RIYADH: The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen’s “Decent Housing” project has benefited nearly 900 families by rehabilitating 650 housing units in Aden’s Al-Mualla and Khor Maksar districts.
A tripartite partnership between SDRPY, Alwaleed Philanthropies and the UN Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat), the project has also contributed to building the capacity of workers in the housing, construction and building sectors, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
A ceremony was held at SDRPY’s Riyadh-based headquarters to celebrate the conclusion of the project, which aims to improve the living conditions of families in Yemen’s Aden governorate.
Alwaleed Philanthropies’ Secretary-General Princess Lamia bint Majed Al-Saud, Supervisor-General of the Program Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Jaber, and Minister of Public Works and Roads Salem Al-Abboudi attended the celebration.
Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Dr. Waed Badhib, UN-Habitat’s Chief of Staff Dr. Irfaan Ali, and Regional Representative Rania Headeya participated via video link.
The Decent Housing project, the first of its kind in the housing sector in Yemen, aims to provide suitable living conditions for Yemeni families. It also offers thousands of job opportunities and hundreds of training opportunities, deepening the impact of such projects that contribute to sustainable development.
SDRPY has implemented development projects and initiatives in essential and vital sectors, including education, health, water, energy, transportation, agriculture and fisheries, and the development and support of the Yemeni government’s capabilities, across 14 Yemeni governorates.
Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen rehabilitates 650 homes in Aden
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Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen rehabilitates 650 homes in Aden
- “Decent Housing” project contributes to building the capacity of workers in the housing, construction and building sectors
- The first of its kind in the housing sector in Yemen, the project aims to provide suitable living conditions for families
Klija Festival in Buraidah empowers small businesses
- Half a million attend 15-day celebration of heritage; event creates 1,500 seasonal jobs
RIYADH: The 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah drew more than half a million visitors during its 15-day run, celebrating the region’s heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
Organized by the Qassim Chamber of Commerce, the event highlighted small businesses, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase local products.
More than 340 sales outlets, marketing corners and points of sale welcomed attendees, while the festival provided 1,500 seasonal job opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The small business pavilions featured families in the cottage industry, artisans and startups presenting traditional foods, and handicrafts and heritage items that reflect the region’s identity.
Participants said that the festival was a key marketing platform, boosting sales, increasing brand awareness, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering connections with organizations supporting SMEs.
Mohammed Al-Hanaya, Qassim Chamber secretary-general and festival supervisor, said that the event brought together families, artisans, SMEs, companies and institutions, stimulating commercial activity, opening direct marketing channels and enhancing economic returns.
He added that the festival provided seasonal jobs for more than 1,500 young men and women across operations, marketing and services, supporting the labor market, empowering national talent, and connecting youth to the events and creative economy.
Klija, a traditional cookie made from wheat flour, dates or sugar, date syrup and natural ingredients such as cardamom and lemon, is a rich source of energy, carbohydrates, dietary fiber and natural proteins.
A cultural icon rooted in Qassim’s traditions, the cookie has gained international exposure through the festival, expanding the availability of packaged products.
Starting next year, the festival will be renamed the International Klija Festival, a rebranding approved by Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, who described it as a “successful model for turning local initiatives into global economic engines.”
This year’s festival, held at the King Khalid Cultural Center, included international participants from Egypt, Turkiye and Morocco, marking its evolution into a cross-cultural platform.
