Masam Project achieves massive success in Yemen/node/2605213/saudi-arabia
Masam Project achieves massive success in Yemen
A member of Yemen's Saudi-backed pro-government forces searches for explosive devices in the village of Hays in Yemen's western province of Hodeida on August 11, 2023. (AFP)
KSrelief has implemented 3,438 diverse humanitarian projects across 107 countries, valued at over $7 billion, since its launch in May 2015
Updated 20 June 2025
SPA
RIYADH: Masam, a project launched by the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, has achieved a significant milestone by clearing 67,585,167 sq. meters and removing 500,000 explosives from Yemeni lands since its launch in June 2018.
Items removed include anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, unexploded ordnance, and explosive devices indiscriminately planted to harm civilians.
Demining efforts have dramatically reduced casualties — and allowed displaced people and farmers to return and resume cultivation — earning widespread praise from the UN and international organizations.
The agency has also initiated the Artificial Limbs Centers Project in several Yemeni cities, providing prosthetics and aiding physical rehabilitation to those injured by explosives.
The Masam Project stands as a vital contribution in enabling a safe and dignified life for Yemenis.
KSrelief has implemented 3,438 diverse humanitarian projects across 107 countries, valued at over $7 billion, since its launch in May 2015.
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 21,403 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
A total of 12,439 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,650 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 4,314 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,874 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 54 percent were Ethiopian, 45 percent Yemeni, and 1 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 36 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 29 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($267,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
RIYADH: Thirty Saudi students graduated from the AI Application Engineering Bootcamp, organized by the Saudi Data and AI Authority, which ended recently in London.
A collaboration with the University of Oxford, the program trained bachelor’s and master’s graduates in artificial intelligence, computer science and related fields, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
Supervised by international experts, participants gained advanced skills in deep learning, computer vision and generative models, enabling them to design and implement AI solutions across diverse environments.
Over three weeks, the trainees received direct experience with frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch, computer vision tools like YOLO, and natural language processing and generative models on Hugging Face.
The bootcamp was part of the authority’s ongoing efforts to empower national talent in advanced AI fields through partnerships with leading global institutions, the SPA reported.
It aims to strengthen the competitiveness of Saudi youth in modern technologies and supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to build a knowledge-based society.
‘From Osaka to Riyadh’ — stage set for countdown to Expo 2030
Show symbolized the transition to Riyadh as host of next World Expo
Expo 2030 Riyadh will take place from Oct. 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031
Updated 11 October 2025
Arab News
OSAKA: Visitors to the Expo Arena Matsuri got a glimpse of the next World Expo, thanks to the “From Osaka to Riyadh” show.
The event in Osaka drew 15,000 attendees and brought together leading Saudi and Japanese performers in a dynamic blend of music and culture, setting the stage for what can be expected at Expo 2030 Riyadh.
High-energy sets, reimagined cultural expressions and striking light, laser and hologram effects transformed the stage into a powerful demonstration of the spirit of collaboration between both nations.
A final highlight ahead of the closing ceremony on Oct. 13 symbolized the transition to Riyadh as the next World Expo host city and set the stage for the handover of the Bureau International des Expositions flag, which formally transfers host city responsibilities.
Saudi Arabia was elected by BIE member states in 2023 to host World Expo 2030, which will take the theme “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow.”
Running from Oct. 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, the event is expected to welcome more than 42 million visitors from 197 countries. It will span 6 million sq. meters with five zones exploring forward-looking solutions for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Expo 2030 Riyadh will serve as a global platform for innovation and collaboration. Afterwards, the site will become a permanent global village.
The Saudi Pavilion participating in Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai on Friday hosted a robot developed by temi Robots Company. (SPA)
Virtual live tour for children at Saudi pavilion
Meanwhile, the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai on Friday hosted a robot developed by the Temi robot company through a collaboration between King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Tokotoko Earth Company and iPresence Company.
It enabled Japanese families with children with disabilities to experience the pavilion’s events through a live virtual tour of its halls and exhibition rooms.
Saudi Ambassador to Japan Ghazi Binzagr, who is also general commissioner of the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025, said the collaboration with KAUST was “more than just a technological event.”
He said: “It demonstrates how human empathy and innovation can work hand in hand. They must come together to create an inclusive environment and provide valuable opportunities for everyone,” he said.
NCEC develops an environmental pollution vehicle to reduce pollution and protect public health
Updated 10 October 2025
Haifa Alshammari
RIYADH: To enhance the speed and efficiency of environmental emergency response in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the National Center for Environmental Compliance has launched six first-response vehicles for ecological emergencies.
These vehicles feature advanced technologies, including systems for measuring pollutants and hazardous emissions, as well as the ability to intervene in dangerous chemical incidents, while allowing teams to reach the scene as quickly as possible.
The environmental pollution vehicle is a specialized vehicle for monitoring and responding to various sources of pollution, helping to mitigate their impact on public health and the environment.
The NCEC's Environmental Pollution Vehicle is equipped with gadgets and instruments designed for monitoring and responding to various sources of pollution. (NCEC photo)
In an interview with Saad Al-Matrafi, NCEC’s executive director of media and communication and official spokesperson, he said that these vehicles use the latest advances in pollution measurement, providing accurate and immediate data on air quality and potential hazards.
He said that the vehicles will be stationed in several locations in the Kingdom, including Riyadh, the Northern Borders, Madinah, Makkah, Jazan, and the Eastern Province.
“Functioning as mobile environmental monitoring stations, the vehicles feature integrated systems for gas analysis and air quality assessment — enabling swift, data-driven responses to environmental incidents across the Kingdom,” Al-Matrafi said.
“By collecting and analyzing real-time data, it enables rapid corrective action to address environmental challenges as they arise,” he added.
The executive director demonstrated the operation of the equipment and devices available in each vehicle.
“Technicians can measure the volume of hazardous gases and monitor various types of gases, such as carbon monoxide, methane, propane, nitrogen oxides, ammonia, and other gases, depending on the type of sensors selected.”
Inspectors of the National Center for Environmental Compliance at work. (SPA file photo)
In addition, the vehicle’s emergency technicians can handle accidents and chemical and biological hazards, he said.
“All employees receive specialized training to operate these vehicles safely, including the use of gas detection equipment and protective suits, ensuring they can effectively respond to chemical, biological, and hazardous material emergencies,” Al-Matrafi said.
NCEC said that the technologies in the vehicle contribute to the rapid response and handling of any environmental emergency, thereby ensuring the community’s safety and achieving the highest standards of environmental protection.
More than 25 devices, items of protection equipment, and tools are available in NCEC’s environmental vehicles, including a measuring device used to calculate distances accurately. This product is designed to fold, making it easy to carry and store when not in use.
Saad Al-Matrafi, executive director and official spokesperson at NCEC. (AN file photo)
Another tool is the hazardous gas measuring device, which will be used to detect the presence of toxic or flammable gases in the surrounding environment, ensuring the safety of people where gas levels may be hazardous.
Additionally, there is an infrared thermometer to measure temperatures remotely, without the need for contact with the object or surface being measured.
Employees will be equipped with a sample collection and storage bag designed for hazardous materials responders, environmental agencies, military personnel, police, or forensic workers collecting samples containing chemical, biological, or radiological threats, including chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial materials, and toxins.
DID YOU KNOW?
• The National Center for Environmental Compliance is aiming to protect the environment and the general public’s health with the environmental pollution vehicle.
• More than 25 pieces of protective equipment are available in NCEC’s environmental vehicles to ensure accurate data collection and provide a safe environment for the workers.
• Gases that experts from NCEC can measure in vehicles include carbon monoxide, methane, and propane.
Another bag will be provided to transport samples from the collection site to laboratories or other locations safely and without any change to their quality.
To protect workers in hazardous environments, such as industrial plants, power plants, contaminated sites, and activities involving exposure to highly toxic materials, protective suits will be provided. Employee safety is essential to avoid contamination by hazardous substances.
Around the world, poor air quality is one of the causes of several health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer, according to the Clean Air Fund. (Supplied)
Furthermore, the chemical and biological hazard-resistant suit is designed to protect people from exposure to toxic chemicals, biological contaminants, or viruses in hazardous environments.
Workers are expected to use a face mask and a filter, as the modern design of full-face masks provides extensive and well-developed cover for the face while still allowing clear vision. While the availability of various sizes ensures masks fit comfortably and securely, the face mask filter provides complete protection from toxic and chemical gases.
The Kingdom is prioritizing its sustainable development goals as a significant objective of Vision 2030. Structuring a healthier, more flourishing, and greener future through innovative interventions such as the environmental vehicle by NCEC is critical for a balanced ecosystem.
Princess Sora bint Saud launches interactive book celebrating Riyadh
Part of Sora Collection, book spotlights history, culture
Born from ‘deep love’ of homeland, she tells Arab News
Updated 10 October 2025
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: Princess Sora bint Saud recently unveiled “Riyadh,” the first book in her Sora Collection, which is a series of interactive publications designed to highlight the culture, history, and heritage of Saudi Arabia’s regions.
The luxury edition combines storytelling, illustration, and creative design, offering readers an immersive experience of the Saudi capital.
The book serves as a comprehensive guide to Riyadh, showcasing historic landmarks including Al-Masmak Fortress and the UNESCO-listed Diriyah, alongside modern icons such as the Kingdom Tower and Al-Faisaliah Tower.
“The book is just the starting point — there’s so much more that will be added; it’s going to be more of a lifestyle brand, but all relatable to the 13 regions.” (Supplied)
It also highlights traditional markets and heritage dishes including “haneeni,” “matazeez,” and “marqooq,” desert activities, and cultural experiences that capture the city’s unique character.
Speaking to Arab News, Princess Sora said: “The Sora Collection was born from a deep love for my homeland. I began the project back in 2022, and it took time to bring together all the right elements, from the concept and design to storytelling … to present it in the best way possible.
“The idea came from realizing that there wasn’t anything simple yet meaningful that covered all regions of Saudi Arabia in a creative and accessible way. I wanted to create something that could serve as a starting point for readers, especially children, to build their curiosity and discoveries from.
FASTFACTS
• Part of the Sora Collection, book spotlights history, culture.
• Born from ‘deep love’ of homeland, she tells Arab News.
“Each book is designed to inspire, while also living beautifully as a coffee table piece that invites conversation, pride, and connection to our culture.
“The book is just the starting point — there’s so much more that will be added; it’s going to be more of a lifestyle brand, but all relatable to the 13 regions.”
Crafted with historical accuracy and aesthetic appeal, the books provide an educational yet engaging experience for readers of all ages.
The launch comes amid Saudi Arabia’s cultural and tourism renaissance under Vision 2030, which seeks to position the Kingdom as a leading global destination.
Princess Sora’s series is expected to attract wide interest from readers, researchers, and heritage enthusiasts.
It presents “Riyadh” as more than a book but as a starting to discover Saudi Arabia in all its richness and diversity.
