This collection of articles from the Al Riyadh newspaper covers a range of topics including regional political developments, such as the Arab and Islamic ministerial committee’s condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza and the Saudi stance on international conflict resolution. The sources also highlight local Saudi initiatives like the Ehsan platform for charitable giving and the Qiddiya project, a large-scale entertainment and tourism development. Additionally, there are articles detailing domestic news, including infrastructure development in Mecca, updates on economic sectors like oil and mining, and social events such as award ceremonies and cultural visits by regional leaders. Finally, the newspaper includes international news, reporting on conflicts in Yemen and Sudan, and perspectives on Islamic culture and history.

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Understanding the Source Material: A Study Guide

Quiz (Short Answer)

1. What was the primary concern expressed by the ministerial committee formed by the Arab and Islamic Extraordinary Joint Summit regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip?
2. According to the article, what milestone did the “Ihsan” platform achieve in its fifth iteration of the national campaign for charitable work?
3. What role does the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aim to play in international conflict resolution, as mentioned in the “Word” section of the newspaper?
4. What are the key findings of the ICAEW economic update regarding the expected growth of GCC countries in 2025, despite global uncertainties?
5. In January 2025, how many new mining licenses were issued in Saudi Arabia, and what were the main categories of these licenses?
6. What was the immediate aftermath of the Israeli air strikes on Rafah and Khan Yunis, as reported in the Gaza section?
7. What is the primary goal of the King Saud University initiative mentioned in the local news section of the newspaper?
8. According to the article on the “Ihsan” platform, what are some of the key features and benefits it offers to donors and charitable organizations?
9. What is the significance of the “Najdi Mosque” in Fursan, and what are the objectives of the project to renovate historical mosques?
10. What is the aim of the “Digital Transformation Measurement 2025” initiative launched by the Digital Government Authority in Saudi Arabia?

Answer Key (for the Quiz)

1. The committee expressed strong condemnation of the Israeli military’s actions, including airstrikes on Gaza and the direct bombing of populated civilian areas, considering them a clear violation of ceasefire agreements, international law, and humanitarian principles. They also worried about the potential for regional conflict escalation and the undermining of stability.
2. The “Ihsan” platform surpassed one billion Saudi Riyals in total donations for the national campaign for charitable work in its fifth version, in less than a week from its launch, indicating significant public engagement.
3. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aims to play a prominent and leading role in resolving international conflicts peacefully, drawing on its Islamic and strategic standing, the respect for its wise leadership, and its contributions to resolving numerous Arab and international disputes.
4. Despite a blurry global outlook, the ICAEW economic update expects the total GDP of the Middle East to grow by 3.3% in 2025, with GCC countries anticipated to experience higher growth of around 4%.
5. In January 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources issued 23 new mining licenses, which included 10 exploration licenses, 5 exploitation licenses, and 8 licenses for building materials.
6. The Israeli air strikes on Rafah and Khan Yunis resulted in the martyrdom of more than 20 Palestinians, including children and women, and left many others injured. Sources reported a total of 23 martyrs in one area alone, and the strikes targeted multiple neighborhoods.
7. The primary goal of the King Saud University initiative is to attract distinguished graduate students from both within and outside the Kingdom, contributing to the university’s efforts to enhance the academic and research environment and support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.
8. The “Ihsan” platform aims to enhance transparency in administrative and financial practices, facilitate the donation process for all users, connect donors with verified charitable organizations, and support the development of the non-profit sector in Saudi Arabia.
9. The “Najdi Mosque” in Fursan is one of the oldest historical mosques in the Jazan region, with its construction dating back to 1347 AH. The renovation project aims to restore its architectural beauty, reflecting traditional designs influenced by Eastern arts and Islamic architecture.
10. The “Digital Transformation Measurement 2025” initiative aims to raise the level of commitment of government entities to digital transformation decisions and orders, improve the quality of digital government services provided to beneficiaries, and enhance the Kingdom’s international leadership in the field of digital government.

Essay Format Questions

1. Analyze the interconnectedness of the events described in the provided source material, focusing on how the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, charitable initiatives like “Ihsan,” and Saudi Arabia’s regional and international roles are presented as part of a broader context.
2. Discuss the significance of the local cultural and linguistic elements highlighted in the article about Saudi drama, and evaluate the potential impact of this shift on audience engagement and the preservation of regional identities.
3. Examine the economic trends and initiatives discussed in the source material, such as the expected growth in GCC countries, the issuance of mining licenses, and the development of platforms like “Ihsan,” in the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
4. Evaluate the role of international organizations and agreements, such as the UN resolutions regarding Palestine and the OPEC+ decisions on oil production, as portrayed in the news excerpts, and discuss their effectiveness in addressing the issues at hand.
5. Critically analyze the humanitarian crises depicted in the source material, specifically focusing on the situation in Gaza and Sudan, and discuss the local and international responses and the challenges in providing effective aid and resolution.

Glossary of Key Terms

• واس (WAS): An abbreviation for the Saudi Press Agency, the official news agency of Saudi Arabia.
• قمة عربية وإسلامية استثنائية مشتركة (Extraordinary Joint Arab and Islamic Summit): A high-level meeting involving leaders from Arab and Islamic nations to discuss urgent matters, in this case, the developments in the Gaza Strip.
• ثر َ »إحسان« (The impact of “Ihsan”): Refers to the influence and achievements of the “Ihsan” platform, a national platform for charitable work in Saudi Arabia.
• حل الدولتين (Two-state solution): A proposed framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by establishing two independent states, one for Israelis and one for Palestinians.
• مجلس التعاون الخليجي (GCC – Gulf Cooperation Council): A regional intergovernmental political and economic union consisting of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
• رخصة تعدينية (Mining license): An official permit granted by a government allowing an entity to conduct mining activities, such as exploration or extraction of minerals.
• التحول الرقمي (Digital Transformation): The use of digital technologies to fundamentally change how businesses and organizations operate and deliver value.
• وقف إطلاق النار (Ceasefire): An agreement to stop fighting for a specific period.
• التوغلات البرية (Ground incursions): Military operations involving the entry of ground forces into an area.
• بؤر استيطانية (Settlement outposts): Small, often unauthorized Israeli settlements established in the Palestinian territories.
• نزع فتيل الأزمات (Defusing crises): Actions taken to reduce the intensity of conflicts or tensions.
• تعريفات جمركية (Customs tariffs): Taxes imposed on imported or exported goods.
• احتلال (Occupation): The military control of a territory by an invading armed force.
• شهيد (Martyr): A person who is killed for their beliefs or in a war.
• الخيمة الثقافية (Cultural Tent): A temporary venue set up to host cultural events and activities, particularly during Ramadan.
• اللهجة البيضاء (White dialect): A more standardized or widely understood dialect of Arabic, often used in media to ensure broader comprehension.

Saudi Arabia: Developments and Regional Issues

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the primary focus of the joint Arab and Islamic ministerial committee regarding Gaza? The primary focus of the joint Arab and Islamic ministerial committee is to address the escalating Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip. They strongly condemn the Israeli forces’ ongoing aggression, including airstrikes on densely populated civilian areas, which have resulted in numerous Palestinian casualties and represent a clear violation of ceasefire agreements, international law, and humanitarian principles. The committee urgently calls for a permanent cessation of Israeli escalation and a return to negotiations to implement a full ceasefire and ultimately end the war on Gaza, preventing a renewed cycle of violence. They also reiterate their unwavering support for a just and lasting peace for the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution, relevant UN resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
2. What is the “Ihsan” platform, and what significant achievements has it accomplished? The “Ihsan” platform is a Saudi national platform for charitable work launched in March 2021 with the support of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). It aims to enhance and sustain a comprehensive and effective system for developmental and charitable services by leveraging advanced technological solutions and partnerships across governmental, private, and non-profit sectors. Since its inception, under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince, “Ihsan” has achieved unprecedented success in digital charitable work. Notably, the total donations to the National Campaign for Charitable Work in its fifth iteration, conducted through the “Ihsan” platform, surpassed one billion Saudi Riyals in less than a week. The platform also emphasizes transparency in administrative and financial practices and provides accessible technological solutions for donations from all users.
3. How does Saudi Arabia view its role in international conflict resolution? Saudi Arabia views itself as playing a prominent and pioneering role in resolving international conflicts peacefully. The Kingdom believes that international disputes can be resolved through cooperative efforts between nations and has actively contributed to resolving numerous Arab and international conflicts. Saudi Arabia enjoys a reputation as a leader in this field due to its Islamic and strategic importance, as well as the wise leadership it possesses, which garners international respect and works towards de-escalating crises.
4. What are the key features and goals of Saudi Arabia’s “Qiddiya” project? The “Qiddiya” project is a massive national project launched by Saudi Arabia as part of its Vision 2030 objectives. It aims to build an integrated entertainment city that redefines concepts related to the culture, sports, and gaming sectors. Located approximately 40 kilometers from Riyadh, spanning over 370 square kilometers, it is one of the largest global projects of its kind. Key elements of Qiddiya include the goal of establishing the “Six Flags Qiddiya” theme park, which will feature the most innovative water games, as well as world-class facilities for various sports, including a Formula 1 circuit (targeted for 2034), training centers, and other architectural and athletic landmarks. The project aims to become a global icon in promoting play and relies on advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, from design to operation.
5. What are the recent developments regarding the removal of unplanned settlements (“slums”) in Mecca? The Royal Commission for the City of Mecca and the Holy Sites has begun large-scale work to remove unplanned settlements in the southern western part of the central area of Mecca, known as “Jerham” and “Yemen” in the “Al-Balak Al-Ahmar” area. This initiative aims to transform the area, which is currently characterized by dense and haphazard construction, into well-organized urban spaces with modern infrastructure. The removal affects several popular neighborhoods located on important ring roads, including those leading to the Grand Mosque. The goal is to leverage the prime location and vast areas of these former settlements to increase housing capacity in Mecca and develop modern destinations.
6. What is the focus of Saudi Arabia’s “Digital Transformation 2025” initiative? The Saudi Digital Government Authority has launched the “Digital Transformation Measurement 2025,” which aims to raise the level of commitment of government entities to digital transformation decisions and orders. It also seeks to improve the quality of digital government services provided to beneficiaries, thereby enhancing the Kingdom’s international leadership in this field. The Governor of the Digital Government Authority explained that this measurement tool is a key enabler for the digital transformation journey, supporting the pillars of the government’s digital strategic direction to establish Saudi Arabia as a leading digital government globally, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.
7. What trend is observed in Saudi Arabian drama productions during Ramadan 2025? Saudi Arabian drama productions during Ramadan 2025 have shown a notable shift away from the traditional use of “white dialect” (a more standardized form of Arabic) towards a greater inclusion and prominence of diverse local dialects. This season has seen various series break the mold by featuring regional dialects not merely as superficial additions but as integral parts of the narrative, reflecting the spirit and time period of the stories. While this change has sparked discussion, particularly among viewers accustomed to the “white dialect,” and presented some linguistic challenges, many appreciate the move as it highlights the rich linguistic diversity of the Kingdom. Experts emphasize that this is not just a dramatic choice but a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s social and cultural reality, with over 60 main dialects and numerous sub-dialects.
8. What is the current situation in Gaza and the West Bank as reported in the source? The situation in Gaza is dire, with over 20 Palestinians, including children and women, reported killed in intense Israeli airstrikes on areas like Khan Younis and Rafah. The Israeli government has approved the continuation of the escalation in Gaza, which is witnessing an expansion of ground incursions. Hospitals and aid organizations are struggling to cope with the casualties and the ongoing humanitarian crisis. In the West Bank, particularly in Jenin, Israeli forces have continued their aggression, including bulldozing, house burnings, and restrictions on movement. There are also reports of the Israeli security cabinet approving the separation of 13 settlements in the West Bank, paving the way for their recognition as “independent,” a move condemned by Palestinian and international bodies as undermining the possibility of a contiguous and independent Palestinian state. Additionally, there have been protests in Israel against the government’s actions and calls for a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange deal.

Gaza Conflict: Renewed Hostilities and Regional Impact

The sources indicate that Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip are considered a threat to security and stability in the region.

Furthermore, the sources detail ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza:

• An occupation army spokesman announced the start of an attack inside the Gaza Strip, specifically in the Tel al-Sultan area of Rafah. This occurred while the Israeli army was expanding its ground incursion.
• There were reports of increased incursions by Israeli forces in the area east of Khan Yunis.
• These actions are taking place after a breakdown of a ceasefire agreement to halt fire in Gaza.
• The resumption of fighting in Gaza has been met with criticism within Israel, with one official describing the government’s actions as a “theft” that endangers soldiers’ lives.
• There are concerns that the renewed fighting could threaten the lives of prisoners.
• The Israeli government, under Prime Minister Netanyahu, has been accused of prioritizing personal interests over the well-being of Israeli citizens and the release of prisoners by returning to fighting.
• Despite the ongoing conflict, the Israeli government is reportedly planning to allow residents of Gaza to voluntarily leave the Strip and has established a new directorate to coordinate this.
• The French Foreign Minister has stated France’s opposition to any form of annexation of Palestinian territories, whether in the West Bank or Gaza.
• The UN views the expansion of settlements as an existential threat to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
• Following the resumption of shelling of the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army reported intercepting a rocket launched from Yemen.
• Saudi Arabia has remained engaged with the Palestinian issue in the context of the Gaza conflict, working to unify the Arab stance. The Gaza Strip is also referred to as an “open wound“.

Ehsan Platform: Saudi Arabia’s Charitable Initiative

The sources provide significant details about the Ehsan charitable platform (منصة إحسان الخيرية), highlighting its establishment, objectives, features, and impact.

Establishment and Support: The Ehsan platform was launched with the support of the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA). Its creation aims to leverage data and artificial intelligence to maximize the impact and sustainability of advanced technical developmental projects and services in the Kingdom.

Objectives and Focus: The primary goals of the Ehsan platform revolve around:

• Providing charitable solutions.
• Building an effective system through partnerships with government, private, and non-profit sectors.
• Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s leading role in developmental and charitable work.
• Increasing the contribution of the non-profit sector to the gross domestic product (GDP).
• Enhancing reliability, transparency, and ease of donation.
• Achieving a tangible and sustainable impact.
• Digitally empowering the charitable sector.
• Raising the level of reliability and transparency of charitable work.
• Fostering integration with government entities.
• Activating the role of social responsibility in the private sector.
• Maximizing the human benefit of charitable work.

Key Features and Functionalities: The Ehsan platform offers several technical and functional features designed to enhance the donation experience:

• It provides opportunities to contribute to good deeds (أعمال البر).
• It ensures a user-friendly experience for donors.
• It offers multiple options for quick donations.
• It applies the highest technical standards for security and reliability of information.
• It oversees the transparent delivery of donations to deserving categories and developmental and charitable projects.

Impact and Reach: The Ehsan platform has demonstrated significant impact:

• It has facilitated a large volume of donations, exceeding one billion Saudi Riyals in its fifth edition within a short period.
• This reflects the high aspirations and noble goals of the Saudi society towards charitable work.
• The platform supports various developmental and charitable fields across Saudi Arabia, including education, social services, religion, housing, food, and health.
• It works closely with eligible charitable associations, linking them with donors and supporting their financial development.
• Registered associations have experienced a significant positive transformation in their performance and donation opportunities after joining Ehsan.
• As of the provided sources, there are 2382 partner charitable associations registered on the platform.
• All partner associations have passed 100% in governance standards, indicating a strong commitment to transparency and professionalism.
• The platform conducts continuous monitoring and evaluation of projects, including field visits, to ensure implementation according to specified standards.

Recognition and Future Initiatives: The national center for the development of the non-profit sector has launched the “Ehsan Award” (جائزة إحسان) for leading associations to incentivize high governance standards. This initiative coincides with the announcement of the award’s second edition, further highlighting the platform’s role in promoting excellence within the charitable sector.

In summary, the Ehsan charitable platform, supported by SDAIA, serves as a crucial national initiative to streamline and enhance charitable giving in Saudi Arabia. It focuses on leveraging technology to ensure transparency, reliability, and efficiency in delivering aid to various sectors and beneficiaries across the Kingdom, and it has quickly become a significant channel for charitable contributions.

Mecca Urban Development Initiative

The sources indicate a significant development initiative underway in Mecca (مكة المكرمة) led by the Royal Commission for Makkah and the Holy Sites. This involves a large-scale and unprecedented removal of existing structures in the central area of the city, set to begin in the month of Shawwal.

Key aspects of this development include:

• Extensive Removal Work: The Royal Commission has begun a major removal of buildings in Mecca and the Holy Sites, starting from the southwestern part of the western region. This is described as an unprecedented and extensive undertaking.
• Objectives of the Removal: The primary reasons for this removal work are to:
• Eliminate non-compliant buildings.
• Address human overcrowding.
• Rectify distortions in urban planning.
• Transform difficult and unsafe sites into safe and modern areas.
• Affected Areas: The removal work will encompass several popular neighborhoods and districts situated on key roads, including:
• Abi Bin Ali Road
• The First Ring Road
• Talat Rasayl Allah (طريق طالب رضي الله عنه)
• Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Road (طريق عمر ابن الخطاب رضي)
• Areas leading to the Holy Mosque (المسجد الحرام).
• Preparatory Measures:Engineering companies and real estate offices have posted notices on properties in Mecca.
• A dedicated platform has been established to provide services for updating documents, completing compensation procedures, and conducting land surveys.
• Observations on Existing Structures: A tour by the Riyadh newspaper highlighted that some of the oldest neighborhoods slated for removal, such as Al-Abadila, Al-Mawarika, the street from Al-Sairiya, the right side of the Hajjajja neighborhood, and Gerham, are characterized by:
• Narrow, spiral alleys and disorganized layouts.
• A high percentage (98%) of old, dilapidated, and abandoned properties.
• A lack of public walkways and gardens.
• Significant human overcrowding.
• Buildings often constructed with red brick foundations and lacking attractive facades.
• Vision for the Future: This removal work is part of a larger effort to usher in a new era of development that befits the size and importance of Mecca. The aim is to create a more modern and well-planned city.

While source discusses security measures for pilgrims in Mecca, it does not directly address the physical development of the city. However, the extensive removal and redevelopment plans outlined in sources and, and the preparatory steps mentioned in source, clearly indicate a significant push for the modernization and improvement of Mecca’s urban landscape.

Global Oil Price Dynamics: Supply, Demand, and Geopolitics

The sources provide several insights into global oil prices, influenced by factors such as supply, demand, geopolitical events, and policy decisions.

Market Dynamics and Projections:

• There has been a noticeable improvement in global demand for oil, contributing to a rise in prices.
• However, concerns exist that an increase in oil supply from countries outside the OPEC+ framework or a slowdown in the rate of consumption could trigger fluctuations in oil markets.
• Despite global uncertainties, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are projected to grow by 4% in 2025, although this figure would be a higher 3.3% if oil revenues were excluded, indicating the significant role of oil in their economic performance.
• A headline suggests an expected rise in oil prices due to signs of a slowdown in supply from OPEC+, as the organization reaffirms its members’ commitment to reducing surplus production.

Geopolitical Influences:

• The US Treasury has imposed new sanctions on Chinese entities involved in the trade of Iranian oil, which could impact global oil supply and prices.
• Kazakhstan’s energy minister resigned amid pressure to adhere to OPEC+ production cut commitments, highlighting the importance of these agreements in managing global oil supply.
• Attacks on oil pipelines in Colombia also introduce potential disruptions to supply.
• The return of “Trump” as a political force is mentioned in the context of potentially intensified regional policies. During his previous administration, officials expressed concerns about tariffs but also acknowledged the oil sector’s view that higher oil prices were needed to boost domestic production. Trump’s administration also aimed to lower energy prices for Americans by easing environmental regulations to increase US oil production, which had already reached record levels.
• The US imposed tariffs on imported crude oil from Canada and Mexico but offered exemptions to producers complying with the USMCA trade agreement.

Policy and Strategic Considerations:

• The American Petroleum Institute (API) has emphasized the importance of free and fair trade for ensuring a reliable and affordable energy supply for American consumers.
• The API also presented a five-part energy plan to the government.
• The Iranian deputy foreign minister indicated that negotiations with the US are not possible unless US policies change, especially after the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and the reimposition of sanctions on Iranian oil exports. These geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program have implications for global oil markets.

In summary, global oil prices are subject to a complex interplay of factors, including increasing demand, potential supply adjustments by OPEC+ and non-OPEC+ nations, geopolitical tensions (such as US sanctions on Iranian oil and regional conflicts), and the policy stances of major players like the US. The potential for both price increases due to supply constraints and price volatility due to oversupply or demand slowdown is evident in the provided sources.

King Saud University: Attracting Distinguished Graduate Students

The sources discuss King Saud University in the context of a new initiative aimed at attracting distinguished graduate students from both inside and outside the Kingdom. This initiative is part of the university’s efforts to bolster the academic and research environment and contribute to achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 executive programs.

Here are the key aspects of this initiative:

• Objective: The primary goal of the initiative is to attract outstanding graduate students to King Saud University.
• Scope: The initiative targets both domestic and international students seeking higher education.
• Strategic Alignment: This program aligns with the university’s broader efforts to enhance its academic and research standing and contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
• Online Platform: King Saud University has launched a dedicated English-language webpage for this initiative: dgsinitiative.ksu.edu.sa. This platform provides prospective students with detailed information about the initiative, including application procedures, admission criteria, and available benefits upon their selection.
• University’s Commitment: The Rector of King Saud University, Dr. Abdullah bin Salman Al-Salman, emphasized that this initiative reflects the university’s commitment to attracting exceptional talents to its graduate programs. These programs are linked to specializations that support research, development, and innovation within the university. The initiative also aims to support the future human capacities required to work within this ecosystem.
• User Experience: The dedicated webpage is designed to offer all interested students a seamless and transparent application experience, providing all the necessary information along with a direct link to the online application platform.
• Alignment with Research and Innovation: The Dean of Graduate Studies at King Saud University, Dr. Abdulaziz bin Hisham Al-Hedaig, stated that the initiative falls within the university’s commitment to strengthening the research, development, and innovation ecosystem and attracting top talents.

In summary, King Saud University has launched a significant initiative to attract distinguished graduate students as part of its strategic goals to enhance its academic and research environment and contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. A dedicated online platform provides comprehensive information for prospective students.

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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