Talal Foundation, Saudi rights body unite to support women, children

Talal Foundation and Saudi Human Rights Commission have signed a memorandum of cooperation to strengthen efforts in protecting rights of women and children. (Supplied)
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Talal Foundation and Saudi Human Rights Commission have signed a memorandum of cooperation to strengthen efforts in protecting rights of women and children. (Supplied)
Talal Foundation and Saudi Human Rights Commission have signed a memorandum of cooperation to strengthen efforts in protecting rights of women and children. (Supplied)
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Talal Foundation and Saudi Human Rights Commission have signed a memorandum of cooperation to strengthen efforts in protecting rights of women and children. (Supplied)
Talal Foundation and Saudi Human Rights Commission have signed a memorandum of cooperation to strengthen efforts in protecting rights of women and children. (Supplied)
3 / 3
Talal Foundation and Saudi Human Rights Commission have signed a memorandum of cooperation to strengthen efforts in protecting rights of women and children. (Supplied)
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Updated 01 October 2024
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Talal Foundation, Saudi rights body unite to support women, children

Talal Foundation and Saudi Human Rights Commission have signed a memorandum of cooperation.
  • Partnership aims to safeguard the legal rights of women and children and launch community initiatives to support victims of violence and family breakdown

RIYADH: The Talal Foundation and the Saudi Human Rights Commission have signed a memorandum of cooperation to strengthen efforts in protecting the rights of women and children.

The partnership aims to safeguard the legal rights of women and children, conduct studies on maternal and childcare needs, and launch community initiatives to support victims of violence and family breakdown across the Kingdom, in coordination with the nonprofit sector.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal, secretary-general of Talal Endowment, welcomed the memorandum’s signing and expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their commitment to the human rights system in the Kingdom and their dedication to strengthening the legal framework and empowering authorities to protect these rights.

“At Talal Foundation, we are committed to advancing human rights. We seek to collaborate with relevant organizations to achieve these goals and strongly believe in the nonprofit sector’s role in promoting legal awareness and ensuring a decent life for women, children, and all individuals whose rights are guaranteed by Sharia and the law,” Prince Abdulaziz said.

He highlighted the significant progress made in legal reforms, women’s empowerment, children’s rights, and combating human trafficking.

Prince Abdulaziz also thanked Hala Al-Tuwaijri, president of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, and the commission’s staff for their ongoing commitment to strengthening collaboration with the non-profit sector.

“I commend the commission’s efforts and the strides it is making to uphold human dignity and rights. Its strategic plans and strong presence in international forums reflect true dedication,” he noted.

“We ask God for guidance and continued success and hope that Talal Endowment can be a supportive partner in serving our society and country,” he added.

The agreement focuses on enhancing maternal and childcare, supporting victims of violence, and addressing family disintegration through community-driven initiatives, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.


British explorer Alice Morrison to embark on 2,500-km trek across Saudi Arabia

British explorer Alice Morrison to embark on 2,500-km trek across Saudi Arabia
Updated 45 min 3 sec ago
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British explorer Alice Morrison to embark on 2,500-km trek across Saudi Arabia

British explorer Alice Morrison to embark on 2,500-km trek across Saudi Arabia
  • Alice Morrison featured AlUla in her recent series “Arabian Adventure: The Secrets of the Nabateans,” which aired earlier this year on BBC
  • Morrison is equally passionate about connecting with Saudi women during her journey

RIYADH: British explorer and television presenter Alice Morrison is preparing for a groundbreaking expedition that will see her traverse Saudi Arabia on foot, becoming the first person to journey from the Kingdom’s far north to its far south, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Her ambitious five-month trek begins on Jan. 1, covering a distance of 2,500 km.

Accompanied by local guides and camels, Morrison will navigate Saudi Arabia’s diverse terrains, including its deserts, oases, and mountains.

Her journey is driven by three key objectives: to uncover new landmarks and historical insights, to spotlight the significant role of Saudi women in society, and to showcase the nation’s natural beauty and environmental conservation efforts, SPA added.

“I have been studying Arabic and the Middle East for 45 years,” she said as she reflected on her upcoming adventure. “Now, I get to explore the heart of Arabia.”

By retracing ancient caravan routes, Morrison said she is aiming to shed light on the historical narratives that defined the region while offering fresh perspectives on a nation undergoing rapid transformation and modernization.

A significant milestone on her route will be AlUla, a location steeped in history and heritage. This destination is familiar to Morrison, who featured it in her recent series “Arabian Adventure: The Secrets of the Nabateans,” which aired earlier this year on the BBC.

“The route I am taking is stuffed with history, so I’ll be searching for new sites. I’m also walking through climate change and will be recording my findings,” she explained. “The desert is a harsh mistress, and I am sure she will be teaching me many lessons along the route.”

Morrison is equally passionate about connecting with Saudi women during her journey, dedicating time to hear their stories and share their experiences.

“As a female explorer, I am willing to spend time with Saudi women telling their stories,” Morrison said, emphasizing the importance of engaging with local communities.

At 61, Morrison sees her expedition as an inspiration for others to pursue their dreams, regardless of age, and a means of fostering greater interest in and understanding of the Kingdom.

“I am a mid-life woman, and I hope my adventure inspires others to get out and follow their dreams. I couldn’t have attempted this at 25; I needed the life experience to get me here.”


Drug smuggling and trafficking networks dismantled: Saudi interior ministry source

Two criminal networks that specialized in smuggling amphetamine tablets and hashish have been dismantled.
Two criminal networks that specialized in smuggling amphetamine tablets and hashish have been dismantled.
Updated 30 December 2024
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Drug smuggling and trafficking networks dismantled: Saudi interior ministry source

Two criminal networks that specialized in smuggling amphetamine tablets and hashish have been dismantled.
  • The source explained that the two networks were active in drug smuggling and trafficking in the Riyadh and Jazan regions
  • Regular procedures were taken against the 13 members of the two networks and they were referred to the Public Prosecution

RIYADH: Two criminal networks that specialized in smuggling amphetamine tablets and hashish have been dismantled and their members arrested, an official source at the Saudi Ministry of Interior has said.

The source explained that the two networks were active in drug smuggling and trafficking in the Riyadh and Jazan regions, through King Khalid International Airport and Farasan Island.

The 13 members of the networks include a Ministry of Interior employee, four employees from the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, two Ministry of Defense employees, and three residents of Yemeni and Syrian nationalities.

Regular procedures were taken against the 13 members of the two networks and they were referred to the Public Prosecution, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The Ministry of Interior confirmed that authorities will crack down on anyone who dares to tamper with the security and stability of the Kingdom and that of its citizens and residents.


Saudi program to train future ambassadors of moderation globally

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh and Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan.
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh and Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan.
Updated 30 December 2024
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Saudi program to train future ambassadors of moderation globally

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh and Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan.
  • 60 students from 40 countries selected; initiative backed by $1m in contributions from Saudi endowments, foundations

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh and Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan recently inaugurated the Fellowship of Moderation and Fairness program for scholarship students in Saudi Arabia.

Launched at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs headquarters in Riyadh, the program is supervised by both ministries, Saudi universities and donor institutions in the nonprofit sector.

Al-Asheikh said that the program reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to serving Islam and Muslims, and aligns with its vision to promote moderation based on solid principles and authentic traditions.

The program combines rigorous scientific methodology with practical applications to train select international students at Saudi universities as ambassadors of moderation within their communities, he added.

The fellowship represents an integrated training system that fosters cognitive and leadership excellence, preparing graduates to address contemporary challenges and contribute to a cooperative and prosperous future.

President of King Abdulaziz University Tareef Al-Alaama said that the fellowship was launched in the summer with support from the Endowment of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz for His Parents and under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

The program attracted significant interest, with about 300 male and female students from various nationalities applying. After a thorough nomination and selection process, 60 people from 40 countries were selected.

Ten seats are reserved in honor of the minister of Islamic affairs for exceptional students from Muslim minority communities worldwide, recognizing their efforts in promoting moderation and combating hatred and extremism.

In conjunction with the program’s launch, the General Authority of Awqaf, the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Foundation for Developmental Housing and the Al-Rajhi Endowment pledged almost SR4 million ($1 million) to support the initiative.

The contributions highlight the program’s role in promoting the values of moderation, in line with the ministry’s mission and the directives of Saudi leadership.


Syrian FM Al-Shibani receives invitation to visit Saudi Arabia

Syrian FM Al-Shibani receives invitation to visit Saudi Arabia
Updated 30 December 2024
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Syrian FM Al-Shibani receives invitation to visit Saudi Arabia

Syrian FM Al-Shibani receives invitation to visit Saudi Arabia
  • Al-Shibani has expressed optimism about the future of Syrian-Saudi relations

DUBAI: Foreign Minister of the transitional government in Syria, Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani, said on X on Monday that he had accepted an invitation from his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan to visit the Kingdom, in what would be his first foreign trip since the ouster of former president Bashar Assad on Dec. 8.

“We look forward to building strategic relations with Saudi Arabia in all fields,” read a statement posted on the Syrian Arab News Agency's X account.

Al-Shibani has expressed optimism about the future of Syrian-Saudi relations, and has emphasized the importance of building strategic ties in all fields, SANA reported.

He added, “I am honored to represent my country and look forward to this opportunity to enhance cooperation and dialogue.”

It follows comments made by Syria’s new leader, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who said Saudi Arabia had a major role to play in his country’s future during an interview with Al Arabiya, which aired on Sunday.

“Saudi Arabia has a major role in Syria’s future, and I take pride in everything it has done for us,” he said, adding that he spent his early childhood in Riyadh and hoped to visit the city again.

Al-Sharaa also praised recent Saudi statements as “very positive” and commended Riyadh’s efforts toward stabilizing Syria.

Earlier this month, a high-ranking Saudi delegation headed by an advisor to the Royal Court visited Syria and met with Al-Sharaa in Damascus.


Riding, target sports attract visitors in Asir

Riding, target sports attract visitors in Asir
Updated 30 December 2024
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Riding, target sports attract visitors in Asir

Riding, target sports attract visitors in Asir
  • Certified trainers are on hand to provide guidance on horseback riding and archery

RIYADH: Horseback riding and target sports are popular attractions at the Muhayil festival in the Asir region, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. 

Held in Muhayil governorate, 80 km northwest of Abha, the festival offers entertainment, sports and shopping. 

Horse riding instructor Salma Mohammed said the activities, part of the Muhayil Asir winter program, have drawn significant interest, especially from children.

Mohammed and other trainers teach how to handle horses, offer guided rides, and provide instruction in archery and air-rifle use.

Mohammed, a lifelong horse enthusiast, became a qualified instructor after completing specialized training.

Bandar Al-Hilali, owner of the festival’s horse stable, said the goal is to highlight the significance of horses and teach basic riding and target shooting with the aid of certified trainers.

Horseback riding instruction covers balance, rein handling, calming techniques, and track riding. Archery training includes proper shooting methods and friendly competitions. Participants also learn the basics of air-rifle marksmanship. 

Muhayil governorate, in the Tihama Asir region, is experiencing notable economic and tourism growth due to its mild winter climate, attracting visitors from the highlands.