ֱ

‘Heroic’ Saudi man recovering in hospital after daring truck rescue

Update ‘Heroic’ Saudi man recovering in hospital after daring truck rescue
Maher Fahd Al-Dalbahi saw a truck loaded with large quantities of animal feed that had been engulfed in flames and abandoned by its driver in the forecourt of a gas station. (X)
Short Url
Updated 59 sec ago

‘Heroic’ Saudi man recovering in hospital after daring truck rescue

‘Heroic’ Saudi man recovering in hospital after daring truck rescue
  • Maher Fahd Al-Dalbahi received the call from Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman while recovering in hospital from first and second degree burns
  • Al-Dalbahi climbed into the burning vehicle and drove it to safety, potentially preventing a catastrophic explosion

RIYADH: A Saudi man who risked his life driving a burning truck away from a petrol station, possibly preventing an explosion and saving lives, is “improving” in hospital, his nephew told Arab News on Tuesday.

Maher Fahd Al-Dalbahi, in his 40s, encountered the truck loaded with animal feed and engulfed in flames around 300 km outside Riyadh while driving to his village, Al-Salihiya, on Friday night.

The truck’s driver had abandoned the vehicle, leaving it dangerously close to the petrol pumps.

Al-Dalbahi climbed inside and steered it into an open area, away from crowds and fuel tanks.

His nephew, Khalid Eid Al-Otaibi, 31, described the moment: “My uncle got out of his car and ran to the truck to drive it away. As soon as he pulled it away, the fire started falling from the front, and the driver’s door was open.”

He continued: “I was just with him in the hospital. He has third-degree burns on his face, but thank God, there has been improvement. His hands and legs have second-degree burns. His condition is improving; he laughs and talks with us.”

Civil Defense teams eventually brought the blaze under control, while footage of the incident quickly went viral on social media.

Al-Dalbahi was later transferred to King Saud Medical City in Riyadh, where he remains under treatment.

Al-Otaibi added that Al-Dalbahi works as a supervisor for school security guards. “The reason he got into the truck was because the station was full of people.

“My uncle is someone who loves to do good. His stance was heroic and honorable; he risked his life without fear to save others.”

He also praised the swift response from authorities: “The deputy governor of Riyadh ensured he was treated with all the necessary medical care. The government is supervising his treatment.”

Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Riyadh’s deputy governor, personally called Al-Dalbahi to check on his condition and directed staff to give him the highest level of care.


ֱ’s humanitarian reach expands worldwide

ֱ’s humanitarian reach expands worldwide
Updated 19 August 2025

ֱ’s humanitarian reach expands worldwide

ֱ’s humanitarian reach expands worldwide
  • KSrelief reports $141 billion in support to 173 countries, from disaster relief to medical breakthroughs
  • Among the Kingdom’s notable humanitarian achievements is its program for separating conjoined twins

RIYADH: ֱ observed World Humanitarian Day, Aug. 19, by highlighting milestones in its charitable efforts abroad.

Through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief, the Kingdom has provided $141 billion in aid through 7,983 initiatives in 173 countries, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

Dr. Samer Al-Jutaili, KSrelief’s official spokesperson, told Arab News: “Under the Kingdom's Vision 2030, we affirm that our work is focused on achieving development, as the Kingdom promotes global solidarity and supports humanitarian efforts to help individuals and communities, contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.”

Since its establishment on May 13, 2015, KSrelief has demonstrated ֱ’s commitment to humanitarian work abroad, operating with transparency and neutrality. It has carried out 3,612 relief projects in 108 countries, worth more than $8.141 billion.

In response to the Palestinian crisis, KSrelief established air and sea bridges that delivered more than 7,180 tonnes of food, medical, and shelter supplies via 58 aircraft and 8 ships.

The agency also provided 20 ambulances to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and signed agreements for $90.35 million in relief projects in Gaza.

Airdrops, conducted in collaboration with Jordan, ensured aid reached areas affected by border closures.

For the Syrian Arab Republic, KSrelief established air and land relief bridges delivering essential food, shelter, and medical aid.

KSrelief also launched the Saudi Voluntary Program for Syrians, featuring 104 volunteer campaigns in medical, educational, and economic empowerment and training.

More than 3,000 men and women from the Kingdom contributed 218,500 volunteer hours in more than 45 specialties.

Among the Kingdom’s notable humanitarian achievements is its program for separating conjoined twins, which has gained regional and global recognition by successfully performing 66 pro bono surgeries and studying 150 cases from 27 countries.

At ֱ’s initiative, the UN designated Nov. 24 as the International Day for Conjoined Twins to raise awareness and celebrate achievements in this medical specialty.

The agency’s Project Masam has cleared more than 500,000 landmines in Yemen, saving countless civilian lives. Its prosthetic limbs program has provided thousands with advanced prosthetics and rehabilitation services.

Another initiative has rehabilitated 530 Yemeni child soldiers while providing psychological and social support to 60,000 of their family members.

To increase local involvement, KSrelief launched a volunteer portal with more than 80,000 participants. Through this platform, it has carried out nearly 991 programs in 55 countries, benefiting more than 2 million people, including 236,000 free surgeries in numerous medical specialties.

Sahem, ֱ’s official electronic donation platform, has raised more than $1.605 billion from 8.46 million donors, supporting the agency’s programs and enabling aid for vulnerable populations worldwide.


Spanish breeder praises Riyadh falcon auction

Spanish breeder praises Riyadh falcon auction
Updated 19 August 2025

Spanish breeder praises Riyadh falcon auction

Spanish breeder praises Riyadh falcon auction
  • Bernardo Lopez Pinto said he sold his entire collection of falcons, describing the experience as exceptional
  • Lopez Pinto praised the auction’s organization and commended the club for creating a comprehensive, competitive environment worthy of the event

RIYADH: The owner of Bernardo GYR Shaheen Falcons, a falcon breeding farm from Spain, expressed delight at participating in the International Falcon Breeders Auction, organized by the Saudi Falcons Club in Riyadh.

In his first attendance at the event, Bernardo Lopez Pinto said he sold his entire collection of falcons, describing the experience as exceptional, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

He praised the auction’s organization and commended the club for creating a comprehensive, competitive environment worthy of the event.

With more than 20 years of experience in falconry, Pinto confirmed his intention to join future editions, calling the auction a distinctive, world-class marketplace.

He noted the auction’s strong global reputation as a key motivator and said the experience fully met his expectations.

The auction will continue at the Saudi Falcons Club headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, until Aug. 25, hosting top falcon breeding farms from around the world.


Riyadh prepares for World Defense Show

Riyadh prepares for World Defense Show
Updated 19 August 2025

Riyadh prepares for World Defense Show

Riyadh prepares for World Defense Show
  • International five-day event, which will focus on the future, will be supported by relevant ministries, authorities and strategic public and private sector entities
  • World Defense Show CEO Andrew Pearcey: The 2026 edition will build on collaboration between government and industry

RIYADH: The third World Defense Show will be opened in Riyadh on Feb. 8 next year by Prince Khalid bin Salman, the Kingdom’s defense minister and vice chairman of the General Authority for Military Industries.

The international five-day event, which will focus on the future, will be supported by relevant ministries, authorities and strategic public and private sector entities.

Thanking King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their patronage and support of the military industries sector, GAMI Gov. Ahmad Al-Ohali said: “The royal patronage is an extension of the leadership’s unwavering support to localizing 50 percent of military expenditure in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

“This commitment to innovation and cooperation exemplifies our dedication to fostering global partnerships, leveraging our strategic location and harnessing the Kingdom’s industrial capabilities.”

He added: “Together, we are shaping the future of defense, ensuring stability and growth for our nation.”

World Defense Show CEO Andrew Pearcey said: “The 2026 edition will build on collaboration between government and industry, creating an environment where the global defense supply chain can meet, share ideas and do business.

“With expanded venue capacity, updated content and a focus on technology transfer and talent development, the 2026 show will bring together leaders, innovators and emerging talent to guide the industry’s future.”

The 2024 edition featured 773 exhibitors from 76 countries, hosted 441 international delegations, facilitated SR26 billion ($7 billion) in deals and attracted 106,000 trade visits, building on the success of the inaugural 2022 event.


KSrelief signs agreement for joint executive program to support orphans in Ghana

KSrelief signs agreement for joint executive program to support orphans in Ghana
Updated 19 August 2025

KSrelief signs agreement for joint executive program to support orphans in Ghana

KSrelief signs agreement for joint executive program to support orphans in Ghana
  • Agreement aims to provide comprehensive care and sponsorship for orphans, including covering their educational expenses
  • Seeks to empower the families of orphans by offering training in financial literacy, marketing, entrepreneurship, and vocational skills

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief has signed a joint executive program with a civil society organization to support and sponsor orphans in Ghana.

The agreement aims to provide comprehensive care and sponsorship for orphans, including covering their educational expenses, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It also seeks to empower the families of orphans by offering training in financial literacy, marketing, entrepreneurship, and vocational skills.

Moreover, beneficiaries will receive essential tools and supplies to help launch small-scale economic projects, such as sewing, baking, soap making, and retail operations.

These initiatives are expected to directly benefit 850 individuals and indirectly support an additional 2,455 people.

This endeavor aligns with ֱ’s humanitarian and relief efforts, carried out through KSrelief, to support orphans worldwide and improve their living conditions.

The Kingdom's humanitarian and charitable relief efforts continue unabated. The Kingdom has provided humanitarian and development aid exceeding $141 billion and implemented almost 7,990 projects in 173 countries, cementing its position as one of the world’s largest donor countries, according to KSrelief.

In a move to enhance this humanitarian role, the Kingdom established KSrelief on May 13, 2015, at the initiative of King Salman, to serve as the Kingdom's humanitarian arm abroad.


Stephen Hitchen begins role as British ambassador to ֱ

The new British ambassador to ֱ Stephen Hitchen has now formally started his role. (Supplied)
The new British ambassador to ֱ Stephen Hitchen has now formally started his role. (Supplied)
Updated 19 August 2025

Stephen Hitchen begins role as British ambassador to ֱ

The new British ambassador to ֱ Stephen Hitchen has now formally started his role. (Supplied)
  • Hitchen brings extensive Middle East experience to the role, having previously served as the British ambassador to Iraq from 2023 to 2025

RIYADH: The new British ambassador to ֱ Stephen Hitchen has now formally started his role, the UK’s embassy in Riyadh announced on Tuesday.

He has moved to ֱ with his family and succeeds Neil Crompton who completed his tenure in July.

On his arrival in the Saudi capital, Hitchen commented: “My appointment as British ambassador to ֱ is the greatest honor of my life. Our two kingdoms have enjoyed a long friendship, and we both have proud histories and high ambitions for the future.”

“My family and I have already enjoyed the famous Saudi hospitality, and we look forward to exploring your beautiful mountains, desert, towns and cities,” the ambassador added.

He brings extensive Middle East experience to the role, having previously served as the British ambassador to Iraq from 2023 to 2025, and as Director for Middle East and North Africa (National Security) within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office from 2016 to 2019.

His career has included postings across the region, including Kuwait, Jordan, and Egypt, along with specialist roles focusing on Iran and counter-terrorism.