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RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro in Riyadh on Sunday.
During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations and cooperation between their countries and ways to enhance them in various fields.
They also discussed international developments and efforts made with regard to the developments.
CRETE, Greece: The Royal Saudi Naval Forces took part on Sunday in a joint naval-air exercise called Medusa 13, being held in Greece.
The exercise includes naval and air forces from Greece, Egypt, France, and Cyprus, alongside Saudi Arabia, and aims to strengthen international military cooperation and enhance naval security, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Col. Naval Commander Fahd Al-Humaidi Al-Otaibi, the exercise commander, explained that Medusa 13 is designed to build alliances and foster joint security cooperation among participating nations.
The focus of the exercise is on executing joint combat missions using modern weaponry, coordinating between different units to counter unconventional maritime threats, and exchanging expertise in securing operational areas from various dangers.
The Saudi naval forces’ participation includes a range of units, such as the Special Naval Security Units, Marine Infantry, His Majesty’s Ships, and Naval Aviation. The exercise will take place both on the Greek island of Crete and in key operational areas in the Mediterranean Sea.
Medusa 13 will feature military operations, information operations, amphibious assaults, and a civilian evacuation scenario, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the training. The joint exercise is expected to significantly contribute to enhancing the naval capabilities of all participating nations while promoting regional security.
RIYADH: In a bid to boost food security and protein diversity, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture recently hosted a workshop in Riyadh for broiler pigeon breeders.
The workshop aligns with Vision 2030 goals and seeks to increase domestic production of poultry, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It aimed to equip breeders with the knowledge and skills necessary to raise broiler pigeon production to 16 million birds annually, equivalent to 12,000 tons of meat.
By increasing production and adopting modern breeding techniques, the ministry hopes to boost food security and reduce reliance on imports.
The ministry emphasized the importance of collaboration with Saudi universities to conduct research that supports the productive and economic aspects of broiler pigeon breeding.
Broiler pigeon breeding is seen as a promising project in Saudi Arabia due to its contribution to food security and potential to preserve natural resources.
By investing in this sector, the Kingdom aims to achieve its national targets while promoting sustainable agriculture.
RIYADH: Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Palestine to the Kingdom Basem Al-Agha on Sunday in Riyadh, where they held friendly talks.
Meanwhile, Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz met with Algerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Sherif Walid in Dammam on Sunday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed various topics of common interest.
The Algerian ambassador thanked Prince Saud for the warm reception.
MAKKAH: Madinah’s date palms provided the perfect backdrop for a 10-kilometer race that attracted almost 2,000 competitors on Saturday.
The race, organized as part of Madinah Dates Season, began at the Madinah National Park and passed through the Khalil farms.
Runners competed on three routes, including one designed for competitors with disabilities, with race stages named after renowned local date varieties, including anbarah, ajwa, berni, saqai, and majdool.
The event was attended by several volunteer groups and government entities. A total of SR30,000 ($8,000) in prizes were awarded to the top three finishers in each category.
The Madinah Dates Season exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in partnership with the National Center for Palms and Dates and the Madinah Chamber of Commerce, was launched in early October.
As part of the exhibition, Camp Wrth for Handicrafts, organized by the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth), aims to teach and promote awareness of traditional Saudi arts.
The camp brings together 49 young men and women from various regions across the Kingdom.
Sessions at the camp offer opportunities to learn traditional skills, engage in handicrafts, and create products inspired by local heritage, as well as participate in cooking demonstrations.
Abdullah Al-Zawawi, a member of the Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Chamber, told Arab News that each year the Madinah region competes with other regions of Saudi Arabia in the production and export of dates.
“Madinah exports 97.9 million kilograms of dates to more than 60 countries, sharing a message of love, peace, and genuine Saudi generosity with people worldwide,” he said.
At least 28 date varieties are exported, including ajwa, sukkari, safawi, anbara, sagai, majdool, barhi, barni, and mabroom — all cultivated by the region’s 27,000 farms, Al-Zawawi said.
“Each year, more than 20 date factories in Madinah compete to present their finest products to over 14 million visitors, welcoming them with the renowned warmth and generosity of Madinah’s people. Blessed with 4 million palm trees, the region’s date industry generates an impressive SR948.5 million annually.”
He said that the government offers significant support under Vision 2030, as demonstrated by the dedicated efforts of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture in the Madinah region.
The ministry prioritizes quality at every stage of date production — from cultivation and harvesting to marketing — ensuring that Madinah dates reach global markets in peak condition.
The exhibition features the harvest of more than 29,000 regional farms, highlighting their vital role in supporting and strengthening food security strategies across the Kingdom.
A virtual reality area allows visitors to immerse themselves in the farming experience, bringing the harvest to life, and fostering greater environmental and agricultural awareness.
More than 50 sales outlets, a tasting and cooking area, and displays of traditional handicrafts are among other attractions.
A range of government and private organizations are also present to highlight initiatives in the agricultural sector, and showcase financial and logistical services available to regional investors.
“The Madinah Dates Season stands out as a vibrant and multifaceted event within our series of date seasons,” Lulu Walid, director of the Madinah Dates Season, told Arab News.
“The season is characterized by a unique visual identity, with colors that represent different elements of the dates sector, such as the distinctive hue of ajwa dates, exclusive to Madinah. This season offers a rich variety of events across multiple fields.”
She said the season’s activities began with auctions showcasing the finest dates from Madinah’s farms, alongside an AI hackathon with prizes totaling up to SR900,000.
The exhibition also features 46 pavilions showcasing and selling date products from local businesses and families, fostering support for the community and promoting small industries.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Media has launched a new initiative designed to showcase the diverse range of cultures that call the Kingdom home.
Expats from diverse backgrounds shared their optimism with Arab News, with one highlighting the initiative’s significance in “embracing different cultures” within Saudi Arabia.
The Global Harmony initiative aims to showcase the diverse lives of residents in the Kingdom, highlighting their professional and family life, social and recreational activities, contributions to the economy, success stories, and cultural integration in Saudi society, according to the Ministry of Media.
It will also highlight government and private sector efforts to improve the quality of life in Saudi cities.
As a track of the initiative, the Ministry of Media, in partnership with the General Entertainment Authority, is arranging events in Riyadh Season.
These events will feature cultural, artistic, and folkloric activities and shows, attended by prominent media outlets from the residents’ countries.
Cultures of nine different countries: India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Yemen, Sudan, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Bangladesh, and Egypt will be presented in several events in Riyadh Season for 45 days starting from tomorrow.
Among them, there will be concerts, cultural and entertainment family events, traditional foods, and various handicrafts.
Mohammad Sabbah, a Palestinian who has called Saudi Arabia home for more than 20 years, reflected on his time in the Kingdom, describing it as “a rewarding journey filled with security and stability for me and my family.”
“We’ve found a second home here, where safety and peace are a constant under the Saudi leadership and warm hospitality of the people.”
He praised the newly launched initiative as “a crucial move toward fostering a more inclusive and interconnected society,” and added: “This represents a forward-thinking vision for Saudi Arabia. I see diversity as a source of strength and enrichment.”
As a marketing director at Energy Tracks, Sabbah highlighted the importance of the initiative in recognizing the role of expatriates.
“It acknowledges the value of expatriates in the community and serves as a bridge for better understanding and meaningful collaboration,” he said.
“Despite our cultural differences, we’ve found harmony with Saudi society. We’re proud to be woven into the fabric of this generous nation and are eager for an even brighter future ahead, especially with Vision 2030.”
Zineb Jariri, Senior PR Account Executive at Umami Communication, highlighted that the initiative demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to fostering cultural diversity and celebrating the different communities living in Saudi Arabia.
“It truly embodies the spirit of shared coexistence and strengthens mutual understanding between locals and expatriates from around the globe,” she said.
Moroccan Jariri emphasized that this initiative acknowledges the positive contributions of expats in various sectors of Saudi life. “It offers a chance to tell the story of Saudi Arabia as a flourishing, inclusive nation,” she remarked.
She anticipates that this move will promote social cohesion, boost cultural awareness, enhance cultural tourism, and further solidify Saudi Arabia’s standing as a regional leader.
