Saudi aid agency KSRelief continues operations around the world

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KSRelief officials conducting an ocular inspection in the Muslim city of Marawi in the southern Philippines, which was devastated during a war with Daesh-linked extremists two years ago. (SPA)
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KSRelief delivered seven ambulances in Aden in Yemen last week. (SPA)
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A KSRelief official surveys the devastated Muslim city of Marawi in the southern Philippines, the scene of heavy fighting between government troops and Daesh-linked extremists two years ago. (SPA).
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KSRelief workers distributing relief aid at a village in Yemen last week. (SPA)
Updated 28 July 2019
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Saudi aid agency KSRelief continues operations around the world

  • Since its inception, KSRelief has implemented 1,011 projects in 44 countries worth $3,439,139,000

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) has held technical courses on the maintenance of mobile phones, plumbing and electrical wiring in Lahij governorate, Yemen, benefiting 70 trainees.

These courses are part of the livelihood improvement project to improve the skills of trainees before entering the labor market.

Yemeni Minister of Local Administration and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Relief Abdul Raqeeb Fatah expressed thanks to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the continuous efforts of the Kingdom in supporting the humanitarian work in his country and taking care of the needy and affected Yemeni people.

He was speaking at a meeting at the headquarters of KSrelief in Riyadh on the humanitarian needs of the Yemenis in the west coast, with the participation of the KSRelief, the Emirates Red Crescent and a number of the international humanitarian organizations.

The center delivered 50 tons of dates as a gift from Saudi Arabia to Comoros in the presence of Saudi Ambassador to Comoros Dr. Hamad Al-Hajri and a representative of the Saudi Ministry of Finance.

Al-Hajri affirmed the depth of the fraternal relations between the Kingdom and Comoros, pointing out that this annual gift comes within the framework of Saudi Arabia's interest in extending bridges of good relations between the two countries. 

Following a meeting with beneficiary families in Amman, a KSRelief team was reassured of the distribution process of dates at the Zaatari camp for Syrian refugees in Jordan.

During the visit, the team listened to the Syrian refugees benefiting from the distribution offered by KSrelief and expressing satisfaction with the quality of the services provided.

The Syrian refugees expressed their great thanks to Saudi Arabia, represented by KSRelief, for the aid they received which, they said, met their daily needs. 

In Senegal, a team of KSRelief handed over a 60-ton shipment of dates to the World Food Program (WFP) for distribution to needy people. Saudi Ambassador to Senegal Fahd bin Ali Al-Dosari signed a memorandum to deliver the date shipment to the Senegalese capital of Dakar.

The Kingdom’s foreign aid efforts have always been on the rise until they hit a record in the last few years, with the volume of Saudi aid, provided impartially to 81 countries, exceeding $86 billion between 1996 and 2018.

King Salman issued his directives on May 13, 2015 to establish the KSRelief to provide various humanitarian and relief programs. Since its inception, KSRelief has implemented 1,011 projects in 44 countries worth $3,439,139,000.


Saudi Coffee Co. and Bieder & Maier blend two coffee cultures

Updated 7 min 34 sec ago
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Saudi Coffee Co. and Bieder & Maier blend two coffee cultures

  • Viennese coffee-maker collaborates with local brand to buy Arabica beans from Jazan

RIYADH: The Kingdom and Austria recently celebrated the world premiere of the “Premium Saudi Blend” by Viennese coffee manufacturer Bieder & Maier and the Saudi Coffee Company.

The launch of the product brings Saudi and Austrian coffee culture together. During the presentations in Vienna and Riyadh, guests tasted the new coffee roast, catering for espresso to filter and cold brewing.  

Bieder & Maier collaborates with Jazean brand to become the world's global brand to directly acquire the finest Arabica beans from Jazan. (Supplied)

“The coffee is an embodiment of our culture and identity,” CEO of Saudi Coffee Company Khalid AbuTheeb told Arab News. “With the objective of enhancing the local coffee industry and promoting our coffee tradition, we have collaborated with Bieder & Maier, a Vienna-based coffee powerhouse.”

AbuTheeb said that the collaboration was facilitated by the Saudi Ministry of Investment. “Through this collaboration ... the Saudi Coffee Company will bring forth unique coffee blends utilizing Saudi coffee beans in a mix with international beans to the Saudi and Austrian markets,” he said.

HIGHLIGHTS

• In 2011, Viennese coffee house culture was declared an intangible world heritage, followed by Arabic coffee in 2015 and Saudi Khawlani Arabica beans in 2022.

• They have all been declared intangible world heritage by UNESCO in recognition of their respective traditions and cultural significance.

• Starting during fall this year, a number of coffee houses will be opened in Saudi Arabia, with Cenomi Retail as franchise partner.

According to AbuTheeb, they will supply the finest Saudi coffee beans directly from the Jazan region.

“As we explore roasting capabilities here in the Kingdom, we are not just content with embracing tradition; we are striving to shape the future of coffee, where innovation intersects with heritage on a global scale,” he said.

Dr. Margarete Schramboeck, the former minister of economy and digital affairs of Austria, and current Aramco digital board member, expressed her growing interest in Saudi coffee culture since she moved to the Kingdom.

“It was the year 2022 when I first came to the Kingdom and learned about the Year of Saudi coffee and the amazing culture of growing coffee in Jazan,” Schramboeck told Arab News. “Therefore, I was passionate about bringing this idea of a special Saudi blend to life. An exceptional partnership with the support of the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia has been initiated. I want to thank Minister Khalid Al-Falih and team for the support.”

Recalling her visit to Jazan and its coffee-growing families, Schramboeck said: “The quality and tradition of coffee has deeply impressed me.”

Rudi Kobza, founder and CEO of Bieder & Maier Vienna, stressed the importance of the collaboration. “The Saudi heritage is unique and the ambition of the Saudi Coffee Company is impressive. The Premium Saudi Blend brings this philosophy in an authentical way alive. This can be experienced soon in our first Bieder & Maier cafe in Saudi Arabia, which we will operate with our partner Cenomi, as well as in Vienna.”

“Austrians share a common passion for coffee. Therefore, I was passionate about developing this project. When Saudi Arabia meets Vienna, the home of the Arabica coffee bean combines with the home of traditional coffee house culture to create a particularly enjoyable coffee project.”

In 2011, Viennese coffee house culture was declared an intangible world heritage, followed by Arabic coffee in 2015 and Saudi Khawlani Arabica beans in 2022. They have all been declared intangible world heritage by UNESCO in recognition of their respective traditions and cultural significance.

Starting during fall this year, a number of coffee houses will be opened in Saudi Arabia, with Cenomi Retail as franchise partner.

 


Excavators held for violating water system

Updated 26 April 2024
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Excavators held for violating water system

  • The discovery was made during field tours carried out by the water department

TUBARJAL: The Al-Jouf branch of the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has apprehended three excavators who were found to be violating the water system in Tubarjal.
The discovery was made during field tours carried out by the water department, in cooperation with the competent authorities in the governorate.
Separately, authorities in Addayer in the Jazan region have arrested seven Ethiopians for smuggling 105 kg of hashish. Legal procedures have been completed against the offenders who were handed over, along with the seized items, to the competent authority.
Border guard patrols in the Al-Harth area of Jazan have also foiled an attempt to smuggle 71 kg of hashish, with initial legal procedures completed and the find handed over to the competent authority.
Security authorities have reiterated their appeal for citizens and residents to report any information regarding drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom’s regions.
Those with information may also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or at [email protected].


48th Saudi relief plane for Palestinians

The aid is part of the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by Saudi Arabia through KSrelief. (SPA)
Updated 4 min 52 sec ago
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48th Saudi relief plane for Palestinians

  • The plane carried shelter materials to be transported to the conflict-affected Palestinians in the Gaza Strip

AL-ARISH: The 48th Saudi relief plane for Palestinians in Gaza arrived on Friday at Al-Arish International Airport, Egypt.

It was operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, in coordination with the Saudi Ministry of Defense.

The plane carried shelter materials to be transported to the conflict-affected Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The provision of aid is ongoing from the Kingdom, which has stood firm with the Palestinians amid crises and tribulations.

 


Direct KSA to Iraq flight routes announced

Updated 26 April 2024
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Direct KSA to Iraq flight routes announced

  • These flights, along with flights to Baghdad and Irbil, will commence from June 1.

RIYADH: The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation announced the launch of direct flights from Dammam to Najaf, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
The decision is in line with the Kingdom’s national aviation sector strategy, aimed at doubling capacity to accommodate over 330 million passengers annually, and extending services to more than 250 global destinations.
These flights, along with flights to Baghdad and Irbil, will commence from June 1.


Ministry of Hajj and Umrah praises Iraqi authorities for arresting fraudsters touting fake Hajj trips

Updated 26 April 2024
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Ministry of Hajj and Umrah praises Iraqi authorities for arresting fraudsters touting fake Hajj trips

  • A ministry source in the statement also warned prospective pilgrims to beware of unauthorized Hajj offers being promoted this year
  • The ministry made it clear that visas for Umrah, tourism, work, family visits, transit, and other categories do not grant eligibility to perform Hajj

RIYADH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah expressed its gratitude for actions taken by the Supreme Commission for Hajj and Umrah in the Republic of Iraq that resulted in the prosecution of more than 25 companies fraudulently engaged in commercial Hajj operations.
A ministry source in the statement also warned prospective pilgrims to beware of unauthorized Hajj offers being promoted this year, primarily through social media.
Participation in Hajj requires pilgrims to obtain a legitimate Hajj visa issued by the authorities in the Kingdom in coordination with Hajj affairs offices in their respective countries, or via the Nusuk Hajj platform for those countries that do not have an official Hajj office.
The source said that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is monitoring advertisements from companies and campaigns, as well as identifying fake accounts on social networks allegedly offering Hajj packages at enticing prices.
The ministry made it clear that visas for Umrah, tourism, work, family visits, transit, and other categories do not grant eligibility to perform Hajj. It urged pilgrims to be careful not to fall victim to companies and others claiming to offer commercial Hajj campaigns or other misleading initiatives.
“Regulations must be followed and legally documented permits, as represented by the official Hajj visa, must be issued, so a safe, secure, well-managed Hajj program and fair representation to all nationalities is provided,” Mohsen Tutla, head of the World Hajj and Umrah Convention, told Arab News.
“Hajj is a mega event with more than 2 million worshippers. Can one imagine, if order was not imposed and (the event) not regulated, chaos would ensue,” he added.
In the statement, the ministry calls for everyone’s cooperation to help combat and report fraudulent companies and campaigns, and to seek information only by visiting its official website and engaging with its channels on social networks.