ECHR Condemns Cyprus for Refugee Repatriation; Saudi Arabia Advances in Sustainability and Culture
European Court of Human Rights condemns Cyprus for unlawful return of Syrian refugees, while Saudi Arabia advances towards sustainability with a $187 million concrete factory for THE LINE megacity.
The European Court of Human Rights recently condemned Cyprus for unlawfully returning two Syrian refugees to Lebanon without examining their asylum claims, highlighting a significant breach of the European Convention on Human Rights. In response, Cyprus has been ordered to pay damages to these refugees, who fled civil war-torn Idlib and had sought refuge in Cyprus in 2020.
In a related development, Saudi Arabia is making strides toward sustainability with the establishment of a $187 million concrete factory to support the ambitious THE LINE megacity. This initiative is not only set to boost construction efforts but also create over 500 jobs, with the facility producing sustainable concrete and enhancing economic growth.
Building on this momentum, Saudi Arabia’s cement industry has achieved record export figures, playing a crucial role in the country's Vision 2030 plan. By producing over 80 million tonnes annually, the sector is positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in cement production, driven by large-scale projects invigorating domestic demand.
Meanwhile, cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and China are strengthening, as the Saudi Film Nights debut in the world’s largest cinema market. This initiative aims to bridge cultural gaps by showcasing Saudi films and engaging audiences in Beijing, Shanghai, and Suzhou, thereby elevating the Kingdom's cinematic footprint on a global stage.
On the home front, Jeddah is taking steps to enhance the safety and aesthetics of commercial streets through new building regulations. These measures require adherence to updated building codes and aim to improve accessibility and appearance, thus setting a new standard for urban development in the city.
Lastly, Saudi Arabia continues its commitment to sustainability by investing SR700 million in green concrete factories through NEOM and Asas Al-Muhaileb. These factories will aid in the rapid construction of The Line, incorporating innovative technologies to reduce carbon emissions, and are expected to create a wealth of employment opportunities by 2025.