1,400 food baskets were handed out in N’Djamena for 8,400 individuals, as a part of KSrelief’s food security project in the nation.

In Yemen, 632 food baskets were distributed in the Sheikh Othman district of Aden governorate for 4,424 individuals.

In Sudan, shelter kits were provided in several locations, including 320 in the Nile River State for 1,927 individuals; 455 in the Northern State for 2,617 people; and 400 in Khartoum State for 2,300 individuals.

“This initiative is part of a series of relief and humanitarian projects implemented by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through KSrelief to assist the Sudanese people during their ongoing humanitarian crisis,” the SPA reported.

Since its inception in 2015, KSrelief has implemented 2,670 projects worth more than $6.5 billion in 95 countries, in cooperation with 175 local, regional and international partners.

According to a report by the agency, the bulk of the support has gone to Yemen ($4.3 billion), Syria ($391 million), Palestine ($370 million) and Somalia ($227 million).

KSrelief’s programs cover food security, health, sanitation, shelter, nutrition, education, telecommunications and logistics.


Saudi Arabia on a Guinness World Records winning streak

Saudi Arabia on a Guinness World Records winning streak
Updated 9 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia on a Guinness World Records winning streak

Saudi Arabia on a Guinness World Records winning streak

RIYADH: From virtual assistant devices to extravagant light shows, Saudi Arabia has achieved more than 233 Guinness World Records over the years.

Guinness World Records lists human achievements and extremes of nature, and has great expectations for the country over the coming months.

The Kingdom has been placed second behind the UAE in the Middle East and North Africa region for its record-breaking streak.

Each region within the Kingdom has achieved notable Guinness World Records, setting the bar high.

Hassan Ibrahim, head of brand communications at Guinness World Records MENA and Turkiye, told Arab News that since the company’s expansion in the Middle East, “there has been a surge in record-breaking requests including many from Saudi Arabia.

“We’ve seen an increase in record attempts across various fields, such as art, with the largest coffee painting, environmental initiatives like the largest bottle cap mosaic, and gaming, with the most gaming consoles connected to a single TV. There have also been notable achievements in other areas, such as the youngest newspaper columnist (Ritaj Al-Hazmi).

All world records require thorough research to ensure that they meet the strict criteria set by Guinness World Records, including being globally competitive, breakable, verifiable and standardized, Ibrahim said.

“No world record is easy to achieve or monitor — each attempt undergoes a rigorous assessment process before a final decision is made. Guinness World Records is dedicated to publishing accurate and verified facts about the world, so as the term ‘facts’ suggests, the results of our findings should be accurate and true descriptions of what has been achieved.”

Ibrahim highlighted the significance of the creation of the darkest man-made substance by scientists from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in 2015, in a collaboration between Prof. Yu Han and Prof. Andrea Fratalocchi.

The substance is a black material made of gold nanoparticles and called “dark chamaleon dimers,” which absorb more than 99 percent of visible light.

“It is also amazing to witness a local university breaking a record for the darkest man-made substance, or a community event creating the largest human awareness ribbon. Universities, charities, children and schools all contribute to this incredible variety of accomplishments.”

 
RIYADH

The most recent record broken was by Diriyah, which made history on Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day by setting a mark recognized by Guinness World Records for the largest display of virtual assistant devices.

The show featured more than 500 Amazon Echo devices and Alexa voice assistants and was part of Diriyah’s celebrations of the Kingdom’s national day.

Noor Riyadh, an annual citywide festival celebrating the beauty of light and art, has secured 14 Guinness World Records, with its most prominent title being the largest light art festival in the world.

Architect and Designer Nouf Al-Moneef has been the festival director of Noor Riyadh since its launch in 2021. She told Arab News that preparing for Noor Riyadh’s records involved meticulous planning, collaboration with experts, advanced technical setups, securing permits, and rehearsals.

“A large, passionate team provided not only logistical support but also emotional encouragement, ensuring everyone stayed motivated and focused on delivering a flawless execution.”

She said that the festival’s record-breaking projects were driven by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to promote cultural growth, gain global recognition and showcase innovation.

“The festival is also influenced by the history and legacy of light art and its pioneers, celebrating creativity through large-scale, impactful works that push artistic boundaries.”

In 2023, Riyadh Season, a range of entertainment cultural and sporting events held in Saudi Arabia’s Capital, also received Guinness World Records.

During the same year, Saudi Arabia entered Guinness World Records with the creation of the largest sustainable farm in the world, with a total area of more than 3.2 million sq m.

Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli received the registration certificate from the Guinness World Records during a ceremony held by the Saudi Reef Program at its headquarters in Riyadh.

 
EASTERN PROVINCE

Saudi columnist and author Ritaj Al-Hazmi has been awarded two Guinness World Records, in 2024 as the world’s youngest female newspaper columnist at the age of 15 and in 2020 for being the youngest female to publish a book series at the age of 12. 

 
JEDDAH

In 2023, Olympic athlete Kariman Abuljadayel achieved the fastest time to row 10 km in open water at 57 min 24 sec in Jeddah.

In 2021, the largest LEGO® brick F1 car was 5.73m x 2.32m x 1.15m (18ft 9in x 7ft 7in x 3ft 9in) and was created by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation in Jeddah.

 
ALULA

AlUla Moments set the Guinness World Record for the largest hot air balloon glow show twice — first in 2019 with 100 balloons, and then surpassed this achievement in 2022 by lighting up the skies with 142 balloons.

In 2019, the Royal Commission for AlUla achieved a GWR for the largest mirrored building covered by 9,740 m² (104,840 ft² 71 in²) of mirrored facade.


KSrelief head participates in Sudan meeting on sidelines of UNGA

Supervisor General of KSrelief Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah participates in a meeting on Sudan.
Supervisor General of KSrelief Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah participates in a meeting on Sudan.
Updated 2 min 49 sec ago
Follow

KSrelief head participates in Sudan meeting on sidelines of UNGA

Supervisor General of KSrelief Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah participates in a meeting on Sudan.
  • Al-Rabeeah said Saudi Arabia has “made great efforts since the beginning of the crisis in order to find means to bring hope back to” Sudan

RIYADH: The Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah participated in a meeting on Sudan on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday.

The meeting, called “The Cost of Inaction - Urgent and Collective Support to Scale Up the Humanitarian Response in Sudan and the Region,” aimed to strengthen support for the humanitarian response in Sudan and the region.

Representatives from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the US, the European Union, and the African Union took part in the high-level event.

Al-Rabeeah said Saudi Arabia is fully aware of its duty toward Sudan and has “made great efforts since the beginning of the crisis in order to find means to bring hope back to” the country.

“This includes the Jeddah declaration for the protection of civilians, as well as humanitarian access. There have also been efforts made on behalf of the working group to save lives and bring peace to Sudan so that we can reach thousands of people in Darfur.”

“However, the escalation of violence that has recently been seen in a number of regions has caused even further damage, which has pushed millions of people to flee their homes, leaving behind their families and their possessions,” he said.

Al-Rabeeah added that the Kingdom has allocated $3 billion of assistance to the country which has been distributed among the various regions and humanitarian sectors.

He said that KSrelief, even before the outbreak of the crisis in April 2023, had shifted toward implementing more sustainable interventions.

“The worsening of the security situation has, however, impacted the progress that had been made, which has required further efforts on our part. We have redoubled our efforts and stepped up our contributions. Since April 2023, we have launched a number of projects amounting to $73 million dollars,” the head of KSrelief said. 

Al-Rabeeah said that the Kingdom, together with the UN and other humanitarian organizations, has brought in assistance through land and sea routes. 

“We are providing support to the government and also carrying out a campaign to assist the Sudanese people with contributions above $125 million dollars. 

“However, despite all of these efforts made by our country, challenges remain, and the crisis requires coordinated efforts in order to bring unhindered humanitarian access to the country and provide a sustainable and coordinated response, as well as safe and unhindered access to areas affected by conflict.

“The international humanitarian community must bring a response to this humanitarian crisis in Sudan that goes beyond any political considerations. This is a humanitarian tragedy that requires us to overcome existing divisions,” he said. 

Al-Rabeeah added that the Kingdom is making significant efforts to make sure that the necessary assistance is delivered to the Sudanese people. 


Madinah’s attractions enrich visitor experience

Madinah’s attractions enrich visitor experience
Updated 19 min 19 sec ago
Follow

Madinah’s attractions enrich visitor experience

Madinah’s attractions enrich visitor experience

MADINAH: The holy city of Madinah boasts several museums and exhibitions that highlight its historical heritage and serve as educational centers where visitors can immerse themselves in Islamic history.

The Al-Safiyyah Museum and Park is a cultural and tourist hub, covering over 4,400 sq. meters in the central area south of the Prophet’s Mosque.

Seamlessly blending knowledge with entertainment, it includes a museum where the story of creation is narrated in several languages, a public garden, and a range of diverse shops.

Meanwhile, the Prophet’s Mosque Expansion Exhibition offers an in-depth review of the mosque’s architectural history, detailing the expansions it has undergone since its initial construction.

Situated south of the mosque, the exhibition spans 2,200 sq. meters and features state-of-the-art technology with 187 interactive screens. It also houses a special hall dedicated to rare collectables and artefacts.

The exhibition aims to highlight the architectural marvels of the Prophet’s Mosque, emphasizing its distinctive features, historical importance and the Kingdom’s commitment to its preservation and to serving visitors.


Saudi Arabia appointed chair of UN anti-crime network

Saudi Arabia appointed chair of UN anti-crime network
Updated 26 September 2024
Follow

Saudi Arabia appointed chair of UN anti-crime network

Saudi Arabia appointed chair of UN anti-crime network
  • Achievement reflects global trust in the Kingdom to tackle international criminal organizations

BEIJING: Saudi Arabia has been appointed the chair of the steering committee of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime’s Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities for the 2025-2027 period.

The official who will represent the Kingdom on the GlobE Network is Nasser bin Ahmad Abaalkhail, who also serves as deputy for International Collaboration of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority

The decision was taken at a meeting on Thursday in Beijing, and reflects the trust placed in the Kingdom to tackle international criminal networks, the SPA reported.

Mazin Al-Kahmous, president of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, also known as Nazaha, congratulated the Saudi leadership on the announcement. He said this achievement reflects the leadership’s directives to position the Kingdom as a pioneering model in various fields, including combating corruption.

The GlobE Network is an initiative launched by the Kingdom during the G20 Summit ministerial meeting hosted by Saudi Arabia in 2020.

It was officially adopted by the UN on Dec. 17, 2021, during the ninth session of the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption, held in Egypt.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commended the Kingdom’s role in creating the network in his speech in 2021 at the opening of the first UN General Assembly special session against corruption

At that time, Spain was appointed chair of the network’s steering committee, while Saudi Arabia was vice chair.

Over the past three years, 219 anti-corruption agencies and international organizations, as well as over 120 countries, have joined the network.


Saudi FM takes part in Arab League, UN Security Council meeting

Saudi FM takes part in Arab League, UN Security Council meeting
Updated 26 September 2024
Follow

Saudi FM takes part in Arab League, UN Security Council meeting

Saudi FM takes part in Arab League, UN Security Council meeting
  • Prince Faisal stressed the Kingdom's full support for the mediation efforts being made by Egypt, Qatar, and the US

NEW YORK CITY: Saudi Arabia believes in the necessity of enhancing consultation mechanisms between the United Nations Security Council and regional organizations, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Thursday.

Prince Faisal took part in an Arab League troika meeting, which included the Kingdom, Bahrain and Iraq, with the member states of the council chaired by Slovenia on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, the foreign minister also praised the decision taken by Slovenia to recognize the State of Palestine.

Prince Faisal stressed the Kingdom's full support for the mediation efforts being made by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, and its rejection of Israeli actions that hinder this mediation.

He reiterated Saudi support for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and appreciated the agency's efforts in the Gaza Strip.

Prince Faisal highlighted the importance of intensifying cooperation and coordination between the Arab League, the Security Council, and international partners to achieve progress on Arab regional issues and to contribute to the enhancement of international peace and security, SPA added.