How Saudi authorities overseeing the holy Zamzam well have moved with the times

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Updated 07 April 2022
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How Saudi authorities overseeing the holy Zamzam well have moved with the times

  • Historians and geologists agree the well, located near the Kaaba, is at least 4,000 years old
  • Modern technology is being used to ensure the water is both safe for human consumption and continues to flow

LONDON: Zamzam water, drawn from the well beneath the Grand Mosque in Makkah, is at the very heart of the ancient beliefs that underpin the Islamic faith.

Yet in the 21st century, science and technology have been recruited to ensure that the holy water is both safe for human consumption and continues to flow to meet the needs of the millions of pilgrims who visit the Two Holy Mosques every year.

Historians and geologists agree that the Zamzam well, located just 20 meters to the east of the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque, may be at least 4,000 years old.

Muslims believe it was built over the spring that gushed forth miraculously to relieve the suffering of Hajar and Ismael, the wife and infant son of the Prophet Ibrahim, who had been left alone in the desert at Allah’s command.

The 9th-century Sahih Al-Bukhari, regarded as the most authoritative of the collections of hadith recording the sayings and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, relates how Hajar, searching desperately for water, ran seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa before the angel Jibril appeared and caused water to flow from the barren ground.




Zamzam dispensing containers can be seen at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. (File/SPA)

According to the Saudi Geological Survey’s Zamzam Studies and Research Center, the name Zamzam “originates from the phrase Zome Zome, meaning ‘stop flowing,’ a command repeated by Hajar during her attempt to contain the spring water.”

Over time, the area around the well became a resting place for caravans, growing eventually into the city of Makkah, which in 570 CE became the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad.

At some point during the Ottoman era, the well was enclosed within a building. Over the centuries this underwent numerous alterations until it was finally demolished in 1964, when the Mataf had to be expanded to cater safely for the ever increasing number of pilgrims. The well was covered over and its opening repositioned in a basement 2.5 meters below the surface.

Within living memory, water was drawn from the well as it always had been — hauled to the surface in a bucket on the end of a rope — but today electric pumps can draw up to 18.5 liters per second. The well’s old mouthpiece, complete with pulley and bucket, can be seen in the Exhibition of The Two Holy Mosques Architecture in Makkah.

Zamzam water originates in the aquifer below Makkah — layers of alluvium (sand and gravel) above water-bearing rocks that absorb rainfall and runoff from the hills around the city.

Monitoring the level of the water in the well and the surrounding aquifer is the responsibility of the Saudi Geological Survey’s Zamzam Studies and Research Center and, despite the great seasonal variation in rainfall, and the ever growing number of pilgrims, the well has never run dry.




Five liter bottles of Zamzam water are prepared at the King Abdullah Zamzam Water Distribution Center in Makkah. (@ReasahAlharmain)

In 2013, the opening of the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Zamzam Water Project (KPZW), built at a cost of SR700 million ($187 million), revolutionized the way water from the well was extracted, monitored, treated and distributed.

The water is pumped through underground stainless steel pipes to the KPZW plant at Kudai, five kilometers south of the Grand Mosque. Here, it is purified and sterilized, using filters and ultraviolet light, and the entire operation is controlled and monitored in a high-tech central control room.

After treatment, the water is transferred to one of two storage reservoirs. The first, at Kudai, has a capacity of 10,000 cubic meters and supplies water through pipes to drinking fountains in the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

From Kudai, a fleet of tanker trucks transports up to 400,000 liters a day to the King Abdulaziz Sabeel Reservoir in Madinah, which has a capacity of 16,000 cubic meters and supplies water to the Prophet’s Mosque.

Ensuring Zamzam water meets the highest international standards for drinking water is the responsibility of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque. Under its direction, 100 random samples are taken every day and tested for microbiological and chemical purity in a laboratory within the Grand Mosque.


Asir magpie, the only bird species endemic to Saudi Arabia, is in IUCN’s ‘endangered’ list

Updated 30 August 2025
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Asir magpie, the only bird species endemic to Saudi Arabia, is in IUCN’s ‘endangered’ list

  • Known as the Asir magpie, the bird can be found “only in a few small patches” in the mountains of Asir
  • Only about 100 breeding pairs of Asir magpies remain, making it one of the “rarest birds on the planet”

 

ABHA: Of 499 bird species recorded in Saudi Arabia, only one is considered endemic to the Kingdom, which means it is found nowhere else in the world.

This is according to Aramco’s 2021 book “The Birds of Saudi Arabia,” which noted that the bird known as the Asir magpie (scientific name: Pica asirensis) can be found “only in a few small patches” in the mountains of Asir region in the Kingdom’s southwest.

Known for its high intelligence and ability to recognize itself in a mirror, the bird is called a magpie because of its melodious sounds. It is easily recognizable by its black and white feathers and the large, dome-shaped nest it builds, typically in juniper or acacia trees, the book noted.
 

With only about about 100 breeding pairs of Asir magpies remaining, the Asir magpie is one of the “rarest birds on the planet.” (SPA photos)

The Asir magpie is classified as “Endangered” on the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).  

A report by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Friday said recent estimates suggest that only about 100 breeding pairs of Asir magpies remain, or around 200 adults, making it one of the “rarest birds on the planet.”

“The primary threat to the Asir magpie’s survival is climate change, which has limited its natural range because of rising temperatures and arid weather conditions over the past decades,” SPA said.

The Aramco book said there are 18 other species that are largely or entirely confined to the Arabian Peninsula, including the dazzling Arabian Sunbird, the astonishing Arabian Babbler, the enigmatic Arabian Scops-owl, the rare Arabian Grosbeak, and the quizzical Arabian Woodpecker.


How Saudi Arabia is nurturing a new generation of eco-journalists

Updated 30 August 2025
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How Saudi Arabia is nurturing a new generation of eco-journalists

  • As environmental challenges grow, the Kingdom is investing in journalism to bridge science, policy, and the public
  • With awareness campaigns about its oil spill drills, the NCEC is empowering storytellers to help protect the planet

RIYADH: As a nation moving toward a greener future, Saudi Arabia is building bridges between the public and officials, raising awareness, and designing campaigns that promote sustainable development.

These efforts, in line with Vision 2030, seek to educate people about ecosystems and how they play a role in protecting and improving them. To support these goals, communication is critical. Journalism is one of the most effective tools.

Environmental journalism, used widely in both developed and developing nations, plays an essential role in shaping public awareness.

From reporting on ecological issues to empowering communities to take part in Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia needs more environmental journalists. Yet the field remains relatively unknown in the country.

Recognizing this gap, the National Center for Environmental Compliance has begun taking steps to advocate for and support eco-journalism.

“I think we had been noticing for the past years … a decade ago that there wasn’t really this professional, specialized media… in the Arab world,” Saad Al-Matrafi, NCEC’s executive director of media and communication and official spokesperson, told Arab News.

Saad Al-Matrafi, executive director and official spokesperson at NCEC. (Supplied/NCEC)

Al-Matrafi noted that while political, business, and sports journalism are quite popular, environmental journalism lags far behind.

“Here at the center we’re concentrating on actually bringing up a specialized generation, to be well-focused, well-informed, and educated about the environment,” he said.

Al-Matrafi explained that environmental journalists should not only report on events but also take part in wider conversations, join awareness programs, promote environmental education, and act as a bridge between the public and policymakers

That role is recognized internationally. UNESCO has identified environmental journalism as a critical field for reporting, investigating and communicating environmental issues to the public.

In a 2024 report, the UN agency noted that more than 70 percent of environmental journalists worldwide had been attacked for their work over the past 15 years — a period that also saw a surge in disinformation on environmental issues.

Al-Matrafi tied the role of journalists directly to the broader goals of Vision 2030, which emphasizes improving quality of life across the Kingdom.

Inspectors at NCEC responded to 4,267 reports on violations of air, water and soil quality in the first half of this year, compared to 2,670 in 2024. (Supplied/NCEC)

“If we relate that to our strategy at the NCEC, part of that is improving the quality of life of citizens and the visitors and the tourists of the Kingdom,” he said.

For him, compliance programs and inspection systems are not simply about monitoring firms and factories. They are also about ensuring safer conditions for workers, their families and communities.

He stressed that the center’s efforts are for both individuals’ well-being and society as a whole.

Here, again, journalism plays a vital role. By raising awareness among workers, companies and institutions, reporters can help explain why compliance with environmental regulations and inspections matters.

Al-Matrafi stressed that NCEC’s purpose is not to detect violations and issue penalties, but to save lives.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The National Center for Environmental Compliance monitors air quality and emissions at the source and protects marine and coastal environments.

• In the first seven months of 2025, the center evaluated more than 11,000 environmental tests, including 8,124 water samples and 3,618 soil samples.

He described operations the center oversees, such as preventing and managing oil spills, which, if neglected, could cause severe health and environmental damage.

“We have all these kinds of sensors in the sea to detect if there is any pollution in the water that could affect our marine life,” he said. “We were using the satellite to detect if there’s any pollution in the soil, and it’s really very high.”

In the first seven months of 2025, the center evaluated more than 11,000 environmental tests, including 8,124 water samples and 3,618 soil samples. (Supplied/NCEC)

Preventing and managing oil spills is a critical task for environmental response centers, involving monitoring, preparedness, rapid response, and long-term cleanup to limit health and environmental damage.

“These technical satellite programs are used to detect very small details,” Al-Matrafi said. “For instance, if that satellite notices or detects any pollution in the soil, it will give us notes and reports.

“We are helping the environment to be better. It’s affecting your life and your kids’ lives.”

Regardless of the amount of work a nation can put into mitigating environmental problems, it is important to broadcast these efforts to raise awareness, says NCEC spokesman Saad Al-Matrafi. (NCEC photo)

Al-Matrafi also highlighted the NCEC’s national oil spill drills. “We have two national oil spill drills a year — the last one was in Yanbu in July,” he said. “It was drill number 17 … and I think this is one of the most interesting experiences that I'd like to cover.

“It goes from 40 to 60 entities in the country who actually participate … that covers government entities, private sector, and even non-government sectors like institutes, universities. In the future, we are going to add volunteers to be part of that.”

Journalists, he noted, are central to these exercises. “We have journalists on the boats to see what is going on, and we have them in the media center, they write, they take shots, and they record … I think it is a great opportunity to be part of that.”

Al-Matrafi concluded that no matter how much effort a nation invests in tackling environmental challenges, raising awareness is just as important. “It’s awareness, enlightenment, instructions, and good journalism.”
 

 


Jeddah hosts Health and Beauty Expo to showcase trends, innovations, expert advice

Updated 29 August 2025
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Jeddah hosts Health and Beauty Expo to showcase trends, innovations, expert advice

  • Event features more than 100 exhibitors, welcomes over 25,000 visitors

JEDDAH: The Health and Beauty Expo returned to Jeddah and attracted visitors eager to explore the latest in health, wellness, and beauty.

Held at the Superdome from Aug. 27-29, the event featured more than 100 exhibitors and welcomed more than 25,000 visitors, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing health and beauty market.

The expo provided product showcases, interactive experiences, and advisory sessions. It brought together experts, clinics, hospitals, and cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies, as well as emerging entrepreneurs and investors.

Ahmed Alshawa, marketing manager of Bio Life Clinic, highlighted the value of direct interaction with visitors, and added: “We were here to introduce our services, especially in dental and dermatology, and offer exclusive promotions during the three days. The expo gave us a great chance to reach the public and familiarize them with our offerings.”

Ahmed Hamed, regional manager at L’Oreal, said: “We engaged visitors with our products such as La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, and Vichy. Our goal is to improve skin health, addressing issues like acne and hair loss, and providing moisturizers for overall wellness. We also provided free consultations with doctors at our booth to advise visitors on which products suited them best.”

QV showcased its newly launched skincare range, and Dr. Mohammed Osama, pharmacist and the company’s senior medical representative, said: “We have introduced three new products: one for calming redness, rashes, and itching; another for oily and combination skin; and one for dry, sensitive skin.

“We also have a baby cream for eczema and dermatitis. Unlike prescription products, these allow us to communicate directly with customers, educating them about our offerings in a way that we normally can only do with doctors or pharmacists.”

Cosmoderma (cosmetic dermatology) clinics also drew the attention of visitors. Sahar Taisir, supervisor at Lavida Clinics, said: “Our strategy was to offer discounts on cosmoderma services. Anyone registering for treatments at our booth, whether for skin, hair, or body laser services, would receive special offers.”

Hospitals and medical centers emphasized the importance of comprehensive healthcare.

Dr. Rawan Gari, OB-GYN consultant at Lavender Medical Complex, said: “Our clinic takes care of women from puberty to menopause. We provide premarital counseling, contraceptive guidance, pregnancy follow-up, gynecological consultations, fertility support, and sexual health services.”

Dr. Hanin Radwan, OB-GYN consultant at Aya Clinic, said: “We offered discounted services and free consultations on IVF, routine pregnancy checkups, and pediatric care.”

Korean beauty trends were also on display, highlighting the global influences shaping skincare preferences.

Panel discussions ran throughout the three days of the event and featured leading experts sharing insights on the latest trends, sustainable practices, and holistic approaches in health and beauty.


Pectoral sandpiper recorded at Saudi royal reserve

The pectoral sandpiper is considered a rare migratory passage species in the Arabian Peninsula. (SPA)
Updated 29 August 2025
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Pectoral sandpiper recorded at Saudi royal reserve

  • Documentation of the bird reflects the pivotal role of the Kingdom — including the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve — along international migratory bird flyways

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has announced the sighting of a pectoral sandpiper (calidris melanotos), a rare waterbird, at Rawdat Umm Al‑Thiyabah, marking the first confirmed record of the species inside a reserve in the Kingdom.

The pectoral sandpiper is considered a rare migratory passage species in the Arabian Peninsula. It breeds in the Arctic tundra areas of Canada and Alaska, extending as far as Siberia, and winters in the southernmost parts of South America, traversing migration routes that span multiple continents. Its diet consists of small crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates, and insects.

Documentation of the bird reflects the pivotal role of the Kingdom — including the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve — along international migratory bird flyways, serving as a key natural stopover on one of the world’s most important routes between Asia and Africa.

According to a scientific paper published last week in Check List, a peer-reviewed online journal of biodiversity data, two adults of the species were observed on May 2 along the water’s edge at Rawdat Umm Al-Thiyabah, a seasonal wetland rich in biodiversity.

The study described the observation as “rare and exceptional” at the regional level.

The US newspaper Herald-Leader highlighted that spotting the species in the Kingdom was an “unusual occurrence,” while revealing the scientific and environmental value of Saudi reserves in tracking the global movement of migratory birds.

 


Saudi minister meets US industry experts

Bandar Al-Khorayef tours industrial sectors in North Carolina. (SPA)
Updated 29 August 2025
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Saudi minister meets US industry experts

  • Alkhorayef’s tour explored opportunities to collaborate on 3D-printing materials and hybrid manufacturing solutions that can be applied to the Kingdom’s own Advanced Manufacturing and Production Center

RIYADH: As part of an official four-day visit to the US, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef dedicated a full day to exploring cutting-edge research facilities at North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park, meeting with industry experts.

The program included a meeting with North Carolina’s Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley and a tour of North Carolina State University’s Energy X Lab and Center for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics, alongside a visit to the nearby Statistical Analysis System Institute, the SPA reported on Thursday.

Together, these engagements reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to adopting advanced manufacturing technologies and strengthening international partnerships to accelerate its ambitious industrial sector transformation.

Discussions at the SAS Institute focused on how digital twins, advanced analytics, and machine learning can simulate factory operations, optimize processes before implementation, and extend the lifecycle of industrial equipment.

Alkhorayef’s tour explored opportunities to collaborate on 3D-printing materials and hybrid manufacturing solutions that can be applied to the Kingdom’s own Advanced Manufacturing and Production Center, while learning more about the North Carolina university center’s expertise in supporting small and medium enterprises through additive manufacturing research.