Saudi Arabia awards top startups in global blue economy challenge/node/2572464/saudi-arabia
Saudi Arabia awards top startups in global blue economy challenge
The Regenerative Blue Economy Challenge is funded by the Saudi ministry of Economy and Planning and spearheaded by WAVE and Friends of Ocean Action, along with various ecosystem partners. (Shutterstock)
The winners, revealed at the UN Summit of the Future in New York over the weekend, showcased innovative solutions to protect and restore the oceans and address challenges to their sustainability, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
They were chosen from 203 submissions by startups around the world for their groundbreaking contributions to addressing marine pollution, promoting ecosystem restoration and rewilding, and accelerating ocean-based climate solutions.
The winning cohort will benefit from exclusive networking opportunities, targeted support, increased visibility, and a share of 300,000 Swiss francs ($353,000) in prize money to further develop their projects.
They will join a support program to scale their work, backed by ecosystem partners offering business advisory, market access, global event opportunities, and financial grants and investments.
The top five finalists will present their projects to a high-level panel from Saudi Arabia and international organizations.
The three highest-scoring projects will receive additional funding and entry into the UpLink Accelerator Program, which offers targeted support to further develop their work.
The Regenerative Blue Economy Challenge is funded by the Saudi ministry and spearheaded by WAVE and Friends of Ocean Action, along with various ecosystem partners.
The call for proposals was launched by Vice Minister of Economy and Planning Ammar Nagadi on April 29 during the World Economic Forum Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development in Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia has played a pivotal role in shaping opportunities for the private and public sectors by enabling early-stage startups and facilitating their growth and scalability.
The winners include CHITELIX (Tunisia), SolarDuck (Netherlands), Kind Designs (US), Rongbient Biotech Company Ltd. (Vietnam), GREENOV (France), Rrreefs (Switzerland), Mwani Zanzibar (Tanzania) and Blue Ocean Gear (US).
The others are SEA CRAS d.o.o. (Croatia), Polychaeta (Tunisia), Reefgen (US), Advanced Third Age Renewable Energy Co. (Morocco), Swiss Ocean Tech Ltd. (Switzerland), NextProtein (France) and PolyGone Systems (US).
Joy on streets of the Kingdom on 94th National Day
Art, music, parades, fireworks and more mark occasion enjoyed by children and families
Updated 30 min 7 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Monday marked a day of joy and expressions of pride as people throughout the Kingdom took to the streets flying the Saudi flag high at various events organized by local authorities to mark the occasion.
The Royal Guard Presidency organized a celebration of the 94th Saudi National Day on Sept. 23 in Jeddah, in the presence of Maj. Gen. Suleiman Al-Hudhaili, the commander of the Royal Guard Group in the Western Region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The celebration included musical performances of Saudi melodies, a motorcycle parade, a show by the Honor Guard, and other activities.
The official ceremony began with the national anthem and recitation of verses from the Qur’an, followed by a performance of an operetta titled “And Blessings,” presented by Dar Al-Tarbia Al-Hadetha School, a documentary film about the occasion, and a film by the Royal Guard, all themed around the special day.
The General Entertainment Authority also organized fireworks displays throughout the Kingdom to celebrate the day. (SPA)
The ceremony also featured welcoming words, poems and national melodies, with attendees gathering to enjoy the festive atmosphere and promote the values of national unity.
The 94th National Day celebrations in the Jazan region, organized by the municipality in the northern coastal area of Jazan city, also attracted a large and diverse crowd of visitors of all ages.
Locals with their children thronged the event venue adorned with the national flag, enjoying shows, parades and cultural exhibitions organized by local associations and clubs in partnership with the Ministry of Sports. The activities took place along the cultural street in Jazan.
People visited art stations to admire national-themed artworks symbolizing allegiance, patriotism and admiration for the nation and its leadership.
Locals with their children adorned with the national flag, enjoyed shows, parades and cultural exhibitions. (SPA)
The cultural street, stretching more than 450 meters, featured a wide range of attractions for visitors along its length. People could stroll shaded pathways adorned with decorative motifs featuring the national flag, relax in designated seating areas, and pose for photos next to beautiful sculptures.
Families and children in Madinah also enjoyed an atmosphere of happiness at events and programs held in parks and squares. The events were held under the slogan “We Dream, We Achieve.”
In Hail and Tabuk, thousands of children draped in the national flag and dressed in its colors, also celebrated National Day, joining their families at various public spaces for celebrations organized by the local municipalities.
A bicycle parade in Yanbu featured 130 cyclists carrying national flags to celebrate the day. The event was attended by Yanbu Governor Saad bin Marzouq Al-Suhaimi, government officials and numerous enthusiasts.
A bicycle parade in Yanbu featured 130 cyclists carrying national flags to celebrate the day. (SPA)
The parade started from the Royal Commission in Yanbu Industrial City and continued to the historic district in Yanbu Al-Bahr. It involved local security forces, industrial security from the commission, and 21 volunteers, all expressing their joy for Saudi National Day.
In the Northern Borders region, cities and governorates were decorated with more than 6,000 flags raised in gardens, public parks, streets and squares, and 650 advertising boards.
Festivities included entertainment and cultural events organized by the region’s municipality and held in Arar Water Tower Park.
The General Entertainment Authority also organized fireworks displays throughout the Kingdom to celebrate the day. The fireworks were launched simultaneously in Riyadh, Jeddah, AlKhobar, Buraidah, Tabuk, Madinah, Abha, Hail, Arar, Najran, Baha, Al-Jouf and Jazan.
The festivities attracted a diverse audience and provided a rich mix of entertainment and cultural activities for all ages
Updated 23 September 2024
Afshan Aziz
JEDDAH: Under the theme “We Build Our Nation with Our Heritage and Future,” the Tariq Abdul Hakim Center in Jeddah celebrated the 94th Saudi National Day from Sept. 19 to 23.
The festivities attracted a diverse audience and provided a rich mix of entertainment and cultural activities for all ages.
Ibrahim Al-Sanousi, acting CEO of the Museums Commission, said: “The late Tariq Abdul Hakim was a prominent figure who greatly contributed to the development of Saudi Arabia’s national music identity.
“Celebrating our National Day at the Tariq Abdul Hakim Center today underscores the importance of preserving and appreciating our rich cultural heritage and fostering a sense of pride among all Saudis.”
The event featured a visit from local students to the center’s museum, where they were introduced to the history of Saudi music and art through the legacy of the late composer.
Tariq Abdul Hakim is celebrated as the “Master of Saudi Art,” and the museum has a diverse collection of artifacts, including his personal belongings, musical instruments, recordings, traditional attire and numerous awards.
To honor the late composer, the center staged live musical sessions on its rooftop, allowing attendees to enjoy a program of national and traditional songs. The family-friendly atmosphere included an interactive karaoke experience, inviting visitors to show off their singing talent.
Various workshops for participants of all ages were organized too, blending educational and entertaining elements aimed at enhancing skills in playing musical instruments and singing.
The festivities attracted a diverse audience and provided a rich mix of entertainment and cultural activities for all ages. (Supplied)
Yasser Alshehri, the workshop instructor, shared insights about the national anthem and told Arab News: “The national anthem was without words before, it was just musical notes. So, King Khalid ordered lyrics to be written for the national anthem to go along with the music. The writer, Ibrahim Khafaji, worked with Tariq Abdul Hakim to write the music notes for it.”
Discussing its launch, he said: “Unfortunately, King Khalid passed away before it was completed, and then King Fahad continued the project. It was written on a Friday in 1984 and released in schools, embassies and nationwide. In this workshop, we are giving a brief history about the national anthem, how it came to be, and then I play the notes where the participants sing along.”
Yasser Alshehri, the workshop instructor shared insights about the national anthem. (Supplied)
Adding to the festive spirit, a food corner offered traditional Saudi dishes and refreshing beverages, highlighting local flavors. Younger guests enjoyed face painting and other engaging activities, while a gift shop provided Saudi heritage-inspired souvenirs for those wishing to take home a memento of the celebration.
Arabic calligrapher Mariam Al-Yafi had a stall where she crafted names and phrases on request, and visitors could explore the art of calligraphy.
She told Arab News: “Through my calligraphy, I aim to showcase the beauty of Arabic script and its deep cultural significance.
“Calligraphy is not just an art form, it is a reflection of our heritage and stories that connect us to our history. I am proud to contribute to the rich tapestry of Saudi culture by sharing my art with others during this important occasion.”
At a stall featuring Mariam Al-Yafi, an Arabic calligrapher, visitors had the chance to immerse themselves in the art of calligraphy as she crafted names and phrases upon request. (Supplied)
Music was presented as an engaging art form, inviting attendees to explore various musical styles. Saud Al-Sharif, who played the traditional Saudi music at the center, said: “I play the oud and explain the songs for visitors. There are traditional songs for Saudi Arabia that we play and discuss because Tariq Abdul Hakim is the composer for most of the songs.”
He added: “Playing the oud helps release negative energy and serves as a form of therapy. Visitors will explore the music and learn about traditional melodies.”
In a discussion with Arab News, Hasan Iskandari, a folklore music researcher at the center, emphasized Tariq Abdel Hakim’s central role in shaping the Saudi national anthem.
He pointed out that Abdel Hakim’s journey began with the royal anthem, which later transformed into the national anthem’s melody created by Ibrahim Khafaji. Iskandari said that Abdel Hakim’s songs transcended mere entertainment, embodying essential aspects of modern Saudi identity.
“His legacy is truly remarkable,” Iskandari said. “And visitors on National Day have the opportunity to view the notes displayed at the museum and discover the origins of the anthem, understanding how it will always be linked to him, ensuring his memory lives on every time it is played.”
KSrelief, WFP sign $4.5m agreement to help children, mothers in Somalia
Deal will provide vital food supplies to 180,000 people in drought-hit country
Updated 23 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief and the World Food Programme have signed a $4.5 million cooperation agreement to help fight malnutrition in drought-affected areas of Somalia.
The funds will be used to buy 1,068 tonnes of food that will benefit close to 123,000 children and more than 57,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women in the East African nation, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The deal was signed by KSrelief Supervisor General Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah and WFP Executive Director Cindy Hensley McCain on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Al-Rabeeah and McCain discussed the latest developments in KSrelief-WFP food projects as well as ways to increase cooperation and coordination in the humanitarian and relief fields.
McCain thanked Saudi Arabia, through KSrelief, for supporting the program’s international operations, highlighting its efforts to achieve food security in countries in need.
While in New York, Al-Rabeeah also took part in the high-level event “Building a Better World Together: The Future of Humanitarian Action.”
“At this important event, we aim to explore the challenges and opportunities available to improve the future of humanitarian action and to join our efforts and resolve to align global humanitarian action with the core principles of the UN Charter and the sustainable development goals,” he said.
He discussed the challenges facing humanitarian efforts, including violations of international law, displacement, conflicts and natural disasters, which require effective mechanisms to alleviate pressure on the humanitarian aid system.
He also reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to current and future humanitarian initiatives through KSrelief, which, since its establishment in 2015, has implemented more than 3,000 projects in 102 countries, in partnership with 192 humanitarian organizations, at a cost of $7 billion.
The latest deal with the WFP is another example of the humanitarian role played by the Kingdom in the world’s most impoverished countries.
“We are aware that achieving successful future outcomes requires the implementation of sustainable solutions through innovative and proactive measures, as well as a commitment to accountability to affected populations,” Al-Rabeeah said.
Saudi and Iranian FMs meet in New York on UNGA sidelines
Discussions focused on latest developments in Gaza Strip
Updated 22 September 2024
Arab News
NEW YORK CITY: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran Abbas Araghchi on Sunday on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The two ministers discussed relations and ways to enhance them in various fields, the importance of continuing coordination and consultation between the two countries to monitor the progress of their relations, and the latest developments in the Gaza Strip.
The meeting was also attended by the permanent representative of Saudi Arabia to the UN Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, the Director General of the Office of the Foreign Minister Abdulrahman Al-Dawood, and adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed Al-Yahya.
Jordan’s King Abdullah congratulates King Salman on Saudi National Day
Warm fraternal sentiments sent on behalf of the Jordanian people, government
Updated 22 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Jordan’s King Abdullah II has congratulated King Salman on the occasion of Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In a cable sent to King Salman, King Abdullah expressed his sincere congratulations and warm fraternal sentiments, on behalf of the Jordanian people and government, the SPA added.
He prayed for the Saudi king’s continued good health and well-being, and wished the Saudi people ongoing progress and prosperity under the king’s leadership.
