Day: September 21, 2024

Time. Topic

There are no activities scheduled at this time.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Jubail Industrial City’s Aqua Park stands as a prime tourist attraction, drawing both visitors and citizens with its perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment. Managed by the Royal Commission for Jubail, the park spans an impressive 250,000 square meters and features expansive green spaces, making it an excellent spot for family outings, walking, or jogging.

The park offers a designated children’s amusement area, thoughtfully designed to ensure safety while providing fun and entertainment. Its spacious layout caters to all demographics-men, women, adults, and children-offering opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities.

In addition to its recreational spaces, the Aqua Park is equipped with modern amenities such as restrooms, seating, and picnic areas, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all visitors. This makes it one of the top tourist destinations for those visiting Jubail Industrial City.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Camel riders have participated in the third edition of the Camel Avenue Festival in Taif. The riders set off in a distinctive and captivating manner, reflecting contemporary authenticity and dignified character. They chanted in their own popular style, filled with pride in their homeland and heritage. Their voices harmonized with the rhythmic movement of the camels’ hooves, aiming to establish and showcase the cultural heritage of camel riding.

Their participation contributed to strengthening and preserving the cultural heritage of camels and camel riding through both local and international involvement.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Manama, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, highlighted Bahrain’s pivotal role in promoting peace and tolerance, stressing that the royal vision paves the way for achieving sustainable and comprehensive peace.

In an interview with Bahrain News Agency (BNA) on the occasion of International Peace Day, observed annually on September 21, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah emphasised Bahrain’s ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue between cultures and religions and pointed out the critical role of education and training in advancing peace. He also mentioned that International Peace Day serves as a global reminder to promote shared human values and mutual understanding between nations.

Bahrain’s leadership in global peace efforts

Bahrain’s approach to peace, as championed by its leadership, has always centred on advancing societies through dialogue and tolerance. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah referred to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al
Khalifa’s assertion that “Faith lights our path to peace,” illustrating Bahrain’s commitment to being a homeland of coexistence and a hub for cultural convergence.

He added that His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has further strengthened this commitment by directing the implementation of programmes aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030. These efforts are bolstered by strategic partnerships with nations around the world, reinforcing Bahrain’s role in advancing global peace through balanced diplomacy and constructive dialogue.

King Hamad’s global initiatives for peace

Dr. Shaikh Abdullah said that His Majesty King Hamad has been a keen advocate of promoting peace. He pointed that His Majesty’s leadership has brought forward numerous initiatives aimed at sustaining global harmony, including the Bahrain Declaration and the establishment of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence. Other key efforts include the King Hamad Cha
ir for Interfaith Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence at Sapienza University in Italy, the call for an international treaty to criminalise hate speech, and the creation of the King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence.

These initiatives, said Dr. Shaikh Abdullah, demonstrate Bahrain’s commitment to spreading tolerance and addressing global challenges through dialogue and collaboration. The King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence continues to advocate for these values, promoting Bahrain’s model of coexistence worldwide.

On the King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah said it is a pioneering global initiative that embodies the royal vision on supporting dialogue and openness between religions and cultures, encouraging individuals and organisations to enhance their efforts and achievements in promoting peace and coexistence.

He explained Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence oversees the general policy of the award to ensure it reflects Bahrai
n’s rich cultural heritage in fostering human harmony and achieving global peace.

Recognising the unprecedented nature of the award, he said that comprehensive measures have been put in place to ensure its leadership and sustainability, establishing it as a unique global reference for upholding noble values.

Strategic focus of the King Hamad Global Centre

Dr. Shaikh Abdullah discussed the centre’s strategic priorities, noting that since its restructuring by royal decree, urgent steps have been taken to redefine its mission and build a comprehensive work plan. The centre’s focus includes preventive diplomacy, education, training, and addressing environmental issues, with the aim of building global networks with leading institutions to further these goals.

He also expressed the centre’s aspiration to become a global leader in promoting religious freedom and combating intolerance and racism. Through these efforts, the centre seeks to counter misconceptions about Islam and establish itself as a symbol of peac
eful coexistence.

Promoting peace through education and training

Dr. Shaikh Abdullah emphasised that education and training are at the core of the centre’s mission, as they help foster understanding and equip younger generations with the skills needed for conflict resolution. The centre has signed agreements with prominent institutions, including the Faith in Leadership organisation and the 1928 Institute at the University of Oxford, to launch the King Hamad Leadership in Peaceful Coexistence Programme. This initiative provides training on conflict mediation and negotiation skills, aimed at instilling peaceful values in youth.

In addition, the centre has launched a postgraduate diploma programme on peaceful coexistence in cooperation with the United Nations University for Peace and the Giovanni Goria Foundation for Higher Education in Malta. The programme aims to build capacity and develop research tools to promote peace and human solidarity.

A global message of peace

The International Day of Peace, acco
rding to Dr. Shaikh Abdullah, serves as a reminder of the critical importance of peace as the foundation of stability and development. He noted that the world continues to grapple with conflicts, humanitarian crises, and environmental challenges, but there remains hope in collective human efforts to achieve comprehensive and just peace. He also emphasised that religious platforms, along with media and communication channels, play a vital role in advocating for moderation and fraternity, and in distancing communities from hate speech.

He underscored that Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad, will continue to advocate for global peace, and remains committed to fostering an environment of solidarity and compassion.

Manama, Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, commended His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s approach and initiatives in promoting a culture of peace, coexistence, and tolerance. He highlighted HM the King’s efforts to foster dialogue and diplomacy as solutions to global conflicts, contributing to international peace, stability, and sustainable development.

In a statement marking the International Day of Peace, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of the UN General Assembly’s “Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace,” Al Musallam noted Bahrain’s commitment to justice, equality, and achieving comprehensive peace in the region in supporting global peace efforts. He , as well as its role in supporting global peace efforts.

Al Musallam underscored his pride in the King’s initiatives and the continued support from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He praised the Kingdom’s efforts in promotin
g peace through various projects and programmes, including the work of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF) in providing aid and development support to affected nations.

He also referred to the King’s call, during Bahrain’s hosting of the IPU General Assembly, for an international convention to criminalise religious, sectarian, and racial hate speech, promoting a culture of peace and fraternity among nations. Al Musallam stressed the importance of integrating these values into educational, religious, cultural, and sports activities.

The Speaker affirmed that Bahrain’s commitment to the values of peace is deeply rooted in its National Action Charter, Constitution, and national laws. Both the legislative and executive branches continue to support Bahrain’s strategic choice of peace.

He pointed out the UN General Assembly declaration on this occasion emphasized that peace was not as the absence of conflict but as a participatory process requiring dialogue and cooperation, centred on respect for human right
s, non-violence, and justice.

Manama, Bahrain International Airport (BIA), operated by Bahrain Airport Company, commemorated Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day with special festivities, in collaboration with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and Bahrain Airport Services (BAS).

Passengers arriving on Gulf Air and Saudi Airlines flights were welcomed with warm hospitality and received commemorative gifts to mark the occasion.

The event underscored BIA’s commitment to promoting cultural exchange and strengthening regional ties, reflecting the strong and deep-rooted relationship between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health on Saturday updated the fatalities’ toll of the Israeli occupation air strike on the southern suburbs of Beirut saying the Friday raid killed 37 people and wounded 68 others.

The ministry’s emergency center said in a statement that 37 people perished in the air strike that hit and brought to the ground a 10-story building in Al-Qaem district in the suburban area. It said a number of children and women were among the dead and that the search operation at the scene was ongoing until this very moment.

The center reported that four people were critically wounded in today’s Israeli attacks on regions and towns in southern Lebanon.

The official National News Agency said an Israeli air strike on Al-Zahrani, south of the port city of Sidon, set off fires in groves. It also reported a series of air raids targeting regions elsewhere in the south amid intensive flights by the occupation piltoless aircraft and warplanes.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

Jordan underlined Saturday that the “international silence encourages Israel to commit more crimes and increase the suffering of the Palestinians.” The spokesman for the ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates’ Ambassador Sufian Al-Qudah, said in a statement that his country strongly condemned Israel’s systematic and ongoing targeting of civilians and shelters of displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip after a school south of Gaza City was struck today, leaving more than 21 people dead and injuring dozens.

Al-Qudah reiterated the Kingdom’s condemnation and absolute rejection of Israel’s continued violations of international law and international humanitarian law, and the 1949 Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilians in Time of War.

The spokesman stressed the need to protect civilians and vital facilities that provide basic services to the Palestinians, humanitarian facilities and shelters, which must be protected under international law.

The spokesman also renewed his call for the internationa
l community, particularly the Security Council, to take prompt and decisive action to stop Israeli war crimes and provide protection to Palestinian civilians.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

A ship loaded with 2,500 tons of Kuwaiti and Turkish humanitarian aid for affected Sudanese people has set sail from Turkish Mersin Port, the Kuwait Society For Relief (KSR) said on Saturday.

Speaking to KUNA in a statement, Director General of KSR Abdulaziz al-Obaid said the ship set sailed late Friday comes within the framework of Kuwait’s government support to the brotherly Sudanese people affected by the current conflict which has been engulfing the country for more than 18 months. The shipment includes 150 containers of varied relief food, sheltering stuff and others, he added, referring to 2,000 tons of Kuwait’s contribution in this ship. Meanwhile, KSR deputy director general Omar al-Thuwaini said the freight of the ship, which will reach Port Sudan within a week, would be unloaded by the KSR and delivered to Sudan Humanitarian Aid Commission.

Kuwait’s humanitarian act proves that the country’s charitable and official institutions have a leading position in terms of humanitarian act, he said.

He ref
erred to the upcoming 10th anniversary of naming Kuwait as a Humanitarian Center and the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah as a Humanitarian Leader.

Al-Thuwaini affirmed good sentiments towards Sudanese people, saying this requires contributing to providing support for those displaced and affected by disasters and crises.

Meanwhile, Sudanese Ambassador to Kuwait Awadal-Karim Al-Rayah Balla commended Kuwaiti positive role and unconditional backing to humanitarian situations in Sudan, thanking Kuwait, its government, institutions and people for this support.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

At least 20 Palestinians were martyred and over 54 others injured in a renewed airstrike by Israeli occupation aircraft on their houses in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, according to health authorities.

“Over the last 24 hours, the occupying army has committed two massacres, resulting in the martyrdom of 20 Palestinians and injury of 54 others. Others are still trapped under the rubble,” the health authorities said in a press statement.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Civil Defense said its teams had transferred 16 martyrs since early Saturday following renewed air raids on different areas in Khan Yunis in south Gaza and Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.

Israeli occupation forces have continued their aggression on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, killing more than 41,000 Palestinians, mostly children and women, and injuring over 95,000 others.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

A Syrian man was killed as a result of an Israeli occupation raid which targeted a motorcycle in south Lebanon on Saturday, according to Lebanese health authorities.

The motorcycle came under attack when it was running on the road of Hamoul near Naqoura town in south Lebanon, the Lebanese Public Health Emergency Operations Center said in a statement.

Since last October, Lebanon has been witnessing continuous military confrontations on a daily basis between Israeli occupation forces and Lebanese “resistance groups” in the southern regions and on the borders with occupied Palestinian territories.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

The United Nations (UN) has issued a stark warning about the potential escalation of violence in Lebanon and Syria, following a series of explosions involving electronic pagers in both countries, which now pose a serious threat to the region’s stability.

In a UN Security Council meeting held late Friday at the request of Algeria, the sole Arab member of the council, key updates were provided by Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk.

DiCarlo emphasized that the threats to peace and security extend beyond Lebanon, stating that the danger to security and stability was not limited to Lebanon, but also the region as a whole.

She highlighted the increasing violence between Lebanese resistance forces and Israeli occupation forces, noting an uptick in exchange of fire.

She also pointed to the recent coordinated explosions of pager devices used primarily by members of the Lebanese resistance across the country, with s
imilar incidents reported in Syria.

DiCarlo confirmed that the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Joanna Wronecka, remains in constant communication with all parties involved, pushing for a diplomatic resolution and warning against further escalation.

She also mentioned the ongoing devastating war in Gaza, reiterating UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ urgent call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Volker Turk expressed grave concern over the civilian toll of the attacks on September 17 and 18 in Lebanon, which involved the detonation of pagers and other devices.

He stated that these attacks unleashed widespread fear, panic, and terror among an already suffering population, and called for an independent and transparent investigation into the explosions and accountability for those responsible.

Turk stressed that targeting civilians or armed group members without clear knowledge of the devices’ ownership at the time of the expl
osions violates international human rights and humanitarian law.

Both DiCarlo and Turk emphasized that the violence in Lebanon was closely linked to the broader regional conflict, including the ongoing war in Gaza, rising tensions in the West Bank, and the continued Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

Source: Kuwait News Agency