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UNESCO delegation visits North Riyadh Geopark after global network listing

UNESCO delegation visits North Riyadh Geopark after global network listing
UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, Lidia Brito, during her visit to North Riyadh Geopark. (SPA)
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Updated 05 May 2025

UNESCO delegation visits North Riyadh Geopark after global network listing

UNESCO delegation visits North Riyadh Geopark after global network listing
  • Destination showcases Kingdom’s natural and cultural diversity, UNESCO official says
  • In April, UNESCO listed North Riyadh Geopark and Salma as part of its Global Geoparks Network

RIYADH: UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, Lidia Brito, visited North Riyadh Geopark on Sunday, praising the destination for preserving both nature and history.

The UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization designated North Riyadh Geopark in April as part of its Global Geoparks Network, which aims to protect geological heritage sites and promote sustainable development.

Hussam Zuhair Al-Turki, director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative, and Hamoud Alnughaymishi, director of the Science Sector at the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, accompanied Brito during her visit.

They explored significant geological features at the North Riyadh Geopark, including the Abu Shaddad Cave and the Edge of the World cliff. They also stopped to explore Ghamra Village, known for its natural adventure routes on the outskirts of Riyadh.

Brito said that the North Riyadh Geopark showcases the natural and cultural diversity of ֱ, and will enhance eco-tourism in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In April, UNESCO designated North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark as part of its Global Geoparks Network. The Kingdom hopes to register 13 other sites on UNESCO’s network, the SPA added.


ֱ welcomes recognition of Palestine by four Western states

ֱ welcomes recognition of Palestine by four Western states
Updated 21 September 2025

ֱ welcomes recognition of Palestine by four Western states

ֱ welcomes recognition of Palestine by four Western states
  • The UK and Canada became the first G7 countries to take the step

RIYADH: ֱ on Sunday welcomed the decision by the UK, Australia, Canada and Portugal to recognize the State of Palestine, calling it an important step toward advancing the peace process.

The Kingdom said the move demonstrated the “serious commitment of friendly countries” to supporting efforts for a two-state solution in line with international legitimacy resolutions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It added that it hopes more countries will follow suit and take further positive measures that would help the Palestinian people achieve their aspirations to live in peace and enable the Palestinian Authority to carry out its responsibilities, SPA added.

ֱ reiterated its position in support of a just and comprehensive settlement that ensures security, stability and prosperity for the Palestinian people.

Britain, Australia, Canada and Portugal on Sunday recognized a Palestinian state in a seismic shift in decades of Western foreign policy.

The UK and Canada became the first G7 countries to take the step, with France and other nations expected to follow at the annual UN General Assembly which opens Monday in New York.


King Faisal University recognized as ‘Innovation District’ at Beijing conference

King Faisal University recognized as ‘Innovation District’ at Beijing conference
Updated 21 September 2025

King Faisal University recognized as ‘Innovation District’ at Beijing conference

King Faisal University recognized as ‘Innovation District’ at Beijing conference
  • King Faisal University’s membership in IASP positions it within a distinguished global network of science and innovation hubs

RIYADH: King Faisal University has been formally admitted as an “Innovation District” by the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation.

The announcement was made during the 42nd IASP World Conference on Science Parks and Areas of Innovation, held in Beijing, China, from Sept. 15-19. 

Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Lily,  vice president for postgraduate studies and scientific research and acting head of the innovation and business development sector, accepted the designation on behalf of King Faisal University.

Al-Lily praised the recognition as an important achievement for the university and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing research and innovation in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

He added that the Innovation District status strengthens the university’s role within global research and innovation networks and creates new opportunities for collaboration with leading institutions worldwide.

King Faisal University’s membership in IASP positions it within a distinguished global network of science and innovation hubs.

This milestone also underscores the steadfast support of the Council of Universities’ Affairs and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, whose efforts are empowering Saudi universities to emerge as drivers of knowledge and innovation, contributing to strengthening the Kingdom’s presence on the global innovation map.

 


Darah publishes book on ֱ’s National Day history

The publication is a new addition to Darah’s extensive collection of works specializing in history and heritage. (SPA)
The publication is a new addition to Darah’s extensive collection of works specializing in history and heritage. (SPA)
Updated 21 September 2025

Darah publishes book on ֱ’s National Day history

The publication is a new addition to Darah’s extensive collection of works specializing in history and heritage. (SPA)
  • National Day celebrations have witnessed a significant evolution consistent with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, also known as Darah, has published a book documenting the history of ֱ’s National Day celebrations, from the era of founding King Abdulaziz to the times of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman.

The book documents the origins and stages of the National Day celebration, based on official documents, sources, and national archives.

It features photographs capturing popular and official celebrations held across various royal eras.

The publication is a new addition to Darah’s extensive collection of works specializing in history and heritage. (SPA)

The publication explores the early beginnings of celebrations during the reign of King Abdulaziz and sees the history through to its culmination in the prosperous reign of King Salman.

National Day celebrations have witnessed a significant evolution consistent with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The book highlights both official functions and people’s celebrations at home; the involvement of government and private entities; the role of Saudi diplomatic missions abroad; and the participation of Arab, Islamic, and friendly countries in the national occasion.

Darah affirmed that the publication of the book aligns with its goals to preserve and document the history of the Kingdom of ֱ and highlight the national achievements of King Abdulaziz and his sons.

It noted that the work aims to enrich historical studies and provide researchers and those interested in the field with a comprehensive scientific resource that reflects the depth of the Saudi national experience.

The publication is a new addition to Darah’s extensive collection of works specializing in history and heritage.

It embodies Darah’s commitment to its national role in documenting the journey of the Saudi state and disseminating knowledge to future generations.

The book can be obtained from Darah’s pavilion at the Riyadh International Book Fair or purchased directly from Darah’s publication sales centers.

It is also available through Darah’s digital store on its online platform, and authorized distributors.

 


Taif governor receives Malaysian consul general

Prince Saud bin Nahar (R) holds talks with Roslan bin Sharif in Taif. (Supplied)
Prince Saud bin Nahar (R) holds talks with Roslan bin Sharif in Taif. (Supplied)
Updated 21 September 2025

Taif governor receives Malaysian consul general

Prince Saud bin Nahar (R) holds talks with Roslan bin Sharif in Taif. (Supplied)
  • Governor received Ambassador of Iraq to the Kingdom Safia Taleb Al-Suhail

TAIF: Taif Gov. Prince Saud bin Nahar received Malaysian Consul General Roslan bin Sharif in Taif on Sunday. 

In a separate meeting, he received Ambassador of Iraq to the Kingdom Safia Taleb Al-Suhail, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meetings, all sides discussed bilateral relations and various topics of common interest. 

 


Islamic Development Bank chief visits Uzbek oncology center

Islamic Development Bank chief visits Uzbek oncology center
Updated 21 September 2025

Islamic Development Bank chief visits Uzbek oncology center

Islamic Development Bank chief visits Uzbek oncology center
  • Thousands of cancer patients across Uzbekistan benefit from the center through new equipment and expanded oncology and radiology services thanks to a joint initiative by the government of Uzbekistan, the IsDB and the UNOPS

RIYADH: President of the Islamic Development Bank Dr. Muhammad Al-Jasser visited the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center of Oncology and Radiology on Saturday in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to review the progress made in upgrading facilities, technologies and patient care.

The visit took place in the presence of Uzbekistan’s Minister of Health Asilbek Khudayarov, and Deputy Executive Director for Delivery and Partnerships of the United Nations Office for Project Services Kirstine Damkjær.

Thousands of cancer patients across Uzbekistan benefit from the center through new equipment and expanded oncology and radiology services thanks to a joint initiative by the government of Uzbekistan, the IsDB and the UNOPS.

This project is funded by a $90 million loan from the IsDB, alongside co-financing from the government of Uzbekistan.

It is being implemented by the UNOPS, the World Health Organization, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, in close coordination with the Ministry of Health.

The center aims to directly benefit at least 150,000 cancer patients across the country by increasing daily outpatient oncology services by 40 percent, expanding inpatient capacity by 20 percent, and training more than 2,200 doctors, nurses and technicians.