Saudi Cabinet backs Syria reconstruction efforts, urges global action to end Gaza war and aid blockade
Saudi Cabinet backs Syria reconstruction efforts, urges global action to end Gaza war and aid blockade/node/2609019/saudi-arabia
Saudi Cabinet backs Syria reconstruction efforts, urges global action to end Gaza war and aid blockade
Update
Saudi King Salman chairs Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting. (SPA)
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Updated 22 July 2025
Arab News
Saudi Cabinet backs Syria reconstruction efforts, urges global action to end Gaza war and aid blockade
Saudi Cabinet reaffirms support for joint efforts in rebuilding Syria
Council of Ministers welcome joint statement by 28 countries calling for end to Gaza war
Updated 22 July 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi Cabinet on Tuesday reaffirmed its support for joint efforts in rebuilding Syria while ensuring the country’s security, stability, unity and sovereignty.
In its weekly meeting, chaired by Ƶ’s King Salman, the Cabinet highlighted the Kingdom’s support for the joint statement issued by foreign ministers of several brotherly countries regarding developments in Syria.
It also followed up on the relief and humanitarian efforts provided by the Kingdom to the Syrian people.
The Council of Ministers welcomed a joint statement by 28 countries that called for ending the war in Gaza and condemned Israel’s obstruction of aid delivery to civilians in the strip.
The countries urged Israel to lift all restrictions on humanitarian aid, and ensure its safe delivery to residents in the Palestinian enclave.
The Cabinet renewed the Kingdom’s call to the international community to urgently take decisions and practical steps in response to Israel’s obstinacy, which deliberately prolongs the crisis and undermines regional and international peace efforts.
Bright star's appearance signals the beginning of the rainy season and the land’s revival
Suhail is the Arabic name of Canopus, known to be the second brightest star in the sky after Sirius
Updated 11 September 2025
Arab News
RAFHA: What is with the Suhail star that its appearance is being celebrated in some parts of Ƶ?
According to Berjis Al-Fulaih, a member of the Afaq Society for Astronomy, when the star known internationally as Canopus becomes visible in the skies of the Kingdom, it signals the end of summer’s intense heat and the start of cooler temperatures.
It marks an important seasonal event for Arabs that heralds the beginning of the rainy season and the land’s revival, Al-Fulaih told the Saudi Press Agency, or SPA.
Suhail is the Arabic name of Canopus, known to be the second brightest star in the sky after Sirius.
Suhail is the Arabic name of Canopus, known to be the second brightest star in the sky after Sirius. (SPA)
According to astronomers, Canopus is actually much more luminous than Sirius, but because Sirius is only 8.6 light-years away from the Earth, it appears brighter. In contrast, Canopus is about 310 light-years away.
Al-Fulaih said Suhail is observed with the naked eye in the southern half of the Arabian Peninsula on August 24 each year, and it becomes clearly visible in the north of the Kingdom on September 8.
It is said that the appearance of the Suhail star has since time immemorial served as guide for farmers in the Arab world to prepare for agricultural activities. Sailors and travelers have also relied on it for navigation, and it has inspired poetry and folklore in Arab tradition.
Lasting 52 days, the Suhail season brings about gentle winds and seasonal clouds, according to a previous SPA report.
During this season, the weather becomes pleasant at night, while remaining hot in the daytime during the early part. By the end of the season, daytime temperatures become more comfortable.
"One of the signs coinciding with Suhail's emergence is the decline in the angle of the sun's rays. The days get gradually shorter and cool down significantly at the end of the night. That is why Arabs were looking forward to the rise of this star," the report explained.
The appearance of Suhail is celebrated in the Northern Borders Region, which has launched the 2025 Suhail Nights Festival earlier this month. It is also celebrated with cultural events in the highland city of Taif, in the western part of the Kingdom.
Ƶ receives hosting flag for international prosecutors’ conference
IAP's 31st Annual Conference to be held in Riyadh in November next year
Updated 10 September 2025
SPA
RIYADH: Ƶ’s Attorney General Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib received the hosting flag for the 31st Annual Conference and General Meeting of the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) from his Singaporean counterpart Lucien Wong.
In his speech, Al-Mujib noted that the event reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to developing justice institutions, reinforcing the values of the rule of law, protecting rights, and enhancing international cooperation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The 31st conference will be held under the theme “The Criminal Justice System in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities, Challenges, and Global Applications” in Riyadh on November 15-18, 2026.
"In addition to the important global dialogue on this timely and relevant topic, the conference offers a unique opportunity to engage with and learn more about the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, which the IAP has only visited on a limited basis to date," the IAP said on its website.
A non-governmental and non-political organization, the IAP has over 170 members, including associations of prosecutors, prosecution authorities and crime prevention agencies. It represents over 250,000 prosecutors around the world.
Qassim governor highlights international collaboration, economic growth and cultural heritage during Buraidah Dates Carnival tour
Updated 10 September 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal attended the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Buraidah Dates Carnival and the Cultural Integration Center of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
The agreement aims to promote culture and heritage while encouraging mutual exchange, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
A key goal is to support the palm and date industry by opening new international marketing channels for Saudi dates through the Date Route Agreement, linked to the Silk Road and the first global initiative to integrate economic, cultural and tourism activities.
The governor described the agreement as a significant step that strengthens international cooperation and promotes authentic Saudi culture globally, highlighting national efforts to support this vital industry.
During his tour of the carnival, Prince Faisal highlighted its remarkable achievements, including recognition by Guinness World Records as the largest date carnival globally.
Image: SPA
He commended the launch of the international date route, a pioneering initiative combining economic, cultural and tourism elements to elevate Saudi dates internationally, boost their market position and foster trade.
The governor also praised the date diplomacy initiative, a program raising awareness among ambassadors and diplomatic missions about the cultural and economic significance of dates, strengthening international cooperation.
Prince Faisal emphasized that these projects showcased the Kingdom’s leadership in supporting this vital sector, the SPA reported.
He also reviewed the carnival’s statistics: Weekly attendance exceeded 90,000 visitors, the event ran for 75 days, generated SR3.2 billion ($853 million) in sales, provided more than 4,000 seasonal jobs and marketed 578,000 tons of regional dates.
These achievements, he said, reflected the success of a well-integrated economic cycle driven by collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Prince Faisal also visited the interactive exhibition “Our Saudi Story,” organized by the Museums Commission as part of the carnival.
The governor explored the innovative exhibition, which features 11 rare artifacts from regional museums and will run until Sept. 13.
Presented in a modern, interactive format, the exhibition blends technology with historical narrative, offering a creative retelling of the nation’s story.
This immersive approach fosters a deeper sense of belonging and introduces national heritage through contemporary media, the SPA reported.
The governor praised the exhibition’s fusion of technology and national identity, highlighting its role in showcasing the Kingdom’s rich history in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
He commended initiatives that connect generations to the nation’s heritage, enhancing cultural awareness through engaging and modern methods.
The carnival, organized by the National Center for Palms and Dates and the regional branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture under the Qassim Principality, runs until Oct. 5.
Bold vision sees continued revival of Makkah’s history and culture
The initiative by Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites has identified 98 important sites
Of these sites, 64 are prioritized for development based on criteria such as religious and historical importance, authenticity, uniqueness, and proximity to the Grand Mosque
Updated 10 September 2025
Arab News
MAKKAH: The preservation and development of Makkah’s history and culture is undergoing a major transformation under a comprehensive strategy from the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites.
The plan will safeguard the city’s rich heritage while presenting it through a modern lens that reflects its deep religious and cultural significance, enriching the experience of visitors and pilgrims.
The initiative has identified 98 important sites, of which 64 are prioritized for development based on criteria such as religious and historical importance, authenticity, uniqueness, and proximity to the Grand Mosque.
Key milestones have included the 2023 inauguration of the Hira Cultural District and the Revelation Exhibition, as well as the rehabilitation of the Jabal Al-Rahmah site with upgraded infrastructure and visitor services.
In early 2024, the Ain Zubaidah site was developed in partnership with Kidana Development Co., with the addition of a 1-km hiking trail, recreational areas and multimedia displays.
In 2025, projects expanded with the rehabilitation of Al-Bay’a Mosque, the launch of a popular food street, and upgrades to the Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques Architecture.
Other initiatives include the creation of an Islamic manuscript museum at Umm Al-Qura University and the launch of enrichment tours.
A major addition was the opening of the International Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization, offering interactive, multilingual exhibits on the Prophet Muhammad’s life and the legacy of Islamic civilization.
Developments also included enhancing the Grand Mosque Library, which holds over 350,000 books and manuscripts, and revitalizing public parks and pedestrian walkways across the city.
Commission CEO Saleh Al-Rasheed said the efforts were part of an integrated vision to sustain and activate Makkah’s historical and cultural sites.
He added presenting this through engaging multilingual content and linking it to broader cultural destinations would enhance Makkah’s religious, historical and cultural identity and enrich visitor experience.
Saudi initiative brings patients to Abha for healing and hope
In Abha, 17 people with kidney-failure issues discover stories, traditions and a renewed spirit
Updated 10 September 2025
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: For 17 people with kidney-failure issues, a recent three-day journey to Abha offered a chance to step away from hospital routines and embrace joy, culture and the beauty of nature.
The trip, organized by the Charitable Health Promotion Association with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, combined medical care and psychological support for the participants aged 30 to 66.
They visited landmarks including Al-Soudah, Rijal Almaa, Al-Asal Hut, Al-Muftaha Art Village, as well as museums and traditional homes where they enjoyed the mountain climate and rich heritage of Asir.
Dr. Aisha Natto, chairperson of the board of directors of the Charitable Health Promotion Association, told Arab News that the trip reflected the integration of health and tourism.
“This is not just a journey, but a way to a beautiful life. Those patients leave behind the routine of the hospital to experience moments of joy and hope amidst the mountains and heritage paths of Abha,” she said.
She added that the experience highlights Saudi Tourism’s role in improving quality of life by offering patients peace of mind alongside treatment.
“In the historic palaces, they learn the stories of ancestors, and in authentic hospitality sessions, they savor the meaning of Saudi generosity, which revives the soul before the body,” she added.
The patients expressed their gratitude for the initiative and its positive impact.
Syrian participant Riyadh Sheikh said: “Today, we are in this beautiful part of the Kingdom … my happiness knows no bounds.”
He added: “They really gave us the opportunity to go out and live as others do … We enjoyed every minute of this trip since we arrived in Abha. We visited beautiful historic places, museums and learned so much about the Asir region and culture.”
Another patient, Fateh Mohammed Almeazab from Yemen, said: “Going to a beautiful (place) like Abha is not only very relaxing, but it can also improve your health and overall well-being and this is what we are all feeling after (an) enjoyable and educational three days.”
The trip concluded at Al-Muftaha Village, one of Abha’s most iconic cultural destinations.
