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EU embassy celebrates Saudi Founding Day in Diriyah

EU embassy celebrates Saudi Founding Day in Diriyah
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EU Ambassador to Ƶ Christophe Farnaud is pictured during Founding Day celebrations in Riyadh. (Supplied)
EU embassy celebrates Saudi Founding Day in Diriyah
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The EU embassy in Ƶ hosted celebrations for Founding Day. (Supplied)
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Updated 22 February 2025

EU embassy celebrates Saudi Founding Day in Diriyah

EU embassy celebrates Saudi Founding Day in Diriyah

RIYADH: For the celebration of the Kingdom’s Founding Day, Christophe Farnaud, EU ambassador to Ƶ, highlighted the long and deep relationship between the EU and the Kingdom.

“On 22 February, we pay tribute to the vision, leadership and resilience that have made Ƶ a prosperous and influential nation,” Farnaud said.

“The European Union is proud to host the celebration of the Kingdom’s important national holiday, which reminds us of all the enduring and long-standing friendship between our two nations,” he said.

By working together on regional and global issues, the two sides were acting to strengthen their relationship, which continued to mature and evolve, he said.




The EU embassy in Ƶ hosted celebrations for Founding Day. (Supplied)

Farnaud stressed the importance of continuing this warm and cooperative spirit, especially in the face of global challenges: “As we move forward in an increasingly complex world, it is more important than ever.”

The EU ambassador underlined the importance of the historic friendship and highlighted the values shared by both regions; peace, stability and mutual respect.

Farnaud told Arab News: “We have chosen to participate in the celebration of the founding of the Kingdom of Ƶ, which is one of the most important dates in the country’s identity.

“It’s the ideal time to unite our efforts. I think that’s one of the reasons for this day, which is obviously a day for the Saudi people, but also a day of national reunion.

“I think for the embassies and for us who are here, it’s a way of associating ourselves with this celebration by bringing us closer to the Saudi heritage, which is actually a very important heritage.




EU Ambassador to Ƶ Christophe Farnaud is pictured during Founding Day celebrations in Riyadh. (Supplied)

“We’re standing in one of these old houses in Diriyah, a historic place, where the dynasty was born.

“Today, it’s also an emblematic site for one of the country’s most important projects and a place where evidence of this ancient heritage remains, which is particularly close to my heart.

“In this context, I was able to bring together my team and guests to do something together to celebrate this event and connect with Saudi heritage.

“We’re here to literally touch this local heritage. I think it’s a less formal but more engaging way to celebrate this event,” Farnaud said.

The celebration, held at Bonjour Saudi in Diriyah, allowed guests to discover local gastronomy and take part in enriching workshops.

It also provided insight into the Najdi gates, revealing their cultural significance and impact on Saudi heritage.


KSrelief supervisor-general, executive director of WFP discuss relief efforts

KSrelief supervisor-general, executive director of WFP discuss relief efforts
Updated 7 sec ago

KSrelief supervisor-general, executive director of WFP discuss relief efforts

KSrelief supervisor-general, executive director of WFP discuss relief efforts

NEW YORK: Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor-general of the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, on Thursday met with Cindy Hensley McCain, executive director of the World Food Programme, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The discussions focused on topics of mutual interest concerning humanitarian and relief efforts, as well as updates on food-related projects implemented by both parties, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

McCain commended KSrelief’s achievements in humanitarian, relief, and development work, highlighting its relentless dedication to assisting countries and communities in need worldwide.

Also, speaking at the session “Humanitarian Diplomacy in Action: Collective Response to the Crises in the Middle East,” Al-Rabeeah stressed that humanitarian diplomacy is essential for achieving peace and stability, and that combining humanitarian efforts with diplomacy fosters productive dialogue, despite the challenges involved. 


Mount Muhajjah — a living record of ancient civilization 

Mount Muhajjah — a living record of ancient civilization 
Updated 55 min 20 sec ago

Mount Muhajjah — a living record of ancient civilization 

Mount Muhajjah — a living record of ancient civilization 
  • The mountain is home to a vast collection of Thamudic rock inscriptions and drawings of people, camels, horses, gazelles, and lions, dating back to ancient civilizations and eras

RIYADH: Mount Muhajjah, one of the Hail region’s most well-known natural landmarks, is an example of the Kingdom’s history and culture. 

Situated 240 kilometers southwest of the Hail region, the rocky cavities of the mountain take on a range of shapes and layered gradients, revealing details of ancient earth layers and the effects of past eras, due to sand erosion and weathering on the mountain.

The mountain, in Al-Shamli Governorate, holds exceptional historical and geological significance, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Its sandy, sedimentary rock formations contrast starkly with striking natural features resembling pathways and arches.

Mount Muhajjah is also surrounded by sand dunes, with desert plants such as arta, ramth, and various spring flora thriving in its low-lying pasturelands.

With its clear skies and diverse terrain, the site is an ideal destination for outdoor adventurers, tourists, visitors, and locals alike, especially during the winter and spring seasons.

The Heritage Commission said that Mount Muhajjah is a living record of ancient civilizations, a prominent landmark, and a destination for natural and cultural tourism.

It is distinguished by its special drawings and engravings, along with the surrounding sites that have been recorded and discovered through survey and rock art documentation projects.

The mountain is home to a vast collection of Thamudic rock inscriptions and drawings of people, camels, horses, gazelles, and lions, dating back to ancient civilizations and eras. 

Documented among the Thamudic inscriptions is “traveler’s journal” — traces left by travelers who passed through the area because it lay along ancient caravan and trade routes.

The mountain has long attracted the attention of travelers, both ancient and modern, as well as Saudi and Western researchers, leading to the publication of several studies and books focused on the interpretation of Thamudic inscriptions and the broader analysis of rock art in the region.

The Heritage Commission affirmed its ongoing efforts to protect the Mount Muhajjah site and highlight its scientific and cultural significance.

These efforts reflect the Hail region’s status as a hub of antiquities and rock art and supports the goals of Ƶ’s Vision 2030 to preserve national heritage and elevate its global profile.


 


Ƶ to host 2027 IASP World Conference

Ƶ to host 2027 IASP World Conference
Updated 25 September 2025

Ƶ to host 2027 IASP World Conference

Ƶ to host 2027 IASP World Conference
  • Successful bid to host the 2027 World Conference of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation
  • Dhahran Techno Valley saw off competition from science parks in Norrkoping in Sweden and Chiang Mai in Thailand

DHAHRAN: Ƶ, represented by Dhahran Techno Valley at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, has won its bid to host the 2027 World Conference of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation.

The decision was announced during the IASP General Assembly Beijing, with the Kingdom beating off competition from science parks in Norrkoping in Sweden and Chiang Mai in Thailand.

The conference will underline Ƶ’s position as a leader on the global innovation map and reflects its growing capabilities in the areas of energy, sustainability and future technologies.

It also highlights the Kingdom’s attractive and supportive environment for innovation and investment, with the event expected to draw more than 1,000 attendees including academics, investors and entrepreneurs.

Dhahran Techno Valley secured 87 votes out of 118 participating members, surpassing the 59 votes required to win in the final round.

The 2026 IASP World Conference will be held in Sophia Antipolis, France, before the spotlight turns to Dhahran.


Ƶ, OIC officials discuss labor issues in Baku

Ƶ, OIC officials discuss labor issues in Baku
Updated 25 September 2025

Ƶ, OIC officials discuss labor issues in Baku

Ƶ, OIC officials discuss labor issues in Baku
  • OIC plays a critical role in promoting sustainable development
  • Abdullah Abuthnain, Saudi’s vice minister, attended the meeting

RIYADH: Abdullah Abuthnain, Ƶ’s vice minister of human resources and social development for labor, led the Kingdom’s delegation to the executive council meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Labour Centre in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Sep. 23 and 24.

The meeting included ministers and senior officials from OIC member states and addressed issues including employment and social protection, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

It also examined the major challenges facing labor markets across the Islamic world and explored opportunities for growth and sustainable employment.

In his remarks, the minister highlighted the pivotal role of the OIC’s Labour Centre in coordinating efforts and facilitating the exchange of expertise among member states.

He underscored the need to sustain this cooperation to overcome labor market challenges, strengthen social protection, and promote sustainable development across the Islamic world.

He also underlined key initiatives in the Kingdom’s labor market aimed at empowering youth, enhancing their economic participation, and advancing digital transformation in service delivery.

Abuthnain also took part in a roundtable titled “Innovative Labor and Employment Strategies in a Changing World: Global Challenges – National Solutions”, which was attended by ministers and representatives from nearly 30 OIC member states.

The meeting concluded by stressing the importance of strengthening cooperation among member states and adopting innovative labor policies that foster the development of human capital across member states.


Saudi internal auditors share expertise at Japan conference

Saudi internal auditors share expertise at Japan conference
Updated 25 September 2025

Saudi internal auditors share expertise at Japan conference

Saudi internal auditors share expertise at Japan conference
  • Saudi Authority of Internal Auditors CEO Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Shebeili stressed the need for international cooperation in developing the profession
  • Al-Shebeili emphasized the importance of academic programs and partnerships with leading global universities

RIYADH: Representatives from the Saudi Authority of Internal Auditors joined other international leaders and experts in Japan for the National Internal Audit Conference.

One of their aims is to strengthen cooperation between the authority and its foreign counterparts, reaffirming the Kingdom’s role in leading change and professional leadership at the global level. It will also highlight the authority’s experience in areas such as oversight, governance, transparency and compliance.

The authority’s CEO, Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Shebeili, was one of the keynote speakers. He stressed the need for international cooperation in developing the profession and said Ƶ attached great importance to internal auditing as a crucial tool for progress as it improved performance quality and helped ensure high standards.

He added initiatives presented by the authority, such as “From Riyadh to the World,” contributed greatly to the exchange of expertise and the building of professional networks that included China, Russia, Australia, Switzerland, Austria and the US. This in turn was reflected in developing methods of applying internal auditing in line with modern technological advances.

Al-Shebeili emphasized the importance of academic programs and partnerships with leading global universities, which the authority is currently undertaking with Harvard University in the US and Cambridge University in the UK.

These partnerships resulted in more than 200 professional leaders graduating from the Internal Audit Leadership program and 45 from Governance, Risk and Compliance.

He added the Kingdom had become a global hub for developing the profession by enhancing the quality of internal auditing, raising the efficiency of practitioners and building generations capable of leading the future.

The shared vision, he said, was to build an “audit profession without borders” based on knowledge, cooperation and innovation.