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Kingdom ‘doubling aid efforts’ in Sudan, KSrelief chief tells UN

Kingdom ‘doubling aid efforts’ in Sudan, KSrelief chief tells UN
Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, adviser to the royal court and KSrelief supervisor general, said that the Sudanese people “are working to overcome enormous challenges, and deserve much from us.” (SPA)
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Updated 27 September 2024

Kingdom ‘doubling aid efforts’ in Sudan, KSrelief chief tells UN

Kingdom ‘doubling aid efforts’ in Sudan, KSrelief chief tells UN
  • Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah said that the Sudanese people “are working to overcome enormous challenges, and deserve much from us”
  • “The Jeddah Declaration was the first step, aiming to ensure the protection of civilians and the delivery of urgent relief aid,” he said

NEW YORK: KSrelief has doubled its humanitarian efforts in Sudan over the past year, the head of the Saudi aid agency told a meeting held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, adviser to the royal court and KSrelief supervisor general, said that the Sudanese people “are working to overcome enormous challenges, and deserve much from us.”
During the meeting, titled “The Cost of Inaction: Urgent and Collective Support to Scale Up the Humanitarian Response in Sudan and the Region,” Al-Rabeeah said that ֱ recognizes its duty toward Sudan, and intensive efforts have been made since the beginning of the humanitarian crisis to restore hope to its people.
“The Jeddah Declaration was the first step, aiming to ensure the protection of civilians and the delivery of urgent relief aid. The efforts of the Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan group have also recently helped thousands of needy people in Darfur,” he said.
“However, the recent escalation of violence in some areas has worsened the situation, forcing millions to flee their homes, leaving behind everything they own, and sometimes even family members.
“The Kingdom has provided over $3 billion in support to Sudan, including $132 million in humanitarian aid distributed across various geographical areas and humanitarian sectors,” Al-Rabeeah said.
Before the crisis in April 2023, KSrelief focused on implementing sustainable interventions. However, the worsening humanitarian conditions have undermined these efforts, prompting a shift to providing immediate assistance.
“KSrelief has doubled its efforts in Sudan, implementing more than 70 humanitarian projects since April 2023 at a cost exceeding $73 million in collaboration with UN organizations and other humanitarian groups.”
He highlighted the series of Saudi humanitarian air and sea missions organized by KSrelief to address urgent challenges. The missions are funded through government and public support as part of the KSrelief national aid campaign for the people of Sudan.
Al-Rabeeah said that despite KSrelief’s efforts, challenges persist, and collective action is needed to provide unrestricted humanitarian aid, and ensure a sustainable, coordinated response with safe and unhindered access to conflict-affected areas.
Concluding his speech, the KSrelief chief said: “As a humanitarian community, we must deal with the humanitarian crisis in Sudan away from political considerations. It is a humanitarian tragedy that requires transcending divisions, and together, we can make a real change that ensures all Sudanese people enjoy equal opportunities to rebuild their lives.”
He said that the Kingdom continues to do everything possible to end the crisis, and achieve stability and security for Sudan and its people.


Saudi education minister meets with Singaporean counterpart 

Saudi education minister meets with Singaporean counterpart 
Updated 12 September 2025

Saudi education minister meets with Singaporean counterpart 

Saudi education minister meets with Singaporean counterpart 

 

SINGAPORE: Saudi Minister of Education Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan met with his Singaporean counterpart Desmond Lee Ti-Seng during his official visit to Singapore.

The meeting explored opportunities to establish academic partnerships between Saudi and Singaporean universities and to develop curricula aligned with the requirements of the knowledge economy.

Discussions also included the launch of joint research centers in the fields of artificial intelligence, clean energy and cybersecurity, as well as encouraging researchers from both sides to jointly apply for scholarships.

Additionally, the meeting addressed ways to benefit from Singapore’s leading experience in teacher preparation and development through continuing education programs and mutual visits. Further topics included the development of student skills, student exchange programs, and the employment of modern teaching techniques in classrooms.
 

 


Riyadh launches platform for citizens to buy residential land

Riyadh launches platform for citizens to buy residential land
Updated 11 September 2025

Riyadh launches platform for citizens to buy residential land

Riyadh launches platform for citizens to buy residential land
  • Initiative follows directives announced earlier in the year by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to stabilize the property sector

RIYADH: The Royal Commission for Riyadh City on Thursday launched the Real Estate Balance Platform to receive applications from citizens seeking residential land in the capital.

The initiative follows directives announced earlier in the year by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to stabilize the property sector by making land available at affordable prices.

The RCRC said it aimed to provide between 10,000 and 40,000 plots annually over the next five years, priced at no more than 1,500 riyals ($400) per sq. meter, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Applicants must be Saudi citizens who are either married or over the age of 25, have lived in Riyadh for at least three years and own no other property. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 23.

Successful applicants will be required to build on their land within 10 years or risk forfeiture, with resale and transfer prohibited during that period except for mortgages used to finance construction.

The commission said that registering on the platform did not guarantee allocation. It also stressed that the platform, available at , was the sole channel for applications and that it was not represented by any intermediary.

Details and updates will be issued through official RCRC channels, with inquiries handled via its call center.


Madinah governor launches dates market, industry forum

Madinah governor launches dates market, industry forum
Updated 11 September 2025

Madinah governor launches dates market, industry forum

Madinah governor launches dates market, industry forum
  • Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz said the palm and date sector was “one of the strategic pillars of the national economy”

MADINAH: The governor of Madinah region on Thursday inaugurated the city’s new Central Dates Market and opened the “That Nakhl” luxury date forum, highlighting the sector’s growing importance to the nation’s economy.

Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, who also chairs the Madinah Region Development Authority, said the palm and date sector was “one of the strategic pillars of the national economy,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The new market, located within the Food City project, covers more than 37,000 sq. meters in its first phase. It aims to provide a modern platform for farmers and producers, improve marketing opportunities and align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the economy, the report said.

Food City spans 1 million sq. meters and will eventually include markets for vegetables, fruit, meat and poultry. Work on the second phase of the date market is already underway.

The governor also toured the “Dhat Nakhl: History and Civilization” exhibition, which showcases Madinah’s heritage through photographs, inscriptions and interactive displays.

At the forum, Prince Salman honored the winners of the “Tamrathon” hackathon, which encourages entrepreneurs to develop tech solutions for the date sector. He also oversaw the signing of several public-private partnerships, including agreements to expand Food City’s facilities and improve operations at the new market.

A deal was also signed between Germany’s Food App and Khairat Takaful Industry to buy dates from farms run by the Takaful Charity Association, which supports care programs for orphans.


First aid training for Grand Mosque staff

First aid training for Grand Mosque staff
Updated 11 September 2025

First aid training for Grand Mosque staff

First aid training for Grand Mosque staff
  • Workshop benefited more than 3,860 trainees and included theoretical and practical sessions
  • Participants received hands-on training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automated external defibrillators

MAKKAH: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority in Makkah region has concluded a training workshop on basic first aid skills for staff at the Grand Mosque.

The workshop benefited more than 3,860 trainees and included theoretical and practical sessions on responding to common emergency situations such as fainting, shortness of breath, bleeding, and minor injuries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Participants also received hands-on training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automated external defibrillators.

The authority ensured that the program was delivered in Arabic and Urdu, communicating essential information to staff of various nationalities to enhance their readiness to respond to emergencies.


Documentary highlights Al-Arma Mountains’ environmental heritage 

Documentary highlights Al-Arma Mountains’ environmental heritage 
Updated 11 September 2025

Documentary highlights Al-Arma Mountains’ environmental heritage 

Documentary highlights Al-Arma Mountains’ environmental heritage 
  • Film showcases stunning panoramic footage of the Al-Arma Mountains
  • Film will air on Thaqafiya Channel and be available on the Shahid platform

RIYADH: The Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority has announced the production of a new documentary film about Al-Arma Mountains, an environmental landmark located within the King Khalid Royal Reserve, northeast Riyadh.

Sami Al-Harbi, director of corporate communications at the authority, said the film showcases stunning panoramic footage of the Al-Arma Mountains, featuring insights from experts and researchers who discuss its particular environmental and historical significance.

He added that the film will air on Thaqafiya Channel and be available on the Shahid platform.

Al-Harbi said that this media production was part of the authority’s efforts to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainable ecotourism, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.