黑料社区

KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities
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KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world鈥檚 most vulnerable people. (SPA)
KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities
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KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world鈥檚 most vulnerable people. (SPA)
KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities
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KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world鈥檚 most vulnerable people. (SPA)
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Updated 24 March 2025

KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

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

In the Syrian Arab Republic, 389 food packages were distributed to families in need in Homs governorate as part of the Etaam Ramadan project. KSrelief also distributed 160 parcels in Al-Dumayr, Rif Dimashq governorate.

In Yemen, 594 food baskets were provided to vulnerable groups in Shabwah governorate, benefiting 4,158 people.

In Somalia, KSrelief distributed 1,200 packages to impoverished families in Baidoa, benefiting 7,200 people.

Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

Additionally, KSrelief distributed 2,812 cartons of dates in Tal Shihab, Daraa governorate, Syria, benefiting 2,812 families.

The Saudi aid agency also provided 630 food baskets in Port Sudan, benefiting 3,561 impoverished and displaced people.


Suhail star heralds end of summer in 黑料社区

Suhail star heralds end of summer in 黑料社区
Updated 11 September 2025

Suhail star heralds end of summer in 黑料社区

Suhail star heralds end of summer in 黑料社区
  • Bright star's appearance signals the beginning of the rainy season and the land鈥檚 revival
  • Suhail is the Arabic name of Canopus, known to be the second brightest star in the sky after Sirius

RAFHA: What is with the Suhail star that its appearance is being celebrated in some parts of 黑料社区?

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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.


黑料社区 receives hosting flag for聽international prosecutors鈥 conference

黑料社区 receives hosting flag for聽international prosecutors鈥 conference
Updated 10 September 2025

黑料社区 receives hosting flag for聽international prosecutors鈥 conference

黑料社区 receives hosting flag for聽international prosecutors鈥 conference
  • IAP's 31st Annual Conference to be held in聽Riyadh in November next year

RIYADH: 黑料社区鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 鈥淭he Criminal Justice System in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities, Challenges, and Global Applications鈥 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.


Deal to promote Saudi dates industry globally

Deal to promote Saudi dates industry globally
Updated 10 September 2025

Deal to promote Saudi dates industry globally

Deal to promote Saudi dates industry globally
  • Qassim governor highlights international collaboration, economic growth and cultural heritage during Buraidah Dates Carnival tour

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鈥檚 leadership in supporting this vital sector, the SPA reported.

He also reviewed the carnival鈥檚 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 鈥淥ur Saudi Story,鈥 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 fusion of technology and national identity, highlighting its role in showcasing the Kingdom鈥檚 rich history in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

He commended initiatives that connect generations to the nation鈥檚 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鈥檚 history and culture

Bold vision sees continued revival of Makkah鈥檚 history and culture
Updated 10 September 2025

Bold vision sees continued revival of Makkah鈥檚 history and culture

Bold vision sees continued revival of Makkah鈥檚 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

MAKKAH: The preservation and development of Makkah鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檃 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鈥檚 Biography and Islamic Civilization, offering interactive, multilingual exhibits on the Prophet Muhammad鈥檚 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鈥檚 historical and cultural sites.

He added presenting this through engaging multilingual content and linking it to broader cultural destinations would enhance Makkah鈥檚 religious, historical and cultural identity and enrich visitor experience.


Saudi initiative brings patients to Abha for healing and hope

Saudi initiative brings patients to Abha for healing and hope
Updated 10 September 2025

Saudi initiative brings patients to Abha for healing and hope

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

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.

鈥淭his 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,鈥 she said.

She added that the experience highlights Saudi Tourism鈥檚 role in improving quality of life by offering patients peace of mind alongside treatment.

鈥淚n 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,鈥 she added.

The patients expressed their gratitude for the initiative and its positive impact.

Syrian participant Riyadh Sheikh said: 鈥淭oday, we are in this beautiful part of the Kingdom 鈥 my happiness knows no bounds.鈥

He added: 鈥淭hey really gave us the opportunity to go out and live as others do 鈥 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.鈥

Another patient, Fateh Mohammed Almeazab from Yemen, said: 鈥淕oing 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.鈥

The trip concluded at Al-Muftaha Village, one of Abha鈥檚 most iconic cultural destinations.