Saudi Arabia leads Arab nations in condemning Israel’s Gaza electricity cut

JEDDAH: Residents in Saudi Arabia’s northwest have been puzzled by the appearance of what some described as a “bright pink circular spot” in the evening sky — with the phenomenon occurring twice in recent weeks.

The latest incident on July 1 left locals searching for an explanation for the “rare and unfamiliar scene,” Saudi Press Agency reported.

Majed Abu Zahrah, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, told SPA that a similar occurrence was recorded on May 13.

“According to the captured images, the spot was clearly illuminated against the dark blue sky … with no accompanying sound or noticeable changes in shape before it began to gradually fade after a few minutes,” he said.

While no official scientific confirmation has yet been issued, Abu Zahrah offered one possible explanation, saying: “This phenomenon could result from vapors of barium, strontium, and ionized oxygen released at high altitudes to study the upper layers of the atmosphere (the ionosphere).” 

For science and astronomy enthusiasts around the Kingdom, he further speculated: “In such experiments, the released vapors glow due to the reflection of residual sunlight after sunset at altitudes exceeding 100 km, forming luminous spots in pink, blue, or green, whose shapes are altered by upper atmospheric winds.”

Abu Zahrah said that the spot also may have resulted from debris in the upper atmosphere, such as remnants of a rocket burn or satellite fragments, along with clouds of gases such as helium or hydrogen.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has concluded its presidency of the International Year of Camelids, an initiative launched by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization to highlight the cultural, social and economic importance of the camel and related species.

The Kingdom used the occasion to raise global awareness and promote research and development related to camelids, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The initiative began under Saudi Arabia’s leadership in June last year, in partnership with a coalition of Latin American and Caribbean countries led by Bolivia.

The Food and Agriculture Organization hosted a closing ceremony at its headquarters in Rome, attended by Prince Fahd bin Jalawi, president of World Camelids Sports, with officials, diplomats, and international representatives. 

The event recognized camelids’ role in food security, sports, economic development, and cultural heritage, the SPA reported. 

The observance highlighted camelids’ environmental, economic, and social value, and aimed to support pastoralist communities globally.

The International Camel Organization also participated in the ceremony. The organization played an active role throughout the year in promoting awareness and support for the camel sector.

Fahd bin Falah bin Hathleen, the organization’s chairman, said: “Our involvement in the International Year of Camelids has been rooted in our mission to elevate the camel sector on the global stage. 

“Camels are considered a symbol of cultural identity and supporters of rural communities’ sustainability and livelihoods. 

“We remain committed to supporting their role across all scientific, cultural, sport, economic, and welfare sectors.” 

At the ceremony, Ali Alshaikhi, assistant undersecretary for fisheries and livestock wealth at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to recognizing the value of camels.

He said they are a key food source, economic asset, and cultural symbol deserving of greater global attention and investment.

He outlined Saudi Arabia’s efforts during its presidency, including holding more than 50 local and international events, providing 15 research grants, and organizing 18 strategic meetings. 

The Kingdom also organized 20 international exhibitions, starting at the Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome and the UN in Geneva, to raise awareness of camels’ vital role in various communities, he added. 

Alshaikhi said the initiative strengthened global appreciation for camels and supported their role in food security and economic growth. He added that Saudi Arabia invested more than SR1 billion ($267 million) in related efforts. 

He highlighted the Kingdom’s broader leadership in agriculture and food security, driven by a strategic vision focused on sustainability, innovation, resilient food systems, self-sufficiency, and modern technologies.