وصف المتدرب السعودي الذي قتل ثلاثة أشخاص داخل قاعدة عسكرية تابعة للبحرية الأميركية في ولاية فلوريدا قبل أن ترديه الشرطة الولايات المتحدة بأنها "دولة ...

زارت بعض الشخصيات السياسية السورية مؤخرا العاصمة السعودية الرياض، ورغم ان وزارة الخارجية السعودية نفت سابقا نيتها افتتاح سفارتها المغلقة منذ آذار عام...

بعض أعمال الصيانة والتجديد التي يمكن أن يلحظها من يمر أمام السفارة السعودية في دمشق توحي أن المقر يستعد لاستئناف نشاطه الدبلوماسي وإن كان موعد ذلك ما...

Sat, 2019-12-07 13:23 RIYADH: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed Saturday sorrow over the shooting in Florida that killed three and injured several others. The shooting by a Saudi aviation student took place at the US naval base in Pensacola, Florida. The attacker was shot and killed by police. The organization condemned the attack in a statement, and stressing that the shooter did not represent the tolerant Islamic values of the Saudi people and all Muslims who believe in “tolerance and moderation.” The Secretary-General of the OIC, Yousef Al-Othaimeen, offered condolences to the families of the victims and expressed his wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi Arabiaus shooting King Salman leads Saudi official condemnations of Florida attack

العالم - خاص

لقي أمس الجمعة 3 أشخاص مصرعهم وأصيب 7 آخرون في حادث إطلاق نار في قاعدة جوية تابعة للبحرية الأمريكية في ولاية فلوريدا، فيما أعلنت البحرية الأمريكية مق...

تداول مستخدمو مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي، مقطع فيديو للحظة انفجار خزان داخل إحدى محطات التزويد بالوقود في المملكة العربية السعودية....

قال وزير الخارجية القطري، محمد بن عبد الرحمن آل ثاني، إن هنالك مفاوضات ثنائية بين بلاده والسعودية، مشيرا إلى أن النتائج يتوقع أن تكون إيجابية....

Author: Sat, 2019-12-07 03:28 RIYADH: Overcoming global challenges to generate new opportunities for economic growth and job creation on Thursday topped the agenda as Saudi Arabia held its first official event in the runup to hosting the G20 summit of world leaders. Welcoming delegates to the Saudi G20 Finance Track symposium, in Riyadh, the Kingdom’s Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan highlighted the importance of improving access to opportunities to ensure that growth dividends were shared by all. Around 300 representatives of G20 member states, invited guest countries, international organizations, academia, and the private sector, attended the seminar as the countdown to next year’s summit began under Saudi Arabia’s presidency. Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) Gov. Ahmed Abdulkarim Al-Kholifey was among the delegates who took part in sessions which included exploring the links between access to opportunities and economic growth, with a particular focus on the obstacles faced by women, young people, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Participants also discussed the role of the public and private sectors in leveraging technology and innovation to create jobs, and ways to promote sustainable and inclusive growth. In addition, the symposium offered attendees the chance to view displays from the Kingdom’s businesses, NGOs, and government entities that focused on technology, innovation, sustainable jobs, and the empowerment of both women and young people. At a separate meeting, the G20 sherpas — the official representatives of the leaders of the G20 member states — gathered in the Saudi capital for the first time under the Kingdom’s presidency. HIGHLIGHTS • Around 300 representatives of G20 member states, invited guest countries, international organizations, academia, and the private sector, attended the seminar in Riyadh. • Saudi Arabia assumed the G20 presidency on Dec. 1, leading up to the Leaders’ Summit in Riyadh on Nov. 21-22, 2020. They were joined by invited guest countries as well as international and regional organizations to start discussions toward “Realizing Opportunities of the 21st Century for All.” The pivotal role of the sherpas is to help pave the way for the G20 leaders’ summit – being staged next year in Riyadh from Nov. 21 to 22 – by progressing policy discussions in a series of meetings to be hosted by the Kingdom throughout the year. Saudi Arabia will facilitate the dialogue process to guide the overarching policy agenda. Fahad Al-Mubarak, the Saudi sherpa who presided at the meeting, said: “The G20 has a responsibility to the world to overcome current and emerging issues, to tackle global challenges together, and to make the world a better place for all.” During its presidency year, the Kingdom plans to build on previous G20 achievements and reflect the spirit of collaboration among its leaders, by developing consensus around solutions to address common challenges. The sherpas also talked about ways to shape new frontiers, by adopting long-term and bold strategies to share the benefits of innovation and technological advancement with a strong focus on the digital economy.  The sherpa meeting focused on the aims of the 2020 G20 presidency year. The first was to empower people – especially women and youth – by creating the right conditions in which they could live, work and thrive. The group’s discussions revolved around policies related to access to opportunities for all, sustainable development goals, trade and investment, financial inclusion, employment, health, education, tourism and the empowerment of women. Safeguarding the planet by fostering collective efforts to protect the environment, involved debate on climate, water, food, and energy. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: sherpaSaudi Arabia at the G20Riyadh Latest farming technologies focus of Riyadh eventToastmasters shine at Riyadh event

Author: Sat, 2019-12-07 03:51 UNITED NATIONS: Political challenges facing Arab countries took center stage at a series of meetings attended by Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Abdullah bin Yahya Al-Muallami. A meeting of the UN Arab Group chaired by Algeria’s Permanent Representative, Sofiane Mimouni, focused on issues of common concern, including Palestine. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s foreign minister, briefed the meeting on the country’s candidacy for the UN Security Council nonpermanent seat for 2021-2022. Al-Muallami also joined a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, chaired by Afghanistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Adela Raz. The meeting focused on political challenges facing Islamic countries. In a meeting with High Representative of the UN Alliance of Civilizations Miguel Moratinos, Al-Muallami discussed the alliance’s efforts to spread the message of peace, and promote a culture of dialogue, cooperation and coexistence while rejecting hate speech, racism and intolerance. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi-UNAbdallah Al-Mouallimi Saudi, UN official discuss ways to promote dialogueBrahimi replaces Annan as UN-Arab League rep in Syria

Author: Sat, 2019-12-07 04:15 The Saudi marketplace Souk Al-Majlis, or the Divan Heritage Souk, is part of the old town of Al-Maznab and lies 7 kilometers from the urban center of the city in Al-Derah district. Al-Maznab township itself is located  in southeastern Qassim province and covers an area of about 2 square kilometers. It contains more than 380 houses of various sizes, while the old Divan Heritage Souk and the Masque of Bahla Palace form the starting point for the district and its main center. The souk is popular with visitors and locals and hosts summer events, auctions and folklore presentations among other similar activities.   Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Souk Al-MajlisDivan Heritage SoukQassim Province ThePlace: Eimarah Palace of NajranThePlace: Shoubra Palace, first historical palace in KSA’s highland city of TaifThePlace: Saudi Arabia’s Najran, a city marked for its rich history

Author: Sat, 2019-12-07 04:31 Abdullah Al-Hamdan is a center forward player in the Saudi national football team who scored the winning goal in the Gulf Cup semi-final against Qatar in Doha on Thursday. Saudi Arabia defeated hosts Qatar 1-0 to set up a showdown against Bahrain in the final, to be played on Sunday. The win was watched keenly by a handful of Saudi fans in Doha’s Al-Janoub stadium. The Gulf Cup is a biennial football competition for Arabian Peninsula countries, and is governed by the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation. Al-Hamdan also plays as a forward for Al-Shabab club in the Saudi Professional League. He is an academy graduate of Al-Shabab. Al-Hamdan made his debut for the national team in a match against Mali on Sept. 5. He is the son of former Al-Shabab goalkeeper and former Hetten FC manager Abdulrahman Al-Hamdan. In 2018, as part of a deal between the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) and La Liga, the men’s top professional division of Spain’s football league, Abdullah joined Spanish club Sporting Gijon’s under-19 squad on a six-month loan. He is one of nine football players from the Saudi Professional League to have signed loan contracts to play with Spanish clubs, under an agreement between the Saudi General Sports Authority (GSA) and the Spanish Football Federation. The contracts allowed loans for an initial period of six months, during which the players were trained to develop their football skills in Spain. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Who's WhoSaudi national football teamAbdullah Al-Hamdan Dr. Ahmed Al-Aqeel, Saudi Shoura Council memberSuhail Abanmi, governor of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Zakat and Tax

Author: Sat, 2019-12-07 04:35 ROME: The Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs met with his Italian counterpart on the sidelines of the Mediterranean Dialogues (MED) conference in Rome. During their meeting, Adel Al-Jubeir and Luigi Di Maio reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and discussed regional and international developments. MED is a year-long initiative and a global hub for high-level dialogue on issues of shared interest in the Mediterranean. The fifth edition was being held in the Italian capital from Thursday to Saturday. The Mediterranean region is one of the most populated areas in the world, accounting for more than 500 million people, and is also a hotspot of global maritime trade.  Thousands of goods and resources transit from and to this area through the Suez Canal and the Strait of Gibraltar.     Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Mediterranean Dialogues (MED)Luigi Di MaioRome Majority of Saudi youth ‘highly interested’ in volunteer workSaudi and Korean ministers discuss urban planning

 أبلغ الملك السعودي سلمان بن عبد العزيز الرئيس الأمريكي دونالد ترامب الجمعة بأنه وجه أجهزة الأمن السعودية بالتعاون مع السلطات الأمريكية التي تحقق في ...

أعلن مسؤولون في الولايات المتحدة انه من المعتقد أن المشتبه به في إطلاق النار بقاعدة جوية للبحرية الأميركية، متدرب سعودي....

دعت منظمة العفو الدولية الرياض إلى التوقف عن تعذيب الناشط وليد أبو الخير والسماح له بالاتصال بمحاميه وعائلته وتلقي العلاج فورا....

أعلن مسؤولون في الولايات المتحدة انه من المعتقد أن المشتبه به في إطلاق النار بقاعدة جوية للبحرية الأميركية، متدرب سعودي....

علق وزير الخارجية المصرية، سامح شكري، على أنباء اقتراب المصالحة مع قطر، وذلك تزامنا مع تصريحات لوزير الدولة السعودي للشؤون الخارجية، عادل الجبير....

فضح مشجع سعودي المذيعة السعودية بقناة “العربية” سارة دندراوي، بعد زعمها أنّ المشجعين السعوديين لم يحضروا إلى قطر لتشجيع منتخبهم في بطولة خليجي 24....

تبدو دولة الكويت الأكثر تفاؤلا بإحداث اختراق في الأزمة الخليجية خلال القمة الأربعين لمجلس التعاون المقرر عقدها في الرياض في 10 ديسمبر/كانون الأول، و...

أكدت السعودية أنها وجهت دعوة رسمية لأمير قطر، الشيخ تميم بن حمد آل ثاني، لحضور القمة الخليجية في الرياض....

كشفت صحيفة أمريكية عن رفض الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية تدريب المخابرات السعودية، بسبب قضية مقتل الصحافي جمال خاشقجي....

نفت حكومة الرئيس اليمني المستقيل الهارب عبدربه منصور هادي الجمعة، وجود أي عملية تحشيد عسكري نحو محافظة عدن جنوبي البلاد، محملة ما يسمى بـ’المجلس الان...

Author: Fri, 2019-12-06 01:55 RIYADH: A group of Saudi autistic youths were treated to a day at the races as part of an initiative to raise awareness of the developmental disorder. Accompanied by Prince Saud bin Abdul Aziz bin Farhan Al-Saud, chairman of the Charitable Society of Autism Families (SAF), the young people enjoyed watching the Formula E motorsport event. The outing was organized by the Saudi General Sports Authority (GSA), the SAF, the Formula E team, and volunteers as part of Diriyah Season. “We wanted to utilize Formula E to give the autistic youth a chance to enjoy it as normal people, especially that the racing cars used in Formula E are noiseless, which is perfect for people with autism,” Prince Saud said. “We believe that people on the autism spectrum are an important segment of society and should receive appreciation, attention and care. These events bring opportunities to raise awareness about their needs in society.” For many of the youth it was their first experience of electric car racing. “We are grateful to Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki (Al-Faisal, GSA chairman) and the GSA for giving us a special opportunity to engage the autistic youth in such an important event, and we are equally thankful to the Formula E leadership and their team who gave us unlimited support to ensure a joyful experience for our youth,” the prince added. Earlier this week, on the sidelines of the Diriyah Formula E, Prince Saud and Formula E chairman, Alejandro Agag, signed an agreement to build a strategic partnership between the SAF and Formula E. “We are happy to have a positive role in Saudi society through the agreement we have signed with the SAF. As well as being a world-class sport organization, we also have our social responsibility programs that we wish to implement in Saudi Arabia,” Agag said. The SAF and Formula E hope the strategic cooperation accord will increase opportunities to expand the role of the motorsport in terms of inclusion and reaching all segments of the Saudi population. The SAF has been supporting people with autism and their families for more than 11 years. Prince Saud was appointed as chairman of the board in May 2019, and since then has been working on several innovative projects to develop the SAF on multiple fronts. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Diriyah Formula ECharitable Society of Autism FamiliesSaudi General Sports Authority (GSA)DIRIYAH SEASON Saudi Arabia’s Formula E crowds wowed by performances from Imagine Dragons, Alan Walker and Clean BanditHigh octane Formula E entertainment woos crowd off the track

Author: Fri, 2019-12-06 03:25 RIYADH: For 46 years, Richard Bodeker was devoted to turning Saudi Arabia into a lush garden. The architect landscaper recently passed away, but his green print lives on as he is celebrated for his loving work. Gardening runs deep in the family as both he and his wife’s family are in the profession. Bodeker considered himself blessed because he could do what he loved, working with plants and creating gardens. “He developed a real love of Saudi Arabia as his favorite country and created many lifelong friendships in the Kingdom,” Bodeker’s son, Jens Bodeker, told Arab News. His relationship with Saudi clients was special. They had a great mutual understanding, said his son. One of those special relationships was with Prince Sultan bin Salman, chairman of the Saudi Space Commission. Bodeker landscaped his Al-Uthaibat Ranch in Diriyah. “He opened the doors to all his friends, clients, colleagues and partners in Saudi Arabia. Most of his contacts became close friends to me, too,” Jens said. Saudi Arabia honored the late Bodeker and his works when the minister of culture, Prince Badr Al-Farhan, named a park in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter after the talented landscaper. Creativity is key and he was never daunted by developing a green oasis in the midst of a desert capital. “As a plant lover, he was impressed by the survival strategies of desert plants. Acacia trees can develop 50-meter-deep roots to get water, for example. He was convinced to be able to water the trees by treated greywater which is produced by each citizen. So, each citizen could irrigate a tree by using water in the house,” Jens said. THE LIST Richard Bodeker projects in Saudi Arabia: ‘Initiative Green’ developing a greening strategy for the city in the 1990s Diriyah Mosque landscape design King Fahd Road, the green corridor  MOMRA, park and roof greening Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff housing Court complex King Abdul Aziz Historical Center parks and gardens First ideas for King Salman Park, at that time Riyadh Public Park in the 1980s of last century Thumamah Nature Park Wadi Hanifah and Wadi Sulai as green lungs of Riyadh Many private farms for members of the Royal family and many other clients Initiation of a tree nursery for the Riyadh Development Authority Regional park in Al-Hofuf,Jebel Qara His vision to make use of the materials that can be found in nature with his strategy of “cut and fill,” in which he would cut Riyadh limestone and build a garden out of it. He maintained sustainability by using local sources for construction material. His approach was to create garden oases with local materials in respect of the site and the local culture, his son explained. Bodeker’s passion was ramped with a desire to turn the desert capital into a green sanctuary. “He possessed strength, persuasiveness and the ability to assert himself to even fight for green, gardens and uncommon ideas. This passion made him an ambassador for green in the Kingdom,” he added. Passion for his profession was the secret of his success: “Gardens and plants have been his lifelong loves,” said Jens, adding that “the creation of gardens was his real mission.”   Like father, like son  Following his fathers’ footsteps, he inherited his passion and love for this country and landscape design from his father: “I feel the same passion when it comes to greening the country to work with nature and to follow nature in design,” he said. “He shared his professional knowledge and passion for this country ... with me. The respect for tradition and culture in landscape design was essential,” he added. “His passion for landscape design, especially the challenge to green the desert set me on fire and carries me to continue what he started. His focus laid on local material, like the Riyadh limestone and plants for arid regions to create lush garden oases.” Of all his unique designs, Islamic gardens were the most symbolic. Jens explained: “Islamic gardens mirror paradise on earth with water, fruits and lush greens. He wanted to respond to this in his garden design works. Bodeker always saw gardens and green as the most important element in Riyadh.” In 1993, Bodeker started the “Initiative Green,” which was Jens’ most significant influence. The secret to great success is working with nature in environments, like the desert with its valleys, oases, escarpments, sand dunes and rock plains, he added. “In Thumamah Nature Park, one can see the impact of land protection. The park is much greener than any landscape in the surroundings without that protection, just by fencing, nature recovers slowly,” Jens said. “My part is to give my contribution to developing the landscape and environment for the better and give nature a chance. I will follow in his footsteps and will stand up for green as an ambassador for green environments, parks and gardens.” From childhood, he and his brother had been strongly influenced by gardening and landscape design. For many years they worked together with their father. It was not always easy to work with him because his father had “a strong personality.” However, he noted that he found his own path which he learned through discussions and debates “to find my own place next to him.” Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: gardeningRichard BodekerOasis Investors back global online market-place for ethical green farmersSaudi pursuit of ‘green Kingdom’ goal gets a boost

Author: Fri, 2019-12-06 04:53 JEDDAH: The Misk Foundation is organizing Awalmna — an interactive recreational platform that aims to encourage children to discover and develop their talents — as part of Riyadh Season. The event will take place at the Abu Bakr Salem Theater on Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Through Awalmna, Misk aims to develop children’s personal and performance skills, imagination and ideas.  The event will include a comprehensive fantasy theatrical play with child actors, and activities in the areas of art, skills, sciences and technology. People wishing to participate with their children can register at https://misk.org.sa/services/awalmna-2019/   Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: MISK FoundationRiyadh seasonAwalmna Misk concludes 2nd accelerator programHow Misk festival is enriching creative arts in Saudi Arabia

Author: Fri, 2019-12-06 05:22 RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has become a leader in the field of archaeological research in the past five years, a major exhibition in Rome was told. Abdullah Al-Zahrani, director-general of archaeological research and studies at the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, said that 44 international archaeological missions had been carried out this year in the Kingdom. He was speaking on the sidelines of the “Roads of Arabia: Masterpieces of Antiquities in Saudi Arabia Across the Ages” exhibition, which opened at the National Museum of Rome on Nov. 26. The groundbreaking exhibition was inaugurated by Saudi Minister of Culture Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and Italian Minister of Cultural Heritage and Activities Dario Franceschini. Al-Zahrani said that the Kingdom “has become one of the most advanced countries in terms of archaeological disclosures.” “Recent discoveries by local and international missions have highlighted the Kingdom’s historical status and cultural depth as the cradle of the beginnings of human civilizations,” he said. Archaeological discoveries continue to “instil the civilized dimension of the Kingdom,” he said. “The religious, political, economic and cultural stature that Saudi Arabia enjoys is an extension of its long cultural heritage, in addition to its distinctive geographical position as a bridge and hub of cultural interaction between East and West that made it a meeting point for international land and sea trade routes throughout all ages,” he added. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Saudi Commission for Tourism and National HeritageRoads of Arabia Al-Ahsa: Home to the most prominent archaeological and historical sites in Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia rich with undiscovered archeological sites

Author: Fri, 2019-12-06 05:50 RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) has signed an agreement with the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition to implement joint programs and develop a strategic partnership. The agreement was signed in Riyadh by Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabiah, KSrelief’s general supervisor, and Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, secretary-general of the coalition. Both organizations will work on initiatives and programs of common interest, conferences, seminars and lectures, capacity-building and joint training programs, and advisory and voluntary services. Maj. Gen. Mohammad Al-Moghedi said that the agreement will enhance the integration and strategic partnership between the counter-terror alliance and KSRelief as well as extending cooperation and coordination on various levels.  The coalition is striving to deve Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) KSRelief sets up mobile clinics to treat Yemenis

أفادت وكالة أسوشيتد برس بأن مواجهات اندلعت من جديد في جنوب اليمن بين ميليشيات الحكومة المستقيلة وميليشيات ما يسمى المجلس الانتقالي الجنوبي المدعوم من...

تلقى قابوس بن سعيد سلطان عمان رسالة خطية من الملك السعودي سلمان بن عبدالعزيز تتعلق بالدعوة لحضور قمة قادة دول مجلس التعاون الأربعين المزمع عقدها بالر...

قالت وسائل إعلام سعودية، إن المستشار في الديوان الملكي، ورئيس الهيئة العامة للترفيه، تركي آل الشيخ، غادر المملكة في رحلة علاجية....

Thu, 2019-12-05 02:00 JEDDAH: Pakistan’s newly appointed permanent representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh presented his credentials to OIC Secretary-General Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen at the organization’s headquarters in Jeddah. A presentation of credentials by Sheikh marked the establishment of Pakistan’s dedicated permanent mission. Previously, Islamabad’s representation to the OIC was established in Riyadh. The establishment of the new mission, coinciding with the golden jubilee of the OIC, is based on a system-wide approach reflecting Pakistan’s intent to deepen and strengthen its engagement with the OIC. As a founding member, Pakistan attaches great importance to the OIC, which is the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the UN.  The OIC has maintained a record of consistent support to the Kashmir cause.  Pakistan also remains one of the largest beneficiaries of financial assistance afforded by the Islamic Development Bank group, which is a specialized organ of the organization.  Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: OICPakistan

Author: Thu, 2019-12-05 02:18 RIYADH: Top Saudi pediatric surgeon Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah on Wednesday visited young Libyan conjoined twins Ahmed and Mohammed who are recovering in hospital after intricate surgery to separate them. The brothers, who were joined at the abdomen and pelvis, have been transferred from the intensive care unit to a normal ward at the King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital following the successful operation on Nov. 14. Al-Rabeeah, who is an adviser at the Royal Court and also the general supervisor of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief), headed the 35-strong medical and surgical team for the 14-hour procedure. Ahmed and Mohammed were attached at the lower abdomen and pelvic areas, and each child had a lower limb in addition to a third deformed limb in-between. They also shared digestive, urinary and reproductive systems and a pelvis.   During his visit to the hospital, Al-Rabeeah met with the boys’ parents and listened to an update on their medical condition and post-operative treatment and rehabilitation. In a statement, the surgeon said that the twins were in a stable condition and showing normal vital signs. He added that they had started breastfeeding, no longer required additional nutrients, and were interacting normally with the medical team and their parents. BACKGROUND Ahmed and Mohammed were attached at the lower abdomen and pelvic areas, and each child had a lower limb in addition to a third deformed limb in-between. They also shared digestive, urinary and reproductive systems and a pelvis. Their rehabilitation is likely to last between eight to 12 weeks, and he said the medical team expected Ahmed and Mohammed to remain under the Kingdom’s medical care for three to four months before returning to Libya. Al-Rabeeah thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support and care, and he praised the Kingdom for being a “beacon” in its backing of humanitarian initiatives and support for the needy. He pointed out that the medical expertise involved in the separation surgery was further evidence of the country’s achievements and proof of the health sector’s competence and excellence. Al-Rabeeah also thanked his colleagues and members of the medical and surgical team for their efforts, diligence, dedication and pioneering work in a number of surgeries to separate conjoined twins. Ahmed and Mohammed became the 48th set of twins in the last 30 years to undergo the operation under the Saudi National Siamese Twins Separation Program. Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: conjoined twinsKing Abdullah Specialist Children’s HospitalKing Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) Libyan twins in stable condition 5 days after Riyadh surgerySaudi medical team separate conjoined twins from Libya

Thu, 2019-12-05 02:41 RIYADH: The Saudi capital is preparing to welcome leading gamers from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) on the eve of the Nexus Festival — the first official League of Legends tournament in the region. US video game developer Riot Games is aiming to shape the gaming landscape in the MENA region through the festival. The three-day festival from Dec. 5-7 is an initiative by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA) that will offer gamers and non-gamers 23 different activities and mini-games as well as a theme park. Players will battle for glory across six competitions for a slice of the $2 million prize money in front of more than 30,000 people. Eight teams have booked their place in the showpiece event after competing against more than 750 teams in qualifying rounds held in 13 countries across the region. FASTFACTS The three-day festival is an initiative by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority. Players will battle for glory across six competitions for a slice of the $2 million prize money in front of more than 30,000 people. Eight teams have booked their place in the showpiece event after competing against more than 750 teams in qualifying rounds held in 13 countries across the region. Each region saw their top two teams qualify, including heavyweights such as Saudi’s EGZ and Oshtek Warriors, Levant’s Nasr eSports and Qlash, North Africa’s Devine Vendetta and Eagle Esports Tunisia, and the GCC’s Hex and Shot 2 Kill. The final playoffs promise a showdown between some of the best players of the region, such as Korean Kid, Cipher, Gaaloul, Azra and internationally renowned coaches such as Yamato Cannon and Kanini. The event’s flagship competitions include the “five versus five” summoners rift, while a special “influencer tournament” will see the region’s top eight influencers team up with micro-influencers. The schedule also includes the “one versus one” battle, Team Fight Tactics, auto battler within the League of Legends universe and the cosplay competition. US singer Jason Derulo will take to the stage for a special concert as part of the festival, while a series of activities and entertainment has been lined up for people of all ages. Onur Tamer, METAI general manager at Riot Games, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of people for the first Riot Games tournament in the region. The gaming industry has rapidly increased in the MENA, especially in Saudi Arabia, and we are delighted to be hosting the first Nexus festival here in Riyadh. “We have been thoroughly impressed with what we have seen during the qualifying stages and this will provide a series of enthralling contests at the festival. With the best gamers testing themselves to be crowned champion in six competitions, it promises to be a thrilling three days of action.” Tickets are available for the festival, which includes a variety of gaming experiences, music and attractions. Main category: Saudi ArabiaLifestyleTags: Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA)Nexus FestivalLeague of Legends tournamentRiot GamesCulture and Entertainment Saudi esports world cup winner a ‘class’ role model for young players: Gaming chiefGame on: The rise of eSports in the Middle East

Thu, 2019-12-05 02:48 RIYADH: The initiatives center at the Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Foundation (Misk) concluded the second edition of its Misk 500 Accelerator on Tuesday. The accelerator was organized by the Misk Innovation Initiative to encourage startups, empower entrepreneurs, and to serve and support promising businesses in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It included a three-month integrated support program for entrepreneurs, supervised by a group of mentors and international experts, with a series of workshops and training sessions, under which people discovered the strengths and weaknesses in their projects. All those who joined the program will receive SR187,000 ($50,000), provided that their project met the preconditions of having a qualified team and a product in the field of technology or other related area ready to market. The Misk Innovation Initiative aims to raise the level of professional qualification and skills for young people, enabling them to create successful projects. Misk has launched several programs to encourage Saudis to hone their talents and contribute to the economy of the Kingdom. One of those initiatives was launched on Tuesday in partnership with the Qiddiya Investment Co. The program will run for 28 weeks, and will provide trainees with an opportunity to work alongside senior team members in many fields, preparing them for large-scale uplift projects.  Main category: Saudi ArabiaTags: Misk InnovationPrince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Foundation (Misk)Misk 500 Accelerator Third edition of Misk 500 Accelerator Program launchedRuiz Jr. visits disabled Saudi children, while Joshua drops in on Misk students