Saudi aid chief launches Sama’a program in Tunisia for children affected by hearing loss

Saudi aid chief launches Sama’a program in Tunisia for children affected by hearing loss
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KSrelief Supervisor General Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah at the inauguration of “Saudi Sama’a” volunteer program for cochlear implantation and auditory rehabilitation in Tunisia. (KSrelief Media Department)Sama’a Volunteer Program
Saudi aid chief launches Sama’a program in Tunisia for children affected by hearing loss
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KSrelief Supervisor General Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah at the inauguration of “Saudi Sama’a” volunteer program for cochlear implantation and auditory rehabilitation in Tunisia. (KSrelief Media Department)
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Updated 25 April 2025
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Saudi aid chief launches Sama’a program in Tunisia for children affected by hearing loss

Saudi aid chief launches Sama’a program in Tunisia for children affected by hearing loss
  • Over the course of a decade, KSRelief has implemented nearly 4,000 projects in 106 countries at a cost of nearly $8 billion
  • Al Rabeeah said: “The Saudi hearing volunteer program, the first project of which we are launching in Tunisia, is one of the most prominent initiatives that KSrelief is proud of”

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief’s supervisor general, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah launched the Sama’a Volunteer Program, a Saudi hearing volunteer program for cochlear implants and hearing rehabilitation, in Tunisia.
The launch of the program on Thursday in Tunis was also attended by Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr, members of the diplomatic corps in Tunisia, and representatives of Arab and international organizations, according to a statement from the KSrelief media department to Arab News on Friday.
In his speech at the inauguration, Al-Rabeeah expressed his happiness to attend this distinguished group of Saudi medical personnel for the launch of the program in Tunisia, affirming the depth of the relations between the two countries, which extend back nearly a century.
Al-Rabeeah emphasized that humanitarian and volunteer work is an integral part of the Saudi identity, elevating its culture from mere material aid to a civilized vision that restores hope to those in need, strengthens ties between people, and revives the spirit of solidarity among all humankind.
The establishment of KSrelief was intended to transform this humanitarian legacy into an institutionalized effort that moves steadily, swiftly and professionally to respond to calls for help from anywhere in the world.
Over the course of a decade, KSRelief has implemented nearly 4,000 projects in 106 countries at a cost of nearly $8 billion.
Al Rabeeah said: “The Saudi hearing volunteer program, the first project of which we are launching in Tunisia, is one of the most prominent initiatives that KSrelief is proud of, given its profound humanitarian dimension. Through this program, thousands of children have been able to hear their mothers’ voices for the first time, and hope has been instilled in their families as they witnessed their children speak their first words.
“Today, we have come to expand the scope of this pioneering program in our second home country through four volunteer projects. Through these projects, 50 cochlear implant surgeries will be performed, and 50 families with children will be trained on hearing aids and how to use them. This will ensure the sustainability of the impact, in addition to fostering links between health care professionals in both countries and sharing expertise.”
The Sama’a Program is part of KSrelief’s broader efforts to expand access to specialized health care for vulnerable communities in Africa and beyond.
Commenting on the program, Dr. Aqeel Al-Ghamdi, assistant supervisor-general for planning and development at KSrelief, said: “Hearing loss affects each child differently. Some are born with it, others lose it later, but what they share is the potential to connect, learn and thrive when given the right care. That is what this program is here to support.”
KSrelief launched the Sama’a Volunteer Program in Kenya last week with children from Somalia also among the expected beneficiaries of this vital medical support to children affected by hearing loss.
These humanitarian efforts are part of the volunteer programs organized by the Kingdom, represented by KSrelief, to support the health sector in countries in need and improve medical services provided to patients.


Hajj health-tips kit launches in 8 languages

Hajj health-tips kit launches in 8 languages
Updated 16 May 2025
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Hajj health-tips kit launches in 8 languages

Hajj health-tips kit launches in 8 languages
  • Kit includes advice to avoid heat exhaustion this Hajj
  • Pilgrims must be vaccinated for stipulated diseases

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s Ministry of Health has launched an awareness kit in eight languages for the forthcoming Hajj season, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The kit contains content in Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Persian, Indonesian, Malay and Turkish.

“The multilingual approach aims to reach the widest possible audience of pilgrims arriving from various countries around the world,” the SPA report stated.

Among its key components are guidelines for preventing heat exhaustion. Pilgrims are advised to use umbrellas to reduce direct sun exposure and stay hydrated.

The kit includes videos, social media posts, and printable materials.

Pilgrims are also advised to ensure they are vaccinated for meningococcal meningitis, COVID-19, poliomyelitis and yellow fever, depending on their countries of origin.

The ministry advised pilgrims with chronic diseases to carry documents stating their conditions, and adequate supplies of medications in their original packaging.

It further recommended that pilgrims update vaccinations for diseases including diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, chickenpox and mumps.

The kit can be downloaded at: https://www.moh.gov.sa/HealthAwareness/Pilgrims_Health/Pages/Hajj.aspx.


Shoura Council speaker receives speaker of the Arab Parliament

Shoura Council speaker receives speaker of the Arab Parliament
Updated 15 May 2025
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Shoura Council speaker receives speaker of the Arab Parliament

Shoura Council speaker receives speaker of the Arab Parliament

RIYADH: The speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council, Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh, received his counterpart from the Arab Parliament, Mohammed Ahmed Al-Yamahi, during the 19th session of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member states.

During the meeting in Jakarta, the two reviewed the importance of parliamentary diplomacy carried out through active participation in regional and international conferences and forums.

They also discussed strengthening the mechanisms of joint Arab parliamentary action to serve Arab issues, as well as other topics of common interest.


King Salman Arabic academy celebrates graduates

King Salman Arabic academy celebrates graduates
Updated 15 May 2025
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King Salman Arabic academy celebrates graduates

King Salman Arabic academy celebrates graduates

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language held a ceremony in Riyadh recently to celebrate the graduation of the second group of non-native speakers from the Abjad Center.

A total of 168 male and female students were honored after fulfilling all the program’s requirements, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, secretary-general of the academy, said the Abjad Center offers a learning experience designed to equip non-native speakers with strong and effective communication skills.

Al-Washmi added that the program reflects the refinement of the academy’s educational model, reinforcing its role as a leading scientific authority on the Arabic language.

The initiative amplifies the academy’s educational and cultural impact in line with the objectives of the nation’s Human Capability Development Program, he said.


Royal Commission for AlUla, Smithsonian collaboration

Royal Commission for AlUla, Smithsonian collaboration
Updated 15 May 2025
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Royal Commission for AlUla, Smithsonian collaboration

Royal Commission for AlUla, Smithsonian collaboration
  • The agreement supports the commission’s vision to transform AlUla into a world-class heritage destination and economic hub

MADINAH: The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, and the Royal Commission for AlUla have formalized a collaboration agreement to enhance cultural exchange and establish a framework to broaden global understanding of northern Arabia’s ancient civilizations and cultural legacy.

The agreement supports the commission’s vision to transform AlUla into a world-class heritage destination and economic hub. Rooted in mutual dedication to cultural preservation and celebration, the collaboration will unlock new research opportunities and deepen insights into ancient Kingdom artistry, with special focus on the Dadanite civilization.

Experts will conduct joint initiatives in art conservation, historic research, archaeological exploration, and scientific analysis. The institutions will collaborate on exhibitions and artifact exchanges, bringing cultural treasures to international audiences.

Professional development programs covering exhibition curation, research methodologies, narrative development, and museum operations will enhance expertise among staff at AlUla’s museums and the Smithsonian.


Saudi Arabia attends IAACA anti-corruption meeting

Saudi Arabia attends IAACA anti-corruption meeting
Updated 15 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia attends IAACA anti-corruption meeting

Saudi Arabia attends IAACA anti-corruption meeting

RIYADH: The Kingdom, represented by the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, also known as Nazaha, took part in the first meeting of the Executive Committee of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities, held on Thursday via video conferencing.

Nazaha President Mazin bin Ibrahim Al-Kahmous expressed his thanks to the association’s president and Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption in Hong Kong, Danny Woo, for organizing the meeting and for the association’s efforts to promote international cooperation in combating corruption.

He added that the Kingdom, represented by Nazaha, has paid significant attention to strengthening international partnerships in the fields of combating corruption and protecting integrity, and these efforts have resulted in a number of tangible achievements.

Al-Kahmous said that the Kingdom believes in the pivotal role played by the association in solidifying the principles of transparency and facilitating the exchange of expertise, knowledge and experiences.