Royal reserve launches 3 major eco projects/node/2614379/saudi-arabia
Royal reserve launches 3 major eco projects
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The initiatives aim to protect natural resources, enhance vegetation and wildlife, and promote sustainable research and ecotourism. (SPA)
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The initiatives aim to protect natural resources, enhance vegetation and wildlife, and promote sustainable research and ecotourism. (SPA)
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The initiatives aim to protect natural resources, enhance vegetation and wildlife, and promote sustainable research and ecotourism. (SPA)
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The initiatives aim to protect natural resources, enhance vegetation and wildlife, and promote sustainable research and ecotourism. (SPA)
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Updated 9 min 28 sec ago
Arab News
Royal reserve launches 3 major eco projects
All three projects are in line with Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, reinforcing the reserve as a model for sustainable environmental development and a key tourist destination
Updated 9 min 28 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has launched three environmental projects to strengthen conservation efforts.
The initiatives aim to protect natural resources, enhance vegetation and wildlife, and promote sustainable research and ecotourism, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The first is a large-scale reforestation effort to rehabilitate more than 2,000 hectares of the reserve. So far, 270,000 native trees and shrubs have been planted, with 30,000 more allocated to local associations.
The second creates semi-natural oases in the Tanhat Meadow, covering 2,450 sq. meters. It includes a pond and native tree planting to provide habitats for migratory birds and boost local biodiversity.
The third involves the erection of protective barriers, gates and signboards in Khafs and Noura Meadows to manage visitor traffic and preserve the areas.
All three projects are in line with Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, reinforcing the reserve as a model for sustainable environmental development and a key tourist destination.
This year’s Crown Prince Camel Festival opened on Tuesday and runs until Sept. 12. (Supplied/SPA)
Updated 7 sec ago
Hebshi Alshammari
Taif camel racing festival attracts 100,000 animals
Huge prizes up for grabs as world’s fastest battle for glory
Spirit of competition ‘truly unique,’ one owner says
Updated 7 sec ago
Hebshi Alshammari
RIYADH: The Crown Prince Camel Festival returned to Taif this week with record-breaking numbers and high stakes, drawing camel owners from across the Kingdom eager for victory.
Among them is Fahad Ben Jouroh, a seasoned competitor from Hail and director of the local racing track. He has invested heavily in his herd of more than 50 camels, ranging from two to six years old, and is confident they will do well on the track.
Fahad Ben Jouroh, Seasoned competitor
A multiple previous winner at the festival, he was discreet about the cost of his nearly 90-day stay in Taif but said the accommodation for himself, his team and guests cost about SR100,000 ($26,600).
One of his camels had already won a race and more victories were expected, he said.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Organized by the Saudi Camel Federation, the Crown Prince Camel Festival is one of the highlights on the Kingdom’s cultural calendar and features races across multiple categories.
• Last year the festival was recognized by Guinness World Records for having the largest ever number of camels at a racing festival, with 21,637.
He said he had sold 40 camels in recent weeks for a combined total of more than SR14 million.
One of Fahad Ben Jouroh’s camels had already won a race this year. (Supplied/SPA)
“Camel racing has its own atmosphere and the spirit of competition in these events is truly unique,†he told Arab News.
He praised the facilities at the Taif track, calling it “perfect for camel racing†and highlighted the sport’s growing competitiveness and rising prize values.
This year’s festival opened on Tuesday and runs until Sept. 12. A record total of more than 100,000 camels are set to take part, which is more than for all of the previous six editions combined.
Camel racing has its own atmosphere and the spirit of competition in these events is truly unique.
Fahad Ben Jouroh, Seasoned competitor
Organized by the Saudi Camel Federation, the event is one of the highlights on the Kingdom’s cultural calendar and features races across multiple categories.
The Laqaya group (for 3- and 4-year-olds) alone includes 64 4-km races and a prize pool of more than SR50 million. On the opening day 1,495 camels competed in the Haqayiq category (for 2- and 3-year-olds).
Last year the festival was recognized by Guinness World Records for having the largest ever number of camels at a racing festival, with 21,637.
The event also won the Makkah Economic Excellence Award in 2023, underscoring its role in celebrating heritage and boosting cultural and economic engagement.
Abha and Rijal Almaa highlight Asir’s position as a region where natural beauty meets heritage. (SPA)
Updated 19 sec ago
Arab News
Visitors travel to Asir for autumn views, heritage trails
Abha, with fog draping its peaks and valleys, epitomizes this seasonal charm, offering a blend of moderate climate and striking scenery that reinforces the region’s standing as a premier mountain tourism hub
Updated 19 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Asir region, where clouds blanket Abha’s mountain slopes, is one of the Kingdom’s most picturesque seasonal destinations during the autumn.
According to researcher Abdullah Al-Moussa in his book “The Agricultural Calendar in Asir,†the autumn season begins with the appearance of the Suhail star in late July, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It brings fog, cooler temperatures and ripening autumn fruits such as pomegranates, Al-Moussa said.
Abha and Rijal Almaa highlight Asir’s position as a region where natural beauty meets heritage. (SPA)
The weather marks a transition between summer rains and moderate conditions, guiding agricultural rhythms and drawing visitors eager to enjoy Asir’s natural beauty.
Abha, with fog draping its peaks and valleys, epitomizes this seasonal charm, offering a blend of moderate climate and striking scenery that reinforces the region’s standing as a premier mountain tourism hub.
West of Abha, the governorate of Rijal Almaa extends this appeal with its fusion of nature and heritage, the SPA reported.
FASTFACTS
• Abha, with fog draping its peaks and valleys, epitomizes seasonal charm, offering a blend of moderate climate and striking scenery.
• West of Abha, the governorate of Rijal Almaa extends this appeal with its fusion of nature and heritage.
• Its heritage museum, established in 1985, preserves local history and traditions, making the village a cultural centerpiece of Asir.
Seasonal rains feed waterfalls and forests, while traditional stone houses built on steep slopes stand as cultural landmarks of resilience and adaptation.
Terraced fields of corn, coffee and millet, alongside apiaries producing honey, reflect the region’s deep agricultural roots and strengthen the local economy.
Abha and Rijal Almaa highlight Asir’s position as a region where natural beauty meets heritage. (SPA)
The heritage village of Rijal Almaa, dating back more than three centuries, features stone, mud and wood houses, some rising eight stories, adorned with the colorful carvings of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art.
Its heritage museum, established in 1985, preserves local history and traditions, making the village a cultural centerpiece of Asir.
With its combination of scenic landscapes, vibrant agriculture and architectural heritage, Rijal Almaa has become a leading tourism destination in º£½ÇÖ±²¥, according to the SPA.
Together with Abha’s autumn vistas, it highlights Asir’s position as a region where natural beauty meets heritage.
KSrelief projects have assisted millions of people in Yemen, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Somalia. (SPA)
Updated 39 sec ago
Arab News
Saudi charity efforts reach millions globally
Kingdom provides more than $141bn in aid, funding 8,134 projects in 174 countries
Updated 39 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥ highlighted its humanitarian efforts worldwide as it marked International Day of Charity, a UN initiative promoting social responsibility, volunteering, and the role of charitable institutions in providing aid and supporting communities.
The National Center for Non-Profit Sector plays a key role in regulating and supervising the sector, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
KSrelief projects have assisted millions of people in Yemen, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Somalia. (SPA)
It aims to support the sector’s operations and help achieve goals aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, including increasing the nonprofit sector’s contribution to the national economy to 5 percent and raising the number of volunteers to 1 million by 2030.
Charitable work is a pillar of social solidarity, and the Kingdom has contributed to humanitarian efforts worldwide, the SPA reported.
HIGHLIGHT
The UN General Assembly in 2012 designated Sept. 5 as International Day of Charity to raise awareness and encourage participation in charitable activities.
Saudi charitable organizations provide diverse services, from healthcare and housing assistance to vocational training programs that help young people become self-reliant, reflecting the sector’s reach across the Kingdom.
KSrelief projects have assisted millions of people in Yemen, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Somalia. (SPA)
The UN General Assembly in 2012 designated Sept. 5 as International Day of Charity to raise awareness and encourage participation in charitable activities.
Marking the day, Saudi aid agency KSrelief highlighted the Kingdom’s humanitarian work. Since 1975, º£½ÇÖ±²¥ has provided more than $141 billion in aid, funding 8,134 projects in 174 countries.
KSrelief projects have assisted millions of people in Yemen, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Somalia. (SPA)
In the past decade, KSrelief has implemented 3,632 projects in 108 countries, worth more than $8.15 billion.
These projects have assisted millions of people in countries including Yemen, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Somalia, according to the report.
KSrelief projects have assisted millions of people in Yemen, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, and Somalia. (SPA)
Recent efforts in the Gaza Strip included delivering more than 7,500 tons of aid and 20 ambulances via air and sea.
The Sahem electronic donation platform has also raised more than SR1.61 billion ($430 million), reflecting public trust in the agency.
KSrelief has received several international awards, and the Kingdom initiated the UN designation of Nov. 24 as World Conjoined Twins Day. These efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030 to promote a more equitable and inclusive future.
A total of 12,975 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,185 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,722 for labor-related issues
Updated 47 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 20,882 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
A total of 12,975 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,185 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,722 for labor-related issues.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($267,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
Waleed Elkhereiji (R) holds talks with Phillipe Lazzarini in Cairo. (Supplied)
Updated 52 sec ago
Arab News
Saudi deputy FM meets UNRWA chief
Elkhereiji and Lazzarini reviewed cooperation between the Kingdom and the UNRWA and discussed current regional and international developments
Updated 52 sec ago
Arab News
CAIRO: º£½ÇÖ±²¥'s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji recently met with Phillipe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, in Egypt.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 164th Arab League Council session for foreign ministers, at which the council issued a resolution supporting regional security, condemning threats to Arab states’ sovereignty, and calling for an end to Israel’s occupation of Arab lands.
Elkhereiji and Lazzarini reviewed cooperation between the Kingdom and the UNRWA and discussed current regional and international developments, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Separately, Elkhereiji met Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Merzoug to discuss bilateral relations, regional and global challenges, and ongoing efforts to address them.
