Migratory birds bring ecological balance to Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region

The Aman Environmental Society has launched awareness campaigns and created water basins to support and sustain migratory birds. (SPA)
The Aman Environmental Society has launched awareness campaigns and created water basins to support and sustain migratory birds. (SPA)
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Updated 22 June 2024
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Migratory birds bring ecological balance to Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region

The Aman Environmental Society has launched awareness campaigns and created water basins to support and sustain migratory birds.
  • Nasser Al-Majlad: “They contribute to plant reproduction and diversity through pollination, while also helping to control pests by consuming insects, reducing the need for harmful pesticides in agriculture”

RIYADH: Every year, nearly 300 bird species use Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region as a migration path. The area’s diverse landscapes and balanced ecosystem create a natural sanctuary for these avian visitors.

Nasser Al-Majlad, president of the Aman Environmental Society in the Northern Borders region, highlighted the crucial ecological and cultural role played by migratory birds.

FASTFACT

The migratory birds have a positive impact on soil health and ecosystem balance by aiding in soil aeration and seed dispersal near bodies of water.

“They contribute to plant reproduction and diversity through pollination, while also helping to control pests by consuming insects, reducing the need for harmful pesticides in agriculture,” he said.

According to a report by the Saudi Press Agency, Al-Majlad also emphasized the positive impact birds have on soil health and ecosystem balance by aiding in soil aeration and seed dispersal near bodies of water.

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300

Every year, nearly 300 bird species use Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region as a migration path, Saudi Press Agency reported.

He also stressed the necessity of protecting migratory birds from poaching and environmental problems. The National Center for Wildlife has enacted strict anti-poaching legislation, he noted.

The Aman Environmental Society has launched awareness campaigns and created water basins to support and sustain migratory birds.

 


Saudi Arabia promotes cultural dialogue as Paris hosts Arab Week

Saudi Arabia promotes cultural dialogue as Paris hosts Arab Week
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Saudi Arabia promotes cultural dialogue as Paris hosts Arab Week

Saudi Arabia promotes cultural dialogue as Paris hosts Arab Week
  • Arab Week at UNESCO features 22 spaces dedicated to Arab countries, each showcasing different aspects of Arab culture

RIYADH: Arab Week will open on Monday at the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization headquarters in Paris, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two-day event plays a significant role in advancing Arab and international cultural and civilizational efforts, contributing to the progress of education, culture, and science at both regional and global levels.

This is the first time in over half a century that Arab countries have organized an Arab Week at UNESCO. The event is spearheaded by the Kingdom’s Saudi National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science, which reinforces the Kingdom’s position regarding cultural dialogue and coexistence.

The event celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Arab world through literature and the arts. It also provides opportunities for intercultural dialogue, with all Arab countries showcasing the richness and diversity of Arab culture, promoting intercultural understanding, and contributing to cultural development.

Arab Week at UNESCO features 22 spaces dedicated to Arab countries, each showcasing different aspects of Arab culture. Seven seminars will focus on topics such as the Arabic language, Arabic calligraphy, Arabic literature, AI, education, fine arts, intangible cultural heritage, and world heritage.

Musical performances, handicrafts, Arab fashion, and Arab cuisine will also be on show.

Visitors will be able to explore a cultural exhibition, an Arabic calligraphy exhibition, a photography exhibition of heritage sites in the Arab world, and an exhibition of Arab cultural products.

The committee’s work aims to represent the Kingdom in regional and international organizations concerned with education, culture, communication, and information.

It focuses on preparing and providing support for cooperation with international and non-profit organizations, building communication bridges, and leveraging all capabilities to foster initiatives that enhance cultural dialogue between Arab countries and the rest of the world.

Arab Week has received the support and endorsement of Arab countries, and will highlight their historical diversity and cultural pluralism, as well as their values rooted in a rich cultural and civilizational heritage.


Riyadh hosts road safety, sustainability forum

Riyadh hosts road safety, sustainability forum
Updated 03 November 2024
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Riyadh hosts road safety, sustainability forum

Riyadh hosts road safety, sustainability forum
  • Minister says 50 percent drop in road deaths highlights Kingdom’s commitment to safety standards

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Saleh Al-Jasser inaugurated the Road Safety and Sustainability Conference and Exhibition in Riyadh on Sunday.

The two-day event, themed “Innovating for Tomorrow,” is organized by the General Authority for Roads together with the International Road Federation, and has attracted over 1,000 specialists from more than 50 countries, including major global companies.

Al-Jasser, who is also the chairman of the General Authority for Roads, said that the number of deaths on the Kingdom's roads has decreased by nearly 50 percent, exceeding the targets set in the National Transport and Logistics Strategy introduced in 2021.

In his speech, the minister also praised the Kingdom’s efforts to elevate road safety standards and enhance sustainability.

Al-Jasser said that the Kingdom ranked fourth among the G20 countries in the Road Quality Index, confirming its leadership in achieving the highest standards of safety and quality on roads.

The conference emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s global standing in the roads sector. Key projects under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy have improved road safety and reduced fatalities, affirming the Kingdom’s commitment to safety.

Saudi Arabia has introduced initiatives to preserve road infrastructure, including performance-based contracts for greater transparency, spending efficiency, and service standards, aligning with Vision 2030.

Following the inauguration, a ministerial session titled “Road Safety: Innovation and Lessons Learned” gathered officials from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Georgia, Cyprus, and Nepal to discuss policy-driven solutions for road safety, emissions reduction, and sustainable infrastructure.

The conference features over 130 scientific papers and 27 innovative technologies on sustainable transport, including advancements in AI and smart transport systems for traffic management, vehicle safety, and environmental impact reduction.

An exhibition with 20 organizations showcases innovations in AI, smart transport, and sustainable mobility.

The conference offers a platform for global experts to share insights, best practices, and the transformative role of emerging technologies in road safety and transport.


UNESCO chair hosts translating cultures workshops

UNESCO chair hosts translating cultures workshops
Updated 03 November 2024
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UNESCO chair hosts translating cultures workshops

UNESCO chair hosts translating cultures workshops

RIYADH: The UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, supported by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, recently hosted three online workshops.

The workshops were attended by members of the Translating Cultures Lab and researchers with an interest in translating cultures.

The lab unites renowned scholars and early-career Saudi researchers to publish papers on the 2024 theme, “Rethinking Translating Cultures and its Conceptual Framework,” focusing on knowledge transfer and translation in the Global South.

At the workshops researchers presented papers and received feedback from lab members to refine them for publication.

In the first two workshops, six papers were presented, addressing issues in translating cultures, including cultural narratives, religious concepts such as “mahr” in Islam, and humor translation in modern Saudi literature.

Other topics included foreignizing and domesticating Arab culture in translation, translation as knowledge transfer, and translating Plastic Arts into Arabic.

The papers were presented by scholars from King Khalid University (Saudi Arabia), Indira Gandhi National Open University (India), Jagiellonian University (Poland), Mohammed I University Oujda (Morocco), the Catholic University of America (US), and an independent Australian researcher.

The third workshop reviewed papers for an edited volume by the Translating Cultures Lab on the theme of “Rethinking Translating Cultures.”

The UNESCO chair views “translating cultures” as a concept tied to broader debates in the humanities, regarding it as a continuous process involving translation, cross-cultural communication, and knowledge sharing. 


From crocodiles to kangaroos — Riyadh Zoo thrills visitors

From crocodiles to kangaroos — Riyadh Zoo thrills visitors
Updated 03 November 2024
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From crocodiles to kangaroos — Riyadh Zoo thrills visitors

From crocodiles to kangaroos — Riyadh Zoo thrills visitors

RIYADH: Riyadh Zoo has added a bird show to its already extensive lineup as part of Riyadh Season 2024, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The zoo offers an exceptional experience for wildlife enthusiasts, as well as giving visitors of all ages an opportunity to learn about animal life, environmental care, and conservation awareness.

A farm area has been enhanced to provide interactive activities that promote an understanding of biodiversity and the importance of preserving nature.

One of the highlights is the Croc Cave, where visitors can safely observe crocodiles up close.

At Kangaroo Arena, visitors can enjoy a rare encounter with the Australian marsupials and capture memorable photos.

To enrich the educational experience, the new farm area provides hands-on activities that educate visitors on nature and wildlife conservation.

The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving visitors ample time to enjoy its diverse facilities, which span 161,000 square meters and house over 1,400 animals of various species.

A variety of outlets and mobile food trucks offer a wide range of food and beverages, as well as family-friendly seating areas for comfort.

In a move aimed at enhancing inclusivity, Riyadh Season offers free entry to senior citizens aged 60 and older for its entertainment areas.

The initiative was announced by Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, as part of efforts to make the season more accessible to all.

Seniors can enter select areas by showing their Tawakkalna application at designated gates.

The areas included in the offer are Boulevard World, Boulevard Runway, and Wonder Garden, along with the standard free-entry areas such as Riyadh Zoo, Al-Suwaidi Park, and Souq Al-Awaleen. They will also have access to Boulevard City and VIA Riyadh without the need for prior tickets.

However, the offer does not cover events with reserved seating, such as concerts, plays, boxing matches, or special experiences, which require separate ticketing arrangements.

The initiative underscores Riyadh Season’s commitment to ensuring that all segments of society can enjoy its diverse offerings.


Saudi project clears 636 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 636 Houthi mines in Yemen
Updated 03 November 2024
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Saudi project clears 636 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 636 Houthi mines in Yemen
  • The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly

Riyadh: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 636 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included four anti-personnel mines, 36 anti-tank mines and 596 unexploded ordnances, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 468,067 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

Project Masam is one of several initiatives undertaken by Saudi Arabia on the orders of King Salman to help the Yemeni people, clearing routes for humanitarian aid to reach the country’s citizens.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

About 5 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the start of the conflict in Yemen, many of them displaced by the presence of land mines.