2,000 people celebrate Saudi National Day with historic run through Jeddah

Men, women and children take part in the Jeddah Green Spirit Run on Friday, setting off from Bab Jadeed in the heart of the city’s Historic District. (AN photo)
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Men, women and children take part in the Jeddah Green Spirit Run on Friday, setting off from Bab Jadeed in the heart of the city’s Historic District. (AN photo)
Men, women and children take part in the Jeddah Green Spirit Run on Friday, setting off from Bab Jadeed in the heart of the city’s Historic District. (AN photo)
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Men, women and children take part in the Jeddah Green Spirit Run on Friday, setting off from Bab Jadeed in the heart of the city’s Historic District. (AN photo)
Men, women and children take part in the Jeddah Green Spirit Run on Friday, setting off from Bab Jadeed in the heart of the city’s Historic District. (AN photo)
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Men, women and children take part in the Jeddah Green Spirit Run on Friday, setting off from Bab Jadeed in the heart of the city’s Historic District. (AN photo)
Men, women and children take part in the Jeddah Green Spirit Run on Friday, setting off from Bab Jadeed in the heart of the city’s Historic District. (AN photo)
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Men, women and children take part in the Jeddah Green Spirit Run on Friday, setting off from Bab Jadeed in the heart of the city’s Historic District. (AN photo)
Men, women and children take part in the Jeddah Green Spirit Run on Friday, setting off from Bab Jadeed in the heart of the city’s Historic District. (AN photo)
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Men, women and children take part in the Jeddah Green Spirit Run on Friday, setting off from Bab Jadeed in the heart of the city’s Historic District. (AN photo)
Men, women and children take part in the Jeddah Green Spirit Run on Friday, setting off from Bab Jadeed in the heart of the city’s Historic District. (AN photo)
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Men, women and children take part in the Jeddah Green Spirit Run on Friday, setting off from Bab Jadeed in the heart of the city’s Historic District. (AN photo)
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Updated 21 September 2024

2,000 people celebrate Saudi National Day with historic run through Jeddah

Men, women and children take part in the Jeddah Green Spirit Run on Friday.
  • ‘It’s a great patriotic community event,’ organizer Khalid Yamani says
  • 6th annual Green Spirit Run comprised 5 km and 2 km races

JEDDAH: About 2,000 men, women and children took part in the Jeddah Green Spirit Run on Friday, setting off from Bab Jadeed in the heart of the city’s Historic District.

Organized by Masafat Club, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, Sports for All Federation and Jeddah Historic District, the 5 km and 2 km races were held to mark Saudi National Day.

“This event is more than just a race, it’s a celebration of our nation’s unity, diversity and shared spirit,” said Khalid Yamani, president of Masafat.

“It’s a great patriotic community event and open to all family members of all age categories and all nationalities. It is a great occasion for showing our spirit, enthusiasm and patriotism for this beloved country.”

Yamani said he was delighted at how many people had taken part.

“The whole idea of Green Spirit Run was to rally residents of Jeddah to come and celebrate National Day together through sports. Around 2,000 responded to the call, which exceeded the target that we thought would be achievable.”

Now in its sixth year, the annual event combines the runs with displays of cultural traditions and lots of family entertainment.

Both races started at Bab Jadid and took in the Historical Hajj Pilgrimage Route, Bab Al Bunt, Beit Nassif, Al Falah School and other significant landmarks.

Abdul Mohsen Al-Najjar took part in the 5 km race alongside his son, Adel. He said he had been a regular walker for 20 years but this was the first time he had entered a fun run.

“Celebrating our National Day along with all these runners is really something … I brought my son with me … to make him enjoy the run with pride as a Saudi.”

One of the oldest competitors was 70-year-old Hassan Al-Twairqi.

“I have been running for many years and I will never stop doing what I love,” he said. “I walk and run every day and it is becoming a lifestyle for me. Today, we celebrate our National Day … and I am very proud to be part of this run.”

Louis Tanjani, a Filipino who works for a private company in Jeddah, said he never missed an opportunity to celebrate Saudi National Day.

“It is a special day for this great country and it is our duty to celebrate with our fellow Saudis. Running today is a way to express our love to this country,” he said.

The winner of the 5 km race was Abdullah Al-Hasoli in a time of 14:59, while Mohammed Nabil was first home in the 2 km event in a time of 9:58.


KSrelief expands humanitarian aid in Yemen, Sudan, and Pakistan

KSrelief expands humanitarian aid in Yemen, Sudan, and Pakistan
Updated 06 August 2025

KSrelief expands humanitarian aid in Yemen, Sudan, and Pakistan

KSrelief expands humanitarian aid in Yemen, Sudan, and Pakistan
  • The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continued its humanitarian efforts across some of the world’s most vulnerable regions this week, launching new development and emergency response initiatives in Yemen, Sudan, and Pakistan. 

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continued its humanitarian efforts across some of the world’s most vulnerable regions this week, launching new development and emergency response initiatives in Yemen, Sudan, and Pakistan. 
Fighting Cholera in Yemen
KSrelief signed a cooperation agreement on Monday with a civil society partner to implement an urgent cholera response project in Yemen. The program aims to reach more than 1.15 million people, according to SPA. 
The agreement outlines the provision of essential medical tools, antibiotics, and intravenous solutions to reduce the number of cholera cases and prevent the disease’s spread. Medical teams will also be deployed at air and land ports to screen travelers and curb cross-border transmission. 
Food Security Support in Sudan
Meanwhile, in Khartoum State, Sudan, KSrelief annpounced the recent distribution of 700 food baskets to displaced families, benefiting 7,041 individuals, according to SPA. The aid forms part of the third phase of the 2025 Food Security Support Project, aimed at helping those uprooted by conflict and facing acute food shortages.
Sudan remains in the grip of a deepening humanitarian crisis, as conflict, displacement, and inflation severely limit access to food and basic services. 
Emergency Shelter in Yemen’s Hadhramaut
KSrelief also announced the distribution of shelter materials in response to natural disasters in Yemen’s Hadhramaut Governorate. This included the provision of tents and emergency kits to residents of Rumah district affected by floods and strong winds. The assistance reached 120 individuals, according to SPA. 
Empowering Families in Pakistan
KSrelief also signed a joint executive program with a civil society organization in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to support economic empowerment for the region’s poorest families.
The project is expected to directly benefit 2,500 families approximately 17,500 individuals and indirectly impact 88,000 people, according to SPA. The program will provide beneficiaries with livestock and poultry, along with hands-on training in animal husbandry, in an attempt to help them reduce reliance on external aid.


Cabinet appreciates positive results of international conference on Palestine co-chaired by

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairs the Cabinet session in NEOM on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairs the Cabinet session in NEOM on Tuesday. (SPA)
Updated 05 August 2025

Cabinet appreciates positive results of international conference on Palestine co-chaired by

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairs the Cabinet session in NEOM on Tuesday. (SPA)
  • Cabinet welcomed announcements made by several participating countries of their intention to recognize the Palestinian state

RIYADH: The Cabinet on Tuesday expressed its appreciation for the positive results of the recently held High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.

The conference, co-chaired by and France, was held between July 28-30 and aimed to catalyze concrete, time-bound, and coordinated international action toward the implementation of the two-State solution.

The chairs underlined the need to support Palestinian statehood, reinforce regional and international cooperation, and ensure respect for international law.

The Cabinet also welcomed announcements made by several participating countries of their intention to recognize the Palestinian state, Saudi Press Agency reported.

France, the UK, Canada, Portugal, Malta, and other countries have said they may recognize a State of Palestine at the UN in September.

The Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s call on all UN member states to support the final declaration issued by the international conference, which constitutes a comprehensive and implementable framework for implementing the two-state solution, that would in turn achieve international peace and security and contribute to building the future of the region and its peoples.

The Cabinet is following up on the Kingdom’s comprehensive support for the State of Palestine and its people, particularly on the humanitarian front, by continuing to send shelter, medical, and food aid to the Gaza Strip through the Saudi air and sea bridges.

It also condemned in the strongest terms provocative practices by Israeli government officials at Al-Aqsa Mosque, and stresses ’s demand that the international community halt these practices, which violate international laws and norms.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman briefed the Cabinet on the contents of letters received by King Salman and himself from the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his meeting with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.


‘Terhal’ play returns to Diriyah with rich tapestry of Saudi culture

‘Terhal’ depicts a compelling tale of a young man searching for roots in . (SPA)
‘Terhal’ depicts a compelling tale of a young man searching for roots in . (SPA)
Updated 05 August 2025

‘Terhal’ play returns to Diriyah with rich tapestry of Saudi culture

‘Terhal’ depicts a compelling tale of a young man searching for roots in . (SPA)
  • Compelling tale of young man searching for roots in Kingdom
  • Innovative use of live music, acrobatics and equestrian displays

RIYADH: A celebration of heritage is underway in Diriyah with the return of the play “Terhal,” which offers a visually rich and emotionally resonant expression of the Kingdom’s cultural tapestry.

Held at the Mayadeen site and running until Aug. 25, the production of the Ministry of Culture combines live performance, cinematic visuals, and traditional storytelling to narrate the evolving story of the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

‘Terhal’ depicts a compelling tale of a young man searching for roots in . (SPA)

At the heart of “Terhal” is the story of Saad, a young Saudi who travels across the country’s diverse regions in search of his roots and future.

His personal journey becomes a symbolic reflection of the nation’s broader transformation and is grounded in heritage, driven by ambition, and inspired by generations past.

FASTFACTS

• Held at the Mayadeen site and running until Aug. 25, the Ministry of Culture’s production of ‘Terhal’ combines live performance, cinematic visuals, and traditional storytelling.

• The production seamlessly fuses the Kingdom’s landscapes with innovative stage technology, creating a captivating showcase.

• Tickets can be booked via webook.com.

The production seamlessly fuses the Kingdom’s landscapes with innovative stage technology, creating a captivating showcase.

‘Terhal’ depicts a compelling tale of a young man searching for roots in . (SPA)

Audiences are treated to dazzling acrobatics, immersive soundscapes, live music, equestrian performances, and cultural displays, including references to traditional crafts, attire and cuisine.

Building on the artistic and public success of its 2023 debut, “Terhal” continues to push the creative boundaries of local theater production.

Tickets can be booked via webook.com.

 


Saudi craftsman creates inclusive artwork by adding Braille to decorative plaque

Al-Shehri said that the true purpose of his work is to carry a profound humanitarian message: Art should be accessible to all. (
Al-Shehri said that the true purpose of his work is to carry a profound humanitarian message: Art should be accessible to all. (
Updated 05 August 2025

Saudi craftsman creates inclusive artwork by adding Braille to decorative plaque

Al-Shehri said that the true purpose of his work is to carry a profound humanitarian message: Art should be accessible to all. (
  • Adel Al-Shehri created heritage piece intended to be accessible to all
  • Using specialized tools, he embossed Braille onto luxury wood

MAKKAH: Craftsman Adel Al-Shehri has created a unique decorative plaque inspired by Saudi heritage and embossed with Braille writing.

His creation honors Saudi culture and embraces the concept of inclusivity, driven by a conviction that the decorative piece should be accessible to all, including the visually impaired.

The plaque, titled “My Heritage in Braille,” is designed in a traditional style that reflects the deep-rooted culture of .

The Saudi artist hopes that his approach will inspire artists across the Arab world to embrace inclusivity in their work. (Supplied)

It features a globe in its center surrounded by artistic motifs reflecting the concepts of universality.

In an interview with Arab News, Al-Shehri spoke about the inspiration behind his selected materials and design choices.

He crafted the plaque from luxurious walnut and mahogany woods, prized for their durability and rich, elegant grain.

It wasn’t easy, but through countless experiments and careful refinements, I achieved a delicate balance between tactile clarity and visual elegance.

Adel Al-Shehri, Saudi craftsman

He added subtle metal inlays to complement the aesthetics and highlight the geometric details with contemporary flair.

The plaque’s base features a stepped circular design, inspired by the shape of ancient terraces found in historical buildings in the Kingdom.

Incorporating Braille into the design proved to be a challenge for the craftsman. The reading system, which features raised dots that are read by touch, is not easy to recreate on materials like wood and metal.

Braille is usually printed on paper, but adding it to a solid surface requires extreme precision.

Al-Shehri devised a special method to achieve this, using engraving tools that enabled him to shape the Braille dots to the appropriate height (between 0.9 mm and 1.4 mm), while maintaining precise geometric spacing between the dots.

This allowed them to be read by touch without losing their meaning or interfering with the other decorative elements on the plaque.

“This step presented both a technical and aesthetic challenge. How could I create a language that is read by touch and integrate it into a plaque meant to be admired visually?

“It wasn’t easy, but through countless experiments and careful refinements, I achieved a delicate balance between tactile clarity and visual elegance,” he said.

Al-Shehri said that the true purpose of his work is to carry a profound humanitarian message: Art should be accessible to all.

He hopes that his pioneering approach will inspire artists across the Arab world to embrace inclusivity in their work.

 


Saudi ambassador receives Pakistan’s High Commissioner in South Africa

Saudi ambassador receives Pakistan’s High Commissioner in South Africa
Updated 05 August 2025

Saudi ambassador receives Pakistan’s High Commissioner in South Africa

Saudi ambassador receives Pakistan’s High Commissioner in South Africa
  • The two sides “discussed matters of mutual interest and ways to enhance relations between the Kingdom and Pakistan

RIYADH: ’s Ambassador to South Africa Faisal Al-Harbi recently received Pakistan’s High Commissioner to South Africa Malik Farooq.

During the meeting, the two sides “discussed matters of mutual interest and ways to enhance relations between the Kingdom and Pakistan,” the embassy wrote in a post on X on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Saudi Ambassador to Brazil Faisal Ghulam recently received UN Development Programme Representative Claudio Providas.

They reviewed the organization’s activities in Brazil.