The Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday that the Kingdom will be observing “World Diabetes Day” on Nov. 14 as a part of its campaign to combat the disease.
Khaled Al-Tayeb, head of the diabetes center in Makkah, said in a statement that the ministry is planning to organize events that will help raise awareness regarding the nature of diabetes.
He also added that the ministry would perform a series of checkups, including measuring blood pressure, weight, height, eye and conducting dental checks.
Al-Tayeb said that health care practitioners will also share their knowledge about how to attain proper nutrition to prevent and combat diabetes, especially amongst the Saudi youth.
The theme for this year’s event is “Diabetes Education and Prevention.”
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the global event aims to encourage government sectors to implement and strengthen policies for the prevention and control of diabetes and its complications, as well as disseminate tools to support national and local initiatives for the prevention and management of diabetes and its complications. In addition, the event strives to raise awareness of the warning signs of diabetes and promote action to encourage diagnosis and action to reduce the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes has been a plague haunting Saudis for a long time, especially Type 2 diabetes, which is the prevalent form of the disease in the Kingdom.
Records indicate that over 25 percent of adult Saudis are suffering from diabetes and that half of Saudis over 30 are prone to developing the disease.
Experts claim that the high instances of diabetes in the Kingdom originate from obesity caused by improper eating habits and malnutrition. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Saudi Arabia has the second highest rate of diabetes cases in the Middle East region and ranks seventh in the world.
Kingdom to mark ‘World Diabetes Day’
Kingdom to mark ‘World Diabetes Day’
Saudi arts panel explores heritage at Damascus fair
RIYADH: The Theater and Performing Arts Commission hosted a panel discussion on symbolism and heritage in traditional Saudi performing arts at the Kingdom’s pavilion during the Damascus International Book Fair.
Participants examined the symbolic meanings of folk arts such as Ardah, Samri, and Al-Khatwa, highlighting their role in expressing Saudi values, history, and national identity.
Key topics included the significance of collective movements and rhythms in conveying unity and social solidarity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The panel also explored the symbolism of costumes, performance tools, and lyrics, and discussed strategies for preserving authenticity in contemporary cultural contexts.
Saudi Arabia was guest of honor at the fair, which concluded on Feb. 16. The Kingdom’s pavilion highlighted creativity and cultural exchange, supporting Vision 2030’s goals of knowledge sharing and cultural leadership.
The seminar was part of the commission's efforts to promote Saudi culture at regional and international forums, highlighting the rich heritage of traditional performing arts and fostering cultural dialogue with diverse audiences.
