Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority issues statement following Riyadh food poisoning incident
Nazaha says royal directives mandate the holding of all responsible officials accountable
Updated 23 May 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Following the recent food poisoning incident at a Riyadh restaurant, the Kingdom’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority has said anyone found to be negligent in ensuring public health and safety will be held accountable.
The authority, also known as Nazaha, added on Thursday that measures will be taken against anyone found to have obstructed the investigation into the incident and concealed crucial information regarding the cause of poisoning.
Riyadh experienced a wave of food poisoning cases caused by clostridium botulinum at the end of April.
The outbreak was linked to the consumption of food from a Hamburgini fast-food restaurant and led to several hospitalizations and one death.
The Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing later announced that a Saudi Food and Drug Authority laboratory test found clostridium botulinum in the Bon Tum mayonnaise brand used by the food chain.
As a result, the distribution of the mayonnaise product was suspended and it was withdrawn from markets and food facilities across all cities in the Kingdom.
Operations at the Bon Tum factory producing the mayonnaise were halted in preparation for implementing statutory procedures.
Initial investigations by Nazaha “revealed attempts to conceal or destroy evidence, suggesting potential collusion by a small number of unscrupulous food establishment inspectors who prioritized personal gain over public health and safety,” the authority said on Thursday.
Nazaha said that royal directives mandate the holding of all responsible officials accountable, regardless of position.
“This applies to those who neglected or delayed fulfilling their duties, actions which may have contributed to the poisoning or hindered response efforts. Consequently, a high-level committee has been established to verify and oversee the implementation of these directives,” Nazaha said.
Nazaha added that comprehensive reports detailing the circumstances, causes, and those potentially responsible for the poisoning were produced around the clock after the incident.
The reports encompassed laboratory analyses of samples from various establishments and details of medical care provided to suspected victims, it said.
Precise laboratory testing, conducted by local and international foodborne illness specialists, swiftly identified the type and cause of the poisoning, the authority said.
Nazaha said the incident was contained and has been resolved.
80-year-old Saudi tour guide welcomes foreign visitors to Najran with English tours
Europeans are drawn to the region because of its cultural significance, he says
Updated 24 sec ago
Tareq Al-Thaqafi
MAKKAH: Clips of 80-year-old Saudi citizen Saeed bin Saleh have gone viral on social media, showing him fluently conversing in English with European tourists in the Najran region of southern Saudi Arabia.
Bin Saleh’s life has been a remarkable journey. Early on, he moved to the Eastern Province in search of work, driven by the need to support his mother after losing his father at a young age.
In Dhahran, he worked alongside Americans and Europeans, which marked a turning point in his life. This experience not only improved his living conditions but also allowed him to master English.
He told Arab News that he has developed a strong and enduring connection with Western tourists who regularly visit Najran. They praise the area for its rich history, abundant with ancient artifacts and remnants of past civilizations, including the renowned Al-Okhdood site and relics from the Paleolithic era, which date back thousands of years.
He noted that the tourists he speaks with are often impressed by his fluent English, particularly considering that he is over 80 years old, and admire the detailed answers they receive to their historical inquiries.
Their questions often center around significant sites like the Al-Okhdood ruins, the Hima wells, the unique rock formations, and the region’s wealth of archaeological inscriptions, Bin Saleh said.
Reflecting on his early experience with the English language, Bin Saleh explained that he left Najran as a young man in search of work in the Eastern Province, particularly in Dhahran.
After losing his father, he took on the responsibility of supporting his mother, determined to improve their situation. Bin Saleh eventually crossed paths with an American who offered him a job assisting with preparations on the golf courses that were popular in Dhahran at that time.
His close interaction with the American gave him the opportunity to learn English at a young age, which led to a 30-year career in the Eastern Province.
During this time, he worked with several companies, including Aramco and American Airlines, before transitioning to Indian Airlines, which further helped him refine his language skills.
After many years, he decided to return to Najran, where he continued his career with the Ministry of Health as an ambulance driver. Upon retiring, he chose to dedicate his time to being close to his children and grandchildren.
Bin Saleh explained that Europeans are drawn to Najran because of its deep historical and cultural significance. They are particularly captivated by the Arabic inscriptions in Kufic script from the early Islamic period and the ancient South Arabian Musnad script.
Najran is also renowned for its bustling heritage markets, where traditional crafts such as daggers, or jambiyas, and historically significant mosques built from stone and clay can be found. In addition to its rich Islamic history, the region is home to numerous monuments from the ancient civilizations of southern Arabia.
He said that, at his age, he is no longer a full-time tour guide but is always eager to help visitors and those interested in the heritage of the region.
Najran, a key stop on the ancient caravan routes connecting the southern and northern Arabian Peninsula, is renowned for its remarkable rock carvings, including depictions of hunting and grazing scenes and human figures, alongside inscriptions in Thamudic, Musnad, and Kufic scripts — some dating to 7,000 B.C.
Bin Saleh said that Najran has gained significant attention in the eyes of visitors, particularly following the inclusion of the Hima Cultural Area on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Ongoing archaeological discoveries, led by Saudi and international teams, continue to unveil the region’s rich historical legacy.
Bin Saleh urges Saudi youth interested in becoming tour guides to immerse themselves in the region’s history, while also mastering English.
He stressed the importance of representing the true beauty of Saudi Arabia and showcasing the country’s cultural and archaeological treasures, which make it a unique and historically vibrant destination.
Saudi Arabia to host global symposium for sea turtle conservation in Jeddah
Symposium organized by General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS)
Updated 02 November 2024
Arab News
JEDDAH: The Red Sea will take center stage in global marine conservation efforts as the first International Symposium for the Conservation of Sea Turtles is set to take place in Jeddah from Nov. 3 to 6.
The event will bring together an elite gathering of over 30 local and international experts and researchers focused on protecting endangered sea turtle species and preserving marine biodiversity, Saudi Press Agency reported Friday.
The symposium, organized by the General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS), will feature presentations and panel discussions on the latest scientific research, innovative solutions for sea turtle protection, and strategies for international collaboration.
In a statement, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture highlighred the importance of the symposium as a platform to drive effective conservation strategies and ensure the sustainable future of the Red Sea’s unique marine ecosystem.
SHAMS’ initiatives aim to develop advanced conservation policies and elevate environmental awareness around the Red Sea, particularly through innovation in marine protection.
According to the Ministry, this event will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s standing in the field of marine environmental protection while supporting the sustainable conservation of marine species and their natural habitats in the Red Sea.
How Saudi cities are enhancing quality of life, while responding to environmental challenges
The Green Riyadh Project plans to plant 7.5 million trees, enhancing public spaces and managing flood risks
Saudi Arabia’s circular economy initiatives encourage adaptive building reuse and waste-to-energy projects
Updated 02 November 2024
Ghadi Joudah
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is undergoing an urban transformation, creating sustainable, vibrant communities that enhance the quality of life for residents while responding to environmental challenges.
Driven by the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and its Quality of Life Program, the Kingdom wants to see three of its cities recognized among the top 100 in the world for livability. To achieve this, it is investing in sustainable urban management and development.
“Sustainable urban management is foundational to Vision 2030, supporting Saudi cities as dynamic, resilient, and economically sustainable environments,” Abdulaziz Al-Mizani, an energy and sustainability expert, told Arab News.
This approach aligns with the Kingdom’s aim to improve quality of life and promote resource efficiency, he added.
Central to this transformation are several key concepts, including green infrastructure, smart growth, transit-oriented development, eco-cities, circular economy principles, community engagement, and resilient urban design.
In Saudi Arabia, where urban areas are rapidly expanding, the need for effective green infrastructure is considered a key priority.
Green infrastructure refers to systems that use natural processes to manage stormwater and improve air quality. “As cities expand, green infrastructure is vital for managing environmental impact while enhancing livability,” said Al-Mizani.
Examples of green infrastructure being implemented in Saudi cities include the Green Riyadh Project, which is one of the biggest urban afforestation initiatives in the world. Launched by King Salman in March 2019, it is a key Riyadh megaproject.
With a view to reducing average ambient temperatures by 2 degrees centigrade during the summer and by achieving temperature reductions of 8-15 degrees in select afforested areas, the project aims to create a more comfortable urban landscape.
In Saudi Arabia, where urban areas are rapidly expanding, the need for effective green infrastructure is pronounced. (Supplied file photo)
According to the Green Riyadh Project, the initiative is also expected to lower annual power consumption by 650 gigawatt-hours by promoting green building techniques, including green ceilings and walls.
Additionally, it will enhance rainwater management to mitigate flood risks, preserve natural areas, and bolster biodiversity.
“Integrating elements like green roofs, parks, and sustainable water management is essential for eco-cities that harmonize urban growth with natural systems,” said Al-Mizani.
DID YOUKNOW?
• The Green Riyadh Project plans to plant 7.5 million trees, enhancing public spaces and managing flood risks.
• Eco-cities in Saudi Arabia integrate renewable energy, aiming for 58.7 GW of renewable power by 2030.
• Resilient urban design includes heat-resistant materials to reduce cooling demands and improve comfort in Saudi cities.
Green roofs are covered with vegetation, which helps reduce heat absorption, improve insulation, and manage rainwater.
For urban afforestation, Saudi Arabia is planting trees and creating new green spaces in urban areas.
In line with the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative, the Kingdom aims to plant 10 billion trees across the country by 2030, equivalent to rehabilitating more than 74 million hectares of land. The Green Riyadh Project intends to plant 7.5 million trees across the capital alone.
The distribution of these trees will be strategically planned to enhance various community spaces, including 175,000 sq. km of empty land, 16,400 km of streets and roads, 3,330 neighborhood gardens, 9,000 mosques, and 6,000 schools.
Saudi Arabia is also enhancing its sustainable urban landscape by implementing circular economy principles, which aim to minimize waste through reuse and recycling.
“Circular economy principles, such as adaptive reuse of buildings and waste-to-energy initiatives, support both resource efficiency and renewable energy generation, fitting well within the Kingdom’s sustainable development and resilience goals,” said Al-Mizani.
Circular economy principles can be applied to optimize economic zones in Saudi Arabia such as the King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh, Jazan Economic City, Prince Abdulaziz bin Musaid Economic City in Hail, and Knowledge Economic City in Madinah.
CCE Index offers a comprehensive evaluation of global progress toward achieving net-zero emissions and readiness for the circular carbon economy. (AN File)
Such collaborations, known as industrial symbiosis, align with sustainable development and circular economy goals, emphasizing the importance of resource conservation, waste reduction, and environmental protection. They involve reusing waste and by-products generated by one particular industry or industrial process to serve as raw materials for another.
Another notable application is the adaptive reuse of buildings, where old structures are repurposed for new uses, conserving resources and preserving cultural heritage. A prime example of this is the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, which transforms old buildings into vibrant cultural hubs.
Eco-cities are urban areas designed with sustainability and environmental health in mind. “A successful eco-city embodies sustainability and resilience at its core, minimizing carbon emissions, optimizing resources, and incorporating green infrastructure,” said Al-Mizani.
Such eco-cities utilize renewable energy sources such as solar and wind to reduce their carbon footprints. Saudi Arabia aims to generate 58.7 GW of renewable energy by 2030, significantly impacting urban energy consumption.
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Resilient urban design is also crucial as it focuses on creating cities that can withstand and recover from environmental stresses. This can be achieved through energy-efficient buildings with energy-efficient designs and materials that lower energy consumption.
“Heat-resistant materials are crucial in Saudi Arabia’s climate, contributing to resilient urban design by reducing cooling demands,” said Al-Mizani. “This approach enables energy efficiency while enhancing building longevity and occupant comfort.”
Heat-resistant materials can withstand high temperatures, contributing to urban comfort and sustainability.
Nonetheless, transforming Saudi Arabia’s urban landscape sustainably presents several significant challenges. “Policy innovation, public-private collaboration, and circular economy strategies are pivotal to overcoming these barriers effectively,” said Al-Mizani.
Community engagement and encouraging collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society, is also essential, he said, to create urban spaces that reflect shared environmental values.
To create urban spaces that reflect shared environmental values, community engagement is essential. (Supplied photo)
By involving residents, developments can better reflect community priorities and preferences.
“Together, these groups bring diverse resources and insights, creating a foundation for integrated approaches to sustainable urban development,” Al-Mizani added.
Thanks to these initiatives, Saudi Arabia is poised to set a benchmark for sustainable urban development in the region.
“Future Saudi cities will likely stand as global models of eco-city principles, characterized by green infrastructure, smart growth, circular economy practices, and resilient design,” said Al-Mizani.
Saudi Arabia reaffirms commitment to ecosystem protection at COP16
Representatives from 196 countries attended the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Cali, Colombia
During the Oct. 21-Nov. 1 gathering, KSA was awarded the “Green List” certification for its achievements at the King Salman Royal Natural Reserve and the Ibex Protected Area
Updated 01 November 2024
Arab News
CALI, Colombia: The Kingdom remains committed to advancing global biodiversity and environmental protection, its delegates have emphasized at the meeting of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Cali, Colombia.
The delegation at the COP16 gathering, which began on Oct. 21 and runs to Nov. 1, was led by Mohammad Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife.
Representatives from 196 countries convened under the theme “Peace with Nature.”
“Saudi Arabia reaffirmed the Kingdom’s ambitious goal to protect 30 percent of its land and marine areas by 2030, in alignment with the UN’s biodiversity conservation objectives,” the Saudi Press Agency reported earlier this week.
“This pledge reflects Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach to conserving natural habitats, safeguarding endangered species, and tackling the pressing challenges of climate change.”
The Saudi delegation emphasized the importance of expanding data sources for biodiversity monitoring, stressing that comprehensive and accurate reporting is essential to strengthen conservation strategies.
They also advocated for enhanced integration of regional efforts with global biodiversity goals, while highlighting the critical need for capacity-building programs in the Arab region that focus on collaborative learning and information exchange.
Saudi Arabia was awarded the prestigious “Green List” certification at COP16 in recognition of its achievements at the King Salman Royal Natural Reserve and the Ibex Protected Area. This recognition highlights the Kingdom’s dedication to sustainable biodiversity practices and effective ecosystem management.
Reflecting on this recognition, Qurban said: “Our participation in COP16 reaffirms Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting global biodiversity efforts and advancing the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted at COP15 in 2022.
“This ambitious framework provides a roadmap for achieving harmony with nature, with the 30x30 target — a commitment to protecting and restoring 30% of land and ocean areas by 2030 — as a key objective.”
Qurban added: “The Saudi delegation’s involvement in this conference reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to ecosystem protection and biodiversity enhancement, in alignment with Vision 2030, the Saudi Green Initiative, and the National Environmental Strategy.”
He expressed optimism about the conference’s potential to drive meaningful global biodiversity outcomes and inspire innovative solutions to sustainable development.
The Saudi Arabia delegates also highlighted national conservation initiatives, including preparations for the 16th Conference of the Parties to Combat Desertification, which Saudi Arabia will host from Dec. 2 to 13.
The Kingdom’s delegates extended invitations to their global counterparts and provided insights on conference documents that reflect Saudi Arabia’s national priorities.
Saudi Fashion Commission charts new course with elite training programs
Partnership features “innovative educational programs combining cutting-edge knowledge with practical experience, creating a platform for designers, brand owners, and investors to thrive in the fashion world"
Updated 01 November 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi Fashion Commission has partnered with the Institut Français de la Mode and Misk Foundation to launch a new educational initiative, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The partnership features “innovative educational programs combining cutting-edge knowledge with practical experience, creating a platform for designers, brand owners, and investors to thrive in the fashion world,” according to the SPA.
The initiative consists of five training courses, including the Executive Business Management Qualification in Fashion, which has three phases: virtual training, in-person training in Riyadh and Paris, and project development. It includes preliminary sessions in Riyadh covering planning, marketing, sales, brand identity, business strategy, and visual merchandising, while the Paris sessions focus on digital marketing, financial management, product development, and production.
The Advanced Sustainability Practices course will be delivered through virtual training and in-person sessions in Riyadh. It covers fashion sustainability fundamentals, the circular fashion economy, sustainable fashion innovation and technology, and the implementation of sustainability measures and social responsibility through practical business models.
The Design Research course “bridges global trends with local heritage.” The six-day program establishes core project guidelines essential for fashion collection development, while “exploring creative intersections between contemporary global fashion, traditional materials, local textiles, and architectural influences,” the SPA reported. The two-phase course combines virtual learning with hands-on training in Paris.
The seven-day Visual Merchandising and Commerce course in Riyadh covers brand-building fundamentals, marketing essentials, visual display techniques, trend analysis and forecasting, business insights, and distribution strategies.
The Fashion Photography course offers six days of intensive training in Riyadh, providing “a comprehensive exploration of fashion photography with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, focusing on visual storytelling in the industry,” the SPA stated.
Through its collaboration with IFM and Misk Foundation, the Fashion Commission “aims to elevate fashion education standards and provide individuals with fundamental tools for excellence in the competitive fashion world,” the SPA concluded.
