KSrelief continues humanitarian activities in Lebanon, Sudan
KSrelief continues humanitarian activities in Lebanon, Sudan/node/2581359/saudi-arabia
KSrelief continues humanitarian activities in Lebanon, Sudan
海角直播鈥檚 humanitarian agency distributed vouchers in Lebanon, enabling beneficiaries to purchase winter clothing according to their needs from approved stores. (SPA)
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Updated 01 December 2024
Arab News
KSrelief continues humanitarian activities in Lebanon, Sudan
Updated 01 December 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center鈥檚 (KSrelief) activities in Lebanon and Sudan continues, with its latest humanitarian and medical outreach for needy individuals.
In Lebanon, 海角直播鈥檚 humanitarian agency distributed vouchers on Thursday, enabling beneficiaries to purchase winter clothing according to their needs from approved stores.
The latest undertaking benefited 520 individuals from Syrian and Palestinian refugee families, as well as host communities in Lebanon鈥檚 Naema and Sidon, as part of the center鈥檚 Kanaf-3 project for 2024.
The KSrelief-funded Souboul Al-Salam Association ambulance team in Miniyeh of northern Lebanon meanwhile carried out 38 ambulance missions from Nov. 8 to 14, which included transporting patients to and from hospitals and assisting individuals injured in road accidents.
In Sudan, a team of 13 specialist volunteers conducted orthopedic surgeries on Thursday for nine patients as part of the Kingdom鈥檚 effort to support the Sudanese people amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Healthy demand 鈥 pumpkin production on the rise in Qassim
Promising crop supports local food safety and achieves notable economic revenues
Updated 9 sec ago
Arab News
BURAIDAH: It may be classed as a fruit, but pumpkin has become a key ingredient in cuisines around the world, thanks to its versatility and nutritional value.
And in Qassim, thanks to a favorable climate and agricultural conditions coupled with rising local demand, pumpkin production is enjoying significant growth.
Recorded health benefits of eating pumpkin include enhanced vision and better immunity. It also supports heart health, helps weight loss and promotes healthy skin and hair, as well as providing important nutrients and being low in calories.
Farmer Saleh bin Hamad Al-Saab spoke to the media about his experience of growing the fruit.
Possible, beneficial and promising
鈥淧umpkin cultivation in Qassim is not only possible, but also beneficial and promising,鈥 he said.
鈥淭here are different kinds, including field pumpkin, butternut squash, kabocha squash, and even spaghetti squash, which is gaining increasing popularity.鈥
Each variety has its own uses and benefits. Field pumpkin is used in soups and baked goods, while butternut squash is a rich source of beta-carotene and spaghetti squash is a healthier alternative to pasta. As for white pumpkin, it is especially popular for festive decorations and seasonal occasions.
Recorded health benefits of eating pumpkin include enhanced vision and better immunity. (FILE/AFP)
Al-Saab said that as pumpkin did not need huge amounts of water or pesticides to grow successfully, and it could be stored for long periods without deteriorating, it was considered a promising economic crop. Drip irrigation systems and the cultivation of diverse varieties have also significantly enhanced crop quality and boosted productivity.
The farmer highlighted the public鈥檚 growing awareness of pumpkin as a healthy food choice and said there were a number of opportunities to develop other industries around the crop, such as juices, dehydrated foods and cosmetics.
This promising crop supports local food safety and achieves notable economic revenues, reflecting the agricultural sector鈥檚 role in meeting the Kingdom鈥檚 sustainable development targets.
Solstice ushers in start of summer 2025 on Saturday
It is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere
Updated 7 min 41 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The summer solstice, which marks the season鈥檚 astronomical beginning, will take place on Saturday, June 21, according to the Jeddah Astronomical Society.
The Kingdom will witness the solstice at 5.42 a.m. Makkah time, when the sun will be directly overhead above the Tropic of Cancer, latitude .
The skies of the Kingdom and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere will witness the summer solstice Saturday at 5:42 am Makkah time.
At this moment, the sun will be directly overhead above the Tropic of Cancer, latitude 23.5 degrees north. This year, the summer will last for 93 days.
Majed Abu Zahra, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, said: 鈥淥n this day, the sun rises from the far northeast and sets in the far northwest. At noon, the shadows of objects are the shortest of the year, and the sun鈥檚 apparent path takes its highest arc northward, placing it at its highest altitude in the sky during the year, especially in areas north of the equator.鈥
The summer solstice occurs when the sun reaches its apparent northernmost point in the sky. This coincides with the Earth reaching a position in its orbit where its axis is tilted at the maximum angle (23.5 degrees) toward the sun, causing the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, the situation is reversed.
Abu Zahra added: 鈥淭he summer solstice does not occur on the same day every year, but rather between June 20 and 22, due to the difference between the calendar year (365 days) and the tropical year (365.2422 days), along with the gravitational effects of the moon and planets and the slight fluctuations in the Earth鈥檚 rotation, which are compensated for by adding a leap day every four years.鈥
He said it was important to differentiate between the astronomical summer and climatic summer.
Meteorologists consider summer to extend from June 1 to August 31, while in astronomy, summer begins when the sun reaches its maximum altitude 鈥 the day of the summer solstice.
Abu Zahra said although this was the longest day of the year in terms of the number of hours of sunlight, it was not necessarily the hottest.
This is because the oceans, land and atmosphere take time to absorb and store solar energy, and then release it again. This delay in the perception of heat is known as 鈥渟easonal lag,鈥 so temperatures typically peak in July or August.
Ancient Greek scholars, led by Eratosthenes, used their observations on the summer solstice to calculate the Earth鈥檚 circumference with amazing accuracy using simple geometric principles.
After the summer solstice, the sun will appear to move southward again in the sky, and daylight hours will gradually decrease until the autumnal equinox on Sept. 22.
How AI and microtools are empowering the next generation of Saudi entrepreneurs
AI-powered tools can save small business owners up to 10 hours weekly, boosting efficiency and freeing time for growth
Social media remains a key starting point, but surveys show long-term success depends on managing a dedicated digital presence
Updated 20 June 2025
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: Digitalization has reshaped how entrepreneurs get started 鈥 particularly in the early stages. Increasingly, small businesses are launching via platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp, bypassing the traditional route of setting up a dedicated website.
These social-first entrepreneurs are meeting customers where they already spend time, turning social media from a communication tool into a sales platform.
鈥淕enerative AI is reshaping the future of business, and when combined with digital marketing, the results are transformative,鈥 Selina Bieber, vice president for international markets at the US-based web hosting company GoDaddy, told Arab News.
With the right mix of AI and easy-to-use tools, turning a side project into a long-term venture is more achievable than ever. (Supplied)
According to the GoDaddy 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Survey, 22 percent of small business owners in the Middle East and North Africa now run their businesses primarily on social media.
This trend highlights the rising importance of social commerce, especially for solo founders and part-time business operators.
However, running a business solely on social platforms comes with risks. Visibility may be high, but ownership and control are limited. Algorithm changes or policy shifts can dramatically affect a business鈥檚 ability to reach customers or generate income.
Shoppers also tend to look for additional signals of trust before making a purchase. A professional website, for example, often strengthens a business鈥檚 credibility.
Opinion
This section contains relevant reference points, placed in (Opinion field)
According to The State of Digital Commerce in MENA 2024 report by Checkout, 73 percent of online shoppers in the region are more confident buying from businesses that have a website, rather than relying exclusively on social media accounts.
In response to this shift, new digital tools have emerged to support social-first entrepreneurs.
Features such as branded microsites, product catalogues, and smart links 鈥 often packaged into accessible platforms 鈥 help founders establish a more centralized and professional presence online without needing advanced technical knowledge.
Artificial intelligence is also playing a growing role in this transition, helping entrepreneurs move more quickly from concept to launch. It can assist in writing product descriptions, developing pricing strategies, and automating customer engagement.
Beyond time savings, AI helps to level the playing field by making it easier for people to launch and scale businesses with minimal upfront investment. (Supplied)
Internal data suggests AI-powered tools can save small business owners up to 10 hours a week 鈥 a meaningful benefit for entrepreneurs managing limited time and resources.
Beyond time savings, AI helps to level the playing field by making it easier for people to launch and scale businesses with minimal upfront investment.
海角直播 has emerged as a particularly dynamic arena for these digital shifts.
In 2023, GoDaddy signed a partnership agreement with the Kingdom鈥檚 General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises 鈥 Monsha鈥檃t 鈥 to equip Saudi entrepreneurs with the digital tools and training needed to build their online presence.
Signing of the Go Daddy-Monsha'at partnership by Mohammed Alamro, general manager of entrepreneurship planning at Monsha鈥檃t, and Selina_Bieber, Go Daddy's VP for international markets. (Go Daddy photo)
The agreement, signed during the Biban 23 entrepreneurship forum in Riyadh, aimed to empower aspiring business owners through workshops, seminars, and a planned business accelerator.
It also included support for Monsha鈥檃t Academy and content initiatives to share local success stories.
鈥淲e鈥檙e inspired to see Saudi entrepreneurs and small business owners feel confident in embracing technology and in their approach to entrepreneurship,鈥 said Bieber.
While social media remains a powerful tool for customer engagement, long-term growth often requires a more permanent digital footprint.
A dedicated website, complemented by tools like GoDaddy鈥檚 Show in Bio, can provide an added layer of credibility and security 鈥 something that social media accounts alone may not guarantee.
With the rise of impersonation and questionable accounts online, many customers check whether a business has a standalone website before making a purchase.
The latest generation of entrepreneurs is pragmatic and digitally fluent. While they may start on social media, many are increasingly looking for tools that offer more autonomy, control, and brand distinction.
Combining a social-first approach with a professional online presence can offer the credibility and resilience needed for sustainable growth.
鈥淕oDaddy continues to level the playing field by offering powerful, affordable tools that allow small businesses to elevate their marketing and achieve real success,鈥 said Bieber.
With the right mix of AI and easy-to-use tools, turning a side project into a long-term venture is more achievable than ever.
Social media may be where the journey starts 鈥 but building lasting value depends on owning and shaping your own digital presence.
KFUPM jumped to 67th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings from 101st last year
Updated 19 June 2025
Arab News
DHAHRAN: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals has achieved a milestone by entering the list of the world鈥檚 top 100 establishments, ranking 67th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings after being 101st last year.
The transformation has taken place across academic, research, and administrative domains. Nearly 100 new programs have been launched, including innovative undergraduate and graduate offerings.
The university has also introduced the region鈥檚 first entrepreneurship program, granting students and researchers full ownership of their startups in a move that reflects a modern, innovation-driven academic culture focused on economic empowerment.
In addition, the university has adopted the FAST transformation model and the AI+X initiative, which integrates artificial intelligence as an integral knowledge component across all disciplines, making it a core academic requirement for all students.
The university has also achieved the highest female enrollment rate in engineering programs globally, and attracted students from more than 75 countries, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Adventurous couple travel across GCC states on motorcycle
Driven by faith and adventure, the couple traveled thousands of miles in 24 days, enduring long hours on the road, all to reach their target
Updated 20 June 2025
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: Two Jeddah-based Indian-Saudi bikers have covered a distance of 6,218 kilometers across the Gulf Cooperation Council region on their motorcycles.
Driven by faith and adventure, the couple traveled thousands of miles, crossing the GCC borders 鈥 海角直播, UAE, Oman and Bahrain 鈥 and enduring long hours on the road, all to reach their target.
Their 24-day trip stands as a powerful testament to their devotion, determination, and love for an adventurous journey.
Mir Shakeel Ur Rahman from Hyderabad and Amal Ahmed from Jeddah started biking together 6 years ago after their marriage. It has been a journey of self-discovery, shared interest and passion that has made their biking experience more surreal.
The couple have rode across 海角直播 to Makkah, Jazan, Abha, Hail, Riyadh, Dammam, and Al-Ahsa to promote Saudi tourism, but this time, the duo decided to go on an epic adventure across the GCC states. 鈥淲e were excited to start the journey and tackle a route new to us,鈥 said Shakeel.
Mir and Amal taking timeout for a selfie along the road. (Supplied)
For Shakeel and Ahmed, this journey is about much more than reaching and discovering new destinations. It is also about the motorcycle friends they have met and respect.
鈥淎ctually this journey was aimed to visit our dear friends and celebrate with them their national days. We really wanted to attend Oman鈥檚 national day, UAE鈥檚 national days and Bike Week in Bahrain.鈥
The couple officially left Jeddah at the end of November 2024 to Makkah followed by Taif before riding through Riyadh from where they crossed the border over to Abu Dhabi.
During their stay in Riyadh, the couple met with a number of motorcyclists from all regions of the Kingdom as well as riders from Iraq, and Bahrain. They also participated in the celebration held at the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman to mark the 54th Omani National Day.
Mir and Amal at the UAE border. (Supplied)
鈥淥n our way to the border of UAE from Riyadh, it was not as easy as we expected because of the sandy weather we faced, but we managed to get through with the great help we received from the Saudi patrol officers who kept us safe all the way,鈥 added Shakeel.
Once they reached Abu Dhabi, the couple contacted Sheikh Suhail Bin Hasher Al-Maktoum, widely known as the 鈥淔ather of All Bikers鈥 in the UAE who invited them to celebrate the UAE鈥檚 53rd National Day along with other motorcyclists from all over the world at his farm.
鈥淚t was a great night with Sheikh Suhail who gathered all bikers from all over the world, it was also a great opportunity to exchange our deep relations with our friends while celebrating the UAE鈥檚 national day. Actually, we were surrounded by people who were trying their best to help us in any way they can to make our journey safe,鈥 said Ahmed.
The couple with Sheikh Suhail Bin Hasher Al-Maktoum in Abu Dhabi. (Supplied)
Keen to take things further, the pair continued their journey to Oman. Shakeel found riding through Oman particularly enjoyable, from exploring the historic Nizwa Fort and Souq to venturing into the surrounding mountains.
鈥淚t was a truly a new experience. It allowed us to explore Oman鈥檚 diverse landscapes, immerse ourselves in its rich history, and create lasting memories,鈥 he said.
His wife stated that visiting Oman鈥檚 iconic Jebel Akhdar 鈥 the Green Mountain 鈥 was probably the highlight of their journey.
She added: 鈥淥ur Omani motorcycle friends also were extremely generous with us all the time we were there; they took us on tours to various parts of Oman and also were very helpful in maintaining our bikes.鈥
After enjoying their stay for few days in Oman, they rode toward Bahrain and attended the annual Bahrain Bike Week, which featured various activities like motorcycle races, concerts, and street festivals.
鈥淲e had wonderful days and the event was filled with energy, passion, and the love for two wheels,鈥 said Shakeel.
While they had reached their final destination, they were informed by KALAM鈥檚 World Record that they had officially set the record for the longest motorcycle expedition as a couple.
鈥淚t was a great news for us to be recognized by KALAM鈥檚 World Record which is an organization that celebrates achievements across various fields. We are extremely happy and I am dedicating this achievement for my wife. We are looking forward to receive this award on Sept. 16, 2025,鈥 said Shakeel.
The couple have no intention of settling down and are already planning their next adventure.
