Saudi FM calls for sanctions on Israeli officials amid Gaza war
Israel’s expansion of settlements undermines peace process, says Prince Faisal bin Farhan
Updated 05 July 2024
Arab News
MADRID: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has urged European nations to impose sanctions on Israeli officials violating international human rights laws as he warned that Israel’s war on Gaza was affecting the entire Middle East, including southern Lebanon.
“The situation in the Gaza Strip does not only affect the Palestinian issue but the entire region and contributes to further escalations, which is currently happening in southern Lebanon,” he said on Thursday.
He was speaking at a panel discussion titled “Wars and shadow wars: What are Europe’s options in the Middle East?” at the European Council on Foreign Relations meeting in Madrid.
“Basic principles of international law and international humanitarian law are being violated every day in Gaza.”
- Foreign Minister HH @FaisalbinFarhan at the panel titled "Wars and shadow wars: What are Europe's options in the Middle East?" at the annual meeting of the @ecfr. pic.twitter.com/WUhYzieN5P
Prince Faisal highlighted the international community’s silence on Israel’s continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank that undermine the peace process in Palestine.
He said the least that European countries can do is condemn Israel’s failure to abide by its commitments.
And they should take stricter steps such as imposing sanctions on those officials violating international human rights laws, the SPA reported.
He said the Palestinian people have the right to self-determination and deserve an independent state recognized internationally.
“The majority of the international community agrees that the permanent and just solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the two-state solution, yet they stand idle in the face of matters that could undermine the two-state solution, such as Israel’s continued expansion of settlement activities.”
He praised those European countries that have recognized Palestine as a state, including Spain. This was “a very important move” that supports the peace process and the push toward a two-state solution, he said.
Prince Faisal reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to the besieged population.
Saudi aid agency distributes food baskets, shelter kits to displaced families in Chad, Sudan and Yemen
KSrelief said it has distributed a total of 2,032 baskets of food and 1,175 shelter kits benefitting 19,668 people in the 3 countries
Since its inception in 2015, KSrelief has implemented 2,670 projects worth more than $6.5 billion in 95 countries
Updated 57 min 44 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) on Sunday said it carried out relief efforts targetting the neediest and displaced families in Chad, Sudan and Yemen over the past days.
In separate announcements reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), KSrelief said it distributed a total of 2,032 baskets of food and 1,175 shelter kits benefitting 19,668 people in five areas of the three countries.
In Chad, 1,400 food baskets were given to the neediest families in N'Djamena, benefiting 8,400 individuals, as part of the food security support project in Chad for 2024.
In Yemen, 632 food baskets were distributed to the most needy groups in the Sheikh Othman district of Aden governorate, benefitting 4,424 individuals.
In Sudan, KSrelief workers distributed aid in three separate areas: 320 shelter bags in the Nile River State, benefiting 1,927 individuals; 455 shelter kits in Northern State, benefitting 2,617 people; and 400 shelter bags in Khartoum State, benefiting 2,300 individuals.
"This initiative is part of a series of relief and humanitarian projects implemented by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through KSrelief to assist the Sudanese people during their ongoing humanitarian crisis," SPA said.
Since its inception in 2015, KSrelief has implemented 2,670 projects worth more than $6.5 billion in 95 countries, in cooperation with 175 local, regional and international partners.
According to a report by the agency, the bulk of the support has gone to Yemen ($4.3 billion), Syria ($391 million), Palestine ($370 million) and Somalia ($227 million).
Saudi students switch up a gear in high-octane F1 finals
Winners will represent Saudi Arabia in a global competition later this year
Updated 07 July 2024
Jasmine Bager
DHAHRAN: Dhahran was the big winner in the Saudi segment of the F1 in Schools National Championships powered by Aramco, with teams claiming first and fourth places in the competition held at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra, at the weekend.
The 2024 national champion title went to Dhahran’s Shaheen, second place to Al-Ahsa’s Venture, third to Riyadh’s Clad, and fourth — an additional award added for the first time — to Dhahran’s Oryx.
Ithra’s Great hall was transformed into an immersive hub on Saturday, with the focus on Formula 1 continuing until July 13. (AN photos)
Winners will represent Saudi Arabia in a global competition due to take place in the Kingdom later this year.
The F1 in Schools competition is a globally recognized educational program that challenges students to design, build, and race miniature F1 cars. This year’s theme was “Overtake the Impossible.”
Maha Abdulhadi, head of F1 in Schools at Ithra, said in a statement: “With a shared commitment to serving as an incubator of education and youth empowerment, Ithra and F1 in Schools offer young people the knowledge and experiential spaces to develop their ambition and skills to create a bright future for themselves and their country.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The F1 in Schools competition is a globally recognized educational program that challenges students to design, build, and race miniature F1 cars.
• Participating students, aged 15-16, were expected to use a STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, art and math) learning program.
“We are excited to host these promising young students, their families and visitors from across the country as the competition shifts gears.”
Ithra’s Great hall was transformed into an immersive hub on Saturday, with the focus on Formula 1 continuing until July 13. (AN photos)
Ithra’s Great Hall was transformed into an immersive hub on Saturday, with the focus on Formula 1 continuing until July 13.
Eight simulators will allow those over the age of 15 to test drive an F1 vehicle in real time. A VR experience also offers visitors an authentic taste of high-speed action.
On Saturday, students cheered when they saw their faces appear on screen during a “Day in the Life of F1 in Schools” video segment.
Ithra’s Great hall was transformed into an immersive hub on Saturday, with the focus on Formula 1 continuing until July 13. (AN photos)
The ceremony also celebrated trainers and judges who had flown in from around the world, as well as local judges.
Students from different schools worked in groups for the past six months, developing prototypes under the supervision of 38 professionals.
Participating students, all 15 or 16 years of age, were expected to use a STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, art and math) learning program, which combines both hard and soft skills.
Ithra’s Great hall was transformed into an immersive hub on Saturday, with the focus on Formula 1 continuing until July 13. (Photo/Yasir Alqunais)
Students were able to explore topics ranging from physics and aerodynamics to design, manufacturing, branding and graphics. They were also taught marketing and leadership skills, how to use social media effectively, and how to create a financial strategy.
This year, 120 students were split into 20 teams, with each team working out of a local hub. The cities of Dhahran, Al-Ahsa, Riyadh, Jeddah and Madinah returned this year, while Abha was added for the first time.
To demonstrate Ithra’s commitment to local culture, folk dancers from each of the six represented cities performed together on stage, while images of students working on their F1 projects were displayed in the background.
Ithra’s Great hall was transformed into an immersive hub on Saturday, with the focus on Formula 1 continuing until July 13. (Photo/Yasir Alqunais)
Ithra first partnered with F1 in Schools in 2021, and has been running the national level competition in Saudi Arabia, spearheading the launch of several learning hubs across the Kingdom to facilitate the training and development of students as part of the F1 challenge.
In 2023, Ithra hosted the country’s first F1 in Schools national finals, with 16 teams competing.
Andrew Denford, the founder and chairman of F1 in Schools, noted at the time that girls made up 68 percent of the participating students. Three of the teams went on to represent Saudi Arabia at that year’s world finals in Singapore, with the Oryx team from Dhahran winning the Innovative Thinking Award.
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture. (Photo/Yasir Alqunais)
A large percentage of girls also took part in the competition this year, competing for 12 awards in categories ranging from fastest car and verbal presentation to sustainability.
In continuing with Ithra’s promotion of recycling, workshops created molds of cars by melting plastic bottle caps in a designated lab. Molds made specifically for F1 in Schools will be available all week.
Under the library’s escalator, a car made of 90 percent recycled or repurposed components, including 5,000 water bottles, steel and acrylic sheets, was placed on display. At least 12 people took about 1,500 hours to create the 120 kg vehicle.
The 10-day series of events will include interactive activities, as well as a paper car-making workshop, mixed reality pit garage, car Lego station, and talks with F1 experts.
Speaking at the award ceremony, David Howes, director of communication and events for F1 in Schools, said: “Having worked for F1 Esports since 2004, I’ve witnessed our global community grow from four countries to 62 today, and it really is an honor to be here in Saudi Arabia, not only to witness a national title, but to witness a world-class event, and most importantly, to see world-class teams competing.”
The fourth Formula 1 in Schools is now open for applicants. Students who qualify can apply via the Ithra website, where a full schedule of this week’s activities is also on view.
Umm Mohammed said: “I began at just 7 years old, using charcoal for baking ... over 45 years, I have refined my techniques and I am constantly innovating”
Updated 07 July 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The third annual Beit Hail Festival, themed “Our Home is Your Home ... Oh, My Beloved,” is a showcase of the region’s rich culinary traditions, with Hail’s renowned klaija dessert taking center stage this year.
The traditional pastry, deeply rooted in Saudi heritage, has captivated visitors with its diversity of shapes and preparation methods.
In an interview with the Saudi Press Agency, Umm Mohammed, a 55-year-old klaija artisan, said: “I began at just 7 years old, using charcoal for baking ... over 45 years, I have refined my techniques and I am constantly innovating.”
The secret to klaija’s distinctive flavor lies in each maker’s proprietary spice blend, combined with staple ingredients like flour, sugar and cardamom. (SPA)
According to Umm Mohammed, the secret to klaija’s distinctive flavor lies in each maker’s proprietary spice blend, combined with staple ingredients like flour, sugar and cardamom.
Fellow klaija expert Umm Badr, with two decades of experience, highlighted the importance of continuous practice in perfecting the art of making the baked good.
“This craft evolves over time,” she said. “Klaija-making has become a significant source of income for participating families.”
Umm Badr has been a regular fixture at the region’s heritage and tourism festivals, where her creations have garnered widespread acclaim.
Presidency for Religious Affairs announces 2024 Umrah season plan
Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, president of the presidency, said the plan aims to promote the points of strength during the Umrah season while maximizing the concept of serving, caring and focusing on the pilgrims
Updated 07 July 2024
Arab News
MAKKAH: The Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Two Holy Mosques launched the 2024 Umrah season plan, one of the largest of its kind in the presidency’s history.
The aim is to enrich the experience of Umrah pilgrims and visitors and create a devotional atmosphere through hundreds of religious enrichment initiatives and programs during the Umrah season, as well as attract thousands of volunteers to the Two Holy Mosques.
During the launching of the plan at his office, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, president of the presidency, said the plan aims to promote the points of strength during the Umrah season while maximizing the concept of serving, caring and focusing on the pilgrims.
It seeks to enhance the integrative roles within the Umrah system and coordinate with all government authorities and partners.
He said the presidency is in the process of launching smart religious robots that will provide services to the pilgrims at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.
MDLBEAST provides soundtrack to Esports World Cup 2024 in Riyadh
Rappers Wiz Khalifa, Gunna, G-Eazy, Don Toliver, Jack Harlow among artists performing this month
Updated 07 July 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi music entertainment company MDLBEAST is staging a series of performances by international artists to coincicide with the Esports World Cup 2024.
AFT_r music shows will take place weekly over seven weeks until Aug. 15 at Boulevard Riyadh City.
The opening event featured performers such as Aly Fathallah, singer and producer Ckay, DJ Nooriyah, and rapper ElGrandeToto.
American rappers Wiz Khalifa, Gunna, G-Eazy, Don Toliver, and Jack Harlow will be among artists performing in coming weeks.
The lineup also features international DJs such as DJ Snake, R3HAB, and Sebastian Ingrosso.
“The launch of AFT_r shows with the supporting events of EWC, the largest event of its kind in the world, provides local audiences and visitors with an outstanding musical entertainment experience during this global event, strengthening the Kingdom’s regional and global position in esports, and music entertainment,” MDLBEAST CEO Ramadan Alharatani said.
The EWC tournament features a cross-game structure that pits the world’s top esports teams and athletes against one another for the competition’s largest-ever prize pool.
