Saudi Arabia to host donor conference for displaced people in Sahel region

Extremist violence in the Sahel region has displaced millions of people. (AP/File Photo)
Extremist violence in the Sahel region has displaced millions of people. (AP/File Photo)
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Updated 23 August 2024
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Saudi Arabia to host donor conference for displaced people in Sahel region

Saudi Arabia to host donor conference for displaced people in Sahel region
  • Conference will mobilize resources and coordinate efforts to provide critical aid to millions of people in the Sahel and Lake Chad region

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will host a donor conference for displaced people in the Sahel region of Africa on Oct. 26, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center announced on Friday.

The conference, supported by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, will be held in response to the severe humanitarian crisis impacting Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Burkina Faso and Mali, Saudi Press Agency reported.

It will mobilize resources and coordinate efforts to provide critical aid to millions of people in the Sahel and Lake Chad region, SPA added.

The UN estimates that nearly 33 million people across the region require urgent humanitarian assistance and protection, including about 11 million internally displaced persons and refugees.

The conference will be co-hosted by KSrelief and the OIC, in cooperation with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

The Sahel and Lake Chad region has faced a multifaceted crisis for more than a decade, with social and economic instability exacerbated by the drying up of Lake Chad.

The conference will focus on raising resources for humanitarian and development initiatives, with an emphasis on UN-coordinated humanitarian response plans, and building partnerships to promote effective long-term solutions.

“This conference is a critical step toward mobilizing the necessary resources and forging partnerships to address the pressing humanitarian needs in these areas. Jointly, we can bring hope and relief to millions,” KSrelief Supervisor-General Abdullah Al-Rabeeah said.

OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha called on member states and international partners to extend financial resources to help improve conditions in the troubled region, and he emphasized the conference’s role in implementing the OIC’s resolution by the Council of Foreign Ministers.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi also highlighted the urgent need for support.

“We must spare no effort to assist forcibly displaced populations and the communities that host them,” he said, and expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia, the OIC and other partners for their efforts to address the severe funding shortage faced by the region.


Saudi Space Agency launches satellite design competition for university students

Saudi Space Agency launches satellite design competition for university students
Updated 28 sec ago
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Saudi Space Agency launches satellite design competition for university students

Saudi Space Agency launches satellite design competition for university students
  • Participants will be expected to design, build, and launch small satellites as part of an effort to magnify competitive spirit and innovation in the space sector
  • Satellites designed at Sari will be subject to practical applications in several fields such as space imaging and data analysis

RIYADH: The Saudi Space Agency has announced on Thursday the launch of the Sari competition for undergraduate students across the Kingdom’s universities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Participants will be expected to design, build, and launch small satellites as part of an effort to magnify competitive spirit and innovation in the space sector and cultivate a space technology-savvy generation.

According to SPA, the main goals of the competition are to support scientific research and experiments, foster opportunities to design and develop satellites, create an academically motivated environment that encourages innovation among universities, and hone technical and engineering skills in the space sciences.

The satellites designed at Sari will be subject to practical applications in several fields such as space imaging, data analysis, navigation applications, Internet of Things programming, and conducting research in technological areas.

The Saudi Space Agency will provide participants with a comprehensive educational background by bringing in a select group of advisory experts, preparing intensive training programs, and hosting workshops to develop technical and engineering skills, SPA reported.

Sari also seeks to strengthen collaboration between universities and the Saudi Space Agency with the aim of forging stronger partnerships between academic institutions and the space sector. It will allow students to apply their academic knowledge in sophisticated real-world applications.

The deadline to submit applications is Jan. 30, 2025, via the Saudi Space Agency’s official website. Participant selections will be decided by a specialized committee.


Saudi Arabia signs defense deal with Spain for new corvette ships

Saudi Arabia signs defense deal with Spain for new corvette ships
Updated 24 min 34 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia signs defense deal with Spain for new corvette ships

Saudi Arabia signs defense deal with Spain for new corvette ships
  • Under the new acquisition contract, construction of the first vessel will begin this year, with the final delivery of all three combat ships scheduled for completion by 2028
  • Agreement specifies that while the first ship will be built in Spain, the second and third vessels will be constructed in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Defense signed an agreement with Spanish shipbuilder Navantia in Riyadh on Thursday to acquire and build three multi-mission Avante 2200 corvette ships for the Royal Saudi Navy, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The agreement was signed by Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari, assistant minister of defense for executive affairs, and Ricardo Garcia-Baquero, chairman and CEO of Navantia, in the presence of chief of staff, Gen. Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili.

Under the new acquisition contract, construction of the first vessel will begin this year, with the final delivery of all three combat ships scheduled for completion by 2028.

The agreement specifies that while the first ship will be built in Spain, the second and third vessels will be constructed in Saudi Arabia, including acceptance trials in Saudi waters. The ships will be equipped with the domestically developed “Hazm” naval battle management system, along with other combat systems, as part of the Kingdom’s localization efforts under Vision 2030.

According to SPA, the deal includes a comprehensive logistics support package, featuring crew training and an extensive training program for more than 100 Saudi engineers. The agreement aims to achieve up to 100 percent localization of new naval shipbuilding, combat systems integration and maintenance, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.

Al-Biyari said that the acquisition aligned with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision of establishing an advanced naval industrial base in the Kingdom, and followed Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman’s directives to enhance military readiness, ensure system sustainability, localize military industries and maximize local content.

The contract builds on the success of the initial “Sarawat Project,” which delivered five combat vessels and strengthened the naval forces’ capability to enhance maritime security in the region and protect Saudi Arabia’s strategic interests.

Garcia-Baquero expressed satisfaction with the new contract following the landmark “Sarawat Project,” which represented a watershed moment for both Navantia and the Saudi Naval Forces.

He said that the vessels would incorporate the latest combat systems to counter aerial, surface and subsurface threats, making them among the most advanced of their kind globally. He affirmed Navantia’s commitment to technology transfer and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s technical capabilities localization efforts.


Saudi Arabia is preparing young footballers for World Cup 2034 squad, says federation president

Saudi Arabia is preparing young footballers for World Cup 2034 squad, says federation president
Updated 12 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia is preparing young footballers for World Cup 2034 squad, says federation president

Saudi Arabia is preparing young footballers for World Cup 2034 squad, says federation president
  • Contests for athletes under 6 being planned, says Yasser Al-Misehal
  • Aspiring Green Falcons players must ‘care’ about training, discipline

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is preparing young footballers for the nation’s 2034 World Cup squad, according to the president of the Kingdom’s football association.

Answering a question from Arab News at a press conference on Wednesday following the announcement of the Kingdom as host, Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al-Misehal highlighted the nation’s preparations for the 2034 Green Falcons side.

“My message to them that the dream we all had, to witness the World Cup in our country, has become a reality.

“My message to them is to be disciplined, to care about training, to care about all aspects of life, and we will hopefully see them in green in 2034 representing the team of the dearest country and achieving results that make us all proud as Saudis.”

In addition to under-17 tournaments, Al-Misehal said competitions are being held for under-11 players, and by 2027 for those under 6 years of age.

There are already several Saudi Arabia national team members playing for European clubs, including Saud Abdulhamid for Roma and Faisal Al-Ghamdi and Marwan Al-Sahafi for the Belgian team Beerschot.

Al-Misehal also spoke about the responsibility to deliver a successful event for the Kingdom’s football-loving population. “Today we are talking about more than 60 percent of the Saudi population being under 30 years old.

“A population that adores football … more than 80 percent of Saudis watch football daily. This places a great responsibility on us to present an edition that is suited to the ambitions of these audiences,” he said.

Al-Misehal added that the Kingdom had the support of more than 140 countries after announcing its intention to bid in October 2023.

“You feel the awe of the name of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. You feel hundreds of messages pouring in … from all over the world, congratulating the Kingdom … it is a proud feeling,” he said.

It has not yet been decided if the World Cup will be held in summer or winter. Al-Misehal said discussions with FIFA would hopefully be settled next year, but that “we are ready anywhere and at any time.”

Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, who is also president of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, said the Kingdom’s 18-section bid file had been six years in the making, with weekly meetings keeping track of every detail.

The country’s submission was uncontested after Australia dropped out of the running, but nonetheless received the highest-ever rating from FIFA.

“It’s an indescribable feeling, for us and for anyone, it is a dream to host the biggest event in the world, not just in sports,” Prince Abdulaziz said.

“This is indicative of the care of our wise leadership on this matter, on our athletes, and on developing sports in the Kingdom, as well as the determination of Saudi youth working in the Ministry of Sports, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, the World Cup bid unit. I thank you.”

“We promise everyone that the work will continue,” Prince Abdulaziz added, referring to developments taking place in transport and tourism.

King Salman reportedly said: “Through its people’s determination and spirit the Kingdom has succeeded in consolidating its position as one of the most prominent international sports destinations.”

Saudi Arabia intends to make history as the first single country to host a 48-team tournament.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said in a statement: “We look forward to hosting an exceptional and unprecedented edition of the FIFA World Cup by harnessing our strengths and capabilities to bring joy to football fans around the world.”

Celebrations broke out across the Kingdom on Wednesday evening as the news broke.

The tournament’s 15 stadiums are in Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Alkhobar and NEOM.


Saudi Arabia lights up after being named as host for FIFA World Cup 2034

Saudi Arabia lights up after being named as host for FIFA World Cup 2034
Updated 12 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia lights up after being named as host for FIFA World Cup 2034

Saudi Arabia lights up after being named as host for FIFA World Cup 2034
  • Dazzling firework displays reflected the spirit of unity and excitement surrounding the country’s historic achievement
  • In celebration, dynamic drone shows are to captivate audiences in Riyadh, Jeddah, Alkhobar, and Abha

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is celebrating being chosen as host of the FIFA World Cup 2034 with a series of events across the country.

The football-themed festivities, which run until Dec. 14, invite citizens and residents to showcase their national pride by wearing football jerseys and sharing their moments on social media using the hashtag #Saudi2034.

Fireworks illuminated the skies of Riyadh, Jeddah, Alkhobar, Abha, NEOM, Al-Qassim, and Jubail at 8:34 p.m. on Wednesday, after the official announcement from an online ceremony that was broadcast at a Riyadh event attended by Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal and other officials.

The dazzling displays reflected the spirit of unity and excitement surrounding the country’s historic achievement.

In celebration, dynamic drone shows are to captivate audiences in Riyadh, Jeddah, Alkhobar, and Abha.

There will also be an air show in Riyadh on Dec. 12 over the skies of King Abdullah Financial District, King Fahd Stadium, and King Fahd Road.

Riyadh’s municipality handed out scarves to football fans in Tahlia Street, Takhassusi Street, and Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Road, and organized events with traditional dances at various urban parks.

A number of institutions held watch parties at the time of the announcement ceremony, including the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.

Parks and buildings were adorned with Saudi flags, while public spaces in a number of cities and regions were bathed in green light to mark the occasion.

A series of public gatherings will take place until Dec. 14 between 5:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. at Boulevard City, Laysen Valley, Roshn Front, and Bujairi Terrace in Riyadh; and the Corniche Circuit, Roshn Waterfront, Corniche Obhur, Prince Majid Park, King Abdulaziz Cultural Center, and the Municipality Building in Jeddah.

Elsewhere, celebrations will take place at the Corniche, Half Moon Beach, Tharwa Corniche, and King Abdullah Park in Alkhobar; and Beach District Plaza Al-Baha Mall, Al-Hawiya Walk, Boulevard, and the Winter Festival in Al-Baha; in Buraydah at Bukhari Street; and in Abha at Al-Bahar Square, Art Street, Veranda, Ariash, High City, and Midmac.

Hail will host gatherings on Dec. 13 from 5:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Al Fajr Walkway and Bahjah Park.

These activities offer football fans an opportunity to come together and share in the joyful atmosphere.


Saudi crown prince, Iraqi PM discuss regional developments during call 

Saudi crown prince, Iraqi PM discuss regional developments during call 
Updated 12 December 2024
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Saudi crown prince, Iraqi PM discuss regional developments during call 

Saudi crown prince, Iraqi PM discuss regional developments during call 
  • The call also tackled ways to enhance bilateral relations in all fields

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani, the Saudi Press Agency said early Thursday.

The pair discussed the latest regional developments and efforts aimed at achieving security and stability.

The call also tackled ways to enhance bilateral relations in all fields.