Global Healthspan Summit opens in Riyadh, exploring new approaches to aging

Special Global Healthspan Summit opens in Riyadh, exploring new approaches to aging
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Experts gather at the Hevolution event in Riyadh on Tuesday to discuss groundbreaking advancements in aging research. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
Special Global Healthspan Summit opens in Riyadh, exploring new approaches to aging
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Dr. Dena Dubal and Dr. James L. Kirkland take part in a panel discussion during the Global Healthspan Summit in Riyadh on Tuesday. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
Special Global Healthspan Summit opens in Riyadh, exploring new approaches to aging
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The Global Healthspan Summit 2025 commenced in Riyadh on Tuesday. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
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Updated 04 February 2025
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Global Healthspan Summit opens in Riyadh, exploring new approaches to aging

Global Healthspan Summit opens in Riyadh, exploring new approaches to aging
  • Panel session delves into the latest advances in extending the healthy lifespan of humans
  • Summit runs until Wednesday at the Four Season Hotel Riyadh

RIYADH: The Global Healthspan Summit in Riyadh opened on Tuesday focused on the latest advancements in extending the healthy lifespan of humans.

In an interview with Arab News on the sidelines of the summit, Rakan W. Tarabzoni, chief operating officer of the Future Investment Initiative Institute, spoke about a health initiative that the organization introduced in Oct. 2024.

“We want all companies, all the hiring institutions to provide health checkups for the individuals, which means healthier employees, which means more productive employees, which means successful entities or companies,” he said.

“That will only happen if we help people to do preventive checkups before having to help them deal with the diseases after they happen.”

One of the key sessions on the opening day, “Science Beyond the Hallmarks of Aging: Exposomes, Microbiomes, Sexual Dimorphism, and Scientific Investigations around Healthspan,” delved into the latest advancements in understanding aging.

Dr. Felipe Sierra, chief science officer of the Hevolution Foundation, led the opening statement, setting the stage for an exploration of how recent scientific investigations are reshaping our comprehension of aging.

Dr. Dena Dubal, professor of neurology at the University of California, focused on the communication between different organs and their role in aging.

She emphasized the importance of studying these interactions rather than isolating individual organs.

Dubal said: “It’s fascinating to explore how different organs communicate. For instance, what signals does the kidney send to the brain.”

Her recent work highlights how biological sex impacts aging and health.

Dubal said: “True sex differences exist. For example, women live longer than men across the globe, and understanding the resilience behind this could lead to new medicines for both sexes.”

This understanding could lead to innovative treatments tailored for both genders, she said.

The session was moderated by Dr. Sebastien Thuault, chief editor of Nature Aging.

The summit, of which Arab News is a media partner, runs until Wednesday at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh.

Dr. Paul D. Robbins, associate director of the Institute on the Biology of Aging & Metabolism at the University of Minnesota, discussed the concept of cellular senescence, a state where cells stop dividing and contribute to aging and disease.

He noted: “Senescence is a hallmark of aging, and targeting these cells could potentially slow aging and extend healthspan.”

Robbins mentioned a significant initiative funded to map senescent cells across human tissues, aiming to identify which cells to target for therapeutic intervention.

Dr. James Kirkland, director of the Center for Gerotherapeutics at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, highlighted pressing health issues in Saudi Arabia, stating: “There are two main diseases related to cell senescence that are now considered leading causes of death for both males and females.

“A leading cause of death for males is heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, for which there is no effective treatment. It’s a senescence-driven disorder along with fibrosis.”

He continued: “The leading cause of death for women in Saudi Arabia is triple-negative breast cancer.

“New drugs, including a class called senolytics, which the Hevolution Foundation is funding studies for, may make inroads against this deadly form of cancer.”

Kirkland pointed to increasing mortality rates from disorders related to exposomes, emphasizing the need for further investigation into these trends.

Dr. Pinchas Cohen, dean of the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California, advocated for more personalized approaches to health and aging.

He stressed: “We need individualized lifestyle interventions rather than a one-size-fits-all model. The Mediterranean diet, while beneficial, may not be effective for every population.”

His research emphasized the importance of tailoring interventions to individual genetic backgrounds and lifestyles to maximize their potential.

Cohen also highlighted mitochondrial health. He said: “By understanding mitochondrial DNA mutations and their effects on metabolism, we can develop targeted therapies that address the root causes of age-related diseases.”

Dr. Eric Verdin, CEO and president of the Buck Institute, discussed the evolution of biomarkers in aging research.

He noted: “Advancements in technology allow for the analysis of thousands of variables, which could revolutionize how we predict responses to treatments.”

Verdin also described how wearable technology is now being integrated into health monitoring: “These devices could serve as valuable biomarkers, providing real-time data on health status and aging.”

Sierra concluded the session by emphasizing the transformative potential of ongoing research in aging.

“We are on the brink of a revolution, fueled by new technologies and a deeper understanding of aging processes,” he said.

The summit will continue with discussions focusing on how researchers are continuing to unravel the intricacies of aging, and exploring the potential for novel interventions that improve quality of life for aging populations.


Saudi Embassy in Albania celebrates International Day of the Arabian Leopard

Saudi Embassy in Albania celebrates International Day of the Arabian Leopard
Updated 40 sec ago
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Saudi Embassy in Albania celebrates International Day of the Arabian Leopard

Saudi Embassy in Albania celebrates International Day of the Arabian Leopard
  • In 2023, the UN designated Feb. 10 as International Day of the Arabian Leopard to preserve the endangered wild species
  • Known as Panthera pardus nimr, the species is one of the smallest breeds of leopard

RIYADH: The Saudi Embassy in Albania marked the International Day of the Arabian Leopard, designated by the UN on Feb. 10.

The celebration on Monday started with a march from a lake in Tirana to the city’s zoo, followed by an official ceremony, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Faisal Ghazi Hifzi, the Saudi ambassador to Albania, said that Riyadh is committed to supporting global environmental initiatives and enhancing cooperation to protect biodiversity, SPA reported.

In 2023, the UN designated Feb. 10 as the International Day of the Arabian Leopard to preserve the endangered wild species.

Known as Panthera pardus nimr, the Arabian leopard is one of the smallest breeds of leopard. Males typically weigh between 30 and 40 kg, while females weigh between 25 and 35 kg. Their fur color is a pale orange with small, spaced spots.

In recent years, the species’ numbers have declined to nearly 200 in Oman, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia. This sharp decrease in the Arabian Peninsula is attributed to habitat loss, a reduction in the availability of prey, attacks by herders, and illegal trade in wild species.

The Kingdom has been at the forefront of preserving and breeding the species at AlUla’s nature reserves in the western region.

Since 2021, Saudi Arabia has preserved and bred 14 Arabian leopards at AlUla’s nature reserves, doubling their number to 32 by 2024, SPA added.


Saudi FM discusses developments in Palestine with PM Mohammad Mustafa

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. (File/SPA/AFP)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 49 min 9 sec ago
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Saudi FM discusses developments in Palestine with PM Mohammad Mustafa

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. (File/SPA/AFP)
  • Prince Faisal also received a phone call from his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar
  • Kingdom’s Foreign Minister is in Paris attending a two-day international AI summit in Paris

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Monday received a phone call from Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa.

During the call, the two officials discussed developments in Palestine and efforts made in regard to them, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Faisal also received a phone call from his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar.

They discussed regional developments and joint efforts with regard to them, SPA said. 

The Kingdom’s Foreign Minister is in Paris attending a two-day international artificial intelligence summit in Paris. Heads of state, top government officials, CEOs and scientists from around 100 countries are participating in the summit from Monday.


Saudi Arabia leads AI governance on global stage

Saudi Arabia leads AI governance on global stage
Updated 10 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia leads AI governance on global stage

Saudi Arabia leads AI governance on global stage
  • Abdullah Al-Ghamdi highlights Kingdom’s AI ethics, policies, leadership at Paris summit

Riyadh: President of the Saudi Data and AI Authority Abdullah Al-Ghamdi said that Saudi Arabia has presented a pioneering model for strengthening comprehensive artificial intelligence governance at both regional and global levels.

He noted that this comes amid a growing global need for such governance, as AI continues to shape economies, societies, and global power structures, transcending international borders and impacting industries, governments, labor markets, and security.

His remarks came during his speech at a session held on Monday as part of the AI Action Summit, hosted in Paris from Feb. 10–11, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The session was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, along with several world leaders, policymakers, and leading AI experts.

Al-Ghamdi emphasized that comprehensive AI governance ensures all stakeholders — including governments, businesses, civil society, and underrepresented communities — have a role in shaping the future of AI.

He noted that by fostering collaboration and transparency, comprehensive governance can mitigate risks, build trust, and establish a framework that ensures AI serves all of humanity rather than benefiting only a specific group, the SPA reported.

Al-Ghamdi added that without diverse perspectives in policymaking, AI risks exacerbating inequalities, reinforcing biases, and favoring only certain groups.

He highlighted that Saudi Arabia has published 65 AI-related policies on the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s AI Policy Observatory, ranking third after the US and the UK.

Moreover, Al-Ghamdi said the Kingdom launched the AI Policy and Incident Observatory for the Middle East in Arabic, reflecting its commitment to regional transparency and data-driven policymaking.

He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s local, regional, and international efforts in data and AI, noting that in 2020, before the latest AI breakthroughs, the Kingdom hosted the first Global AI Summit in Riyadh.

In 2024, the Kingdom organized the third and largest edition of the summit, bringing together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders from over 100 countries to shape the future of AI for the benefit of humanity, he said.

Driven by its commitment to ensuring AI advancements align with Islamic values and ethical principles, Saudi Arabia hosted the largest consultative session of the UN Advisory Body on AI in Riyadh, with representatives from over 53 Islamic countries, Al-Ghamdi said.

These efforts, he added, culminated in the launch of the Riyadh Charter for AI Ethics in the Islamic World last September, reflecting AI’s impact on the lives of 2 billion Muslims worldwide.

Al-Ghamdi said that Saudi Arabia’s role in AI governance extends beyond initiatives to the establishment of the International Center for AI Research and Ethics in Riyadh. As a Category 2 center under UNESCO, it will play a pivotal role in shaping AI policies, enhancing capacity building, and supporting the development of ethical and responsible AI, he noted.

The center has organized several events in collaboration with the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council, bringing together over 100 experts from 28 countries and institutions with the aim of strengthening regional AI governance and establishing clear ethical regulations.

Al-Ghamdi concluded by emphasizing that, as the heart of the Arab and Islamic worlds, Saudi Arabia is ready to contribute to shaping the future of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence, which will hold its 2025 ministerial council meeting in Slovakia.

He called for unified international efforts to build an innovative, trustworthy, and inclusive AI ecosystem.


Somalian PM visits Makkah’s Hira Cultural District

Somalian PM visits Makkah’s Hira Cultural District
Updated 10 February 2025
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Somalian PM visits Makkah’s Hira Cultural District

Somalian PM visits Makkah’s Hira Cultural District

JEDDAH: Somalian Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre visited the Hira Cultural District in Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

He toured sections of the Revelation Exhibition, including the stories of revelation with the prophets and other components of the district.

The exhibition features a pavilion detailing the Cave of Hira and Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the Mother of the Believers, along with a depiction of the first revelation.

The prime minister also visited the Holy Qur’an Museum, where he viewed manuscripts and exhibits that highlight the status of the Qur’an and efforts to preserve it.

He praised the district’s scientific content, its techniques, and the Kingdom’s efforts to enrich visitors’ religious and cultural experiences, according to the SPA.

The Hira Cultural District spans about 67,000 square meters near Jabal Hira, one of Makkah’s most famous landmarks.

The tourism and educational destination bridges the past and present, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to enhance quality of life and visitor experiences.


Saudi project clears 714 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 714 Houthi mines in Yemen
Updated 10 February 2025
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Saudi project clears 714 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 714 Houthi mines in Yemen

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 714 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 30 anti-tank mines and 684 unexploded ordnances, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 481,240 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.