Saudi Arabia committed to cooperate in global efforts to protect marine resources, says climate affairs envoy

Saudi Arabia committed to cooperate in global efforts to protect marine resources, says climate affairs envoy
Saudi Arabia's Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir delivering his speech during the High Level Event on Ocean Action: Immersed in Change in San Jose, Costa Rica, on Saturday. (SPA)
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Updated 09 June 2024
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Saudi Arabia committed to cooperate in global efforts to protect marine resources, says climate affairs envoy

Saudi Arabia committed to cooperate in global efforts to protect marine resources, says climate affairs envoy
  • Two-day event in Costa Rica is to prepare for the UN Ocean Conference in France in 2025
  • Topics discussed included the capacity of the oceans to absorb carbon dioxide, the need for sustainable fishing and tackling marine pollution

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s climate envoy, Adel Al-Jubeir, on Saturday said the Kingdom is committed to cooperate with the international community in enhancing efforts to protect oceans and marine resources.

Al-Jubeir, who is also minister of state for foreign affairs and a member of the Council of Ministers, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment in a speech at Ocean Action: Immersed in Change, a high-level event in the Costa Rican capital, San Jose, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The San Jose gathering of country representatives, scientists and international experts, is to prepare for the 3rd UN Ocean Conference, to be held in France in 2025. Participants debated issues including the capacity of the ocean to absorb carbon dioxide, the need for sustainable fishing and tackling marine pollution.




Saudi Arabia's Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir stands with other country representatives, scientists and international experts for a family photo at the close of the two-day High Level Event on Ocean Action: Immersed in Change in San Jose, Costa Rica, on Saturday. (X: @KSAmofaEN)

Al-Jubeir cited Saudi Arabia’s participation in international negotiations that resulted in a legally binding formula for an agreement on the sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas outside national areas.

The Kingdom also took an active part in negotiations aimed at coming up with a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution that includes the marine environment, SPA reported.

Al-Jubeir also noted that the Saudi Green Initiative, part of Saudi Vision 2030, has a commitment to protecting 30 percent of the Kingdom’s terrestrial and marine areas by 2030.

During Saudi Arabia’s presidency of the G20 in 2020, the Kingdom led international efforts by launching the global platform to accelerate research and development of coral reefs to complement international efforts to protect the marine environment, he said.

He further cited the Kingdom’s commitment to the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems in the Red Sea and its launch of the General Foundation for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea.




Costa Rica's President Rodrigo Chaves receives Adel Al-Jubeir, Saudi Arabia's minister of state for foreign affairs and climate envoy Adel Al-Jubeir on the sidelines of the High Level Event on Ocean Action: Immersed in Change. (X: @KSAmofaEN)

“The Kingdom contributes effectively to regional efforts to protect and preserve the marine environment in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. It is also a member of the Regional Authority for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment,” Al-Jubeir said.

Earlier on Friday, Li Junhua, the UN undersecretary-general for social affairs, said at the start of the talks that protecting the ocean was “not an option but an imperative.”

Costa Rica’s President Rodrigo Chaves, host of the two-day meeting, said that if the world does not act, “we as a generation would be taking away the future of humanity.”


Arab talent shines as global stars hit Joy Awards’ lavender carpet 

Arab talent shines as global stars hit Joy Awards’ lavender carpet 
Updated 30 min 14 sec ago
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Arab talent shines as global stars hit Joy Awards’ lavender carpet 

Arab talent shines as global stars hit Joy Awards’ lavender carpet 
  • Joy Awards are Saudi Arabia’s largest event honoring the Arab world’s leading artists and their achievements
  • Winners were selected based on public voting through an application launched by the General Entertainment Authority

RIYADH: The inaugural Joy Awards honored Arab talent with musical performances that serenaded a star-studded guest list at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena on Saturday.

The award show opened with a concert by Christina Aguilera, who performed “The Voice Within” and her hit song “Genie in a Bottle.”

Musical icons Mohammed Abdo and Andrea Bocelli performed together, blending Gulf and Italian sounds.

Lebanese singer Wael Kfoury and Canadian artist Michael Buble collaborated on a striking rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” performed in both English and Arabic.

Amanda Seyfried, Morgan Freeman and Matthew McConaughey were among the international and local celebrities who showcased their dazzling ensembles on the ceremony’s iconic lavender carpet on Saturday.

As a tribute to her first visit to the Kingdom, US actress Kate Siegel attended the ceremony wearing a pearly white dress with black drapings by Saudi brand Abadia.

“I picked it because I wanted to represent Saudi Arabian designers and fashion, especially here in Riyadh, which is such an upcoming hot spot for Saudi Arabian fashion,” she said.

Lebanese actress Nawal Kamel arrived in a black and silver studded gown designed by her go-to Lebanese fashion designer, Joelle Nemnum.

“I can’t believe I’m here. I’m very excited to meet the (Saudi) people up close. I know many people from Lebanon but being here and seeing the locals, who are so different and incredible, is amazing. They (Saudis) are so kind and welcoming — they truly lift you up and take care of you. I’m so grateful to be here and to witness the Joy Awards,” she said.

Held at the Kingdom Arena, the Joy Awards are Saudi Arabia’s largest event recognizing and honoring the Arab world’s leading artists and their achievements. The event is part of Riyadh Season and is co-organized by MBC Group.

The winners were selected based on public voting through an application launched by the General Entertainment Authority. The list included candidates across various categories. The nominees were carefully chosen by specialized committees based on their efforts and achievements over the past year.
 


Saudi fashion startups award reaches final stage

Saudi fashion startups award reaches final stage
Updated 18 January 2025
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Saudi fashion startups award reaches final stage

Saudi fashion startups award reaches final stage
  • Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak said that sustainability was central to the commission’s vision for the future of the industry

RIYADH: The Fashion Commission and luxury group Kering have launched the selection process for the winners of the Kering Generation Award X Saudi Arabia.

The initiative aims to support innovative startups making a significant impact on the fashion industry, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The application process began in November 2024, inviting startups to submit applications and promote sustainability. More than 100 startups applied, with 20 selected to participate in a three-day training camp in Riyadh.

The program featured workshops focused on key performance indicators, goal setting and pitching skills, SPA reported.

On Jan. 14, the shortlist of 20 startups gathered in Riyadh for the final presentation, where each applicant was evaluated on customer engagement, circular economy and water protection.

Following the presentations, the evaluation process began to select the top 10 proposals, which will be assessed by the jury based on innovation, relevance, fashion connection, and potential impact on nature and society.

The awards ceremony will take place on Jan. 27 in Riyadh, where the top three winning startups will be announced.

Winners will have the opportunity to travel to Paris for exclusive mentoring with Kering’s sustainability teams and present their innovations at the ChangeNOW 2025 summit.

Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak said that sustainability was central to the commission’s vision for the future of the industry.

He added that the award aimed to showcase and support startups driving innovation in circular fashion and environmental stewardship.

Cakmak emphasized the commission’s commitment to advancing solutions that address current challenges and pave the way for a sustainable future in fashion.

 


Jazan festival showcases region’s rich heritage

Erth Village, a highlight of the festival, is showcasing traditional handicrafts, games and clothing. (SPA)
Erth Village, a highlight of the festival, is showcasing traditional handicrafts, games and clothing. (SPA)
Updated 18 January 2025
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Jazan festival showcases region’s rich heritage

Erth Village, a highlight of the festival, is showcasing traditional handicrafts, games and clothing. (SPA)
  • Visitors can learn about heritage professions in the craftsmen’s corner, including leather tanning, pottery, weaving, ornament making, sewing and embroidery

RIYADH: The Jazan Winter Festival has attracted a large number of visitors with a variety of heritage events, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The festival plays a key role in boosting regional tourism, drawing guests from within the Kingdom and beyond.

Erth Village, a highlight of the festival, is showcasing traditional handicrafts, games and clothing, the SPA reported.

Visitors can learn about heritage professions in the craftsmen’s corner, including leather tanning, pottery, weaving, ornament making, sewing and embroidery.

The scheme stimulates the local economy and highlights the region’s culture through captivating performances and folk dances, the SPA added.

Local perfumes and herbs are on display, highlighting the area’s rich heritage. Food enthusiasts can try traditional dishes that showcase local ingredients and culinary traditions.

Spanning three months, the event features 300 activities across 42 sites in Jazan and its governorates. The festival’s activities also include art exhibitions, plays and poetry gatherings.

 


Saudi ambassador meets Mauritian minister in Port Louis

Mohammed Reza Cassam Uteem (R) receives Fayez bin Meshal Al-Temyat in Port Louis. (Supplied)
Mohammed Reza Cassam Uteem (R) receives Fayez bin Meshal Al-Temyat in Port Louis. (Supplied)
Updated 18 January 2025
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Saudi ambassador meets Mauritian minister in Port Louis

Mohammed Reza Cassam Uteem (R) receives Fayez bin Meshal Al-Temyat in Port Louis. (Supplied)
  • They discussed way to enhance bilateral relations as well as other topics of mutual interest

PORT LOUIS: Saudi Ambassador to Mauritius Fayez bin Meshal Al-Temyat recently met Mauritian Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations Mohammed Reza Cassam Uteem, the Saudi Embassy wrote on X on Saturday.

During the meeting, they discussed way to enhance bilateral relations as well as other topics of mutual interest.

Meanwhile, officials at the Digital Cooperation Organization received Austrian Ambassador to the Kingdom Oskar Wustinger and a delegation from Austria’s Ministry of Finance, the Agency for Economic Cooperation and Development, and other institutions, the organization wrote on X on Saturday.

 


Saudi customs tackle 2,124 smuggling cases in single week

Saudi customs tackle 2,124 smuggling cases in single week
Updated 18 January 2025
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Saudi customs tackle 2,124 smuggling cases in single week

Saudi customs tackle 2,124 smuggling cases in single week
  • The crackdown included more than 350 cases linked to prohibited substances

RIYADH: Customs officials at land, air, and sea ports across the Kingdom were involved in 2,124 seizures of prohibited items in a single week, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority reported.
The figure reflected the authority’s commitment to protecting society from smuggling and illegal activities, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The crackdown included more than 350 cases linked to prohibited substances, of which 98 involved narcotics such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, shabu and captagon pills.
The authorities also thwarted more than 1,745 attempts to smuggle tobacco and its derivatives, 22 cases involving money and three cases involving weapons and related accessories.
The authority urged the public to report any information regarding smuggling by calling 1910, the international number 009661910 or by emailing [email protected]. Financial rewards are offered for accurate information.