Latest news with #Al-Bitar
Leaders
6 hours ago
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Supports Palestine with $30mn Package
Saudi Arabia on Thursday delivered a $30 million installment to Palestine, as part of the Kingdom's ongoing financial support to the State of Palestine for the year 2025, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The Palestinian Minister of Finance, Omar Al-Bitar, received the installment at the Saudi Embassy in Amman, during a meeting with the Acting Chargé d'Affaires at the Saudi Embassy in Jordan, Mohammed bin Hassan Mounis. On this occasion, Al-Bitar hailed Saudi Arabia's continued financial and political support for Palestine, stressing its pivotal role in mitigating the financial crisis facing Palestine as a result of the recent Israeli policies. Furthermore, the Palestinian Minister expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabia for its steadfast historic position on Palestine, and its support for Palestine's legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent Palestine state. Al-Bitar also conveyed the greetings of the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, and Prime Minister, Muhammad Mustafa, to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman, for their continued political, economic and humanitarian support. On his part, Mounis said that this installment underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to supporting the Palestinian government and enabling it to meet its financial obligations. He also highlighted the significance of this financial support in strengthening the resilience of the Palestinian people and alleviating their suffering in the face of economic and humanitarian challenges. Moreover, Mounis noted that Saudi Arabia's aid to Palestine has amounted to $5.3 billion over the past years, including humanitarian, relief and development aid. This support stresses the Kingdom's steadfast commitment to upholding the rights of the Palestinian people. Short link : Post Views: 8
Saudi Gazette
11 hours ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia delivers $30 million in financial support to Palestine
Saudi Gazette report AMMAN — Palestinian Minister of Finance Omar Al-Bitar received a financial installment from Saudi Arabia amounting to $30 million in a ceremony held in Amman on Thursday. Acting Chargé d'Affaires at the Saudi embassy in Jordan Mohammed Mounis delivered the amount to Al-Bitar during their meeting at the Saudi embassy. This is part of the Kingdom's continued support for the State of Palestine for the year 2025. Speaking on the occasion, Al-Bitar praised Saudi Arabia's ongoing financial and political support, highlighting the significance of this contribution in alleviating the severe financial crisis faced by Palestine amid recent Israeli policies. He also expressed deep appreciation of the Kingdom's longstanding and unwavering stance in support of Palestine and its people, as well as its support for their legitimate rights and the establishment of their independent state. Al-Bitar conveyed the greetings of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for their enduring political, economic, and humanitarian support. On his part, Mounis noted that this installment reflects the Kingdom's commitment to supporting the Palestinian government and enabling it to meet its financial obligations, highlighting the importance of this aid in enhancing the resilience of the Palestinian people and alleviating their economic and humanitarian hardships. He also noted that Saudi Arabia has provided some $5.3 billion in recent years in humanitarian, relief, and development aid as part of its broader support for the State of Palestine, reaffirming the Kingdom's steadfast commitment to upholding the rights of the Palestinian people.
Jordan News
12 hours ago
- Business
- Jordan News
Saudi Arabia Provides $30 Million Financial Aid to Palestine - Jordan News
On Thursday, Palestinian Finance Minister Omar Al-Bitar received a financial aid package from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia amounting to $30 million, during a meeting held in the Saudi Embassy in Amman. The aid is part of Saudi Arabia's ongoing support to the State of Palestine for the year 2025. اضافة اعلان The handover took place at the Saudi Embassy in Amman, during a meeting between Minister Al-Bitar and Mohammed bin Hassan Moanes, the Acting Chargé d'Affaires at the Saudi Embassy in Jordan. Minister Al-Bitar praised the Kingdom's continuous financial and political support, emphasizing the importance of this contribution in alleviating the severe financial crisis faced by Palestine amid recent Israeli policies. He expressed deep appreciation for the Kingdom's historic and steadfast stance in support of the Palestinian people. He also conveyed the greetings of President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, thanking them for their consistent political, economic, and humanitarian support. For his part, Moanes explained that this financial aid reflects the Kingdom's commitment to supporting the Palestinian government and enabling it to meet its financial obligations. He highlighted the significance of this support in strengthening the resilience of the Palestinian people and easing their economic and humanitarian hardships. He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to supporting the rights of the Palestinian people, noting that the Kingdom has provided approximately $5.3 billion in recent years. This aid has included humanitarian, relief, and development assistance in support of the State of Palestine. It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia provides financial assistance to Palestine targeting critical sectors—particularly health and education—including coverage of hospital expenses, procurement of medicines and medical equipment, and payment of salaries for medical staff, teachers, and administrative employees in the Ministry of Education, in addition to operational expenses for schools.
Arab News
01-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Madinah Retreats: Culture, spirituality to power up the soul
In the sacred embrace of Madinah, one of Islam's holiest sites, a new culture-oriented wellness experience is offering a journey that integrates spirituality, culture, and heritage. The inspiration behind Madinah Retreats stems from founder Moatassem Al-Bitar's experience in the wellness and spiritual tourism industry in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Recognizing key gaps in traditional retreat models and leveraging Saudi Arabia's tourism vision, he envisioned a paradigm shift that blends modern wellness practices, cultural expeditions, and spiritual experiences into a single journey. With a background as a corporate culture change and people engagement manager, Al-Bitar has curated over 50 retreats across Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the US, serving more than 400 participants. His academic training spans diverse fields, including organizational behavior, Islamic spirituality, and intercultural studies. Officially launched in 2024 after five years in the making, the initiative held its second retreat, under the theme 'The Arrival,' earlier this year in Madinah. • Madinah Retreats stems from founder Moatassem Al-Bitar's experience in the wellness and spiritual tourism industry in Saudi Arabia and beyond. • It blends modern wellness practices, cultural expeditions, and spiritual experiences into a single journey. Al-Bitar told Arab News: 'Every retreat we design starts with clear intentions and objectives, supplemented by a story and a theme that aligns with a particular destination.' The retreats feature a collective of facilitators who work together toward a unified intention, ensuring a balanced and immersive experience. 'One of our main goals is to promote different destinations in Saudi Arabia that are perfectly ideal for wellness-centric experiences, in addition to its unmatched culturally enriching character,' Al-Bitar said. 'We seek to partner with pertinent governmental initiatives and entities that fulfill the Kingdom's Vision 2030 for wellness tourism and exceptional experiences.' Al-Bitar explained that each retreat is meticulously structured around three core pillars: spirituality (meditative practices and inner reflection); culture (heritage site visits, traditional storytelling, and local experiences); and wellness (movement–based practices, mindfulness exercises, and healing foods). By integrating these elements into daily programs, Madinah Retreats offers a journey tailored to the needs of participants and is a 'philosophy of being rooted, real, and rich.' The retreats target individuals and groups seeking genuine transformation in their well-being, spiritual connection, and cultural enrichment. They provide a safe and accepting space where participants are respected on their unique paths to healing. Madinah, which is the spiritual capital of Islam, is popularly known as the Illuminated City. It offers an atmosphere of peace and rejuvenation, and its diverse topography and climate make it ideal for nature-based healing. 'Madinah is widely recognized as a destination where the heart feels at peace, the body feels rejuvenated, the mind feels clarity and the soul feels enriched,' said Al-Bitar. 'The city's rapid development and recognition as a top global tourism destination further enhance its appeal.' The Madinah Retreats experience is usually hosted in a traditional farm resort surrounded by nature. Participants visit cultural and historic sites, explore the city's vibrant social scene, and experience local cuisine, contemporary art, and community traditions. 'During the retreat we offer meditation, breathwork, self-reflection, yoga, tai chi, and other somatic therapies, creative expression as a healing tool, as well as locally sourced, nourishing meals,' Al-Bitar added. The somatic practices guided by expert facilitators enhance body awareness and overall well-being. Al-Bitar said: 'Connecting with nature and animals has proven therapeutic benefits. Madinah Retreats incorporates nature-based and equine therapy to help participants reconnect with their original disposition, providing an irreplaceable form of healing.' Cultural storytelling is also an essential component, allowing participants to explore the hidden wisdom of each landmark and understand local traditions and historic practices. No prior experience in meditation or wellness practices is required, making the retreats accessible to all. Honoring his Egyptian roots, Al-Bitar is expanding the retreats to Siwa, Egypt. Siwa Oasis, nestled within a breathtaking desert landscape, is characterized by vast dunes, striking limestone outcrops, and distinctive geomorphological features that enhance its appeal as a tourist destination. 'The expansion to Siwa, Egypt, was inspired by the oasis' 160-year-old tradition of reconciliation — Eid El-Solh, a celebration of harmony,' Al-Bitar said. 'Siwa's natural healing elements, such as salt lakes, hot springs, and lush landscapes, mirror many of Madinah's restorative qualities.' Al-Bitar said that Madinah Retreats will also explore the Kingdom's hidden gems by hosting retreats in Abha, Aseer, Al-Ahsa, and other locations rich in healing nature and cultural heritage. Retreat prices range from SR5,000 ($1,333) to SR10,000, depending on the location, program, facilitators, transportation, and accommodation. Madinah Retreats follows a collaborative model, partnering with local service providers, facilitators, and experts to provide an experience that remains true to the cultural essence of each destination. Al-Bitar said: 'Our content caters to people from different backgrounds, both English and Arabic speakers. Our agenda is characterized by being spacious and offers ample time for self-guided practices. Our way of delivery is strictly non-intrusive.' Participants leave Madinah Retreats feeling 'transformed, enriched, and connected to their most authentic selves.' Al-Bitar said that the experience embodied the profound wisdom: 'You presume you are a small entity, but within you is enfolded the entire universe.' Madinah Retreats also provides a customized retreat model that caters to corporations and teams, as well as add-on visits such as expeditions in AlUla.
