Saudi boy, 10, shines as summer ambassador

Abdulaziz Al-Qahtani’s journey from actor to ambassador highlights a deep connection to his cultural roots and commitment to promoting the country globally. (Supplied)
Abdulaziz Al-Qahtani’s journey from actor to ambassador highlights a deep connection to his cultural roots and commitment to promoting the country globally. (Supplied)
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Updated 13 September 2024
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Saudi boy, 10, shines as summer ambassador

Saudi boy, 10, shines as summer ambassador
  • Abdulaziz Al-Qahtani considers it an honor and responsibility to represent nation’s tourism program

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia actor Abdulaziz Al-Qahtani, 10, who has been an ambassador for the Saudi Summer Program 2024, has brought an intense passion and energy to the role.

With a career marked by appearances in commercials and TV series, Al-Qahtani’s journey from actor to ambassador highlights a deep connection to his cultural roots and commitment to promoting the country globally.

Al-Qahtani told Arab News: “I’ve always loved performing. I started by acting in ads for big brands like Infiniti Cars, Al-Rajhi Bank and Aramco. These opportunities allowed me to explore different facets of acting and build a solid foundation in the industry.”




Abdulaziz Al-Qahtani, Saudi actor

His experience includes campaigns for the ministries of health and environment, water and agriculture, as well as the Misk Foundation.

His acting career has been marked by outstanding performances in series including “Al-Deek Al-Azraq” and “Orim.”

Al-Qahtani’s upcoming film, “Shahd,” has also generated considerable excitement among his fans. “Acting is my real passion … Growing up, my culture deeply influenced the roles I chose. I feel fortunate to work on projects that resonate with my heritage and bring our stories to life.”

It’s a special chance to share the beauty and diversity of our country’s summer experiences with the world. I take this role very seriously and am dedicated to making the most of it.

Abdulaziz Al-Qahtani, Saudi actor

Transitioning to his role as the ambassador for the Saudi Summer Program, Al-Qahtani considers it an honor and responsibility.

“I’m thrilled … it’s a special chance to share the beauty and diversity of our country’s summer experiences with the world. I take this role very seriously and am dedicated to making the most of it,” he said.

As part of his duties, Al-Qahtani has been touring Saudi Arabia, exploring various summer destinations and participating in local events.

Al-Qahtani said: “Every place I visit has its own unique charm. Boulevard City in Riyadh is incredibly dynamic, while Jeddah Corniche offers a beautiful blend of sea and city. Abha, where I grew up, holds a special place in my heart, and I’m always excited to share its beauty with others.”

One of the standout moments of his tour was attending the King Cup final in Jeddah. “It was a significant event, and representing the summer program there was a source of immense pride for me. It felt like a perfect blend of sports and cultural celebration.”

A particularly memorable experience for him was meeting Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb in Asir. The meeting offered Al-Qahtani insights into the ongoing efforts to boost the Kingdom’s tourism sector.

“Meeting the minister was an invaluable experience,” he said. “I learned a lot about the strategies and initiatives aimed at promoting tourism in Saudi Arabia. It was inspiring to see the commitment and vision behind these efforts.”

During the interaction, Al-Qahtani held a kite adorned with the program’s logo and Al-Khateeb drew a picture symbolizing summer on it. “(It) was a special moment for me. It felt like a meaningful connection to the program and underscored the collaborative spirit of this initiative.”

Looking ahead, Al-Qahtani is enthusiastic about continuing his acting career while remaining committed to his ambassadorial role.

“I’m excited to keep working as an actor and take on new challenges,” he added. “I’m also dedicated to promoting Saudi Arabia’s cultural and artistic scene. Football is another passion of mine, and I hope to explore opportunities in that area as well.”

The four-month Saudi Summer Program runs until the end of September and includes Asir, Baha, Taif, Jeddah, Riyadh, the Red Sea and AlUla. There have been hundreds of events offered with more than 100 partners.

 


Saudi Arabia participates in G7 health ministers’ meeting in Italy

Saudi Arabia participates in G7 health ministers’ meeting in Italy
Updated 12 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia participates in G7 health ministers’ meeting in Italy

Saudi Arabia participates in G7 health ministers’ meeting in Italy

ANCONA: Saudi Arabia took part in a meeting of health ministers in Ancona, Italy, focusing on global health priorities this week at the invitation of the Group of Seven (G7) countries.

Topics included antimicrobial resistance, the intersection of health and climate, and prolonging human life, all aimed at strengthening international efforts to tackle these challenges, Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Rakan bin Khalid bin Duhaish, Assistant Undersecretary for International Cooperation, who was representing the Saudi delegation, emphasized the urgent need to address antimicrobial resistance, calling for increased international collaboration.

He also announced that the Kingdom would host the fourth high-level ministerial conference on antimicrobial resistance in Jeddah on Nov. 15 and 16.

Duhaish further highlighted the impact of climate change on public health, stressing the Kingdom's commitment to working with global partners to enhance the resilience of health systems.

Saudi Arabia’s participation at the G7 underscores its pivotal role in shaping global health strategies and reflects international trust in its initiatives to promote public health and health security worldwide.


Saudi Arabia leads Arab environmental talks in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia leads Arab environmental talks in Jeddah
Updated 12 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia leads Arab environmental talks in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia leads Arab environmental talks in Jeddah
  • The Kingdom’s hosting of these meetings highlights “its leading role in promoting joint Arab environmental action at national, regional and international levels”

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will host the 35th session of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment from Oct. 13 to 17 in Jeddah.

The event is organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in cooperation with the Arab League.

The agenda for the 35th session includes discussions on environmental challenges and nature-based solutions, the implementation of decisions taken in previous sessions, and international environmental agreements.

It will also address Arab cooperation on desertification, biodiversity and climate issues, cooperation with the G20 Global Land Initiative, progress on the Middle East Green Initiative, Arab participation in the COP16 conference in Riyadh, and various environmental topics submitted by participating countries.

The Kingdom’s hosting of these meetings highlights “its leading role in promoting joint Arab environmental action at national, regional and international levels,” according to the Saudi Press Agency.

 


Saudi Arabia expands cloud seeding for water security

Saudi Arabia expands cloud seeding for water security
Updated 12 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia expands cloud seeding for water security

Saudi Arabia expands cloud seeding for water security
  • New aircraft and tech aim to enhance rainfall, sustainability, combat drought

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli launched new programs in Dammam on Saturday, focusing on localizing knowledge, aircraft, and advanced technologies for the Regional Cloud Seeding Program.

The event highlighted the program’s achievements since its first phase in 2022 and introduced new aircraft and technologies for rain enhancement, soon to be operational.

These advancements aim to strengthen technical and human capacities, in line with the Saudi and Middle East Green initiatives for sustainability.

Al-Fadhli, chairman of the National Center of Meteorology, emphasized that the program aims to develop local expertise, ensure sustainability, expand coverage, and enhance cloud seeding efficiency.

The program also focuses on reducing aircraft operating costs and increasing the effectiveness of cloud seeding operations.

Ayman Ghulam, CEO of the National Center of Meteorology and general supervisor of the program, stressed that the program is crucial for water security and natural resource sustainability by utilizing global technologies to improve climate conditions and rainfall.

Ghulam noted significant milestones, including the first rain-seeking flight in April 2022, and ongoing research to optimize weather elements in Saudi Arabia, complementing the Saudi and Middle East Green initiatives.

Ayman Al-Bar, executive director of the program, reviewed its objectives, progress, and research, highlighting the impact on water content and vegetation cover.

The program has completed six phases, with 444 flights and over 1,400 flight hours, deploying 8,753 rain-seeding flares to generate 5 billion cubic millimeters of rainfall.

Launched as an outcome of the Middle East Green Initiative Summit, the program aims to increase rainfall, expand vegetation cover, and address climate challenges, desertification, and drought. Initial operations began in Riyadh, Hail and Qassim.


Saudi, Pakistani ministers meet in Islamabad

Saudi, Pakistani ministers meet in Islamabad
Updated 12 October 2024
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Saudi, Pakistani ministers meet in Islamabad

Saudi, Pakistani ministers meet in Islamabad
  • Khalid Al-Falih also met Gen. Syed Asim Munir Ahmed, the Pakistani chief of army staff

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih recently held meetings with Pakistani Minister of Finance Mohammed Aurangzeb; Minister of Petroleum Musadik Masood Malik; and Minister of Planning Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, during an official visit to Pakistan.

During the meetings, all sides discussed opportunities to enhance bilateral relations “and ways to develop qualitative investments,” Al-Falih wrote on X on Saturday.

He also met Gen. Syed Asim Munir Ahmed, the Pakistani chief of army staff.

“I expressed my gratitude of the warm welcome and hospitality we received,” Al-Falih added.

 


King Salman, crown prince congratulate Spanish monarch on national day

King Salman, crown prince congratulate Spanish monarch on national day
Updated 12 October 2024
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King Salman, crown prince congratulate Spanish monarch on national day

King Salman, crown prince congratulate Spanish monarch on national day
  • Oct. 12 is also commonly referred to as the Dia de la Hispanidad

RIYADH: King Salman sent a cable of congratulations on Saturday to King Felipe VI of Spain on his country's National Day, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The king wished the Spanish monarch continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Spain steady progress and prosperity, SPA added.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a similar cable to King Felipe.

The National Day of Spain is a national holiday held annually on Oct. 12 and is also commonly referred to as the Dia de la Hispanidad, commemorating Spanish legacy worldwide, especially in Hispanic America.

On Friday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged the international community to stop selling weapons to Israel as he condemned attacks by Israeli armed forces against the United Nations’ peacekeeping force in Lebanon.