King Abdulaziz University hosts National Development Fund’s governor at panel discussion

King Abdulaziz University hosted National Development Fund Governor Dr. Stephen Paul Groff at a session at the “Academic Dialogue Table”. (Supplied)
King Abdulaziz University hosted National Development Fund Governor Dr. Stephen Paul Groff at a session at the “Academic Dialogue Table”. (Supplied)
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Updated 24 January 2025
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King Abdulaziz University hosts National Development Fund’s governor at panel discussion

King Abdulaziz University hosts National Development Fund’s governor at panel discussion
  • Stephen Groff looks at achieving aims of Saudi Vision 2030

RIYADH: King Abdulaziz University hosted Stephen Groff, the National Development Fund’s governor, in a panel discussion at the Academic Dialogue Table organized by the Faculty of Economics and Administration.

Groff discussed the role of the NDF and the broader development ecosystem in achieving Saudi Vision 2030, in an event also attended by Dr. Tareef Al-Aama, the university’s president.




King Abdulaziz University hosts NDF Governor at “Academic Dialogue Table”. (Supplied)

Groff said that the fund aimed to enhance developmental impact and improve productivity, highlighting the key strategic priorities and ongoing initiatives being provided to entities under the fund’s umbrella, such as economic diversification and growth stimulation.

He added that the NDF contributed to creating sustainable job opportunities as well as supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurship.

FASTFACT

Groff stressed that one of the fund’s core missions was to develop infrastructure by financing large-scale project.

Groff stressed that one of the fund’s core missions was to develop infrastructure by financing large-scale projects in sectors such as transportation, housing, and public utilities through its affiliated entities, including the recently established National Infrastructure Fund.

He explained that the primary mission of the fund, as a development finance institution, was to empower development funds and banks to achieve their sector-specific objectives, beneficiary goals, and activity targets, while focusing on specific areas and ensuring the financial sustainability of development finance entities in the future.

He concluded by stressing the critical role of the fund in reviewing and evaluating the impact of every program, project, or initiative aimed at addressing developmental needs, economic priorities, challenges, and available opportunities.

 


8th ministerial Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 meeting confirms ongoing cooperation

8th ministerial Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 meeting confirms ongoing cooperation
Updated 15 sec ago
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8th ministerial Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 meeting confirms ongoing cooperation

8th ministerial Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 meeting confirms ongoing cooperation

TOKYO: Saudi Arabia and Japan on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation during a ministerial meeting of the Japan-Saudi Vision 2030. This strategic initiative aims to enhance economic, cultural, and technological ties between the two countries.

Prominent figures representing Saudi Arabia included Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi eSports Federation; Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, minister of investment; Sara Al-Sayed, deputy minister of investment; and Ghazi Binzagr, ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Japan, among others.

Yoji Muto, the minister of economy, trade and industry, and Hisayuki Fujii, the state minister for foreign Affairs, along with others from the Japanese delegation, attended the meetings.

According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry in Tokyo, the participants exchanged views on the direction of future cooperation, focusing on key areas such as trade, investment, technology transfer, and cultural exchange.

Japan and Saudi Arabia held the 7th Ministerial Meeting of the Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 in December 2023, as well as the Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 Ministerial Roundtable in January this year.

Fujii welcomed the Saudi delegation to Japan, expressing his pleasure in hosting the 8th meeting of the Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 in Tokyo, according to the ministry.

He praised the cooperation between Japan and Saudi Arabia in various areas this year, which also marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Fujii highlighted Japan’s efforts in promoting people-to-people exchanges, culture, sports, education, and research within the framework of the Japan-Saudi Vision 2030, emphasizing the mutual respect and admiration shared by both nations.

He further expressed Japan’s hope that the Saudi National Day, to be celebrated on Sept. 23 at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, will give further momentum to strengthen bilateral relations.

• This article also appears on Arab News Japan


KSrelief ends medical project for burn patients in Port Sudan

KSrelief ends medical project for burn patients in Port Sudan
Updated 22 September 2025
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KSrelief ends medical project for burn patients in Port Sudan

KSrelief ends medical project for burn patients in Port Sudan
  • 17 specialist volunteers participate in the initiative
  • Team conducts 92 surgeries, trains 40 Sudan medics

PORT SUDAN: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief has concluded its volunteer cosmetic-surgery project in Port Sudan for patients with burns and disfigurements.

Seventeen specialist volunteers from the Kingdom participated in the initiative, which ran from Sept. 13 to 20, according to a recent Saudi Press Agency report.

The team performed 92 surgeries and trained 40 Sudanese medical personnel, the report stated.

The project is a part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing voluntary medical initiatives, through KSrelief, aimed at assisting vulnerable communities worldwide.

A young Sudanese receives treatment at a hospital in Port Sudan during the KSrelief medical mission. (SPA)

Since its establishment as Saudi Arabia’s main humanitarian body in 2015, KSrelief has delivered 172 aid projects in 33 nations, with Yemen as the largest beneficiary.

The other major beneficiaries include Syria, Palestine, Somalia, Pakistan and Sudan.

KSrelief has worked in partnership with 98 partners to carry out projects on food security, shelter, camp management, education, health, nutrition, water and sanitation, emergency communications, and logistics.


Saudi Arabia welcomes recognition of Palestine by four Western states

Saudi Arabia welcomes recognition of Palestine by four Western states
Updated 46 min 52 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia welcomes recognition of Palestine by four Western states

Saudi Arabia welcomes recognition of Palestine by four Western states
  • The UK and Canada became the first G7 countries to take the step

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday welcomed the decision by the UK, Australia, Canada and Portugal to recognize the State of Palestine, calling it an important step toward advancing the peace process.

The Kingdom said the move demonstrated the “serious commitment of friendly countries” to supporting efforts for a two-state solution in line with international legitimacy resolutions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It added that it hopes more countries will follow suit and take further positive measures that would help the Palestinian people achieve their aspirations to live in peace and enable the Palestinian Authority to carry out its responsibilities, SPA added.

Saudi Arabia reiterated its position in support of a just and comprehensive settlement that ensures security, stability and prosperity for the Palestinian people.

Britain, Australia, Canada and Portugal on Sunday recognized a Palestinian state in a seismic shift in decades of Western foreign policy.

The UK and Canada became the first G7 countries to take the step, with France and other nations expected to follow at the annual UN General Assembly which opens Monday in New York.

Meanwhile, Qatar on Monday also welcomed the recognition of a Palestinian state by Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal, saying the move supported efforts to achieve a lasting peace in the region. 

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King Faisal University recognized as ‘Innovation District’ at Beijing conference

King Faisal University recognized as ‘Innovation District’ at Beijing conference
Updated 21 September 2025
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King Faisal University recognized as ‘Innovation District’ at Beijing conference

King Faisal University recognized as ‘Innovation District’ at Beijing conference
  • King Faisal University’s membership in IASP positions it within a distinguished global network of science and innovation hubs

RIYADH: King Faisal University has been formally admitted as an “Innovation District” by the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation.

The announcement was made during the 42nd IASP World Conference on Science Parks and Areas of Innovation, held in Beijing, China, from Sept. 15-19. 

Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Lily,  vice president for postgraduate studies and scientific research and acting head of the innovation and business development sector, accepted the designation on behalf of King Faisal University.

Al-Lily praised the recognition as an important achievement for the university and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing research and innovation in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

He added that the Innovation District status strengthens the university’s role within global research and innovation networks and creates new opportunities for collaboration with leading institutions worldwide.

King Faisal University’s membership in IASP positions it within a distinguished global network of science and innovation hubs.

This milestone also underscores the steadfast support of the Council of Universities’ Affairs and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, whose efforts are empowering Saudi universities to emerge as drivers of knowledge and innovation, contributing to strengthening the Kingdom’s presence on the global innovation map.

 


Darah publishes book on Saudi Arabia’s National Day history

The publication is a new addition to Darah’s extensive collection of works specializing in history and heritage. (SPA)
The publication is a new addition to Darah’s extensive collection of works specializing in history and heritage. (SPA)
Updated 21 September 2025
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Darah publishes book on Saudi Arabia’s National Day history

The publication is a new addition to Darah’s extensive collection of works specializing in history and heritage. (SPA)
  • National Day celebrations have witnessed a significant evolution consistent with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, also known as Darah, has published a book documenting the history of Saudi Arabia’s National Day celebrations, from the era of founding King Abdulaziz to the times of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman.

The book documents the origins and stages of the National Day celebration, based on official documents, sources, and national archives.

It features photographs capturing popular and official celebrations held across various royal eras.

The publication is a new addition to Darah’s extensive collection of works specializing in history and heritage. (SPA)

The publication explores the early beginnings of celebrations during the reign of King Abdulaziz and sees the history through to its culmination in the prosperous reign of King Salman.

National Day celebrations have witnessed a significant evolution consistent with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The book highlights both official functions and people’s celebrations at home; the involvement of government and private entities; the role of Saudi diplomatic missions abroad; and the participation of Arab, Islamic, and friendly countries in the national occasion.

Darah affirmed that the publication of the book aligns with its goals to preserve and document the history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and highlight the national achievements of King Abdulaziz and his sons.

It noted that the work aims to enrich historical studies and provide researchers and those interested in the field with a comprehensive scientific resource that reflects the depth of the Saudi national experience.

The publication is a new addition to Darah’s extensive collection of works specializing in history and heritage.

It embodies Darah’s commitment to its national role in documenting the journey of the Saudi state and disseminating knowledge to future generations.

The book can be obtained from Darah’s pavilion at the Riyadh International Book Fair or purchased directly from Darah’s publication sales centers.

It is also available through Darah’s digital store on its online platform, and authorized distributors.