Thriving in sandy and clay environments, Podaxis pistillaris holds cultural significance for its unique appearance and the flavor it adds to traditional dishes
As part of AlUla’s botanical ecosystem, the desert shaggy mane is valued for its ecological, nutritional and cultural importance
Updated 01 July 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The desert shaggy mane, Podaxis pistillaris, appears after rainfall in AlUla governorate, rapidly growing in a mushroom-like form.
Thriving in sandy and clay environments, this fungus holds cultural significance for its unique appearance and the flavor it adds to traditional dishes, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The desert shaggy mane indicates AlUla’s ecological balance and rich plant diversity. It reflects the connection between local communities and their environment, highlighting the importance of sustainable resource use.
The Royal Commission for AlUla is committed to preserving this natural heritage by documenting local resources, promoting environmental sustainability and ensuring the survival of rare plant species.
As part of AlUla’s botanical ecosystem, the desert shaggy mane is valued for its ecological, nutritional and cultural importance, representing the region’s longstanding relationship between humans and nature.
Jeddah’s newest indoor jungle brings nature to the city this summer
The 45-day Forest Wonders is a part of the broader Jeddah Season push to offer diverse, family-oriented entertainment
Updated 19 July 2025
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: Families in Jeddah are skipping summertime’s typical indoor mall circuit and heading somewhere … wilder.
The newly opened Forest Wonders indoor jungle is offering a nature-inspired escape in the heart of the coastal city, including turtles to pat, goats to feed and lemurs to meet.
From flamingos and reptiles to cats and birds, the experience blends wildlife interaction with environmental education. (AN photo)
“As far as I know, such animal jungles don’t just offer fun experiences but also educate the public about wildlife conservation,” 36-year-old Abdullah Al-Hashmi told Arab News while waiting in line with his family on opening day.
“It is a new experience for (the kids) and they are excited about it,” he said.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The newly opened Forest Wonders indoor jungle is offering a nature-inspired escape.
• It features more than 200 animals in themed zones such as the Meercat Zone, Raccoon Enclosure, and the Secret Garden.
• Young visitors can color, plant or play skill games between feeding stations and animal encounters.
Located on King Abdulaziz Road, the jungle-like venue opened on July 16 as part of this year’s Jeddah Season.
From flamingos and reptiles to cats and birds, the experience blends wildlife interaction with environmental education. (AN photo)
The air-conditioned space, covering 7,500 sq. m, features more than 200 animals in themed zones such as the Meercat Zone, Raccoon Enclosure, Bird Park and the Secret Garden, where rare animals are hidden among the foliage.
“It was fun and we enjoyed every zone or area,” said Jameel Al-Shikhi, visiting with his wife and two children.
Young visitors can color, plant or play skill games between feeding stations and animal encounters. (AN photo)
“The kids had fun with the most of the animals and they still want to see more.”
From flamingos and reptiles to cats and birds, the experience blends wildlife interaction with environmental education, including on topics such as sustainability, farming and animal care.
From flamingos and reptiles to cats and birds, the experience blends wildlife interaction with environmental education. (AN photo)
Young visitors can color, plant or play skill games between feeding stations and animal encounters.
“It is really connecting people with animals and the kids enjoyed many activities such playing, feeding, planting, drawing and watching the diverse animals closely,” Al-Shikhi said.
From flamingos and reptiles to cats and birds, the experience blends wildlife interaction with environmental education. (AN photo)
According to officials of the National Events Center, the 45-day Forest Wonders is a part of the broader Jeddah Season push to offer diverse, family-oriented entertainment.
Whether it is snapping a photo with a raccoon, learning about farming or simply watching a lemur, Forest Wonders offers a breath of fresh, leafy air in the middle of Jeddah’s urban summer.
Riyadh welcomes Japanese cultural flair at Esports World Cup
The streets of Japan Park have been transformed into an interactive world of Tokyo-inspired streets and manga-themed photo zones
Updated 19 July 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Amid the fast-paced tournaments and flashing screens at the Esports World Cup in Boulevard Riyadh City, a quieter kind of immersion — one rooted in culture, not gameplay — is drawing crowds.
At Japan Park, visitors are stepping into “yukatas,” the traditional Japanese summer garment that merges Japanese heritage with the modern world of esports.
The garment, which is worn during festivals and public celebrations in Japan, was redesigned with a contemporary twist inspired by popular characters and iconic elements of Japanese visual culture.
FASTFACTS
• At Japan Park entrance, visitors can register via QR code and receive a yukata to wear for free.
• In the calligraphy corner, visitors learn to write their names in kanji under the guidance of Japanese artists.
The experience offers Saudis and tourists alike the chance to explore Japanese heritage in the heart of Riyadh.
At the park entrance, visitors can register via QR code and receive a yukata to wear for free. Staff help guests to suit up correctly, maintaining respect for the garment’s cultural roots.
The streets of Japan Park have been transformed into an interactive world of Tokyo-inspired streets and manga-themed photo zones. The decor draws from vibrant districts such as Shibuya and other landmarks from Japanese pop culture.
The yukata experience is part of the broader cultural showcase that includes workshops on origami and uchiwa conducted by Japanese professionals.
In the calligraphy corner, visitors learn to write their names in kanji under the guidance of Japanese artists. It is slow, meticulous work in contrast to the speed of the esports tournaments happening just steps away.
The food stalls serve ramen, sushi and traditional desserts such as mochi, adding another sensory layer to the cultural experience.
While much of the Esports World Cup is about international gaming and competition, Japan Park offers a more reflective counterpoint.
It is a reminder that global pop culture — from anime to fashion and food — is inseparable from the traditions that shape it.
Wasl Community’s CEO Mohammed Al-Razqi said the initiative reflected the belief that empowering people was essential to effective communication, and that strong content started with developing talent
Updated 19 July 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Wasl Community has concluded its Media Skills Week initiative, which was held in Riyadh from July 13-18 at PureMinds Studios. The program targeted university students majoring in communication and media who were aiming to enhance their practical skills to align themselves with job market demands.
The week-long initiative attracted more than 1,000 registrants and offered more than 20 hours of specialized training through professional workshops led by experienced media and communication experts.
The workshops covered key topics, including spokesperson skills and media appearances by Majid Al-Ghamdi; fundamentals of strategic communication by Abdulrahman Al-Sultan; media content creation and management by Waleed Al-Harbi; internal communication by Najla Al-Otaibi; media production from writing to publishing by Saad Moamen; and corporate audio identity by Abdullah Al-Zarzour.
Wasl Community’s CEO Mohammed Al-Razqi said the initiative reflected the belief that empowering people was essential to effective communication, and that strong content started with developing talent.
He said: “Media Skills Week was designed to connect knowledge with practice. We are proud of the strong turnout from ambitious students and graduates, and we look forward to offering even more impactful programs in the future.”
Wasl Community is a nonprofit professional network registered under the Hawi platform and part of the Quality of Life Program under Vision 2030. It brings together professionals in corporate communication, media, and marketing across various sectors.
The community organizes programs, expert meetups, and projects to enhance practitioners’ skills and elevate the media sector’s professional image in Saudi Arabia.
General Court of Audit chief attends Internal Auditors meeting in Riyadh
Members of the ILA board congratulated Saudi Arabia, represented by SAIA, on its winning bid to host the 2027 IIA International Conference
Updated 19 July 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Hussam Alangari, the president of the General Court of Audit and board member of the Saudi Authority of Internal Auditors, attended the meeting of the Institute of Internal Auditors in Riyadh.
Members of the ILA board congratulated Saudi Arabia, represented by SAIA, on its winning bid to host the 2027 IIA International Conference, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The board said the successful bid was a culmination of the Kingdom’s “tireless efforts to enhance its international presence in the field of internal auditing and consolidate its leadership role in developing the profession regionally and globally.”
Saudi Arabia welcomes peace declaration signed in Doha between Democratic Republic of the Congo, March 23 Movement
Agreement seen as positive step toward peace, stability
Updated 19 July 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia welcomed the signing on Saturday of a declaration of principles between the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the March 23 Movement, describing the agreement as a positive step toward peace and stability in the region.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kingdom expressed its hope that the declaration, which was signed in Qatar’s capital of Doha, would contribute to improving humanitarian and economic conditions in the DRC and bolster regional and international security.
Riyadh also praised the diplomatic efforts of Qatar in facilitating the agreement, highlighting Doha’s constructive role in promoting dialogue and reconciliation between the parties, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The declaration comes amid regional and international calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in eastern DRC, where fighting between government forces and armed groups, including the M23, has displaced millions and deepened humanitarian crises.
Both sides have pledged to pursue dialogue, cease hostilities, and work toward a comprehensive political settlement, according to the agreement.
Qatar hosted the talks as part of its growing diplomatic engagement in African conflict resolution efforts.
