Protecting houseplants from Saudi Arabia’s summer heat

Houseplants are more than just an aesthetic piece in the house; they can enhance both mental and physical well-being. (Supplied/ Unsplash)
Houseplants are more than just an aesthetic piece in the house; they can enhance both mental and physical well-being. (Supplied/ Unsplash)
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Updated 22 July 2025
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Protecting houseplants from Saudi Arabia’s summer heat

Houseplants are more than just an aesthetic piece in the house; they can enhance both mental and physical well-being. (Supplied/
  • Indoor plants proven to improve health, but caring for them comes with challenges
  • Looking after plants teaches “patience and the slow waiting for results”

RIYADH: In Saudi Arabia’s intense summer heat, having a houseplant adds a cozy element to homes and can improve owners’ health, but caring for them can prove a challenge.

Plants purify the air, reduce stress and create a natural sense of calmness in the middle of the daily hustle and bustle of major cities.

However, as the country is reaching the peak of summer with daytime temperatures soaring above 40 degrees celsius, caring for indoor plants can come with difficulties.




Houseplants are more than just an aesthetic piece in the house; they can enhance both mental and physical well-being. (Supplied/ Unsplash)

Without suitable care, the summer heat can easily damage thriving indoor gardens.

Arwa Al-Otaibi, a plant owner and botany enthusiast, spoke to Arab News about the impact plants can make on homes, and the proper way to care for them.

“One of the most beautiful and relaxing things is when we visit places filled with plants and nature,” she said.

HIGHLIGHTS

• According to botany enthusiast Arwa Al-Otaibi, plants reconnect people with nature and the Earth, bringing comfort.

• It is critically important to pay attention to where a plant should be placed.

“We feel a wonderful sense of comfort, relaxation and calm, so imagine when we see the place we live in filled with plants, and when we own plants in our homes.”




Houseplants are more than just an aesthetic piece in the house; they can enhance both mental and physical well-being. (Supplied/ Unsplash)

According to Al-Otaibi, plants reconnect people with nature and the Earth, bringing comfort. This is felt by farmers, as she describes it, when they touch the leaves and soil, which she says “significantly reduces cortisol levels.”

Houseplants are more than just an aesthetic piece in the house; they can enhance both mental and physical well-being.

This is supported by scientific studies, including a 2015 paper in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology which found that subjects felt more “comfortable, soothed and natural,” and their blood pressure was lowered after transplanting an indoor plant.




Houseplants are more than just an aesthetic piece in the house; they can enhance both mental and physical well-being. (Supplied/ Unsplash)

Plants can also improve air quality by filtering toxins and increasing humidity in the air, which is essential in Riyadh’s dry weather.

Caring for plants teaches “patience and the slow waiting for results, such as the blossom of flowers and the growing of new leaves,” Al-Otaibi explained.

“This in itself inspires patience and calmness. Taking continuous care of a plant, even if in the small details, yields long-term results.

It is critically important to pay attention to where a plant should be placed. Some plants should be put near windows to keep them exposed to sunlight, while others thrive under indirect light.

Arwa Al-Otaibi, Botany enthusiast

“This is an example that reminds us of the long-term benefits of investing in ourselves, our health, and our relationships,” she added.

It is critically important to pay attention to where a plant should be placed. Some plants should be put near windows to keep them exposed to sunlight, while others thrive under indirect light.




Houseplants are more than just an aesthetic piece in the house; they can enhance both mental and physical well-being. (Supplied/ Unsplash)

Another point is that summer heat leads to faster evaporation, yet overwatering a plant can also be damaging. It is recommended to use well-draining pots and water early in the morning or after sunset to lower the stress on the plant.

Also, maintaining a cooler temperature inside the house is essential for the growth of plants.

“Another important aspect of plant care in hot weather is ensuring the overall atmosphere in the room,” Al-Otaibi said.




Houseplants are more than just an aesthetic piece in the house; they can enhance both mental and physical well-being. (Supplied/ Unsplash)

“The appropriate temperature for plants varies depending on the type of plant, but in general, during hot weather, the home temperature should not exceed 25 degrees Celsius.

“When leaving the house, there should be some sort of ventilation, like leaving windows slightly open, to refresh the air when the air-conditioning is off.”

Maintaining a balanced ecosystem for the plant is important. Misting leaves with water to protect them from becoming dry, or grouping them together to create a microclimate, could also be beneficial.

In general, taking care of houseplants in Riyadh’s intense summer heat can be a challenge, yet it is one can be overcome with proper attention.

Healthy houseplants can elevate the overall atmosphere with greenery creating a beautiful indoor jungle, bringing life into a quiet living room.

 


Family of Saudi student killed in UK pay tribute to ‘best of brothers’

Family of Saudi student killed in UK pay tribute to ‘best of brothers’
Updated 8 sec ago
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Family of Saudi student killed in UK pay tribute to ‘best of brothers’

Family of Saudi student killed in UK pay tribute to ‘best of brothers’
  • Mohammed Al-Qasim, 20, was stabbed to death in Cambridge on Friday
  • Relatives set up fundraiser to provide Saudi families in need with clean water as tribute

RIYADH: Family and friends of Mohammed Al-Qasim, the 20-year-old Saudi student who was stabbed to death in Cambridge, UK on Friday, have been sharing their condolences and memories online.

His relatives have also set up a fundraiser to provide families in need in Saudi Arabia with clean water as a tribute. At the time of writing it had raised more than SR30,000 ($8,000).

Al-Qasim was on a 10-week placement at the EF International Language Campus in the city when he was killed. Two men from Cambridge have been arrested on suspicion of murder and assisting an offender.

Al-Qasim’s uncle, Majed Abalkhail, said on X that his nephew’s death “has been a huge shock for all of us — especially since Mohammed came to Cambridge as a student, carrying nothing but dreams and hopes for the future.”

“We truly hope … that this will be the last such tragedy, and that full justice will be served, with everyone responsible held fully accountable. May Allah have mercy on Mohammed and grant him the highest place in paradise.”

Abalkhail described his nephew as “a young man raised upon goodness, and our hearts still weep over his loss.”

Al-Qasim’s sister, Jana, wrote on X that he was “a man worth a thousand men, the true meaning of support, strength, and dignity.”

“I never knew the taste of fear for a single day, because I knew Mohammed was my backbone and my support after Allah,” she said.

“With the magnitude of his pride and love for me, I was proud of him and loved him many times more. Since our childhood, I would hear that brothers often annoy, quarrel, and fight with their siblings, but by Allah, he never raised his voice at me once, and I never saw from him anything but kindness and love.”

Another sister, Thekra, said: “O Allah, your servant Mohammed Al-Qasim was the best of brothers. Kind, gentle, and fearful of you among us. He never once raised his voice since the day my mother gave birth to him until you took him back to you.”

Abdallah Al-Matrafi, who described himself as a neighbor of the family, said on X that Al-Qasim’s “late father, his brothers and his sons are among the finest people we have known in manners, character, appreciation, respect, and good neighborliness.”

“To this day, we remember them fondly, and we will continue to do so for the rest of our lives.”

Professor Fahad Al-Olayan said: “May Allah have mercy on Mohammed. I was honored to have him as one of my students at the university last semester. He was a hardworking student, eager to learn.”

Nawaf Al-Darrab, a friend of Al-Qasim, said he knew the young man to be “close to Allah … always smiling, committed to his prayers, and forgiving toward everyone.”

“Until we meet again, my beloved and my brother, in the highest paradise with the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous — what an excellent company they are.”

In a public statement, his family described Al-Qasim as a “young man brimming with enthusiasm, with chivalry, and courage,” and said he was “the family’s charisma” and “his father’s support.”

“He was the most compassionate person to ever visit a mother’s heart,” they said.

The fundraiser set up in Al-Qasim’s name can be found at https://ehsan.sa/donationcampaign/details/1828254.


First satellite data platform launched to advance Kingdom’s space economy

First satellite data platform launched to advance Kingdom’s space economy
Updated 52 min 2 sec ago
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First satellite data platform launched to advance Kingdom’s space economy

First satellite data platform launched to advance Kingdom’s space economy
  • Earth Observation platform was launched to meet the growing demand for high-resolution satellite imagery and space analytics across key sectors
  • Neo Space Group CEO Martijn Blanken: Earth Observation data supports infrastructure development, urban growth, and resource management

JEDDAH: Neo Space Group, a space and satellite communications company under the Public Investment Fund, has launched Saudi Arabia’s first dedicated Earth observation marketplace, advancing the Kingdom’s space economy.

Operated by UP42, a subsidiary of Neo Space Group, the Earth Observation platform was launched to meet the growing demand for high-resolution satellite imagery and space analytics across key sectors.

It supports the Kingdom’s economic transformation under Vision 2030 by integrating Earth Observation data into sectors such as environment, infrastructure, energy, real estate, mining, logistics, agriculture, and urban planning.

Martijn Blanken, CEO of the Neo Space Group, said that the platform reflects increasing demand for space-based intelligence in the Kingdom, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

“Earth Observation data is essential today,” said Blanken. “It supports infrastructure development, urban growth, and resource management. With more than 2.15 million sq. km, Saudi Arabia requires scalable, data-driven tools for strategic decisions.”

The platform provides access to global data providers and AI-powered services, allowing government agencies, local companies, and international users to acquire and analyze high-resolution imagery and geospatial data through a digital interface.

Frank Salzgeber, acting deputy governor for the space sector at the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, called the launch an important step for the Kingdom’s space economy.

“Alongside enhancing national capabilities, the platform is expected to accelerate the adoption of space technologies in the Kingdom. It reflects our national priorities: fostering technological innovation, ensuring regulatory compliance, and building secure infrastructure.”

The platform follows Neo Space Group’s acquisition of UP42 GmbH from Airbus in December 2024. The German company runs a cloud-native Earth observation platform that simplifies satellite data access and processing.

Available at sa.up42.com, the platform lets users search, access, and process satellite data at scale using automated workflows, unified formats, and user-friendly tools. It complies with Saudi regulations and is hosted on secure local infrastructure.


9 teams make finals of Jameel Deep Tech Initiative startup contest

9 teams make finals of Jameel Deep Tech Initiative startup contest
Updated 05 August 2025
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9 teams make finals of Jameel Deep Tech Initiative startup contest

9 teams make finals of Jameel Deep Tech Initiative startup contest
  • Supports 30 STEM teams to transform research into startups
  • King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology backs project

RIYADH: Nine teams have advanced to the finals of the SR2.25 million ($600,000) Jameel Deep Tech Initiative startup competition, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The teams that advanced are Plansulin, Queed, iRama, Quantasphere Ltd., Advanced Future Technology, Novo Genomics, Larimar, Visi Ground, and iBoat.

The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology hosted the semifinal stage at its Academy 32 facility, the SPA reported.

The event was set up to support 30 teams in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to transform research projects into market-ready startups.

Jameel, organized by StartSmart Entrepreneurship Center, and implemented through partnerships with KACST, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority.

It targets deep tech innovations in the health, energy, environment and climate sectors, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to empower research-based startups.

The semifinal event featured sector-specific training sessions, interactive product development challenges within fixed timeframes, cross-disciplinary workshops and business model refinement exercises.

Participants received specialized mentorship to overcome technical and commercial hurdles.

Radwan Noor, KACST’s general manager of Venture Attraction, said in a statement that they are enabling researchers to convert scientific outputs into viable tech companies with tangible market impact.

KACST supports this through scientific expertise, mentorship, judging, and access to laboratories and research infrastructure.

He said several participating startups graduated from KACST’s Ventures Program, demonstrating successful pathways from national labs to market solutions.

Mohammed Abdulghaffar, senior general manager at Community Jameel, added that this collaboration empowers scientists and innovators to commercialize research.


Saudi club hosts global falcon auction in Riyadh

Saudi club hosts global falcon auction in Riyadh
Updated 05 August 2025
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Saudi club hosts global falcon auction in Riyadh

Saudi club hosts global falcon auction in Riyadh
  • Running until Aug. 25, the event attracts top breeders and farms from within the Kingdom and around the world
  • Auction provides an opportunity for people across the world of falconry to meet, interact and share ideas

RIYADH: The International Falcon Breeders Auction opened on Tuesday at the headquarters of the Saudi Falcons Club in Malham, north of Riyadh.

Running until Aug. 25, the event attracts top breeders and farms from within the Kingdom and around the world, with Europe, the Americas and Asia all represented, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

More than just a sales platform, the auction provides an opportunity for people across the world of falconry to meet, interact and share ideas on this ancient sport. The many pavilions, including a “Falconer of the Future” stand, provide a showcase for breeding farms and equipment suppliers.

The event also supports the Saudi Falcons Club’s efforts to promote the heritage, culture and development of falconry, including pioneering breeding farms, and reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for the sector.

Last year’s auction saw 872 birds changing hands for a combined value of more than SR10 million ($2.7 million). That represented a 25 percent increase in revenue and a 36 percent rise in the number of birds sold from 2023.

This year’s event is expected once again to attract the very best falconers and breeders from across the globe, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s leadership in preserving intangible cultural heritage and its growing international stature in the falconry world.


Sri Lankan envoy hails Kingdom’s Islamic efforts

Sri Lankan envoy hails Kingdom’s Islamic efforts
Updated 05 August 2025
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Sri Lankan envoy hails Kingdom’s Islamic efforts

Sri Lankan envoy hails Kingdom’s Islamic efforts

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Sri Lankan Ambassador Omar Lebbe Ameer Ajwad and his accompanying delegation in Riyadh.

The officials discussed various topics related to Islamic affairs and ongoing cooperation between the two countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, the envoy praised the Kingdom’s leading role in supporting Islamic causes and promoting the values of tolerance and moderation globally, particularly in Sri Lanka.

Ameer Ajwad emphasized that these efforts reflect the true message of Islam, the SPA reported.

“We take pride in the Kingdom’s remarkable role in promoting the values of tolerance and moderation — a noble mission that truly represents the lofty message of Islam,” the envoy said.

He thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their generous support to Sri Lanka across various fields, and especially their service in response to Qur’anic injunctions.

The ambassador also praised the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for spreading a message of moderation worldwide.

He commended the ministry’s awareness programs, training for imams and preachers, and its organization of Qur’an competitions.