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KSrelief signs $5.15m deal to aid Ukrainians

KSrelief signs $5.15m deal to aid Ukrainians
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The Yemen deal was signed by KSrelief Assistant Supervisor General for Operations and Programs Ahmed Al-Baiz and BCHR Executive Director Fahmi Mansour.
KSrelief signs $5.15m deal to aid Ukrainians
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The Ukrainian deal was signed by KSrelief Assistant Supervisor General for Operations and Programs Ahmed Al-Baiz and the UN Population Fund’s deputy executive director, Andrew Saberton. (SPA)
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Updated 01 March 2025

KSrelief signs $5.15m deal to aid Ukrainians

KSrelief signs $5.15m deal to aid Ukrainians

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has signed a $5.15 million cooperation agreement with the UN Population Fund to provide emergency protection for vulnerable groups in Ukraine.

The deal will benefit 49,360 people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

It was signed by KSrelief Assistant Supervisor General for Operations and Programs Ahmed Al-Baiz and the fund’s deputy executive director, Andrew Saberton, in Riyadh.

The agreement will deliver essential services related to gender-based violence in affected areas of Ukraine.

It focuses on supporting mobile psychosocial teams, and establishing safe spaces for women and girls with economic empowerment opportunities, dignity kits and community psychological support.

Additionally, it aims to strengthen the capabilities of community psychological support service providers.

Al-Baiz also signed a cooperation agreement with the Benevolence Coalition for Humanitarian Relief in Riyadh to promote sustainable agriculture and empower the agricultural and fishery sectors of Yemeni governorates.

The deal will enhance the resilience of farmers and fishermen, and contribute to local food production by supplying agricultural inputs such as seeds, equipment, safety tools, fishing boats, veterinary kits and greenhouses.

It also involves training on agricultural and fishery practices, and improving irrigation by pumping water from wells, and establishing drip irrigation and canal networks.


Saudi defense minister calls Qatari PM after Israeli attack in Doha

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman called Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister on Wednesday. (File/SPA/AFP)
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman called Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister on Wednesday. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 8 sec ago

Saudi defense minister calls Qatari PM after Israeli attack in Doha

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman called Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister on Wednesday. (File/SPA/AFP)
  • Prince Khalid affirmed the Kingdom’s full support for Qatar, and its condemnation of “the blatant Israeli attack” on the country

RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman called Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister on Wednesday, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During the call, Prince Khalid affirmed the Kingdom’s full support for Qatar, and its condemnation of “the blatant Israeli attack” on the country, which “constitutes a criminal act and a flagrant violation of international laws and norms.”

Israel attempted to kill the political leaders of Hamas with an airstrike on Qatar on Tuesday. The attack drew condemnation from Ƶ, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and the European Union.


Saudi irrigation delegation joins Malaysia meeting

Saudi irrigation delegation joins Malaysia meeting
Updated 10 September 2025

Saudi irrigation delegation joins Malaysia meeting

Saudi irrigation delegation joins Malaysia meeting
  • The meeting was held alongside the fourth World Irrigation Forum and was attended by members of the high-level advisory group

RIYADH: The Saudi Irrigation Organization participated in the third meeting of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The meeting was held alongside the fourth World Irrigation Forum and was attended by members of the high-level advisory group, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Mohammed bin Zaid Abu-Haid, the organization’s CEO, said that irrigation is no longer just an agricultural issue but a strategic matter tied to national resilience, food security, and environmental sustainability.

He said water-scarce countries face major challenges, since agriculture consumes the largest share of water, while the Kingdom’s main agricultural water sources are largely non-renewable — making this a strategic priority for Ƶ’s water sector.

Abu-Haid highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to develop sustainable and reusable water sources, with the organization leading the transition through capacity building, sector excellence, and regulation to ensure sustainability.

He concluded by inviting the commission’s members and international partners to participate in the 11th World Water Forum, scheduled for 2027 in Riyadh.

Meeting participants emphasized that modernizing irrigation and agricultural infrastructure, based on integrated water resources management, is essential for sustainable food security amid climate change, water scarcity, and rising food demand.


Saudi artists explore new narratives in Misk’s Masaha Residency program

Saudi artists explore new narratives in Misk’s Masaha Residency program
Updated 10 September 2025

Saudi artists explore new narratives in Misk’s Masaha Residency program

Saudi artists explore new narratives in Misk’s Masaha Residency program
  • Under the theme “At the Edge of Knowing,” the initiative provides a dynamic space for creative experimentation and interdisciplinary artistic exchange

RIYADH: Misk Art Institute, a subsidiary of Misk Foundation, has announced the 10th edition of the Masaha Residency program, which runs from Sept. 14 to Dec. 11, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Under the theme “At the Edge of Knowing,” the initiative provides a dynamic space for creative experimentation and interdisciplinary artistic exchange.

Focusing on diverse knowledge systems and cultural narratives, the residency supports artists exploring alternative perspectives, engaging with layered truths, and contributing to new narratives rooted in contemporary experience.

Reem Al-Sultan, the institute’s CEO, said: “By nurturing creative artists and cultivating space for exploration and dialogue, we empower the next generation and support the Kingdom’s vision of a vibrant, culturally engaged society.”

Spanning 13 weeks, the program offers studios, weekly mentorship, critique sessions, workshops, studio visits, and opportunities for audience engagement.

As one of Misk Art Institute’s flagship programs, Masaha Residency nurtures the contemporary art ecosystem, fosters experimentation, and builds sustainable artistic networks locally and regionally.

Since its inception, the residency has supported more than 100 artists, providing space for research, critical inquiry, and sustained creative practice.

Previous editions explored themes such as technology, storytelling, and collective memory, the SPA reported.

Organized in collaboration with Banque Saudi Fransi, the 10th edition invites artists to examine boundaries, truth and hidden narratives, contributing to the evolution of local and regional art scenes.


New program to support youth in gaming industry

New program to support youth in gaming industry
Updated 10 September 2025

New program to support youth in gaming industry

New program to support youth in gaming industry
  • In partnership with the National Technology Development Program, the initiative will enable participants to develop games in teams, the Saudi Press Agency reported

Riyadh: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, through the Center of Digital Entrepreneurship, has launched a “Game by CODE” program.

The program aims to help university students, young businesspeople, and game developers enter the industry, and to promote digital entrepreneurship in the Kingdom.

In partnership with the National Technology Development Program, the initiative will enable participants to develop games in teams, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It provides an integrated incubator with experts, technical guidance, practical training, and resources to turn ideas into viable, scalable projects.

The program will conclude with an event where participants present their projects to a select group of investors and gaming industry experts. 

The best team from each city will earn a spot in the MVPLab product offered by the National Technology Development Program.

The three-month program runs in Riyadh, Jeddah and Hofuf, covering game art, programming, design, and entrepreneurship.

This initiative is a part of the ministry’s efforts to enhance the Kingdom’s digital entrepreneurship ecosystem and support young talent.

Students wishing to register can visit the Center of Digital Entrepreneurship’s website.


Saudi crown prince, Jordan’s king discuss Israeli violation of Qatari sovereignty

Saudi crown prince, Jordan’s king discuss Israeli violation of Qatari sovereignty
Updated 10 September 2025

Saudi crown prince, Jordan’s king discuss Israeli violation of Qatari sovereignty

Saudi crown prince, Jordan’s king discuss Israeli violation of Qatari sovereignty
  • Ƶ’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday extended condolences to Qatar following the death of a member of its Internal Security Force

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call on Tuesday from Jordan’s King Abdullah II to discuss the Israeli attack and violation of Qatari sovereignty.

Both leaders affirmed their countries’ solidarity with Qatar and support for the measures it is taking to safeguard its security and preserve its sovereignty.

Meanwhile, Ƶ’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday extended condolences to Qatar following the death of a member of its Internal Security Force in what it described as a heinous Israeli attack.

The Kingdom reiterated its full support and solidarity with Qatar and wished the injured a speedy recovery.