Qassim governor launches drive to plant a million trees for a greener future
Qassim governor launches drive to plant a million trees for a greener future/node/2579003/saudi-arabia
Qassim governor launches drive to plant a million trees for a greener future
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The governor of Qassim, Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture for supporting the initiative. (SPA)
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The governor of Qassim, Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture for supporting the initiative. (SPA)
Qassim governor launches drive to plant a million trees for a greener future
The effort is intended to support sustainable environmental development
Updated 24 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The governor of Qassim, Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, recently launched an initiative to plant 1 million trees in the region by the end of 2024.
The effort is intended to support sustainable environmental development and increase green spaces in the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The initiative, launched at Qassim National Park in Buraidah, includes collaboration with government agencies and the nonprofit sector.
It seeks to promote environmental sustainability and enhance vegetation cover, aligning with the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030.
Prince Faisal expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture for supporting the initiative.
He also recognized the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification for its role in restoring vegetation in national parks.
The center’s director, Maj. Gen. Ali Al-Asmari, confirmed that the initiative includes cultivating 5 million seedlings by 2030 to improve vegetation cover and achieve environmental balance.
Al-Asmari also reviewed the center’s cultivation efforts in various regional locations, the SPA reported.
In Qassim National Park, 1 million seedlings have been planted, including varieties such as arta (calligonum), ethel (tamarix), qarath (acacia), ghaf (prosopis), and samar (acacia nilotica). An additional 120,000 seedlings were planted in the Unaizah forest.
Shehbaz Sharif commended the MWL’s efforts to foster Muslim solidarity
Updated 5 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation visited the Muslim World League headquarters in Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
They were received by Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, the league’s secretary-general and chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars.
Sharif commended the MWL’s efforts to foster Muslim solidarity, unite the voices of Muslim scholars, and convey the true message of Islam.
Sharif and his delegation arrived in the Kingdom to participate in the Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, held on Monday.
In his address at the summit, Sharif emphasized that Pakistan stands firmly with Palestine, supporting its right to self-determination as an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital within the 1967 borders.
He stressed that this is the only solution to achieve peace, ensure justice, and preserve the holy lands.
The Pakistani PM condemned all violations committed by Israel against Palestine and Lebanon, affirming Pakistan’s solidarity with their people and calling for an end to the escalation in violence against them.
He also urged for the siege on Gaza to be lifted and for access to food, water, electricity, and medical aid to be ensured.
The prime minister underscored that Israel must be held accountable for its crimes and comply with UN resolutions.
Arab and Muslim leaders reaffirm support for Palestinian cause at end of Riyadh summit
In closing statement they reiterate their backing for the Palestinian people and the fight for their legitimate rights
These include the right to freedom, the right to an independent sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and the right of return for refugees
Updated 12 November 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said holding the extraordinary Arab and Islamic summit in Riyadh reflects the sincere desire of its participants to continue efforts aimed at ending Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
Bin Farhan reiterated during the summit's press conference how the leaders of Arab and Muslim countries called for ending Israeli violations, and easing restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid, the Saudi Press Agency reported Tuesday.
He also reiterated that the summit supports the two-state solution as the only option to achieve a just and lasting peace to resolve the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
Bin Farhan said the participating countries will coordinate with the international community to achieve a ceasefire and limit the expansion of the conflict, and reduce the growing threat posed by Israeli military operations to regional and international security.
Leaders of Arab and Muslim countries who attended an extraordinary summit in Riyadh on Monday issued a closing statement in which they affirmed the importance of the Palestinian cause, and their firm support for the Palestinian people and their efforts to achieve their legitimate and inalienable national rights.
These rights include the right to freedom, the leaders said, the right to an independent and sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital, the right of return for refugees, the right to the compensation to which they are due in accordance with international resolutions, and the right to challenge any attempts to deny or undermine these rights.
The leaders also reaffirmed their support for the full sovereignty of the State of Palestine over occupied East Jerusalem. They said Jerusalem remains a red line for Arab and Muslim nations, and expressed absolute solidarity in protecting the Arab and Islamic identity of occupied East Jerusalem and defending the sanctity of Islamic and Christian holy sites there.
They also affirmed their absolute support for Lebanon, including its security, stability, sovereignty and the safety of its citizens.
Abu Radah and the musical heart of Riyadh’s carpet market
How one man’s passion is bringing Saudi musical history to life in Souq Al-Zal
Updated 11 November 2024
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: In Riyadh’s bustling Souq Al-Zal the air is filled with the scent of spices, vibrant colors of traditional goods, and the echo of timeless melodies.
Amid the stalls of woven rugs and antiques, Abu Radah’s corner stands out. Known for his collection of records an cassettes, and his boundless passion for folk music, he has become a beloved figure in the market, sharing his love for vintage sounds with locals and tourists alike.
Rows of old-school cassette tapes evoke memories of simpler times, a reminder of the analog age preserved at Abu Radah’s stall in Souq Al-Zal. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
“I work with folk art. It’s my passion,” he told Arab News. “I love folk art; artists like Fahd Al-Saeed, Bashir Shannan, Essa, Taher, and all the folk artists, including Mohammed Abdu and Talal, all Khaleeji and non-Khaleeji music.”
For over two decades, Abu Radah has nurtured this passion, turning it into a collection that speaks to the soul of Saudi Arabia’s musical heritage.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Videos of Abu Radah spinning vinyl records and inviting visitors to dance have gone viral, bringing a new wave of attention to his humble stall.
• His corner is not just a place to buy records, but a place to experience a piece of Saudi history.
His stall, adorned with colorful rugs and surrounded by retro radios and speakers, is a treasure trove of music that resonates with Saudi heritage. “Honestly, I’ve been passionate about it since I was young. I started collecting records when I was around 17 or 18,” he said. “I used to get them from Abu Wahib, may he rest in peace, in Helat Al-Ahrar.
Abu Radah’s stall showcases a vibrant collection of vintage radios and speakers, inviting passersby to explore Saudi Arabia’s musical history. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
“Little by little, I collected records, tapes, silencing devices, recorders, musical scales, and classic recordings. It became a hobby and a routine for me, thank God.”
Visitors to Abu Radah’s stall can explore everything from rare vinyl records to cassette tapes, all carefully organized across tables covered in colorful textiles. “(I have) some rare records, like Bashir Shannan’s album ‘Al-Barih Yom Aindak.’ It’s hard to find, as well as the classic Fahd Al-Saeed records. These are collector’s items,” he says with pride.
A selection of vinyl records featuring classic Western artists, demonstrating Abu Radah’s diverse collection that appeals to both local enthusiasts and tourists. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
His dedication to preserving this musical heritage has made his stall a magnet for enthusiasts.
“Honestly, Bashir Shannan, may he rest in peace. He’s my favorite artist,” Abu Radah added, reflecting on his connection to the music.
His collection also includes international names. “I have records of Michael Jackson and other international artists. I got them because we receive tourists, and some might prefer non-Arabic music.”
A visitor inspects a vinyl record at Abu Radah’s stall, capturing a moment of nostalgia amidst the treasures of Riyadh’s Carpet Market (Souq Al-Zal). (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
This blend of local and international records makes his stall a fascinating stop for tourists. “Tourists enjoy it here. We even had an American tourist who loved it when I played a Michael Jackson record, and it became a trending moment,” Abu Radah recalls with a smile.
Souq Al-Zal, known for its antique treasures and traditional crafts, has evolved in recent years, attracting a new generation eager to reconnect with their roots. Social media, particularly TikTok, has played a surprising role in this resurgence.
Videos of Abu Radah spinning vinyl records and inviting visitors to dance have gone viral, bringing a new wave of attention to his humble stall. Young Saudis and international tourists now flock to the market, eager to meet the man behind the music and experience his one-of-a-kind collection.
Abdullah Al-Sheqair, known as Shalgm, is another familiar face in the market who has spent eight to ten years there.
Shalgm admires how the market has evolved, crediting social media and the country’s leadership for revitalizing heritage. “Social media has boosted the market, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision has rejuvenated heritage. Previously, items like traditional coffee pots sold for little, but now they have high value. Back then, only the elderly were in this trade, but now both youth and elders are involved.”
According to Shalgm, the number of tourists has increased significantly, bringing fresh energy to the market. “Now, we have an increasing number of tourists visiting. They participate in auctions and enjoy the music with Abu Radah. Everyone’s happy,” he said.
Shalgm also holds a deep admiration for Abu Radah’s dedication to music. “Speaking of Abu Radah, he’s been a fan of Bashir for over 20 years … he is one of the nicest people in the market, even kinder than I am,” Shalgm added, highlighting Radah’s well-known generosity and warmth.
As the day winds down in Souq Al-Zal, the sound of Abu Radah’s records continues to echo through the market, creating an atmosphere where music bridges generations and cultures.
For those who pass by his stall, it is not just a place to buy records, but a place to experience a piece of Saudi history, brought to life by a man whose love for music is as timeless as the records he cherishes.
Saudi women weave legacy of traditional goat hair tents
Working with traditional tools like the “mitraq” (hammer) and “awtar” (strings), the artisans create tents of varying sizes and colors
Updated 11 November 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region, a time-honored tradition continues to thrive as winter approaches.
Here, elderly women skillfully craft traditional goat-hair tents, known locally as “buyut al-sha’ar” — a living symbol of Saudi hospitality.
According to a report by the Saudi Press Agency, the traditional craft relies on goat and sheep hair, provided by the abundant livestock in the region, which includes more than 7 million heads of camels and cattle.
Working with traditional tools like the “mitraq” (hammer) and “awtar” (strings), the artisans create tents of varying sizes and colors.
“Depending on the craftswoman’s experience, a single tent can take anywhere from three days to a week to complete,” Umm Nada told SPA in an interview.
The making of the tent is a practice that carries immense cultural significance. As the women work, they recite traditional verses of poetry.
The finished tents fetch anywhere from SR1,600 ($427) to SR6,000 ($1,600), depending on size and decorative elements.
These traditional tents are experiencing renewed popularity among local families who set them up for excursions and picnics in the natural landscape.
The northern region’s moderate climate has made these tents particularly appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.
