Arab ministers to meet in Jeddah

CAIRO — Saudi Arabia is to host a meeting of foreign ministers from several Arab states to discuss the Syrian conflict and the rise of Islamic State, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry announced Saturday. It said Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia were to take part in Sunday’s talks to be held in Jeddah. Saudi Foreign Ministry spokesman Osama Nugali said a “meeting between some Arab states will be held tomorrow (Sunday) to discuss some Arab issues,” without elaborating.

Saudis injured in Sinai accident identified

CAIRO — Two Saudi nationals were among the injured in a fatal accident in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh on Friday. The injured Saudis were identified as Khadija Abdulrahman, 27, and Sadeem Hassan Salim, 2, according to Dr. Muhammad Lashin of Egyptian Health Ministry. Khadija left the hospital several hours later and Sadeem is in stable condition and is expected to be discharged soon, he said. Thirty-three people were killed and 41 others injured in a head-on collision between two buses carrying tourists near in southern Sinai.

Body of newborn found in a farm

JAZAN — Police found Friday the corpse of newborn baby inside a hole at a farm, said spokesman Maj. Gen. Abdulrahman Al-Zahrani. Some parts of the body were eaten off by dogs. A citizen who was walking near the farm saw the body and reported it to the police. The forensic doctor said there were deep wounds all over the body. Police have opened an investigation to find out the circumstances that led to the baby’s death.

350 children join obesity campaign

JEDDAH — The last phase of the “Obesity Threatens Our Children” educational campaign organized by King Abdulaziz University began on Friday. The campaign educates children on the seriousness of obesity and the consequent complications due to the disorder. Campaign supervisor Dr. Bara’ah Tatwani said this week is the last phase of the campaign, which was organized in various shopping malls to raise awareness among children on obesity. “The campaign also aims to caution against the spread of obesity, prevention methods and proper diet and health habits,” she said while adding that 350 children have joined the campaign by either visiting a hospital or specialized obesity center for an evaluation.

Vacation for school staff on rotation

RIYADH — The Ministry of Education has announced that the mid-year break for staff in schools and at the ministry will be on rotation basis and that 50 percent of the staff should be at work during vacations. However, staff in supervisory positions will be allowed leave during the mid-year and mid-term schools breaks, and staff at the ministry and schools’ development departments will be given a summer vacation of at least 36 days. The ministry further explained that on-duty staff will be allowed regular or emergency leave and these decisions will be effective at the beginning of this school year.

Campsites handed over to Haj firms

MAKKAH — The Ministry of Haj has begun delivering Mina camp sites to Haj companies that have met all of the ministry’s requirements. The head of local pilgrims, Fayez Al-Barakati, said the delivery of camps began on Thursday. He said the early delivery of the camps will allow local Haj companies to complete preparations in due time. He pointed out that the ministry has also allocated free tents for support services such as medical clinics and Haj company offices.

 
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