RIYADH: The King Salman Center for Humanitarian Aid and Relief (KSRelief) has stepped up its medical relief efforts in Yemen, with three new medical teams to provide treatment without discrimination.
Dr. Abdullah Almuallim, director of the health and environment aid department, KSRelief, told Arab News on Thursday: “The center has formed three specialized medical teams to visit three different regions in Yemen and provide medical assistance to help injured recover from their sufferings.”
“A specialized medical team comprised of 25 doctors has already reached Marib governorate to provide health services to all Yemenis without any discrimination to patients; whether pro-legitimacy or rebel Houthi supporters,” Almuallim said.
“There is no discrimination at all, this is a medical mission providing humanitarian help to all injured Yemenis,” he said.
He said besides the Marib team, there are two other specialized medical teams, one for Taiz and the other for Aden.
The team includes doctors with specialization in different fields including a neurosurgeon, orthopedic surgeon and medics who specialize in spinal surgery, ENT, plastic surgery and anesthesia.
The medical mission in Marib, which is an extension of the medical programs funded and monitored by the KSRelief in coordination with the Yemeni Ministry of Public health, started on May 1 and will continue till May 8, with the other two missions to follow later, he said.
He said that the campaign had begun providing medical equipment and supplies as well as operation theater equipment and surgery sets to the Marib hospital.
Almuallim said that the mission would also train Yemeni doctors and support staff of the medical team as well as upgrade the health system in Yemen in preparation for the restoration of legitimate government.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Wadei, who is heading the medical mission, said: “The doctors on this humanitarian medical mission are specialists from different hospitals in the Kingdom, providing medical help to the Yemenis and wounded soldiers to help them recover from their injuries.”
He said that the mission was a joint effort by KSRelief and the Nolabbee Alneda foundation supervised by Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdul Aziz.
KSRelief provides specialized medical teams in Yemen
KSRelief provides specialized medical teams in Yemen
Sheikh Maher Al-Muaiqly to deliver Arafat sermon during Hajj 2024
- The Arafat sermon is delivered at the Namira Mosque, the second largest in the Makkah region after the Grand Mosque
RIYADH: Sheikh Maher bin Hamad Al-Muaiqly, an imam at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, will deliver the Arafat sermon during this year’s Hajj.
The Presidency of Religious Affairs announced the appointment on Monday after royal approval.
Worshiping in Arafat on the 9th of Dhu Al-Hijjah is described as the pinnacle of Hajj and Muslims around the world reflect the actions of pilgrims by asking for forgiveness and praying for their deepest desires.
The Arafat sermon is delivered at the Namira Mosque, the second largest in the Makkah region after the Grand Mosque.
The mosque was built on the same spot where Prophet Muhammad delivered the Arafat sermon during his farewell pilgrimage.
Ministerial committee assigned by Arab-Islamic Summit meets with EU Foreign Affairs Council
- Attendees discussed the dangerous developments in the Gaza Strip and Israel’s continued military aggression targeting defenseless civilians
RIYADH: Members of the ministerial committee assigned by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit held a meeting with the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday.
The Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit took place in Riyadh in November 2023 in response to the war in Gaza and demanded an immediate end to Israeli military operations in the territory.
The ministerial committee was headed by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his counterparts from Qatar, Jordan, and Egypt also participated in the meeting, Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the meeting, attendees discussed the dangerous developments in the Gaza Strip, Israel’s continued military aggression targeting defenseless civilians, and an Israeli airstrike that triggered a massive blaze killing 45 people in a tent camp in Rafah on Sunday night.
The members of the committee stressed the need for the international community to fulfil its responsibility and intervene immediately to stop the massacres committed by Israeli forces and limit the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The committee also reiterated the importance of creating serious political conditions for the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the relevant international resolutions.
Members of the committee rejected discussing the future of the Gaza Strip without discussing the Palestinian issue.
The committee also called for the confrontation of all flagrant violations committed by Israeli forces against the Palestinian people which increase the human tragedy and impede the entry of urgent humanitarian aid into the besieged Gaza Strip.
It stressed the importance of holding Israel accountable for ongoing violations in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, including east Jerusalem.
Food market at Hayy Jameel highlights sustainable farming, production
- Azka Foods, Art Jameel collaboration covers all 13 regions
- Focus on self-sufficient, ethical food system, says organizer
JEDDAH: The Azka Farmers Market, held recently at Hayy Jameel in collaboration between Azka Foods and Art Jameel, connected the wider Jeddah community with local vendors and farmers dedicated to sustainability and ethical food practices.
The event held May 24 and 25 provided visitors with the opportunity to enjoy farm-fresh produce, eco-friendly products, and specialized programs showcasing the region’s agricultural diversity.
The market featured a diverse array of farmers and producers from around the Kingdom including Aysh Academy, Abazeer, Naqwat Al-Nanaa Farm, Ghiras Alsahra, Manahil Al-Magrabi, Alnahal Aljwal, Zaki Salem Farms, Al-Sadan Farm, Bee Ways, Honest, Wild Figra Honey, Nada Soap, Ebrahim Store for Dates, Baha Honey, Ali Aref Farm, and Shamsa.
Ahmad Zaki Kamel, the founder of Azka Foods and azkabasket.com, said they started the market with just six vendors, which grew to 12, and then 18 by the third time they held the event. Now, for their sixth market and fourth collaboration with Hayy Jameel, they have 55 farm vendors, producers and chefs.
While their first four markets focused on producers mainly around Jeddah Madinah, Makkah and Taif, they have now included all 13 regions of Saudi Arabia, offering a much larger selection of produce and products.
Speaking about their vision, Kamel told Arab News: “The reason we founded Azka was to achieve an ethical food system and self-sufficiency, and we are getting closer to that goal. The market provides an opportunity to connect the community with these incredible producers from across Saudi Arabia.”
He added: “Bringing them together on one platform is crucial because many of these producers face significant challenges in marketing their high-quality produce.
“While some have their own sales channels, having a unified platform allows them to support each other. This is one of the main benefits of the Azka Basket platform — it acts as a continuous farmers’ market.”
For those looking to support local farmers and seeking fresh produce, the Azka Basket website is one way to stay connected with the producers and receive deliveries twice a week.
Participant Sami Magrabi, co-founder of Manahil Al-Magrabi, said: “Our business, started by my father 40 years ago, specializes in producing organic honey to the highest production standards. We use mobile apiaries during the season to produce most of our honey.”
He added: “Since each type of flower or tree blooms at a specific time of the year, we move our bees to these locations when they are in bloom, as it’s not fair to keep the bees stationary. Although we are based in Riyadh and operate on a smaller scale there, this event allows us to operate on a larger scale.”
Magrabi said the market is “a great opportunity to connect with others and showcase our products to a wider audience.”
Sumaia Showail, founder of Aysh Academy, who has been involved with the market since its inception, sources fresh vegetables, fruits and beans directly from local farms to create menus.
“We love being part of the market and are thrilled to see so many people interested in and supportive of the organic food industry and food culture. It’s also a great opportunity for vendors to gain exposure and connect with the community,” she added.
Another vendor, Fatima Nawawi, founder of Shamsa products, said: “Our specialty lies in creating natural skin products with the vision of raising community awareness about the benefits of using natural ingredients. The main ingredient in our products is (camel hump tallow) … it is the purest form of fat.”
Nawawi said the market has allowed them to showcase their brand. “Azka Farm has a wonderful team that work alongside with each brand and they are doing amazing job by raising awareness in keeping all the farms and business owners aligned together and build a healthy community.”
Nawawi also delivered a talk during which she elaborated on her journey to establish Shamsa.
Eiman Elnaiem, the public programs manager at Hayy Jameel, said: “This iteration brings a variety of outstanding seasonal, organic produce, from coffee grounds made from date pits and herb-infused waters to different grains, legumes and honey of all kinds and flavors. I’m always impressed and delighted to see the market grow, reflecting the rich agricultural heritage and biodiversity of Saudi Arabia.”
She said Art Jameel “not only supports passionate entrepreneurs, chefs, farms and producers but gives them a platform to actively promote sustainability, well-being and ethics in the way we look at, produce and consume food and products around us.”
The market included talks, workshops and film screenings aimed at connecting members of the community. There were also discussions on organic composting, recycling, date processing, and beekeeping.
In a discussion led by Fahad Alysi from Wadi Nawal Farm in Taif, there was a focus on organic farming methods and the benefits of organic waste utilization.
In addition to a “Get to Know Your Farmer” question-and-answer session, visitors were able to explore the agricultural heritage and significance of dates through insights shared by representatives from Ebrahim Store for Dates in Najran.
GCC chief emphasizes nations’ shared vision for integration
- Riyadh event celebrates 43 years of unity, calls for regional stability
RIYADH: The Gulf Cooperation Council marked its 43rd anniversary in Riyadh on Sunday with a ceremony attended by its members, ambassadors, and various guests including Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar.
In his speech, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi said the council was an “icon and embodiment of the shared religious, historical, social, and cultural values that are reinforced by the geographical extension of the GCC countries.”
Al-Budaiwi said the council has had a clear vision for integration since its inception.
The GCC was formed on May 25, 1981, at a conference in Abu Dhabi, bringing together the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. A charter was signed creating the council for the Arab states.
The six-member bloc was initially formed as an economic group but then grew with the wider mission to provide stability and security for the region. The cooperation grew further to include other areas including energy, agriculture, telecommunications and education.
Al-Budaiwi said the region was facing difficult and unprecedented challenges, citing the killings, forced displacements, and other violations committed by Israel against the Palestinian people.
“We underscore the firm position of the GCC regarding the Israeli aggression. Therefore, we call for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and an end to the Israeli military operations in all parts of Gaza, including the city of Rafah, and ensuring the provision of all humanitarian aid, relief, and essential needs to its population,” Al-Budaiwi said.
He urged the international community to adopt policies that would end the violence against the Palestinians in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Islam’s holy sites.
Al-Budaiwi said the GCC supported the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital — in line with the Arab Peace Initiative and UN resolutions.
He also highlighted the achievements of the GCC in recent years.
“Our commitment to enhancing economic relations and opening new markets for the GCC countries is not only aimed at diversifying our economic activities but also at positioning the council’s countries as a strategic player on the global trade stage.
“Faced with these achievements and joint GCC projects, we now have a great responsibility to continue and preserve the gains that have been achieved during this blessed journey,” Al-Budaiwi said.
He added: “We have confidence in the capabilities and energy of our youth, whom we see as our strongest bet to achieve success and further strengthen the role and position of the cooperation council regionally and internationally.”
There was also a speech delivered by the ambassador of Qatar to Saudi Arabia, Bandar bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah, before the closing ceremony.
The event ended with traditional songs and dances of each member nation, including Saudi Arabia’s Ardah dance.
Saudi project clears 1,375 Houthi mines in Yemen
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam cleared 1,375 mines in Yemen — which had been planted by the Houthi militia — between May 18 to 24, according to a recent report.
Overseen by the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief, the project’s specialist teams destroyed 1,345 pieces of unexploded ordnance, 15 improvised explosive devices, 11 anti-tank mines, and four anti-personnel mines.
The explosives, which were planted indiscriminately by the Houthis across Yemen, posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.
A total of 443,452 mines have been cleared since the start of the initiative in 2018, according to Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the project’s managing director.
Masam teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
