Tag: RIYADH

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Vibrant Indian Culture on Display at Riyadh Season

Many artists from the Indian community in Saudi Arabia performed, as part of Riyadh Season…reports Asian Lite News

The celebrations for ‘India Week’ commenced in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, as part of Riyadh Season, showcasing the vibrant Indian culture and harmony.

The celebrations are being held at the AL Suwaidi Park in Riyadh, as part of Saudi Arabia’s Global Harmony Initiative.

Many artists from the Indian community in Saudi Arabia performed during the celebrations.

“Amazing display of Indian Culture at Suwaidi Park as part of #RiyadhSeason & the Global Harmony Initiative of the Saudi Ministry of Media@media_ksa& General Entertainment Authority@GEA_SA.Amb Dr Khan & Embassy officers visited the Park & participated in the activites,” the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia stated in a post on X.

Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan appreciated the showcasing of Indian culture and termed it a great initiative.

Speaking to ANI, Ambassador Khan said, “The way Indian culture is showcased here today is a very important thing. Everyone is enjoying it and there is a very good atmosphere. It is a great initiative.”

He also congratulated the Saudi authorities for holding India week celebrations

“Culture is a very good medium to bring people closer. I congratulate the Saudi authorities for this,” he added.

Riyadh Season is one of the world’s largest winter entertainment event. The festivities capture the essence of Saudi, from its Najdi heritage to its present-day dynamism.

The season commenced on October 13 and will culminate on October 21. The initiative aims to showcase the diverse lives of residents in the Kingdom and highlight their professional and family life, social and recreational activities, contributions to the economy, success stories, and cultural integration in the Saudi society.

The initiative also aims to highlight government and private sector efforts to improve the quality of life in Saudi cities.

The events and activities in the Riyadh season represent the cultures of India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Yemen, Sudan, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Bangladesh, and Egypt over 45 days.

The activities include concerts, cultural, entertainment, and family events, traditional foods, and various handicraft exhibitions. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Saudi Arabia calls for UN reform

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Iran FM Hails Growing Ties with Riyadh

Iran FM: No constructive proposals from West over nuke talks

Amir-Abdollahian said that Iran was determined to promote understanding and solidarity among regional countries…reports Asian Lite News

Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has hailed the success in the expansion of cooperation between Tehran and Riyadh following their normalisation of bilateral ties.

He made the remarks on Sunday at the third Iranian-Arab Dialogue Conference in Iran’s capital Tehran, which was attended by Iranian officials, foreign ambassadors, and guests from other states, Xinhua news agency reported.

Amir-Abdollahian said that Iran was determined to promote understanding and solidarity among regional countries, referring to the normalisation of Iran-Saudi Arabia relations as an example of Iran’s focus on expanding ties with neighbours as well as Muslim and Arab states.

Iran, Saudi Arabia

“Our assessment (of the progress) of relations between Tehran and Riyadh over the past year indicates that success has been achieved in the area of the multilayered development of bilateral cooperation,” said the Iranian Foreign Minister, stressing that there are numerous opportunities for the two countries to further enhance their cooperation.

Noting that Iran has initiated a new phase of cooperation with the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, Amir-Abdollahian mentioned that Tehran and Bahrain are also considering advancing towards normalising bilateral relations.

Iran and Saudi Arabia formally declared in April of last year the resumption of diplomatic relations with immediate effect.

Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran in early 2016 in response to attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran. The attacks followed Saudi Arabia’s execution of a Shia cleric.

ALSO READ: Saudi Crown Prince’s Visit to Pakistan Postponed Again

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Open Forum Riyadh 2024 to discuss global challenges

The public event aims to facilitate dialogue between thought leaders and the broader public on a range of topics…reports Asian Lite News

The World Economic Forum, together with the Ministry of Economy and Planning of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will host an Open Forum in parallel to the Forum’s Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development, taking place in Riyadh on 28-29 April.

This public event aims to facilitate dialogue between thought leaders and the broader public on a range of topics, including environmental challenges, mental health, digital currencies, artificial intelligence, the role of the arts in society, modern-day entrepreneurship, and smart cities. It will provide an opportunity for students, entrepreneurs, young professionals and the general public to discuss these critical issues.

“Under Saudi Vision 2030, Riyadh has become a global capital for thought leadership, action and solutions, fostering the exchange of knowledge and innovative ideas,” said HE Faisal F. Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning for Saudi Arabia. “Hosting this year’s Open Forum in Riyadh is a testament to the city’s growing influence and role on the international stage and will help build on, and elevate, the Open Forum’s 20-year legacy.”

“We look forward to welcoming and convening thought leaders and entrepreneurs to engage with the public on future-oriented themes, which Riyadh is uniquely positioned to do as a global focal point for innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development,” he said.

Michèle Mischler, Head of Swiss Public Affairs and Sustainability at the World Economic Forum, added: “Including the Saudi public in Open Forum sessions fosters diverse perspectives, enriches global dialogue, and empowers collective solutions for a more inclusive and sustainable future.”

Following the success of the Open Forum at the Annual Meeting 2024 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, the Forum is bringing its publicly accessible, open-debate format to Saudi Arabia for the first time. Since 2003, the Open Forum has brought together leaders from all walks of life: government officials, artists, civil society leaders, entrepreneurs and chief executive officers of multinational companies. The sessions are designed to engage a diverse global audience and facilitate the exchange of a wide range of ideas, experiences and stories on pressing and controversial issues.

The Open Forum Davos was founded in 2003, when a series of public sessions was co-organized by the World Economic Forum and civic society groups, including churches, fair trade organizations and the Swiss Red Cross. Today, the Open Forum Davos remains a key platform for all of society to share thoughts and experiences on pressing and controversial issues. For further information, click here.

The Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development will enable comprehensive dialogue on leveraging global cooperation for economic development, promoting a global energy transition that underpins sustainability.

ALSO READ: British troops may deliver Gaza aid

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GAZA CRISIS: Riyadh to Host Top Diplomats From Arab, Western Countries

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud

Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, the UAE and Jordan will meet Monday in Riyadh with their US, German, British, French and Italian counterparts

Senior Western and Arab officials are expected to meet next week in Riyadh to discuss the months-long war in the Gaza Strip on the sidelines of an economic forum in Saudi Arabia, according to diplomatic sources.

Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, the UAE and Jordan will meet Monday in Riyadh with their US, German, British, French and Italian counterparts, the sources said.

The Arab officials, joined by a Palestinian Authority representative, will meet on Saturday to formulate a “unified Arab stance” ahead of the Monday meeting, the sources told dpa on condition of anonymity.

The Palestinian official will not attend the talks with the top Western diplomats, the sources added.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry travelled on Saturday to Riyadh, sources at Cairo airport said.

Saudi Arabia is hosting an international economic forum in Riyadh on Sunday and Monday.

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud

The international talks come amid fears of a planned Israeli offensive in Gaza’s Rafah city and renewed efforts to broker a hostage and ceasefire deal.

A top Hamas official said on Saturday that the Islamist militant group is studying an Israeli counterproposal regarding such a deal.

“Hamas will examine this proposal and submit a response,” Khalil al-Hayya, the deputy head of the group’s political arm in Gaza, said in a statement posted on Telegram.

He said the Israeli side was responding to a proposal Hamas had presented to Egyptian and Qatari mediators on April 13.

Negotiations aimed at releasing hostages held by militants in the Gaza Strip and securing a ceasefire in the devastated Palestinian territory have been deadlocked for months.

But Israel’s preparations for a large-scale ground offensive on Rafah – the southernmost city in the Gaza Strip and the territory’s last Hamas stronghold – is reportedly putting pressure on the group.

US media outlet Axios reported, citing two senior Israeli officials, that Israel had warned Egypt that this would be the “last chance” to strike a deal before its Rafah operations begin.

Axios and Israeli media reported that Hamas and Israel are at loggerheads over the scope of the deal, including how many hostages could be released and how long the ceasefire would last. Hamas is demanding a permanent ceasefire, which Israel rejects.

Israel’s allies and critics have for months implored Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to call off the invasion of Rafah, fearing mass civilian casualties. More than a million displaced Palestinians from other parts of the Gaza Strip have taken shelter there.

ALSO READ: Israel’s Ultimatum: Release 33 Hostages or Face Rafah Assault

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Riyadh To Host Meet on Gaza

Saudi Arabia’s Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih indicated the imminent arrangement of both an emergency Arab summit in Riyadh and an Islamic summit in the coming days…reports Asian Lite News

Saudi Arabia is all set to facilitate diplomatic discussions by hosting key summits involving Arab and Islamic nations to address an ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, according to Khalid Al-Falih, the Kingdom’s investment minister.

Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Singapore, Al-Falih indicated the imminent arrangement of both an emergency Arab summit in Riyadh and an Islamic summit in the coming days. These discussions align with an earlier announced meeting by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) set to take place to address the conflict on Sunday.

However, a statement from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday detailed the postponement of a third meeting initially planned for the weekend, bringing together leaders from the Arab League and the African Union.

This delay aims to prioritize the focus on the other two summits, which are part of Saudi Arabia’s leadership objective to steer these diplomatic gatherings toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict, as expressed by Al-Falih.

Additionally, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is anticipated to participate in the OIC summit hosted in Saudi Arabia, according to reports by Etemadonline news. Al-Falih also mentioned plans for a summit involving African nations, yet a specific date for this gathering was not disclosed. These efforts demonstrate a concentrated and multilateral approach towards seeking resolutions and fostering dialogue among nations affected by the conflict.

Jordan rejects talks on post-war Gaza plans

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi has declined any potential talks on post-conflict scenarios in Gaza, describing such discourse as “unrealistic and unacceptable,” the media reported.

He made the remarks on Wednesday during a seminar attended by journalists and writers in the capital Amman, where he reaffirmed Jordan’s priority of calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Xinhua news agency reported.

Safadi stressed on Jordan’s unwavering position against any “fragmented solutions” to the Gaza crisis.

He warned that dealing with issues in Gaza separately from that in the West Bank would “play into Israel’s hands,” which could potentially undermine the Palestinian cause and the Palestinians’ aspirations for statehood.

The Minister called for a comprehensive approach to the Palestinian cause, advocating for a political and just peace that ensures Palestinian rights and the establishment of their sovereign state based on the two-state solution.

Safadi reiterated the kingdom’s firm rejection of any forced displacement of Palestinians from their lands, equating it to “declaring war against Jordan that would be forcefully countered”.

40K People Moved to Southern Gaza

 The UN Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) said that since the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) created periodic evacuation “corridors” earlier this month, at least 40,000 people have walked from northern Gaza to the besieged enclave’s southern regions.

The IDF has repeatedly called on civilians to move south of Wadi Gaza — a waterway bisecting the center of the enclave — as it intensifies its assault on Hamas in Gaza City and northern Gaza.

The UNRWA said that UN monitors and NGOs are providing water and biscuits to evacuees just south of the Wadi Gaza.

For a fifth consecutive day on Wednesday, the Israeli military opened the “corridor” along the main traffic artery, Salah Ad Deen Road, for residents to leave the north between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., which was then extended by an hour, as people were still moving southwards.

It is estimated that about 50,000 people evacuated during the day, the largest number since the corridor opened, bringing the estimated figure since November 5 to 72,000.

Most evacuees move on foot and those who use vehicles leave them at the southern edge of Gaza city at the Al Kuwaiti roundabout.

The evacuees then walk 4-5 km down the corridor, with an estimated distance of up to 20 km for those traveling farthest, according to the UNRWA.   

Since the war broke out on October 7, about 1.5 million people in Gaza have been internally displaced, according to the UN agency.

Of them, nearly 725,000 are sheltering in 149 UNRWA facilities; 122,000 in hospitals, churches and public buildings; 131,134 in 94 non-UNRWA schools, and the remainder with host families. 

ALSO READ: UAE Expedites Gaza Hospital Construction

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Indian Embassy Celebrates Sanskritotsava in Riyadh

Ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan, in his opening address, underscored the profound cultural significance of Sanskrit…reports Asian Lite News

The Embassy of India in Riyadh hosted a unique and culturally significant event titled “Samskritotsava” on November 5 as part of “Pravasi Parichay,” celebrating the timeless elegance of the Sanskrit language and acknowledging the efforts of the Indian community in preserving this linguistic treasure in Saudi Arabia.

The event was a one-of-a-kind occasion, conducted entirely in Sanskrit, paying homage to the language that embodies India’s ancient wisdom, civilization, history, and traditions. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia proudly announced this distinctive celebration, a collaboration with Samskrita Bharati, to promote and honor the rich heritage of Sanskrit.

Ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan, in his opening address, underscored the profound cultural significance of Sanskrit. He emphasized its revered status worldwide as a sacred and spiritual language and highlighted the event’s potential to inspire others to learn and practice Sanskrit.

The “Samskritotsava” featured a variety of performances by the Indian community in Saudi Arabia, all eloquently presented in Sanskrit. The program included Abhinaya Gheetam, Gana Geetam, Subhashita Natakam, Prachanna Vesham, and more, offering a captivating glimpse into the versatility and cultural richness of the language.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a fervent supporter of ancient Indian languages, including Sanskrit, recently emphasized the importance of this language. He described Sanskrit as not only a repository of traditions but also as a language that defines India’s progress and identity. During his address at Tulsi Peeth in Madhya Pradesh’s Chitrakoot on October 27, PM Modi stressed that Sanskrit has been the mother of several languages and has stood the test of time, remaining untainted by the passage of centuries.

ALSO READ-Goyal Commends Indian Businesses in Riyadh

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Goyal Commends Indian Businesses in Riyadh

Goyal praised the significant contribution of Indian businesses to strengthening the relations between India and Saudi Arabia….reports Asian Lite News

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute’s 7th Edition, themed “The New Compass,” took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event has attracted global investors, business leaders, policymakers, inventors, and explorers who gathered to explore new markets and navigate uncharted economic territories.

During the event, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, took the opportunity to meet with Indian business leaders based in Saudi Arabia.

Goyal praised the significant contribution of Indian businesses to strengthening the relations between India and Saudi Arabia.

Currently, more than 2800 Indian companies are registered and operating in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reflecting the close economic ties between the two nations.

Earlier on Wednesday, Union Minister Piyush Goyal met his Saudi counterpart Majid bin Abdullah Alkassabi and discussed how the robust India-Saudi trade ties can be further scaled to make global supply chains more resilient.

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute has designed ‘The New Compass’ program as an interactive platform to assist investors in evaluating their company’s pathways and their roles in shaping the global economy.

The program aims to help participants develop new strategies for understanding the significant challenges and opportunities of this evolving era.

The FII, now in its 7th Edition, continues to be a magnet for leading investors and influential figures from the global business landscape.

The event serves as a forum to facilitate discussions on emerging markets and the exploration of new frontiers for economic growth and prosperity.

The 7th Edition of FII in Riyadh presents a unique opportunity for visionaries and leaders to forge alliances and develop innovative approaches to navigate the evolving global business landscape.

The FII 7th Edition in Riyadh is a testament to the ongoing commitment of nations and businesses worldwide to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing economic environment.

The event took place from October 24 to October 26, fostering collaboration, partnership building, and the exploration of new opportunities in the global economy. (ANI)

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KSrelief chief meets Belgium envoy in Riyadh

The ambassador praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts in humanitarian work and developing its mechanisms internationally…reports Asian Lite News

Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, Royal Court adviser and supervisor general of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, met the ambassador of Belgium to Saudi Arabia, Pascal Gregoire, at the center’s headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday.

They discussed issues of common interest related to the humanitarian field and ways to strengthen them that would serve all groups in need.

The ambassador praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts in humanitarian work and developing its mechanisms internationally.

ALSO READ-Yemen leader in Riyadh for talks on economic support

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Yemen leader in Riyadh for talks on economic support

Other items for discussion were other Saudi pledges such as a gas-fired power station in Aden, the UN-brokered truce with the Houthis, and other political and military issues…reports Asian Lite News

The head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad Al-Alimi, on Saturday touched down in Riyadh on a private visit where he is expected to meet Saudi officials, the official Saba news agency reported.

Al-Alimi will discuss Saudi Arabia’s economic support to the council and its humanitarian interventions in Yemen.

He thanked the Saudi leadership for its support to the Yemeni people and the council and its continued efforts to return peace and stability to the country and alleviate the suffering of Yemenis.

An aide to Al-Alimi told Arab News that the president would meet senior Saudi officials to accelerate the distribution of a Saudi and UAE $3 billion financial package to the government.

Other items for discussion were other Saudi pledges such as a gas-fired power station in Aden, the UN-brokered truce with the Houthis, and other political and military issues.

“Reviving the economy is the (council’s) main challenge,” said the aide, who preferred to remain anonymous.

Before arriving in Riyadh, the Yemeni leader visited the UAE. He discussed supporting the council and his efforts to stabilize liberated areas and boost the economy with Emirati officials.

The visit takes place as the Yemeni currency plunges to a new record low of YER1,200 against the US dollar, increasing the prices of food, fuel, and transport.

The council is also facing growing public criticism for not addressing intensifying power cuts, mainly in hot and humid cities such as Aden and Al-Mukalla.

Al-Alimi leads an eight-member council that has ruled the country since April, when former President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi ceded power to the council and assigned it to engage in talks with the Iran-backed Houthis to end the war.

Last week, dozens of soldiers died in bloody infighting among different military units in the government-controlled southern province of Shabwa.

The council dismissed the security leaders involved in the infighting and formed a military committee to defuse tension.

ALSO READ-UAE welcomes extension of truce in Yemen

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Riyadh to host first in-person Euromoney Conference in September

Steered by Saudi Vision 2030 — an ambitious blueprint for economic and social reform — the Kingdom has set about bolstering its prospects by transforming the national economy…reports Asian Lite News

The Saudi Ministry of Finance and the Financial Sector Conference have joined forces with Euromoney to host the first in-person Euromoney Saudi Arabia Conference since 2019. Taking place on Wednesday 7 September in Riyadh, the event will be focused on “The Institutionalisation of Investment and Finance”.

Held under the patronage of H.E. Mr Mohammed Al-Jadaan, the Minister of Finance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the conference has been launched to bring Saudi and international industry experts, thought-leaders, and policy makers to discuss the latest trends in regional and global financial markets.

With Saudi Arabia now recognized as a burgeoning global hub of innovation and investment, the event provides a unique platform and timely opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s road to recovery — in the wake of COVID-19 — new economic initiatives and their impact on the country, wider region and world.

Steered by Saudi Vision 2030 — an ambitious blueprint for economic and social reform — the Kingdom has set about bolstering its prospects by transforming the national economy. As part of this commitment, Vision 2030 aims to create an environment that unlocks business opportunities, broadens the country’s economic base, and creates jobs for all Saudis. The Kingdom has already made significant progress towards accomplishing these goals, leveraging its unique location and potential to attract more international talent and global investment.

This year’s Euromoney Conference will spotlight these developments and map out further steps that can be taken to fully realise the Kingdom’s potential. The opening keynote address will be delivered by H.E. Mr Mohammed Al-Jadaan, who will be joined by an impressive line-up of distinguished local and international speakers.

This lineup includes: HE Mr Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; HE Mr Mohammed El-Kuwaiz, Chairman, Capital Market Authority; Yousef Abdullah Al Shelash, Chairman, Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Company; Abdullah Alrashoud, Chief Executive Officer, BLOMINVEST Saudi Arabia; Hani Baothman, Chairman, Sidra Capital; and Faisal Durrani, Partner – Head of Middle East Research, Knight Frank; Fabrice Susini, Chief Executive Officer, Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company; Ronit Ghose, Global Head, Future of Finance, Citi; Paul Wilson, Chief Investment Officer, Channel Capital; Nabeel Koshak, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member, Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC) will also be speaking at the event.

The lead sponsors of the conference are Citi; Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development; Gulf International Bank; Riyad Bank; Standard Chartered and The Financial Academy. The Capital Market Authority is the event Supporting Body. Real estate advisory services will be provided by Colliers. The conference’s co-sponsors are: Alkhair Capital; BLOMInvest; Kamco Invest and Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company. Knight Frank has been announced as the event’s knowledge partner, Derayah Financial is an associate sponsor and Argaam as its digital sponsor. Sidra Capital will serve as an exhibitor.

For more information, to view the agenda, and to apply for your place, please visit the Euromoney Conferences website.

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