海角直播

How Saudi women are turning sand into soil

How Saudi women are turning sand into soil

How Saudi women are turning sand into soil
Saudi Desert Control says its LNC technology rapidly transforms arid land into fertile soil within seven hours. (Supplied)
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In the vast deserts of the Kingdom, something remarkable is happening. Barren sand is being transformed into fertile soil, and at the heart of this transformation are 海角直播 women.

As a scientist working in sustainability, I expected to be part of an ambitious vision for environmental restoration. What I did not expect was that women would be leading this effort, applying cutting-edge science to revive the land.

海角直播 is at a defining moment in its sustainability journey. With Vision 2030鈥檚 Green Saudi Initiative, the Kingdom is making bold investments in reforestation, food security, and climate-resilient agriculture.

But what often goes unrecognized is that Saudi women are leading it.

Saudi women now make up 40 percent of science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, graduates, outpacing many Western countries. But they are not just entering labs. They are leading groundbreaking projects in land restoration, from researching water-saving solutions to applying innovative soil technology.

Their presence is growing in some of the Kingdom鈥檚 most critical sectors, including climate science, sustainable agriculture, and land restoration. In my own work, I see this firsthand.

Whether in research labs, universities, or the field, Saudi women are leading projects that turn deserts into fertile land, improve water conservation, and develop solutions for a greener future.

One of 海角直播鈥檚 biggest environmental challenges is desertification 鈥 the loss of arable land due to climate conditions and soil degradation. It requires scientific breakthroughs, innovation, and long-term commitment.

Across the country, Saudi women are rising to meet it.

Whether in research labs, universities, or the field, Saudi women are leading projects that turn deserts into fertile land, improve water conservation, and develop solutions for a greener future.

Orn Supaphol

At Saudi Desert Control, we use Liquid Natural Clay to turn desert sand into fertile soil by increasing its ability to retain water and nutrients. Women scientists and engineers are leading the application of this technology, ensuring that 海角直播 can produce food sustainably in one of the world鈥檚 most arid climates.

Across the Kingdom, female researchers and agricultural engineers are reducing water consumption, implementing regenerative farming techniques, and introducing climate-resilient crops.

Science thrives on diverse perspectives. In sustainability and agriculture 鈥 fields that directly impact communities 鈥 the inclusion of women leads to better decision-making, smarter solutions, and long-term resilience.

Many of the most forward-thinking, practical solutions I have encountered in 海角直播 come from female scientists and engineers. Their leadership is making 海角直播鈥檚 sustainability push more effective, inclusive, and future-proof.

海角直播鈥檚 transformation is often spoken of as something coming in the future. But working alongside incredible female colleagues, I can confidently say the future is already here.

Saudi women are not just part of this change 鈥 they are turning sand into soil and shaping a more sustainable world.

I for one celebrate the women leading STEM fields, restoring land, conserving resources, and ensuring that 海角直播鈥檚 next chapter is one of sustainability.

To the young women of 海角直播 pursuing science and sustainability 鈥 your work will define the future. And the future is now.

Orn Supaphol is chief technical officer at Saudi Desert Control.

 

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point of view

Djokovic, Sinner and Alcaraz part of strong field as Six Kings Slam returns to Riyadh

Djokovic, Sinner and Alcaraz part of strong field as Six Kings Slam returns to Riyadh
Updated 5 min 27 sec ago

Djokovic, Sinner and Alcaraz part of strong field as Six Kings Slam returns to Riyadh

Djokovic, Sinner and Alcaraz part of strong field as Six Kings Slam returns to Riyadh
  • Tournament is part of Riyadh Season and will take place from Oct. 15-18
  • Jannik Sinner will return to Riyadh to defend his Six Kings Slam title

RIYADH: Six Kings Slam is set to return this year as part of the opening week of Riyadh Season 2025 in October, with all six of the current Men鈥檚 PIF ATP-ranked players confirmed to compete.

Having recently secured his first Wimbledon title just last month, Jannik Sinner will return to Riyadh to defend his Six Kings Slam title when it gets underway, with the second edition of the tournament set to commence on Oct. 15 and the final being staged on Oct. 18.

ANB Arena will play host once again, where last October the World No. 1 came from a set down in a thrilling encounter to overcome five-time Grand Slam winner Carlos Alcaraz 6-7, 6-3, 6-3, and win the inaugural tournament.

The current top two players in the world, both confirmed to play in 海角直播鈥檚 capital again this year, have since won all three of this year鈥檚 Grand Slams between them so far, with Sinner taking the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles and Alcaraz claiming victory at Roland Garros.

Last October鈥檚 Six Kings Slam was also memorable for staging the match of the great sporting rivalry between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal before the Spaniard鈥檚 retirement, with Djokovic triumphing in their third-place match 6-2, 7-6.

The record 24-time men鈥檚 singles Grand Slam champion Djokovic, currently ranked No. 6 in the world, will return this year as he bids to claim his first Six Kings Slam trophy, while making their first appearances at the Riyadh showpiece this year will be three-time Grand Slam finalist Alexander Zverev, 2024 US Open finalist Taylor Fritz and Great Britain鈥檚 World No. 5 Jack Draper.

Full lineup based on PIF ATP Ranking order:
1. Jannik Sinner
2. Carlos Alcaraz
3. Alexander Zverev
4. Taylor Fritz
5. Jack Draper
6. Novak Djokovic


Syria signs $14bn in investment deals, including airport and subway projects

Syria signs $14bn in investment deals, including airport and subway projects
Updated 7 min 7 sec ago

Syria signs $14bn in investment deals, including airport and subway projects

Syria signs $14bn in investment deals, including airport and subway projects

CAIRO: Syria signed 12 investment deals worth $14 billion on Wednesday in a ceremony attended by interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, including infrastructure, transportation and real estate projects aimed at reviving the war-damaged economy.

The agreements included a $4 billion deal for building a new airport in Damascus signed with Qatar鈥檚 UCC holding, and a $2 billion deal to establish a subway in the Syrian capital with the UAE鈥檚 national investment corporation.

Other major developments include the $2 billion Damascus Towers project signed with Italy-based UBAKO.

In July, Syria signed $6.4 billion of investments with 海角直播 as it seeks to rebuild after a 14-year civil war.
 


Pakistan blames 鈥業ndian-sponsored terrorists鈥 for attack killing 3 paramilitary forces personnel

Pakistan blames 鈥業ndian-sponsored terrorists鈥 for attack killing 3 paramilitary forces personnel
Updated 7 min 21 sec ago

Pakistan blames 鈥業ndian-sponsored terrorists鈥 for attack killing 3 paramilitary forces personnel

Pakistan blames 鈥業ndian-sponsored terrorists鈥 for attack killing 3 paramilitary forces personnel
  • Militants kill 3 Frontier Constabulary personnel, driver of their vehicle in northwestern Karak city, reports state TV
  • Islamabad has seen rising attacks in KP province since November 2022 after its truce with Pakistani Taliban collapsed聽

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday blamed 鈥淚ndian-sponsored terrorists鈥 for an attack targeting the paramilitary Frontier Constabulary (FC) force in northwestern Pakistan that killed three personnel, state media said. 

According to the state-owned broadcaster Pakistan Television News, FC鈥檚 Lance Naik Mehmood Shah, sepoys Shahid and Rauf were killed when militants attacked their vehicle in Pakistan鈥檚 northwestern Karak city on Wednesday. The driver of their vehicle, Shahpur, was also killed in the attack. 

Local news channel Geo News quoted Karak District Police Officer Shehbaz Elahi as saying that the FC personnel were targeted while carrying out routine patrolling duties in Karak鈥檚 Garagri area.

鈥淔ederal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has strongly condemned the terrorist attack by Indian-sponsored terrorists on a vehicle carrying FC personnel in Karak,鈥 PTV News reported. 

Naqvi extended condolences to the families of the FC personnel and the driver killed, saluting their sacrifices for the nation. 

鈥淢ohsin Naqvi emphasized that the sacrifices of these martyrs further strengthen our resolve in the fight against terrorism,鈥 PTV News said.

Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in violence in its northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province since a fragile truce between the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the state broke down in November 2022. 

Pakistan鈥檚 security forces have been battling TTP fighters in KP, especially its tribal areas, which border Afghanistan. Islamabad has repeatedly blamed Kabul for not taking action against TTP and other militant groups that it alleges operate from sanctuaries on Afghan soil. Kabul denies the allegations. 

Islamabad also blames New Delhi for arming and training the TTP and insurgents in Balochistan, alleging they carry out subversive activities in Pakistan. India rejects the allegations and accuses Pakistan of exporting 鈥渢errorists鈥 across the border into its country. 


Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 10,946聽

Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 10,946聽
Updated 16 min 16 sec ago

Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 10,946聽

Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 10,946聽

RIYADH: 海角直播鈥檚 Tadawul All Share Index edged up on Wednesday, gaining 24.89 points, or 0.23 percent, to close at 10,946.74. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index stood at SR4.80 billion ($1.27 billion), with 169 listed stocks advancing and 78 declining. 

However, the Kingdom鈥檚 parallel market Nomu declined by 143.18 points to close at 26,709.64 

The MSCI Tadawul Index also recorded a modest gain, rising 0.12 percent to reach 1,410.12. 

The top performer on the main market was Shatirah House Restaurant Co., whose share price rose 10 percent to SR16.83. 

The company reported a 19.3 percent year-on-year increase in revenue for the first half of 2025, reaching SR83.81 million, up from SR70.26 million in the same period last year.

However, operating profit dropped nearly 30 percent to SR1.41 million, while net profit declined by 24.6 percent to SR1.07 million. 

The share price of Abdullah Saad Mohammed Abo Moati for Bookstores Co. also rose 10 percent to SR41.80. 

Jadwa REIT Al Haramain Fund saw its stock price increase by 5.62 percent to SR5.83. 

On the other hand, Riyadh Cement Co. witnessed a drop in its share price by 2.79 percent to SR31.40. 

In corporate announcements, Dr. Soliman Abdel Kader Fakeeh Hospital Co., known as Fakeeh Care, reported a 24.1 percent year-on-year rise in revenue for the second quarter of 2025, reaching SR811.84 million, compared to SR654.04 million in the corresponding period last year. 

In a statement on Tadawul, the company also announced that its net profit jumped 59 percent year on year in the second quarter to SR68.2 million, driven by strong underlying business growth across segments, lower finance costs, and higher finance income. 

Fakeeh Care鈥檚 share price climbed 2.35 percent to SR40.98. 

Herfy Food Services Co. reported revenue of SR284.56 million in the second quarter of 2025, marking a 5.5 percent decline compared to SR301.12 million in the same period of 2024. 

Despite the drop in sales, the company recorded a net profit of SR899,934 in the second quarter, reversing a net loss of SR23.7 million a year earlier.

The improvement was attributed to lower general and administrative expenses, reduced finance and zakat costs, despite increased selling and marketing expenses. 

Herfy鈥檚 share price rose 3.55 percent to SR23.65. 

Edarat Communication and Information Technology Co., also known as Edarat, posted a 31.6 percent year-on-year increase in net profit for the first half of 2025, reaching SR15.24 million, up from SR11.58 million a year earlier. 

The growth was driven by a 35.4 percent rise in gross profit, which reached SR27.9 million in the first half of 2025. 

Improved cost efficiency also played a role, with administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue declining from 17.56 percent in the first half of 2024 to 13.8 percent in the same period this year. 

Edarat鈥檚 share price fell 3.42 percent to SR240. 

Arabian Centers Co., known as Cenomi Centers, recorded a 34.2 percent year-on-year increase in net profit for the second quarter of 2025, reaching SR474.7 million, compared to SR353.8 million in the same period last year.

The rise in earnings was attributed to a 7.7 percent reduction in cost of revenue due to operational cost optimization, as well as a boost in other operating income, which reached SR14.2 million following the sale of land in Al Kharj. 

Cenomi Centers鈥 share price advanced 5.38 percent to SR21.56. 


鈥楾hese courses look amazing.鈥 PIF Future Fairways tee off in London

鈥楾hese courses look amazing.鈥 PIF Future Fairways tee off in London
Updated 21 sec ago

鈥楾hese courses look amazing.鈥 PIF Future Fairways tee off in London

鈥楾hese courses look amazing.鈥 PIF Future Fairways tee off in London
  • Event at Urban Golf in Smithfield unveils interactive 3D digital display of three flagship Saudi golf courses
  • These next-generation venues will anchor Saudi鈥檚 broader ambitions to triple its number of golf courses by 2030

LONDON: With immersive tech, visionary course design, and a bold ambition to shape the next chapter of global golf, the Saudi Public Investment Fund and Golf Saudi officially launched PIF Future Fairways in central London on Tuesday 鈥 a preview event blending innovation with sport to highlight 海角直播鈥檚 emergence as a world class golf destination.

The event at Urban Golf in Smithfield unveiled an interactive 3D digital version of three flagship Saudi golf courses 鈥 Shura Links, Laheq Golf Course, and Trojena Northern Golf Course 鈥 designed to position the Kingdom at the heart of golf鈥檚 next era.

These next-generation venues will anchor Saudi鈥檚 broader ambitions to triple its number of golf courses by 2030 and build a holistic sports and tourism ecosystem.

Attendees, including pro golfers, designers and industry leaders, explored virtual replicas of the new courses, demo-played signature holes on high-tech simulators, and took part in a 鈥渃losest to the pin鈥 challenge 鈥 all while engaging in off-the-record discussions with PIF stakeholders and Golf Saudi executives.

鈥淔or me, every experience that I have with Saudi, it鈥檚 been amazing,鈥 said Carlota Ciganda, one of Golf Saudi鈥檚 ambassadors. 鈥淚 know what they are capable of doing. These courses look amazing, a lot of fun to play 鈥 they鈥檙e going to attract a lot of people, a lot of tourists. I would love to go, play, and be part of this.鈥

Her sentiments were echoed by fellow ambassador Marianne Skarpnord, who said: 鈥淚 definitely see 海角直播 becoming a golf tourist destination. 海角直播鈥檚 landscapes are tailor-made for golf 鈥 from coastal settings to dramatic desert terrain. As we鈥檝e seen here today, there are some amazing courses being built 鈥 it鈥檒l be an easy choice for many people coming from the outside.鈥

Beyond new courses, the event also highlighted Golf Saudi鈥檚 long-term commitment to growing the sport from the ground up.

Dedicated programs and academies are now being developed throughout the Kingdom to nurture young talent and embed golf within the local culture 鈥 a critical step for any emerging golf nation.

海角直播鈥檚 new courses 鈥 including the coastal Shura Links on Shura Island, the desert-framed Laheq Golf Course along the Red Sea coast, and the alpine-inspired Trojena Northern Golf Course in NEOM 鈥 are being designed not just for playability but for global competition. Each is expected to host future tournaments, including events on the PIF Global Series, which resumes this weekend with the PIF Championship at London鈥檚 Centurion Club.

The fusion of golf and tourism is at the heart of the vision. By integrating world-class design with environmental sensitivity and destination appeal, 海角直播 is not only building venues but offering experiences tailored to the modern golfer.

鈥淭he goal is to reimagine how golf is experienced, shared, and celebrated 鈥 both locally and globally,鈥 said one stakeholder during the event. 鈥淭his is not about copying what exists elsewhere. It鈥檚 about creating something distinctly Saudi, with universal appeal.鈥

PIF Future Fairways will continue to appear at all PIF Global Series tournaments through 2025 and into 2026, serving as a traveling exhibition of 海角直播鈥檚 golf transformation.

For now, Tuesday鈥檚 London event delivered a clear message: 海角直播 is not just joining the global golf stage 鈥 it鈥檚 setting the direction for its future.