Saudi Yemen reconstruction delegation highlights sustainable development at UN conference in Qatar

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SDRPY representatives highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts in Yemen to achieve sustainable development. (SPA)
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Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim held meetings with senior officials on the sidelines of the UN conference. (SPA)
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Updated 09 March 2023
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Saudi Yemen reconstruction delegation highlights sustainable development at UN conference in Qatar

  • The conference aims to accelerate sustainable development in countries that require assistance
  • Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim held meetings with senior officials on the sidelines

RIYADH: Officials from the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen are taking part in the 5th UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries being held in the Qatari capital Doha, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The program’s General Supervisor Mohammed Al-Jaber was representing the organization as part of the Kingdom’s delegation led by Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim.

The conference, running until March 9, aims to accelerate sustainable development in countries that require assistance through an action plan for the next decade.

During the conference, the SDRPY’s Assistant General Supervisor Hassan Al-Attas participated in two sessions organized by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, in partnership with SDRPY.

Both sessions looked at ways to support the least-developed countries, including Yemen, and how to establish initiatives and partnerships for stakeholders to achieve the Doha Work Program, and review the Kingdom’s experience through the SDRPY as a development model that effectively contributed to improving the infrastructure of the basic Yemeni sectors.

The SDRPY representatives also took part in high-level thematic round tables and a session where they highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts in Yemen to achieve sustainable development.

The roundtable also tackled supporting structural transformation as an engine for achieving prosperity, enhancing the participation of the least-developed countries in international trade and regional integration, and addressing environmental issues, including climate change.

Side sessions concentrated on topics including sustainable energy, rural and agricultural development, digital communication, and sustainable tourism.

Meanwhile, Al-Ibrahim held a number of meetings with senior officials on the sidelines of the UN conference, where he discussed the sustainable development goals achievement and issues of common concern.

He met with the secretary-general of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States, Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, to discuss was of enhancing cooperation between the Kingdom and the organization in a number of fields.

Al-Ibrahim also met with ESCWA Executive Secretary Dr. Rola Dashti, and president of the Economic and Social Council and Bulgaria’s permanent representative to the UN in New York, Lachezara Stoeva.

The meetings also included talks with the undersecretary-general and high representative for the least-developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing states, Rabab Fatima.


Makkah’s urban shift enhances city’s quality of life

Updated 18 min 25 sec ago
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Makkah’s urban shift enhances city’s quality of life

  • By harmonizing religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah proves that a city can honor its past while embracing the future

MAKKAH: Islam’s holiest city is at present witnessing a qualitative urban shift, one that seamlessly blends its spiritual sanctity with a modern, vibrant lifestyle.

By integrating cultural, educational, and entertainment initiatives, Makkah is redefining the visitor experience and significantly enhancing the quality of life for its residents, directly supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The city’s transformation was recently highlighted by the success of the Makkah winter season. The event attracted approximately 400,000 visitors — more than 60 percent of whom were locals — demonstrating a strong domestic demand for high-quality public spaces. The season revitalized community interaction, driving a 35 per cent increase in visits to recreational sites and creating more than 1,200 temporary jobs for the local workforce.

Central to this urban renaissance is the Hira Cultural District. Since opening doors in January 2023 near the historic Mount Hira, the district has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity.

Far from being a static monument, the district has cultivated a thriving creative economy. Its craftsmanship program, which features over 100 artisans, has generated up to SR3 million ($800,269) in sales and attracted 130,000 visitors to live workshops. These interactive spaces allow visitors to engage directly with the region’s heritage, moving beyond passive observation to active participation.

Makkah’s Hira Cultural District has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity. (SPA photo)

 

A living legacy 

The shift extends to Makkah’s broader ecosystem of museums and cultural sites, which are now positioned as key pillars of cultural tourism. Facilities such as the Revelation Exhibition use cutting-edge technology and multilingual content to narrate the story of the Holy Quran’s revelation, offering an immersive experience that complements the spiritual journey of pilgrims.

These efforts align with the “Makkah: A Living Legacy” campaign, which seeks to document the city’s historical narrative and preserve its collective memory. Recent months have featured a surge in educational workshops for university students and tour guides, ensuring that the human element of Makkah’s history is conveyed with accuracy and depth.

City’s transformation recently highlighted by the success of the Makkah winter season. (SPA photo)
 

Economic and social impact 

The results of this integrated approach are tangible. Specialized museums and restored historic sites now attract up to 1.6 million visitors a year. This cultural enrichment is encouraging pilgrims to linger longer, increasing the average duration of stay by 18 percent.

By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while embracing the future, offering a holistic experience that nourishes the soul and the community.