KSrelief launches Balsam campaign for neurosurgery in Yemen

KSrelief launches campaign for neurosurgery in Aden, Yemen. (Supplied/KSrelief)
KSrelief launches campaign for neurosurgery in Aden, Yemen. (Supplied/KSrelief)
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Updated 16 August 2024
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KSrelief launches Balsam campaign for neurosurgery in Yemen

KSrelief launches Balsam campaign for neurosurgery in Yemen
  • The campaign will conduct 25 surgeries and diagnose 200 cases at Prince Mohammed bin Salman Hospital in Aden

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and Al-Balsam Association for Training and Health Development have launched a neurosurgery campaign at Prince Mohammed bin Salman Hospital in Aden.

Running from Aug. 17-23, the campaign aims to perform 25 free surgeries and examine and diagnose over 200 cases.

According to Al-Balsam Association a team of Yemeni doctors will collaborate with the association’s team in the operating rooms, as well as during the examination and preparation stages for surgeries at the hospital, which is supervised by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen.

Prof. Ibrahim Al-Naami, consultant and professor of neurosurgery at King Khalid University and head of Al-Balsam Association’s medical team to Yemen, said: “The neurosurgery campaign, supervised by the KSrelief, will take place from Aug. 17-23 at Prince Mohammed bin Salman Hospital in Aden. The campaign will feature an integrated team of neurological and spinal surgeons, along with anesthesiologists, anesthesia technicians, and nurses.”

Al-Naami explained that preparations for the medical campaign in Yemen began several months ago, following its approval by KSrelief, which chose Al-Balsam Association to execute it. 

He emphasized that the association is committed to ensuring the campaign’s success, adhering to the regulations and procedures set by KSrelief, which is renowned for its global leadership in humanitarian work in countries in need of such medical care. 

Al-Naami highlighted that extensive efforts have been made in all aspects, including procuring necessary surgical equipment and preparing for the campaign to achieve its objectives and uphold its noble humanitarian mission under KSrelief supervision.

Al-Balsam Association also conducted a medical campaign in Yemen last May, focused on open-heart surgery and interventional catheterization at Prince Mohammed bin Salman Hospital. 

During the campaign, 251 procedures were performed, including 25 open-heart surgeries and 166 interventional catheterizations for adults, and three open-heart surgeries, along with 57 interventional catheterizations, for children.

All procedures were successful and were carried out in collaboration with a team of local Yemeni doctors.


KSrelief continues humanitarian activities in Lebanon, Sudan

KSrelief continues humanitarian activities in Lebanon, Sudan
Updated 01 December 2024
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KSrelief continues humanitarian activities in Lebanon, Sudan

KSrelief continues humanitarian activities in Lebanon, Sudan

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s (KSrelief) activities in Lebanon and Sudan continues, with its latest humanitarian and medical outreach for needy individuals.

In Lebanon, Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian agency distributed vouchers on Thursday, enabling beneficiaries to purchase winter clothing according to their needs from approved stores.

The latest undertaking benefited 520 individuals from Syrian and Palestinian refugee families, as well as host communities in Lebanon’s Naema and Sidon, as part of the center’s Kanaf-3 project for 2024.

The KSrelief-funded Souboul Al-Salam Association ambulance team in Miniyeh of northern Lebanon meanwhile carried out 38 ambulance missions from Nov. 8 to 14, which included transporting patients to and from hospitals and assisting individuals injured in road accidents.

In Sudan, a team of 13 specialist volunteers conducted orthopedic surgeries on Thursday for nine patients as part of the Kingdom’s effort to support the Sudanese people amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.


Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Cameroon’s president

President Paul Biya of Cameroon (L) receives credentials from Saudi ambassador Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi in Yaoundé. (X @KSAmofaEN)
President Paul Biya of Cameroon (L) receives credentials from Saudi ambassador Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi in Yaoundé. (X @KSAmofaEN)
Updated 01 December 2024
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Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Cameroon’s president

President Paul Biya of Cameroon (L) receives credentials from Saudi ambassador Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi in Yaoundé. (X @KSAmofaEN)
  • Ambassador Al-Ghamdi conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to President Biya

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Cameroon, Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi, on Saturday presented his credentials to President Paul Biya of Cameroon, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Ambassador Al-Ghamdi conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to President Biya, wishing the people of Cameroon and the government continued progress and prosperity.

 


Brazil conference discusses Islamic education, identity

Brazil conference discusses Islamic education, identity
Updated 30 November 2024
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Brazil conference discusses Islamic education, identity

Brazil conference discusses Islamic education, identity
  • Forum highlights Saudi commitment to Shariah education, support for Muslim minorities

RIYADH: The 37th International Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Muslims is being held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, under the theme “Shariah education in Latin American and Caribbean countries, and its impact on preserving identity,” from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1.

Organized by the Islamic Dawah Center in Brazil in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the three-day event brings together ministers, scholars, researchers and specialists from Arab, Islamic, Latin American and Caribbean countries.

The conference promotes Islamic education among Muslim minorities, the religion’s role in preserving identity and social cohesion, and addressing challenges facing Muslim minority communities.

Saudi Arabia’s presence reflects its commitment to supporting Islam and Muslims, promoting moderation and balance, and strengthening the connection of Muslim minority communities to Islamic values that foster harmony, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Awwad Al-Anzi, undersecretary for Islamic affairs at the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, represented the Kingdom and delivered the opening speech on behalf of Minister Abdullatif Al-Asheikh.

He said that education is the “foundation of virtuous deeds,” guiding correct beliefs and practices, and highlighted the role of Shariah education in clarifying concepts and combating ignorance.

Al-Anzi praised Saudi Arabia’s commitment to education, noting its mandatory education policy and substantial investment in the sector, which has positively impacted society.

He also highlighted the Kingdom’s focus on applied sciences and scholarships, enabling it to produce distinguished graduates across various fields.

Additionally, he underscored Saudi Arabia’s global contributions to education, including building schools and universities, offering scholarships to Muslim students and fostering scientific partnerships.

Al-Anzi reviewed the Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ efforts in spreading Shariah education worldwide through its cultural and Islamic centers.

Ahmed Ali Al-Saifi, head of the Islamic Dawah Center, expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their steadfast support of Muslims in Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly in bolstering religious and educational institutions.

He highlighted the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs for its diligent oversight of mosques and religious institutions in the region.

Al-Saifi saids that the forum aims to address challenges in teaching Arabic and Shariah sciences, and establish Shariah and Arabic language departments in major universities to meet the growing demand for Shariah education.

He expressed hope that the conference would produce scientific recommendations and scholarly works that support its mission.

Federal Deputy Vicentinho Paulo da Silva delivered a speech on behalf of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, highlighting the respectful relationship between the government and Brazil’s Muslim community, and acknowledging their vital role in the country’s development.

He noted the strong ties between Brazil and Saudi Arabia, built on solidarity, sovereignty and mutual respect, highlighting Brazil’s high regard for Arabs, particularly through its relationship with Saudi Arabia.

Delegation leaders praised Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, for sponsoring the event and enriching it with contributions from ministry experts and Saudi university professors.

Hassan Musa, deputy chairman of the Swedish Fatwa Council, expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for their efforts in serving Islam and Muslims, and promoting moderation worldwide.


Riyadh launches Middle East’s largest urban rail network 

Riyadh launches Middle East’s largest urban rail network 
Updated 30 November 2024
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Riyadh launches Middle East’s largest urban rail network 

Riyadh launches Middle East’s largest urban rail network 
  • $22bn, energy-efficient Metro system will be a world leader, official says

RIYADH: The first three lines of the Riyadh Metro will begin operating on Sunday, forming part of the largest urban rail network in the Middle East.

Riyadh Metro, which is a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030, is a crucial step toward reducing traffic congestion in the capital, and improving quality of life for the city’s residents.

The first phase of the Riyadh Metro starts with three lines: the Blue line, connecting Olaya Street to Al Batʼha; the Yellow line, running along King Khalid International Airport Road; and the Purple line, covering Abdul Rahman bin Awf Road and Al-Shaikh Hassan Bin Hussain Street.

The Red line, covering King Abdullah Road, and the Green line, spanning King Abdulaziz Road, are both scheduled to begin operating on Dec. 15, while the Orange line, which covers Madinah Road, starts on Jan. 5, 2025.

The Riyadh Metro was launched 12 years after the project was announced in April 2012, when the Saudi Cabinet approved the implementation of the public transport project and formed a high-level committee to oversee it. Despite the challenges faced by the project, including the global pandemic, it was ultimately completed.

Contracts for the Riyadh Metro project were awarded in 2013 to three global consortiums, with a total value of about $22.5 billion (SR84.4 billion).

The project features several sustainable characteristics that promote eco-friendly transportation options. The metro system will employ energy-efficient trains and stations, as well as technologies such as regenerative braking to reduce energy consumption.

Additionally, some stations will be equipped with thousands of solar panels, and each metro station will rely on electricity sourced from renewable energy.

Maher Sheira, supervisor of digital infrastructure for the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project in Riyadh, told Arab News: “Our target is to reduce traffic within the city by up to 30 percent. This goal is supported by the metro’s capacity to transport up to 3.6 million passengers daily, which is a challenging target, especially when compared to other cities that have struggled to transition car users to public transportation.”

Achieving this goal depends on several factors, including the city’s infrastructure, integration of various transport modes, and the overall complementarity of these services, he said.

“This project is one of the key initiatives that could help make these goals a reality.”

Sheira said that the launch of the metro and improvement of public transportation will not only alleviate traffic congestion, but also also play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions.

“We all know that shifting from daily car use to public transportation can have a significant environmental impact,” he said.

“In a small study we conducted, we found that if 100,000 passengers switch from cars to public transport, it could save over 3 million trees annually. This number has the potential to grow even further.”

He said both the metro and the bus systems are integral parts of the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Program.

These systems are seamlessly integrated, ensuring a smooth and reliable experience for passengers. Once a passenger exits a metro station and boards a bus, they will use the same ticket and enjoy the same high level of service.

“To ensure quality, the design of both networks was focused on delivering first-class standards, with an emphasis on maintaining top-tier service throughout the entire journey,” Sheira added.

“The quality of service is evident throughout the system. You can see it at the stations, on the trains, and certainly on the buses and at the bus stops. We are committed to maintaining this high standard of quality and will continue to do so.”

Numerous factors have been taken into account to ensure the success and efficiency of the vast network.

“Our goal is to keep Riyadh at the forefront of global cities in terms of public transportation. This is our objective, and with determination, we are confident that we will achieve it, Inshallah,” he said.

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Inspiring story

The inspiring story of the Riyadh Metro began in 2009, led by a visionary king with determination and ambition for the future; the story’s hero is King Salman. 

The document was submitted by King Salman to develop the public transportation system in Riyadh:

My Lord, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz — May Allah preserve you. 

I am honored to inform Your Royal Highness that the city of Riyadh, which is witnessing significant population growth, urban expansion, and substantial economic prosperity, has started to experience severe traffic congestion on its main streets due to the ongoing rise in traffic.

Accordingly, the High Commission for the Development of Riyadh has developed a comprehensive and long-term plan to enhance the city’s public transportation system.

First: Establishing the backbone of the public transportation system through manufacturing an electric train.

Second: Implementing a bus network that covers all areas of Riyadh, with its services integrated with the electric train system. The network covers 708 kilometers and is also integrated with the local network within residential neighborhoods. 

The High Commission has fully prepared the engineering designs, technical specifications, and tender documents for this phase, paving the way for its implementation. 

Therefore, I kindly request Your Highness’s approval of this matter. May Allah preserve you, guide your steps, and grant you success. Peace and blessings be upon you. 

Chairman of the High Commission for the Development of Riyadh

Salman bin Abdulaziz

20/10/2009


A tapestry of cultures: Indonesian batik meets Saudi heritage

A tapestry of cultures: Indonesian batik meets Saudi heritage
Updated 30 November 2024
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A tapestry of cultures: Indonesian batik meets Saudi heritage

A tapestry of cultures: Indonesian batik meets Saudi heritage
  • Centuries-old art form of batik deeply rooted in Indonesian culture
  • Included on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage

RIYADH: Reporting on the Saudi International Handicrafts Week Exhibition (Banan) on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency highlighted the Indonesian pavilion, which showcased the exquisite art of batik.

Indonesian artisans had creatively blended traditional batik techniques with motifs inspired by different regions of the Kingdom, “creating stunning pieces that seamlessly intertwine the two cultures,” according to the SPA.

The centuries-old art form of batik is deeply rooted in Indonesian culture, and is included on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It involves a meticulous process known as wax resist-dyeing to create its intricate patterns. The designs often have cultural and religious significance, reflecting the deep connection between Indonesians and their environment.

The convergence of Indonesian and Saudi artistic traditions at Banan, which ended on Friday, “exemplifies the power of art to transcend cultural boundaries,” the SPA stated.

Dalia Alyahya, head of the handcrafts sector at the Heritage Commission, which organized the event, highlighted the significance of such cultural exchanges.

“Through art, we can bridge cultural divides and foster global harmony. Batik, with its rich history and enduring appeal, continues to inspire and connect people across the world,” Alyahya told the SPA.

Artists and representatives from more than 20 countries exhibited at the event alongside the Kingdom’s own talent.

Through Banan and other initiatives, the Heritage Commission “raises awareness about the importance of handicrafts as part of cultural heritage, ensuring they are preserved and passed on,” the SPA wrote.