Saudi Arabia signs development agreement with Kosovo

After signing the deal in Kosovo, Sultan Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, poses for a photo with Kosovo's Minister of Finance, Labor and Transfers Hekuran Murati. (Supplied)
After signing the deal in Kosovo, Sultan Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, poses for a photo with Kosovo's Minister of Finance, Labor and Transfers Hekuran Murati. (Supplied)
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Updated 29 July 2024
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Saudi Arabia signs development agreement with Kosovo

Saudi Arabia signs development agreement with Kosovo
  • The loan will be used to finance the Pristina-Mitrovica Highway Project

RIYADH: Saudi Fund for Development CEO Sultan Al-Marshad on Monday signed a development loan agreement worth over $14 million with Kosovo’s Minister of Finance, Labor and Transfers Hekuran Murati in Kosovo.

The loan will be used to finance the Pristina-Mitrovica Highway Project, its official account reported on X.

The scheme will enhance infrastructure, rehabilitate essential road services and improve road safety standards for 27,000 vehicles daily. It will also create job opportunities and support social development, the statement said.

 

 


Riyadh wins bid to host UN World Data Forum 2026

Saudi Arabia has won the bid to host the UN World Data Forum 2026 in Riyadh. (@Stats_Saudi)
Saudi Arabia has won the bid to host the UN World Data Forum 2026 in Riyadh. (@Stats_Saudi)
Updated 5 sec ago
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Riyadh wins bid to host UN World Data Forum 2026

Saudi Arabia has won the bid to host the UN World Data Forum 2026 in Riyadh. (@Stats_Saudi)
  • Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global statistical advancement recognized

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics, has won the bid to host the UN World Data Forum 2026 in Riyadh.

It was recently announced by the High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The decision followed a majority vote after a review of proposals from competing countries, highlighting their ability to host the global event.

Fahad Al-Dossari, president of the General Authority for Statistics, presented Saudi Arabia’s bid during the group’s meeting. His presentation outlined the authority’s advancements in statistical work, the Kingdom’s experience hosting international events and its capacity to provide logistical support for such gatherings.

The proposal also introduced a suggested theme for the forum: “Using the Latest Technologies and Methodologies to Enhance Global Statistical Systems and Enable Sustainable Development.”

Al-Dossari said: “Hosting this event reflects the Kingdom’s prominent status, affirming King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s commitment to supporting the statistical sector, recognizing the crucial role of statistical data in achieving comprehensive and sustainable development.”

He added: “Winning the bid to host the 2026 UN World Data Forum highlights the progress made in the statistical field, driven by initiatives from the General Authority for Statistics, which aim to produce accurate and updated data through improved data management and governance.”

The forum, targeting 193 UN member states, reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting high-quality statistical data and indicators. It will invite participants from international organizations, UN member states’ statistical offices and data scientist groups.


Makkah’s first stone park to promote sustainability

Makkah’s first stone park to promote sustainability
Updated 6 min 57 sec ago
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Makkah’s first stone park to promote sustainability

Makkah’s first stone park to promote sustainability
  • The project aims to improve park landscapes, promote environmental sustainability, and blend natural beauty with local heritage using sustainable technologies

RIYADH: Makkah municipality is building the first stone park on 1,000 square meters, using recycled materials and leftover stones from local projects.

The project aims to improve park landscapes, promote environmental sustainability, and blend natural beauty with local heritage using sustainable technologies, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The park will feature eco-friendly materials, seating areas, educational paths, and children’s play spaces, with minimal maintenance required due to the durable stone used.

The design adapts to climate changes, considering temperature shifts and rainfall, while allowing for easy modifications, SPA stated.


Saudi Arabia to showcase sustainable hunting at Qatar expo

Spanning 91,500 sq. km, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve is the second-largest royal reserve.
Spanning 91,500 sq. km, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve is the second-largest royal reserve.
Updated 12 min 7 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia to showcase sustainable hunting at Qatar expo

Spanning 91,500 sq. km, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve is the second-largest royal reserve.
  • The authority aims to promote sustainable hunting and showcase its expertise in the Shamal Reserve for Sustainable Hunting

RIYADH: The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority will participate in the eighth Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition in Qatar from Sept. 10 to 14.

The authority aims to promote sustainable hunting and showcase its expertise in the Shamal Reserve for Sustainable Hunting.

It will highlight efforts to increase game populations, protect biodiversity, and preserve traditional hunting methods, all while adhering to environmental sustainability standards.

The Shamal Reserve, located within the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, covers 2,000 sq. km. It offers comprehensive services and a unique hunting experience, attracting enthusiasts from the Kingdom and Gulf states.

Spanning 91,500 sq. km, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve is the second-largest royal reserve, home to 138 wildlife species and 179 plant species. It is known for its rich ecology, stunning landscapes, and heritage sites.

Efforts over the past four years have significantly increased populations of endangered species like the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, houbara bustard, and red-necked ostrich, while also fostering a resurgence of reptiles and insects.


Saudi ambassador to Japan visits Japanese school

Saudi ambassador to Japan visits Japanese school
Updated 08 September 2024
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Saudi ambassador to Japan visits Japanese school

Saudi ambassador to Japan visits Japanese school

Dr. Ghazi Binzagr, the Saudi Arabian ambassador to Japan, visited the Shizuoka Futaba Junior and Senior High School on Sept. 3, where he discussed the Kingdom’s culture with the pupils as part of the school’s cultural exchange event. 

There were 230 pupils at Binzagr’s session, where he gave a speech about bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan and encouraged the students to visit the Kingdom. 

Saudi ambassdor participated in the school’s tea ceremony activities. (@KSAembassyJP)

Additionally, he discussed Saudi Arabia’s culture and introduced dates and lambs as dishes that represent the Kingdom. He said the two countries have similarities in culture, such as respecting and appreciating elderly people. 

“I want two countries with similar values to deepen intergenerational ties in the fields of culture and economy and convey the charm of Asia to the world,” Binzagr said. 

The ambassador engaged with the students as he answered their questions about the Kingdom and shared memories from his childhood. He also participated in the school’s tea ceremony activities. 

The speech had a positive effect on the students, reflecting their curiosity about different cultures. “The words ‘cherish encounters’ were impressive. I wanted to know more about Saudi Arabia,” one of the pupils said.

 


KSrelief delivers critical aid across Yemen, Sudan, and Lebanon

KSrelief delivers critical aid across Yemen, Sudan, and Lebanon
Updated 08 September 2024
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KSrelief delivers critical aid across Yemen, Sudan, and Lebanon

KSrelief delivers critical aid across Yemen, Sudan, and Lebanon

KSrelief continues its wide-reaching humanitarian efforts, providing crucial aid and healthcare services to various regions affected by crises.

In Yemen's Waalan Camp, located in the Harad District of Hajjah Governorate, mobile medical clinics operated by KSrelief delivered essential healthcare services from August 14 to 20, 2024. During this period, 98 individuals benefited from treatment, including 42 patients in the epidemic control clinic, 26 in the emergency clinic, 18 in internal medicine, and 10 in reproductive health.

At least 34 patients visited the nursing services department, 98 individuals received medication, and 7 beneficiaries were cared for in the surgery and dressing clinic.

In Al-Soum District, Hadhramaut Governorate, Yemen, 195 shelter bags and 195 food baskets were distributed, benefiting 2,505 people.

Meanwhile, in Kassala State, Sudan, 480 food baskets were provided to displaced families and those in need, assisting 2,871 individuals. Further support was offered to the River Nile State in Sudan, where 1,164 shelter bags were distributed to 6,693 people affected by heavy rains and flash floods. 

In northern Lebanon, KSrelief funded the ambulance services of the Subul Al Salam Social Association, which conducted 61 ambulance missions in the Miniyeh district.