12m trees to transform Kingdom’s parks

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Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, the Minister of MEWA, ‎Chairman of the Board of Directors of the NCVC inaugurates an initiative to rehabilitate ‎the fyadhas ‎and rawdats (natural parks)‎. (Supplied)
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Updated 14 October 2023
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12m trees to transform Kingdom’s parks

  • Ministry launches project to revitalize 100 natural parks
  • The center emphasizes the need for park preservation, protection, monitoring and data collection

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli has launched an initiative to revitalize 100 natural parks across the Kingdom, covering more than 225,000 hectares in its initial phase.
The initiative involves planting more than 12 million wild trees and shrubs in the targeted areas, fostering environmental sustainability and enhancing quality of life, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative.
The Kingdom’s National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification oversees various tasks within the initiative, including raising awareness about the significance of natural parks.
The center emphasizes the need for park preservation, protection, monitoring and data collection, as well as creating planting maps for local trees and shrubs such as acacia, wild sidr and haloxylon.
The center will also cultivate and sow seeds in the parks, engage the community and offer employment opportunities.
Natural parks store carbon, combat climate change, prevent desertification and support diverse plant and animal life through innovative rehabilitation and development methods.
They offer economic prospects through beekeeping, boost honey production, attract tourists and serve as a recreational destination for families and locals.
The center focuses on restoring and preserving vegetation, managing pastures, forests and national parks, detecting encroachments, combatting illegal logging and safeguarding natural resources and biodiversity.
Meshal Al-Harbi, general manager of the General Department of Pastures at the center, said: “Activities aimed at rehabilitating the natural parks involve planting trees and sowing seeds based on plant environments and protective methods.”
“One of the methods for rehabilitating natural parks involves the utilization of rainwater harvesting techniques to store and utilize this water,” he said.
Al-Harbi said: “The natural parks are good habitat for wildlife. It is characterized by good water-borne soil suitable for the growth of seasonal or sustainable plants. It also stores carbon and is considered a good environment for recreation and camping.
“In light of the implementation of the initiative, I expect that this would result in reducing dust storms and increasing vegetation cover, thus contributing to carbon storage and reducing temperature.”
 


MWL chief, Uzbek Islamic leader meet in Makkah

Updated 14 July 2025
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MWL chief, Uzbek Islamic leader meet in Makkah

  • Al-Issa highlighted the center’s vital role in promoting Islamic civilization, addressing misunderstandings, and combating negative stereotypes
  • Abdukhalikov, on behalf of Uzbekistan, expressed pride and appreciation for the league’s efforts in the Islamic community and its esteemed international standing

MAKKAH: Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa recently received Firdavs Abdukhalikov, president of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, and his delegation in Makkah.

Al-Issa highlighted the center’s vital role in promoting Islamic civilization, addressing misunderstandings, and combating negative stereotypes, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Abdukhalikov, on behalf of Uzbekistan, expressed pride and appreciation for the league’s efforts in the Islamic community and its esteemed international standing.

He also praised Al-Issa’s representation of Muslims during his speech at the UN’s inaugural International Day to Combat Islamophobia, held at the General Assembly’s invitation.

Also in Makkah, Al-Issa met Mohammed Samir Al-Naqshbandi, Iraq’s consul general in Saudi Arabia, who paid a farewell visit at the end of his term.


Tourism minister launches tour of Saudi Summer program destinations in Taif

Updated 14 July 2025
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Tourism minister launches tour of Saudi Summer program destinations in Taif

  • Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlights commitment to quality service, unforgettable visitor experiences

RIYADH: Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, who is also chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority, has visited Taif governorate to begin his field tours of destinations featured in the Saudi Summer program.

The program, launched in May with the slogan “Color Your Summer,” runs until September and showcases destinations from Jeddah and the Red Sea’s coastal escapes to the cooler highlands of Taif, Baha, and Asir. It offers more than 250 exclusive deals through partnerships with more than 200 private sector entities.

Al-Khateeb led a delegation of senior officials from the ministry and the tourism sector. The visit included tours of tourist landmarks in Taif to assess the visitor experience, review facilities, and oversee service quality.

He expressed satisfaction with the visit, highlighting Taif’s natural beauty and mild climate, which help position it as a key tourist destination in the Kingdom and the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Tourism data shows Taif welcomed more than 3.6 million domestic and international tourists in 2024, up 9 percent from 2023. Annual tourism spending reached SR3.4 billion ($906 million), and 266 tourism establishment licenses were issued, according to the SPA.

Al-Khateeb said at the program’s launch in May: “This year we aim to welcome more than 41 million visitors from 18 countries and achieve SR73 billion in total tourism spending. These numbers reflect Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as a world-class destination, offering unforgettable experiences year-round.”

The Kingdom aims to attract 150 million visitors in total by 2030 through improved infrastructure, diverse experiences, better connectivity, and streamlined travel procedures.

Asir is hosting its summer season with a rich array of musical, artistic, and cultural events, featuring Al-Muftaha Village and the Plato Event, along with adventure trails and outdoor activities amid the lofty mountains and pleasant weather.

Riyadh is hosting the second Esports World Cup from July 8 to Aug. 24, attracting visitors worldwide. The city also offers artistic and cultural events and various entertainment shows throughout the summer.

Jeddah is welcoming visitors with its beaches and luxury resorts. Its diverse marine activities and relaxation events make it an ideal destination for families and water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore City Walk and enjoy performances at Circus 1903.

Sheybarah and Ummahat are islands that are part of the Kingdom’s luxury tourism network, featuring white sandy beaches, clear waters, and colorful coral reefs to offer maritime adventures.

Taif greets summer visitors with refreshing mountain breezes and fragrant Taif roses in Arruddaf Park, in addition to traditional markets and lush orchards.

The Al-Shafa and Al-Hada mountains provide a misty, magical atmosphere for those immersed in the region’s rich heritage.

Visitors can also experience stunning natural beauty in Baha, from mountain heights to valley depths in Raghadan Forest.


OIC chief, Palestinian envoy discuss crisis in Gaza, West Bank

Updated 14 July 2025
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OIC chief, Palestinian envoy discuss crisis in Gaza, West Bank

Jeddah: The secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Hissein Brahim Taha, met Palestine’s permanent representative to the OIC, ambassador Hadi Shibli, at its headquarters in Jeddah.

The envoy updated Taha on the escalating situation in Palestine, detailing the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ongoing violations and crimes by Israeli forces in the West Bank, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The two sides also discussed the provocative rhetoric and incitement by Israeli ministers and officials, plans for annexing the West Bank and claims of Israeli sovereignty over the territory.

Taha reaffirmed the OIC’s commitment to advocating for an immediate, lasting ceasefire, facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza, ensuring international protection for Palestinians and supporting a two-state solution in line with UN resolutions.


Saudi royal institute opens registration for traditional arts programs in Riyadh

Updated 14 July 2025
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Saudi royal institute opens registration for traditional arts programs in Riyadh

RIYADH: The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, or Wrth, has opened registration for six specialized academic programs in collaboration with leading international universities and academies, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The programs aim to preserve Saudi traditional arts, promote their global presence and support the Year of Handicrafts 2025, in line with the Kingdom’s cultural development goals.

Offerings include master’s degrees in traditional furniture design, costume design for performances, museum and exhibition curation, and digital heritage, as well as a higher diploma in traditional product development and an intermediate diploma in choreography.

Programs last one to two academic years and are held in person at Wrth’s Riyadh headquarters. There are no tuition fees, the SPA reported.

The programs combine theory and practice to prepare specialists to transform the traditional arts sector into a sustainable cultural and economic resource.

Wrth invites interested applicants to register and review program details at wrth.edu.sa/programs/construction-diploma-program, with studies beginning at the start of the academic year.

The institute works to promote national identity, enrich Saudi traditional arts, recognize talent in the field, and encourage the mastery and development of these crafts.

Meanwhile, Wrth is taking part in the Saudi Cultural Week at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan, which runs until July 15. The initiative aims to promote Saudi traditional arts internationally, support entrepreneurs and offer interactive experiences to the public, in line with the Year of Handicrafts.

The event also marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan, reflecting the strong cultural ties between the two countries, and fostering new opportunities for collaboration and creativity.

Wrth’s program features activities blending Saudi and Japanese cultures in a contemporary style while preserving the authenticity of each tradition, the SPA reported.

A live demonstration by Saudi artisan Salman Al-Hamad and Japanese artisan Yuho Ohkota showcases Al-Ahsa Bisht embroidery applied to a Japanese kimono in a modern artistic form.

The participation also includes a workshop where visitors can craft a Japanese fan decorated with Saudi-inspired patterns using innovative stamps designed by Fidaa Al-Amri, a Wrth graduate with an advanced diploma in traditional product development.


Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Montenegro and Kiribati on their special days

Updated 14 July 2025
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Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Montenegro and Kiribati on their special days

  • Saudi Arabia leaders wish 2 nations’ people good health, progress and prosperity

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s king and crown prince on Sunday congratulated President Jakov Milatovic of Montenegro on his country’s National Day celebrations.

In a cable, King Salman wished Milatovic “continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Montenegro steady progress and prosperity,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a similar message in a separate cable, according to the SPA.

On Saturday, the king and crown prince congratulated Kiribati’s President Taneti Maamau on his country’s Independence Day, wishing him and his constituents steady progress and prosperity.

Montenegro, located in southeast Europe, became a part of Yugoslavia in 1918 during the realignment of nations after the First World War.

After Yugoslavia broke up in 1992, Montenegro formed a federation with Serbia, but opted to become an independent republic in 2006.

Kiribati, an island republic in the central Pacific, gained its independence from the UK in 1979.

Both Montenegro and Kiribati are members of the UN.