TABUK: More than 30 farmers and beekeepers are taking part in the Honey and Agricultural Products Festival at Tabuk Park.
Organized by the local arm of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the five-day event provides a platform to promote the region’s agricultural products and teach people about beekeeping, making honey and lots more.
There are also lots of activities for families to enjoy, including handicrafts and painting.
The ministry said it was keen to support local farmers and help them overcome the challenges they face.
Haql fish market booms as grouper becomes top catch
The summer season has seen a particular uptick in demand, with grouper and coral grouper emerging as the most popular catches
Updated 17 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The fish market in Haql governorate in Tabuk region is experiencing a surge in business, with locals and tourists flocking to purchase a wide variety of fresh seafood.
The summer season has seen a particular uptick in demand, with grouper and coral grouper emerging as the most popular catches, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The market offers a diverse selection of seafood, such as shrimp, lobster and other favorites.
Amani Alomrani, a local nutritionist, told the SPA about the benefits of a fish-rich diet. Packed with protein, vitamins and minerals, fish play a vital role in maintaining a well-rounded diet.
They are particularly beneficial to the nervous system, as they are high in vitamin B12, strengthen bones and teeth with vitamin D, and aid the production of red blood cells due to iron. Fish is also low in saturated fat and can help to reduce cholesterol levels, thus lowering the risk of heart disease.
Alomrani said, however, that certain types of fish, including shark, swordfish and mackerel, may contain high levels of mercury. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children should therefore be cautious and choose fish with lower mercury levels, such as salmon and shrimp.
Haql’s environmental conditions have created a thriving fishery industry, ensuring a robust supply of popular fish species.
Trees and flowers bring beauty to Tabuk as part of municipality planting project
Among the efforts made so far are the planting of some 2.1 million seasonal flowers and 14,500 shade-providing trees
The large-scale initiative is part of Tabuk’s broader strategy to “humanize” the city
Updated 16 min 27 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Tabuk is undergoing something of a facelift, thanks to the city municipality’s efforts to enhance the urban landscape through a number of revitalizing initiatives.
Among the efforts made so far are the planting of some 2.1 million seasonal flowers and 14,500 shade-providing trees, which now grace Tabuk’s parks and main thoroughfares.
Abdulmajid Al-Sarrah, deputy secretary for projects, stressed that the municipality’s commitment extended beyond planting. The work has also involved the irrigation and maintenance of 3 million sq. meters of green areas and the pruning of 9,870 palm trees.
The large-scale initiative is part of Tabuk’s broader strategy to “humanize” the city — a concept that prioritizes creating livable, green spaces within urban environments. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the quality of life for both citizens and residents, as well as visitors.
Meanwhile, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has continued to carry out its coastal project, planting 13 million mangrove seedlings. This is taking place in various regions — Jazan, Makkah, Madinah, Tabuk, Asir and Eastern Province. The scheme aligns with the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative.
The center, in cooperation with its partners, aims to plant 100 million mangrove trees along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coasts in the coming years. Currently, it is working to increase green cover and reduce desertification in the coastal areas by planting a million mangrove trees across various locations.
Endangered species find new home at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve
Efforts to protect endangered animals such as the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, houbara bustard and red-necked ostrich have led to significant population increases
The reserve has more than 179 plant species, including 113 seasonal and 66 perennial varieties
Updated 52 min 11 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The development department at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve has restored natural wildlife in northeastern Saudi Arabia by resettling, breeding and increasing animal, bird and reptile populations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Over the past four years, efforts to protect endangered animals such as the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, houbara bustard and red-necked ostrich have led to significant population increases after animals were released to thrive, restore their ecological roles and reproduce.
Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to improve quality of life and protect future generations, the reserve’s vegetation cover has also flourished.
Since 2018, vegetation cover has increased from 1.5 percent to 6.7 percent. This growth is the result of three successful desert afforestation projects completed in 2023, with more than 593,700 trees planted, the SPA reported.
Covering 91,500 sq. km, the reserve hosts diverse species, trees, plants and grasses crucial to ecosystem balance. It has more than 179 plant species, including 113 seasonal and 66 perennial varieties.
The vegetation cover has become a haven for a wide range of birds, which are vital to preserving the balance of the ecosystem by controlling insects, small rodents and carrion.
Bird-nesting activity has been observed, alongside a return of sand cats, wild cats, foxes, honey badgers and desert hedgehogs.
The reserve is also experiencing a resurgence of reptiles such as lizards and snakes, alongside a thriving insect population.
KSrelief chief meets with Syrian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Updated 29 July 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: General Supervisor of Saudi aid agency KSrelief Abdullah Al-Rabeeah met with Syrian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohamed Sousan on Sunday to discuss humanitarian affairs.
Sousan commended the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by Saudi Arabia, represented by KSrelief, to refugees and affected people worldwide.
Saudi content creator, 13, connects with thousands through podcast
Rateel Alshehri is bringing her generation’s perspective to Saudi digital media landscape
Updated 28 July 2024
Sulafa Alkhunaizi
RIYADH: Saudi content creator and podcaster Rateel Alshehri hopes to empower youth to bring about the changes they want to see through her series, Rateel Alpha Talk.
Alshehri, who is only 13 years old, has connected with thousands of people through her storytelling on Youtube, Tiktok and Instagram, with videos providing relatable content and glimpses of her daily life.
“Having my own talk show was something I’d always dreamed of, but having a voice and a platform is a responsibility and a duty that I take seriously,” she said. “It’s incredibly exciting to be able to bring a fresh perspective to conversations and engage with such a diverse audience. I feel a responsibility to use this platform to empower young people and spark meaningful discussions.”
Rateel Alpha Talk on YouTube has a variety of videos where Rateel Alshehri brings the younger generation’s perspectives into topics such as marketing, meditation, and artificial intelligence. (Instagram/rateel.alshehri/Supplied)
Rateel Alpha Talk is more than a podcast, it’s a movement, Alshehri said.
“It’s about adopting a mindset of stepping outside your comfort zone, aiming high, and living each day with the intention of leaving a positive mark. It is a space for exploration, challenging assumptions, and igniting the curiosity within all of us.
“There are no silly questions, only missed opportunities to learn and the future belongs to those who dare to ask ‘why?’ I believe curiosity and initiative are the keys to make a real difference in the world.”
Her goal is to create content that not only entertains but also challenges and inspires her audience to think critically and act boldly.
Having my own talk show was something I’d always dreamed of, but having a voice and a platform is a responsibility and a duty that I take seriously.
Rateel Alshehri, Saudi content creator
“Through sharing our stories, fears, thoughts and, most importantly, our questions, we can truly change lives.”
The name Rateel Alpha Talk reflects her identity and the show’s focus on Generation Alpha and their experiences.
“Rateel Alpha Talk embodies my journey of continuous exploration, creativity, and initiative. It represents my commitment to sparking curiosity and inspiring others to take bold steps in their own lives.”
At a young age, Alshehri had a natural love for creating. In school, she would come up with story ideas for the entire class and whip up interesting games when they were bored.
“Talking, sharing, and listening to stories are my passions. I prefer making eye contact and having real conversations, earning me the nickname ‘Social Butterfly’ from my family,” she said.
Alshehri says she gets her inspiration from everyday life, but one of the most important people is her mother.
“She’s always been my biggest cheerleader. She has this incredible ability to see potential in even the craziest ideas, and she constantly reminds me: ‘How do you want to be remembered? So work on that.’”
Alshehri says she sees a future in making an impact and helping young people develop the skills they need to thrive,
“There are a lot of challenges out there, but if we equip our generation with the right tools, we can build a future where everyone can chase their dreams and live fulfilling lives.”
Her advice to anyone looking to create their own talk show is to slow down and be authentic.
“The best people in media aren’t copycats, they’re independent thinkers who use their own ideas to challenge how things are usually done. They ask questions, see things from different angles, and aren’t afraid to be different. These are the people who leave a lasting mark.
“Many people rush to social media to gain followers and build a business. But slow down. Just because something seems great doesn’t mean it is. Fame and greatness come with responsibility.”
