World Economic Forum special meeting in Saudi Arabia becomes latest coronavirus casualty
The special meeting of the World Economic Forum has been rescheduled for Spring 2021
It joins a list of events across the region and the world that have been canceled or delayed for public health reasons
Updated 07 March 2020
Arab News
LONDON: The planned special meeting of the World Economic Forum in Saudi Arabia next month has been called off because of fears over the spread of the coronavirus.
Instead, the gathering has been rescheduled for Spring 2021. It would have been the first time the Kingdom had hosted the high-profile gathering.
It joins a list of events across the region and the world that have been canceled or delayed for public health reasons.
“Given the dynamic situation surrounding the Coronavirus globally and after careful consideration, the World Economic Forum and our partners in Saudi Arabia have agreed to reschedule this Special Meeting to Spring 2021,” the World Economic Forum said in a statement to Arab News.
“Public private cooperation has never been more important. We remain committed to driving a forward-looking agenda for the region through digital interactions, bringing together leaders from all stakeholder groups at the highest level.”
The announcement came as global stock markets tumbled on Friday and oil fell to its lowest since July 2017 as world health officials warned some countries were failing to take the coronavirus crisis seriously enough.
“This is not a drill,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters. “This is not a time to give up. This is not a time for excuses. “This is a time for pulling out all the stops.”
The special meeting of the World Economic Forum was due to take place on April 5 and 6.
Ramadan nights come alive in charming historic Jeddah
Visitors browse bustling markets and tour historical sites
Workshops in Arabic calligraphy, pottery and other crafts
Updated 22 March 2025
Nada Hameed SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: In the holy month of Ramadan, Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district has come alive with a unique blend of culture, traditional crafts and authentic delicacies.
Its festival running throughout the month also highlights the historical significance of Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The offerings include workshops in Arabic calligraphy, pottery, and other crafts showcasing the artistic legacy of the Hijaz region.
Children can enjoy interactive entertainment designed as an introduction to Saudi Arabia’s culture and heritage.
During a tour, Arab News spoke to several visitors who outlined the charms of the old city.
Salem Al-Harthi, a Saudi citizen, expressed his admiration for Al-Balad, calling it an “unparalleled destination” during Ramadan.
“The historic charm and festive energy here make it the perfect place to experience the essence of the holy month,” he said.
Hamad Al-Shemmari from Hail, who is visiting to perform Umrah with his family, shared his excitement: “These narrow alleys and winding streets transport us to another era.
“The ambiance, the food, everything about this place makes Ramadan special.”
First-time visitor Mahmoud Al-Nori from Syria was captivated by the area’s architectural beauty and vibrancy. “I had heard about Jeddah’s charm but experiencing it in Ramadan is something else.
“One night here is simply not enough to take it all in.”
One of the festival’s most beloved attractions is its street food. After evening prayers, hundreds of vendors set up stalls, wearing traditional attire and singing folk songs to entice visitors to sample local delicacies.
Among them is Muath Al-Bukiri, a young entrepreneur who, along with his friends, launched a food stall serving balila (boiled chickpeas) and chopped liver.
“We wanted to do something meaningful this Ramadan, and this has been an amazing experience,” he said, noting the popularity of these dishes among young and old.
Al-Balad has become a hub for families looking to celebrate Ramadan in an authentic setting.
Abdulaziz Al-Ahmadi, 54, enjoys bringing his family to stroll through the historic streets, sharing stories of the past. “This place connects us to our roots.
“It’s where our ancestors lived, and now, we experience Ramadan in the same streets they once did.”
A popular gathering spot is Al-Hazazi Yard, where dozens of traditional food stalls create a lively evening scene. Residents from across Jeddah gather in what has become an annual tradition to relish the festive atmosphere.
Mohammed bin Zagir told Arab News: “Visiting Al-Balad to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of families, the delicious flavors of kebdah and balila, and the cool evening breeze has become an annual tradition for my family and me.
“Here, you can truly experience the essence of Ramadan, in the very place where our ancestors once lived. It takes us back in time, allowing us to witness the transformation we live in today from every perspective.”
The Ramadan season in historic Jeddah plays a crucial role in supporting local entrepreneurs and artisans.
Heritage markets provide small and medium businesses with a platform to showcase their crafts, from handmade goods to culinary specialties.
Under the supervision of the Historic Jeddah District Program and the Ministry of Culture, the Ramadan festival continues to gain in popularity, reportedly drawing more than a million visitors in its first week.
How Saudi Arabia is pioneering soil quality and water conservation solutions
SandX is a biodegradable sand coating that reduces water evaporation by 80 percent using nature-inspired technology
CarboSoil is a breakthrough in soil amendment and carbon capture, enhancing plant growth and reducing emissions
Updated 22 March 2025
Jasmine Bager
JEDDAH: For more than a decade Saudi Arabia has invested in sustainability, implementing groundbreaking initiatives to combat desertification, improve soil quality and preserve water.
These efforts are transforming the Kingdom’s landscape, aligning with the broader goals of the Saudi Green Initiative.
One of the most ambitious projects is King Salman Park in Riyadh — one of the world’s largest urban parks. The initiative focuses on increasing green spaces, restoring soil health and mitigating the urban heat island effect.
Native tree planting and sustainable water management systems are key components, ensuring long-term environmental benefits.
Meanwhile, on the Kingdom’s east coast, Saudi Aramco has spearheaded efforts to manage soil erosion, improve water retention and enhance biodiversity.
But it is in the laboratories of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology where cutting-edge technology is shaping the future of sustainable soil solutions.
Terraxy technology in the lab. (KAUST photo)
Himanshu Mishra, an associate professor at KAUST, has spent the last decade addressing some of Saudi Arabia’s biggest environmental challenges. A specialist in water properties, his early research led him to an eye-opening realization about the Kingdom’s water usage.
“When I came to Saudi Arabia, I learned about the stress on water,” Mishra told Arab News. “Somebody told me that 80 percent of Saudi Arabia’s water is used for food production, yet (the country) is importing most of its food. That just blew my mind. I was disturbed by it.”
Inspired by nature’s ability to repel water, Mishra co-founded SandX, a biodegradable, water-repellent sand coating designed to reduce water evaporation.
The technology mimics nature’s super water-repellent surfaces — like butterfly wings and bird feathers — to create a revolutionary material.
“This material, it hates water. It absolutely hates water,” said Mishra. “This is SandX, and water doesn’t penetrate it.
Screen grab from a video showing KAUST researchers applying Carbosoil at a SandX testing site. (KAUST video)
Each grain of SandX is coated with a nanoscale layer of biodegradable paraffin wax, reducing water evaporation by over 80 percent without the use of plastics. “Bacteria will eat the wax, so SandX will become sand again,” Mishra said.
“No one has ever done this in Saudi Arabia. We are the engineers, the first ones to do that. We are pioneers in this.”
Water scarcity, however, is only part of the challenge. “Do you know how old this water is?” Mishra asked, holding up a bottle. “This water is older than our planet. We have limited water resources, but we still have some resources. What we don’t have (are) fertile soils.”
Himanshu Mishra. (Supplied)
Green spaces in Saudi Arabia are heavily dependent on imported peat moss, he said, a practice that is not only expensive but also counterproductive to sustainability.
“You import so much peat moss every year — it’s a multi-million-dollar market. And you rely on these imports. It defeats the whole purpose of sustainability.”
To address this, Mishra developed CarboSoil, a groundbreaking soil amendment and carbon capture technology derived from organic waste.
A layer of SandX applied like mulch over wet soil greatly reduces evaporation. (KAUST/Terraxy photo)
Unlike traditional compost, which eventually releases carbon back into the air, CarboSoil locks carbon into the soil while enhancing plant growth.
“This is the only technology known to humanity that does soil amendment and carbon capture at the same time,” he said.
Field trials for CarboSoil are ongoing, with production scaling up following a KAUST Innovation and Economic Development grant. Mishra believes the impact will be transformative.
“Our technology will contribute to food production and greening projects in arid regions,” he said. “When you apply it on plants, they grow bigger and stronger — like 60 percent bigger, with wider trunks. Enhanced food production. Enhanced yields. That’s additional carbon capture.”
Oil palm waste. (Getty Images)
Looking ahead, Mishra envisions Saudi Arabia leading the world in carbon dioxide removal.
“I can guarantee you that as we continue to scale up this production under the stewardship of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, in less than five years, Saudi Arabia will be ranked number one in carbon dioxide removal deliveries on the planet.”
The startup’s ambitions extend far beyond the Kingdom. “Right now, our goal is to contribute to the landscaping and green sector in the Kingdom,” he said.
“In phase three, we start building factories for poultry farms, date farms, and other industries. Phase four is we will expand to the wider Middle East.”
Saudi aid center distributes 3,800 boxes of dates in Aden
The center distributed 300 food baskets in Costanta, Romania, benefiting 1,500 individuals.
Updated 21 March 2025
SPA
ADEN: The King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid recently distributed 3,800 boxes of dates across the districts of Mansoura, Sheikh Othman, and Dar Saad in Aden province, Yemen.
The distribution benefited 22,800 individuals, including displaced persons and people with special needs, as part of KSrelief’s 2025 date assistance distribution project in the country.
The center also distributed 300 food baskets in Costanta, Romania, benefiting 1,500 individuals. This is part of the Etaam Food Basket Distribution Project.
These initiatives are part of the Kingdom’s relief and humanitarian efforts carried out to support those in need and alleviate suffering worldwide.
Attempt to smuggle 22,496 unlicensed pills foiled in Saudi Arabia’s Jazan
Security authorities call upon citizens and residents to report all available information about any activities related to drug smuggling or selling
Updated 21 March 2025
SPA
JAZAN: Al-Afwaj security patrols in Jazan foiled an attempt to smuggle 22,496 unlicensed medical pills and 3 kg of hashish in Faifa Governorate. The seized narcotics were handed to the relevant authority.
Authorities in Jazan arrested a violator of the border security system, of Ethiopian nationality, for promoting amphetamine. Preliminary procedures have been completed and the offender referred to the competent authority.
Land patrols of the Border Guard in Al-Raboah in the Asir Region led to the arrest of six violators of the border security system, of Ethiopian nationality, for smuggling 120 kg of qat. Preliminary procedures have been completed, and the seized narcotics handed to the relevant authority.
Security authorities call upon citizens and residents to report all available information about any activities related to drug smuggling or selling. They can contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region, or 999 in the other regions. The organization can also be contacted by email.
