Human Rights Commission, King Khalid Foundation sign cooperation agreement

 Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Commission and the King Khalid Foundation struck a strategic partnership through a cooperation agreement signed in Riyadh on Thursday. (X/@KKFoundation)
Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Commission and the King Khalid Foundation struck a strategic partnership through a cooperation agreement signed in Riyadh on Thursday. (X/@KKFoundation)
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Updated 18 July 2025
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Human Rights Commission, King Khalid Foundation sign cooperation agreement

Human Rights Commission, King Khalid Foundation sign cooperation agreement

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Commission and the King Khalid Foundation struck a strategic partnership through a cooperation agreement signed in Riyadh on Thursday, marking a significant step toward advancing human rights protection in the Kingdom.

The agreement was signed by Hala Al-Tuwaijri, president of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, and Princess Nouf bint Mohammed bin Abdullah, CEO of the King Khalid Foundation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The partnership is designed to strengthen coordination between the two organizations while making the most of their combined expertise to promote human rights initiatives throughout Saudi Arabia.

Under the terms of the agreement, the organizations will collaborate on joint research projects focusing on human rights issues, launch public awareness campaigns to foster a culture of human rights understanding, and develop community-based initiatives that align with their shared mission.

The partnership also aims to highlight Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to human rights and sustainable development on both the domestic and international stages.

The partnership comes as Saudi Arabia continues to prioritize human rights advancement through legislative reforms, public education programs, and enhanced community engagement.

The Kingdom has been actively working to elevate the profile of its civil society organizations and their contributions to human rights progress through joint community initiatives and collaborative projects.


Saudi crown prince, Palestinian president discuss upcoming peace conference

Saudi crown prince, Palestinian president discuss upcoming peace conference
Updated 8 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince, Palestinian president discuss upcoming peace conference

Saudi crown prince, Palestinian president discuss upcoming peace conference
  • During call the pair discussed security and humanitarian developments in the Gaza Strip
  • Mahmoud Abbas praised Saudi Arabia’s crucial role in garnering international support for recognizing the State of Palestine at the UN

LONDON: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas about the latest developments and ongoing challenges facing Palestinians and their cause during a phone call on Monday.

They discussed the security and humanitarian developments in the Gaza Strip, and the crown prince condemned crimes committed against the Palestinian people, stressing the need for the international community to address the resulting humanitarian crisis and protect civilians, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Abbas praised Saudi Arabia’s crucial role in garnering international support for recognizing the State of Palestine based on the pre-1967 Middle East War borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, the Wafa news agency reported.

They discussed preparations for the International Peace Conference in New York on Sept. 22, where several countries, including France, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Singapore, are set to recognize Palestinian statehood.

In July, Saudi Arabia and France co-chaired a high-level UN conference to gather support for the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Since Israel began military operations in Gaza after the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel by Hamas, more than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed. Israeli settler activity in the West Bank, meanwhile, has also been condemned by members of the international community, with more countries moving away from the stance that Palestinian statehood could only be achieved through a negotiated peace with Israel.

The crown prince and the Palestinian president also reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing joint coordination and enhanced Arab and international solidarity with the Palestinian people, the Wafa agency added.


French Falcon Center sells all its falcons within 5 days at International Falcon Breeders Auction

French Falcon Center sells all its falcons within 5 days at International Falcon Breeders Auction
Updated 11 August 2025
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French Falcon Center sells all its falcons within 5 days at International Falcon Breeders Auction

French Falcon Center sells all its falcons within 5 days at International Falcon Breeders Auction
  • Auction, organized by the Saudi Falcons Club in Malham, north of Riyadh, runs until Aug. 25, with the participation of leading international and local farms
  • Philippe Hertel, owner of Phil Falcons Center, said that this year’s sales were far better than in previous years

RIYADH: French falcon breeder Philippe Hertel said all falcons he showcased at the International Falcon Breeders Auction 2025 were sold within five days of the auction’s launch.

The auction, organized by the Saudi Falcons Club in Malham, north of Riyadh, runs until Aug. 25, with the participation of leading international and local farms.

Hertel, owner of Phil Falcons Center, said that this year’s sales were far better than in previous years. He said that this year he focused on the quality of the falcons rather than quantity, which was reflected in both demand and results.

“I regularly participate in the auction, and each year we see significant improvements in organization and increased participation,” Hertel said. “This is a testament to the dedicated efforts of the Saudi Falcons Club to enhance this heritage and encourage investment in the falconry sector.”

The event runs for 21 days and brings together top falcon breeds from around the world in the largest event of its kind globally.


Alkhobar launches tree digitization project to become smart green city

Alkhobar launches tree digitization project to become smart green city
Updated 11 August 2025
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Alkhobar launches tree digitization project to become smart green city

Alkhobar launches tree digitization project to become smart green city

Jeddah: The Eastern Province Municipality has launched a project to document and digitize trees in Alkhobar, aiming to make it the first smart green city in the region.

The first phase will involve the recording and digital tagging of more than 100,000 trees.

The initiative is expected to strengthen Alkhobar’s global standing, as the city ranks 61st in the 2025 Smart Cities Index.

Officials said that the project reflects the municipality’s commitment to environmental sustainability while creating economic opportunities by encouraging private sector participation in tree-planting campaigns.

Each tree will be fitted with an electronic tag carrying detailed information such as its species, location and care guidelines, in both Arabic and English.

The tags will be geo-linked to create a comprehensive database of Alkhobar’s green assets.

The project will also promote investment in smart cities and sustainable infrastructure, raise environmental awareness and enhance social responsibility, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

More than 10,000 trees have already been tagged in areas including the Southern Corniche, the waterfront, the Northern Corniche and along main roads. The program will eventually cover all trees across the city.

The initiative aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to reduce carbon emissions, plant 10 billion trees, and protect 30 percent of the Kingdom’s land and marine areas by 2030.

Across the Kingdom, cities are adopting sustainable urban strategies to improve air quality, expand green spaces and enhance biodiversity.

Saudi Arabia’s broader smart city vision includes megaprojects such as NEOM with its futuristic developments, The Line, Oxagon, Trojena and Sindalah, powered entirely by renewable energy.

Riyadh is advancing with integrated smart transport, digital healthcare and its massive Green Riyadh afforestation program.

Jeddah Economic City is being designed with smart energy grids and automated waste systems, while King Abdullah Economic City focuses on port innovation and digital ecosystems.

Qiddiya City near Riyadh is set to become a global entertainment and sports hub with AI-driven operations, and Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City in Riyadh is pioneering a global-first district dedicated to education, innovation and culture.


Saudi Arabia welcomes moves by Australia, New Zealand toward recognizing Palestinian state

Saudi Arabia welcomes moves by Australia, New Zealand toward recognizing Palestinian state
Updated 11 August 2025
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Saudi Arabia welcomes moves by Australia, New Zealand toward recognizing Palestinian state

Saudi Arabia welcomes moves by Australia, New Zealand toward recognizing Palestinian state
  • Saudi Arabia praised these developments as part of a growing international consensus in support of the two-state solution

DUBAI: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed on Monday the recent announcements by Australia and New Zealand signaling steps toward recognizing the State of Palestine.

The Kingdom commended Australia’s declaration of its intention to formally recognize Palestine, as well as New Zealand’s announcement that it is considering such recognition, a statement from the ministry said.

Saudi Arabia praised these developments as part of a growing international consensus in support of the two-state solution.

The Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

“The Kingdom appreciates the positions of countries that contribute to strengthening the path toward a just and comprehensive peace,” the statement said, adding that recognition of Palestine is a crucial step toward ending the decades-long conflict.

 

 


Saudi Crown Prince, Jordanian King discuss Gaza and West Bank developments in Neom

Saudi Crown Prince, Jordanian King discuss Gaza and West Bank developments in Neom
Updated 11 August 2025
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Saudi Crown Prince, Jordanian King discuss Gaza and West Bank developments in Neom

Saudi Crown Prince, Jordanian King discuss Gaza and West Bank developments in Neom
  • Discussions also covered the longstanding ties between Saudi Arabia and Jordan

DUBAI: Developments in Gaza and the West Bank were a key focus on Monday as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Jordan’s King Abdullah II at Neom Palace.

The leaders reviewed the latest regional situation and exchanged views on issues of mutual concern.

Discussions also covered the longstanding ties between Saudi Arabia and Jordan and ways to enhance cooperation in service of shared interests and Arab causes.

Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II attended the meeting, which formed part of ongoing consultations between the two countries on regional and international matters.

Other senior officials included Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh.

From the Saudi side, attendees included Governor of Tabuk Province Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defence Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, along with other senior officials.