RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief continues to provide healthcare for vulnerable people in Sudan and Yemen, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The project in Port Sudan for urology surgery, from July 13 to 20, involves 11 volunteers with training in various specialities.
The team members have already completed six surgeries.
A similar project is currently being implemented for orthopedic surgery in the Seiyun district of Yemen’s Hadhramaut governorate, with seven operations already completed.
Recently, the agency started a training program for people supervising orphans in Hadramout in coordination with the country’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor.
Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council meeting held in Riyadh
Updated 18 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani chaired a Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council meeting in Riyadh on Sunday.
Prince Faisal said the meeting would strengthen relations between the Kingdom and Qatar in a way that achieves the aspirations of both countries.
The Kingdom’s foreign minster added that the leaderships of the two countries view the council as a platform that works to shape work in all fields and consolidate relations in a way that achieves both the Saudi and Qatari Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s Al-Wahbah Crater ranked among world’s top geological wonders
Crater was chosen from 174 nominated sites across 64 countries
Recognition supports development of geological sciences in Saudi Arabia, says expert
Updated 41 min 47 sec ago
Afshan Aziz
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Al-Wahbah Crater, a striking geological wonder, has earned a place among the world’s top 100 geological heritage sites for 2024.
The recognition by the International Union of Geological Sciences and UNESCO highlights the crater’s extraordinary significance not just within the Kingdom, but globally.
Al-Wahbah Crater, also known as Maqla Tamiyyah, is a maar crater — a type of volcanic site formed by a phreatic eruption, a violent steam explosion caused by magma interacting with groundwater.
Abdulaziz bin Laboun, Chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Geologists Cooperative
The crater, located in the Harrat Kishb basaltic plateau about 270 km northeast of Jeddah, stands out for its immense scale and beauty.
Formed about 1.1 million years ago, it measures about 2.3 km in diameter and 250 meters in depth, making it the largest and deepest volcanic crater in Saudi Arabia. Its depth and diameter are significantly larger than the average volcanic crater, and it features a shallow salt lake formed by rainwater accumulation.
The crater is part of a larger volcanic field that includes 175 volcanic cones, dating back millions of years and spanning an area of about 6,000 sq. km, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Geological sites like Al-Wahbah Crater offer valuable insights into the Earth’s history and processes. By highlighting such landmarks, we enhance public awareness and support the advancement of geological research.
Abdulaziz bin Laboun, Chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Geologists Cooperative
Tariq Aba Al-Khail, spokesperson for the Saudi Geological Survey, highlighted the global significance of the Al-Wahbah Crater.
“The recognition of the Al-Wahbah Crater as one of the top 100 geological heritage sites is expected to boost its profile as a prime destination for both scientific study and tourism. This distinction emphasizes its exceptional geological features and underscores its significance on both local and global scales.”
The crater was selected from 174 nominated sites across 64 countries, including Saudi Arabia, the US, Italy, Canada, New Zealand, China, Iceland, Egypt and Finland, Al-Khail added.
The bottom of Al-Wahbah Crater is covered with white sodium phosphate crystals. While it was once believed that the crater was formed by a meteorite due to its circular shape and elevated sides, geologists now widely agree that it is a maar crater.
Abdulaziz bin Laboun, a geological expert and chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Geologists Cooperative, said: “Publicizing natural phenomena like the Al-Wahbah Crater through the media and highlighting their scientific importance is essential for enhancing their global profile and advancing geological research.
“This recognition not only highlights the crater’s significance, but also supports the broader development of geological sciences in Saudi Arabia.”
The crater has several unique aspects, Laboun added.
“The crater’s geological features are remarkable, including its depth, which makes it the deepest crater in the Kingdom, and its diameter of 2,000 meters. The area around the crater is characterized by natural springs, trees and palm groves, making it a rare and distinctive geological site. Moreover, its location in the volcanic field mainly adds to its uniqueness,” he said.
There are at least 23 volcanic fields formed millions of years ago in Saudi Arabia, covering about 90,000 sq. km, or about 5 percent of the Kingdom.
The eruptions in these fields vary, but what sets Al-Wahbah Crater apart is its formation in an aquatic environment — a characteristic of maar craters. “The crater is a stage for imagination, often associated with local folklore, including tales of a lover named Tamia, who, according to legend, flew from this crater toward Qattan Mountain in Najd,” Laboun said.
“Geological sites like Al-Wahbah Crater offer valuable insights into the Earth’s history and processes. By highlighting such landmarks, we enhance public awareness and support the advancement of geological research.”
Bedouin tents keep tradition alive — with a modern touch
Bedouin tents continue to be a cherished symbol of Saudi culture, blending tradition with modern aesthetics
Updated 41 min 55 sec ago
Arab News
JEDDAH: The Bedouin tent, known locally as “Bayt Al-sha’ar,” has long been cherished as a cultural icon symbolizing hospitality, and tradition.
These spacious structures, once primarily made of goat hair and sheep wool, have evolved to incorporate modern design elements, while preserving their authentic character, according to the Saudi Press Agency report.
An indispensable component of the Arabian tent is the “mashb” or “wajr,” a circular or square pit used for cooking traditional Arabic coffee. (Supplied)
Originally designed to accommodate large groups of visitors, Bedouin tents have become popular gathering places for social interaction, tribal discussions, and poetic gatherings.
Their comfortable interiors and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions have made them desirable spaces for relaxation and socializing, particularly during winter months.
FASTFACT
Businesses producing Bedouin tents have witnessed significant growth, with a wider range of high-quality materials and colors now available.
Construction of Bedouin tents involves a meticulous process that begins with the preparation of a designated area. The tent’s structure is then erected using a framework of tubes and iron pipes, which are carefully detailed to match the desired size and shape.
The exterior and interior fabric is installed, followed by the addition of essential amenities, such as lighting and decorations. Many tent owners opt for floor seating, while others prefer elevated seating with cushions adorned with intricate engravings.
Tents are typically 2-3 meters in height, up to 3 meters wide, and often exceed 10 meters in length. (SPA)
An indispensable component of the Arabian tent is the “mashb” or “wajr,” a circular or square pit used for cooking traditional Arabic coffee. These are typically made of clay, red bricks, or marble.
Modern tents often incorporate traditional elements such as black fabric, while adding contemporary touches. These enhancements contribute to the tent’s overall aesthetic appeal and comfort.
Bedouin tents have become popular gathering places for social interaction. (SPA)
Tents are typically 2-3 meters in height, up to 3 meters wide, and often exceed 10 meters in length.
Contemporary tents often feature lighter colors that reflect sunlight, providing thermal insulation. Additionally, materials such as wood and sponge are used to enhance the lining and sides of the porch, while tiles are incorporated into the roof for aesthetic purposes and weather resistance.
Interior fabrics such as “sadu” are commonly used to decorate Bedouin tents. Glass doors are often incorporated to allow for natural light and easy guest reception.
Modern amenities, including entertainment elements, are increasingly being added to enhance the overall experience.
Businesses producing Bedouin tents have witnessed significant growth, with a wider range of high-quality materials and colors now available.
Shops and factories specializing in Bedouin tents offer comprehensive services, including equipment, interior decorations, seating, furnishings, coffee preparation utensils, lanterns, flooring options, and traditional Arabic carpets.
Bedouin tents continue to be a cherished symbol of Saudi culture, blending tradition with modern aesthetics.
Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to provide comfortable and inviting spaces for social gatherings, while preserving the rich heritage of the Arabian Peninsula.
The municipality first identifies tree species appropriate for Makkah and the holy sites, along with suitable planting locations
Updated 42 min 8 sec ago
Arab News
MAKKAH: The Holy Makkah Municipality has launched a digital afforestation initiative, enabling citizens and residents to join efforts to increase vegetation cover, expand green spaces, protect the environment and reduce carbon emissions.
The municipality first identifies tree species appropriate for Makkah and the holy sites, along with suitable planting locations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
The details are then uploaded to the Nabatik online platform, which enables individuals to choose their preferred tree, select the location, make online payments and have the trees planted on their behalf, allowing the community to invest in tree-planting efforts from the comfort of their homes.
Through the scheme, the municipality aims to contribute to climate goals, increase the number of trees in Makkah and the holy sites, and document afforestation efforts through the Nabatik platform.
Saudi FM discusses developments in Palestinian territories with Bahraini, Gambian counterparts
Updated 34 min 39 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed developments in the Palestinian territories with his Bahraini and Gambian counterparts on Sunday.
During a phone call, Prince Faisal and Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani discussed ways to intensify action in support of the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and to ensure the restoration of the rights of the Palestinian people.
The two ministers also discussed ways to stop Israeli violations of international law and efforts made in this regard.
In a separate phone call with Mamadou Tangara, Prince Faisal stressed the importance of intensifying the efforts of Arab and Muslim countries to stop all forms of Israeli violations against the State of Palestine and its people.
