RIYADH: Chinese-language instruction has begun at the country’s schools to equip young people with valuable linguistic skills and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the Asian nation’s culture. The language is being taught to primary and middle school students. According to reports, 175 educators are teaching Mandarin in Saudi Arabia, aligning with an education agreement signed by the two countries last year.

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his counterparts at the sidelines of the Arab League foreign ministers meeting in Cairo on Tuesday. During the meeting, ministers discussed joint Arab action to intensify coordination on the Palestinian issue and other matters of concern. Regional and international developments were also discussed at the meeting that was attended by a Turkish foreign minister for the first time in 13 years.

GENEVA: Saudi Arabia reiterated its support for Sudan during the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday, reported state news agency SPA. Abdulmohsen bin Majed bin Khothaila, Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, delivered a statement on the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan. In his statement, Khothaila emphasized the need to protect Sudan and its people from further destruction and the worsening humanitarian situation.

CAIRO: Arab foreign ministers have urged the international community the UN court’s advisory opinion declaring Israel’s settlement policy in the West Bank and east Jerusalem violative of international law. At the conclusion of the Arab League meeting in Cairo, the Arab foreign ministers also called for Israel to end its illegal presence as soon as possible and to immediately cease all settlement activities, state news agency SPA reported.

RIYADH: The Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math Festival 2024 in Riyadh from Sept. 2 to 30 will explore the history and future of the petrochemicals industry, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. The STEAM event titled “The Fun of Chemistry: The Multidisciplinary World of Petrochemicals,” has been organized by the King Salman Science Oasis. It will explore the past discovery of oil, the latest innovations with a focus on sustainability and emerging technologies, and current environmental challenges, which are a part of Vision 2030. 

RIYADH: Saudi Minster of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman met on Monday Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani at the Amiri Diwan in Doha. The minister conveyed the greetings of Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and their best wishes for further progress and prosperity to Emir Tamim and the government and people of Qatar. Similarly, Emir Tamim conveyed his greetings to the Saudi king and crown prince.

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency, KSrelief, continues to offer healthcare to displaced persons in Yemen, Jordan and Iraq. KSrelief’s mobile medical clinics in the Wallan camp of the Hajjah governorate helped 444 Yemenis over the month, offering emergency care, disease control, internal medicine, reproductive health, nursing, surgery, and dressing services. In Jordan, KSrelief provided vital medical services to 2,301 patients in the Zaatari camp for Syrian refugees in one week.

RIYADH: The Saudi Irrigation Organization on Monday opened the gates of the Baysh Dam in the Jazan region to discharge water and lower the dam’s lake levels, which currently hold 117.7 million cubic meters, Saudi Press Agency reported. The decision is intended to manage incoming water from ongoing rainfall, support agricultural activities, irrigate farms, replenish wells and groundwater, and enhance vegetation along the valley.

RIYADH: Saudi authorities have thwarted an attempt to smuggle 349,710 Captagon pills into the Kingdom through the Jadidat Arar land crossing on the border with Iraq, Saudi Press Agency reported. The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority said that the pills were discovered concealed within a shipment labeled as “equipment used in polishing tiles.” Upon arrival at the port, the shipment was subjected to rigorous customs procedures, including inspection through advanced security technologies and live methods, which led to the discovery of the hidden narcotics.

RIYADH: The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen has had a significant impact on Yemen’s healthcare system, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday. The Kingdom aims to achieve sustainable development in the healthcare sector by implementing numerous projects and initiatives. Key projects include the construction and equipping of hospitals and medical centers, along with the training of healthcare professionals.

RIYADH: Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, the general supervisor of the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, on Sunday in Riyadh met the Saudi Ambassador to Cuba Waleed Al-Homoodi. The parties discussed issues related to relief and humanitarian affairs, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Al-Homoodi praised the Kingdom’s relief and humanitarian efforts which are carried out through KSrelief, a body which aims to alleviate the suffering of disadvantaged populations globally.    

Dr. Shadi Badawood, an academic and experienced communication professional in the government and private sector, was recently named the official Najran University’s official spokesperson. His appointment was announced by the university’s president, Abdulrahman Al-Khudairi. Badawood is an assistant professor in the marketing department at the university’s Business Administration College and was appointed director of corporate communications in 2023.

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the National eLearning Center, has introduced a new training pathways initiative in culture and arts, aligning with the cultural development strategy. This scheme offers a range of training options across various cultural and artistic domains, and fosters a culture of continuous learning and growth, inspiring national talent in the cultural field, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Enthusiasts and professionals can enroll in courses to refine their skills and contribute to the cultural sector.

RIYADH: Saudi artist Ahmed Al-Sulaimani is redefining the boundaries of traditional art forms by blending Arabic calligraphy and graffiti-inspired techniques. The Riyadh-based artist’s journey into the realm of calligraffiti began during an Arabic calligraphy course in school where he discovered his passion for the intricate art. Inspired by the expressive potential of the written word, Al-Sulaimani began experimenting, blending this ancient art form with bold and dynamic graffiti.

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 720 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week. The total included three anti-personnel mines, 56 anti-tank mines, 647 unexploded ordnances and 14 explosive devices, according to a recent report. Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 454,688 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.

RIYADH: Rock arches stand out as exceptional geological and natural marvels, captivating explorers and prompting contemplation on the temporal and spatial dimensions of various landscapes. Within the Hisma Desert, which is located in the western part of the Tabuk region, numerous rock arches adorn both the core and periphery of the desert, the Saudi Press Agency has reported. These structures attract tourists and spark curiosity with their circular shapes and intricate patterns that become more apparent upon closer inspection.

JEDDAH: Visitors to Jeddah Season’s City Walk zone have been enjoying the Haunted Pirates attraction, which offers an adrenaline-pumping journey through a world of horror and interactive puzzle-solving for all age groups. The event features pirate-themed areas, interactive performances, a pirate ship, and The Lost Treasure puzzle game. As visitors solve the puzzles they progress through the stages for an entertaining experience.

RIYADH: In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Najran region, the ancient art of leather crafting, a symbol of local cultural heritage, is experiencing a renaissance. Each piece of leather tells a unique story of art and industry, passed down through generations of Saudi artisans. This traditional industry is finding new life under Saudi Vision 2030, contributing to the development of manufacturing techniques and product diversification, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Arts Commission in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, will host a farmers’ market at Al-Nakheel Avenue in Unaizah from Aug. 15-17 and Aug. 22-24. The market will also be held at Aseeb Farm in Buraidah from April 29-31, 2025, to support farmers and the culinary sector by promoting local crops. The market will feature platforms displaying Qassim’s well-known crops, including agricultural seedlings, dates, vegetables and leafy greens.

DUBAI: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief provided relief to people in several regions affected by ongoing crises, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. In Sudan, KSrelief distributed 1,486 shelter and personal care kits to the country’s most vulnerable and displaced families, benefiting 4,273 individuals. This distribution is part of the Emergency Shelter Assistance Project for Sudan in 2024, which aims to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.

RIYADH: The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority said on Saturday that it had successfully concluded specialized training programs in the US and UK for the top-two-ranked teams of the Open Data Datathon. The datathon was held in October last year in Riyadh. The initiative aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of those excelling in data and artificial intelligence, equipping them with expertise from leading international institutions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Sport and Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee President Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki recently held talks with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee Chairman Casey Wasserman at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The two sides discussed strengthening bilateral sports cooperation and the Kingdom's participation in the next Olympic games, Saudi Press Agency reported. Qualifiers for LA28 Olympics are expected to begin in 2026.  

RIYADH: An online teaching platform is strengthening Saudi children’s educational journeys while also unleashing the potential of local and international educators. Cindy Mi, an English teacher for 25 years who founded VIPKid a decade ago and brought the company to Saudi Arabia about two years ago, told Arab News: “I’ve always been a student and a teacher myself. The goal is to build a global classroom to allow more children to get access to best quality language learning educational experiences … so they can be ready for their more globalized future.”

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has condemned Israeli strike on a Gaza school sheltering displaced people that killed around 100 people on Saturday. In a foreign ministry statement, the Kingdom called for an end to the “genocide” taking place in Gaza where Israeli violations to the international humanitarian law are bringing an “unprecedented humanitarian disaster.” Saudi Arabia has also denounced the international community’s failure to hold Israel accountable for its violations.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Social Development Bank is organizing a game design challenge to create titles aimed at raising financial awareness and promoting savings. The Gamethon event will take place at Riyadh Boulevard from Aug. 21-23, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. It will bring together innovators, developers, designers and programmers to build games focused on financial literacy, savings and financial planning.

RIYADH: The first auction night of this year’s International Falcon Breeders Auction on Friday saw a large crowd of falcon enthusiasts gather to witness the auction of two exceptional falcons. The event, organized by the Saudi Falcons Club, is being held at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, and will continue until Aug. 24. It features more than 35 elite falcon production farms from 16 countries showcasing their prized birds for sale, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

RIYADH: Majed Al-Zahrani, a visionary artist from Baha, has breathed new life into discarded metal, transforming it into captivating sculptures and paintings. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for creativity, Al-Zahrani has carved a unique niche for himself in the world of art, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Using nothing more than simple tools, the young artist has crafted intricate metal sculptures that defy their humble origins. Al-Zahrani’s creations, from towering trees to delicate deer, are a testament to his skill and imagination.

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 20,471 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. According to an official report, a total of 12,972 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,812 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 2,687 for labor-related issues. The report showed that among the 1,050 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 62 percent were Ethiopian, 36 percent Yemeni, and 2 percent were of other nationalities.

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief continued its medical aid projects in Indonesia, Lebanon and Cambodia, state news agency SPA reported on Friday. The initiative in Indonesia provided patients in need with open heart surgery and catheterization procedures.  Meanwhile in Lebanon KSrelief provided 5,817 medical services to 2,396 Syrian refugees living in a host community in Akkar. In Cambodia, the Saudi aid agency concluded its medical project for facial and jaw surgeries and head and neck tumors in Phnom Penh.

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency, KSrelief, secured food aid for vulnerable individuals and families in crisis-stricken Yemen, Sudan, and Lebanon, state news agency SPA reported on Friday. In Yemen, KSrelief distributed 1,795 food parcels to 1,795 individuals of the neediest families across several governorates, as part of the 2024 Yemen Food Assistance Distribution Project, which benefited 12,565 individuals so far. Beneficiaries in Yemen’s Al-Jawf governorate received 2,539 food baskets.

NAGASAKI: Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr said that he was honored to represent the Kingdom for the first time at the peace memorial ceremonies this week in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in memory of the atomic bombs dropped on both cities 79 years ago. “It was both a privilege and an honor to attend the ceremonies. I admire how both cities have turned a tragic historical event in which two cities were destroyed, and many human souls perished, into a profound message of peace and hope to the world and humanity,” Binzagr told Arab News Japan.

BLUE NILE STATE, Sudan: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has distributed 600 shelter kits to 3,450 individuals in Al-Damazin city of the Blue Nile State, Sudan. Also, 600 personal care kits were provided to 3,450 people from the city’s most needy and displaced families. The agency also distributed 244 shelter kits and 244 personal care kits for the vulnerable and displaced families in the city of Port Sudan. The distribution benefited 1,403 individuals, as part of the project to provide urgent shelter assistance to Sudan for 2024.

JEDDAH: Saudi-grown pink roses are loved throughout the Arabian Peninsula for their expert cultivation, vivid color, alluring fragrance and the many luxurious products derived from their petals, which constitute a multimillion-dollar industry. Two kinds of pink rose are cultivated in the Kingdom — the Madinah rose, which has a light pink blush and grows year round, thriving in warm and cool climates, and the Taif rose, also known as the Jory or Damascus rose, which grows only in the spring.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Friday extended condolences to Brazil after a passenger plane crashed in Sao Paulo region, killing all 61 people on board. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing sympathy to the relatives of the deceased, and to the federal republic over the tragic incident. The aircraft, operated by Voepass airline, was traveling from Cascavel to Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos international airport. Media images showed the plane spiralling out of control before plummeting.

NAJRAN: A group of 15 Saudi women in the Kingdom's southwest is mastering the art of wicker weaving, thanks to a training program organized by the Herfa institute of handicrafts. The month-long course, which runs until August 27, aims to preserve and promote this traditional craft. Trainees have honed their skills in creating a variety of wicker products, including baskets, bags, and decorative items.