Saudi Arabia’s fire forts, lava fields reflect features of the past

The black lava fields are stone volcanic structures that have transformed into natural oasis museums due to weathering. (SPA)
The black lava fields are stone volcanic structures that have transformed into natural oasis museums due to weathering. (SPA)
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Updated 26 July 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s fire forts, lava fields reflect features of the past

The black lava fields are stone volcanic structures that have transformed into natural oasis museums due to weathering. (SPA)
  • The most prominent volcanic sites include Hafir Kishb and Al-Malsa volcano on the northern and southern edges of Harrat Rahat in the southeast of Madinah

TAIF: Fire forts or lava fields, known in the Kingdom as harrat, are archaeological sites that reveal the past.

The lava fields contain features from the civilizational development of past peoples, giving hints of behaviors, culture, customs and traditions.

The black lava fields in the Kingdom, especially north of Taif — Hafir Kishb, Turbah, Al-Khurma, and Al-Muwayh — are stone volcanic structures that have transformed into natural oasis museums due to weathering.




The black lava fields are stone volcanic structures that have transformed into natural oasis museums due to weathering. (SPA)

Dr. Hammad Al-Ruwaili, a professor of history and archaeology, said that the history of volcanoes in the Kingdom dates back about 30 million years.

“They formed in two phases. The first phase coincided with the basaltic lava flows and the opening of the Red Sea, and the second phase began with volcanic activity in the Arabian Peninsula about 10 million years ago,” he added.

The most prominent volcanic sites include Hafir Kishb and Al-Malsa volcano on the northern and southern edges of Harrat Rahat in the southeast of Madinah.

Harrat Rahat is the largest volcano by area, followed by Harrat Khaybar, Harrat Al-Harrah, Harrat Nawasif and Harrat Hafir Kishb, which contains the Wahbah Crater, the deepest volcanic crater in the Kingdom with a diameter of 2 km and a depth of more than 220 meters. The site is a popular destination for locals and attracts tourists from around the world.

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The most prominent volcanic sites include Hafir Kishb and Al-Malsa volcano on the northern and southern edges of Harrat Rahat in the southeast of Madinah.

In Arabic, Harrat refers to “a land with black stones that seem to have been burned by fire.” The lava fields are named after the intense heat of rocks.

Al-Ruwaili said that volcanoes are classified into several types, including domed, scoria, shield and cratered.

He added that the Hafir Kishb derives its name from Mount Kishb, located about 260 km from the northeastern part of Taif Governorate. The black mountain is visible to the right of those traveling on the Riyadh Road after Al-Muwayh. The area is mostly scattered black rocks interspersed with sandy areas known as Al-Qee’an.

Other notable areas include Dughaybjah, Khawarah, Hafar, Al-Mashubah, Qia, Mraan and Al-Muwayh.

Al-Ruwaili added that east of Hafir Kishb lies a rough harrat which is very difficult to traverse.

 


Madinah greening project plants trees, vegetation

Madinah greening project plants trees, vegetation
Updated 31 min 47 sec ago
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Madinah greening project plants trees, vegetation

Madinah greening project plants trees, vegetation
  • Govt, private groups, and locals join forces for seeding, planting
  • Saudi Green Initiative project in King Abdulaziz Protected Pasture

RIYADH: A massive greening project was undertaken in the King Abdulaziz Protected Pasture of Madinah’s Al-Hanakiyah governorate over the weekend, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Representatives of government entities and associations joined hands with locals to scatter seeds and plant wild trees.

The activity is a part of the Saudi Green Initiative to revive vegetation cover in the Kingdom, raise awareness about the importance of afforestation, and create green spaces that combat desertification and soil erosion.

The SGI initiative aims “to preserve a pristine and healthy environment, mitigate environmental pollution, rehabilitate desert lands, and enhance vegetation cover in the region,” according to the report.

Officials and representatives of government entities and associations along with locals participate in the greening activity at the King Abdulaziz Protected Pasture in Al Hanakiyah governorate. (SPA photo)

The weekend’s activity was spearheaded by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, in collaboration with Madinah region’s officials.

Seeds of the Rimth saltbush, Arfaj, lemongrass, and Fourwing saltbush plants were scattered. In addition, seedlings of wild trees including the Acacia tortilis, the Acacia seyal, and the Acacia salam, were planted.

The Kingdom’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the Saudi Green Initiative in March 2021.

This is an extension of the umbrella Saudi Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the economy, empower citizens, and create a conducive environment for local and international investors.

The SGI seeks to protect 30 percent of the Kingdom’s land and sea by 2030, and the NCVC was created to spearhead the program.


US consul general praises plan to link Iraq and GCC electricity grids at international forum

US consul general praises plan to link Iraq and GCC electricity grids at international forum
Updated 28 October 2024
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US consul general praises plan to link Iraq and GCC electricity grids at international forum

US consul general praises plan to link Iraq and GCC electricity grids at international forum
  • The new connection aims to help Iraq, particularly the southern part, reduce its dependency on more expensive power sources and imports from Iran

DAMMAM: The US consul general in Dhahran on Sunday praised a plan to link the electricity grids of the GCC and Iraq.

In an interview with Arab News, James Sindle said the plan to link Iraq’s grid with that of the GCC “is a vital step toward greater regional interdependence.”

“It will not only provide critical power to the Iraqi people but also pave the way for deeper economic cooperation in the years to come.”

He said that the US fully supports the plan to link the Gulf’s electricity grids and integrate renewable energy.

Sindle went on to say: “As President Biden emphasized during the April 2023 Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, addressing the climate crisis requires ambitious efforts, including reducing emissions and investing in multilateral solutions. The United States is proud to support these global efforts through contributions to the Green Climate Fund and other initiatives aimed at empowering developing countries to take climate action.”

The groundbreaking project, which the GCC Interconnection Authority launched, is scheduled for completion by late 2024.

The new connection aims to help Iraq, particularly the southern part, reduce its dependency on more expensive power sources and imports from Iran. This move is also aimed at bolstering energy security and stability across the region. This initiative is the first time the GCC has extended its grid connections beyond GCC member states.

Sindle’s comments came during a two-day international forum held at the Kempinski Al-Othman Hotel, titled: “Powering the Future Toward Net Zero.”

The event was organized by the GCCIA, in collaboration with the Electric Power Research Institute, GO15 (the association of Very Large Power Grid Operators) and the Association of the Mediterranean Transmission System Operators.

Yaqub Al Kiyumi, vice chairman of GCCIA, concurred with what Sindle said by stating: “Achieving carbon neutrality is no longer a local goal; it has become a global plan.”

The forum’s agenda featured discussions on a “Futuristic Visionary Perspective on Energy Transition,” guided by distinguished speakers. Session one centered on power sector policies from around the world for achieving net-zero objectives. The second panel focused on accelerating decarbonization.

Governor of the Eastern Province Prince Saud bin Nayef inaugurated and attended the forum.

Speaking about the event, Ahmed Al Ebrahim, CEO of GCCIA, underscored the organization’s commitment to advancing regional and global energy collaboration by saying: “At GCCIA, we are dedicated to enabling the Gulf region’s energy transition through stronger interconnections, efficient power trading, and regional cooperation.

“This forum represents a vital opportunity to unite global thought leaders and decision-makers in shaping the energy strategies of tomorrow,” he added. “Our work towards a resilient and sustainable energy future continues to be at the heart of what we do, and we look forward to engaging with key stakeholders to drive the transformation needed to achieve net-zero targets.”

Leaders and innovators from the Gulf — and beyond — came together for the event to collaborate on mutually ambitious goals to drive sustainable energy, reduce carbon footprints and build a resilient, greener future for generations to come. The event was live-streamed and will be available for viewing on the GCCIA social media platforms.

“EPRI is honored to collaborate with GCCIA, GO15, and Med-TSO in this critical dialogue on transitioning to a sustainable energy future,” said EPRI’s CEO and president, Arshad Mansoor. “Through our research and global partnerships, we continue to support the energy industry in addressing the challenges of flexibility and reliability as we work together to achieve economy-wide net-zero targets.”

During his keynote speech, Mansoor addressed the global energy landscape and the role of strategic collaboration in advancing net-zero goals.

EPRI also led various sessions, including discussions on the technical foundations necessary for the energy transition and insights into optimizing the grid to support a resilient and affordable net-zero future.

Neva Espinoza, EPRI’s senior vice president of energy supply and low-carbon resources and chief generation officer, moderated sessions focused on power sector strategies to achieve net-zero and accelerate decarbonization through global collaboration and innovation. Those sessions aimed to provide actionable insights on balancing affordability, resilience and sustainability, particularly as the energy sector integrates more renewable resources and introduces advanced generation technologies.

The second day will shift focus to the “Essential Technical Pillars of Energy Transition.” Discussions will address the complexities of variability challenges, solutions for enhancing flexibility, the influence of market reforms, and strategies for grid planning and operations, with an emphasis on the critical role of technology. To see the full schedule, visit the website.


Experts explore architecture’s societal impact in Saudi Arabia’s Baha 

Experts explore architecture’s societal impact in Saudi Arabia’s Baha 
Updated 27 October 2024
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Experts explore architecture’s societal impact in Saudi Arabia’s Baha 

Experts explore architecture’s societal impact in Saudi Arabia’s Baha 

RIYADH: The Architecture and Design Commission recently hosted a meeting in its Architecture and Design Cafe series which focused on the King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism and its societal impact.

The event gathered experts to discuss architecture’s role in shaping communities and promoting well-being, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

Held at Al-Zitona Farm in Baha, the event aimed to enrich the community by sharing knowledge, exchanging experiences, and supporting national talents in architecture and design.

Discussions centered on the charter’s societal impact, emphasizing six core values: authenticity, continuity, human-centricity, livability, innovation, and sustainability.

Each value was explored for its relevance to design principles that architects and urban planners should uphold, the SPA added.

The series serves as a platform for knowledge-sharing among academics, specialists, practitioners and students in architecture and design.


Saudi FM receives Somali counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives his Somali counterpart Ahmed Moalim Fiqi in Riyadh on Sunday. (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives his Somali counterpart Ahmed Moalim Fiqi in Riyadh on Sunday. (SPA)
Updated 27 October 2024
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Saudi FM receives Somali counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives his Somali counterpart Ahmed Moalim Fiqi in Riyadh on Sunday. (SPA)
  • During the meeting, the ministers reviewed Saudi-Somali relations and discussed ways to enhance them

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Somali counterpart Ahmed Moalim Fiqi in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, the ministers reviewed Saudi-Somali relations and discussed ways to enhance them in various fields.

Regional and international developments and topics of common interest were also discussed.


Senegal president, Bhutan king arrive in Riyadh

The president of Senegal (L) and the king of Bhutan (R) arrive separately in Riyadh on Sunday evening. (SPA)
The president of Senegal (L) and the king of Bhutan (R) arrive separately in Riyadh on Sunday evening. (SPA)
Updated 27 October 2024
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Senegal president, Bhutan king arrive in Riyadh

The president of Senegal (L) and the king of Bhutan (R) arrive separately in Riyadh on Sunday evening. (SPA)
  • Received by Governor of the Riyadh Region Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz

RIYADH: The president of Senegal and the king of Bhutan arrived separately in Riyadh on Sunday evening, Saudi Press Agency reported.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck arrived in the Kingdom’s capital ahead of the Future Investment Initiative forum which will take place from October 29 -31.

Artificial intelligence and new technologies will top the agenda when the FII holds its eighth conference, the CEO of the FII Institute Richard Attias told Arab News recently.