Day: April 6, 2024

Riyadh, The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Programme (Reef Saudi) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s coffee sector. Since its inception in 2020, the programme has allocated a total of SAR61 million in support, reaching 3,718 beneficiaries.

Reef Saudi reported a significant increase in coffee production. From 2020 to 2023, production volume has grown by 37%, reaching 1,485 tons, compared to 800 tons in 2020, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said.

The programme’s ambitious goal is to achieve 7,000 tons of coffee production annually by 2026.

The programme emphasises the growing importance of the coffee industry within the Kingdom’s economy. Reef Saudi aims to integrate coffee production into the overall agricultural landscape, transforming it into a cash crop that diversifies the agricultural base. It also seeks to create additional economic value through manufacturing, marketing, and increased self-sufficiency in coffee production, ultimately reducing reliance on imports.

Reef Sau
di recognises the potential for job creation within the coffee sector, particularly for young Saudis. The programme strives to increase producer income and improve overall livelihoods in rural areas.

To achieve its goals, Reef Saudi has established a multi-pronged strategy. This strategy includes facilitating access to financial resources, implementing best agricultural practices through nurseries and model farms, and introducing automated harvesting techniques to minimise waste. Cooperative societies and coffee marketing centers are also being established to enhance the sustainability of Saudi coffee cultivation.

Additionally, the programme supports rainwater harvesting projects and irrigation infrastructure development. Direct financial support for small producers is offered alongside capacity-building initiatives for technical personnel within relevant institutions.

Reef Saudi is actively pursuing a range of strategic projects and initiatives. These projects encompass establishing and equipping coffee p
rocessing and manufacturing facilities in Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan. Additionally, the programme plans to equip model farms in strategic locations within the Jazan region and establish model coffee nurseries in Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha.

The Reef Saudi programme operates within a broader context of empowering small agricultural producers. The programme aims to improve access to resources, markets, and essential agricultural services. Ultimately, it seeks to contribute to food security, rural social stability, environmental sustainability, and the responsible management of natural resources.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Kuwait, His Highness the Prime Minister of Kuwait, Dr. Shaikh Mohammad Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah, today submitted the government’s resignation to His Highness the Amir Shaikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah according to Article 57 of the constitution.

The move followed today’s Cabinet extraordinary meeting held at Bayan Palace and presided over by Dr. Shaikh Mohammad Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported.

The cabinet was briefed by the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Acting Minister of Interior, Shaikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah, on the electoral process and the announcement of the election’s final results.

On the other hand, the cabinet approved a bill calling upon the National Assembly to hold the first regular session of the 18th legislative term on April 17 (Wednesday).

According to Article 57 of Kuwait’s Constitution, the cabinet shall submit its resignation to HH the Amir following the elections.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, The comprehensive maintenance work at the Al-Wasti Mosque in Saar, Al-Shaikh Safwan Mosque in Jid Ali, Imam Al-Kadhem Mosque in Al-Guraifa, and Shaikh Hussain Mosque in Maameer has been completed, the Jaffari Endowments Directorate has announced.

The four mosques were renovated following the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to open, restore, and develop 32 mosques under the Sunni and Jaffari Endowments, located across the Kingdom’s governorates, as part of a development plan for mosques.

On the occasion, Yousif bin Saleh Al Saleh, Jafari Endowments Council Chairman, extended deepest thanks and appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the constant care enjoyed by the houses of worship during HM the King’s prosperous era.

He also commended the efforts exerted by those in charge of following up on the implementatio
n of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister’s directives, in coordination with the Jaafari Endowments Council, to complete the maintenance work of the mosques.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Jeddah, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today arrived in Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

During the visit, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa will meet with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The visit reaffirms the depth of the historical partnership between the two Kingdoms and the mutual commitment to further bilateral relations.

Upon arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport, His Royal Highness was received by the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HE Shaikh Ali bin Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Khalifa.

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister was accompanied by the Minister of Finance and National Economy, HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and a number of senior officials.

Source: Bahrain News Agen
cy

Casablanca – His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, may God assist Him, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, HRH Prince Moulay Rachid, and HH Prince Moulay Ismail, chaired, on Saturday at the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, a religious vigil commemorating the blessed Laylat al-Qadr.

After the Isha and Taraweeh prayers, verses from the Holy Quran were recited by the child Othmane Mchachti (11 years old, from the city of Fez), winner of the Mohammed VI National Prize for memorization, recitation, and chanting of the Holy Quran. His Majesty the King was then greeted by the young reciter, to whom the Sovereign presented the Prize.

This distinction reflects the great care with which His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, has constantly surrounded the reciters of the Holy Quran and the Sovereign’s constant desire to promote the memorization and learning of the Holy Book among young generations.

Subsequently, Mohamed Bashar Arafat, Imam, lecturer, and president of
the Civilizations Exchange and Cooperation Foundation (United States of America), delivered a speech before the Sovereign on behalf of the scholars who participated in the Religious Dialogues of the sacred month of Ramadan 1445 AH, expressing his sincere thanks and deep gratitude to His Majesty the King, Commander of the Faithful, for the reception and hospitality they received throughout their stay in the Kingdom.

Bashar Arafat emphasized that these Religious lectures are an ideal opportunity for the community of scholars from around the world to discuss various scientific and jurisprudential issues, adding that it is also an opportunity for the present scholars to consult on responses to the new challenges facing societies in a context marked by accelerated changes on local and international levels.

This religious vigil was marked by the conclusion of Sahih al-Bukhari, done by Hassan Farid, member of the local Council of Ulema of Berrechid, after the reading of Hadith Al Khatm, by Abdelhafid Talbi, member
of the local Council of Ulema of Ain Chock.

The Sovereign then presented the Mohammed VI Ahl al-Qur’an and Ahl al-Hadith Prizes respectively to Omar Mohcine, from the city of Casablanca, and Zineb Abou Ali, from the city of Rabat.

His Majesty the King, Commander of the Faithful, also awarded the Mohammed VI Prize for Adhan and Tahlil, in its two categories, to Said Abou Alaich from the city of Guercif (Excellence Prize) and El Hassan Akhiar from the city of Tetouan (Honorary Prize).

The Sovereign then awarded the Mohammed VI Prize for Quranic schools in its three categories to Abdellah El Hayane from Casablanca (Methodology of Learning Prize), Abdelkader Hammouch from Sidi Bennour (Performance Prize), and Nasser Ait Bouncer from Taroudante (Management Prize).

On this occasion, the attendees offered prayers imploring the Almighty to preserve His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, to crown His initiatives with success, to guide His steps, to fulfill the aspirations that the Sovereign harbo
rs for the progress of His faithful people, and to bless Him, HRH Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, HRH Prince Moulay Rachid, and all members of the illustrious Royal Family.

The faithful also offered prayers for the souls of the Father of the Nation, the late HM King Mohammed V, and the late HM King Hassan II, may God have them in His mercy.

This vigil took place in the presence of the Head of Government, the Presidents of the two Houses of Parliament, His Majesty the King’s Advisors, members of the government, representatives of the diplomatic corps of Islamic countries accredited to Morocco, senior officers of the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces, scholars who participated in the Religious Dialogues of the sacred month of Ramadan, presidents of local Councils of Scholars, elected officials, as well as other civilian and military personalities.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

Rabat – His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, may God assist Him, will chair a religious vigil on Saturday evening at the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, commemorating the blessed Laylat al-Qadr, announces the Ministry of the Royal Household, Protocol, and Chancellery in a statement.

“The Ministry of the Royal Household, Protocol, and Chancellery announces that His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, may God assist Him, will chair a religious vigil this Saturday evening, Ramadan 26, 1445 of the Hijri calendar, corresponding to April 6, 2024, in commemoration of the blessed Laylat al-Qadr, at the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.

The religious vigil will be broadcast live on radio and television at the time of the Al-Isha prayer.”

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse