Riyadh hosts first high-level global alliance meeting on two-state solution

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan chairs the High-Level Meeting of the Global Alliance for the Two-State Solution in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan chairs the High-Level Meeting of the Global Alliance for the Two-State Solution in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
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Updated 30 October 2024
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Riyadh hosts first high-level global alliance meeting on two-state solution

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan chairs the High-Level Meeting of the Global Alliance for the Two-State Solution
  • Prince Faisal called on the international community to provide safe humanitarian corridors to provide relief to Gaza

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Wednesday hosted the first meeting of a new global alliance aimed at establishing a Palestinian state.

In his opening remarks in Riyadh, Foreign Affairs Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reaffirmed the Kingdom’s position in support of Palestinian independence and “the right of the Palestinian people to determine their own fate and end the occupation.”

“The region is witnessing an escalation and continuation of Israeli aggression on Palestine and Lebanon,” he said. “The escalation of this conflict regionally and maybe internationally urges us all to take a firm and immediate stance to put an end to the crimes and violations committed by Israel. Convictions and partial solutions are no longer enough.”

He urged the international community to come together to increase joint efforts in finding a two-state solution for the return of security and stability and anchoring peace in the region and “translate this determination into a tangible reality through working steps and a definitive timeline.”

Prince Faisal also reaffirmed the Kingdom’s request for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and detainees, activating accountability mechanisms and ending policies of impunity and double standards for Israel, and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid without any obstacles.

Also at the meeting, which focused on access to humanitarian aid considering Israel’s recent ban on UNRWA operations, was Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

“The vote by the Knesset against UNRWA this week is outrageous and sets a dangerous precedent,” Lazzarini said.

The Israeli government’s call for the dismantling of UNRWA had been made “an objective of the war in Gaza, in defiance of the General Assembly and Secretary Council resolution and of the International Court of Justice, including with a plan to replace UNRWA in East Jerusalem with settlements,” he said.

Describing Israel’s actions as a calculated attempt to unilaterally shift longstanding parameters for peaceful resolution in the Israel-Palestine conflict, Lazzarini warned of the implications of the bill on regional stability and international peace and security.

“For decades, Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory have endured the systematic denial of basic rights, segregation, a crippling blockade on Gaza, aggressive settlement expansion in the West Bank and repeated cycles of conflict,” he said.

Over the past year, “Gaza has been decimated.”

A total of 43,000 people are reported to have been killed in that time, most of them women and children. The majority of the population has been repeatedly displaced.

“Two million people have been trapped in a living hell for more than 12 months,” Lazzarini said.

Most of the population are now squeezed into 10 percent of the Gaza Strip where they must endure abysmal living conditions. In Northern Gaza, 100,000 people are under siege, “waiting for death by either an airstrike or starvation,” he said.

“Meanwhile, the occupied West Bank is on the brink of escalating conflict. Settler violence and military incursion by the Israeli security forces are a daily reality. Public infrastructure is destroyed systematically during military operations, inflicting collective punishment on Palestinians. The economy is on the verge of collapse and despair is growing,” Lazzarini said.

Emphasizing the importance of UNRWA operations, he said that for 75 years the agency had been a beacon of hope for Palestinian refugees, giving them access to fundamental rights such as education and healthcare.

“We have educated generations of students, many of whom have achieved remarkable success in the region and around the world.”

Lazzarini said that more than 600,000 children in Gaza are out of school and that failing to return to safe learning environments meant sacrificing an entire generation and paving the way for more hatred and extermination in the future.

“In times of war, UNRWA has been able to rapidly transform into a humanitarian machine.” In the blink of an eye, teachers turned into shelter managers and clinics shifted into emergency rooms during a near total collapse of the healthcare system, he said.

“Despite this, and perhaps because of it, we have faced a heavy price,” Lazzarini said. Adding that at least 247 of their colleagues have been killed, many along with their families, and almost 200 UNRWA buildings have been subject to damage or destruction, killing hundreds seeking UN protection. And, clearly labeled aid convoys have been targeted and looted by armed actors.

He continued: “Restrictions on the entry of lifesaving supplies into Gaza mean that aid trucks languish at the border while people starve a few kilometers away. Let us be clear, the attacks on UNRWA are attacks against the broader rule-based system inherited from World War II and will weaken a global, multilateral system.”

Lazzarini closed his remarks with a three-part plea to the members of the Global Alliance.

The first is to use all available political, diplomatic and legal tools to reject Israel’s attempt to dismantle UNRWA and undermine multilateralism and the work of the UN.

The second is to provide political and financial support to safeguard UNRWA’s goal during the ongoing plight to a ceasefire and the days after.

And the third is to find a viable path toward a two-state solution through the Global Alliance to resolve the Palestinian refugee crisis.

“If a United Nations agency with a general assembly mandate can collapse because one united nation member state is defying the international rule-based order, then what? What remains standing?”


Saudi heritage on display at Hail festival

Saudi heritage on display at Hail festival
Updated 05 July 2025
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Saudi heritage on display at Hail festival

Saudi heritage on display at Hail festival

RIYADH: A heritage festival in Hail is captivating visitors with a rich array of handicrafts that blend artistry and historical authenticity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The 30-day festival offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the dedication behind creating everyday necessities and celebrating the success of local craftswomen.

More than 40 activities are on display, allowing visitors to explore traditional skills such as wickerwork, sadu weaving, crochet, hand-woven textiles, and distinctive Najdi and Hail door making.

Other highlights include traditional clothing, Thamudic embroidery, wood and leather beading, fiber arts, resin art, and soap making, the SPA added.

Visitors can also savor a variety of traditional folk foods. At the heart of the festival, an artistic theater hosts performances, including the Hail Samri and Saudi Ardah.

The festival supports local craftspeople by providing a platform to showcase their work directly to the public. It also celebrates the Kingdom’s national identity and cultural heritage, in line with the Year of Handicrafts 2025.


Saudi Arabia expands aid project for flood-affected families in Pakistan

Saudi Arabia expands aid project for flood-affected families in Pakistan
Updated 05 July 2025
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Saudi Arabia expands aid project for flood-affected families in Pakistan

Saudi Arabia expands aid project for flood-affected families in Pakistan
  • The project “reflects the directives of the Saudi leadership and its continued support for the people of Pakistan.”

Riyadh: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has launched the third phase of its food security support project in Pakistan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The launch ceremony was held at the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad, attended by Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, and other officials.

Al-Malki said the project “reflects the directives of the Saudi leadership and its continued support for the people of Pakistan.”

He added that it is part of a series of KSrelief initiatives intended to help vulnerable families, particularly those affected by floods across the country.

The project will distribute more than 30,000 food baskets in various regions of Pakistan. Each basket contains essential food items sufficient for a family for one month, the SPA reported.

The project will assist a total of 210,000 people, Al-Malki added.

Hussain expressed the gratitude of the Pakistani government and people for Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian assistance.

Meanwhile, KSrelief concluded the Saudi Noor program to combat blindness and its causes in Settat, Morocco, on Saturday.

During the week-long campaign, medical volunteers examined 2,525 patients, performed 276 surgeries, and distributed 957 pairs of glasses.

In Yemen, a KSrelief team visited vocational training centers in Seiyun district, Hadramout governorate, to assess the Vocational Pathways project aimed at empowering young men and women.

The team reviewed training programs in motorcycle electrical maintenance and sewing and tailoring, which are benefiting 40 participants from both the host community and displaced populations.

The project is part of the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts to benefit Yemeni youth through vocational training and tools, contributing to sustainable development for the country.

In Sudan, KSrelief distributed 500 food baskets to displaced families in several towns in Blue Nile State, benefiting 3,266 people. The agency also distributed 1,550 food baskets in El-Gadarif State, benefiting 10,230 individuals.

-ENDS-


Kingdom arrests 17,863 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 17,863 illegals in one week
Updated 05 July 2025
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Kingdom arrests 17,863 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 17,863 illegals in one week
  • A total of 10,746 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,362 were held over illegal border crossing attempts

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 17,863 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 10,746 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,362 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 2,755 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,507 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 65 percent were Ethiopian, 33 percent Yemeni, and 2 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 99 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 26 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($267,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


Japan, GCC conclude second round of FTA negotiations

Japan, GCC conclude second round of FTA negotiations
Updated 05 July 2025
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Japan, GCC conclude second round of FTA negotiations

Japan, GCC conclude second round of FTA negotiations
  • Proposals were reviewed by both sides, with a focus on strengthening trade relations, finding areas to cooperate and fostering partnerships

TOKYO: The second round of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between the GCC countries and Japan ended in Tokyo on Friday.

Taking part in the discussions — which covered topics including goods, technical barriers, terms of services, financial and telecommunications services, and intellectual property — was a government delegation led by the General Authority for Foreign Trade.

Proposals were reviewed by both sides, with a focus on strengthening trade relations, finding areas to cooperate and fostering partnerships.

Farid bin Saeed Al-Asali, deputy governor of the General Authority for International Organizations and Agreements and head of the Saudi Negotiating Team, said he was looking forward to completing the remaining negotiation rounds and reaching an ambitious final agreement which would be beneficial to the volume of trade between both sides.

He added the negotiation rounds highlighted economic ties between the GCC and Japan and supported Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

During a meeting with the Saudi ambassador to Japan, Dr. Ghazi bin Faisal Binzagr, Al-Asali stressed the importance of free trade negotiations with Japan as they emphasized the commitment of both Saudi Arabia and the GCC countries to enhancing relations with Japan and achieving the goals of the Saudi-Japanese Vision 2030.

The Kingdom’s delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Ministry of Investment, Ministry of Economy and Planning, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, Saudi Export Development Authority, Communications, Space and Technology Commission, Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, and the Saudi Central Bank.

• This article also appeared on Arab News Japan


How Saudi Arabia is using innovation, research, and regulation to turn waste into a circular economy success

How Saudi Arabia is using innovation, research, and regulation to turn waste into a circular economy success
Updated 05 July 2025
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How Saudi Arabia is using innovation, research, and regulation to turn waste into a circular economy success

How Saudi Arabia is using innovation, research, and regulation to turn waste into a circular economy success
  • Engineering, AI and cross-sector partnerships are driving sustainable solutions to manage 110 million tons of waste annually
  • New laws, financial incentives and rising investor interest are reshaping the Kingdom’s waste management and recycling landscape

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia accelerates toward a circular economy under Vision 2030, experts say universities, research institutions, and business leaders are playing a crucial role in developing innovative waste management solutions that align with national sustainability goals.

In early 2024, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced a waste management plan aiming to recycle up to 95 percent of waste and add SR120 billion ($31.99 billion) to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product.

Saudi Arabia generates more than 110 million tons of waste each year, much of it originating from cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Its waste management market is projected to grow from $5.97 billion in 2025 to $8.72 billion by 2030, according to Mordor Intelligence.

To meet this challenge, academic partnerships, regulatory reforms and emerging technologies are coming together to reshape the sector, Sultan Al-Muaythir, chairman of the civil engineering department at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, told Arab News.

Forming knowledge-sharing agreements with leading countries in waste management, he said, is a strategic step toward building a sustainable, locally adapted system that draws on global best practices and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s circular economy ambitions.

To drive innovation in the sector, Al-Muaythir emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary support. Fields like civil engineering, landfill and waste management, geotechnical engineering, and soil sciences all contribute to the design and development of critical infrastructure.

Sultan Al-Muaythir, chairman of the civil engineering department at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University. (Supplied)

Mechanical engineering plays a key role in advancing collection and treatment equipment, while chemical, agricultural and biotechnology engineering disciplines help analyze waste composition and develop transformation processes.

Electrical engineering, he added, is essential for operating smart systems and managing energy generated through treatment.

Al-Muaythir also pointed to the Kingdom’s updated regulatory landscape, particularly the introduction of the Waste Management Law and its executive regulations, as a strong foundation for encouraging innovation and investment in sustainable practices.

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He explained that the next phase calls for faster plan implementation, broader international research collaboration and direct incentives for advanced processing technologies — steps that would speed up the Kingdom’s progress toward its environmental and development goals.

While government action is essential, Al-Muaythir said innovation in waste management is not a luxury, but a necessity for building a clean environment and a functioning circular economy.

He added that individual responsibility plays an equally important role. “Adopting conscious behaviors towards waste and committing to sorting and reuse/recycling constitute the first building blocks in creating a more sustainable future,” he said.

Expanding on this vision, Abdullah Alakel, chairman of the Saudi Scientific Research and Innovation Association, said waste management innovation is a cornerstone of Vision 2030’s broader goal to build a circular and sustainable economy.

Abdullah Alakel, chairman of the Saudi Scientific Research and Innovation Association. (Supplied)

He told Arab News that scientific research is a key driver in tackling environmental challenges — from recycling and waste-to-energy technologies to the use of artificial intelligence to improve sorting and collection processes — ultimately boosting operational efficiency and reducing environmental harm.

To support this ecosystem, the association provides business incubators and innovation accelerators, offering technical and financial assistance. It also facilitates connections between researchers, donors and investors to help turn ideas into market-ready solutions.

Alakel noted that several joint initiatives with academic and industrial partners are already underway, including efforts to convert organic waste into economic products such as fertilizers and biofuels.

DID YOU KNOW?

 

• Saudi Arabia aims to recycle up to 95 percent of its waste by 2040. Waste management sector is projected to contribute $32bn to GDP by 2040.

• Half of the Kingdom’s waste comes from Riyadh (21 percent), Jeddah (14 percent) and Dammam (8 percent).

(Sources: Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the National Center for Waste Management)

Other projects aim to develop scalable recycling technologies and improve overall waste management efficiency.

Beyond research, the association works to foster a culture of sustainability across society. Alakel said it organizes public awareness campaigns, educational workshops in schools and universities, and national competitions that encourage creative, environmentally responsible solutions.

He added that the association plays a critical role in bridging academia and implementation by hosting scientific conferences, building strategic partnerships and supporting national innovation deployment in alignment with Vision 2030’s environmental goals.

Farah Al-Gharib, CEO of Precision & Choice Environmental Solutions, echoed those views, underscoring the opportunity to enhance coordination between stakeholders as Saudi Arabia moves toward a circular economy.

Farah Al-Gharib, CEO of Precision & Choice Environmental Solutions. (Supplied)

She told Arab News that aligning regulations, expanding infrastructure for sorting and collection, and stimulating private investment remain key challenges. Raising public awareness and promoting innovation are also essential to achieving sector-wide transformation.

To accelerate progress, Al-Gharib called for a more integrated and flexible system that encourages public-private partnerships. Activating source-level sorting and offering financial incentives to investors, she said, would help drive growth in the sector.

Clear metrics, such as waste reduction, cost savings and job creation, should be used to measure success.

KAUST's waste collection fleet is equipped with technology that supports efficient operations, from online vehicle tracking to waste bin management. (Photo courtesy of KAUST)

Looking ahead, she expects more companies to invest in smart technologies and expand their collection and treatment networks. Seamless integration across the entire waste value chain — from source to processing and redistribution — is essential, she said, to avoid bottlenecks and uphold the core principles of the circular economy.

“Based on our experience in the sector, we believe that unifying and updating regulations under a single, clear, and transparent regulatory framework would directly contribute to attracting investors, reducing the complexity of procedures and the classification of recyclable products, thereby accelerating regulatory processes and stimulating production,” said Al-Gharib.

She concluded that clear legislation and coordinated responsibilities across authorities are key to scaling up circular economy initiatives effectively and sustainably.