First National Greening Forum held in Riyadh

Special First National Greening Forum held in Riyadh
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Attendees at the inaugural National Greening Forum in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Updated 06 May 2024
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First National Greening Forum held in Riyadh

First National Greening Forum held in Riyadh
  • Experts discussed nature-based solutions to environmental issues, highlighting Kingdom’s nature reserves as prime example
  • Forum highlighted the role of public, private and nonprofit sectors in achieving the Saudi Green Initiative target of planting 10 billion trees

RIYADH: As countries around the world push to invest in nature-based solutions to environmental problems, experts in Saudi Arabia came together in Riyadh to discuss the most pressing issues at the inaugural National Greening Forum. 

Launched under the patronage of Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, the forum was organized by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification and attended by Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing Majed Al-Hogail, several other ministers, organisations and specialists from local, regional and international sectors related to the environment.

CEO of the center, Khalid Al-Abdulqader, said in his opening speech that the forum will “unify and consolidate national efforts to enhance vegetation cover and mitigate land degradation.”

Addressing the restoration of green spaces in the Kingdom, he said: “We are committed to restoring natural green spaces using sustainable irrigation methods, planting local tree species, and ensuring their protection and monitoring through advanced technologies.”

In a panel discussion titled “Nature-Based Solutions: Key to Transformation,” industry specialists and experts discussed various issues related to promoting the natural growth of trees and their environmental effect, as well as the industries tied to environmental issues and ways their institutions work to find sustainable solutions for the future. 

“Vegetation and afforestation are part of nature, which includes the atmosphere, soil, and organisms. The correlation between all of these is the main element for these solutions. So, organizing and monitoring this relationship is key for sustainability and greening,” said Dr. Ahmed Al-Farhan, board member of the center and a faculty member at King Saud University.

For ages, large plumes of dust and sand sweeping across most of Saudi Arabia were a natural, seasonal occurrence, but this year there has been an unusual and noticeable decrease in sandstorms. 

Jamaan Al-Qahtani, executive director of the Regional Center for Dust and Sandstorms, explained: “Sandstorms need two factors to occur: dry, load-bearing soil and winds fast enough to carry it.” A few years ago, he said, there were indications that the Kingdom was experiencing fewer sandstorms.

“This April was a 60 percent drop on the average of the past 20 years. March was 30 percent, and January was more than 60 percent. Last year, Riyadh had a record of only one sandstorm.”

Explaining the reason behind this, he said: “We attribute that firstly to rainfall and the timing of that rainfall. When rain falls during the best time for vegetation, that helps with stabilizing the soil.”

The environmental system also plays a pivotal role in preventing degradation, as well as laws that restrain individuals and other entities from tampering with the environment.

Sand and dust storms affect 11 of the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals. For example, 7 million people in total die from all sources of air pollution and degraded air quality. The Middle East and North Africa region loses $150 billion annually due to weather and climate disasters, Al-Qahtani said.  

To meet the growing demand for fresh water in Saudi Arabia, authorities launched a project in 2022 that alters the structure of clouds to increase rainfall; a technique known as cloud seeding.

Ayman Al-Bar, executive director of the Regional Cloud Seeding Program, said “environmental phenomena have become much more severe and common than before.” He went on to say that one of the initiatives under the Middle East Green Initiative, the cloud seeding program, targets an increase in rainfall of between 10% and 20%.

The various initiatives under the program work to intensify vegetation cover, combat desertification, localize technology, and transfer knowledge, he said. In the fifth stage, which covers Riyadh, Hail, and southern parts such as Abha, Taif, and Asir, 1,530 flight hours were spent on precipitation efforts and 110 hours on research. “Preliminary reports indicate that precipitation exceeds 4 billion cubic meters of rainfall in the targeted area,” Al-Bar said.

Dr. Talal Al-Harigi, CEO of Imam Abdulaziz Royal Nature Reserve, said: “When it comes to carbon sequestration, which is capturing carbon through natural solutions, trees naturally grow by taking in carbon dioxide. When some soil patches deteriorate, we’ve undergone processes for soil rehabilitation and preparing them to receive rain either from rainfall or other sources.” 

Nature reserves are a prime example of nature-based solutions, Al-Harigi said. Within the Imam Abdulaziz Royal Nature Reserve, the King Khalid Royal Reserve, and others, authorities found that vegetation cover was refreshed and that there was greater soil stability, as well as improved soil fertility. 

Ultimately, most industries are affected by environmental deterioration and climate change, and while natural disasters are expected to increase and worsen, Saudi Arabia has taken a leading role in creating sustainable solutions for generations to come.

The forum highlighted the role of public, private and nonprofit sectors in achieving the Saudi Green Initiative target of planting 10 billion trees and providing a platform to participating organisations to engage and exchange knowledge.


BLVD Runway: Soaring to new heights with activities inside retired Boeing 777s

BLVD Runway: Soaring to new heights with activities inside retired Boeing 777s
Updated 14 February 2025
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BLVD Runway: Soaring to new heights with activities inside retired Boeing 777s

BLVD Runway: Soaring to new heights with activities inside retired Boeing 777s
  • Aircraft were repurposed as a restaurant, haunted house and trampoline area
  • Planes were dismantled and transported from Jeddah before joining Riyadh Season

RIYADH: 

Visitors are flocking to a unique Riyadh Season dining experience that hosts a variety of activities inside three retired Boeing 777 aircraft.

BLVD Runway is inviting people to dine inside the repurposed planes that were set up after being transported from Jeddah to Riyadh in a highly publicized road journey in September last year.

Before the aircraft were transported, they were dismantled by Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier. It was the first time that the process had been completed outside a Boeing facility.

Saudia completed the operation in just 45 days, well ahead of an expected 60-day timeline.

The three aircraft were redesigned for multiple purposes: One as a restaurant, another as a haunted house and the third as a trampoline area for children.

To access the attraction, visitors only need to pay for parking, with free entry for all passengers.

Inside the aircraft, guests can experience a unique dining adventure featuring authentic Saudi cuisine at the restaurant “Am Hussain” (Uncle Hussain).

The dining space immerses guests in a dining experience that highlights the richness and diversity of Saudi culinary traditions.

The restaurant’s owner, Hussain Ashmawi, expressed deep appreciation for the vision of General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh, who conceptualized the idea.

Ashmawi told Arab News: “This wonderful and modern idea showcases our heritage through the diverse foods of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

“Our offerings garner admiration from both local and international visitors, many of whom are experiencing Saudi dishes for the first time.”

He added: “The food we present on the plane has won the admiration and appreciation of many visitors.

“It allows them to connect with the flavors of our land in a way that is both memorable and enjoyable.”

Ashmawi warmly welcomed visitors to enjoy authentic Saudi flavors, naming his restaurant a must-visit spot for anyone attending Riyadh Season.

The menu features a variety of traditional dishes, showcasing the culinary talents of local chefs.

The restaurant’s decor features traditional Najd-style Sadu red prints and seating inspired by Hijazi designs, creating an inviting environment that celebrates regional aesthetics.

“I was honored to represent Saudi cuisine, and the reactions from our guests are truly priceless,” Ashmawi said.

Visitors can also dine at another restaurant, 10/10 Burger, located in the control tower.

The establishment offers a more contemporary dining experience, catering to a different audience.

Turki Alalshikh announced that Riyadh Season 2024 had surpassed 19 million visitors to date. The remarkable turnout highlights the widespread appeal of the event.

The annual medley of events launched in October and recently introduced new offerings, including world-class boxing and wrestling matches, international concerts, unique dining options and public gardens.

Pleasant weather in Riyadh and a mid-semester school break have drawn families to Riyadh Season activities, particularly the “Dunes of Arabia” area, which has attracted camping and winter enthusiasts.


OIC secretary-general, Japan ambassador discuss cooperation

OIC secretary-general, Japan ambassador discuss cooperation
Updated 14 February 2025
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OIC secretary-general, Japan ambassador discuss cooperation

OIC secretary-general, Japan ambassador discuss cooperation

JEDDAH: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Secretary-General Hussein Ibrahim Taha and Japanese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Yasunari Morino met in Jeddah on Thursday.

The two officials held talks on cooperation and improving ties between the OIC and Japan.

They discussed several issues of mutual concern, particularly the situation in Palestine.

 


Jeddah governor attends Japan National Day reception

Jeddah governor attends Japan National Day reception
Updated 14 February 2025
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Jeddah governor attends Japan National Day reception

Jeddah governor attends Japan National Day reception

JEDDAH: Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi attended on Thursday the Japanese Consulate General’s reception celebrating the Asian country’s National Day.

Prince Saud was received by Japanese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Yasunari Morino, Consul General Daisuke Yamamoto, and other consulate officials, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The governor and the ambassador also held talks on issues of mutual interest ahead of the reception.


Filipino judges complete training at Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh

Filipino judges complete training at Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh
Updated 14 February 2025
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Filipino judges complete training at Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh

Filipino judges complete training at Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh
  • 2-week course held to enhance the skills of Filipino judges
  • Facilitates exchange of expertise between Saudi, Philippines

RIYADH: Participants in the second judicial course for Filipino judges, held recently at the Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University, have commended the Kingdom’s government for prioritizing the spread of Islamic knowledge and its commitment to serving Muslims.

The two-week course at the university’s Higher Judicial Institute was aimed at enhancing the skills of Filipino judges, and facilitate the exchange of expertise between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

This year’s course, which concluded on Feb. 12, was the second for Filipino judges. The first course was held in 2022.

The program is part of a series of international judicial training programs organized by the institute in collaboration with countries worldwide. Judges from Malaysia, Indonesia, Comoros, and several other African nations have also participated.

These initiatives aim to foster international cooperation and exchange judicial expertise, further solidifying the Kingdom’s leadership in this field, the SPA reported.
 

 Filipino judges and scholars of the Higher Judicial Institute pose for a souvenir picture at the Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University ion Riyadh. (SPA)

Islamic law is partially applied in the Christian-majority Philippines and is applicable only to Filipino Muslims. Shariah courts are supervised by the country’s Supreme Court.

Last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed a law expanding the Shariah judicial system in the Philippines to cover not only the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao but also other regions.

Under the new law, the Shariah courts have jurisdiction over civil affairs for Muslim communities, including family matters, marriage, and inheritance. Criminal cases remain under the authority of national courts.


Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Greece’s new president

Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Greece’s new president
Updated 14 February 2025
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Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Greece’s new president

Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Greece’s new president
  • Constantine Tassoulas replaces Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the first woman to serve as Greece’s head of state

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday congratulated Greece’s parliament chief Constantine Tassoulas on his election as the country’s new president.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, King Salman said he wished the new president every “success,” and for “the friendly people of Greece continued progress and prosperity.”

The crown prince issued a similar statement.

Tassoulas, 65, was elected with 160 votes in the 300-member parliament in the fourth round of voting on Wednesday.

Constantine Tassoulas, left, delivers a speech at the parliament building in Athens on February 12, 2025, after he was elected president of Greece. (Pool via REUTERS)

He replaces Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the first woman to serve as Greece’s head of state, who was not nominated for a second five-year term.

Tassoulas is a member of the governing center-right New Democracy party and a close ally of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. A lawyer by trade, he also served as culture minister a decade ago.