KABUL: The fifth and sixth planes taking part in a Saudi aid mission to support the people of Afghanistan arrived in Kabul on Saturday.
The two aircraft sent by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center carried 1,647 food baskets and 192 shelter bags, weighing nearly 66 tons.
The aid operation involved a total of six relief planes laden with 5,022 food baskets and 576 shelter bags, weighing more than 197 tons. The project was carried out under the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The center also dispatched a convoy of 200 trucks from Pakistan, loaded with 1,920 tons of aid for Afghans.
It comes within the framework of relief and humanitarian efforts provided by Saudi Arabia through KSrelief.
Since its inception in May 2019, the center has implemented 1,806 projects worth more than $5.52 billion in 77 countries. The initiatives were carried out in cooperation with 144 local, regional and international partners.
According to a recent KSrelief report, the countries and territories that benefited the most from the center’s various projects were Yemen ($3.9 billion), Palestine ($368 million), Syria ($309 million) and Somalia ($209 million).
Third batch of Saudi aid arrives in Afghanistan
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Third batch of Saudi aid arrives in Afghanistan
- Saudi aid center has implemented 1,806 projects worth more than $5.52 billion in 77 countries
UNESCO honors Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi as thousands flock to Al-Ahsa festival
RIYADH: The third edition of Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi Festival is drawing thousands of local and international visitors to Ibrahim Palace in Al-Hofuf.
Running until Feb. 7 at the historic palace, the event features a bisht exhibition, a rare bisht gallery, a handicrafts zone and workshops led by skilled artisans.
The festival showcases a convergence of cultures, with international pavilions highlighting the global appeal of this authentic Saudi heritage.
The bisht’s allure has drawn international visitors eager to explore Al-Ahsa’s rich history and traditional crafts.
Tourists enthusiastically don the traditional robe, admiring its royal designs. Many participate in workshops with master artisans, learning the intricate art of Zari embroidery.
Organized by the Heritage Commission, this year’s festival celebrates the inscription of the bisht on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event showcases Al-Ahsa’s centuries-old tradition of hand-weaving and gold embroidery, a craft passed down through generations of local families.
Visitors can explore interactive displays, participate in live workshops, and witness the meticulous process of tailoring this iconic symbol of prestige.
With UNESCO’s participation and representatives from six countries, the festival has evolved into a global platform for cultural dialogue, cementing the bisht’s status as a world-class cultural treasure.
At the heart of the festival is the story of the “Golden Threads” (Al-Zari), intricate gold-plated silver threads that define the bisht’s character and prestige.
Visitors can discover them in the Golden Threads VIP Area, where they can watch master artisans demonstrate the full bisht-making process at the Host’s Majlis, offering insight into Al-Ahsa’s centuries-old craftsmanship.
