Crown Prince congratulates King Salman on Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host World Cup 2034

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated King Salman on Saudi Arabia’s successful FIFA World Cup 2034 bid. (File/SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated King Salman on Saudi Arabia’s successful FIFA World Cup 2034 bid. (File/SPA)
Short Url
Updated 12 December 2024
Follow

Crown Prince congratulates King Salman on Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host World Cup 2034

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated King Salman on Saudi Arabia’s successful FIFA World Cup 2034 bid. (File/SPA)
  • The Crown Prince confirmed Saudi Arabia’s strong commitment to contribute to the development of football worldwide
  • Later on Wednesday, Prince Mohammed announced the establishment of the “Supreme Authority for Hosting the 2034 World Cup”

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated King Salman, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, on Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034.

The Crown Prince confirmed Saudi Arabia’s strong commitment to contribute to the development of football sport worldwide and promoting messages of love, peace and tolerance.

He highlighted the Kingdom’s significant capabilities, the enthusiasm of the Saudi people, and their ability to overcome challenges, which ultimately led to their successful bid to host the World Cup 2034, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

On Wednesday, FIFA announced that Saudi Arabia will host the international football tournament in 2034.

Later on Wednesday, the crown prince announced the establishment of the “Supreme Authority for Hosting the 2034 World Cup.”

Setting up the authority showed the Kingdom’s determination to present an exceptional version of the tournament, SPA said.

Saudi Arabia became the first country in FIFA’s history to solely host the expanded format of the World Cup with 48 teams, featuring 16 additional football teams for the first time since Qatar’s World Cup 2022, SPA reported.

The US, Mexico and Canada will host the expanded format of World Cup 2026, while the 2030 event is set to take place in Morocco, Spain and Portugal.

In July, Saudi Arabia officially submitted its bid to host the World Cup 2034 under the slogan “Growing Together.”

The Kingdom will host the football matches in 15 stadiums across five cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Khobar, Abha and Neom.

It also plans to host entertainment activities for World Cup fans in 10 sites, including King Salman Park and the Jeddah Waterfront Park.


Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 3,000 food parcels in Pakistan

Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 3,000 food parcels in Pakistan
Updated 16 January 2025
Follow

Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 3,000 food parcels in Pakistan

Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 3,000 food parcels in Pakistan
  • Monday’s aid delivery benefitted 20,444 people from the most vulnerable groups in flood-affected areas

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has distributed 3,007 food parcels in Pakistan’s Matiari and Thatta districts of Sindh province and the Tank and Torghar districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

Monday’s aid delivery benefitted 20,444 people from the most vulnerable groups in flood-affected areas, as a part of this year’s Food Security Support Project in Pakistan.

The project aims to provide 147,500 food parcels, each weighing 95 kg and containing essential food for one month.

KSrelief will continue to provide aid to vulnerable people in Pakistan, the SPA reported.


Saudi Arabia appoints Japan envoy as commissioner for pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka

Saudi Arabia appoints Japan envoy as commissioner for pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka
Updated 16 January 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia appoints Japan envoy as commissioner for pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka

Saudi Arabia appoints Japan envoy as commissioner for pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka
  • Kingdom’s Dr. Ghazi Binzagr takes on new duties for global exhibition which opens in April

TOKYO: Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Binzagr has been appointed the general commissioner for the Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.

The announcement comes as construction on the pavilion enters its final stages in preparation for the Kingdom’s participation in the global exhibition, set to start in April.

Binzagr, who has been ambassador since 2024, will continue his current duties alongside his new responsibilities as the general commissioner, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

He has also served as a member of the Shoura Council for three terms and previously held the position of deputy chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee from 2023 to 2024.

As ambassador, Binzagr oversees initiatives to boost relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan.

He also recently contributed to the Saudi-Japanese Business Forum and has been actively engaged in collaborative initiatives in key areas including energy security, technology, trade and investment.

The Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka embodies its commitment to international efforts for sustainable human development.

In February of last year, Saudi Arabia was among the first nations to begin constructing their pavilions at the Expo 2025 Osaka site.

The design reflects the Kingdom’s history, culture and current economic transformation, the SPA reported.


Thriving lavender in Saudi’s Northern Borders has environmental benefits

Thriving lavender in Saudi’s Northern Borders has environmental benefits
Updated 16 January 2025
Follow

Thriving lavender in Saudi’s Northern Borders has environmental benefits

Thriving lavender in Saudi’s Northern Borders has environmental benefits
  • The plant has been observed to grow on the edge of the Nafud Desert, an indication that it could be propagated to fight desertification, says environmentalist

ARAR: The Northern Borders region of Saudi Arabia, spanning approximately 104,000 sq. km, boasts an aromatic, seasonal and annual plant biodiversity, with lavender emerging as a prominent species.

These plants play a crucial role in sustainable development, combating desertification, increasing vegetation cover, stabilizing soil, and fostering ecotourism, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Lavender, characterized by its fragrant scent and vibrant purple hue, has been observed on the edge of the Nafud Desert, signaling its potential expansion throughout the region.

This emergence highlights the region’s ecological significance and capacity to support diverse plant life.

Nasser Al-Majlad, head of the Aman Environmental Association, told SPA that the lavender species is Horwoodia dicksoniae.

This annual herbaceous plant features branching stems, typically reaching about 30 centimeters in height, and large, lobed leaves. Its dark lilac flowers, gathered in spike inflorescences, release a distinctive fragrance.

The plant thrives in shallow sandy loam and is valued for its ornamental qualities, making it suitable for cultivation in both homes and gardens. Its smooth brown seeds further contribute to its propagation.

Al-Majlad emphasized the positive impact of nature reserves and the Saudi Green Initiative on the region’s ecology.

These initiatives have facilitated afforestation, land reclamation, and the protection of wild areas, contributing to the resurgence of numerous trees and plants, including lavender, within the environmental landscape, he added.


Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments
Updated 16 January 2025
Follow

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a call from French President Emmanuel Macron, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The pair also reviewed bilateral relations and cooperation, as well as the latest regional and international developments.


Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister

Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister
Updated 16 January 2025
Follow

Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister

Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister

Madinah Region Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Khalid bin Faisal recently met Indian Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju during his official visit to the Kingdom.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed arrangements for Indian Hajj pilgrims during their stay in Madinah, India’s Ministry of Minority Affairs said in an official statement.

Rijiju also visited the Hajj Terminals at the Jeddah and Madinah airports, and reviewed the facilities available for the arrival and departure of pilgrims as well as baggage handling.