JEDDAH: In line with directives from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) on Monday signed two projects with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The projects were signed by Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, adviser at the Royal Court and general supervisor of KSRelief, and Khairat Kabalari, UNICEF regional director for the Middle East and North Africa.
Al-Rabiah expressed his happiness at the signing of the agreements, whose total value is more than $36 million.
The projects aim to fight cholera, rehabilitate household water tanks, provide potable water and chlorination for disinfection, qualify water systems, build and qualify toilets, and get rid of solid waste.
“The second agreement covers providing vaccines for children under 5 years of age, which will benefit 1.14 million children,” said Al-Rabeeah.
The vaccines are against polio, measles, mumps, whooping cough, tetanus, meningitis, hepatitis B and diphtheria, he added.
“The agreement also covers the training of 2,000 male and female health workers, organizing 600 house visits, implementing health education and distributing 1 million explanatory brochures.”
Al-Rabeeah praised KSRelief’s cooperation with UNICEF in Yemen and other countries, and expressed hoped that the agreements will help alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.
Kabalari said the projects will help fight cholera in Yemen and put an end to the suffering of millions of children.
He thanked the Kingdom, represented by KSRelief, for its generous support.
KSRelief has distributed 1,500 boxes of dates in Al-Khawkhah and Hees districts of Yemen’s Hodeidah governorate, benefiting some 12,000 people.
KSRelief, which is implementing 217 humanitarian projects throughout Yemen, also distributed 1,000 boxes of dates to 8,000 beneficiaries in Ad Dis district in Hadhramaut governorate.
KSRelief, UNICEF to fight cholera, provide vaccines in Yemen
KSRelief, UNICEF to fight cholera, provide vaccines in Yemen
- Children under 5 years of age, which will benefit 1.14 million children
- KSRelief has distributed 1,500 boxes of dates in Al-Khawkhah and Hees districts
International brands turn to Riyadh to expand cooperation
- Capital cements role as hub at World Defense Show
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's capital is cementing its role as a rising hub in the global defense industry, and the World Defense Show has attracted international brands eager to showcase advanced technologies and expand partnerships in the Kingdom and beyond.
Held under the patronage of the Saudi leadership, the show — which runs until Feb. 12 — has brought together defense manufacturers, technology innovators and government representatives from around the world.
Arab News spoke to several international exhibitors who underscored the show’s growing importance as a gateway to pursue regional and global cooperation.
Among the returning participants is Passtech Machine Tools, represented by Syed Zahid, its sales manager.
The company collaborates with various international brands, providing tools, machines and gauges, including advanced CNC (computer numerical control) machinery from South Korea.
For Zahid, WDS has proved to be a strategic platform, and he said: “This is our third time. We see it as very, very useful.”
From China, Jihua Group Co. Ltd. showcases advanced navigation devices and integrated systems. Peter Wang, its senior product manager, expressed optimism about expanding cooperation.
At the company’s booth, Arab News was introduced to several technologies, including what Wang described as a “true-color navigation device.”
Highlighting a wearable system, Wang said it was designed to enhance mobility and operational efficiency.
He emphasized the diversity of visitors and the potential for cross-border cooperation, and added: “I meet different countries’ customers here. I’m very happy and I want to get some opportunities for cooperation.”
Turkiye is also represented at the event. Masttech, which is attending WDS for the first time, is showcasing its products for visitors.
Deputy General Manager Sitki Tuzun said: “We are here to show all our products. We are producing electromechanical, mechanical and pneumatic mast systems here.”
While the company does not yet have Saudi clients, Tuzun made it clear that the show was a strategic leap toward entering the market.
“We are here for connection and new business cooperation,” he said.
The World Defense Show has demonstrated its increasing influence as a platform from which global brands meet regional opportunity.
Beyond static displays, the show serves as a dynamic networking arena, connecting manufacturers, suppliers, and defense stakeholders under one roof.
As Saudi Arabia accelerates efforts to localize its defense industry and invest in advanced technologies, WDS continues to facilitate partnerships, technology transfer and international collaboration — reinforcing Riyadh’s emergence as a central node in the global defense ecosystem.
