Environment Week events put Saudi Arabia’s leadership role in the limelight

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Updated 04 May 2024
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Environment Week events put Saudi Arabia’s leadership role in the limelight

Environment Week events put Saudi Arabia’s leadership role in the limelight
  • Riyadh hosts series of discussions focused on the challenges posted by drought, desertification and land degradation
  • Unsustainable agricultural practices, overgrazing, deforestation and soil erosion seen contributing to desertification

RIYADH: The region of Middle East and North Africa is known for its hot, dry climate and scarce water resources. The harsh climatic conditions are a contributing factor to the region’s perennial scourge of drought, desertification and land degradation.

These challenges result in imbalances in different ecosystems, harming especially the agriculture sector and imposing economic hardship on local populations. The growing importance of this regional issue has been a motivating factor for Saudi Arabia to host regular discussions.

This week, Environment Week, has been an opportunity to take stock of the challenges ahead and the progress made so far. Events organized during Environment Week highlighted Saudi Arabia’s leadership role in environmental preservation and sustainable development.




Desertification, the process by which fertile land transforms into arid desert, is a significant challenge confronting countries of the Middle East and North Africa. (Shutterstock)

Environmentalists were given a forum to exchange on a range of subjects, with the emphasis naturally on drought, desertification and land degradation. For this occasion, Arab News interviewed Ibrahim Thiaw, executive secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Riyadh.

“It has become extremely difficult for humanity to cope with the frequency of challenges,” he said. “Saudi Arabia is playing a very important role of course. It is not a small economy, therefore the demand for support from Saudi Arabia is also growing.”




Ibrahim Thiaw, executive secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. AN photo by AN Abdulrahman Alnajim

Thiaw spoke of some of the outcomes of land degradation and drought such as the increase of irregular migration due to land degradation and drought. “You will likely see more competition of land and water, and therefore, more conflict,” he said.

Drought, a major problem in many Middle East countries, has put water resources under stress in tandem with rising temperatures. Both surface water and groundwater reserves are failing owing to declining precipitation and rising evaporation rates.




A picture shows a view of the dried-up bed of the al-Kalal River in the city of Badrah, near the Iran border, on August 28, 2023. Iraq's drought reflects a decline in the level of waterways due to the lack of rain and lower flows from upstream neighboring countries Iran and Turkey. (AFP)

As a result, rivers and lakes are drying up and water shortages have become a serious problem. Moreover, because of multiple environmental reasons, including drought, the region has been experiencing frequent sandstorms.

“There are around 50 countries that are sources of dust storms, but there are 150 countries that are affected by this phenomenon. Therefore, it has become a global issue,” Thiaw said, speaking about the impact of dust storms in one nation on another.

“You may use one country to shine a spotlight on dust storms, but these constitute a global phenomenon that we all need to address. To do that, you need global treaties like the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, which at the moment has 197 parties. So, it is a universal body and has a summit, a meeting every two years.




Infographic from the Global Drought Snapshot 2023 report of the International Dought Resilience Alliance and the UN Convention to combat Desertification. 

“The next meeting will be held here in Riyadh in December 2024, where the 197 countries will come together at the level of heads of state, at the level of ministers and the level of experts, communities and NGOs and civil society organizations, to discuss just that, namely the consequences of land degradation and drought on the lives and livelihoods of communities.”

Furthermore, experts point out that drought and desertification influence each other. Desertification, the process by which fertile land transforms into arid desert, is another significant challenge confronting countries of the Middle East and North Africa. Unsustainable agricultural practices, overgrazing, deforestation and soil erosion all contribute to the problem.




Infographic from the Global Drought Snapshot 2023 report of the International Dought Resilience Alliance and the UN Convention to combat Desertification. 

Consequently, arable land is lost and food production decreases, exacerbating the problem of food insecurity. Desertification also leads to the displacement of communities, according to Thaiaw, as people are forced to migrate in search of more habitable areas.

Speaking to Arab News on the occasion of Environment Week in Riyadh, Elizabeth Mrema, deputy executive director of the United Nations Environment Program, offered her views on the crisis of desertification.




United Nations Environment program’s deputy executive director, Elizabeth Mrema. (Supplied) 

“As far as Saudi Arabia is concerned, the country has clearly seen its impact and treated it as a priority for this year. I am saying ‘this year’ because at the UN Environmental Assembly at the end of February, Saudi Arabia took the lead on an initiative to combat degradation. It went through and was adopted, and that was on a global level,” said Mrema.

“Beyond that, this country next month, on June 5, will host World Environment Day. This day is celebrated every year. It is global because it was adopted by the UN General Assembly. This year, it is being hosted by Saudi Arabia.

“This year Saudi Arabia will host the UN Conference to Combat Desertification. It will be hosted here with the theme ‘Our land, our future’ again, Land is the focus.”




Infographic from the Global Drought Snapshot 2023 report of the International Dought Resilience Alliance and the UN Convention to combat Desertification. 

Additionally, the combination of drought and desertification in one area leads to land degradation, further compounding the Middle East's environmental crisis. Soil erosion, salinization, and depletion of soil nutrients are some of the results of land degradation.

As agricultural productivity declines worldwide, farmers face key challenges in securing their livelihoods, in addition to the fact that the environmental problems heighten ecosystem vulnerability, which also leads to biodiversity loss and ecosystem imbalance.

“Saudi Arabia is showing the world that this is a global issue. The initiatives which have been taken by the government in recent years demonstrate the commitment in dealing with these issues,” said Mrema.




The Saudi Green Initiative Day reflects Saudi Arabia’s vision and dedication to fostering a culture of sustainability (SPA)

“I look at the Saudi Vision 2030, I look at the environmental strategies of 2018, I look at the Saudi Green Initiative. I look at the Middle East Green Initiative with a commitment to reach a regional level to plant 50 billion trees, 10 of which Saudi Arabia has committed to plant in this country. And not in committed in words, but put an institution to lead the road, to make sure that this is happening.”

Addressing the three challenges of drought, desertification and land degradation in the Middle East requires a multifaceted approach. Thiaw and Mrema were of the view that governments, international organizations and local communities need to work together to implement sustainable water management strategies, promote efficient irrigation technologies and invest in renewable energy sources.

Additionally, they said, reforestation efforts and the protection of natural habitats can help reduce desertification and land degradation.

Raising awareness about the importance of sustainable land use practices and supporting affected communities is an important step toward long-term solutions for both the Middle East and North Africa region and the world.

To sum up, countries of the Middle East and North Africa are suffering from effects of intensifying drought, desertification and land degradation. Urgent action is required to reverse this trend and ensure regional environmental sustainability.

By adopting sustainable methods, investing in water management, and promoting conservation actions, communities of the region will be able to reduce the severity of these challenges and assure themselves of a more resilient future.
 


Riyadh International Book Fair fostering China, Saudi Arabia cultural exchange

The Riyadh International Book Fair opened on Thursday. (Supplied/@rybookfair/X)
The Riyadh International Book Fair opened on Thursday. (Supplied/@rybookfair/X)
Updated 01 October 2024
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Riyadh International Book Fair fostering China, Saudi Arabia cultural exchange

The Riyadh International Book Fair opened on Thursday. (Supplied/@rybookfair/X)
  • More Saudis interested in Chinese literature, say publishers
  • Chinese taught at schools is ‘important step’ to boost ties

RIYADH: Publishers are seeing a growing demand from readers in Saudi Arabia for Chinese literature as the two nations continue to strengthen cultural and political ties.

The Riyadh International Book Fair, which opened on Thursday, serves as a vital platform for connecting Saudi Arabia with the global community.

The event emphasizes the importance of translating international works into Arabic to foster cultural exchange, particularly with China.

A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)

A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic. It has already translated classics including “The Art of War” and “Three Kingdoms.”

Amr Moghith, the editorial manager of Bayt El-Hekma, said: “I see a demand from Saudis to learn the Chinese language. With every year, the demand for Chinese books increases.”

FASTFACTS

• Saudi Arabia has organized A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic.

• Saudi Arabia has organized several events to boost relations with China.

He added: “When the House of Wisdom Cultural Group was established, it was with the aim of building bridges between the Chinese and Arab cultures.

To foster cultural exchange, particularly with China, it is vital to translate international works into Arabic. (Supplied)

“This has been achieved cumulatively. Initially, the demand for Chinese literature was somewhat weak, although people were curious about Chinese culture, which has a rich history extending back over 5,000 years.”

Moghith said that while there are significant differences in the cultures of the Chinese and Arab worlds, the recent translations, both ways, have led to a surge in interest.

“The demand has become greater, especially since it brings together the Chinese and Arab cultures, which have had longstanding relations since the Silk Road,” he explained, referencing the ancient trade route.

To foster cultural exchange, particularly with China, it is vital to translate international works into Arabic. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)

He said Chinese was now being taught in Saudi schools. “This is an important step that helps many Saudis learn about Chinese culture.

“China wants to convey that it is not just a manufacturing or trading country, but a civilization with deep historical roots.

“It seeks to communicate with countries in the East and the Middle East, particularly given the old relations.”

A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)

In addition, Bayt El-Hekma, which was established in Egypt in 2011, aims to enrich the understanding of Chinese culture among Arabic speakers and operates an academy for those eager to learn the language.

Saudi Arabia has organized several events to boost relations with China.

For instance, on Sept. 26, the Museums Commission inaugurated the exhibition “The Writings of Today Are a Promise for Tomorrow” at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax.

This event marks the first showcase of contemporary Chinese artists in Saudi Arabia.

It highlights the efforts of the Ministry of Culture and Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission to enhance cultural exchange.

 

 


Minister meets newly appointed Dominican ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Saud Al-Sati holds talks with Andy Rodriguez Duran in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Saud Al-Sati holds talks with Andy Rodriguez Duran in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 01 October 2024
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Minister meets newly appointed Dominican ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Saud Al-Sati holds talks with Andy Rodriguez Duran in Riyadh. (Supplied)
  • Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Consular Affairs Ali Al-Yousef received the Algerian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sherif Walid

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati met on Tuesday with the newly appointed ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Saudi Arabia, Andy Rodriguez Duran.

Al-Sati welcomed him to the Kingdom and wished him success in his new duties. The two also discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.

Also on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Consular Affairs Ali Al-Yousef received the Algerian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sherif Walid. They discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and consular topics of shared concern.

 


Attorney general leads Saudi delegation at international prosecutors’ conference in Azerbaijan

Attorney general leads Saudi delegation at international prosecutors’ conference in Azerbaijan
Updated 01 October 2024
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Attorney general leads Saudi delegation at international prosecutors’ conference in Azerbaijan

Attorney general leads Saudi delegation at international prosecutors’ conference in Azerbaijan
  • Aside from prosecutors, delegates at the 3-day event include organizations that fight terrorism, human trafficking and other transnational crime

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s attorney general, Sheikh Saud Al-Mojeb, is leading a high-level delegation from the Kingdom at the 29th International Association of Prosecutors Conference, which began on Tuesday in Baku, Azerbaijan.

In addition to prosecutors from around the world, the participants at the three-day event include representatives of international organizations that combat terrorism, human trafficking and other transnational crime.

The Saudi delegation, which includes officials from the Public Prosecution and the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, will take part in global discussions about mutual legal assistance, extradition procedures, and the exchange of information to help enhance international cooperation in the field of criminal justice.

On the opening day of the conference, Al-Mojeb took part in meetings with counterparts from Austria, Croatia, Turkiye, Georgia, Malta, Kenya and Nepal. They discussed the importance of developing cooperative frameworks to address common challenges related to cross-border crime and criminal justice, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Saudi delegation also met a high-level team from South Korea’s Public Prosecution Office, during which they exchanged insights about the use of technology in criminal investigations, and discussed opportunities for further collaboration in justice-related fields.


Saudi Arabia updates regulations for temporary work visas for Hajj and Umrah services

Saudi Arabia updates regulations for temporary work visas for Hajj and Umrah services
Updated 01 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia updates regulations for temporary work visas for Hajj and Umrah services

Saudi Arabia updates regulations for temporary work visas for Hajj and Umrah services
  • The updated regulations outline clear timeframes required to complete visa-related procedures, enhancing governance and transparency

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced on Tuesday updates to the regulations governing temporary work visas for Hajj and Umrah services, Saudi Press Agency reported.

These changes, approved by the Saudi Cabinet in its session on Tuesday, will aim to provide more flexibility for the private sector, allowing businesses to better align visa needs with labor market demands and contribute to creating a more attractive work environment, SPA added.

One of the updates is the renaming of the seasonal work visa to the “temporary work visa for Hajj and Umrah services,” and extending the grace period for these visas from Shaban 15 until the end of Muharram (around Feb. 14 to July 25).

The new regulations will also address the needs of establishments operating during the Umrah season, by expanding their eligibility for temporary work visas.

The updated regulations outline clear timeframes required to complete visa-related procedures, enhancing governance and transparency.

In addition, the ministry emphasized the protection of both employers and employees by mandating that a signed employment contract be provided to both parties, and requiring medical insurance as a prerequisite for obtaining a visa through Saudi embassies and consulates abroad.

The new regulations will also introduce penalties aimed at preventing misuse of temporary work visas.

Businesses will now enjoy greater flexibility, with the option to extend visas for an additional 90 days and will no longer require endorsement when issuing temporary visas, streamlining the process.

These amendments are set to take effect 180 days after their approval, offering businesses time to adapt to the new system while ensuring that operations during the Hajj and Umrah seasons run smoothly.


NEOM unveils designs by Stefano Ricci for Sindalah Yacht Club

NEOM unveils designs by Stefano Ricci for Sindalah Yacht Club
Updated 01 October 2024
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NEOM unveils designs by Stefano Ricci for Sindalah Yacht Club

NEOM unveils designs by Stefano Ricci for Sindalah Yacht Club
  • Italian designer hails ‘visionary undertaking ahead of its time,’ saying project is a ‘jump into the future’

NEOM: Interior designs for the yacht club on NEOM’s first island destination, Sindalah, were unveiled on Tuesday ahead of the site’s opening later this year.

The Sindalah Yacht Club has been designed in collaboration with Stefano Ricci, and marks the Italian designer’s first foray into club interior design.

“As we place the finishing touches on NEOM’s inaugural island destination, we are thrilled to share with the world a behind-the-scenes look at what Sindalah will have to offer,” said Nicholas Smith, general manager of Sindalah.

“Our partnership with Stefano Ricci represents our dedication to enthralling future visitors and offering a truly premium experience for the world’s yachting enthusiasts,” he said.

The club will feature a terrace pool, lounge, and a fine-dining restaurant led by chef Enrico Bartolini, who restaurants around Italy have been awarded multiple Michelin stars.

With management by IGY Marinas, the yacht club will offer berthing for superyachts up to 180 meters in length.

The yacht club’s interior will be highlighted by white Carrara marble, complemented by accents of “Sindalah Blue” — a custom color inspired by the island’s surrounding waters — alongside briar-root wood surfaces, hand-woven textiles, and a coffered ceiling.

“I entered the Sindalah Yacht Club project because I believe that NEOM is a visionary undertaking ahead of its time, like Florence, which became the cradle of the Renaissance,” Ricci said.

“It’s a beautiful jump into the future that recalls our mission. As a Florentine designer, I hope to have conveyed the fine stylistic balance that ideally unites these two worlds.”