Initiative ensures top-quality services without intermediaries
Updated 20 August 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the Direct Umrah Program, which allows companies to serve pilgrims directly, ensuring high-quality standards without intermediaries.
The aim is to enhance pilgrims’ experiences through visits to historical sites linked to the Prophet’s life and discovering the Kingdom’s attractions.
The program supports service providers, encouraging companies to adopt professional destination management and trip organization, after 13.5 million pilgrims were recorded in 2023.
HIGHLIGHT
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah held the second Umrah organizations’ gathering in Makkah to address challenges and propose solutions to ensure top-quality services and introduce companies to new tools and indicators for monitoring performance.
In collaboration with the Pilgrim Experience Program, part of Saudi Vision 2030, the ministry held the second Umrah organizations’ gathering in Makkah, led by Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah.
This meeting aligned with the ministry’s strategy to enhance the Umrah experience and empower the private sector to provide services year-round, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
It also streamlines procedures and enforces commitment and compliance standards throughout the Umrah journey.
The meeting addressed challenges and proposed solutions to ensure top-quality services, introducing companies to new tools and indicators for monitoring performance. It also discussed strategic directions for the Umrah season and launched innovative services.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah continues to enhance Umrah services, with the intention each year to welcome more pilgrims and provide a rich, unique faith journey in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
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 7 sec ago
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.
Taif has established itself as a distinctive hub with its specialized honey market and diverse bee products
Updated 01 November 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: In the heart of Saudi Arabia, Taif’s beekeepers are revolutionizing honey production while staying true to their craft’s ancient roots.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that these artisans meticulously oversee every step of production, from harvesting pristine honeycombs to delivering the final product, adhering to rigorous quality standards that have made Taif honey renowned throughout the region.
“The honey supply chain begins long before the first drop is collected,” beekeeper Mohsen Al-Mudaifi said in an exclusive interview with the SPA. Operating about 500 hives, Al-Mudaifi’s operation yields an impressive 70-130 kg of honey during peak flowering seasons. His production line accommodates both traditional comb honey and liquid varieties, catering to diverse consumer preferences.
According to SPA, the secret to Taif’s thriving apiculture lies in its diverse landscape. The Tihama lowlands and the Sarawat highlands create a tapestry of microclimates rich in wild flora. This natural bounty includes aromatic shrubs, traditional thorn jujube trees, and a variety of indigenous plants such as acacia tortilis, sweet acacia and Astragalus.
The area also hosts distinctive mountain vegetation and the acacia asak plants. All these florae are considered premium honey-producing species, growing naturally in their pristine environment, and each contributing to the region’s distinctive honey varieties.
Taif has established itself as a distinctive hub with its specialized honey market and diverse bee products, anchored by a vibrant weekly honey auction. The practice, deeply woven into the region’s cultural fabric, has been passed down through generations.
In an annual ritual, beekeepers from the Sarawat mountains and Ghazwan peaks prepare for their seasonal migration, SPA reported.
This carefully orchestrated movement will soon see millions of bees transported in cylindrical or square hives to warmer climates, particularly to Taif’s Tihama region. Many will find their winter home in Al-Buhaita Wild Park, a sanctuary that has become both a tourist destination and a crucial waypoint in Taif’s honey production cycle.
MEWA and NCVC launch National Afforestation Season in Riyadh
Updated 01 November 2024
Haifa Alshammari
RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, along with the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, launched the National Afforestation Season for this year on Thursday in Riyadh under the title: “We Plant for Our Future.”
Khalid Al-Abdulqader, CEO of the NCVC, expressed his commitment to raising awareness about the significance of afforestation. He emphasized the need to support efforts to enhance vegetation cover and mitigate land degradation.
Through this season, the CEO aims to promote environmental sustainability and encourage the cultivation of local plants to improve the biodiversity and sustainable ecosystems in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia is taking further steps toward achieving the ultimate goal of the Saudi Green Initiative, SGI, which is to plant 10 billion trees and rehabilitate 40 million hectares.
However, it requires strengthening partnerships with multiple sectors including the public and private sectors, and promoting volunteering among the society to achieve sustainable development goals.
The planting season also seeks to increase “tree planting” culture in Saudi Arabia, improve vegetation cover, and reduce land degradation by growing more local plants.
This initiative marks a new phase in environmental protection efforts, which have already led to the planting of more than 95 million trees across the country through collaborations between public and private sectors.
Previous partnerships have successfully rehabilitated 118,000 hectares of land and protected more than 4.3 million hectares, while this year, the target is to contribute to the SGI’s goal of planting 10 billion trees.
The Kingdom has been encouraging afforestation recently to tackle several environmental issues such as the rapidly changing climate, through lowering regional temperatures and controlling the severity of drought.
Saudi Arabia called on the world’s policymakers last month to urgently address land destruction and drought, especially since the country will be hosting the 16th UN Convention to Combat Desertification COP16 in Riyadh in December.
