The event also highlighted the foundation’s plans to expand award categories in the coming years to better reflect the Kingdom’s evolving national priorities.

Speaking during the ceremony at the foundation’s headquarters, Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz emphasized the award’s role in supporting national development efforts.

He noted that the award continues to focus on sustainability across multiple sectors, ensuring long-term impact for the projects and initiatives it recognizes.

Prince Faisal said that the award will broaden its scope beginning next year, with new categories dedicated to tourism and culture.
He explained that these additions reflect the Kingdom’s growing emphasis on cultural development and economic diversification.

Established in memory of the late King Khalid, who ruled Saudi Arabia from 1975 to 1982, the award has honored national leaders for more than a decade.

Its mission focuses on driving meaningful progress by acknowledging individuals and institutions that address complex social, economic and environmental challenges.

In the Development Partners category, first place was awarded to the Moddakir application, which provides digital tools for teaching the Holy Qur’an.

Hakina for Social Business secured second place, while the Waqf Maqaad Initiative earned third for its contributions to community development and charitable work.

The Sustainability category recognized organizations that demonstrated strong environmental and social responsibility.
STC claimed first place, followed by the Saudi Arabian Mining Company in second place and Alinma Bank in third.

For the Nonprofit Excellence Award, the Eastern Province Orphan Care Charity earned top honors for its dedicated community service programs.

The Hafr Al-Batin Orphan Care Association received second place, while the Al-Ahsa Charity Association came in third for its operational impact and service delivery.

Saud Al-Shammari, secretary-general of the King Khalid Award, highlighted the award’s contribution to strengthening the Kingdom’s nonprofit ecosystem.

He explained that the foundation supports the sector through research, strategic partnerships and capacity-building initiatives designed to enhance institutional performance.

Al-Shammari noted that nonprofit organizations recognized by the award receive both financial support and nationwide visibility.

He added that the evaluation process examines key criteria such as governance, sustainability, capital growth, social impact and the organization’s ability to attract donors.

He emphasized that nonprofit entities may generate revenue, but all funds must be reinvested into programs that benefit local communities.

This approach ensures that organizations maintain a strong commitment to their social missions and long-term community impact.

The King Khalid Award serves as a strategic national platform that encourages innovation across the nonprofit and private sectors.

It aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting excellence, enhancing social development and supporting models that contribute to national progress.

Over the years, the award has played an essential role in raising standards within the Kingdom’s development and nonprofit sectors.

By recognizing outstanding institutions and initiatives, the foundation encourages continuous improvement and inspires wider participation in community-oriented work.

As the award expands into new sectors, its organizers aim to highlight emerging areas of national importance and support projects that contribute to the Kingdom’s broader transformation goals.

With new categories set to launch soon, the foundation is preparing to deepen its impact and further empower institutions working toward sustainable development.

In partnership with the Heritage Commission and the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, the program has provided an opportunity for 15 Saudi students to actively participate in the restoration of historic mosques across the country.

This initiative not only safeguards valuable heritage sites but also equips young Saudis with traditional craftsmanship skills that are vital to maintaining the nation’s cultural legacy.

The students are taking part in a six-month field training program designed to teach traditional mud-brick construction and woodworking techniques under the guidance of specialized Saudi engineers and restoration experts.

Their hands-on involvement ensures that heritage preservation becomes a living educational experience, connecting students directly with their country’s deep architectural traditions.

Another 15 students are set to join the program in the coming days, extending the training into early 2026, further enriching the pool of skilled artisans capable of contributing to heritage conservation.

The program is organized into two key training tracks. The first focuses on traditional construction methods, allowing students to learn the craft of mud-brick building—a technique used for centuries in Saudi architecture.

Through practical modules, trainees gain experience restoring historic mosques using authentic materials, ensuring that the renovations remain faithful to original designs.

Each project is carried out under expert supervision, guaranteeing both historical accuracy and structural integrity.

The second training track centers on the art of crafting traditional Najdi doors, an important element of Saudi architectural identity.

Students are trained in carpentry, carving, and wood production techniques that have been passed down through generations.

This component of the program aims to preserve and revive the craftsmanship that defines Najdi-style architecture, ensuring that this ancient art continues to flourish in modern times.

The Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques has already achieved impressive milestones. During its first phase, 30 mosques were restored across 10 regions, and in the second phase, another 30 mosques were completed in 13 additional regions.

Each restoration reflects the project’s dedication to preserving authenticity while incorporating modern sustainability practices. By reviving historic mosques, the initiative breathes new life into communities and creates spaces where history, faith, and culture coexist harmoniously.

The project’s overarching vision is to revive traditional architectural styles, raise public awareness of their cultural significance, and balance heritage preservation with contemporary building standards.

These efforts align closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes cultural sustainability, national identity, and the integration of heritage into modern life.

The initiative underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving its architectural authenticity while ensuring that restored mosques remain functional for worship and community gatherings.

Guided by four main objectives, the project aims to prepare historical mosques for worship, restore their original architectural character, highlight Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage, and enhance the Kingdom’s religious and cultural stature globally.

These goals reflect the Kingdom’s broader dedication to showcasing the beauty of its historical identity while promoting education, craftsmanship, and innovation among its citizens.

The involvement of Saudi students adds an inspiring educational dimension to the program. It transforms heritage conservation into an interactive learning process that connects young people to their history, fosters national pride, and encourages them to carry forward traditional building knowledge.

This hands-on experience also supports the Kingdom’s strategy of developing local talent capable of leading future restoration and sustainability projects.

Through initiatives like this, Saudi Arabia continues to demonstrate how heritage preservation can go hand in hand with youth empowerment, cultural innovation, and sustainable development.

The Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques stands as a model of how nations can protect their historical treasures while building skills and opportunities for future generations.

The event brought together global leaders, environmental experts, and organizations dedicated to protecting the planet’s natural heritage, providing an ideal platform for the Kingdom to showcase its remarkable progress under Saudi Vision 2030.

At its vibrant pavilion, the authority presented an inspiring overview of the Kingdom’s accomplishments in biodiversity conservation, vegetation restoration, and sustainable ecotourism.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the reserve authority highlighted efforts that have transformed vast areas of the Arabian landscape into thriving ecosystems that balance environmental protection with community and economic development.

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve, spanning over 91,500 square kilometers, stands as one of the largest protected areas in the Kingdom.

During the congress, the authority shared its impressive record of planting more than 775,000 seedlings, which has resulted in a 9 percent increase in vegetation cover.

These efforts have significantly contributed to combating desertification, restoring natural habitats, and improving overall ecological balance in the region.

One of the highlights of the pavilion was the successful reintroduction of endangered species, including the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, and red-necked ostrich.

These rewilding programs symbolize the Kingdom’s deep commitment to restoring native wildlife populations and preserving biodiversity for future generations.

Visitors learned how careful planning, habitat protection, and scientific monitoring have allowed these majestic animals to thrive once again in their natural environments.

The pavilion’s design itself reflected Saudi Arabia’s forward-thinking approach to conservation. It featured interactive displays of plant and soil models, along with cutting-edge field monitoring devices that demonstrate how technology is being used to track vegetation cover and ecosystem health.

The immersive setup allowed visitors to experience the unique environmental diversity of the reserve, showcasing the seamless integration of science, culture, and sustainability.

Beyond ecology, the authority’s participation emphasized the social and economic dimensions of conservation. The pavilion highlighted projects that empower local communities through ecotourism, environmental education, and sustainable livelihoods.

These initiatives not only create jobs and foster economic growth but also cultivate a stronger sense of environmental stewardship among residents.

Visitors were particularly impressed by the tourism-focused exhibits, which showcased how the reserve is becoming a model for eco-friendly travel. Through guided nature trails, wildlife observation areas, and cultural heritage programs, the reserve invites both domestic and international visitors to explore Saudi Arabia’s natural beauty responsibly.

This approach reflects the country’s broader goal of promoting tourism that supports conservation while celebrating the Kingdom’s environmental and cultural heritage.

Delegations and guests from around the world praised the Kingdom’s achievements, describing the Saudi pavilion as one of the most engaging and informative exhibits at the congress.

It highlighted how the Kingdom’s conservation policies align with global sustainability goals, demonstrating that economic growth and environmental preservation can go hand in hand.

The IUCN World Conservation Congress, which began on October 9 and concludes on Wednesday, serves as one of the most important global gatherings for environmental leadership and innovation. By actively participating in the event, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its position as a regional leader in environmental protection and biodiversity management.

In a statement, the authority emphasized that these achievements are part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to enhance natural resource sustainability, in line with Vision 2030’s Green Saudi and Green Middle East initiatives.

These national programs aim to increase green spaces, combat climate change, and safeguard biodiversity through large-scale environmental projects.

As the congress draws to a close, Saudi Arabia’s participation stands as a proud reflection of the Kingdom’s commitment to building a greener, more sustainable future.

Through innovation, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to conservation, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve has become a beacon of environmental progress — embodying the harmony between nature, people, and prosperity that defines the next era of Saudi environmental leadership.

Moualla was honored with the prestigious Fair Saturday Award during a ceremony at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, celebrating her transformative vision in promoting culture, sustainability, and social innovation through gastronomy.

ZADK Culinary Academy founder receives prestigious Fair Saturday Award for leadership, innovation, and community development.

The Fair Saturday Award, launched in 2017, is given to inspiring individuals and organizations whose initiatives create measurable social impact through art, culture, and education. It recognizes leaders who have established new models of action aimed at fostering inclusive, fair, and sustainable growth.

The 2025 ceremony also celebrated notable figures including Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz, journalist and author Martin Wolf, actress Adjoa Andoh, dancer and choreographer Ahmad Joudeh, pianist Joaquin Achucarro, and cultural association Gerediaga Elkartea.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Moualla expressed her excitement and gratitude. “ZADK is more than just a non-profit culinary academy,” she said. “Our goal is to preserve local culture, protect heritage, promote job creation, emphasize sustainability, and drive social transformation. I’m thrilled that our success has now been recognized on the international stage.”

Founded with a vision to harness the power of gastronomy for social good, ZADK Culinary Academy aims to create positive social change through excellence in culinary education and innovation. The academy provides aspiring Saudi chefs and restaurateurs with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to pursue successful careers while nurturing creativity and celebrating local culture and cuisine.

Moualla’s approach goes beyond traditional culinary training. ZADK provides scholarships for qualifying students and offers a variety of programs, including a two-year higher culinary diploma, a one-year associate diploma, a six-month professional certificate, and shorter courses tailored for specific skill development.

These programs equip students with practical experience and theoretical knowledge, ensuring they are ready to meet the demands of the workplace. Employers, in turn, benefit from a highly skilled workforce capable of contributing meaningfully to professional environments.

The academy places a strong emphasis on sustainability and cultural preservation. Students are trained to work with local ingredients, traditional recipes, and innovative cooking methods that honor regional culinary heritage while promoting environmentally conscious practices. ZADK’s curriculum also includes entrepreneurship training, helping graduates build businesses that contribute to local economies and create employment opportunities.

Over the years, ZADK has successfully transformed the lives of countless young Saudis, instilling confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of social responsibility.

By combining culinary excellence with community-focused education, Moualla has developed a replicable model for using vocational training to achieve social impact.

The Fair Saturday Award underscores the global relevance of ZADK’s mission. By linking culture, education, and entrepreneurship, the academy exemplifies how specialized skills can drive meaningful social transformation.

The award also highlights Moualla’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth, where education and training provide pathways for young people to thrive professionally and socially.

In addition to educational programs, ZADK actively engages with local communities to raise awareness about sustainability, nutrition, and cultural heritage.

The academy collaborates with restaurants, cultural institutions, and government organizations to provide internships, workshops, and public events that promote gastronomy as a tool for social good.

Moualla’s work has earned admiration both nationally and internationally for its innovative approach to social entrepreneurship. By combining professional excellence with community engagement, ZADK serves as a model for other educational institutions aiming to create social impact in meaningful and measurable ways.

Looking ahead, Moualla plans to expand ZADK’s programs to reach more regions in Saudi Arabia, providing opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.

She envisions a future where culinary arts serve as a bridge between tradition and modernity, empowering young professionals while preserving cultural identity and contributing to sustainable development.

The recognition at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao marks a significant milestone for Moualla and ZADK Culinary Academy. It affirms the importance of education, culture, and entrepreneurship in driving positive societal change and highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing role in fostering innovative social initiatives on the global stage.

Through her pioneering efforts, Rania Moualla has demonstrated that education, culture, and community engagement can be powerful tools for transforming lives, promoting sustainability, and building inclusive societies. Her achievements inspire future generations of Saudi entrepreneurs and social innovators to pursue impactful, purpose-driven careers.

These amendments aren’t some grand conspiracy against Muslims—they’re a practical fix for a creaky system.

Across India, the 2025 amendments to the Waqf Act have stirred up a whirlwind of debate. Critics argue they’re a sneaky attempt to chip away at Muslim religious rights, fueling fears of disenfranchisement in places like Haryana—where Waqf properties pepper both city streets and rural fields—and beyond.

Some loud voices with their own agendas have turned up the volume on these claims. But if you peel back the layers, a different picture emerges. These changes aren’t about attacking faith; they’re about practical steps to modernize how Waqf properties are run, cut down on corruption, and stay true to the Islamic values of charity and justice at the heart of the Waqf system.

Let’s separate the rumors from the reality and look at what’s really happening—a push for efficiency and fairness that could benefit communities far beyond India.

One persistent misunderstanding is that Waqf administration is some untouchable religious domain, off-limits to practical reforms. Back in 1964, India’s Supreme Court put that idea to rest in a case called Tialkayat Shri Govindlalji Maharaj vs. State of Rajasthan. The ruling? Managing properties—whether they’re temples or Waqf holdings—is a secular job, not a spiritual one. The 2025 amendments take this to heart, aiming to streamline operations without meddling in religious freedoms.

In Haryana alone, Waqf properties include mosques, graveyards, and commercial spaces, while across India, 8.72 lakh properties cover a massive 38 lakh acres. Last year, these assets brought in just Rs. 166 crore, but the WAMSI portal estimates they could generate Rs. 12,000 crore. The amendments want to bridge that gap, channeling the profits to the poor and marginalized—exactly what Waqf is supposed to do.

Then there’s the notion that Waqf Boards are sacred institutions straight out of the Quran and Hadith, immune to any tinkering. The Kerala High Court in 1993 (Syed Fazal Pookoya Thangal vs. Union of India) cleared this up, pointing out that Waqf Boards are legal creations under the 1954 Waqf Act, designed to manage properties, not oversee religious life.

In Haryana, where mismanagement has left many Waqf assets idle, these changes tackle the problem head-on—think digitized records and stricter accountability—to live up to Islam’s call to support those in need.

The idea of adding non-Muslims to Waqf Boards—up to three out of eleven members in states like Haryana, or four out of twenty-two at the national level—has sparked accusations of religious interference. But rewind to 1965: the Allahabad High Court (Hafiz Mohamed Zafar Ahmed vs. UP Central Sunni Waqf Board) ruled that even non-Muslims can serve as Mutawallis (caretakers), since management isn’t about faith—it’s about competence.

Picture Haryana’s urban Waqf shops or rural lands: bringing in non-Muslim experts in law or administration could root out corruption without touching religious principles. Look at history—non-Muslim-led efforts like the Sachar Committee and Rangnath Misra Commission have delivered real benefits for Muslim communities. This is about professionalism, not overreach.

Some worry that mosques, madrasas, or graveyards—like those in Haryana’s Mewat region—are at risk. That’s simply not true. The amendments apply moving forward and safeguard already registered properties. ‘Waqf by User’ sites—places recognized as Waqf through long-term use—are secure, backed by Islamic teachings in Sur-e-Baqra about honoring written commitments (think Nikahnama). The 2013 rule allowing “any person” to dedicate Waqf is gone, ensuring only Muslim owners can do so, which aligns with Islamic tradition. As for Waqf-Alal-Aulad (family Waqf), the changes stop its misuse—think back to Zamindari-era land grabs—while protecting rights for women, children, widows, and orphans, reflecting Islam’s focus on compassion.

The old system was a mess. In Haryana and across India, Mutawallis often dodged audits, leaving revenue at a trickle compared to what it could be. The amendments up the fines—not jail time—to enforce transparency, swap Survey Commissioners for District Collectors with revenue know-how, and put senior officers in charge of disputes for fairness. They also open the door wider: Section 14 includes Haryana’s backward Muslims, women, and smaller sects in Waqf Board governance, making it more representative.

Wild claims—like Karnataka’s supposed ASI land grab or Haryana’s property disputes—get reined in, aligning Waqf with constitutional property rights under Article 300-A. Dropping Section 108A’s override, which the Sachar Committee flagged as problematic, means Civil and High Courts can step in, tackling a backlog that’s ballooned from 10,000 cases in 2013 to 32,000 today. In Haryana, this could unlock assets for schools or clinics, turning Waqf into a lifeline for communities.

These amendments aren’t some grand conspiracy against Muslims—they’re a practical fix for a creaky system. They stick to secular management, preserve religious purpose, and empower through better efficiency. For Haryana’s Muslims, and others across India and potentially beyond, this could turn neglected plots into engines of progress. Holding onto myths keeps things stuck; facing the facts builds a future worth believing in. Let’s go with the latter.