South Korea seeks to build economic, cultural relations with Saudi

South Korea seeks to build economic, cultural relations with Saudi
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The WJC invited over 65 international journalists including an Arab News reporter to the week-long conference (Supplied)
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Updated 30 May 2024
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South Korea seeks to build economic, cultural relations with Saudi

South Korea seeks to build economic, cultural relations with Saudi
  • Seoul focusing on hydrogen supply chains and defense
  • Media event saw 65 reporters from across world attend

SEOUL: The World Journalists Conference recently hosted reporters from Saudi Arabia and across the globe for a week-long forum to enhance the Asia nation’s relations with other countries.

“As a Saudi journalist, your experience and exchanges of views in Korea, along with your insights, will provide a great introduction about Korea to Saudi Arabia,” Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Byung Hyuk Choi told Arab News.

“Cooperation is expanding beyond traditional construction and energy sectors to include areas like plants, hydrogen supply chains, defense, and culture — leveraging Korea’s economic development expertise, experience, and the capabilities and technologies of its excellent companies,” he added.

The WJC invited over 65 international journalists including an Arab News reporter to the week-long conference organized by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Korea Press Foundation.

The participants discussed various issues including the role of media in war reporting, efforts to achieve world peace, and Korea’s foreign policy.

The conference included sessions on the impact of Web3 on digital media and journalism and Seoul’s Tourism Renewal plan.

The organizers, during the trip, highlighted Korea’s culture, landscapes, history, diplomatic relations, and emerging scientific advancements.

“Korea has developed economically and is also well-known culturally to Saudi youth through K-pop, K-movies, and dramas,” the Korean ambassador explained.

Choi said the natural environment of Korea makes it a great place to visit and explore. “Korean people, like Saudis, are known for their warmth and hospitality, which will be quickly evident through long-term interactions.”

He added that there was a growing Muslim community in Korea.

Choi said the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Korea in November 2022 and President Yoon Suk-Yeol’s trip to Saudi Arabia in October 2023 has led to “rapid progress in bilateral relations.”

In his remarks at the opening of the 12th WJC conference, Jong Hyun Park, president of the Journalists Association of Korea, said: “Since 2013, in the spirit of the global era, foreign journalists, who are engaged in similar deliberations and tasks within our global village, have been gathering at the WJC. This assembly aims to tackle common global challenges and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of journalism.”

“Our unity is rooted in a shared commitment to journalism, transcending differences in nationality, gender, skin, color, and ideology. We hope you will seize the opportunity to explore South Korea’s rich traditional culture and unique characteristics of each region, including visits to Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, Incheon, Suwon, Ansan, and the demilitarized zone,” Park added.

The speakers at the event included Joo Hee Lee, the managing editor of the Korea Herald, Anum Hanif, the producer of the Hum News Network in Pakistan, Nicola Smith, Asia correspondent for The Telegraph in the UK, Leonardo Casa, the deputy director of BioBio Chile, and Ki Yon Kil, the president and CEO of the Seoul Tourism Organization.

The tour included Incheon, Seoul, Suwon, Yongin and Ansan, where journalists were able to meet local people and see how technology was shaping communities.

There was also a visit to the demilitarized zone and the Dora observatory. Through binoculars, visitors were able to view the mountains and farmlands on the North Korea side, and the city of Gaeseong.


Saudi project clears 607 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 607 Houthi mines in Yemen
Updated 31 March 2025
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Saudi project clears 607 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 607 Houthi mines in Yemen
  • The total included 561 unexploded ordnances, 21 anti-personnel mines, 20 anti-tank mines and five explosive devices, according to a recent report

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 607 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 561 unexploded ordnances, 21 anti-personnel mines, 20 anti-tank mines and five explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 486,108 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.


Kingdom launches Hajj packages for domestic pilgrims via Nusuk app

Kingdom launches Hajj packages for domestic pilgrims via Nusuk app
Updated 31 March 2025
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Kingdom launches Hajj packages for domestic pilgrims via Nusuk app

Kingdom launches Hajj packages for domestic pilgrims via Nusuk app
  • Priority given to Muslims undertaking Hajj for the first time
  • Only those with mandatory meningitis vaccination eligible to book packages

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched this year’s Hajj packages for citizens and residents of the Kingdom, now available for booking through the Nusuk app and its dedicated electronic portal.

In line with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to expanding access to the annual pilgrimage, the ministry has launched Hajj packages with priority booking for first-time pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

According to the ministry, pilgrims must have completed the mandatory meningitis vaccination to access packages, with appointments available through the Sehhaty app.

The Nusuk platform offers a user-friendly experience, allowing pilgrims to browse and book packages with various payment options.

The Nusuk app also enables pilgrims to purchase essential Hajj items, including ihram clothing and personal necessities, as well as book flight tickets within their packages, streamlining the entire pilgrimage journey.

Welcoming the announcement, Arif Anwar, an Alkhobar resident, told Arab News: “It’s great news, I was waiting for it. Now I will make the booking via Nusuk for me and my family, and (we are) looking forward to it as priority will be given to individuals who have not previously performed this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage, to allow more Muslims to fulfil this one of the five pillars of Islam in a spiritually inclusive and accessible environment.”

Abdulrahman Qahtani, a Jeddah native, said: "It was awaited. I am keen to perform Hajj this year, and by fulfilling the requirements mentioned by the ministry, I will now apply via Nusuk to perform this one of the five key pillars of Islam."

Wissam Dekmak, a Lebanese resident in Riyadh, said: "It is exciting for all residents to hear this announcement, allowing us to plan and book Hajj well in advance. We can now easily reserve packages through the Nusuk app and portal. It is an amazing initiative that simplifies the process and prioritizes those who haven't yet experienced Hajj."

Packages are accessible through the electronic portal at masar.nusuk.sa/individuals/local-pilgrims.

"We offer pilgrims a variety of Hajj packages provided by authorized service provider companies, ensuring a seamless Hajj experience," according to Nusuk portal.

The Hajj package starts at SR8,092 ($2,157) for the Al-Diyafah camp in Mina with shared accommodation. The second package is offered at SR10,366 with an upgraded camp providing high-quality service.

The third package costs SR13,150 for the six towers in Mina, located near the Jamarat bridge. The fourth package, Kidana Al-Wadi Towers, is valued at SR12,537, offering luxurious accommodation in modern towers with advanced facilities and meals.

The launch is part of a wider digital transformation of the Hajj experience, with the Nusuk platform serving as a comprehensive digital companion.

The ministry receives pilgrims’ inquiries via the Pilgrims’ Care Center at 1966 (available 24/7) or the beneficiary care account on X (@MOHU_Care).


Najran’s janbiya: A timeless symbol of cultural heritage

Najran’s janbiya: A timeless symbol of cultural heritage
Updated 31 March 2025
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Najran’s janbiya: A timeless symbol of cultural heritage

Najran’s janbiya: A timeless symbol of cultural heritage
  • Janbiya designs in Najran’s markets vary from traditional styles for young men to luxurious types adorned with silver and intricate engravings, illustrating the region’s craftsmanship

RIYADH: Najran’s janbiya dagger is a symbol of cultural heritage, authenticity, and history, passed down through generations and worn during celebrations and public occasions as part of local identity, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Janbiya designs in Najran’s markets vary from traditional styles for young men to luxurious types adorned with silver and intricate engravings, illustrating the region’s craftsmanship.

Local resident Saleh Hussein Al-Yami said that the janbiya is worn during Eid and national and social occasions as a symbol of authenticity, joy, pride, and belonging.

(SPA)

Al-Yami noted that it reflects a rich cultural heritage, renewed with each celebration, and is worn by all age groups during Eid Al-Fitr gatherings throughout the region.

Handcrafted with skill in Najran, the janbiya features intricate engravings on silver, leather and wood, with a steel-forged blade, the SPA reported.

Each janbiya is a unique masterpiece, preserving a long tradition of creativity and craftsmanship, ensuring this heritage thrives across generations. 


Kingdom extends aid to global communities

Kingdom extends aid to global communities
Updated 31 March 2025
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Kingdom extends aid to global communities

Kingdom extends aid to global communities
  • In Somalia, KSrelief provided 138 tonnes of dates to the World Food Programme, benefiting 200,000 people
  • Additional distributions in Idlib and Aleppo governorates included 4,016 food parcels and hygiene kits, assisting 12,048 people

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

In Somalia, KSrelief provided 138 tonnes of dates to the World Food Programme, benefiting 200,000 people.

The agency also distributed 5,500 bags of rice in the Benadir region, reaching 33,000 people as part of its Eid Al-Fitr Zakat project, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting those in need during the holiday.

Meanwhile, KSrelief distributed aid to multiple countries. In Lebanon, 660 food parcels were provided to displaced Syrians and Palestinian refugees, benefiting 3,300 people.

In Sudan, 600 food packages were delivered to the New Hayya Locality of Red Sea State, aiding 4,164 vulnerable people.

In the Syrian Arab Republic, the Saudi aid agency distributed 7,600 cartons of dates in Aleppo, 5,307 in Homs and 1,554 in Zamalka.

Additional distributions in Idlib and Aleppo governorates included 4,016 food parcels and hygiene kits, assisting 12,048 people.

In Mali, KSrelief delivered 800 food packages in Segou, supporting 4,010 of the most vulnerable people.


Historic market in Madinah fuels local economy

Historic market in Madinah fuels local economy
Updated 31 March 2025
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Historic market in Madinah fuels local economy

Historic market in Madinah fuels local economy

RIYADH: Madinah’s central market is a key shopping destination, supplying thousands of stores and acting as a logistics hub with hundreds of trucks delivering local and imported goods.

This vibrant hub continues Madinah’s long-standing commercial heritage, dating back to the time of Prophet Muhammad, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Madinah has historically been a thriving commercial center, hosting famous markets offering textiles, gold, dates, and other goods for residents, pilgrims, and Umrah performers.

Covering 160,000 square meters, the market meets the city’s growing needs, housing more than 1,100 shops, storage yards for agricultural products, cold storage spaces, and areas for displaying fruits and vegetables.

It also includes parking for refrigerator trucks, ensuring efficient handling and display of fresh produce, SPA reported.

This infrastructure allows the central market to circulate large quantities of fruits and vegetables, maintaining competitive prices under the Madinah municipality’s supervision.