South Korean Embassy hosts K-pop World Festival round in Riyadh

Team Everlast, a group of three female dancers, have advanced to the finals of the K-pop World Festival after their performance at the Warehouse in Jax district on Saturday. (AN Photos/Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)
Team Everlast, a group of three female dancers, have advanced to the finals of the K-pop World Festival after their performance at the Warehouse in Jax district on Saturday. (AN Photos/Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)
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Updated 04 August 2024
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South Korean Embassy hosts K-pop World Festival round in Riyadh

South Korean Embassy hosts K-pop World Festival round in Riyadh
  • Saudi event winners get chance to compete in Changwon finals

RIYADH: Team Everlast, a group of three female dancers, have advanced to the finals of the K-pop World Festival after their performance at the Warehouse in Jax district on Saturday.

The South Korean Embassy in partnership with the Saudi Entertainment Academy hosted the first finals of the festival.  

“I think this is a very meaningful and significant event for both countries,” Choi Byung-hyuk, South Korea’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, told Arab News.”The K-pop World Festival is on Oct. 13 and will be held in Korea and more than 80 countries will participate in that event.

“Unfortunately for now, talented young Saudi men and women didn’t get a chance to participate there,” he said. 

“That is why we planned this event to select the talented young men and women who want to participate in the Korean K-pop festival,” Choi said. 

The K-pop World Festival is held annually in Changwon, South Korea, and welcomes performers from all around the world including Kuwait, Singapore, the US, Spain, Ireland, Canada and Cuba.

This is the first time the Kingdom will be participating in the festival. The competition held on Saturday was the final round where 10 competitors who made it through the primary rounds performed for the chance to represent Saudi Arabia in the K-pop World Festival in Changwon. 

“I think this a big step forward for the bright future of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030,” the ambassador said. 

“We try to contribute to Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 and the first chapter is vibrant society.”  

Before the performers took to the stage to show off their singing and dancing talent the ambassador of Korea delivered a speech where he highlighted the strong cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and South Korea.

“South Korea and Saudi Arabia have a very special and friendly relationship for the past 62 years and are important countries for each other. 

“Korea is making many efforts, not only diplomatic and economic, but also in cultural exchange and tourism,” he said. 

After the ambassador’s speech, K-pop guest singer Jenn took to the stage to perform a song. 

The Warehouse in Jax was full, with many people standing on the sides and corners of the room to cheer on the performers. 

The event was hosted by Saudi comedian and MC Khalid Khalifa. 

Besides Team Everlast, other winners included solo performers Selwa, Leana, Eman and Harin Kim

At the conclusion of the event the Warehouse announced that it plans to introduce a new K-pop night at the venue.


Saudi Arabia pushes for environmental cooperation

Saudi Arabia pushes for environmental cooperation
Updated 11 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia pushes for environmental cooperation

Saudi Arabia pushes for environmental cooperation
  • Minister Mansour Al-Mushaiti urged GCC countries to ratify the Middle East Green Initiative charter and set national targets for tree planting and land rehabilitation
  • Al-Mushaiti said that GCC meetings had advanced environmental efforts and sustainable development in the region

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has emphasized the need for regional and international cooperation to tackle environmental challenges, particularly in rehabilitating degraded lands and boosting resilience to drought.

Deputy Minister of Environment Mansour Al-Mushaiti highlighted these points at the 26th GCC meeting on environmental affairs in Qatar, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Mushaiti urged GCC countries to ratify the Middle East Green Initiative charter and set national targets for tree planting and land rehabilitation.

He also called for increased support from GCC national development funds for vegetation projects.

Al-Mushaiti said that GCC meetings had advanced environmental efforts and sustainable development in the region.

He stressed the importance of addressing environmental protection, climate change, and balancing development with resource preservation.

Al-Mushaiti expressed the hope that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 in December would significantly impact global efforts to combat land degradation and drought.

He called for active participation from all GCC countries, international and regional organizations, the private sector, and civil society.


Saudi crown prince receives China’s PM

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang in the Kingdom on Wednesday. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang in the Kingdom on Wednesday. (SPA)
Updated 1 min 24 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince receives China’s PM

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang in the Kingdom on Wednesday. (SPA)
  • Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Chinese PM Li Qiang chaired a meeting of the High-Level Saudi-Chinese Committee on Wednesday

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang in the Kingdom on Wednesday.

A welcoming ceremony was held in the premier’s honor and the two leaders held an official session of talks shortly afterwards.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang hold talks on Wednesday. (SPA)

Later, the two leaders chaired a meeting of the High-Level Saudi-Chinese Committee. Aspects of joint cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China were reviewed, especially areas of political and security coordination. Opportunities in the fields of trade, energy, investment, culture, and technology were also discussed.

The crown prince and Li also discussed developments in the region and the latest international developments. 

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Chinese PM Li Qiang chair a meeting of the High-Level Saudi-Chinese Committee on Wednesday. (SPA)

Li is also due to visit the UAE this week.


Riyadh forum to discuss best practices in corporate social responsibility

Riyadh forum to discuss best practices in corporate social responsibility
Updated 11 September 2024
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Riyadh forum to discuss best practices in corporate social responsibility

Riyadh forum to discuss best practices in corporate social responsibility
  • Experts from around world to share strategies for sustainable business models, community empowerment 

JEDDAH: Riyadh will host the Global CSR Forum on Oct. 28-29, promoting social responsibility and sustainability worldwide.

The forum aims to share global experiences, encourage discussions, and identify solutions to enhance innovation and competitiveness in the social responsibility sector.

The two-day event will feature more than 100 speakers and experts from across the world. It seeks to deepen understanding of corporate social responsibility and empower sectors to excel locally and internationally.

Mubarak Al-Bogami, director general of the social responsibility department at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, said: “The forum is poised to deliver a powerful impact both locally and globally.”

He said: “On the home front, it promises to enhance corporate social responsibility efforts, while on the global stage, it will serve as a vibrant hub for showcasing and sharing best practices in CSR.”

Al-Boqami added: “The core message is clear: The Global CSR Forum is a catalyst for change. It is a space where companies from around the world can connect, share insights, and collaborate to advance social responsibility on a global scale. This collaborative approach not only benefits the environment and communities but also empowers businesses to thrive and achieve their goals.”

Mubarak Al-Bogami, director general of the social responsibility department at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

The forum’s diverse program will highlight key CSR themes, including the public sector’s role in supporting CSR initiatives, responsible business models, capacity building, and using technology to enhance social and environmental impact. It will also cover principles, standards, best practices for CSR compliance, and share experiences from various sectors.

Al-Boqami said that the forum would contribute to the knowledge economy in social responsibility by sharing the latest advancements and improving best practices.

“It aims to embed a culture of social responsibility across global sectors, share successful experiences, build strategic partnerships, and support individuals in developing specific social responsibility skills.”

He added that the forum would facilitate the exchange of global best practices for Saudi companies.

“Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in global indicators, securing leading positions in many areas. The 2024 Competitiveness Report from the IMD World Competitiveness Center highlights this progress, particularly in social responsibility, where the Kingdom now ranks 16th globally,” Al-Boqami said.

Saudi Arabia has launched several initiatives to promote social responsibility, including designating March 23 as Social Responsibility Day, which has gained international recognition for its impact on global efforts.

Al-Boqami said that the forum presented a valuable opportunity to align these efforts by fostering communication and sharing successes and best practices.

He added that with participation from experts across all sectors, the forum would support precise knowledge transfer and the refinement of experiences.


Study finds fish farming wastewater boosts date fruit weight, nutrients

Study finds fish farming wastewater boosts date fruit weight, nutrients
Updated 11 September 2024
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Study finds fish farming wastewater boosts date fruit weight, nutrients

Study finds fish farming wastewater boosts date fruit weight, nutrients

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Environment has introduced an innovative irrigation technique using fish farming wastewater, significantly increasing date palm productivity across the Kingdom.

Recent research reveals that this method boosts soil nutrient levels and enhances various qualities of dates, improving their economic value, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday.

Conducted by a specialized team, the study, titled “The Impact of Using Fish Farm Wastewater on Palm Production” highlights this approach as a breakthrough in sustainable agriculture.

Nutrients in fish food residues, especially ammonia, enhance soil health and crop yield, SPA stated.

According to the study, date palms irrigated with fish farming water saw a 26 percent increase in fruit weight, 17 percent in length, and 13 percent in diameter.

Key nutrients in the dates also surged: sugar content increased by 25 percent, zinc by 367 percent, manganese by 112 percent, copper by 9 percent, calcium by 15 percent, phosphorus by 42 percent, and iron by 162 percent.

This research supports a national initiative to expand applied agricultural research, integral to the Kingdom’s transformation strategy.

The study estimates that the Kingdom’s 362 fish farms produce 386 million cubic meters of wastewater annually. Utilizing this for irrigation could significantly improve local date production and quality, aligning with Vision 2030’s sustainability goals.

The study also emphasizes economic benefits, including enhanced soil nitrogen and organic matter, reduced dependence on synthetic fertilizers, water conservation, increased farmer income, and promotion of a circular economy.


KSrelief supervisor general meets UK development minister

KSrelief supervisor general meets UK development minister
Updated 11 September 2024
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KSrelief supervisor general meets UK development minister

KSrelief supervisor general meets UK development minister

RIYADH: Anneliese Dodds, the British minister for development, has praised Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts in various countries of the world through its relief agency KSrelief.
The minister made this comment during a video conference Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, the head of KSrelief, where they also discussed matters of common interest related to humanitarian and relief affairs.
Meanwhile, Ahmed bin Ali Al-Baiz, KSrelief assistant supervisor for operations and programs, met with Gavi Vaccine Alliance chief executive Sania Nishtar in Riyadh to discuss humanitarian and relief measures and ways to provide essential vaccines to countries assessed in need.
Elsewhere, the aid agency has also awarded an initial approval certificate to the Ain Ophthalmology Association in Jazan, allowing it to conduct operations outside the Kingdom.
In Jordan, KSrelief clinics provided services to 2,551 Syrian refugees in Zaatari Camp.