Saudi youth were recently seen serving water and sweets to arriving and departing passengers at Riyadh’s King Khaled International Airport as part of an initiative launched by the Princess Al-Anood Philanthropic Foundation (PAPF) which aims to expand its voluntary support to the community.

The observation came from the recipient of an award at the annual iftar party organized by PAPF on Saturday.

The event was attended by the foundation’s board members, major partners and diplomatic corps besides the Saudi media. Youssef bin Othman Al-Huzaim, PAPF secretary-general, was also present.

Speaking on the occasion, Al-Huzaim said that the initiative of these youngsters was their way of showing that Saudis are both welcoming and hospitable as opposed to what the media says.

With assets worth SR1,500 million and revenue growing at 13 percent annually, PAPF has a strong foundation for financing its programs and activities while investing its assets through local and international firms including twin towers housing Novotel Al-Anood Hotel in the heart of Riyadh where the iftar took place.

“At this age when young people usually turn to modern technology and social networking sites, national interest demands that the youngsters be trained to acquire leadership skills through capacity building which is needed for the success of any good organization,” Al-Huzaim observed.

According to the recent statistics of the Ministry of Economy and Planning, nearly 70 percent of the Saudi population are young people aged 16-30. As such, a Center for Youth Development or (warif) under PAPF was established here two years ago as part of its vibrant community services to meet the needs of the youth and work for their welfare.

One of the highlights of the program is the applied diploma in voluntary work, social protection (Himaya) and Child Development.


On Monday, another branch of PAPF’s social responsibilities program for Saudis with special needs was launched during which several ideas were presented.

Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Wahab Al-Faiz, a board member, said the youth are the future of a nation and society and a pillar of its growth and development.

PAPF has inked various cooperation agreements in the paste two years with several entities, including the Initiative of Children and Young People in the Middle East and North Africa of the Arab Institute for Urban Development, the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

He added: “The youth should be empowered and helped to learn from their mistakes and use their experience to solve problems on their own.”

Warif programs is specialized in the rehabilitation of youth and their development to enhance their participation in charity and volunteer works, embrace initiatives and be a place where young leaders converge.

The center also has an English course which aims to help youngsters master the English language in a pleasant atmosphere, providing an environment that enables its members to practice their English language skills and exchange experiences in different disciplines in a weekly meeting.