Saudi Cabinet welcomes UN’s ceasefire resolution on Gaza

1 / 4
The Cabinet session was chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday in Jeddah. (SPA)
2 / 4
The Cabinet session was chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday in Jeddah. (SPA)
3 / 4
The Cabinet session was chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday in Jeddah. (SPA)
4 / 4
The Cabinet session was chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday in Jeddah. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 27 March 2024
Follow

Saudi Cabinet welcomes UN’s ceasefire resolution on Gaza

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet on Tuesday reiterated the Kingdom’s backing of the UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

On Monday, and for the first time in 170 days of the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, the UN Security Council demanded an immediate ceasefire, lasting for the duration of Ramadan.

The US, which had vetoed previous similar resolutions, abstained. By doing this instead of using its power of veto, it allowed the resolution to pass. With all other members of the council voting in favor, the 14-0 result drew a rare round of applause in the council chamber.

In a weekly Cabinet session chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, the ministers reviewed Saudi Arabia’s efforts, in cooperation with its partners in the region and the world, to find a solution to the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip.

Locally, the government affirmed continuous attention and support for national efforts and initiatives aimed at providing housing for the most needy families in the Kingdom, including working to achieve the objectives of the Jood Eskan charity housing campaign.

King Salman and the Crown Prince on Sunday made donations of SR100 and SR50 millions, respectively, to the campaign, which is affiliated with the Jood Housing platform.

The Cabinet said that the annual Saudi Green Initiative Day, which falls on the 27th of March, comes to consolidate the Kingdom’s interest in environmental issues locally and internationally, and to support its approach to leading the green era and climate action.


6 road projects costing $2bn for Riyadh underway

RCRC has announced plans to undertake phase three of its major road overhaul program costing more than SR8 billion ($2 billion).
Updated 9 sec ago
Follow

6 road projects costing $2bn for Riyadh underway

  • Royal body announces city road overhaul phase 3
  • Plan to expand infrastructure and cut congestion

RIYADH: The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has announced plans to undertake phase three of its major road overhaul program costing more than SR8 billion ($2 billion).

The plan includes six projects that are a part of the Riyadh Main and Ring Road Axes Development Program, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The plan is to expand Riyadh’s transport infrastructure, enhance connectivity across the capital, and position the city as a leading regional hub for mobility and logistics services, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

The third phase, scheduled for completion in three to four years, includes the Jeddah Road Development Project (29 km), Taif Road Development Project (15 km), and the Thumamah Road Development Project – Eastern Section (8 km).

In addition, the city will undertake the King Abdulaziz Road Development Project – Northern Section (4.7 km), Othman bin Affan Road Development Project – Northern Section (4.3 km) and Engineering Enhancements for Congested Areas – Phase II.

The Jeddah Road Development Project, with 14 bridges and five main lanes, will have a capacity of up to 353,000 vehicles per day.

The Taif Road Development Project will improve connectivity between the southern and western districts and city center. It has four bridges, four main lanes, and two tunnels, with a capacity of up to 200,000 vehicles per day.

The Thumamah Road Development Project will include three bridges and three tunnels, linking northern and eastern Riyadh, with a capacity of up to 200,000 vehicles per day.

The King Abdulaziz Road Development Project will have four bridges, four main lanes, and one tunnel, with a capacity of up to 450,000 vehicles per day.

The Othman bin Affan Road Development Project will have seven bridges and upgraded areas, with a capacity of up to 500,000 vehicles per day.

The Engineering Enhancements for Congested Areas – Phase II project targets eight locations across the city’s network, to reduce congestion, and raise the traffic capacity by 40 to 60 percent.

To minimize the impact on traffic flow and nearby communities, the royal commission has prepared a diversion plan, in coordination with city authorities.

The project is a part of directives issued in February 2020 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also board chairman of the royal commission.

The commission launched phase one in August 2024 with four projects totaling SR13 billion, and phase two in February 2025 with eight projects exceeding SR8 billion.

Additional phases are expected to be announced at a later date.