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RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has been distributing food and dates to thousands of people in Yemen and Chad, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Volunteers distributed 3,000 cartons of dates to displaced people in Yemen’s Al-Jawf governorate, benefiting 18,000 individuals, the SPA reported on Wednesday.
In Chad this week, as a part of its Food Security Support Project, KSrelief distributed 1,200 food parcels in the Batha region, benefiting 7,200 vulnerable people.
ABHA: The Saudi Social Development Bank has launched a crafts training program in Asir, in partnership with Italy’s Alchimia Contemporary Jewellery School.
The initiative, which is part of the bank’s specialized training program, offers artisans and freelance professionals training in crafting pieces with copper and gold leaf.
The program draws inspiration from local heritage, particularly UNESCO-recognized Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art, to create high-quality products that meet market demands and foster sustainable economic opportunities.
The launching ceremony featured the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement between the bank and the Alchimia school. The partnership aims to transfer global expertise to the local market through specialized training programs nationwide, empowering artisans and enhancing competitiveness.
The initiative is part of the bank’s efforts to support craft and creative enterprises. Since its launch in 2023, the bank’s specialized training program has benefited more than 300 participants through 15 programs, resulting in 250 unique products.
It has also helped 30 percent of participants secure financing, and enabled over 150 families working in the cottage industry to expand their operations.
MADINAH: The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission has introduced a dedicated section for discounted books at the Madinah International Book Fair, offering a broad array of publications at prices appealing to all sections of society.
The initiative reflects the fair’s commitment to broadening access to knowledge while reinforcing the value of printed books in an age of rapid digital change.
The discounted section offers readers the chance to explore a diverse collection spanning literature, history, self-development, science and children’s books, including titles in both Arabic and English.
The initiative intends to enrich visitors’ choices and underscore the fair’s inclusive approach to meeting the varied interests of its audience.
Visitor Salma Rashid said: “I love the concept of this section — it makes books accessible to everyone. I picked up this book for just SR30 ($8), which is a great deal.
“While the space isn’t lavishly decorated, the real draw is the chance to discover hidden gems at the book fair without breaking the bank.”
Recognized as one of the fair’s most popular attractions, the section aligns with the commission’s objectives to promote reading and encourage book ownership among families and young readers.
The Madinah International Book Fair is offering a cultural experience until Aug. 4, featuring a rich program of intellectual seminars, interactive workshops and poetry and literary evenings.
Notable local and international writers and thinkers are participating, while the book-signing corner gives readers the opportunity to engage directly with authors and discover their creative journeys.
The lively atmosphere further elevates the status of books and inspires a culture of reading and meaningful dialogue.
RIYADH: Grape cultivation is an important aspect of the central Qassim region’s agricultural activity, with about 30,000 tonnes produced each season.
The fruit plays an important role in the economy of the region, which also produces 35 percent of the Kingdom’s dates — about 528,000 tonnes per year — as well as crops such as figs, berries and wheat as well as a range of livestock.
Farms in Qassim benefit from fertile soil and a climate well suited to producing high-quality fruit, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Grape cultivation is particularly concentrated in several governorates, notably Uyun Al-Jiwa, Al-Badayea, and Al-Mithnab.
The region produces a variety of grape types, including green and red Thompson seedless, Black Magic, and Halwani.
The mayor of Qassim, Mohammed bin Mubarak Al-Majali, emphasized the municipality’s commitment to organizing seasonal agricultural festivals.
These events support farmers and stimulate economic and tourism activity.
Al-Majali highlighted the abundance and variety of grape products featured at the festival as a source of pride and a testament to the region’s agricultural success.
He also mentioned efforts to empower local farming families by involving them in festival activities, in collaboration with local municipal branches such as Al-Qawara Municipality and other government entities.
Meanwhile, director-general of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture’s Qassim branch, Salman Al-Suwaina, described grape farming as a promising agricultural resource.
He pointed out the strong regional support for investment and related manufacturing industries.
Al-Suwaina said Qassim’s 30,000 tonnes of grapes produced seasonally serve local markets and hold significant export potential.
He also pointed to the growing demand for grape-derived products such as juice, molasses, raisins, and natural vinegar, which offer value-added opportunities for farmers.
The region continues to expand grape cultivation and provides technical and advisory support to farmers, aiming to boost productivity and contribute to food security in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The grape festival, currently underway in Uyun Al-Jiwa, continues through Friday, where it is drawing large numbers of visitors and shoppers.
MADINAH: The World Health Organization has renewed its accreditation of Madinah as a “healthy city,” with Islam’s second-holiest location scoring an impressive 80 points, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Prince Salman bin Sultan, governor of Madinah region, received the WHO accreditation certificate from Minister of Health Fahad AlJalajel during a ceremony on Thursday.
Prince Salman said Madinah’s renewed accreditation exemplifies the leadership’s dedication to enhancing quality of life for the Kingdom’s people in urban centers.
He emphasized Madinah’s ongoing transformation as a leading development model regionally and internationally, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.
Madinah has solidified its position as the second-largest healthy city in the Middle East, after Jeddah, the SPA reported.
To win the WHO’s nod, an entrant must meet 80 criteria, including parks, walking areas, and the promotion of health through primary care centers and schools.
The WHO has also recognized 14 other healthy cities in Ƶ. These include Taif, Tabuk, Ad-Diriyah, Unaizah, Jalajel, Al-Mandaq, Al-Jumum, Riyadh Al-Khubra and Sharurah, according to Leaders MENA Magazine.
LYON, France: Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif visited Interpol headquarters in Lyon, France on Thursday where he was received by the organization’s president, Maj. Gen. Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi.
During the visit, Prince Abdulaziz affirmed the Kingdom’s ongoing support for Interpol and its efforts to strengthen international cooperation in combating transnational crime.
He praised its role in supporting international security efforts and enhancing cooperation among security agencies around the world.
Interpol's current president is from the United Arab Emirates. Al-Raisi was elected at the 89th General Assembly in Istanbul, Turkiye, in November 2021. His term ends this year.
