RIYADH: The Sports Boulevard Foundation has received best-in-class recognition from active travel accreditation ActiveScore — awarded Platinum Communities Certification for the Sports Boulevard Masterplan and Platinum Certification for the Global Sports Tower.
The Sports Boulevard project will help revolutionize urban planning in Riyadh.
Stretching from west to east, #Riyadh will boast the world's largest linear park.#Sports_Boulevard
It features more than 4.4 million square meters of green and open spaces, along with up to 50 multi-disciplinary sports facilities and integrated infrastructure. This project is dedicated to enhancing the city’s quality of life for residents and visitors, with features such as pathways, cycling tracks, and horse-riding trails.
The Global Sports Tower, the tallest sports tower in the world, is a key landmark of the project. It will feature more than 30 sports facilities, including the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall, at 98 meters.
Evening’s highest bid went to a Shaheen fledgling known as “Trah Amlaj Al-Hassi,” selling for SR79,000
Auction runs until Nov. 15, showcasing the club’s comprehensive support for the falconry community
Updated 42 sec ago
SPA
RIYADH: The Saudi Falcon Club’s 2024 auction saw four prestigious birds change hands for a combined SR277,000 ($73,756) during its 13th night at the Malham headquarters north of Riyadh.
The evening’s highest bid went to a Shaheen fledgling known as “Trah Amlaj Al-Hassi,” owned by falconers Younis and Abdulrahman Al-Jahni, selling for SR79,000. Close behind was another Shaheen fledgling, “Trah Farasan,” from owners Ali Suhail and Ahmad Al-Aqili, which fetched SR77,000.
A third Shaheen, “Trah Dhulm,” owned by falconers Nader, Saud, and Fahad Al-Otaibi, commanded SR71,000, while “Trah Al-Sawarima,” a fledgling from Jazan region, rounded out the night’s sales at SR50,000.
The auction, which runs until Nov. 15, showcases the club’s comprehensive support for the falconry community. Regional teams across the Kingdom facilitate participation by providing accommodation and transportation for falcon owners, known as tawarih, to the auction venue.
Each sale is broadcast live on television and social media platforms, allowing enthusiasts nationwide to witness these historic transactions, featuring competitive bidding in a fast-paced environment.
80-year-old Saudi tour guide welcomes foreign visitors to Najran with English tours
Europeans are drawn to the region because of its cultural significance, he says
Updated 02 November 2024
Tareq Al-Thaqafi
MAKKAH: Clips of 80-year-old Saudi citizen Saeed bin Saleh have gone viral on social media, showing him fluently conversing in English with European tourists in the Najran region of southern Saudi Arabia.
Bin Saleh’s life has been a remarkable journey. Early on, he moved to the Eastern Province in search of work, driven by the need to support his mother after losing his father at a young age.
In Dhahran, he worked alongside Americans and Europeans, which marked a turning point in his life. This experience not only improved his living conditions but also allowed him to master English.
He told Arab News that he has developed a strong and enduring connection with Western tourists who regularly visit Najran. They praise the area for its rich history, abundant with ancient artifacts and remnants of past civilizations, including the renowned Al-Okhdood site and relics from the Paleolithic era, which date back thousands of years.
He noted that the tourists he speaks with are often impressed by his fluent English, particularly considering that he is over 80 years old, and admire the detailed answers they receive to their historical inquiries.
Their questions often center around significant sites like the Al-Okhdood ruins, the Hima wells, the unique rock formations, and the region’s wealth of archaeological inscriptions, Bin Saleh said.
Reflecting on his early experience with the English language, Bin Saleh explained that he left Najran as a young man in search of work in the Eastern Province, particularly in Dhahran.
After losing his father, he took on the responsibility of supporting his mother, determined to improve their situation. Bin Saleh eventually crossed paths with an American who offered him a job assisting with preparations on the golf courses that were popular in Dhahran at that time.
His close interaction with the American gave him the opportunity to learn English at a young age, which led to a 30-year career in the Eastern Province.
During this time, he worked with several companies, including Aramco and American Airlines, before transitioning to Indian Airlines, which further helped him refine his language skills.
After many years, he decided to return to Najran, where he continued his career with the Ministry of Health as an ambulance driver. Upon retiring, he chose to dedicate his time to being close to his children and grandchildren.
Bin Saleh explained that Europeans are drawn to Najran because of its deep historical and cultural significance. They are particularly captivated by the Arabic inscriptions in Kufic script from the early Islamic period and the ancient South Arabian Musnad script.
Najran is also renowned for its bustling heritage markets, where traditional crafts such as daggers, or jambiyas, and historically significant mosques built from stone and clay can be found. In addition to its rich Islamic history, the region is home to numerous monuments from the ancient civilizations of southern Arabia.
He said that, at his age, he is no longer a full-time tour guide but is always eager to help visitors and those interested in the heritage of the region.
Najran, a key stop on the ancient caravan routes connecting the southern and northern Arabian Peninsula, is renowned for its remarkable rock carvings, including depictions of hunting and grazing scenes and human figures, alongside inscriptions in Thamudic, Musnad, and Kufic scripts — some dating to 7,000 B.C.
Bin Saleh said that Najran has gained significant attention in the eyes of visitors, particularly following the inclusion of the Hima Cultural Area on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Ongoing archaeological discoveries, led by Saudi and international teams, continue to unveil the region’s rich historical legacy.
Bin Saleh urges Saudi youth interested in becoming tour guides to immerse themselves in the region’s history, while also mastering English.
He stressed the importance of representing the true beauty of Saudi Arabia and showcasing the country’s cultural and archaeological treasures, which make it a unique and historically vibrant destination.
Saudi Arabia to host global symposium for sea turtle conservation in Jeddah
Symposium organized by General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS)
Updated 02 November 2024
Arab News
JEDDAH: The Red Sea will take center stage in global marine conservation efforts as the first International Symposium for the Conservation of Sea Turtles is set to take place in Jeddah from Nov. 3 to 6.
The event will bring together an elite gathering of over 30 local and international experts and researchers focused on protecting endangered sea turtle species and preserving marine biodiversity, Saudi Press Agency reported Friday.
The symposium, organized by the General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS), will feature presentations and panel discussions on the latest scientific research, innovative solutions for sea turtle protection, and strategies for international collaboration.
In a statement, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture highlighred the importance of the symposium as a platform to drive effective conservation strategies and ensure the sustainable future of the Red Sea’s unique marine ecosystem.
SHAMS’ initiatives aim to develop advanced conservation policies and elevate environmental awareness around the Red Sea, particularly through innovation in marine protection.
According to the Ministry, this event will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s standing in the field of marine environmental protection while supporting the sustainable conservation of marine species and their natural habitats in the Red Sea.
Saudi transport minister receives IMO secretary-general
Updated 02 November 2024
SPA
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, and chairman of the Transport General Authority, Saleh Al-Jasser, received in Riyadh on Friday the secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, and his accompanying delegation.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Rumaih Al-Rumaih and a number of officials and representatives of relevant bodies were also present.
The meeting discussed cooperation and strengthened joint work between Saudi Arabia and IMO in the areas of maritime security and sustainable development, in line with international efforts to protect the security of sea lanes and the safety of maritime navigation.
The meeting also comes as part of the secretary general’s visit to Riyadh, which underscores the Kingdom’s leading role in supporting the organization’s projects and initiatives focusing on the protection and sustainability of maritime navigation.
It also highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to all treaties issued by the organization aimed at achieving safe maritime navigation for ships during their journeys across international shipping lines.
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 02 November 2024
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.
