Saudi wildlife center, ocean regeneration initiative deal aims to protect marine, coastal environment

Saudi wildlife center, ocean regeneration initiative deal aims to protect marine, coastal environment
Princess Reema bint Bandar and Mohammed Qurban sign the MoU. (SPA)
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Updated 19 February 2024
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Saudi wildlife center, ocean regeneration initiative deal aims to protect marine, coastal environment

Saudi wildlife center, ocean regeneration initiative deal aims to protect marine, coastal environment
  • Officials from NCW and Wave initiative inked a memorandum of understanding to boost collaborative conservation efforts in the Kingdom
  • Princess Reema said the joint strategy would help bolster environmental sustainability projects in relation to marine conservation

RIYADH: Saudi wildlife chiefs have signed an agreement to expand links with an ocean regeneration initiative aimed at protecting marine biodiversity and the coastal environment.

Officials from the National Center for Wildlife, and the Wave initiative, inked a memorandum of understanding at the center’s headquarters in Riyadh to boost collaborative conservation efforts in the Kingdom.

Under the terms of the cooperation deal, the Wave initiative, represented by Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar, and the wildlife center, led by CEO Mohammed Qurban, will work to maintain Saudi Arabia’s landscape and biodiversity, safeguard its surface water, restore balance in nature, ensure a greener future for generations to come, and support international efforts, while exploring possibilities for future joint actions.

Princess Reema said the joint strategy would help bolster environmental sustainability projects in relation to marine conservation.

She noted that the partnership reflected green initiatives already underway in the country and the Kingdom’s key role in supporting global efforts to protect the environment.

Marine environmental protection schemes involving Saudi Arabia were being run in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals, and Vision 2030 targets, the princess added.

The National Center for Wildlife was established to protect wild animal populations and ecological diversity in the Kingdom.

It aims to improve sustainability and quality of life in Saudi Arabia, and increase its social and economic impact through partnerships, events, and community programs.

The center also supports initiatives and projects that positively impact wildlife development.


Saudi crown prince, French president discuss de-escalation in region

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss de-escalation in region
Updated 06 August 2024
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Saudi crown prince, French president discuss de-escalation in region

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss de-escalation in region

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has received a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron, the Saudi Press Agency said early Tuesday.

The pair reiterated the importance of de-escalation and sparing the region the risk of expanding the conflict.

They also reviewed the latest development in Gaza and the efforts aimed at a ceasefire in the war-torn territory.


Warner Bros. zone wows Jeddah Season visitors

Tom and Jerry music delights visitors at Warner Bros. Discovery zone in Jeddah Season. (Supplied)
Tom and Jerry music delights visitors at Warner Bros. Discovery zone in Jeddah Season. (Supplied)
Updated 05 August 2024
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Warner Bros. zone wows Jeddah Season visitors

Tom and Jerry music delights visitors at Warner Bros. Discovery zone in Jeddah Season. (Supplied)
  • The “Tom and Jerry” theme park allows visitors to experience exciting adventures and comedic chases between the iconic cat and mouse

JEDDAH: The Warner Bros. Discovery zone at Jeddah Season is proving a must-visit attraction, featuring live performances of “Tom and Jerry.”

Spanning 15,000 sq. meters, the zone offers an immersive experience that brings the beloved cartoon characters to life.

The “Tom and Jerry” theme park allows visitors to experience exciting adventures and comedic chases between the iconic cat and mouse.

The zone also offers interactive games, theatrical performances and creative workshops.

Guests can watch classic clips of “Tom and Jerry” on a big screen, accompanied by live music from a band playing the soundtrack.

In the Cheese City area of the zone, visitors can explore the “Tom and Jerry” cartoon series through interactive exhibits, original artworks, and statues, featuring famous locations like Jerry’s house and the kitchen.

 


Saudi carpentry is part of rich Baha heritage

Saudi carpentry is part of rich Baha heritage
Updated 05 August 2024
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Saudi carpentry is part of rich Baha heritage

Saudi carpentry is part of rich Baha heritage
  • Mohammed Al-Zahrani, a carpenter in his 80s, said: “Carpentry is a difficult and tiring profession as it requires a lot of time and effort

RIYADH: “A trade in hand ensures against poverty” is a long-standing saying in the Baha region, mostly used by elderly people who work as carpenters and take advantage of the diverse trees in the area, such as the juniper, sweet acacia, sidr, and neem, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The region has a rich heritage of handicrafts and industries, which form an important part of its cultural identity and are passed down from generation to generation.

Locals are seeking to develop and modernize these crafts to keep pace with today’s challenges. (SPA)

Locals are seeking to develop and modernize these crafts to keep pace with today’s challenges.

Mohammed Al-Zahrani, a carpenter in his 80s, said: “Carpentry is a difficult and tiring profession as it requires a lot of time and effort.

“It starts by getting the wood, which is usually from the sidr and sweet acacia trees which are scattered in the mountains and valleys of Al-Baha. The bark is then peeled and the wood is dried, after which the carpenter will cut and engrave according to employers’ demands.”

Locals are seeking to develop and modernize these crafts to keep pace with today’s challenges. (SPA)

Al-Zahrani said that he engraves and decorates the wood with geometric shapes, which are either simple or original and unique, and he stressed that carpentry is his livelihood. He also said he introduced his children and grandchildren to it.

Al-Zahrani was showing his work at the social activity center in the village of Wadi Al-Arja in Bani Hassan Governorate, displaying wood engravings to show how his ancestors used to work in the past.

 


Deputy FM meets Sudan’s ambassador-designate to Saudi Arabia

Deputy FM meets Sudan’s ambassador-designate to Saudi Arabia
Updated 05 August 2024
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Deputy FM meets Sudan’s ambassador-designate to Saudi Arabia

Deputy FM meets Sudan’s ambassador-designate to Saudi Arabia
  • Al-Khuraiji welcomed the ambassador and wished him success in his new work duties

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khuraiji met with Sudan’s ambassador designate to the Kingdom, Dafallah Al-Haj Ali, in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, Al-Khuraiji welcomed the ambassador and wished him success in his new work duties, the foreign ministry reported on X.

Meanwhile, Abdulmajeed Al-Samary, undersecretary of protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received the credentials of Seychelles’ recently appointed ambassador to the Kingdom, Gervais Moumou, on Monday in Riyadh.

 


MDLBEAST hosts first Onyx Arena music party in Jeddah

MDLBeast recently unveiled its new music venue, the Onyx Arena, as part of the Jeddah Season. (Supplied)
MDLBeast recently unveiled its new music venue, the Onyx Arena, as part of the Jeddah Season. (Supplied)
Updated 05 August 2024
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MDLBEAST hosts first Onyx Arena music party in Jeddah

MDLBeast recently unveiled its new music venue, the Onyx Arena, as part of the Jeddah Season. (Supplied)
  • Afrojack and Bebe Rexha set to perform at the Jeddah Season event later this month

JEDDAH: MDLBeast, Saudi Arabia’s leading music entertainment company, recently unveiled its new music venue, the Onyx Arena, as part of the Jeddah Season.

According to MDLBeast officials, the first night of the three-week extravaganza saw a packed house with around 5,000 attendees gathering to enjoy performances by renowned international and local electronic music artists.

The first night saw the stage ablaze with talent as DJ Shaolin set the tone with an energetic set, electrifying the audience with a mix of crowd-pleasing tunes.

Following his performance, Lil Eazy, a Somalian hip-hop artist born and raised in Jeddah, took the stage, bringing a dynamic energy and vibrant music that had the crowd grooving along.  

Lil Eazy told Arab News: “Performing for a big crowd is a completely different feeling. I’m thrilled to have played at MDLBeast; it’s a fantastic opportunity.”

Noting the changing landscape for musical talent in the Kingdom, he added: “Before MDLBeast, we played underground for limited audiences, and now having the chance to showcase our music on big stages is incredible.”

Lil Eazy said he is excited and preparing for Soundstorm 2024. “To aspiring DJs, I advise you to follow your passion,” he added. “The music industry in the Kingdom is growing, and leading music entertainment companies are providing equal opportunities to be seen and heard.”

The atmosphere, enhanced by laser displays, buzzed with excitement when American rap star Don Toliver took the stage. Fans went wild, singing along to every note.

Thrilled by the energetic crowd, Toliver remarked during his performance: “It’s amazing to see such an active crowd who can vibe with me. It was an amazing night performing for the Jeddah crowd.”

The night concluded with Swedish DJ Axwell delivering a powerful set with beats and tracks that kept the crowd engaged until the very end.

MDLBeast has partnered with Jeddah Season this year to bring the vibrant Onyx Arena parties to life every Friday until Aug. 16.

The highlights include performances by Jack Harlow, Salvatore Ganacci, Jeed, and Saud on Aug. 9, followed by DJ Loush, Bebe Rexha, and Afrojack on Aug. 16.

Equipped with state-of-the-art technical facilities, sound, and lighting equipment, the Onyx Arena is designed to host global music parties, events, and conferences.

Iman Abdullah, a visitor, was thrilled by the event, saying: “I had an incredible time at the party and couldn’t contain my excitement singing along with Don Toliver. He’s been my favorite for a long time, and vibing with him was fantastic. His tracks and energetic performance were outstanding.

“It’s great to have such entertainment in Jeddah, and the ticket prices were reasonable. I bought a VIP pass and enjoyed the view and the food.”

Another visitor, Hanouf Raheem, said: “The arena is huge, and the lighting perfectly matches the vibe. The best part is that it’s fully air-conditioned, allowing us to escape Jeddah’s summer heat and enjoy the party to the fullest.

“Everything was well-managed, and the crowd control was impressive. It’s amazing to have such options for weekend entertainment. I’ve already purchased passes for the rest of the parties.”

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