NEOM-KAUST partnership to target insects threatening Saudi Arabia’s 36 million palm trees

Saudi farmers preserve date crops using a technique called ‘sleeving,’ which involves covering the fruit to protect it from pests, weather conditions and other forms of contamination. (SPA/AN photo)
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Saudi farmers preserve date crops using a technique called ‘sleeving,’ which involves covering the fruit to protect it from pests, weather conditions and other forms of contamination. (SPA/AN photo)
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Updated 15 July 2024
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NEOM-KAUST partnership to target insects threatening Saudi Arabia’s 36 million palm trees

NEOM-KAUST partnership to target insects threatening Saudi Arabia’s 36 million palm trees
  • Salman Al-Wahib warns that summer is an especially dangerous time because rising temperatures and humidity levels provide conditions for the pests to thrive and contribute to the spread of bacteria and plant mold

RIYADH: Citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia are no strangers to extreme heat conditions, and over the years they have learned to adapt. But as temperatures rise, so do the bugs. And sometimes the problem cannot simply be swatted away.

Tephriditae fruit flies, such as the Mediterranean fruit fly and the olive fruit fly, as well as insects such as the red palm weevil, are among the biggest antagonizing forces against the nation’s plant and fruit supply.

According to research by Topian, NEOM’s food company, the SR9.2 billion ($2.4 billion) date industry loses an average of SR1 billion annually in date palms and associated forgone revenues because of red palm weevil infestations.




Saudi farmers preserve date crops using a technique called ‘sleeving,’ which involves covering the fruit to protect it from pests, weather conditions and other forms of contamination. (AN photo)

At the launch of the Saudi Agrifood Tech Alliance in early July in Riyadh, Andrew Yip, head of innovation and ecosystem activation at Topian, revealed the development of new technology designed to target the red palm weevils threatening Saudi Arabia’s 36 million palm trees.

In partnership with AK-Sens, a King Abdullah University of Science and Technology start-up, Topian plans to commercialize and scale optical fiber sensing technology for early-stage detection of the insect in thousands of trees in under an hour, Yip said.

HIGHLIGHTS

• In partnership with AK-Sens, a King Abdullah University of Science and Technology startup, Topian is developing a new technology designed to target the red palm weevils threatening Saudi Arabia’s 36 million palm trees.

• The project plans to commercialize and scale optical fiber sensing technology for early-stage detection of the insect in thousands of trees in under an hour.

• It has the potential to increase overall efficiency and sustainability in the agrifood sector and farms nationwide.

Following initial testing with only a handful of trees in Tabuk, the team’s latest trial at NEOM involved a thousand trees and achieved 96.3 percent accuracy with a two thirds reduction of set-up time from previous trials.




Saudi farmers preserve date crops using a technique called ‘sleeving,’ which involves covering the fruit to protect it from pests, weather conditions and other forms of contamination. (Supplied)

While the sensing technology has been so far exclusive to palm trees and red palm weevils, it has the potential to increase overall efficiency and sustainability in the agrifood sector and farms nationwide.

To better understand the health risks associated with consuming pest-infested fruits and vegetables, Arab News spoke to Dr. Basem Al-Bahrani, the emergency medicine consultant at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare and a member of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians.

He said: “Eating vegetables and fruits is an essential part of a healthy diet, but there are health risks associated with eating them if they are contaminated or not washed properly. These risks may include a variety of issues that may affect individuals in different ways.”




Saudi farmers preserve date crops using a technique called ‘sleeving,’ which involves covering the fruit to protect it from pests, weather conditions and other forms of contamination. (AN photo)

Food poisoning as a result of salmonella, Escherichia coli (or E. coli), or listeria bacteria is among the most common issues and its symptoms include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramps, and a fever, Al-Bahrani explained.

Other possible health risks are parasitic infections that at their best present the same as food poisoning and at their worst may cause weight loss and anemia. Finally, ingesting pesticide remnants could lead to hormonal imbalances, nervous system disorders, and increased risk of cancer.

NUMBER

$2.4bn

According to research by Topian, NEOM’s food company, the SR9.2 billion ($2.4 billion) date industry loses an average of SR1 billion annually in date palms and associated forgone revenues because of red palm weevil infestations.

Arab News also spoke to Salman Al-Wahib, a Saudi Advanced Business Co. Holding retiree turned farmer and owner of a plant tissue culture laboratory and nursery for outdoor and indoor plants, with 11 years of experience in the field.

He said that fruit pests are a problem that “requires great care from those responsible, farmers, and consumers.” Al-Wahib also warns that summer is an especially dangerous time because rising temperatures and humidity levels provide conditions for the pests to thrive and contribute to the spread of bacteria and plant mold.

He explained that the problem begins, expectedly, at the farming stage. While pests are most common in local fruits, it is more often than not the symptom of imported seeds and soil. If the seeds and soil are not properly treated before the initial shipment, these containers become welcoming habitats for pest procreation, ready to continue their infestation at their final destination.

Farmers and producers follow strict sanitation, inspection, and clearance procedures to avoid large-scale infestation. According to Al-Wahib, the fruit undergoes an interior and exterior inspection to check for any traces of pests. Then, fruit samples are taken to the lab and tested for pests and any pesticide remnants.

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture monitors farming sites to ensure that no highly poisonous and environmentally harmful pesticides are used and the standard provisions of Pesticide Law — agreed upon by the agricultural department of the Gulf Cooperation Council in 2005 — are followed. The law states that “it is essential to control and regulate the way they (pesticides) are formulated, used, marketed, stored and handled to stave off any potential risks.” Finally, a certification is granted deeming the selected crop pest and pesticide free and safe for human consumption.

As much as the development of organic pesticides has seen great strides in the last few decades, and farmers such as Al-Wahib agree that they are the superior option to chemical pesticides in efficacy and plant health, there is yet a long way to go to bring down that SR1 billion loss to a much more reasonable number and prevent widespread health issues.

According to Al-Wahib, in addition to thoroughly washing fruits at home, watching for signs of infestation, and using suitable storage techniques, the best way to avoid the dangers of fruit pests is to “buy from trusted local markets or farms that have an official certification deeming them free of harmful chemical pesticides and fertilizers.”

That way our favorite summer fruits may be readily enjoyed worry-free to refresh from the sweltering summer heat.

 


Swiss state secretary explores cooperation on ‘science mission’ to Saudi Arabia

Swiss state secretary explores cooperation on ‘science mission’ to Saudi Arabia
Updated 12 sec ago
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Swiss state secretary explores cooperation on ‘science mission’ to Saudi Arabia

Swiss state secretary explores cooperation on ‘science mission’ to Saudi Arabia
  • Martina Hirayama: The mission to Saudi Arabia aims to explore potential areas of cooperation between Swiss and Saudi researchers
  • Hirayama: The Swiss government supports Swiss-Saudi joint research projects through its Leading House for the MENA region, the University of Applied Sciences of Western Switzerland

RIYADH: Swiss State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation Martina Hirayama was in Saudi Arabia leading a science mission to strengthen partnerships and explore opportunities for further collaboration in innovation.

The Swiss delegation met Murhaf bin Mohammed Al-Madani, assistant minister of education for development and transformation; Pierre Magistretti, vice president for research at KAUST; Dr. Munir bin Mahmoud El-Desouki, KACST president; Dr. Mohammed Al-Otaibi, general supervisor at the Saudi Research Development and Innovation Authority; Axel Pierru, vice president of knowledge and analysis, KAPSARC; and a team from the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, according to the Swiss Embassy in Riyadh.

In an interview with Arab News, Hirayama said: “The Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, are investing heavily in artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, biotechnology, digitalization, fintech and renewable energies — areas in which Switzerland is also conducting cutting-edge research.

“The mission to Saudi Arabia aims to explore potential areas of cooperation between Swiss and Saudi researchers,” she added.

Hirayama added that in Switzerland, a bottom-up approach, autonomy of actors, a focus on excellence and competition, and international openness are basic principles of research and innovation policy. The federal government sees itself as an enabler, she said. This also applies to international cooperation, where it falls on actors to use the instruments available to them to set up transnational research projects and networks.

Commenting on existing instruments for international cooperation between both scientific communities, Hirayama said: “The Swiss government supports Swiss-Saudi joint research projects through its Leading House for the Middle East and North Africa region, the University of Applied Sciences of Western Switzerland.

“Under the Leading House model, the Swiss government mandates selected Swiss higher education institutions to establish strategic cooperation instruments that provide seed funding and support innovative pilot projects with regions with a significant scientific and technological potential,” she added.

Between 2019 and 2024, the Swiss National Science Foundation provided funding for projects led by Swiss researchers that included collaboration with Saudi Arabia, she said.

Switzerland’s education, research and innovation landscape is internationally known for its excellence and unique characteristics, the state secretary added. The system offers two strong educational pathways: Vocational education and training, and academic studies. Two-thirds of young people in Switzerland choose vocational education and training as their next step after completing compulsory education.

There are about 250 VET programs to choose from, enabling people to enter the labor market as skilled workers with a range of career prospects. VET also makes a significant contribution to Switzerland’s innovation capacity. The close link to the labor market creates a workforce that is highly skilled and adaptable to the ever-changing demands of the global economy.

On the other hand, Switzerland’s universities offer a broad range of study programs and research activities. Swiss institutions are often at the forefront of global research and innovation. They offer world-class infrastructure and enable cutting-edge research.

The importance that Switzerland attaches to research and innovation is reflected in an investment of more than 3 percent of its gross domestic product in R&D, amounting to about 25 billion Swiss francs ($29.8 billion) annually.

The high-level scientific delegation led by Hirayama included Torsten Schwede, president of the National Research Council, Laure Ognois, head of international cooperation at the Swiss National Science Foundation; Dr. Virginia Richter, rector of the University of Bern; and Yasmine Chatila Zwahlen, Swiss ambassador to Saudi Arabia.


Saudi regulator teams with Singapore scientists for heat-resilient workplaces

Saudi regulator teams with Singapore scientists for heat-resilient workplaces
Updated 3 min 8 sec ago
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Saudi regulator teams with Singapore scientists for heat-resilient workplaces

Saudi regulator teams with Singapore scientists for heat-resilient workplaces
  • National Council for Occupational Safety and Health focuses on safeguarding worker well-being with Vision 2030 giga-projects underway
  • Partnership with Heat Resilience and Performance Centre forged at Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference in Riyadh

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s key occupational safety and health body is partnering with a Singaporean research center to develop tools and strategies to protect workers from increasing heat risks in the region.

Workplace safety and health risks are rising worldwide as heatwaves become more frequent and intense due to global warming and climate change.

Addressing these threats is part of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to modernizing labor standards and fostering a safer, more productive workforce under the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 reforms.

To strengthen the capability of managing workplace risks associated with high temperatures, the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health has teamed up with the Heat Resilience and Performance Centre at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore.

“Heat stress is not only a health risk — it is also linked to increased workplace accidents and injuries ... Effective management of heat stress contributes to safer work environments, reduces incident rates, and improves productivity, benefitting both employees and employers,” NCOSH Secretary-General Majed Alfuwaiz told Arab News.

“The Heat Resilience and Performance Centre in Singapore is recognized as a regional center of excellence ... with a distinguished record of integrating technology, science, and policy. Their comprehensive model — including physiological monitoring, digital tools, and workforce training — provides a strong foundation that can be adapted to meet the Kingdom’s specific needs.”

The cooperation agreement with the Singaporean center was signed during the Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference hosted in Riyadh last week.

“Given the Kingdom’s diverse climate — from high heat and humidity in coastal and desert areas to cooler summer temperatures in southern highlands such as Abha and Al-Baha — adaptive, evidence-based approaches are essential to designing effective interventions that reflect the environmental and geographic characteristics of each region,” Alfuwaiz said.

“As the Kingdom progresses with its giga-projects under Vision 2030, safeguarding worker health and performance is a national priority.”

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Saudi Arabia’s labor market has been expanding rapidly, with the construction sector fueled by Vision 2030 giga-projects such as NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea Project. About 2 million people are employed in the industry, and many more are likely to find jobs in the coming years as the Kingdom prepares to host several major international events: the AFC Asian Cup in 2027, Asian Winter Games in 2029, World Expo in 2030, and FIFA World Cup in 2034.

The World Cup alone will involve the renovation and construction of 15 stadiums in five cities, along with transport networks and hotel infrastructure.

The Saudi-Singaporean collaboration in heat resilience will focus on policy and regulatory frameworks related to occupational heat exposure and developing standards and interventions.

Dr. Jason Lee, associate professor at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine who leads the HRPC, said that while the Saudi regulator will tap into Singaporean expertise in heat resilience, researchers will be able to “gain insights on how NCOSH supports mega-infrastructure projects with many workers under heat stress, potentially paving opportunities to develop and scale solutions to better safeguard lives and livelihoods.”

In the long term, the cooperation plan includes establishing a regional center of excellence in heat resilience for the Middle East and North Africa.

“The Heat Resilience and Performance Centre will first determine specific research and educational activities related to heat resilience with our partners from the Kingdom, sharing, learning, and tapping into each other’s strengths towards a common goal that is to heat-proof our people in this warming world,” Lee said.

“Extreme heat is beyond morbidity and mortality. In many parts of the world, chronic heat exposure significantly suppresses human health and potential ... Becoming heat resilient is ever so important if you want to thrive prospectively.”


Madinah municipality continues intensive food safety inspections

Madinah municipality continues intensive food safety inspections
A picture taken on April 4, 2024 shows a view of one of the minarets of the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet's Mosque) in Saudi Arab
Updated 15 May 2025
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Madinah municipality continues intensive food safety inspections

Madinah municipality continues intensive food safety inspections

MADINAH: Food safety inspections have been stepped up ahead of the arrival of Hajj pilgrims, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Thursday.

The Madinah Regional Municipality has carried out routine testing of commercial establishments, with 4,165 samples to date confirmed as conforming to approved standards. So far, 186 samples have been deemed unfit for human consumption.

The municipality emphasized the importance of adhering to health standards for the safety of consumers. Individuals are encouraged to report any food safety concerns via the hotline on 940 or through other official communication channels.


AlUla, Arabian Leopard Fund partner with Smithsonian to protect animal

AlUla, Arabian Leopard Fund partner with Smithsonian to protect animal
Updated 15 May 2025
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AlUla, Arabian Leopard Fund partner with Smithsonian to protect animal

AlUla, Arabian Leopard Fund partner with Smithsonian to protect animal
  • 2 Arabian leopards to be loaned to Smithsonian for research
  • Only 120 Arabian leopards in the wild, with 20 in Saudi Arabia

ALULA: The Royal Commission for AlUla and the Arabian Leopard Fund have partnered with the Smithsonian Institution to support international efforts to protect the animal, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

Under the agreement, the RCU will lend a pair of Arabian leopards to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

This is part of a scientific program designed to enhance conservation efforts, promote genetic diversity, and raise global awareness about this rare species, the SPA reported.

A mother Arabian leopard and a cub are seen at the RCU conservation center in AlUla. (RCU photo)

The Arabian leopard, or Panthera pardus nimr, is considered one of the world’s most endangered big cats. There are only about 120 left in the wild, including 20 confined mostly to the Kingdom’s isolated southwestern mountains of Asir and the Hijaz.

At the RCU’s wildlife conservation facility in AlUla, there were 27 Arabian leopards as of last year, a senior official of the commission was quoted as saying in a special Arab News report.

In partnering with the Smithsonian, the RCU aims to bolster its Arabian leopard breeding program and significantly “enhance the chances of survival for the critically endangered species and establishing a population outside its native habitat.”

It is hoped to drive advanced scientific research, facilitate the first exhibit for these big cats in the US, and “stimulate community support for conservation programs.”

 


Saudi crown prince congratulates Australian PM on re-election

Saudi crown prince congratulates Australian PM on re-election
Updated 15 May 2025
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Saudi crown prince congratulates Australian PM on re-election

Saudi crown prince congratulates Australian PM on re-election

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after the Labor Party leader was sworn in for a second term earlier this week, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

In a letter, the crown prince wished the prime minister success in his duties and the Australian people further progress and prosperity.

Albanese was sworn in Tuesday, alongside his ministers, after a landslide win at a national election.