Saudi pilot wants to highlight ‘breathtaking’ Kingdom from the sky

Special Saudi pilot wants to highlight ‘breathtaking’ Kingdom from the sky
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Updated 06 June 2024
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Saudi pilot wants to highlight ‘breathtaking’ Kingdom from the sky

Saudi pilot wants to highlight ‘breathtaking’ Kingdom from the sky
  • Mishaal Al-Sudairy lauds Saudi’s diverse typography
  • Received at 50 his pilot’s license, he tells Arab News

RIYADH: Pilot, motorcycle enthusiast and author Mishaal Al-Sudairy is taking his passion for adventure in the outdoors, particularly the skies over the Kingdom, to document the country for fellow citizens.

Speaking on The Mayman Show recently, Al-Sudairy said he takes to the skies on average 12 times a month, and is fascinated by the many ancient sites and natural wonders that can be viewed from above.  

“This year I participated in the federal rally which is flying over Egypt, archeological sites. I flew to the World Traveler Festival in Dubai. Before in 2021, I flew from Thumamah to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to participate in the AirVenture, Airshow 2021. So, I love flying.”

 

 

Al-Sudairy, who has an engineering background, received a private pilot’s license at 50 in 2018 from a facility in Denver, Colorado. “Then I went back to the US and did my instrument rating in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. And then I did my multi-engine and my commercial in Bellingham, Washington state,” he said.

During the interview he recalled flying over Harrat Kishb which is a lava field in the west of the Kingdom. “The neat thing is seven volcanoes in a straight line. So you will be seeing the volcano tops one after one. Like they were done by a ruler. So to me, this is like one of nature’s wonders, one that I’m gonna say Subhan Allah.”

 

 

Another wondrous site for Al-Sudairy is Audat Sudair, about 100 km from Riyadh, that has a mountain which appears to be several hearts from the sky.

“It is like heart over heart over heart. And because you know, this area, it used to be, you know, seabed before the sea water receded. This formation is amazing. You see a heart, a normal heart, shaped by nature.

 

 

“I mean, there’s so many things also from above, you can see there, so many signs by stones, so I think some of them, they’re prehistoric and some of them maybe from Stone Age,” he said.

Al-Sudairy believes that Saudi Arabia has one of the world’s most interesting terrains because of its diverse topography.

 

 

 

“We have the desert, we have the mountains, we have the coastal line. Plus the volcanic areas, which is a lot, and especially in the westernmost part of Saudi Arabia. So you know, all these when they mix together, they’re breathtaking,” he said.

There were always “hidden gems to be found,” he said.

 

 

“I want to introduce my country to my fellow citizens, so they know they (can) come out of the cities because Saudi Arabia is not limited to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam.

“I want them to know that there is so much to see and to know about their country, about small towns and heritage places,” he added.

 


Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 3,000 food parcels in Pakistan

Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 3,000 food parcels in Pakistan
Updated 16 January 2025
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Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 3,000 food parcels in Pakistan

Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 3,000 food parcels in Pakistan
  • Monday’s aid delivery benefitted 20,444 people from the most vulnerable groups in flood-affected areas

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has distributed 3,007 food parcels in Pakistan’s Matiari and Thatta districts of Sindh province and the Tank and Torghar districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

Monday’s aid delivery benefitted 20,444 people from the most vulnerable groups in flood-affected areas, as a part of this year’s Food Security Support Project in Pakistan.

The project aims to provide 147,500 food parcels, each weighing 95 kg and containing essential food for one month.

KSrelief will continue to provide aid to vulnerable people in Pakistan, the SPA reported.


Saudi Arabia appoints Japan envoy as commissioner for pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka

Saudi Arabia appoints Japan envoy as commissioner for pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka
Updated 16 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia appoints Japan envoy as commissioner for pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka

Saudi Arabia appoints Japan envoy as commissioner for pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka
  • Kingdom’s Dr. Ghazi Binzagr takes on new duties for global exhibition which opens in April

TOKYO: Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Binzagr has been appointed the general commissioner for the Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.

The announcement comes as construction on the pavilion enters its final stages in preparation for the Kingdom’s participation in the global exhibition, set to start in April.

Binzagr, who has been ambassador since 2024, will continue his current duties alongside his new responsibilities as the general commissioner, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

He has also served as a member of the Shoura Council for three terms and previously held the position of deputy chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee from 2023 to 2024.

As ambassador, Binzagr oversees initiatives to boost relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan.

He also recently contributed to the Saudi-Japanese Business Forum and has been actively engaged in collaborative initiatives in key areas including energy security, technology, trade and investment.

The Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka embodies its commitment to international efforts for sustainable human development.

In February of last year, Saudi Arabia was among the first nations to begin constructing their pavilions at the Expo 2025 Osaka site.

The design reflects the Kingdom’s history, culture and current economic transformation, the SPA reported.


Thriving lavender in Saudi’s Northern Borders has environmental benefits

Thriving lavender in Saudi’s Northern Borders has environmental benefits
Updated 16 January 2025
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Thriving lavender in Saudi’s Northern Borders has environmental benefits

Thriving lavender in Saudi’s Northern Borders has environmental benefits
  • The plant has been observed to grow on the edge of the Nafud Desert, an indication that it could be propagated to fight desertification, says environmentalist

ARAR: The Northern Borders region of Saudi Arabia, spanning approximately 104,000 sq. km, boasts an aromatic, seasonal and annual plant biodiversity, with lavender emerging as a prominent species.

These plants play a crucial role in sustainable development, combating desertification, increasing vegetation cover, stabilizing soil, and fostering ecotourism, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Lavender, characterized by its fragrant scent and vibrant purple hue, has been observed on the edge of the Nafud Desert, signaling its potential expansion throughout the region.

This emergence highlights the region’s ecological significance and capacity to support diverse plant life.

Nasser Al-Majlad, head of the Aman Environmental Association, told SPA that the lavender species is Horwoodia dicksoniae.

This annual herbaceous plant features branching stems, typically reaching about 30 centimeters in height, and large, lobed leaves. Its dark lilac flowers, gathered in spike inflorescences, release a distinctive fragrance.

The plant thrives in shallow sandy loam and is valued for its ornamental qualities, making it suitable for cultivation in both homes and gardens. Its smooth brown seeds further contribute to its propagation.

Al-Majlad emphasized the positive impact of nature reserves and the Saudi Green Initiative on the region’s ecology.

These initiatives have facilitated afforestation, land reclamation, and the protection of wild areas, contributing to the resurgence of numerous trees and plants, including lavender, within the environmental landscape, he added.


Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments
Updated 16 January 2025
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Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a call from French President Emmanuel Macron, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The pair also reviewed bilateral relations and cooperation, as well as the latest regional and international developments.


Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister

Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister
Updated 16 January 2025
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Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister

Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister

Madinah Region Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Khalid bin Faisal recently met Indian Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju during his official visit to the Kingdom.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed arrangements for Indian Hajj pilgrims during their stay in Madinah, India’s Ministry of Minority Affairs said in an official statement.

Rijiju also visited the Hajj Terminals at the Jeddah and Madinah airports, and reviewed the facilities available for the arrival and departure of pilgrims as well as baggage handling.