RIYADH: The Saudi Cabinet has renewed the Kingdom’s support for the people of Sudan and the actions of the transitional military council in working to restore stability and security to the country.
In a session of the Council of Ministers, chaired by King Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Tuesday, members highlighted the monarch’s directives to send aid to Sudan including medicines, corn and petroleum products.
The Cabinet also expressed its appreciation to Pakistani President Arif Alvi for his statement at the 4th International Message of Islam Conference in Islamabad which lauded the strong bond between the two countries.
And members pointed to Pakistan’s honoring of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with the global influential figure of 2018 award in appreciation of his efforts to support Islam, Muslims worldwide and global peace.
In a statement, Minister of Media Turki Al-Shabanah said that the Cabinet had discussed the convening of the first session of the Yemeni Parliament since the 2014 Houthi coup.
Council members agreed the meeting, held on Saturday in the city of Seiyun, was a step forward and showed the resolve of the Yemeni people to regain their country and unity and isolate the Iranian-backed Houthis.
The Cabinet authorized the Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdul Aziz bin Saud bin Naif to discuss a draft agreement on security cooperation with Ethiopia.
The Kingdom’s Minister of Commerce and Investment Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qassabi was given the go-ahead to start negotiations on a deal with Iraq over the mutual protection of investments.
Ministers went on to approve a memorandum of understanding for technical cooperation between the Human Rights Commission of Saudi Arabia and the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, an agency of the US State Department.
The Cabinet also noted a new passport developed by Interpol for officials on work-related missions.
Saudi Cabinet vows support for Sudanese people
Saudi Cabinet vows support for Sudanese people
- Saudi Arabia calls on Yemeni people to isolate Houthis
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.”
