RIYADH: A high-level mission from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief) concluded a two-day field visit to Cox Bazar in Bangladesh on Sunday, and will shortly submit a joint report on the Rohingya refugee camps.
The UNHCR delegation was headed by UNHCR Deputy Representative Kelly Clements. It also included Khalid Khalifa, UNHCR’s regional representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
The supervisor-general of KSRelief, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, met Bangladesh Ambassador Golam Moshi, who agreed to take the next course of action after the submission of the joint report in Riyadh on Monday.
Speaking to Arab News, Moshi said he had thanked King Salman for helping these refugees and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for reducing their suffering.
The ambassador said the number of refugees had reached nearly 1 million and they need food, clothing, shelter, medicines, and education for the children.
He said Al-Rabeeah also thanked Bangladesh Premier Sheikh Hasina on behalf of the Kingdom for hosting so many refugees.
Clements said the Rohingya situation was “the world’s fastest-growing refugee crisis” and demanded global support.
It was pointed out that Saudi Arabia committed last September to provide $20 million in response to the Rohingya crisis.
In July, UNHCR completed two projects utilizing $31 million provided by KSRelief.
KSRelief, UN to report on Rohingyas after mission to Bangladesh
KSRelief, UN to report on Rohingyas after mission to Bangladesh
Al-Yanfa village restoration unlocks Asir’s architectural treasures
RIYADH: Municipal authorities in the Asir region have announced the completion of renovation and development works in the historic Al-Yanfa heritage village in the Tamniah district.
The initiative aims to elevate the village into a premier destination, attracting visitors and tourists from across the world, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Al-Yanfa, situated in the scenic Al-Shaaf district of Asir, reflects the region’s cultural heritage. Just 45 km from Abha, the village features historical landmarks such as ancient buildings, mosques and fortified structures amid Asir’s picturesque landscapes. It is also known for its moderate climate and lush green surroundings.
Bandar Al-Nafiei, deputy secretary for projects at the Asir Municipality, highlighted the restoration efforts. He said that the project began with rehabilitating pathways and courtyards, with stone paving throughout the village.
To enhance the village’s charm, illumination fixtures were placed along pathways and courtyards, Al-Nafiei said.
Extensive landscaping was also undertaken, covering every part of the village, from entrances to pathways and courtyards. Additionally, a rainwater drainage project was implemented, incorporating natural wood elements, the SPA reported.
Al-Nafiei said that the village project, spanning more than 60,000 sq m, was implemented using advanced engineering methods. This approach aimed to provide visitors with easy access to explore the village and its historical heritage.
Saudi dialogue center in Lisbon hosts global peace forum
RIYADH: The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue is hosting a global dialogue forum in Lisbon, Portugal, from May 14 to May 16, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Themed “Transformative Dialogue: Building Alliances for Peace in a Changing World,” this event marks a significant milestone in the center’s decade-long commitment to fostering global change and peace.
Bringing together influential leaders from decision-making institutions, the forum offers an opportunity to forge partnerships addressing today’s complex challenges, the SPA reported.
It serves as a platform for global political figures, intellectual leaders and clerics to tackle issues of peaceful coexistence and sustainable development amid rapid transformations.
Attendees include former French president, Francois Hollande; Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, the imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah; Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the archbishop of Constantinople; Matteo Renzi, former Italian prime minister; and former president of Austria, Heinz Fischer.
Exploring dialogue’s transformative potential, the forum aims to advance human rights, social cohesion, reconciliation and environmental cooperation in line with the center’s mission, the SPA said.
By fostering cooperation among nations, international institutions and civil society, the forum seeks to build understanding between cultures and religions.
With participation from prominent figures across various fields, this forum holds significant potential to shape policies and priorities for peaceful coexistence and societal advancement, the SPA reported.
Fitness campaign promotes regular physical activity
RIYADH: The Saudi Sports for All Federation has said that its 2024 summer campaign, “Move Your World,” aims to help people engage in physical activities.
After surveying men and women across the Kingdom, the federation identified various obstacles and difficulties that people face daily, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The federation had solicited opinions from adult citizens and residents to pinpoint the primary reasons for their irregular participation in sports or physical activities.
A total of 46 percent of respondents said they did not have enough time in their daily routines for exercise or sports. About 14 percent mentioned health issues, disabilities, or injuries. Approximately 13 percent cited social or family obligations, and 8 percent said they feared picking up injuries.
The federation aims to raise awareness about the benefits of physical activity and help people overcome barriers hindering their participation, the SPA reported.
The summer campaign will offer weekly challenges to help motivate people. Additionally, it will emphasize the significance of physical activity for individuals of all ages.
Saudi deputy FM receives US deputy assistant secretary of state
- The most prominent regional and international developments discussed
RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Daniel Benaim, US deputy assistant secretary of state for Arabian Peninsula affairs, in Riyadh on Sunday.
The two sides discussed strengthening Saudi-US relations and ways to enhance cooperation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The most prominent regional and international developments were also discussed, as well as the efforts put forth in these areas.
Jeddah Historic District, Cruise Saudi team up to boost visitor numbers, economy
- Sides sign memorandum of understanding to ‘drive economic growth’
- Partnership ‘pivotal’ in regeneration of district, Cruise Saudi CEO says
JEDDAH: The Jeddah Historic District Program and Cruise Saudi have agreed to work together to increase the number of international cruise visitors to the city while preserving its cultural and historical integrity.
The program, established in 2018 under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, oversees various initiatives within the Historic Jeddah region with the aim of promoting it as a cultural center.
Cruise Saudi is owned by the Public Investment Fund and manages cruise-related services and infrastructure, including the development of terminals and operation of shore excursions.
Since its creation it has welcomed more than 300,000 cruise passengers.
The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding to boost economic activity and promote the region, using private sector expertise to improve the visitor experience.
“The tourism sector is experiencing growth and prosperity, which contributes to enhance the Kingdom’s presence on the global tourism map in line with Saudi Vision 2030,” Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al-Issa, director general of the Jeddah Historic District Program, said.
“Our strategic partnership with Cruise Saudi is not only to drive economic growth but also to actively engage in the regeneration of the district. We are committed to protecting both the tangible and intangible heritage that earned the district its UNESCO status.”
Cruise Saudi CEO Lars Clasen said: “This partnership is pivotal in the strategic regeneration and sustainability of the district. With this alliance, we are dedicated to presenting Cruise Saudi tourists with an experience that inspires the visitors with the district's enriched heritage.
“Jeddah’s Historic District is one of our most popular Shorex destinations and we continue to witness just how much international passengers enjoy exploring its unique historic sites through the tours and experiences we offer.
“This MOU represents our shared vision and marks an exciting new chapter, paving the way for collaborative efforts to draw even more visitors to this enchanting destination while protecting its heritage and authenticity.”
