Riyadh prepares to host special meeting of World Economic Forum

Riyadh prepares to host special meeting of World Economic Forum
A participant is seen in silhouette during a session at the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos on January 17, 2024. (AFP/File)
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Updated 23 April 2024
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Riyadh prepares to host special meeting of World Economic Forum

Riyadh prepares to host special meeting of World Economic Forum
  • Special meeting scheduled to be held in Riyadh on April 28-29
  • Heads of state and senior private sector executives to attend 

RIYADH: Final preparations are taking place this week in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, for a special meeting of the World Economic Forum in the city on April 28 and 29.

Heads of state and senior executives from the public and private sectors are expected to be among the participants, who will discuss a range of global economic issues and developments under the theme “Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development.”

The aim of the meeting is to find solutions to a host of global challenges relating to humanitarian issues, the climate and the economy. On the sidelines of the main event, the Kingdom will host exhibitions and other events to highlight the latest developments and trends in areas such as sustainability, innovation and culture.

The selection of Riyadh as host of the special meeting reflects the extensive partnership between Saudi Arabia and the WEF, officials said.

It builds upon the Kingdom’s active participation and contributions to the WEF’s Annual Meetings in Davos.

The agenda is designed to rekindle the spirit of cooperation and collaboration with various panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. It represents a significant gathering of global leaders and experts dedicated to forging a path toward a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable world.


KSrelief sends aid to thousands of Syria’s most in need

KSrelief sends aid to thousands of Syria’s most in need
Updated 23 January 2025
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KSrelief sends aid to thousands of Syria’s most in need

KSrelief sends aid to thousands of Syria’s most in need

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has provided further relief to thousands in Syria, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
KSrelief distributed 98 food packages, 113 bags of flour, 15 winter kits and 15 personal care kits to those most in need in Al-Rastan city in Homs governorate.
The initiative benefited 538 people from 113 families as part of a relief material distribution project in Syria.
Meanwhile, 3,271 people from the most vulnerable families affected by the 2023 earthquake in the town of Jindires in Aleppo governorate received shopping vouchers.
They can be used to purchase winter clothing of their choice from approved stores, as part of a winter clothing distribution project in Syria.


Top Saudi university wins Japan Prize for marine ecosystem research

Top Saudi university wins Japan Prize for marine ecosystem research
Updated 23 January 2025
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Top Saudi university wins Japan Prize for marine ecosystem research

Top Saudi university wins Japan Prize for marine ecosystem research
  • KAUST’s Prof. Carlos Duarte, a biological oceanography and marine ecology academic, among prize recipients
  • Kingdom solidifies its global standing in developing marine solutions to combat the effects of climate change

JEDDAH: The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has been awarded the prestigious Japan Prize for its research into advancing the understanding of changing marine ecosystems and blue carbon.

The university’s achievement solidifies Saudi Arabia’s global standing in developing marine solutions to combat climate change, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

KAUST’s Prof. Carlos Duarte, a biological oceanography and marine ecology academic, is among the recipients of the Japan Prize. His groundbreaking work in marine ecology has earned him international recognition.

Professor Carlos M. Duarte in mangrove wetlands at KAUST. (Photo courtesy of KAUST)

KAUST’s board of trustees’ secretary-general, Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Toonsi, expressed pride in the university’s achievement, emphasizing its role in enhancing global understanding of marine ecosystems.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts in sustainable climate-change solutions and marine conservation, a milestone reflecting KAUST’s commitment to excellence as a part of Saudi Vision 2030.

Established in 1985 and often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Japan,” the honor is awarded annually to scientists who make exceptional innovations in science and technology that promote peace and prosperity for humanity.

Duarte will travel to Tokyo in April to receive the award from Japan’s Emperor Naruhito.


Drone Racing World Cup at Boulevard City begins with top prizes at stake

Drone Racing World Cup at Boulevard City begins with top prizes at stake
Updated 23 January 2025
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Drone Racing World Cup at Boulevard City begins with top prizes at stake

Drone Racing World Cup at Boulevard City begins with top prizes at stake
  • 3-day event among myriad activities of ongoing Riyadh Season
  • Contest is being held in Mideast, North Africa for the first time

RIYADH: Prizes exceeding $346,500 await the winners of the Drone Racing World Cup which begins on Thursday at Boulevard City in Riyadh.

Organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, in collaboration with the World Air Sports Federation, the three-day event is a part of the ongoing Riyadh Season.

The competition is being held for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region since its inception in 2016, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

This year’s edition will feature world champions including Kim Minjae and Yuki Hashimoto, winners of the 2024 FAI World Drone Racing Championship.

Also participating are Killian Rousseau, winner of the 2023 FAI Drone Racing World Cup; Luisa Rizzo, winner of the 2024 Women’s FAI Drone Racing Championship; and Min Chan Kim, winner of the 2023 FAI World Drone Racing Championship.

Several Saudi Arabia pilots will also compete including Muhannad Al-Wohaibi, Ibrahim Al-Sultan, Dalia Al-Safar, Al-Anoud Al-Shalaan, Bader Mutlaq Al-Raqas, Nawaf Al-Hamoud, and Salma Attallah Al-Aqbi.

The qualifying rounds will start on Thursday and continue until midday on Friday, followed by the finals on Saturday.

There will be various activities including a Drones Hub for teaching amateurs and professionals; a Drag Racing Zone for speed competitions on a straight path; and a Fly Free Zone designed for testing and operating drones.

In addition, there will be a VR Drone Racing simulation using virtual-reality glasses; workshops for training, designing, assembling and building drones; and a Fans Zone for those wanting to watch the competitions.

 


Guests of King Salman’s Umrah program arrive in Madinah

Guests of King Salman’s Umrah program arrive in Madinah
Updated 23 January 2025
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Guests of King Salman’s Umrah program arrive in Madinah

Guests of King Salman’s Umrah program arrive in Madinah
  • 250 pilgrims from African countries, 22 from Egypt
  • Program includes 1,000 pilgrims from 66 countries

MADINAH: The third group of participants in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visitation began arriving in Madinah on Wednesday.

Their 10-day visit to the Kingdom includes prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque, performing Umrah, touring historical and cultural landmarks, and visiting museums in Madinah and Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Officials from the Kingdom’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance welcomed the pilgrims at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

Twenty-two Egyptian Umrah pilgrims were the first to arrive in the city.

The current group includes 250 pilgrims from 18 African countries: Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Mali, Senegal, Cameroon, Chad, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Guinea, Mozambique and Mauritania.

The program is hosting 1,000 visitors from 66 countries divided into four groups this year, as approved by King Salman.


Crown prince to Trump: Saudi Arabia seeks to push US investments to $600bn during second term

Crown prince to Trump: Saudi Arabia seeks to push US investments to $600bn during second term
Updated 23 January 2025
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Crown prince to Trump: Saudi Arabia seeks to push US investments to $600bn during second term

Crown prince to Trump: Saudi Arabia seeks to push US investments to $600bn during second term

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia intends to broaden its trade and investment in the United States to at least $600 billion over the next four years, the Saudi Press Agency reported early on Thursday.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told US President Donald Trump about the Kingdom's plan during a phone conversation late Wednesday, the report said.
With Trump's vow to carry out wide-ranging reforms in the world's largest economy, the Kingdom seeks to participate in opportunities for partnership and investment, SPA quoted the crown prince as saying.
The report did not indicate any details of the planned investments.
The two leaders also discussed ways for cooperation between their countries to promote peace, security and stability in the Middle East, in addition to enhancing bilateral cooperation to combat terrorism.
Trump assumed office on Monday and said he would restore American prestige and rebuild its economic power.
Trump made the Kingdom his first foreign visit during his first term and the countries signed a number of investment agreements worth about $400 billion.
The crown prince said in 2018 that part of the “armaments will be manufactured in Saudi Arabia, so it will create jobs in America and Saudi Arabia, good trade, good benefits for both countries and also good economic growth. Plus, it will help our security”.
Trump campaigned on his America First policy which seeks to prioritize the US economy and American citizens.
He signed an executive order on Monday to establish “a robust and reinvigorated trade policy that promotes investment and productivity, enhances our Nation’s industrial and technological advantages, defends our economic and national security”.
Prince Mohammed conveyed his and King Salman’s congratulations to Trump upon his return to the Oval Office and the Saudi leaders wished the American people further progress and prosperity.
Trump expressed his thanks to the king and crown prince for their congratulations, stressing his keenness to work with them on everything that would serve the common interests of both nations.
Trump was well received in the Kingdom in 2017 and attended a number of events in Riyadh with the king and crown prince. King Salman presented the US president with the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Kingdom’s top civilian honor.
The king hosted a state dinner for Trump, where both took part in a traditional war dance ahead of the banquet.
The pair also opened the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology, part of a broad initiative to tackle the root causes of extremism and stop terror financing.