Saudi team joins training on rainwater harvesting in China

Saudi team joins training on rainwater harvesting in China
A team from MEWA is taking part in a training program organized by the Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences in cooperation with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. (Supplied)
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Updated 08 July 2025
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Saudi team joins training on rainwater harvesting in China

Saudi team joins training on rainwater harvesting in China
  • Team includes 12 specialists from the ministry’s water agency, the Saudi Irrigation Organization, and the NCVC
  • Course, being held in Lanzhou, China, from July 3-22, focuses on rainwater harvesting technologies and their applications

RIYADH: A Saudi team from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is taking part in a training program organized by the Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences in cooperation with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.

The team includes 12 specialists from the ministry’s water agency, the Saudi Irrigation Organization, and the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The course, being held in Lanzhou, China, from July 3-22, focuses on rainwater harvesting technologies and their applications. It is attended by representatives from China’s Ministry of Water Resources, along with several water experts and specialists.

The ministry said its participation aligns with efforts to implement international agreements and memoranda of understanding with partner countries. The course provides a unique platform for exchanging expertise in water-related fields, particularly rainwater harvesting, it added.

The course also covers the design of harvesting systems in rural and urban areas, improvement of collected water quality management and advanced purification technologies, the SPA added.

Supplementary irrigation techniques, economic evaluation of harvesting projects, concepts of sponge cities, water reuse, and the role of harvesting technologies in combating desertification and promoting sustainability are also explored.

The ministry said that the training features scientific lectures, practical workshops and field visits to innovative projects in several Chinese provinces.

The visits showcase systems for securing drinking water from rain, irrigated agriculture projects, sponge city initiatives, and integrated environmental models linking water technologies with urban and rural sustainability.

The ministry highlighted the importance of strengthening international cooperation and building national capacity in water management, according to the SPA.

This reflects its integrated approach to developing technical competencies, exchanging expertise with leading countries, advancing the water system and promoting sustainable, innovative solutions to water challenges in line with Vision 2030 goals.


AlUla to hold astronomy seminar

AlUla to hold astronomy seminar
Updated 08 October 2025
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AlUla to hold astronomy seminar

AlUla to hold astronomy seminar
  • AlUla is renowned for its dark skies, considered among the clearest in the world

RIYADH: The Royal Commission for AlUla will organize an educational seminar as part of the “Journey Through the Stars” series on Oct.12 at 5 p.m.

The event will be staged in collaboration with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and the team from AlUla Manara, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The seminar will be presented by specialist in physics and astronomy Dr. Thamer Al-Refay and will cover the fundamentals of astronomy and methods for identifying its components.

The “Journey Through the Stars” series is an educational initiative launched by the RCU to raise awareness of astronomy, in collaboration with several entities, including KACST.

The series features seminars and educational sessions in Arabic, focusing on astronomy, stars, and space science concepts, with an emphasis on connecting astronomical knowledge to the local environment.

AlUla is the site of several pioneering projects in this field, most notably the AlUla Manara observatory project, the first of its kind in the region, as a research and astronomical center that opens new horizons for scientific discoveries.

AlUla is renowned for its dark skies, considered among the clearest in the world.

The RCU obtained DarkSky accreditation for the AlUla Manara observatory site and the Gharameel Nature Reserve, making them the first certified dark-sky locations in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region.

The recognition reflects the RCU’s commitment to promoting astro-tourism and stargazing, as well as supporting space sciences and scientific discoveries.


Arabic Language education held at Riyadh Book Fair

Arabic Language education held at Riyadh Book Fair
Updated 08 October 2025
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Arabic Language education held at Riyadh Book Fair

Arabic Language education held at Riyadh Book Fair
  • This approach emphasizes enabling learners to use the language effectively in real-life situations

RIYADH: The Riyadh International Book Fair 2025, organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, held a workshop on Arabic language teaching techniques.

The session was led by professor of Applied Linguistics at King Saud University, Dr. Bandar Al-Ghmaiz, and attended by specialists and enthusiasts of Arabic language instructors for non-native speakers, both from within the Kingdom and abroad.

Al-Ghmaiz outlined several compelling reasons behind the growing global interest in learning Arabic, such as the desire to understand the Holy Qur’an, engage with Arab and Islamic cultural heritage, and the language’s increasing relevance in economic, political and cultural spheres.

He addressed the use of modern technologies in teaching Arabic.

This approach emphasizes enabling learners to use the language effectively in real-life situations.

He discussed the importance of cultural immersion, which integrates language learning with a deeper understanding of the culture and context of its native speakers.

Al-Ghmaiz also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s pioneering role in Arabic language education through specialized university institutes and the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, which serves as a model for developing high-quality content and curricula, as well as launching impactful initiatives to promote the Arabic language globally.


Zakat, Tax, Customs Committees wins big

Zakat, Tax, Customs Committees wins big
Updated 08 October 2025
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Zakat, Tax, Customs Committees wins big

Zakat, Tax, Customs Committees wins big

RIYADH: The General Secretariat of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Committees has been recognized as the “Best Workplace for Women” for 2025 in the medium-sized enterprises category across the Gulf states, according to the annual list issued by the global organization Great Place to Work.

This achievement reflects the general secretariat’s efforts to create an attractive and distinguished work environment for its female employees, founded on collaboration, respect, excellence, and innovation, the SPA reported on Wednesday. 

It also highlights its commitment to empowering national female talent and enhancing their professional participation, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, to increase women’s contribution to national development.

The general secretariat reiterated its commitment to continuously developing the work environment and empowering women through qualitative initiatives and programs that enhance employee satisfaction, creativity, and performance, in support of the aspirations of the Kingdom’s leadership and vision.


Saudi Arabia to host tourism conference in November

Saudi Arabia to host tourism conference in November
Updated 08 October 2025
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Saudi Arabia to host tourism conference in November

Saudi Arabia to host tourism conference in November
  • Participants will gather for an international dialogue that charts a roadmap for a more sustainable and prosperous future for global tourism

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will host the 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh from Nov. 7- 11, under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.”

The session coincides with the 50th anniversary of the agency’s founding.

Represented by the Ministry of Tourism, Saudi Arabia is set to welcome delegations from more than 160 member states participating in the session, alongside representatives of international organizations and key players in the tourism sector.

Participants will gather for an international dialogue that charts a roadmap for a more sustainable and prosperous future for global tourism. They will also celebrate five decades of cooperation and progress under the UN Tourism framework.

Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb invited the world to come to Riyadh to participate in this historic gathering for global tourism diplomacy.

Al-Khateeb stated that the Kingdom looks forward to hosting the UN Tourism General Assembly, organizing a session that will redefine joint global action in tourism and amplify its impact across other sectors.

The 26th session will feature the election of the secretary-general of the organization.

The program includes several meetings for the General Assembly, in addition to meetings for specialized committees and a thematic session exploring the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on tourism.

The 124th and 125th sessions of UN Tourism’s Executive Council will also take place.


Saudi telecommunications minister meets Bahraini counterpart in Kuwait

Saudi telecommunications minister meets Bahraini counterpart in Kuwait
Updated 08 October 2025
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Saudi telecommunications minister meets Bahraini counterpart in Kuwait

Saudi telecommunications minister meets Bahraini counterpart in Kuwait

Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha met with Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications Dr. Sheikh Abdullah Al-Khalifa, the SPA reported on Wednesday. 

Both parties discussed ways to strengthen technical integration and expand partnership horizons in the fields of artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship in a way that contributes to the growth of digital economy and accelerates the transition toward a smart future.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Gulf Cooperation Council Ministerial Committee for Post and Telecommunications’ meetings in Kuwait, highlighting the strength of Gulf partnerships and its joint efforts to build a prosperous and integral digital economy in the region.