Saudi Arabia’s Umluj Beach makes list of top 100 beaches worldwide

Famous for its serene landscape, white sandy beaches and pristine turquoise waters, Umluj has been described as the Saudi Arabian Maldives. (SPA)
Famous for its serene landscape, white sandy beaches and pristine turquoise waters, Umluj has been described as the Saudi Arabian Maldives. (SPA)
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Updated 13 April 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s Umluj Beach makes list of top 100 beaches worldwide

Saudi Arabia’s Umluj Beach makes list of top 100 beaches worldwide
  • Spot is an archipelago on the Red Sea coast in Tabuk Province
  • Beaches in the UAE, Egypt and Qatar also made the top 100 list

LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s Umluj Beach has been ranked among the top 100 beaches in the world in the Golden Beach Awards 2024, alongside the likes of Bora Bora and Copacabana.

BeachAtlas, a London-based startup, used an algorithm to shortlist 100 beaches according to six criteria. The locations were then put to a vote by a panel of travel experts and influencers who provided their personal insights to refine and help rank the list.

Located on the Red Sea coast in the northwest region of Tabuk Province, Umluj consists of 104 islands, forming an archipelago, and is one of the programs of the Red Sea Project — a megaproject that forms part of Saudi Vision 2030.

Placed at No. 41, BeachAtlas said Umluj Beach “is often compared to the Maldives for its serene, beautiful beaches lined with white sand and soothing palm trees.




Located on the Red Sea coast in the northwest region of Tabuk Province, Umluj consists of 104 islands. (BeachAtlas)

It added: “This spot offers a perfect retreat for those looking to unwind beside the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea.”

The criteria for the list included classic beauty; diversity, equity and inclusion; party and lifestyle; sense of community; natural diversity; and cultural significance.

BeachAtlas said: “Ideal for both relaxation seekers and nature enthusiasts, Umluj Beach draws visitors with its postcard-like scenery, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists.

“The vibrant marine life is easily visible in the transparent waters, adding to the allure of this picturesque destination.”




Famous for its serene landscape, white sandy beaches and pristine turquoise waters, Umluj has been described as the Saudi Arabian Maldives. (SPA)

The UAE’s JBR Beach in Dubai, which “blends city vibes with beach relaxation,” made the top 10, coming in at No. 8.

“With golden sands and clear waters, it offers water sports, camel rides and more,” said BeachAtlas.

It added: “The Walk, its lively promenade, features shops, eateries, and street entertainment. It’s a perfect spot for those who love the beach but want the thrill of city life too. A must-visit in Dubai for fun and sun.”

Sharm El-Sheikh, located at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, ranked No. 69 for being a “diver’s paradise and a sun seeker’s sanctuary.”

BeachAtlas added: “Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a diverse underwater ecosystem, this resort town is a gateway to exploring the Red Sea’s marine wonders.”

Qatar’s Inland Sea Beach ranked 89 on the list, its location between desert dunes and ocean waves creating “a remarkable ecosystem.”

BeachAtlas said the location provides “a peek into the past, rich with fossils along its shores.”

It added: “It also holds tales of 19th-century Abu Dhabi pirates, adding a layer of historical intrigue,” while blending “natural beauty and storied history.”


3rd Global Conference for Giftedness and Creativity underway in Riyadh

3rd Global Conference for Giftedness and Creativity underway in Riyadh
Updated 14 sec ago
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3rd Global Conference for Giftedness and Creativity underway in Riyadh

3rd Global Conference for Giftedness and Creativity underway in Riyadh
  • More than 300 talented individuals and local and international speakers from over 50 countries were attending the three-day conference

 

RIYADH: The third edition of the Global Conference for Giftedness and Creativity opened in Riyadh on Sunday, bringing together a select group of experts and talented individuals in science, technology, and innovation.

More than 300 talented individuals and local and international speakers from over 50 countries were attending the three-day conference, which was inaugurated Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, governor of Riyadh region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Organized by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, also known as "Mawhiba," the conference is being held at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) until Tuesday.

Themed "Beyond Creative Minds," the conference aims to showcase the potential of the gifted, develop a comprehensive care system to support them, bolster integration and strategic partnerships, and enhance opportunities for global exchange and cooperation.

An exhibition and various cultural visits are being held on the conference sidelines, the SPA report said.

According to the Mawhiba site, this conference reflects the success achieved in the two previous editions, and "provides an opportunity for partners to contribute to sponsoring the journey of talented people from different countries of the world."

 

 


Saudi-European talks to strengthen cooperation in environmental fields

Saudi-European talks to strengthen cooperation in environmental fields
Updated 25 November 2024
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Saudi-European talks to strengthen cooperation in environmental fields

Saudi-European talks to strengthen cooperation in environmental fields
  • Saudi minister of state discussed with EU security and political officials strengthening existing work on dealing with climate change

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir met with European officials on Sunday in Riyadh, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Al-Jubeir, who is also the Saudi climate envoy, held talks with Delphine Pronk, the Chair of the EU Political and Security Committee, and Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region.
They discussed issues surrounding climate change and the cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the EU in environmental fields, SPA added.
They discussed ways to strengthen their existing cooperation on tackling climate change and the recent development in foreign policy in Europe and the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia maintains a strong dialogue with the EU, and both parties share close views on several foreign policy issues, including the Saudi-led Arab Peace Initiative for the Middle East, which aims to create a prosperous region for all its people and end the cycle of conflict.
The EU and Saudi Arabia are also linked through trade relations, which made the EU the Kingdom's second trading partner after the volume of trade exchange between Riyadh and Brussels peaked at $80 billion in 2023.


Saudi FM arrives in Italy to attend G7 ministerial meeting

Saudi FM arrives in Italy to attend G7 ministerial meeting
Updated 24 November 2024
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Saudi FM arrives in Italy to attend G7 ministerial meeting

Saudi FM arrives in Italy to attend G7 ministerial meeting

RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Italy on Sunday to participate in an expanded ministerial meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) countries in Fiuggi, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The meeting will discuss the current situation in the Middle East, SPA added.

During his stay in Fiuggi, Prince Faisal will hold a number of discussions that will address regional and international issues.


Saudi fund chief receives Tajikistan’s deputy prime minister

Saudi fund chief receives Tajikistan’s deputy prime minister
Updated 24 November 2024
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Saudi fund chief receives Tajikistan’s deputy prime minister

Saudi fund chief receives Tajikistan’s deputy prime minister
  • Saudi Ambassador to Tajikistan Walid Al-Rashidan was among the officials in attendance

RIYADH: CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development Sultan Al-Marshad received First Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan Hokim Kholiqzoda and his accompanying delegation in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, the Saudi fund’s development projects were discussed, as well as ways to enhance development cooperation between both sides, the official account wrote on X.

Saudi Ambassador to Tajikistan Walid Al-Rashidan was among the officials in attendance.

Kholiqzoda’s visit included a tour of the Saudi fund’s exhibition center, which showcases the organization’s 50-year journey, including notable development projects and their impacts on the lives of beneficiaries.

 


World’s first International Conference on Conjoined Twins kicks off in Riyadh

World’s first International Conference on Conjoined Twins kicks off in Riyadh
Updated 24 November 2024
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World’s first International Conference on Conjoined Twins kicks off in Riyadh

World’s first International Conference on Conjoined Twins kicks off in Riyadh
  • Top World Health Organization official commends Saudi Arabia’s efforts in the field

RIYADH: The inaugural International Conference on Conjoined Twins kicked off in Riyadh on Sunday. 

The event unites leading medical experts, humanitarian organizations, and families from around the globe to share vital insights, discuss innovative separation techniques, and forge collaborative pathways in the pursuit of improved lives for conjoined twins. 

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar delivered a speech on behalf of King Salman celebrating the achievements of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, which has become a global leader in the field.

“Since 1990, 143 cases of twins from 26 countries have been reviewed by my dear colleagues, who have successfully separated a total of 61 pairs of twins to date,” he said. 

Prince Faisal added that it is the only program globally specializing in separating conjoined twins, making it one of the largest humanitarian medical programs in the world. 

He also highlighted a recent milestone: the UN General Assembly is considering an initiative by Saudi Arabia to designate Nov. 24 as the annual World Conjoined Twins Day.

In a video address, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization, congratulated Saudi Arabia on its leadership in organizing the conference.

“I commend Saudi Arabia for its leadership in organizing this important World Conjoined Twins Day Conference,” he said. 

This recognition would honor the medical and humanitarian efforts in this field and highlight the challenges faced by conjoined twins and their families. 

Ghebreyesus praised the initiative as a model for global collaboration in rare and complex medical cases. 

“The conference provides critical insights, from surgical innovations to long-term strategies, shaping rare initiatives. A broader platform and registry for congenital anomalies would benefit low and middle-income countries,” he said.

A keynote address was delivered by Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, advisor to the Royal Court and supervisor-general of Saudi aid agency KSrelief.

As the head of the multidisciplinary team for the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, Al-Rabeeah provided insights into the occurrence and challenges associated with conjoined twins.

The history of conjoined twin separation reveals both the challenges and progress in medical science. 

“The first successful separation was by Johannes Fatio back in 1689 by using a constricting band for a set of Omphalopagus twins or those sharing liver and gastrointestinal organs,” he said.

With a 0.5 percent incidence rate, this early success involved “presumably, a small joining in the skin, probably a little bit of the liver,” said Al-Rabeeah. 

He added that a major breakthrough came in 1957 with the first successful separation of Craniopagus, or twins sharing one brain. 

Al-Rabeeah said that the epidemiology shows distinct patterns: “In Western countries, it’s been estimated that we get one conjoined twins in every 50 to 200,000 births.” 

He added that, however, it is more prevalent in Southeast Asia and Africa, “presumably because identical twinning and twinning is (found) more in dark-skinned people in Africa and also in Southeast Asia, increasing the incidence.”

The survival statistics, Al-Rabeeah reported, entail that “60 percent of conjoined twins are stillborn, and those who live 40 percent of them will die in the first few days of life, and 70 percent of those who would survive will be females.”

He emphasized that the reasons behind this regional disparity remain unknown and require further research.

Throughout the conference, leading medical professionals presented their expertise on various aspects of caring for and separating conjoined twins. Topics included embryology, multidisciplinary team-building, antenatal care, and labor management. 

Dr. Nadia Al-Ghilan, from the maternal-fetal medicine department at King Abdulaziz Medical City, gave a presentation titled “Caring for Conjoined Twins: A Prenatal Journey,” describing the complex process of managing pregnancies involving conjoined twins.  

She said that caring for conjoined twins is a complex and delicate process as it requires meticulous prenatal planning and a dedicated medical team.

Al-Ghilan said that “this journey is filled with unique challenges, ethical considerations, and the utmost care to ensure the best possible outcomes for the twins and their family.” 

Early diagnosis, she stressed, is critical for effective prenatal referral, counseling, and planning for delivery and postnatal care.  

Al-Ghilan also underscored the importance of genetic testing in understanding the chromosomal health of conjoined twins. 

“Techniques like amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling can help identify genetic abnormalities, providing valuable information for developing treatment strategies.”

The conference not only serves as a platform for scientific exchange but also fosters dialogue on building global partnerships to support conjoined twins and their families, particularly in low and middle income countries. The conference emphasized the importance of comprehensive care, from prenatal counseling to post-separation rehabilitation. 

For over 30 years, the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program has stood as a beacon of hope for families worldwide. The inaugural International Conference on Conjoined Twins is set to continue this legacy, inspiring further advancements in the care and treatment of conjoined twins globally.