Saudi nonprofit sector records 173% growth surge since 2018

Ahmad Al-Rajhi applauded the center's leadership for supporting the nonprofit sector. (SPA)
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Ahmad Al-Rajhi applauded the center's leadership for supporting the nonprofit sector. (SPA)
Saudi nonprofit sector records 173% growth surge since 2018
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Ahmad Al-Rajhi pose for a group photo with officials. (SPA)
Saudi nonprofit sector records 173% growth surge since 2018
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Ahmad Al-Rajhi pose for a group photo with officials. (SPA)
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Updated 18 February 2024
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Saudi nonprofit sector records 173% growth surge since 2018

Ahmad Al-Rajhi applauded the center's leadership for supporting the nonprofit sector. (SPA)
  • Al-Rajhi also inaugurated the second Saudi-British Fellowship Program, led by the Leaders Development Co. in collaboration with the University of Manchester, which aims to empower leaders

RIYADH: The Saudi minister of human resources and social development has announced a remarkable 173 percent increase in nonprofit organizations since 2018.

Ahmad Al-Rajhi also noted a surge in beneficiary satisfaction, which has reached 86 percent — surpassing the target for 2025. The number of specialized nonprofit organizations has similarly risen since 2018, with over 800,000 volunteers and government contracts worth SR6 billion ($1.6 billion).




A number of government and nonprofit entities signed memorandums of understanding with the Council of Foundations, observed by Ahmad Al-Rajhi. (SPA)

During the second annual forum for nonprofit organizations, “Partnerships in the Non-Profit Sector,” organized by the Council of Foundations in Riyadh on Sunday, Al-Rajhi emphasized the pivotal role of the council and its collaboration with the National Center for the Non-Profit Sector.

Al-Rajhi, who is chairman of the center’s board, praised the leadership’s support for the nonprofit sector and commended the council’s efforts and achievements which contributed to the realization of Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

HIGHLIGHT

Ahmad Al-Rajhi noted a surge in beneficiary satisfaction, which has reached 86 percent — surpassing the target for 2025.

The Saudi minister witnessed the signing of memorandums of understanding between the Council of Foundations and various government and nonprofit entities. These included agreements with the National Center for Non-Profit Sector, Elm, Prince Mutaib bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Charitable Foundation, and Leaders Development Co.

He launched several council initiatives, including the Partnerships platform designed to foster nonprofit sector collaborations, and the Intilaqa initiative, which promotes women’s involvement in developmental work within the nonprofit sector and encourages women entrepreneurs to support nonprofit organizations.

Al-Rajhi also inaugurated the second Saudi-British Fellowship Program, led by the Leaders Development Co. in collaboration with the University of Manchester, which aims to empower leaders. In addition, he witnessed the launch of studies and materials aimed at enhancing knowledge and administrative awareness within the nonprofit sector.

Abdulrahman Al-Rajhi, chairman of the Council of Foundations, said the forum sought to boost integration, coordination and knowledge exchange among nonprofit organizations. This edition was focused on increasing awareness about the vital role of partnerships in the nonprofit sector, fostering collaborations with other sectors, and sharing valuable local and global partnership experiences.

 


Japan ‘delighted’ with interest shown by Saudi tourists

Japan ‘delighted’ with interest shown by Saudi tourists
Updated 14 sec ago
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Japan ‘delighted’ with interest shown by Saudi tourists

Japan ‘delighted’ with interest shown by Saudi tourists
  • Japan held its first tourism-consumer event in Riyadh this month
  • Saudi visitors to Japan up by 72.2%, according to leading official

DUBAI: Japan is “delighted” with the rising interest from Saudi Arabia travelers in the Asia nation’s tourism offerings, according to a leading official on Monday.

Daisuke Kobayashi, executive director of the Japan National Tourism Organization’s office in Dubai, said that JNTO’s first event in Riyadh, titled “FEEL YOUR FOUR SEASONS,” allowed the organization to share the diverse attractions of his country.

“We are honored to have hosted our very first consumer event in Riyadh at such a meaningful time, as we approach the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2025,” he stated in a press release.

The event, which took place on Dec. 6 and 7, provided visitors with an introduction to Japan’s diverse seasonal attractions, including luxury travel experiences available across the Asian country’s regions.

Visitors were treated to two domes that showcased Japan’s spring and autumn landscapes, along with exhibitions introducing delicacies, activities and travel content specific to each season.

As Saudi Arabia prepares to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh, the event also featured participation from the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau, representing Osaka, the host city of Expo 2025.

The event was attended by approximately 2,000 guests, including local consumers, media representatives, and influencers.

According to Kobayashi, in the first half of 2024, there was a 72.2 percent increase in visitors from Saudi Arabia to Japan, compared to the same period in 2023.

He said that Japan offers a variety of “unique experiences” throughout the year including train journeys during the cherry blossom season, and ikebana (flower arrangement) workshops.

There is also forest bathing in “lush green woods during summer, temple stays surrounded by autumn foliage, skiing on pristine powder snow and even drift-ice walking tours in Japan’s northernmost regions during winter.”

This article originally appeared on Arab News Japan


Saudi Arabia proposes renaming OAPEC into the Arab Energy Organization

Saudi Arabia proposes renaming OAPEC into the Arab Energy Organization
Updated 16 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia proposes renaming OAPEC into the Arab Energy Organization

Saudi Arabia proposes renaming OAPEC into the Arab Energy Organization
  • Resolution to promote stronger cooperation among OAPEC members as part of a larger reconstruction initiative

RIYADH: Members of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) signed a resolution on Sunday to rename the organization to the Arab Energy Organization (AEO), the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saudi Arabia had proposed renaming and restructuring the organization during the 113th ministerial meeting in Kuwait this week.

Saudi Arabia's proposal aimed to enhance OAPEC's charter and promote stronger cooperation among its members as part of a larger reconstruction initiative, the SPA added.

These changes will take effect once the 11 member Arab states of OAPEC ratify them according to their national regulations, the SPA also reported.

During the meeting, OAPEC's Secretariat-General pointed out challenges in the energy sector amid regional and international instability in the past years, which prompted the review and development of its activities.

OAPEC, headquartered in Kuwait, is currently led by Qatar.

In 1968, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the former Kingdom of Libya were among the three founding countries of OAPEC in Beirut.

OAPEC members include the UAE, Bahrain, Iraq, Algeria, Syria, Tunisia, and Egypt. 


Jeddah governor attends Qatar consulate’s national day celebration

Jeddah governor attends Qatar consulate’s national day celebration
Updated 16 December 2024
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Jeddah governor attends Qatar consulate’s national day celebration

Jeddah governor attends Qatar consulate’s national day celebration
  • Diplomats and the consul general attended the ceremony

RIYADH: Jeddah Governor Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi attended a reception on Sunday to commemorate Qatar’s national day, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event, arranged by the country’s consulate in Jeddah, was attended by several Qatari officials from the diplomatic corps who welcomed the prince.

 


Saudi Arabia to hold Hajj conference to improve services for Muslim pilgrims

Saudi Arabia to hold Hajj conference to improve services for Muslim pilgrims
Updated 15 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia to hold Hajj conference to improve services for Muslim pilgrims

Saudi Arabia to hold Hajj conference to improve services for Muslim pilgrims
  • The conference will gather ministers, experts, and diplomats from 87 countries
  • Aims to enhance the quality of services provided to pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is holding the fourth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah from Jan. 13-16 under the patronage of King Salman.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, along with the Pilgrim Experience Program, will host a conference gathering ministers, ambassadors, academics, experts, diplomats, and representatives from private and public institutions across 87 countries.

The conference aims to enhance the quality of services provided to Muslim pilgrims, foster an exchange of experiences, and promote competitiveness and transparency among companies involved in Hajj affairs in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It will feature over 100 speakers, 47 panel discussions, and 50 workshops to address the challenges of enhancing Hajj services and explore ways to support innovative projects in the pilgrimage sector, SPA added.

Alongside the conference, a special exhibition spanning an area of 50,000 square meters in Jeddah will feature 280 exhibitors from various sectors to showcase the latest technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to enhance Hajj.

The latest conference edition resulted in the signing of 202 cooperation agreements to improve Hajj services and attracted over 100,000 visitors from 87 countries.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah urged individuals and organizations to register their interest in participating in the next edition of the conference in January at hajjconfex.com.


Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli plan on annexed Golan population

An Israeli flag flies on a roof in the town of Majdal Shams, near the so-called Alpha Line.
An Israeli flag flies on a roof in the town of Majdal Shams, near the so-called Alpha Line.
Updated 16 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli plan on annexed Golan population

An Israeli flag flies on a roof in the town of Majdal Shams, near the so-called Alpha Line.
  • Kingdom renews its call to the international community to condemn Israeli violations, stresses need to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, ministry says

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned and denounced the Israeli government’s approval of a plan to double the population of the occupied and annexed Golan Heights.

Israel’s government “unanimously approved” the $11 million “plan for the demographic development of the Golan... in light of the war and the new front in Syria and the desire to double the population,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said.

“The Kingdom renews its call to the international community to condemn these Israeli violations, stressing the need to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The statement added that the strategic plateau is occupied Syrian Arab land and condemned Israel’s “continued sabotage of Syria’s chances of restoring its security and stability.”

Israel has occupied most of the Golan Heights since 1967 and annexed that area in 1981 in a move recognized only by the United States.