Saudi cabinet confirms completion of Hajj preparations

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman chairs Tuesday’s Cabinet session. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman chairs Tuesday’s Cabinet session. (SPA)
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Updated 04 June 2024
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Saudi cabinet confirms completion of Hajj preparations

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman chairs Tuesday’s Cabinet session. (SPA)
  • The king was briefed on the efforts and projects carried out by various government agencies to increase the comfort and well-being of pilgrims

RIYADH: The Saudi cabinet on Tuesday reassured King Salman of the completion of preparations and arrangements for this year’s Hajj season, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The king was briefed on the efforts and projects of various government agencies to increase the comfort and well-being of pilgrims, as well as their capabilities.

He expressed Saudi Arabia’s pride in serving the two holy mosques and their visitors, SPA said.

The cabinet then reviewed the content of letters received by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman from the king of Jordan, the president of Egypt, and the president of Somalia.

Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossary said the Cabinet welcomed the outcomes of the second Saudi-Kuwaiti Coordination Council meeting, which underscored the strong fraternal ties between the two nations and their commitment to deepening cooperation in all sectors to serve mutual interests, and strengthen regional and international coordination.

The Cabinet also reviewed the Kingdom’s participation in recent meetings of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League. It expressed hope for further progress in joint endeavors and broader collaboration in the framework of existing relations and historic ties.

Recent developments in regional and international affairs, and ongoing efforts to address them were also discussed at the meeting. The Cabinet reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at achieving regional security and stability.


Circus 1903 comes to dazzle Dhahran in 2024

Circus 1903 comes to dazzle Dhahran in 2024
Updated 07 September 2024
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Circus 1903 comes to dazzle Dhahran in 2024

Circus 1903 comes to dazzle Dhahran in 2024

DHAHRAN: On Thursday, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), hosted the opening of Circus 1903, a two-hour show that brings all the magic of a traditional circus to the Kingdom.

According to the company, the year 1903 was considered “the pinnacle of entertainment.” Animals and humans dazzled audiences with daring acts, rousing music and dazzling lights.

In 2024, animals are no longer part of the show. Still, the immersive experience took the audience on a spectacular journey of classic entertainment. The ringmaster, David Williamson, plucked young volunteers from the audience to assist with a slapstick comedy act that made for some endearing moments and there was, of course, plenty of juggling, dancing and gravity-defying stunts.

The two-hour show brings all the magic of a traditional circus to the Kingdom. (Ithra Studios Photography)

There may be no actual animals, but master designers from the UK-based Significant Object have crafted life-sized elephants that three puppeteers worked together to harmoniously move alongside the humans in the act.

The charismatic ringmaster told the audience: “There’s so much that is the heartbeat of any great circus … when you watch that circus performer underneath the spotlight for those few minutes, what you’re actually seeing is a lifetime of dedication to the art form that has been passed down over the generations.

“Countless hours and years of practice and rehearsal and training create a piece of circus art that may last only a few fleeting moments under the big spotlight, but will live forever in your memory.”

The immersive experience took the audience on a spectacular journey of classic entertainment. (Ithra Studios Photography)

Brought to Ithra by the producers of what is billed as the world’s bestselling magic show “The Illusionists” and the award-winning puppeteers of “War Horse,” the performances are transporting Saudi audiences to a magical space.

“These performers have traveled from the far corners of the globe to bring you daring feats of bravery, breathtaking acrobatics, and mesmerizing acts which promise to dazzle and delight audiences of all ages,” Ithra’s official statement reads.

The circus runs until Sept. 13, with no show on Sept. 8, two shows on Sept. 10, 12 and 13 and a single evening show on Sept. 9 and 11. Tickets are priced from SR100 ($26) and there is a 20-percent discount for those with Ithra’s art and premium membership cards.

It is worth noting that the Ithra Theater can be chilly, so it is recommended that visitors bring a sweater or blanket. No flash photography is allowed, to ensure the safety of those on stage. 


Jeddah meeting to discuss future of marine ecosystems

Jeddah meeting to discuss future of marine ecosystems
Updated 07 September 2024
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Jeddah meeting to discuss future of marine ecosystems

Jeddah meeting to discuss future of marine ecosystems

 

— International Coral Reef Initiative to focus on protection, sustainability, blue economy growth

Arab News

RIYADH: The 38th meeting of the International Coral Reef Initiative will be held in Jeddah from Sept. 9 to 13, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Experts, researchers, and decision-makers in marine environment protection from within and outside the Kingdom will attend the event.

The meeting will aim to exchange knowledge, address challenges, and discuss future trends in coral reef protection.

The initiative, comprising 45 countries that cover 75 percent of the world’s coral reefs, serves as a global platform to protect marine ecosystems.

The meeting’s goals include improving coral reef conservation methods against threats like climate change, pollution, and unsustainable fishing, while fostering collaboration between governments, nongovernmental organizations, and private companies.

It will focus on organizing blue economy activities to balance economic development with environmental sustainability, and empowering human capacities through knowledge exchange and training.

The event will also explore ways to raise societal awareness of the importance of coral reefs for biodiversity and the blue economy.

Khaled bin Mohammad Asfahani, CEO of the General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea, expressed gratitude for the Kingdom’s leadership and the organization's regulatory tools to oversee coral reef protection in the Red Sea.

He highlighted the organization’s global recognition and support from international conservation groups, including the International Coral Reef Initiative, due to its resources and expertise.

Asfahani said: “We welcome the arrival of a group of scientists, researchers and decision-makers to engage in a discussion regarding the most recent advancements in coral reef conservation and to share their ideas and experiences.

“This will ensure the sustainability of marine environmental resources and economic development, as well as provide the requisite information to support decision-making.”

Asfahani emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable development and coral reef protection — reflected in hosting the meeting — which aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of fostering international cooperation, developing human capacities, raising environmental awareness, and advancing research and innovation in marine conservation.


King Salman, crown prince congratulate Brazilian president on country’s independence day

King Salman, crown prince congratulate Brazilian president on country’s independence day
Updated 07 September 2024
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King Salman, crown prince congratulate Brazilian president on country’s independence day

King Salman, crown prince congratulate Brazilian president on country’s independence day
  • Sept. 7 holiday celebrates Brazil’s declaration of independence from Portugal in 1822

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman sent a cable of congratulations to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the occasion of his country’s independence day on Saturday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The king wished Lula health and happiness, and the government and people of Brazil steady progress and prosperity, SPA added.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent a similar cable of congratulations to Lula.

The Independence Day of Brazil, commonly called Sete de Setembro, is a national holiday observed in Brazil and celebrates Brazil’s declaration of independence from Portugal in 1822.


KSrelief provides aid, food assistance in Libya, Sudan, Turkiye and Lebanon

KSrelief provides aid, food assistance in Libya, Sudan, Turkiye and Lebanon
Updated 07 September 2024
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KSrelief provides aid, food assistance in Libya, Sudan, Turkiye and Lebanon

KSrelief provides aid, food assistance in Libya, Sudan, Turkiye and Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief provided humanitarian aid assistance and healthcare services to needy families in disaster-hit and conflict zones, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In Libya, 2,916 food baskets were distributed in the city of Derna, benefiting 14,580 individuals.
The initiative was part of the emergency food assistance for families affected by Storm Daniel.

KSrelief distributes 2,916 food parcels in Libya (SPA)

In Sudan, KSrelief handed out 600 shelter bags in the Northern State, benefiting 3,479 members of the neediest families affected by flash floods.
In Turkiye, KSrelief conducted volunteer medical programs for adult and pediatric orthopedic surgery in the provinces of Gaziantep and Hatay on Aug. 24-31.
The programs involved 28 volunteers from various medical specialties as part of the Saudi Volunteer Life program to assist those affected by the earthquakes in Syria and Turkiye.

KSrelief distributes 600 shelter bags in Sudan (SPA)

In Lebanon, KSrelief continued implementing the Al-Amal Charitable Bakery project in Akkar governorate and Al-Minieh district on Aug. 15-21.
The project distributed 150,000 bags of bread to Syrian and Palestinian families, as well as to residents of the host community, benefiting 62,500 individuals.

KSrelief continues to distribute bread in Lebanon (SPA)

 


KSrelief continues food, water and health projects in Yemen

KSrelief continues food, water and health projects in Yemen
Updated 07 September 2024
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KSrelief continues food, water and health projects in Yemen

KSrelief continues food, water and health projects in Yemen

RIYADH: KSrelief continues to implement several projects in Yemen that provide food, shelter, primary health care and water services for people displaced by the conflict.
In the Razih District of Yemen’s Saada Governorate, 127 individuals benefited from the services provided by the health education department and the epidemic disease control, internal medicine, reproductive health, and emergency clinics from August 14 to 20.

KSrelief distributes 320 food parcels in Yemen's Taiz. (SPA)


Four waste disposal programs were also carried out, various medications were dispensed to 120 individuals and 16,200 liters of potable water were pumped to the district.
KSrelief also distributed 320 food parcels in Maqbanah district in Taiz governorate, benefiting 2,240 individuals affected by the recent flashfloods in several Yemeni governorates.
The agency also handed 150 shelter bags, tents, and food packages to needy families in Al-Abr District in Yemen’s Hadramout governorate, benefiting 650 individuals from 50 families.