Change of dates for International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition

Change of dates for International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition
The event is organized by the Saudi Falcons Club, which said that it aims to promote the hobby of falconry with an exhibition about the birds, hunting and related activities. (SPA/File)
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Updated 03 July 2024
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Change of dates for International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition

Change of dates for International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition
  • Saudi Falcons Club also confirms dates for the Melwah Racing event and the 2025 AlUla Falcons Cup

RIYADH: Following a change of start date, the International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition will now take place from Oct. 3 to 12.

It is organized by the Saudi Falcons Club, which said that it aims to promote the hobby of falconry with an exhibition about the birds, hunting and related activities, and through the event introduce younger generations to the heritage of the Kingdom and the nation’s cultural and civilizational identity.

The event will also feature a platform, described as the first of its kind in the country, for selling hunting weapons. Saudi companies, representing more than 55 global brands, will showcase weapons and ammunition, organizers said, including special and rare editions for hunting enthusiasts.

The Saudi Falcons Club also announced a change of dates for the Melwah Racing event, which will now take place between Oct. 7 and 12 at the club’s headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. This competition holds great importance for falconers, as it serves as a precursor to the Saudi Falcons Club Cup and the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, and gives falconers a chance to assess and develop their birds’ abilities.

Meanwhile, AlUla Falcons Cup, considered the world’s richest falconry event, will take place from Feb. 9 to 15, 2025, in the heritage village of Mughayra. This competition, organized by the Saudi Falcons Club in partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla, is expected to attract elite falconers from the Kingdom and around the world.


A tapestry of traditions: Saudi Arabia’s Farasan Islanders embrace spirit of holy month

Farasan women used to prepare their homes by painting walls to highlight intricate engravings. (SPA)
Farasan women used to prepare their homes by painting walls to highlight intricate engravings. (SPA)
Updated 02 March 2025
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A tapestry of traditions: Saudi Arabia’s Farasan Islanders embrace spirit of holy month

Farasan women used to prepare their homes by painting walls to highlight intricate engravings. (SPA)
  • Blend of faith, maritime charm at Ramadan

RIYADH: Steeped in history, the Farasan Islands have long embraced unique Ramadan traditions, welcoming the holy month with a blend of faith and maritime charm.

Farasan women used to prepare their homes by painting walls to highlight intricate engravings and plasterwork, while laying smooth pebbles on courtyards to add a maritime-inspired touch.

Farasan women used to prepare their homes by painting walls to highlight intricate engravings. (SPA)

Amnah Aqili spoke to the Saudi Press Agency about these preparations, recalling the renewal of wooden bed frames, the polishing of utensils, the preparation of spices, and the weaving of doum palm frond carpets.

Aqili noted that with the arrival of Ramadan, the air would be filled with the scent of mastic from clay water jugs and the sweet aroma of coffee from traditional pots. The exchange of Ramadan dishes among neighbors was another cherished tradition in the community.

FASTFACTS

• The exchange of Ramadan dishes among neighbors is a cherished tradition in the Farasan community.

• The community continues to honor the spirit of Ramadan through acts of worship, compassion, and the exchange of gifts, strengthening both spiritual and social bonds.

Abkar Al-Mashrai’i recalled a time over 70 years ago when the islanders would rely on news from Jazan to begin Ramadan.

Nightly recitations of the Qur’an by the glow of lanterns would echo through the alleys, and the muezzin’s melodic call would announce sahoor. Children and young men filled the evenings with traditional games, Al-Mashrai’i added.

The Farasan community continues to honor the spirit of Ramadan through acts of worship, compassion, and the exchange of gifts, strengthening both spiritual and social bonds.

 


Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza as ‘blackmail’

Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza as ‘blackmail’
Updated 23 min 1 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza as ‘blackmail’

Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza as ‘blackmail’
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its denunciation of Israel’s move, warning that it constitutes a direct violation of international humanitarian law

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia strongly condemned on Sunday the Israeli government’s decision to halt the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, calling it an act of “blackmail and collective punishment” that violates international law.

In a statement on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its denunciation of Israel’s move, warning that it constituted a direct violation of international humanitarian law amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“The Kingdom renews its call on the international community to stop these serious Israeli violations, activate international accountability mechanisms, and ensure sustainable access to aid,” the statement said.

The condemnation comes as Israel blocked the entry of aid trucks into Gaza over the weekend, escalating tensions over a truce that had temporarily halted fighting for the past six weeks.

Hamas has called on Egyptian and Qatari mediators to intervene in the standoff.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that Israel had adopted a proposal from US envoy Steve Witkoff for a temporary ceasefire during the upcoming Ramadan and Passover periods. If agreed upon, the truce would pause hostilities until the end of Ramadan around March 31 and the Jewish Passover holiday around April 20.


Islamic nations back Riyadh Charter for AI

The charter was approved during the 45th session of the ICESCO Executive Council held in Tunisia. (X @ICESCO_En)
The charter was approved during the 45th session of the ICESCO Executive Council held in Tunisia. (X @ICESCO_En)
Updated 47 min 53 sec ago
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Islamic nations back Riyadh Charter for AI

The charter was approved during the 45th session of the ICESCO Executive Council held in Tunisia. (X @ICESCO_En)
  • The charter was approved during the 45th session of the ICESCO Executive Council, held in Tunisia, with all member states in attendance and the Saudi AI authority participating

RIYADH: Fifty-three member states of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, have unanimously approved the Riyadh Charter for Artificial Intelligence in the Islamic World.

The charter was announced during the Global AI Summit, organized by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority in September 2024 in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday.

A milestone in the field, it establishes a shared ethical and strategic framework for AI in the Islamic world, the SPA added.

The charter was approved during the 45th session of the ICESCO Executive Council, held in Tunisia, with all member states in attendance and the Saudi AI authority participating.

The session discussed the Riyadh charter as a comprehensive strategic framework for AI development, aligning with Islamic values, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing international cooperation.

Member states affirmed their commitment to strengthening AI governance and supporting its responsible adoption in the Islamic world.

During the session, the organization’s Center of Foresight and Artificial Intelligence director, Kais Hammami, presented the charter, outlining its key pillars and strategic objectives.

He emphasized its significance in guiding AI development to serve the shared interests of Islamic countries.

 


Riyadh governor receives ambassador of Djibouti, diplomatic corps heads

Riyadh governor receives ambassador of Djibouti, diplomatic corps heads
Updated 02 March 2025
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Riyadh governor receives ambassador of Djibouti, diplomatic corps heads

Riyadh governor receives ambassador of Djibouti, diplomatic corps heads
  • Diplomats offered their congratulations on the holy month of Ramadan

RIYADH: Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Djibouti to the Kingdom Dya-Eddine Bamakhrama, as well as heads of countries accredited to the Kingdom, in Riyadh on Sunday.
Everyone offered their congratulations on behalf of the members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Kingdom on the holy month of Ramadan, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Meanwhile, Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, governor of Jeddah, received the Consul General of Kenya in Jeddah Aden Mahmoud Mohammed, on Sunday. The two discussed topics of common interest.

 


Saudi FM discusses regional developments in call with Algerian counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf. (File/AFP)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf. (File/AFP)
Updated 02 March 2025
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Saudi FM discusses regional developments in call with Algerian counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf. (File/AFP)

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan made a phone call to his Algerian counterpart on Sunday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call with Ahmed Attaf, Prince Faisal discussed the latest developments in the region and efforts made with regard to them.