Muslim World League chief meets UK Islamic leaders in Madinah

Muslim World League chief meets UK Islamic leaders in Madinah
1 / 2
The secretary-general of the Muslim World League, Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, met British Islamic leaders in Madinah on Wednesday. (Supplied)
Muslim World League chief meets UK Islamic leaders in Madinah
2 / 2
The delegation commended the 2019 Charter of Makkah, saying it helped foster interaction with non-Muslim audiences. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 1 min 47 sec ago
Follow

Muslim World League chief meets UK Islamic leaders in Madinah

Muslim World League chief meets UK Islamic leaders in Madinah
  • Delegation visits International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography
  • Visitors reaffirm support for Palestinian cause, call for end to genocide in Gaza

LONDON: The secretary-general of the Muslim World League, Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, met British Islamic leaders in Madinah on Wednesday to discuss issues facing the UK’s Muslim community.

The visitors praised the MWL’s important role in the Islamic world and among Muslim minorities in Europe and the UK, highlighting its work to preserve cultural and religious identities.

They also noted that King Charles welcomed Al-Issa as the first Arab and Muslim figure from outside the UK to visit Buckingham Palace after his coronation.

The delegation visited the MWL-affiliated International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography, which tells the story of the Prophet Muhammad’s life.

During the talks they reaffirmed their support for the Palestinian cause and called for an “immediate end to the genocide being perpetrated against the people of Gaza by the brutal war machine of the Israeli occupation government.”

Gaza should be a symbol of unity, not division, among Muslim communities, they said, according to an MWL statement.

The delegation commended the 2019 Charter of Makkah, saying it helped foster interaction with non-Muslim audiences and promoted moderation in addressing contemporary issues.


Saudi deputy foreign minister receives Russia’s envoy in Riyadh

Saudi deputy foreign minister receives Russia’s envoy in Riyadh
Updated 9 sec ago
Follow

Saudi deputy foreign minister receives Russia’s envoy in Riyadh

Saudi deputy foreign minister receives Russia’s envoy in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati received Russian Ambassador Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh on Wednesday.

The pair discussed relations between their countries and other topics of common interest, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Also on Wednesday, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki met Digital Cooperation Organization Secretary-General Deemah Al-Yahya in Islamabad, the diplomat wrote on X.

They discussed the importance of digital transformation and other topics of interest.


Saudi Arabia welcomes Rwanda, DRC declaration to draft peace deal

Saudi Arabia welcomes Rwanda, DRC declaration to draft peace deal
Updated 30 April 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia welcomes Rwanda, DRC declaration to draft peace deal

Saudi Arabia welcomes Rwanda, DRC declaration to draft peace deal

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has welcomed the signing of a declaration of principles between the governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it appreciated the diplomatic efforts made by the two sides and looked forward to their commitment to the declaration, which would enhance security and stability, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The foreign ministers of Rwanda and the DRC signed a declaration at the US State Department on Friday. They agreed to draft a peace deal by May 2, respecting each other’s sovereignty and refraining from supporting armed groups after fighting resumed in the DRC’s mineral-rich east in October.


Abdullah Bin Faisal Bin Turki Al Saud receives highest Japanese Imperial Award

Abdullah Bin Faisal Bin Turki Al Saud receives highest Japanese Imperial Award
Updated 30 April 2025
Follow

Abdullah Bin Faisal Bin Turki Al Saud receives highest Japanese Imperial Award

Abdullah Bin Faisal Bin Turki Al Saud receives highest Japanese Imperial Award
  • He was recognized for his role in strengthening economic ties between both countries
  • A total of 1,888 people, including 107 foreigners from 45 countries, have been honored

TOKYO: The former governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority has been awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, a highly esteemed honor in Japan.
Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki Al Saud was recognized for his role in strengthening economic ties between Japan and Saudi Arabia, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, who is also a former foreign minister of Egypt, and Jordan’s former ambassador to Japan Leena Madhuhar Hassan Annab received the same honor for their roles in promoting friendship between Japan and their respective nations.
Yousef Ahmed Al-Hnaity, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces, was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.
Four individuals from Tunisia, representing various fields and achievements, were awarded the Gold Rays with Rosette. The recipients are Habib Gamra, co-founder and chairman of the Pan-African Course on Interventional Cardiology; Adnene Khouaja, the first vice president of the Tunisia-Japan Friendship Association; Jamel Boujdaria, former director of the Asia, American and Asian Affairs Bureau at Tunisia’s Foreign Ministry; and Imed Ben Ammar, former director of the Bourguiba Institute of Modern Languages.
A total of 1,888 people, including 107 foreigners from 45 countries, have been honored. Among the overseas winners are the former US Ambassador to Japan William Hagerty and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, both of whom will receive the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.
The awards ceremony will take place on May 9 at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.


Riyadh festival inspires youth with math, tech focus

Riyadh festival inspires youth with math, tech focus
Updated 30 April 2025
Follow

Riyadh festival inspires youth with math, tech focus

Riyadh festival inspires youth with math, tech focus
  • The event featured 25 interactive pavilions, dialogue sessions, theatrical performances
  • The festival drew thousands of students from across the Kingdom

RIYADH: The second STEAM Festival, themed “Math, the Language of Science,” ended at the King Salman Science Oasis in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The event featured 25 interactive pavilions, dialogue sessions, theatrical performances and workshops focused on science and innovation.
It was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Education, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, the National Institute for Educational Professional Development and the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, with support from the Riyadh Foundation for Science.
The festival drew thousands of students from across the Kingdom, more than 400 volunteers and more than 800 teachers who took part in workshops.
Attendees embarked on an inspiring educational journey through Arab, Islamic and Saudi scientific heritage, modern mathematical applications, emerging technologies and future opportunities.
Specialized panel discussions led by experts explored key topics in mathematics, technology and innovation, the SPA reported.
The festival also marked the launch of a national initiative to promote science and technology festivals. The scheme aims to spark youth interest in STEM, nurture innovation skills and build globally competitive generations.


NCW carries out study of marine biodiversity in Red Sea

NCW carries out study of marine biodiversity in Red Sea
Updated 30 April 2025
Follow

NCW carries out study of marine biodiversity in Red Sea

NCW carries out study of marine biodiversity in Red Sea
  • The research examined underwater habitats
  • Scientists used an environmental sensitivity map to classify different underwater areas

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife has conducted a study of marine biodiversity in the Red Sea.
The research examined underwater habitats, and was part of efforts to safeguard the Kingdom’s natural resources, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Scientists used an environmental sensitivity map to classify different underwater areas based on the vulnerability of the species found there, prioritizing areas with a high number of at-risk species.
Surveys were carried out on 64 locations along the coastline to investigate the health of the species in those regions.
Changes in water temperature were measured in 37 different spots, to monitor the impact that higher temperatures have on wildlife.
CEO of the NCW, Mohammed Qurban, said that the study aligned with the green development goals of Saudi Arabia, which promote environmental sustainability in the Kingdom.
He also talked about the significance of surveys and how they were a critical tool to detect signs of any changes to habitats, which allowed organizations to address any issues.
NCW said in a statement that it would continue a number of studies and programs throughout the year to protect the marine and terrestrial biodiversity in the Kingdom.
The Red Sea is home to an array of wildlife including whales, dolphins, hammerhead sharks and sea snakes.
This week, one of the largest coral colonies in the world was discovered in the Red Sea.
The massive Pavona coral colony is expected to become an environmentally friendly tourist attraction managed by Red Sea Global.
Earlier this month, marine scientists found creatures thriving in deep waters of the Red Sea under seemingly unfavorable conditions of low oxygen levels and high acidity.
The unusual ecosystem was found in Difat Farasan near the border between Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
The NCW is also leading initiatives to protect the dugong population in the Red Sea from further decline.
Efforts by the center include satellite tracking and scientific research to monitor its distribution in Saudi Arabia’s territorial waters.
Additionally, national plans are in place to manage and rehabilitate the species’ natural habitats, supporting long-term sustainability and the conditions necessary for dugong reproduction and survival.