RIYADH: The Diriyah governorate, under the patronage of Environment Minister Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, is to host the Reef Valley Exhibition at the Diriyah Biennale on Sept. 25-26 to highlight the economic, cultural, and tourism significance of Saudi Arabia’s countryside.
Organized by the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, the exhibition aims to challenge stereotypes about rural life and showcase experiences that demonstrate a deep passion for agriculture.
It also underscores the vital role of Saudi farmers in achieving Vision 2030’s objectives, while highlighting the program’s pivotal role in the development and improvement of the countryside.
Pavilions representing the sectors and supported by the program will display aromatic plants, rainfed crops, coffee, fruit, and honey.
The exhibition targets entities involved in agriculture and rural development, including government agencies, specialists and decision-makers, as well as program beneficiaries and the general public.
The program seeks to improve the quality of life in Saudi Arabia’s countryside by developing various sectors; providing training for young people; supporting projects to improve income; assisting small farmers and producers; and empowering rural women.
Moderate to heavy rains to hit Makkah, most of Saudi regions
National Center for Meteorology forecasts strong winds, hail and thunderstorms
General Directorate of Civil Defense also called for caution and adherence to guidelines due to the rainy weather forecast for several regions
Updated 33 sec ago
Rashid Hassan
RIYADH: In much-awaited relief from the searing heat of this summer, most of the regions in Saudi Arabia, including Makkah, Jazan, Najran and Asir, will experience moderate to heavy rainfall starting Thursday.
The welcome rain will continue until the middle of the next week, according to the forecast by the National Center of Meteorology.
The center forecast on Wednesday issued a warning of moderate to heavy rainfall in Makkah, accompanied by strong winds, reduced visibility, flash floods, hail and thunderstorms.
It indicated that these conditions are expected to persist until 9 p.m.
Forecasting light to moderate and heavy rainfall in different areas across the Kingdom, the center said that starting on Thursday, Jazan and Baha regions will experience heavy rainfall continuing until the weekend, while moderate rains are expected until the middle of the next week.
The holy city of Makkah, the resort city of Taif and the Asir region will experience moderate to heavy rainfall until the middle of the next week, whereas Jeddah will experience light to moderate rainfall.
Najran and Badr areas will receive moderate to heavy rains, while Madinah and Yanbu will experience light to moderate rainfall.
According to the center, the Saudi capital region of Riyadh and the Eastern Province will experience light to moderate rains this weekend.
Amid the warning of rainfall accompanied by strong winds, reduced visibility, flash floods, hail and thunderstorms, the center called on the public to follow its weather updates on its website and social media platforms and to adhere to the instructions of the relevant authorities, including the Civil Defense, to ensure public safety.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense also called for caution and adherence to guidelines due to the rainy weather forecast for several regions.
The Civil Defense team in Jazan is prepared for field efforts during the rainy days, it said, posting pictures of their rescue team ready for the rainy weather.
"#ForYourSafety ... During rainfall ... stay away from low-lying areas, water gatherings, and valleys,” the General Directorate posted on its social media platforms, including X.
Abdullah Alotaibi, from Taif, who is working in Riyadh, told Arab News: “This forecast came as a big sigh of relief from the ongoing scorching heat. With the welcome showers expected in many parts, the weather will turn pleasant with temperature going down and people will feel better after drizzle in different parts.”
“We are eagerly awaiting for rain in Riyadh, currently experiencing excessive heat, to reduce the mercury level,” he said.
New ‘Nusuk Umrah’ service for international pilgrims to simplify visa and travel bookings
Nusuk Umrah is a new option for international Umrah pilgrims, complementing existing channels like accredited agents
Service allows users to customize their trip by choosing from integrated packages or booking individual services such as visas, accommodation, and transportation
Updated 20 August 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched the Nusuk Umrah service on Wednesday, enabling Umrah pilgrims based outside the Kingdom to directly apply for an Umrah visa and book services online without intermediaries.
Available on https://umrah.nusuk.sa/, the platform aims to improve service quality and enrich the pilgrim experience, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Nusuk Umrah is a new option for international Umrah pilgrims, complementing existing channels like accredited agents.
The service allows users to customize their trip by choosing from integrated packages or booking individual services such as visas, accommodation, transportation, and tours.
The launch of the service is part of the ministry’s efforts to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by hosting a greater number of Muslims and providing high-quality and convenient services that enhance the Hajj journey, SPA said.
Authorities working to repatriate body of Saudi poet who died while hiking
Saud Al-Qahtani reportedly slipped and fell from a cliff on Jebel Samhan on Monday
Updated 20 August 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Oman is working with authorities to repatriate the body of poet Saud Al-Qahtani who fell to his death from a cliff at Jebel Samhan, near Salalah, according to an embassy post on X on Tuesday.
Al-Qahtani was reportedly hiking in the mountainous area on Monday when he slipped and fell.
Rescue and ambulance teams from Oman’s Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority, and several citizens, were present at the site, the CDAA posted on X on Monday.
Al-Qahtani sustained severe injuries that led to his death, the authority said.
The CDAA has issued a warning for members of the public to exercise caution when exploring mountainous areas, and stressed the importance of adhering to safety regulations.
KSrelief, children association partner to enhance rehabilitation, humanitarian services
Updated 20 August 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Children with Disabilities Association in Riyadh, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.
It was signed by Prince Sultan bin Salman, chairman of the association’s board of directors, and Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, the supervisor general at KSrelief.
The agreement aims to enhance collaboration between the two parties in delivering rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities, as well as providing relief and humanitarian assistance internationally.
It also seeks to promote joint participation in various events, including conferences, workshops, meetings, and exhibitions, the SPA added.
The agreement is part of KSrelief’s ongoing efforts to build strategic partnerships with key local organizations to advance global humanitarian and relief work.
Slovenian super white falcon fetches $40,000 at Saudi auction
Mathlouth gyrfalcon is the most expensive sale so far
Auction now a top global attraction, says local official
Updated 20 August 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: A falcon chick fetched SR151,000 ($40,000) at the annual International Falcon Breeders Auction in Malham here on Tuesday, becoming the most expensive sale so far at the gathering.
The bidding for the Mathlouth gyrfalcon hybrid super white, from the farm of the Slovenian breeder GP, started at SR50,000. The bird is under a year old, about 40 centimeters in height, and weighs just over 1 kg.
The identity of the buyer has not been revealed and it is usual practice for the bird to be named after it is sold.
The hybrid was not the only bird sold on Tuesday, the fourth night of the auction organized by the Saudi Falcons Club and held at its headquarters until Aug. 25.
The bidding for the Mathlouth gyr super white, from the Slovenian breeder GP, started at SR50,000. (SPA)
Bidders also competed for a gyrfalcon shaheen falcon, from British breeder YLS, with the dark brown chick, weighing 1.1 kg, eventually selling for SR51,000.
The gyrfalcon, or gyr, is the largest species in the world and ranges in color from pure white to brown. The birds have large, broad-winged and long-tailed bodies and are highly sought-after by breeders and enthusiasts.
A Mathlouth gyrfalcon, a gyrfalcon shaheen and a gyrfalcon pure will go under the hammer on Wednesday night.
Last year, a peregrine falcon chick named Ultra White sold for SR400,000 in a record for the event. Its American breeder Pacific Northwest Falcons also sold another peregrine chick named Super White for SR86,000.
That auction concluded with SR10 million in sales after 866 falcons were bought. A domestic auction by the club last year raised nearly SR6 million.
The bidding for the Mathlouth gyr super white, from the Slovenian breeder GP, started at SR50,000. (SPA)
With a history of exceeding SR18 million in sales over the past three years, the auction introduces new international breeding farms and fosters collaboration among producers and investors.
Walid Al-Taweel, spokesperson for the Saudi Falcons Club, told Arab News on Tuesday the auction has attracted some of the world’s top breeders and falconers.
“The auction utilizes modern technologies in sales and medical examinations. It also features live broadcasting, which allows real-time viewing of the auction from around the world,” he said.
The annual auction also provides a platform for falconers to learn about the latest breeding and hybridization techniques and share knowledge with fellow experts from around the world.
The bidding for the Mathlouth gyr super white, from the Slovenian breeder GP, started at SR50,000. (SPA)
It plays a significant role in preserving and promoting Saudi Arabia’s cultural, economic, and historical heritage in line with Vision 2030.
Speaking to Arab News on Monday, New Zealand Ambassador Charles Kingston described the visit as “fun and fascinating.”
“Beautiful falcons on display and a wonderful showcase of the Kingdom’s rich heritage and culture,” he said.
A common companion of Bedouin travelers, hunting with falcons was also an integral part of Arabian culture for thousands of years.
