Saudi Arabia rejects ‘Greater Israel’ map that annex parts of Jordan, Lebanon, Syria
Updated 09 January 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned and rejected on Wednesday an Israeli map that claimed Jordanian, Syrian and Lebanese territories as part of so-called “greater Israel.”
The Kingdom stressed that such extremist allegations demonstrated Israeli intentions to consolidate its occupation, continue blatant attacks on the sovereignty of states, and violate international laws and norms.
The Kingdom’s foreign ministry renewed its call for the international community to play its role in stopping Israeli violations against countries and peoples of the region.
The ministry stressed the need to respect the sovereignty of states and their borders to limit the exacerbation of the region’s crises.
Palestine and Jordan condemned the map on Tuesday.
Makkah launches digital tools to enrich Hajj pilgrims’ experience
Second version of AI-powered robot Manarah 2 launched
Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais reveals Hajj plan Thursday
Updated 5 sec ago
Arab News
MAKKAH: The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched several digital tools to enhance the spiritual experience of pilgrims during the Hajj season.
The initiative aims to convey the universal message of Hajj and highlight its Shariah objectives in multiple languages.
Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency, inaugurated the second version of the artificial intelligence-powered robot Manarah 2.
The launch included several smart interactive screens, a global electronic recitation platform, and a multilingual Surah Al-Fatiha app.
During the Hajj season, the presidency is focused on enhancing the digital experience through integrated services, AI, smart apps, and media, in line with its broader transformation goals.
The initiative also supports Vision 2030 by utilizing advanced digital tools and content developed by local experts to promote the values of moderation and guidance rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah.
The presidency’s Hajj operational plan, to be announced on Thursday, will prioritize enriching the pilgrim experience and will include scientific, educational, and guidance-based initiatives that reflect its core mission.
Saudi Arabia makes strides in Vision 2030, workplace safety
Vice environment minister highlights Kingdom’s focus on human capital, sustainability at Riyadh conference
Updated 05 May 2025
Arab News
Riyadh: Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Mansour Al-Mushaiti has highlighted Saudi Arabia’s significant progress toward Vision 2030, with 93 percent of annual indicators met and 85 percent of initiatives either completed or on track.
Speaking at the Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference in Riyadh, he emphasized the environment sector’s commitment to sustainability and the prioritization of worker safety across all development projects.
Al-Mushaiti underscored the Kingdom’s focus on human capital, demonstrated by the establishment of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health and the adoption of international best practices.
He noted the water sector’s achievement of more than 190 million safe work hours and a sub-45-second emergency response time with zero serious incidents during large-scale project implementation, which he attributed to robust safety management systems.
The conference, held from May 4-6 under the theme “The Future of Occupational Safety and Health,” brings together senior officials, experts, and specialists from Saudi Arabia and around the world to explore future directions and challenges in global labor markets.
Al-Mushaiti also outlined environmental protection efforts, including a noise and light pollution monitoring program in major cities, citing potential productivity gains of more than 11 percent, according to the World Green Building Council.
He highlighted the success of the Saudi Green Initiative, which has led to the planting of more than 141 million trees, the rehabilitation of more than 313,000 hectares of degraded land, and the protection of more than 4 million hectares.
These environmental advances enhance worker safety and contribute to safer, more sustainable work environments, Al-Mushaiti said.
In agriculture, Al-Mushaiti affirmed the ministry’s adoption of Saudi Good Agricultural Practices standards, with 142 facilities accredited for safe practices, advanced pesticide control systems, and smart awareness platforms that have reduced pesticide residues to below 2 percent.
The three-day conference features scientific sessions, 60 workshops, 20 dialogue sessions, and the Global Occupational Safety and Health Hackathon, showcasing 30 innovative projects.
Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs
On Saturday, the organization also concluded its volunteer open-heart surgery and catheterization project in Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Updated 05 May 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief completed medical programs in Tajikistan, Turkiye, and Tanzania, in line with the organization’s aim to support injured people worldwide.
The Saudi Noor Campaign, which will conclude on May 6, is tackling blindness in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
The medical team examined 1,731 cases, assigned 198 prescription glasses, performed 60 operations and provided medication to 857 patients.
In Reyhanli district, Türkiye, KSrelief carried out a prosthetics and rehabilitation program.
With a team of 13 specialists, they fitted 36 individuals with prosthetics and 40 orthopedic splints.
On Saturday, the organization also concluded its volunteer open-heart surgery and catheterization project in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
The team performed 133 open-heart catheterizations and 15 open-heart operations.
KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria
Updated 05 May 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief continues to launch volunteer programs throughout the Arab world to address humanitarian crises and improve the health of Yemeni and Syrian people.
In Damascus, the team completed three volunteer initiatives that supported hundreds with disaster response, administrative training, and psychosocial support for women and children. The program ran from April 26 to May 3.
In Yemen, meanwhile, KSrelief completed the first phase of an outreach vaccination campaign in the Aden governorate in collaboration with Yemen’s Minister of Public Health and Population Qasem Buhaibeh.
On Friday, the organization launched vocational training courses in Wadi Hadhramaut, Yemen, to improve the livelihood of locals and boost economic development.
The project targeted 1,500 people and focused on home appliance maintenance, carpentry, vehicle repair, men’s tailoring, beekeeping, plumbing, photography, and electricity and energy.
Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation
Speakers noted that the increase in entertainment activities such as concerts and dining in the Kingdom in recent years has led to higher demand for fashion products because people are looking for ways to express themselves
Updated 04 May 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: A Riyadh fashion seminar on Sunday brought together industry leaders and creatives to explore the future of Saudi Arabia’s fashion economy.
Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.
Rafi Dikranian and Mohammed Bajbaa speak on “From Drops to Drives: Connecting with Communities,” exploring how culture, streetwear, and grassroots branding are reshaping consumer engagement. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
The agenda focused on three main themes: the evolution of fashion retail in the Kingdom; the role of cultural identity in building brands; and the rising importance of digital fashion and collaboration.
An awards ceremony honored the standout talents of this year’s cohort: APOA, Awaken, Bucketbox, Mona Al-Shebil, Noble & Fresh, Nora Al-Shaikh, Rebirth, Samar Nasraldin, The Untitled Project and USCITA.
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Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.
One discussion explored consumer behavior in Saudi Arabia, revealing that the local market continues to grow despite global slowdowns.
Saudi brands that blend cultural heritage with bold innovation, as featured in the latest Fashion Lab showcase. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
Speakers noted that the increase in entertainment activities such as concerts and dining in the Kingdom in recent years has led to higher demand for fashion products because people are looking for ways to express themselves.
Retail experiences — both physical and digital — were emphasized as key to engaging Saudi consumers.
Michael Chalhoub, CEO of Chalhoub Group, delivers the opening keynote at The Fashion Seminar 2025, highlighting the importance of creativity and cross-sector collaboration in shaping the future of Saudi fashion. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
Youth culture, streetwear and sports are shaping brand narratives, a panel heard. Speakers discussed how fashion is being used as a tool for cultural storytelling, with an emphasis on grassroots creativity and community building.
Another topic highlighted the power of collaboration between local and international brands. Panelists discussed the importance of long-term partnerships, manufacturing localization, and mentorship to bridge gaps in knowledge and infrastructure.
Speakers also addressed the future of digital fashion, including virtual design, retail innovation, and new marketing strategies targeting Gen Z.
Saudi Arabia’s growing role in shaping the regional and global fashion economy was a prominent theme of the discussions.
