Latest news with #Al-Anzi
Arab News
18-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Tabuk entrepreneurs, freelancers receive $61.2m from Social Development Bank in 2024
JEDDAH: Entrepreneurs and freelancers in Tabuk received over SR230 million ($61.2 million) in funding from the Social Development Bank in 2024, boosting established businesses and independent work in the region. The government-owned financial institution announced that in 2024 it provided over SR75 million in financing to more than 200 businesses in the northwestern region and helped 4,000 freelancers with funding, totaling over SR155 million, according to the Saudi Press Agency. SDB's Regional Director Hamed Al-Anzi highlighted that this support is part of the bank's efforts to enhance entrepreneurship and help individuals achieve financial independence through their own businesses. The support aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives, which includes raising the contribution of small and medium enterprises to 35 percent of the gross domestic product by the end of the decade. Speaking during a discussion panel at the 'Diwaniya of the Chamber' event organized by the Tabuk Chamber of Commerce, Al-Anzi emphasized that SDB is working to offer a range of financial products targeting youth of both genders who wish to launch their own businesses, as well as specialized programs to support SMEs, which, he said, play a vital role in the development of the national economy. He also emphasized that SDB and the National Entrepreneurship Institute, known as Riyadah, are partnering to empower young entrepreneurs to launch their businesses, creating job opportunities for the local community. The regional director further encouraged aspiring business owners to make use of the digital platforms provided by supporting entities, which offer easy access to financing, training programs, and specialized consultations. The session, attended by several regional businesspeople, concluded with a discussion on the challenges of freelancing and the requirements for starting new companies, highlighting the positive impact these initiatives have on Tabuk's growing economy. Supporting freelancers is crucial for the nation's economy. In 2023, independent workers contributed SR72.5 billion to the GDP, representing 2 percent of the country's total economic output. As freelancing continues to grow, with over 2.25 million individuals registered on freelance platforms as of September, it plays an increasingly vital role in diversifying income sources and strengthening the national economy.
Leaders
06-03-2025
- General
- Leaders
Northern Borders Region Encourages First-time Fasters Through Henna Painting
Saudi Arabia's Northern Borders region celebrates Ramadan with various traditions including henna painting for young girls fasting for the first time. This outstanding tradition represents one of the most attractive activities in the Northern Borders, according to Arab News. During Ramadan, families gather to paint henna on their daughters' hands, encouraging them to fast while making it fun and memorable. Northern Borders Region Encourages First-time Fasters Through Henna Painting Decorating the girls' hands with henna strengthens Ramadan's spirit in children with capturing festive designs boosting the little girls' enthusiasm and pride. 'For years, we have made it a tradition to apply henna on our daughters' hands when they begin fasting,' Wejdan Al-Anzi, a resident of Arar. Al-Anzi also described the tradition as 'a delightful custom,' that provides children with an opportunity to feel connected to the Ramadan spirit shared by the adults around them. Northern Borders Region Encourages First-time Fasters Through Henna Painting In this regard, Afaf Al-Thuwaini noted that this tradition extends beyond mere aesthetics. She explained that it builds a strong connection between fasting and an atmosphere of joy and celebration. Therefore, it helps children feel these essential religious and social values. Although these traditions seem to be simple, they are meaningful especially when it comes to their pivotal role in shaping children's religious and social identity. Northern Borders Region Encourages First-time Fasters Through Henna Painting Related Topics: Northern Borders Revive Bonfire Tradition during Ramadan Nights Farasan Islanders Highlight Unique Traditions during Ramadan Ramadan 2025: Tips to Keep Your Body Hydrated Short link : Post Views: 103 Related Stories
Arab News
11-02-2025
- General
- Arab News
Kingdom's 75-year green plan ‘a battle for cleaner air, healthier soil'
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's 75-year afforestation program is a battle for cleaner air and healthier soil, according to the general manager of the National Greening Program. Ahmed Al-Anzi made the statement on Tuesday during a presentation titled 'Shaping a Sustainable Future for Saudi Landscapes' at the World Environment Social and Governance Summit in Riyadh. The National Center for Vegetation Cover official spoke about the road map to combat land degradation, boost biodiversity and improve air quality by 2100. 'Trees grow slowly, ecosystems rebuild incrementally. Our vision extends to 2100 to ensure real impact,' Al-Anzi said. The phased plan allowed for adaptive responses to climate shifts, with milestones aligned with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 sustainability goals, he said. Respiratory diseases caused by pollution and sand particles are a significant cause of death in Saudi Arabia. Al-Anzi said the program represented a battle for cleaner air and healthier soil. 'Our satellite-based NDVI mapping reveals both vegetation decline and recovery pathways,' he said, referring to the surveying method that assesses the density of vegetation. He highlighted efforts to target zones ravaged by overgrazing and urban sprawl and said that NGP strategies included enforcing protections for the remaining green corridors. The program's goal was 'to plant 10 million native trees annually by 2030, prioritizing drought-resistant species,' he said. Deploying AI systems to optimize renewable water use, including treated wastewater, was crucial, and the NGP aimed to train 20,000 citizens in land stewardship through community partnerships, he said. Al-Anzi also highlighted the program's efforts to create new forests. Tree planting initiatives, including mangroves, had achieved 'impressive results with over 128 million trees planted to date' and in terms of land rehabilitation, 'we have prioritized soil conservation and afforestation, successfully rehabilitating over 288,000 hectares of land,' he said. The program's land protection efforts have also focused on measures such as establishing national parks. 'To date, the program has protected more than 4.4 million hectares of land through these efforts,' Al-Anzi said.
Arab Times
28-01-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Al-Anzi returns to Al-Sulaibikhat
KUWAIT CITY, Jan 28: Al-Sulaibikhat Club has officially signed Jarrah Al-Anzi during the winter transfer period. Al-Anzi, who has a history with Al-Sulaibikhat from previous seasons, has also played for several other local clubs, bringing valuable experience to the team. Al-Sulaibikhat aims to maintain its strong performance in the handball league, where the team currently holds sixth place with six points. The club is determined to secure one of the coveted qualification spots for the Premier League, which is reserved for the top six teams after the preliminary league stage. The league has been on pause since December to accommodate Kuwait's national handball participation in the World Cup currently taking place across Croatia, Denmark, and Norway. Al-Sulaibikhat's latest addition of Al-Anzi is expected to bolster its lineup as it pushes to achieve its goals in the league.
