Kingdom ‘doubling aid efforts’ in Sudan, KSrelief chief tells UN

Kingdom ‘doubling aid efforts’ in Sudan, KSrelief chief tells UN
Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, adviser to the royal court and KSrelief supervisor general, said that the Sudanese people “are working to overcome enormous challenges, and deserve much from us.” (SPA)
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Updated 27 September 2024
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Kingdom ‘doubling aid efforts’ in Sudan, KSrelief chief tells UN

Kingdom ‘doubling aid efforts’ in Sudan, KSrelief chief tells UN
  • Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah said that the Sudanese people “are working to overcome enormous challenges, and deserve much from us”
  • “The Jeddah Declaration was the first step, aiming to ensure the protection of civilians and the delivery of urgent relief aid,” he said

NEW YORK: KSrelief has doubled its humanitarian efforts in Sudan over the past year, the head of the Saudi aid agency told a meeting held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, adviser to the royal court and KSrelief supervisor general, said that the Sudanese people “are working to overcome enormous challenges, and deserve much from us.”
During the meeting, titled “The Cost of Inaction: Urgent and Collective Support to Scale Up the Humanitarian Response in Sudan and the Region,” Al-Rabeeah said that Saudi Arabia recognizes its duty toward Sudan, and intensive efforts have been made since the beginning of the humanitarian crisis to restore hope to its people.
“The Jeddah Declaration was the first step, aiming to ensure the protection of civilians and the delivery of urgent relief aid. The efforts of the Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan group have also recently helped thousands of needy people in Darfur,” he said.
“However, the recent escalation of violence in some areas has worsened the situation, forcing millions to flee their homes, leaving behind everything they own, and sometimes even family members.
“The Kingdom has provided over $3 billion in support to Sudan, including $132 million in humanitarian aid distributed across various geographical areas and humanitarian sectors,” Al-Rabeeah said.
Before the crisis in April 2023, KSrelief focused on implementing sustainable interventions. However, the worsening humanitarian conditions have undermined these efforts, prompting a shift to providing immediate assistance.
“KSrelief has doubled its efforts in Sudan, implementing more than 70 humanitarian projects since April 2023 at a cost exceeding $73 million in collaboration with UN organizations and other humanitarian groups.”
He highlighted the series of Saudi humanitarian air and sea missions organized by KSrelief to address urgent challenges. The missions are funded through government and public support as part of the KSrelief national aid campaign for the people of Sudan.
Al-Rabeeah said that despite KSrelief’s efforts, challenges persist, and collective action is needed to provide unrestricted humanitarian aid, and ensure a sustainable, coordinated response with safe and unhindered access to conflict-affected areas.
Concluding his speech, the KSrelief chief said: “As a humanitarian community, we must deal with the humanitarian crisis in Sudan away from political considerations. It is a humanitarian tragedy that requires transcending divisions, and together, we can make a real change that ensures all Sudanese people enjoy equal opportunities to rebuild their lives.”
He said that the Kingdom continues to do everything possible to end the crisis, and achieve stability and security for Sudan and its people.


Remote Thabhloten in Empty Quarter has rich history, compelling beauty

Remote Thabhloten in Empty Quarter has rich history, compelling beauty
Updated 02 October 2024
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Remote Thabhloten in Empty Quarter has rich history, compelling beauty

Remote Thabhloten in Empty Quarter has rich history, compelling beauty
  • Most remote village in Saudi Arabia, situated near the Omani border
  • In 1930, some of the residents had met first British travelers in desert 

MAKKAH: Thabhloten Center, part of Al-Ahsa governorate in the Eastern Province and over 1,500 km from Riyadh and 1,200 km from Al-Ahsa, is Saudi Arabia’s most remote village. 

Thabhloten, considered the largest sand basin in the world, is characterized by towering sand dunes on all sides, rich natural resources, and lakes in the middle. 

It is the most remote village in Saudi Arabia, with few paved roads and connections to cities in the Kingdom.

Mubarak bin Klot, a resident of Thabhloten, said that the locals speak Arabic, contrary to the misconception that they converse in Mehri. 

He said people have lived in the area for generations and have a connection to the land. “We grew up on its hills and were shaped by its vast landscape.” 

He also spoke fondly of the first documented journey across the Empty Quarter in 1930, which included British travelers and explorers.

This included Thomas Bertram, with the support of Sheikh Saleh bin Klot Al-Rashidi.

This historic expedition took place during the reign of King Abdulaziz, the founder of the Kingdom.

He continued: “Seventeen years later, the journey was undertaken once again by Wilfred Thesiger, whom the Bedouins called Mubarak bin London.

“He crossed the Empty Quarter with my grandfather, Mohammed bin Saleh bin Klot, traveling from Manukh to the Emirates, then to Oman, and finally to Mukalla, successfully traversing the entire Empty Quarter alongside three companions from the same tribe.

“These remarkable journeys were thoroughly documented in Britain, and we have copies of the records.”

He added that Thabhloten is the only village in the Empty Quarter, with around 436 properties and a population of just 400 people, all from the Al-Rashid tribe.

The villagers are primarily Bedouins, whose lives are shaped by the natural elements, relying on the weather, grazing lands, water sources, and livestock. 

He said the village has produced several educated individuals, with many having graduated from various universities.

Bin Klot said that he completed his initial education in the village before pursuing a degree in political science in Jordan.

He chose to return to his village, driven by a strong sense of attachment and the deep significance the village holds for its people.

Bin Klot said the nearest city where residents can access supplies, medical care, and essential goods is Al-Ahsa. Members of the community face significant challenges to cover these distances.

He said the roads leading to and from the village are challenging, unpaved, and often impassable.

Despite this, he said there was a strong community spirit, with people sharing resources.

Bin Klot said the government supplies the village with fuel to ensure electricity is provided to all its residents. 

He said people prefer to live in the area because of its mild winters and compelling natural beauty. 

When asked about children leaving for opportunities elsewhere, he said these decisions were up to their guardians. 

Some families have moved to cities in the Kingdom, while others preferred to stay.


Saudi crown prince congratulates Japan’s new prime minister

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. (File/SPA/AFP)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 02 October 2024
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Saudi crown prince congratulates Japan’s new prime minister

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. (File/SPA/AFP)
  • Ishiba officially took office after a parliamentary vote on Tuesday, replacing Fumio Kishida

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a cable of congratulations on Wednesday to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba after he officially took office on Tuesday.

The crown prince wished the premier success and the Japanese people further progress and prosperity. He praised Saudi-Japanese relations and said the Kingdom is keen to develop them “in all fields.”

Ishiba officially took office after a parliamentary vote on Tuesday, replacing Fumio Kishida.

Kishida stepped down as the leader of the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).


Madinah hosts forum on mass gatherings, emergency medicine

Madinah hosts forum on mass gatherings, emergency medicine
Updated 02 October 2024
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Madinah hosts forum on mass gatherings, emergency medicine

Madinah hosts forum on mass gatherings, emergency medicine
  • Featured sessions dedicated to papers and research presented by speakers from the Kingdom and abroad

RIYADH: The second International Conference on Mass Gatherings and Emergency Medicine brings together doctors, health care practitioners and medical students to discuss recent developments and challenges in mass gatherings and emergency medicine.

The conference is organized by the Madinah Chamber of Commerce.

Conference chairman and pediatric emergency medicine consultant at Alfaisal University, Dr. Mohammad Alfaifi, said that the three-day conference, ending on Thursday, features sessions dedicated to papers and research presented by speakers from the Kingdom and abroad.

Among the speakers is Professor Abdo Khoury, who discussed preparations and challenges during the Paris Olympics. Dr. Muna Al-Musleh, a consultant in emergency medicine from Qatar, addressed her country’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research presented a paper on using AI in crowd management during Hajj and Umrah seasons.

Alfaifi emphasized the conference’s role in enhancing the expertise of medical staff in preparation for Saudi Arabia’s upcoming international events, including the World Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup.

He highlighted that such gatherings provided opportunities to discuss and address crowd management challenges, suggesting optimal solutions and best practices, while showcasing Saudi Arabia’s extensive experience in managing crowds during Hajj and Umrah.


Falcons compete for $200,000 in Al-Mellwah race

The Saudi Falcons Club is organizing the Al-Mellwah race from Oct. 7 to 12 at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. (SPA)
The Saudi Falcons Club is organizing the Al-Mellwah race from Oct. 7 to 12 at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. (SPA)
Updated 02 October 2024
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Falcons compete for $200,000 in Al-Mellwah race

The Saudi Falcons Club is organizing the Al-Mellwah race from Oct. 7 to 12 at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. (SPA)
  • In the race, falcons will compete to cover 200 meters in the shortest time to qualify for the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival

RIYADH: The Saudi Falcons Club is organizing the Al-Mellwah race from Oct. 7 to 12 at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh.

This event aims to preserve falconry heritage for future generations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

In the race, falcons will compete to cover 200 meters in the shortest time to qualify for the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival.

This year’s race will feature a category for young falcons, or “farkh,” including hur, shaheen, gyr pure, gyr shaheen, gyr taba, and mathlooth gyr.

A total of SR750,000 ($200,000) in prizes will be awarded to 18 winners in each of the six rounds.

Club spokesperson Walid Al-Taweel noted that the Al-Mellwah race will coincide with the International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition, starting on Oct. 3, featuring over 400 exhibitors from 45 countries.

Two Saudi royal reserves will also participate in the exhibition, which will run until Oct. 12 in Malham.

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority’s pavilion will showcase various ecotourism projects and significant historical sites, including the King Abdulaziz Palace and the Laynah heritage market. It will also present information on the Shamal Reserve for Sustainable Hunting, including types of prey and permitted hunting methods.

The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority’s pavilion will highlight the reserve’s natural and historical components, biodiversity, initiatives, and achievements in line with the environmental objectives of Vision 2030.

The authority aims to raise awareness about preserving natural resources for future generations and emphasizes community involvement in environmental protection initiatives.


KSrelief distribues food, shelter aid in Yemen, Sudan

KSrelief distribues food, shelter aid in Yemen, Sudan
Updated 02 October 2024
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KSrelief distribues food, shelter aid in Yemen, Sudan

KSrelief distribues food, shelter aid in Yemen, Sudan
  • This aid, part of the 2024 date distribution project, benefited 36,000 people

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency, KSrelief, distributed 6,000 cartons of dates in one day to needy individuals in Arma and Jardan districts of Shabwah governorate, Yemen.

This aid, part of the 2024 date distribution project, benefited 36,000 people, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Additionally, KSrelief distributed 358 food baskets in Al-Shamayatayn district of Taiz governorate, assisting 2,506 individuals from 358 vulnerable families affected by floods and heavy rainfall.

The agency also provided 370 shelter bags and 100 tents in Mawza district of Taiz governorate, benefiting 2,220 individuals from 370 families.

In Sudan, KSrelief distributed 940 food baskets in Kassala State, helping 5,307 individuals from vulnerable families as part of the second phase of the 2024 Food Security Support project.

KSrelief has implemented 3,068 projects worth more than $7 billion across 102 countries, collaborating with 450 local, regional and international partners since the agency’s inception in May 2015.

According to a recent report, the countries that benefited the most from KSrelief’s initiatives include Yemen ($4.4 billion), Palestine ($492 million), Syria ($441 million), Somalia ($228 million), and other countries ($441 million).

The programs encompass food security, early recovery, water sanitation and hygiene, health, camp coordination, education, protection, emergency aid and nutrition.