RIYADH: The Saudi Cabinet on Tuesday appreciated the royal order to form a supreme committee chaired by the crown prince to identify violations, crimes, individuals and entities involved in public corruption cases.
The Cabinet stressed that royal order emanates from the king’s responsibility toward the homeland and citizens and his consideration of the risks of corruption and its bad effects on the state at political, social, economic and security levels.
The weekly meeting was chaired by King Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh.
The king began the session by briefing attendees on the outcome of his talks with US President Donald Trump; Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi; Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe; Italy Premier Paolo Gentiloni; Lebanon Premier Saad Al-Hariri; and Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak.
The Minister of Culture and Information Awwad bin Saleh Al-Awwad said that the Cabinet renewed the Kingdom’s condemnation of the launching of a ballistic missile by Houthi armed militias from Yemeni territories on the capital Riyadh to target populated civilian areas.
The Cabinet stressed that this hostile and indiscriminate action proved Iranian involvement in supporting Houthi armed groups with qualitative capabilities in defiance of the UN resolution 2216. It is considered as an open aggression targeting neighboring countries and international peace and security in the region and the world, and it affirms the Kingdom’s right to legitimate defense of its territory and people under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Ministers dealt with the World Bank Group’s report on the Kingdom’s unprecedented progress in indicators of the ease of doing business after implementing many reforms and procedures that have improved the business and investment environment, as well as investor confidence.
The report also referred to the Kingdom’s ranking among the top 20 reformist countries in the world, and its position of second among the best high-income countries and G-20 countries in terms of implementing reforms to improve the business environment.
The Cabinet also pointed out the Kingdom’s strong condemnation of a UN committee report that the UN had presented $14 million to the so-called Yemeni Ministry of Education, an affiliate of Houthi militias which are planting thousands of mines inside Yemen and on the Saudi border. It asked for reconsideration of the report submitted to the committee to reflect the facts that had been ignored and the commitment of all UN organs to the relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2216, stressing that UN support for Houthi militias was unjustifiable or unacceptable.
Ministers expressed their condemnation of the recent truck-ramming accident in New York, the suicide bombing in Kabul and the two suicide attacks in Kirkuk, Iraq, which resulted in a number of victims and injuries. It expressed its condolences to the families of the victims, the US administration and people in addition to the governments and peoples of Afghanistan and Iraq.
The Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s firm stance rejecting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and the importance of international efforts to confront and eradicate it.
Saudi Cabinet acclaims royal order to form anti-corruption committee
Saudi Cabinet acclaims royal order to form anti-corruption committee
Sha’abanah festival brings Hijazi heritage to life ahead of Ramadan
Jeddah: The Sha’abanah festival celebrating Hijazi heritage drew more than 18,000 visitors to the Abadi Al-Johar Arena in Jeddah as part of the city’s pre-Ramadan festivities.
Organized by Vertex 33, the three-day event from Jan. 22-24 offered an immersive celebration of local culture, crafts, and cuisine.
The festival featured local boutiques offering oud incense and perfumes, artisanal shoes and a variety of handcrafted products from local entrepreneurs.
Visitors also enjoyed a range of artistic workshops, such as pottery and mosaic, while children engaged in scented candle-making, art activities by Global Art, and thread kneading to create keychains and home wall hangings with Ramadan themes.
A dining area served traditional Saudi cuisine, coffee, and festive Ramadan treats.
Guests were entertained with live traditional Yanbu’awi performances, Al-Ajal dance displays, and a contemporary Saudi-style DJ, bringing together the energy of modern entertainment with the rich cultural heritage of Hijaz.
The project was led by four young cultural enthusiasts, Abdulaziz Al-Jehani, Abdulmajeed Abualkheer, Ghoroub Al-Barakati and Shahad Abualkheer.
Al-Jehani, CEO of Vertex 33, said Sha’abanah was inspired by a desire to revive the social traditions that once brought Hijazi communities together ahead of Ramadan.
“At Vertex 33, we believe events should feel meaningful, not just entertaining, and Sha’abanah was our way of creating a space where people could reconnect with heritage in a lively, modern setting,” he told Arab News.
“Bringing the festival together took just three months of planning, from concept development and cultural research to vendor selection, design, and on-ground coordination.
“The positive response from attendees has reinforced Vertex 33’s commitment to supporting local artists and making Hijazi heritage central to future events,” he added.
Entrepreneurs taking part in Sha’abanah praised the festival for providing exposure and opportunities to engage directly with customers.
Afraa Damanhouri, founder of RuaqAfraa, said: “We are participating to make scented cake candles for both adults and children. Workshops like these promote business and help people understand the process behind different types of candles.”
Reem Awad, founder and CEO of Black Mus, said: “Through Sha’abanah, we were able to meet our customers face to face, share the story behind our products, and help them understand the range of services and items we offer.”
Chef Fayzah Al-Sulami, who took part in the event preparing and selling her homemade spices and traditional white sweet Saudi coffee, said: “I started teaching cooking on YouTube, and when people asked about the ingredients I use, I began selling my products.
“It was amazing to see so many people take an interest, and sales were strong throughout all three days of the festival.”
With Ramadan approaching, many local entrepreneurs offered gift packages, prayer baskets, homemade traditional coffee, and spices.
Duaa Shukri, founder of Printful, said: “Ramadan is a time for giving. We created unique gift packages for children, teenagers and adults, with thoughtful items.”
