The goods will be distributed by the Kingdom’s aid organization, KSrelief
Updated 08 December 2023
SPA
PORT SAID, Egypt: Saudi Arabia’s third ship of aid for Gaza has arrived at Port Said in Egypt.
The goods will be distributed by the Kingdom’s aid organization, KSrelief, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The ship carries 300 large containers weighing 1,246 tons. This includes 200 containers with medical supplies, and 100 with food, long-life infant formula, and shelter materials.
A few days ago, two ships dispatched by KSrelief arrived at Port Said carrying similar cargo to help Palestinians affected by Israel’s bombardment.
Scientists awarded for sustainable water innovation at Saudi conference
Research aims to improve desalination efficiency
Makkah’s deputy emir in attendance
Updated 5 sec ago
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: Scientists were awarded prizes for their work in researching desalination and wastewater treatment technologies during an event in Jeddah on Monday.
The third edition of the Innovation-Driven Water Sustainability Conference was attended by 480 experts, scientists, researchers, specialists and 40 leading organizations in the water sector, from 20 countries.
The grand prize — the Global Prize for Innovation in Desalination 2024 — went to Lee Nuang Sim from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University for his project “uncovering the power of centrifugal reverse osmosis,” and Sue Mecham, CEO of NALA Membranes, for her project “chlorine stable new membranes for sustainable desalination and wastewater treatment/reuse.”
Visitors attend the third Innovation-Driven Water Sustainability Conference in Jeddah on Nov. 25, 2024. (Supplied)
Mecham, from North Carolina, US, spoke to Arab News after receiving her award, saying: “We are honored to be selected for the Global Prize for Innovation in Desalination 2024. Our mission is to bring new membranes to market and reduce the cost and complexity of water purification.”
Meanwhile, Saudi Ghadeer Al-Balawi from the University of Tabuk was another one of this year’s prizewinners with her project “novel heterogeneous catalysts for improving wastewater treatment plants in Saudi Arabia.”
Al-Balawi told Arab News: “I am incredibly honored to be one of the recipients of the Global Prize for Innovation in Desalination 2024. This recognition means so much to me. This project has been conducted at the University of Sheffield with hard work and dedication with the assistance of my supervisor, Dr. Marco Conte.”
The event’s opening ceremony was attended by Makkah Deputy Emir Prince Saud bin Mishal and Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, as well as other senior officials.
Following the opening, Abdullah Al-Abdulkarim, chairman of the Saudi Water Authority, said that the event reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting scientific and research innovation as a pillar for achieving water sustainability and security.
Through the conference, the SWA aims to share the impact of innovation in promoting the sustainable supply of water, according to SWA spokesperson Sultan Al-Rajhi.
“This conference discusses the latest global practices and innovative solutions in the water industry, with the participation of experts, scientists and specialists, who emphasize the pivotal role of innovation in accelerating the future prosperity of water and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for water and the environment,” he said.
The two-day conference will continue to feature discussions on more than 180 research papers, as well as a water hackathon organized by the Saudi Water Innovation Center.
PSC members visit Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh
The EU and the GCC held a political dialogue session, co-chaired by Pronk and Jasem Albudaiwi, secretary-general of the GCC
Updated 4 min 34 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Members of the EU’s Political and Security Committee, including its chair, Ambassador Delphine Pronk, and ambassadors of EU member states, paid an official visit to the Gulf Cooperation Council headquarters in Riyadh on Monday.
The delegation was accompanied by the European External Action Service Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa Helene Le Gal, and EU Special Representative for the Gulf Luigi Di Maio.
The EU and the GCC held a political dialogue session, co-chaired by Pronk and Jasem Albudaiwi, secretary-general of the GCC.
The two parties discussed matters of mutual interest and the need to increase joint efforts to tackle global challenges.
This included the situations in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon, Gulf security and Iran, maritime security in the Red Sea region, Iraq, Sudan and the Horn of Africa, as well as Russian aggression against Ukraine.
The committee delegates and the GCC also agreed on strengthening the EU-GCC regional security cooperation.
The political dialogue constitutes an important step forward following the successful first EU-GCC Summit in Brussels on Oct. 16.
Final results were based on evaluations by judging committees, considering criteria such as creativity, innovation, performance excellence, impact, and achieved outcomes
Updated 17 min 54 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The winners of the King Salman Global Academy Prize for Arabic Language were recently honored in Riyadh in individual and institutional categories.
The event, held under the patronage of Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, focused on four main areas: Arabic language teaching and learning, Arabic language computing and services through modern technologies, Arabic language research and studies, and promoting linguistic awareness and community initiatives.
The total value of the awards for both categories amounted to SR1.6 million ($426,000), with each winner receiving SR200,000, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The final results were based on evaluations by judging committees, considering criteria such as creativity, innovation, performance excellence, impact, and achieved outcomes.
The award honors those who excel in serving the Arabic language, recognizing their contributions to preserving linguistic identity, promoting Arab culture, fostering loyalty, and enhancing communication within the Arab community.
Formerly conjoined Filipino twins return to Riyadh 20 years after lifesaving surgery
Princess Ann and Princess Mae Manzo stayed for more than six months in the Kingdom in 2004 as guests of Crown Prince Abdullah
Princess Ann and Princess Mae Manzo stayed for more than six months in the Kingdom in 2004 as guests of Crown Prince Abdullah
Updated 32 min 1 sec ago
Ghadi Joudah & Tamara Aboalsaud
RIYADH: Twenty years after they were separated in a complex surgery in Riyadh, two Filipino twins have returned to the Saudi capital to celebrate the medical expertise that saved their lives.
Princess Ann and Princess Mae Manzo stayed for more than six months in the Kingdom in 2004 as guests of Crown Prince Abdullah.
They were separated at Riyadh’s National Guard Hospital.
“After our separation, I gained a new appreciation for individuality and independence,” Princess Mae told the International Conference for Conjoined Twins on Monday.
Princess Ann and Princess Mae Manzo were separated at Riyadh’s National Guard Hospital in 2004. (Screengrab)
The event is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, a global leader in the field.
She was speaking during a panel discussion titled “Exploring the Multifaceted Impacts of Separation: Conjoined Twins and Families.”
The unique story of the Manzo twins proved the central focus of the discussion.
They are now thriving as third-year students in their native Philippines.
“While we still cherish the unique bond we share, it is a balance of gratitude for our shared paths and excitement for forging our path,” said Princess Mae.
The panel invited experts and family members to discuss the medical and psychological challenges of separating conjoined twins, as well as the broader social, educational and emotional implications.
Princess Anne said that the separation deeply impacted her and Mae’s emotional well-being.
“It has made us more self-aware individually, helping us understand our limits by living life separately with different groups of friends, different schools and different workplaces.”
Dr. Gopal Mitra, global lead on disability and development at UNICEF, highlighted stigmas surrounding conjoined twins, warning that an “obsession with normalcy” often leads to harmful stereotypes and social exclusion for those who are perceived as different.
“Stigma arises when we assign attributes and characteristics to groups of people based on our perceptions of difference — how they look, move, behave, or communicate.”
Mitra added that when a mother gives birth to conjoined twins, the family already faces stress and strain.
Strategies to combat negative perceptions include community engagement, the training of frontline workers and role modeling, he said, adding: “Princess Mae and Princess Ann are wonderful role models.”
Mitra said that inclusive education is a foundation for addressing stigma: “Inclusive education respects individuality and tailors learning experiences to the unique needs of each child.”
Dr. Ahmed Bawaneh, deputy country representative at IMC Jordan, highlighted the emotional and psychological challenges faced by conjoined twins and their families throughout separation and recovery.
“The stigma doesn’t go away after the separation. It’s there before, during and after. It’s something the twins and their families have to grapple with for a long time,” he said.
“It is important that we don’t look at conjoined twins as just special cases.”
After separation, long-term rehabilitation poses another challenge, requiring sustained support from mental health professionals, Bawaneh added.
“We must focus on the stressors they face and provide holistic, integrated support that addresses their mental, emotional and physical well-being. The importance of integrated mental health services cannot be overstated.”
The panel discussion served as both a celebration of progress and a call to action.
“The support system that I had was very helpful during the separation and recovery was my family,” the Manzo twins’ mother said.
Her words served as a reminder that behind every medical milestone is a network of caregivers who provide emotional strength, practical assistance and unwavering love.
“Inclusive education and an inclusive society are not just ideals but necessities — because every child deserves the chance to flourish,” Mitra said.
Preparing professionals to address unique patients is crucial, said Bawaneh.
“We must remember that these children and their families are not defined by their circumstances — they are individuals with dreams, challenges and incredible resilience.”
Saudi Arabia hosts global cybersecurity conference Black Hat 24
Black Hat 24 will host five national pavilions of the US, Canada, India, Egypt and Pakistan, alongside 43 exhibitors
Updated 30 min 48 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is hosting Black Hat 24, a global three-day cybersecurity conference organized by the Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Black Hat 24 will be held from Nov. 26 to 28 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center in Malham district, north of the capital.
Mutab Al-Qunai, CEO of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, told SPA that the event aims to enhance innovation and cooperation in digital safety.
The current edition of Black Hat 24 is also organized by Tahaluf, one of the federation’s companies, and partners with company Informa and the Investment Events Fund.
It will bring together cybersecurity leaders, security researchers, and startup pioneers to exchange knowledge about technological challenges and the latest innovations in cybersecurity.
Some of the experts speaking at the Black Hat 24 event include Nikhil Shrivastava, a leading security researcher from India; Bianca Lewis, founder of the company Girls Who Hack, which supports women in cybersecurity; and Kiran, known by the codename “7h3h4ckv157,” who worked as a security researcher at NASA to discover vulnerabilities in their digital security.
Participants will showcase their expertise in dealing with major cyber threats in leading international organizations.
Black Hat 24 will also feature an interactive platform for Saudi students, technical workshops, and a competition to test the audience’s skills in finding solutions to complex cyber challenges.
The Saudi global event will host five national pavilions of the US, Canada, India, Egypt and Pakistan, alongside 43 exhibitors.
