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Ministers from Arab, Muslim countries to visit China in bid to end Gaza war

Ministers from Arab, Muslim countries to visit China in bid to end Gaza war
Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reiterated the need to achieve ceasefire in Gaza and lift restrictions to allow entry of aid. (X: @KSAMOFA)
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Updated 19 November 2023

Ministers from Arab, Muslim countries to visit China in bid to end Gaza war

Ministers from Arab, Muslim countries to visit China in bid to end Gaza war
  • Tour will be first step for Islamic Ministerial Committee to carry out decisions reached at Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh
  • Ministers will visit several other capitals after China to convey a strong message of achieving an immediate ceasefire

RIYADH: Ministers from Arab and Muslim countries will visit China on Monday on the first leg of a tour that aims to end the war in Gaza, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said.

The tour will be the first step for the Islamic Ministerial Committee to carry out decisions reached at the Arab-Islamic Summit held in Riyadh earlier this month, Prince Faisal said on the sidelines of the IISS Manama Security Summit in Bahrain, in comments posted by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on X on Saturday.

The ministers will visit several other capitals after China to convey a strong message of achieving an immediate ceasefire and facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, the minister noted.

Prince Faisal discussed developments in Gaza on Saturday with EU Foreign Affairs High Representative Josep Borrell.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said despite the agreement within the international community on the importance of peace, there is still not enough attention given to the need of an immediate ceasefire.

“We hope at some point we can relaunch efforts towards permanent peace with the establishment of a Palestinian state that will ensure the security for all of us in the region, but the priority now is ending the fighting,” the prince said.

He added: “We must work together to ensure that we end this fighting and civilian suffering we are seeing every day in Gaza.”

Israel is carrying out a relentless bombardment and ground offensive in the Gaza Strip which has so far killed around 12,300 people and displaced more than one million Gazans.


Misk Global Forum 2024 set to start in Riyadh

The eighth edition of the Misk Global Forum is set to take place at Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City on Nov. 18-19.
The eighth edition of the Misk Global Forum is set to take place at Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City on Nov. 18-19.
Updated 22 sec ago

Misk Global Forum 2024 set to start in Riyadh

The eighth edition of the Misk Global Forum is set to take place at Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City on Nov. 18-19.
  • Event seeks to bring together young leaders from Kingdom, around the globe

RIYADH: The eighth edition of the Misk Global Forum is set to take place at Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City, otherwise known as Misk City, on Nov. 18-19.

Boasting the theme “By Youth for Youth,” this year’s forum seeks to bring together young leaders from the Kingdom and around the globe, creating a platform for dialogue and collaboration.

The prominent international event will feature more than 150 speakers in over 100 panel discussions, along with 30 interactive workshops.

The event will showcase a roster of high-level figures in its panel discussions, including Badr Al-Badr, the CEO of the Misk Foundation, who is committed to empowering youth through education and innovation.

Abdullah Alswaha, the minister of communications and information technology, will bring his expertise in digital transformation and policymaking to the conversation, emphasizing the role of technology in shaping the future.

In addition, Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple Computer, will share his insights on entrepreneurship and innovation, drawing from his extensive experience in the tech industry.

The leaders will engage in thought-provoking discussions that aim to inspire and equip young minds for the challenges of tomorrow.

Discussions are expected to cover topics such as sustainability, education, innovation, technology, health, culture, and climate change.

The topics will encourage those participating in the event to think creatively and work together on solutions to challenges faced by today’s youngsters.

MGF 2024 invites young people worldwide to come together, share ideas, and explore future possibilities.

The Misk Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 2011 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Through its various initiatives — including Misk City, Misk Art Institute, Manga Productions, Science Center, and Misk Schools — the foundation aims to foster an environment conducive to creativity and innovation.


Ƶ condemns Israeli strike on UNRWA school in Gaza

People mourn Palestinians killed in an Israeli strike, at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, November 17
People mourn Palestinians killed in an Israeli strike, at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, November 17
Updated 17 November 2024

Ƶ condemns Israeli strike on UNRWA school in Gaza

People mourn Palestinians killed in an Israeli strike, at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, November 17
  • Foreign Ministry said the Kingdom reiterates its “categorical rejection of the Israeli occupation’s continued targeting of civilians and relief agencies”

RIYADH: Ƶ condemned on Sunday an Israeli strike that killed at least 10 Palestinians and wounded at least 20 others on Saturday at a school in Gaza City’s Shati refugee camp currently sheltering displaced families.

The Abu Assi school is run by United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the main agency that has been procuring and distributing aid in the Gaza Strip.

The Foreign Ministry said the Kingdom reiterates its “categorical rejection of the Israeli occupation’s continued targeting of civilians and relief and humanitarian agencies amid the silence of the international community.”

It called on the international community to assume its responsibilities towards ongoing Israeli violations that increase the suffering of the Palestinian people and undermine the chances of achieving peace in the region.

Recently passed Israeli laws have effectively banned UNRWA activities in Israel and the the commissioner-general of the agency Philippe Lazzarini has warned that this will leave a vacuum that will cost more Palestinian lives and create further instability in Gaza and the West Bank.


Olive presses in Tabuk process harvest from 1.8 million trees

Olive presses in Tabuk process harvest from 1.8 million trees
Updated 17 November 2024

Olive presses in Tabuk process harvest from 1.8 million trees

Olive presses in Tabuk process harvest from 1.8 million trees

RIYADH: Olive presses in the Tabuk region are currently processing the harvest from more than 1.8 million olive trees, which yield 94,000 tonnes of olives and more than 12,250 tonnes of olive oil.

The primary olive varieties are Arbequina, Arbosana, nabalie and souri, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The geography of the Tabuk region and its proximity to a Mediterranean climate, makes it one of the Kingdom’s most important areas for producing various crops.

In addition to olive oil, the region is known for its grapes, apricots, peaches, strawberries, mangoes, oranges and mandarins, with several varieties cultivated to prioritize quality over quantity.

Agriculture is a key economic sector in Ƶ, contributing to self-sufficiency and exports. The government has prioritized the sector by providing farmers with soft loans, agricultural machinery, pumps and other essential equipment.

The regional branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture supports farmers by encouraging the use of advanced agricultural technologies and offering specialized consultations to maximize yields.

It also organizes seasonal agricultural festivals in cities, governorates and centers in the region, timed to coincide with harvest seasons.

The Olive Festival is the region’s premier seasonal event, providing a vital marketing platform for farmers to sell olive products and derivatives.

It is held alongside other events throughout the region, supporting the agricultural community and promoting local produce. 


Thai business meets Arab flair in Riyadh

Thai business meets Arab flair in Riyadh
Updated 17 November 2024

Thai business meets Arab flair in Riyadh

Thai business meets Arab flair in Riyadh
  • Fair highlights products, brands aiming to tap into Saudi market

RIYADH: The Thailand International Mega Fair brought Thai businesses in contact with Arab flair in Riyadh.

The three-day event, which concluded on Sunday, showcased Thailand’s presence in the Middle East by featuring innovative Thai products and services across various industries.

Marking a historic collaboration between Thailand and Ƶ, the fair signaled a new era of trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

One of the featured brands was Oud Era, a Thai lifestyle brand offering oud-infused products including perfumes, oils, oud chips, and body care items. Its perfumes incorporate Arabian notes like musk, rose, and amber.

Kasaama Pohsa, chief brand officer at Oud Era, said that the oud is sourced directly from the brand’s agarwood factory, ensuring an entirely in-house production process.

Thailand is recognized as one of the leading exporters of oud, which is valued for its longevity and a scent that intensifies as the wood matures. Pohsa said that her clientele primarily comprises customers from Gulf countries.

Pohsa said: “The reason that we came to this exhibition is because we saw the high potential of the Saudi market. It is a very big market with high purchasing power.”

The fair also showcased fashion brands like Marada Clothing, a label known for its distinctive textiles and bold designs.

Panasan Suksanguan, brand officer of Marada, told Arab News that the brand aims to establish itself in the Middle Eastern market with its unique take on long dresses.

Suksanguan said: “We want to be the first ones from Thailand to be here. Whenever you think about fashion in Thailand, you think of me.”

The event showcased more than 200 brands offering prominent Thai products across sectors including food and beverages, tourism and hospitality, health, automotive parts, smart agriculture, innovation, and fragrances.

It was organized by Index Creative Village in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, and Cosmos Events company, with support from the Royal Thai Embassy in Ƶ, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

The event attracted thousands of visitors, including specialists and buyers, and helped to create opportunities to connect with industry experts, suppliers, and sector leaders to foster partnerships and support business expansion in the Kingdom.

Visitors also participated in various events, including seminars, discussion panels, and forums, which provided valuable insights into the region’s economic landscape.


New project to plant 90,000 trees in Hali Wildlife Park

New project to plant 90,000 trees in Hali Wildlife Park
Updated 17 November 2024

New project to plant 90,000 trees in Hali Wildlife Park

New project to plant 90,000 trees in Hali Wildlife Park

RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has launched a project to restore Hali Wildlife Park in Al-Qunfudhah governorate, Makkah region.

Part of the Saudi Green Initiative, the project aims to enhance vegetation cover and promote sustainable environmental goals, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The initiative involves planting 90,000 native and wild trees, such as vachellia tortilis, tamarix aphylla, vachellia seyal, balanites aegyptiaca, maerua crassifolia, delonix elata, salvadora persica, leptadenia pyrotechnica and acacia nilotica.

The trees will cover approximately 6 million sq. meters, irrigated using water from nearby dams. A 6-kilometer pipeline will be built to channel water from Wadi Hali Dam to the park.

Hali Wildlife Park is known for its scenic landscapes, diverse vegetation and proximity to Wadi Hali Dam, attracting local and international visitors.

The center’s afforestation efforts contribute to creating green spaces, preserving endangered native plants, lowering temperatures, improving air quality, and controlling sand encroachment.

The center is committed to enhancing and managing vegetation sites, protecting natural resources, combating illegal logging, and safeguarding biodiversity, the SPA reported.