RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a phone call to his Abu Dhabi counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Monday.
During the call, they discussed the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative announced by the crown prince on Saturday, which call for partnerships with regional countries to face the environmental challenges in the region, improve the quality of life, and implement the largest afforestation project in the world that will contribute to restoring millions of hectares of degraded land, in addition to reducing global carbon levels.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the green initiatives on Saturday, which aim to reduce carbon emissions in the region by 60 percent, tackle deforestation, enhance the efficiency of oil production, and increase the contribution of renewable energy, in addition to multiple efforts to preserve the marine and coastal environment and increase the proportion of natural reserves.
The two leaders discussed “the importance of these initiatives in facing environmental challenges in the region and the world, and their role in improving the quality of life and public health,” SPA said.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman also made a phone call to Jordan’s King Abdullah II, who welcomed the initiatives and said his country was ready to cooperate with the Kingdom to achieve their goals.
Earlier on Monday, the crown prince made a phone call to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who congratulated him on launching the two initiatives, praising the great impact they will have on the region and its inhabitants.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman also made a call to Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh, where they discussed the environmental challenges facing the region, the economic, social and health impacts that follow, and the qualitative initiatives contained in the Middle East Green Initiative that addresses these challenges using modern and innovative methods and new technologies.
The crown prince also called Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, where the two affirmed the Middle East Green Initiative is one of the most ambitious global initiatives in restoring degraded lands and reducing carbon levels.
Kuwait’s Cabinet praised the two initiatives, which it said “constitute a new start and an ambitious road map” that will contribute to protecting the earth, nature and the marine environment, combating the climate crisis, and facing many environmental challenges.
It also said that their “positive effects” will be seen throughout the Gulf and Middle East regions, and both initiatives are part of the Kingdom’s “pioneering role toward common international issues and as a continuation of its efforts during its presidency of the G20 last year.”
Egypt’s Ministry of Environment said the initiatives reflect the interest that Saudi Arabia attaches to environmental preservation and international climate action.
Ali Sabt, secretary general of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), said the initiatives affirm Saudi Arabia’s pioneering role as a major global oil producer and will strengthen its active role in achieving stable global energy markets in general, and oil and gas markets in particular.
Sabt said they show the Kingdom’s desire to lead the next green era and its efforts to protect the planet during its G20 presidency, where a special declaration on the environment was issued.
He said that the two initiatives would contribute effectively to international efforts to combat climate change, enhance competitiveness, spark innovation and create millions of jobs, calling on international and regional organizations to also support the two initiatives.
Sabt said reducing greenhouse gas emissions requires continuous cooperation from countries around the world.
The leaders of each country welcomed the initiatives and said their countries were ready to actively support all efforts made by the Kingdom to achieve their goals.
Saudi Arabia’s crown prince discusses green initiatives with world leaders
https://arab.news/j2c46
Saudi Arabia’s crown prince discusses green initiatives with world leaders

- Regional leaders praised the green initiatives and said they were ready to work with the Kingdom to achieve their goals
Saudi authorities crack down on illegal Hajj activities

- 21 arrested for transporting, 84 pilgrims caught without permits
MAKKAH: The Ministry of Interior is continuing its efforts to prevent individuals without Hajj permits from entering or staying in Makkah and the holy sites, warning that violators and facilitators will be arrested and penalized.
The Hajj Security Forces at Makkah’s entrances arrested eight residents and 12 citizens for transporting 75 individuals without permits to perform Hajj, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The ministry issued administrative decisions through seasonal committees against the transporters, accomplices, and those transported.
Penalties include imprisonment, fines of up to SR100,000 ($26,600), public naming of violators, deportation of residents, and a 10-year ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia after sentencing.
The ministry has also called for the confiscation of vehicles used in unauthorized transportation and for fines of up to SR20,000 for those attempting Hajj without a permit.
In a separate incident, a Saudi citizen was arrested for transporting nine visa-holding expatriates without Hajj permits, the SPA reported.
All individuals involved have been referred to relevant authorities to enforce the prescribed penalties.
The ministry has urged all citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations to ensure the safety of pilgrims. It warned that performing or attempting Hajj without a permit from April 29 to June 10 was prohibited.
The ministry has encouraged the public to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 elsewhere in the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, security patrols in Makkah have arrested four Indonesian expatriates for fraudulently promoting fake and misleading Hajj campaigns on social media, and falsely offering accommodation and transportation within the holy sites.
They were also found promoting forged Nusuk Hajj cards and violating Hajj regulations by harboring 14 individuals without permits in a building.
The suspects were detained, legal action was taken, and they were referred to the Public Prosecution. Those harbored were referred to the competent authorities for the prescribed penalties.
Hajj Security Forces last week arrested 43 residents and 39 citizens in separate incidents for transporting 259 individuals without Hajj permits.
According to a recent report by the General Directorate of Passports, a total of 890,883 pilgrims from abroad have arrived in the Kingdom for Hajj from air, land, and sea.
The directorate reaffirmed its commitment to streamlining entry procedures by equipping all ports with advanced technology and multilingual staff.
Kingdom arrests 13,118 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 13,118 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
A total of 8,150 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,344 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,624 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.
How wildflowers bring color and ecological balance to Saudi Arabia’s deserts

- Conservation efforts and nature reserves are helping the Kingdom’s native desert flora make a strong comeback
- Desert wildflowers like Zahrah and Zamlouq symbolize resilience, blooming in some of the world’s harshest environments
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s landscapes are brightened each year by a dazzling array of wildflowers that bring bursts of color and life to its deserts and valleys.
Among the most iconic are Bassia eriophora, Senecio glaucus (locally known as Zamlouq), and Tribulus omanense (commonly called Zahrah). These species are celebrated not only for their natural beauty but also for their ecological, historical, and cultural significance.
In the Northern Borders Province, the desert is seasonally transformed into a living canvas by the arrival of Zamlouq, one of the region’s most striking wildflowers. Once near extinction, this annual herbaceous plant is now enjoying a revival.
Also known as Nowair or Yellow Arabian, Zamlouq germinates rapidly after rainfall and can grow up to 20 centimeters tall. It is easily recognized by its elongated, strap-like leaves and bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that enrich the desert with vibrant color.
Zamlouq emits a distinctive, aromatic fragrance that attracts bees and butterflies, playing a vital role in pollination and supporting ecological balance.

It typically blooms from late winter into spring, carpeting the desert floor with natural ground cover that boosts soil fertility and provides valuable forage for livestock and wildlife. It also helps stabilize the soil and prevent erosion — especially in open desert areas.
“This annual herb thrives in sandy plains and open rangelands, blooming in spring,” Ghalia Aljeddani, associate professor of plant ecology at the University of Jeddah’s Department of Environmental Sciences, told Arab News.
“It serves as valuable forage for livestock and contributes to soil stabilization and ecological beautification.”
Another native species creating a breathtaking spectacle during the blooming season is the Ramth shrub (Haloxylon salicornicum), particularly in the valleys of the Northern Borders, such as Wadi Arar and its tributaries. Recent thunderstorms and rainfall have triggered renewed floral activity in these regions.
Ramth is a perennial, evergreen shrub known for both its ecological and pastoral value. Conservation efforts, including the establishment of nature reserves, have helped restore this once-declining species and expand Saudi Arabia’s green cover.

Highly valued by herders as a key “Hamad” (palatable pasture shrub), Ramth typically grows to around 1 meter tall and can spread across several square meters. Its scale-like, tubular leaves retain moisture, allowing it to thrive in extreme desert conditions.
When protected from grazing, Ramth demonstrates a remarkable capacity to regenerate. In mid-summer, its foliage produces tiny granules of pure white sugar — a unique feature in its ecological profile.
Ramth is “commonly used as camel forage and firewood,” said Aljeddani.
“It is also a natural source of salt for camels and has uses in cleaning products and some medicinal applications. Its ability to thrive in saline and arid environments makes it a promising solution for combating desertification.”
DID YOU KNOW?
• More than 800 types of wildflowers have been recorded across the Arabian Peninsula.
• After rainfall, the deserts, rocky mountains and gravel plains burst into life with greenery.
• Despite their relatively small sizes, wildflowers in Saudi Arabia are remarkably resilient.
• Bedouin have long used wild plants to treat infections and for health-boosting properties.
Among the diverse Tribulus species found across the Arabian Peninsula, Tribulus omanense — locally known as Zahrah — stands out with its large, vivid yellow flowers and soft, feathery foliage.
This trailing plant thrives in loose sands and high desert dunes and can grow up to 80 centimeters tall, adding a dramatic splash of color to otherwise barren terrain. Belonging to the Zygophyllaceae family, Zahrah is distinguished by its star-shaped flowers with five delicate petals and its spiny seed capsules.


Its deep green, pinnate leaves and sprawling stems enhance its ornamental appeal, while its winter bloom transforms the desert into a radiant sea of yellow. Zahrah serves as an important food source for desert ungulates like gazelles and oryx, as well as for domesticated animals.
Native to the Arabian Peninsula, Zahrah is exceptionally adapted to harsh conditions, tolerating extreme heat, drought, and sandy soils. Its water-saving mechanisms make it indispensable to desert ecosystems.
Beyond its ecological value, Tribulus omanense is revered as a symbol of endurance and vitality — mirroring the resilience of the desert and the spirit of the people who call it home.

Yet environmental pressures such as climate change, overgrazing, and urban expansion threaten the resurgence of these plants. Authorities are working to raise public awareness about the importance of conserving native vegetation to preserve biodiversity and protect the Kingdom’s natural heritage.
These measures will help maintain ecological balance without excessive strain on water resources, enhance natural resistance to drought and desertification, and support the development of resilient and sustainable ecosystems.
“These wildflowers are not merely natural adornments of the land,” said Aljeddani. “They play vital environmental, cultural, and economic roles and significantly contribute to national initiatives aimed at achieving sustainability.”
Sudanese culture in spotlight at Jeddah event

- Passport to the World runs until May 24
- The event previously placed the spotlight on Filipino, Bangladeshi, and Indian cultures
JEDDAH: Passport to the World, which is taking place in Jeddah until May 24, is offering visitors an immersive look at Sudan’s cultural heritage through live folk performances, traditional dances, and interactive workshops that highlight customs, celebrations, and community rituals.
The event also features a food corner serving authentic Sudanese dishes, desserts, and traditional drinks that reflect the country’s hospitality.
Guests are also given an opportunity to wear traditional Sudanese clothing and explore the meanings behind its regional colors and patterns.
Organized by the General Entertainment Authority, the event supports efforts to showcase the cultural diversity of expatriate communities in the Kingdom while promoting values of coexistence through interactive cultural programming.
The event previously placed the spotlight on Filipino, Bangladeshi, and Indian cultures.
The Sudanese showcase is its conclusion and has attracted strong public interest. A previous edition in Alkhobar was also well received.
Saudi minister of municipalities and housing concludes official visit to Kuwait

- Guidelines adopted at meeting of GCC’s ministers
KUWAIT CITY: Saudi Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail has concluded his official visit to Kuwait, during which he headed the Kingdom’s delegation at the 23rd meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s housing ministers, which included participation from the relevant ministers of member states and was attended by the secretary-general of the GCC.
Several technical guidelines were adopted at the meeting, most notably the Value Engineering Guide for GCC Housing Projects, which was prepared by Riyadh as a step to enhance spending efficiency while improving the quality of outcomes in Gulf housing schemes.