World leaders to explore future of healthcare in summit hosted by Saudi non-profit
The “Health is Wealth” roundtable aims to develop tangible solutions to global problems
The Future Investment Initiative Institute is a new foundation aimed at making a positive impact on humanity
Updated 18 September 2021
Arab News
RIYADH: World leaders will gather to discuss how the world can prepare for future pandemics and drive solutions to global issues at a roundtable hosted by the Future Investment Initiative Institute on Tuesday.
The “Health is Wealth” roundtable will be attended by heads of states, UN ambassadors, corporate leaders and government officials, and will see the Saudi-based institute launch its Global Infectious Diseases Index.
From disparate investment in health to inequalities in access, the FII Institute’s roundtable aims to “address these issues and drive tangible solutions,” the organization said.
Institute CEO Richard Attias said: “The pandemic uncovered some harsh realities; the global economy shrunk by about 4 percent, mobility came to an abrupt standstill, millions of people were pushed into extreme poverty, and weaknesses in our global health systems were exposed.
“For every $1 invested in health, the world could see an economic return between $2 and $4 with developing countries benefiting from the highest returns,” Attias continued. “Now is the moment to charter a path toward more equitable, sustainable, and resilient health systems.”
Speakers at Tuesday’s roundtable will include FII Institute Chairman H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, who is from Saudi Arabia, as well as World Trade Organization Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, UN Refugee Agency Goodwill Ambassador Nomzamo Mbatha, and US TB Alliance President and CEO Dr. Mel Spigelman.
The roundtable is timed to coincide with the UN General Assembly, which is taking place throughout September — and top of the agenda for the world leaders gathering in New York has been the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
The UN has called for multilateral solutions and international cooperation to address the pandemic, and the “Health is Wealth” roundtable is anticipated to plug into that conversation in a hybrid digital and in-person meeting.
The FII Institute is a new global nonprofit foundation based in Riyadh that invests in projects that “turn ideas into real-world solutions.” It focuses investment on five areas — sustainability, healthcare, education, artificial intelligence, and robotics — to address the most pressing issues.
Saudi Arabia retains top spot in global cybersecurity rankings for 2025
National digital transformation strategy helps propel Kingdom to forefront of international standards, officials say
Saudi Arabia cited as Tier 1 ‘role-modeling’ nation by UN specialist agency, further underlining its world standing
Updated 5 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has maintained its position as the top-ranked country in global cybersecurity, according to this year’s edition of the International Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Yearbook.
The cybersecurity indicator ranking reflects what officials describe as continued support from the country’s leadership, including King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Officials added the leadership’s national digital transformation strategy has helped propel the Kingdom to the forefront of international benchmarks.
They also said the Kingdom’s achievements in cybersecurity stem from a comprehensive, long-term strategy that balances national security with economic and technological development.
Saudi Arabia was also designated a Tier 1 “role-modeling” nation in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 published by the UN’s International Telecommunication Union, further underlining its international standing.
Central to this model is the National Cybersecurity Authority, the country’s primary body for overseeing cybersecurity affairs, and the Saudi Information Technology Company, which serves as its technical and strategic partner.
Together, these institutions have helped strengthen national cyber defenses, localize key technologies, and expand collaboration both domestically and internationally.
The NCA, which acts as the national reference point for all matters relating to cybersecurity, is tasked with enhancing the Kingdom’s digital resilience by safeguarding critical infrastructure, key sectors, and government services.
It is also responsible for setting policies, frameworks, and standards while encouraging innovation, investment, and growth within the Kingdom’s cybersecurity sector.
These initiatives form part of Saudi Arabia’s wider efforts to build a secure and trusted digital environment that supports economic growth and global cooperation.
Designed for over 1m passengers a day, the system is impressing locals as temperatures soar
Updated 44 min 8 sec ago
Nada Alturki
RIYADH: As Riyadh sizzles under peak summer heat, residents are turning to the city’s new metro system for a faster, cooler way to get around, proving that public transport can thrive, even when temperatures soar.
Arab News spoke to Riyadh residents about why the summer sun is no issue when it comes to commuting.
For the past couple of months, Rashid Alikhan has opted to use the metro to get to work, hopping on at SABIC Station and getting off at King Abdullah Financial District.
Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city’s increasingly congested roads. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
“The most challenging aspect has been getting to the station and back home in a way that made sense. I’d say parking is an issue if you don’t go early,” he said.
“I go before it gets too hot to walk from the parking to the station … The stations are well AC’d … but it does get hot, so you just have to bear it.”
He recommends that passengers take a seat during the transit, whenever they are available, to minimize the burden of the trip.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Riyadh Metro features driverless trains and air-conditioned cabins with designated seating areas.
• The system is also integrated with the Riyadh Bus network, creating a unified public transport solution.
• Riders can pay via contactless cards, station kiosks, or the Darb app.
“Getting first class is worth it, and avoiding the rush and the sun. If you’re walking from the car to the station, I see a lot of people taking umbrellas, so that helps.”
Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city’s increasingly congested roads. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
Commuters say the Riyadh Metro has significantly reduced travel times compared to navigating the city’s increasingly congested roads.
The system includes several sustainable features, such as energy-efficient trains and stations, and regenerative braking technology that helps cut energy use.
To boost accessibility, rideshare platforms such as Uber are offering free connections through the RPT Link service, which transports passengers to metro stations within a 3 km radius.
Commuters at Qasr Al Hokm Station in Riyadh. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah)
Nouf Al-Dossari, a content creator, said she relies on the metro for attending events and work-related outings. “It has been cost-friendly to me and saves me lots of time,” she said.
“Usually I’d leave my house an hour before to just reach in time because of the traffic, but now I leave 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled time. It’s been wonderful.”
She encourages others to use the metro during the hot months, but also advises staying hydrated and in the shade as much as possible.
Commuters at Qasr Al Hokm Station in Riyadh. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah)
“I believe the most challenging part is trying to find an available seat when coming back home, and even in the morning because everyone is heading to work,” she said.
While she is used to the Riyadh heat, she still uses Uber to reach the stations for safety reasons.
“Some are located near highways or busy roads which makes it a bit difficult to safely walk to and from,” she explained.
People purchase tickets at the King Abdullah Finance District "KAFD" metro station in the Saudi capital Riyadh on December 1, 2024. (AFP)
Noura Al-Dakhil has been using the metro for her daily commute for over a month and says that the transition has been relatively smooth.
“The stations I use have a big sidewalk next to it, safety measures, and comfortable access. Although the parking situation isn’t ideal — or, let’s say, nonexistent,” she said.
While she used to walk to a nearby station in cooler months, the summer heat has forced her to adapt.
The metro is built to accommodate up to 1.2 million passengers daily. (Supplied)
“In the summer, I use my car and park next to the station,” she said. For those without that option, she recommends preparing for the weather, such as using an umbrella.
“It’s a game changer. And wear airy fabrics. I switched to cold caffeinated beverages, which helped too.”
The metro is built to accommodate up to 1.2 million passengers daily. It features driverless trains and air-conditioned cabins with designated seating areas.
The system is also integrated with the Riyadh Bus network, creating a unified public transport solution. Riders can pay via contactless cards, station kiosks, or the Darb app.
Saudi traditional container keeps its cool — and makes a cultural comeback
Al-Samil is handmade from tanned livestock skin using time-honored methods, and can preserve the quality and taste of ghee, yogurt, and water for extended periods without the need for cooling
Updated 44 min 12 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: As part of Saudi Arabia’s Year of Handicrafts, a traditional handmade leather container used to store food before the advent of refrigeration is making a comeback in the Northern Borders region.
For generations, Al-Samil played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water.
For generations, Al-Samil played a vital role in desert life as a simple storage container for food and water. (SPA)
Now the traditional items are being celebrated as a lasting emblem of Bedouin heritage, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Al-Samil is handmade from tanned livestock skin using time-honored methods, and can preserve the quality and taste of ghee, yogurt, and water for extended periods without the need for cooling.
FASTFACT
At Arar’s traditional market, local artisans display Al-Samil alongside other crafts, including sadu weaving, spinning tools, and embroidered garments.
More than just functional, Al-Samil reflects a self-sufficient way of life and craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Today, interest in Al-Samil is being reived at heritage festivals and handicraft exhibitions held across cities and governorates in the region.
The container is still valued for storing wild ghee and fermented yogurt, with the leather adding a distinct flavor. Many rural homes and farms still use it.
At Arar’s traditional market, local artisans display Al-Samil alongside other crafts, including sadu weaving, spinning tools, and embroidered garments.
The market has become a key attraction for both residents and tourists looking to experience the region’s cultural heritage firsthand, the SPA reported.
They reviewed relations between the Kingdom and the EU, as well as regional and international developments of common interest
Updated 44 min 28 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received EU Ambassador to the Kingdom Christophe Farnaud in Riyadh on Monday.
During the meeting, they reviewed relations between the Kingdom and the EU, as well as regional and international developments of common interest, the Foreign Ministry said in a post on X.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic and Development Affairs Abdullah bin Zarah received Dya-Eddine Bamakhrama, ambassador of Djibouti and dean of the diplomatic corps, in Riyadh on Monday. They discussed economic matters of mutual interest.
