Saudi Arabia’s Al-Wahbah Crater ranked among world’s top geological wonders

Al-Wahbah Crater, also known as Maqla Tamiyyah, is part of a larger volcanic field that includes 175 volcanic cones, dating back millions of years and spanning an area of about 6,000 sq. km. (Supplied)
Al-Wahbah Crater, also known as Maqla Tamiyyah, is part of a larger volcanic field that includes 175 volcanic cones, dating back millions of years and spanning an area of about 6,000 sq. km. (Supplied)
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Updated 01 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s Al-Wahbah Crater ranked among world’s top geological wonders

Saudi Arabia’s Al-Wahbah Crater ranked among world’s top geological wonders
  • Crater was chosen from 174 nominated sites across 64 countries
  • Recognition supports development of geological sciences in Saudi Arabia, says expert

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Al-Wahbah Crater, a striking geological wonder, has earned a place among the world’s top 100 geological heritage sites for 2024.

The recognition by the International Union of Geological Sciences and UNESCO highlights the crater’s extraordinary significance not just within the Kingdom, but globally.

Al-Wahbah Crater, also known as Maqla Tamiyyah, is a maar crater — a type of volcanic site formed by a phreatic eruption, a violent steam explosion caused by magma interacting with groundwater.




Abdulaziz bin Laboun, Chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Geologists Cooperative

The crater, located in the Harrat Kishb basaltic plateau about 270 km northeast of Jeddah, stands out for its immense scale and beauty.

Formed about 1.1 million years ago, it measures about 2.3 km in diameter and 250 meters in depth, making it the largest and deepest volcanic crater in Saudi Arabia. Its depth and diameter are significantly larger than the average volcanic crater, and it features a shallow salt lake formed by rainwater accumulation.

The crater is part of a larger volcanic field that includes 175 volcanic cones, dating back millions of years and spanning an area of about 6,000 sq. km, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Geological sites like Al-Wahbah Crater offer valuable insights into the Earth’s history and processes. By highlighting such landmarks, we enhance public awareness and support the advancement of geological research.

Abdulaziz bin Laboun, Chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Geologists Cooperative

Tariq Aba Al-Khail, spokesperson for the Saudi Geological Survey, highlighted the global significance of the Al-Wahbah Crater.

“The recognition of the Al-Wahbah Crater as one of the top 100 geological heritage sites is expected to boost its profile as a prime destination for both scientific study and tourism. This distinction emphasizes its exceptional geological features and underscores its significance on both local and global scales.”

The crater was selected from 174 nominated sites across 64 countries, including Saudi Arabia, the US, Italy, Canada, New Zealand, China, Iceland, Egypt and Finland, Al-Khail added.

The bottom of Al-Wahbah Crater is covered with white sodium phosphate crystals. While it was once believed that the crater was formed by a meteorite due to its circular shape and elevated sides, geologists now widely agree that it is a maar crater.

Abdulaziz bin Laboun, a geological expert and chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Geologists Cooperative, said: “Publicizing natural phenomena like the Al-Wahbah Crater through the media and highlighting their scientific importance is essential for enhancing their global profile and advancing geological research.

“This recognition not only highlights the crater’s significance, but also supports the broader development of geological sciences in Saudi Arabia.”

The crater has several unique aspects, Laboun added.

“The crater’s geological features are remarkable, including its depth, which makes it the deepest crater in the Kingdom, and its diameter of 2,000 meters. The area around the crater is characterized by natural springs, trees and palm groves, making it a rare and distinctive geological site. Moreover, its location in the volcanic field mainly adds to its uniqueness,” he said.

There are at least 23 volcanic fields formed millions of years ago in Saudi Arabia, covering about 90,000 sq. km, or about 5 percent of the Kingdom.

The eruptions in these fields vary, but what sets Al-Wahbah Crater apart is its formation in an aquatic environment — a characteristic of maar craters. “The crater is a stage for imagination, often associated with local folklore, including tales of a lover named Tamia, who, according to legend, flew from this crater toward Qattan Mountain in Najd,” Laboun said.

“Geological sites like Al-Wahbah Crater offer valuable insights into the Earth’s history and processes. By highlighting such landmarks, we enhance public awareness and support the advancement of geological research.”

 

 


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

Attorney general leads Saudi delegation at international prosecutors’ conference in Azerbaijan
Updated 34 sec ago
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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.”


Talal Foundation, Saudi rights body unite to support women, children

Talal Foundation and Saudi Human Rights Commission have signed a memorandum of cooperation.
Talal Foundation and Saudi Human Rights Commission have signed a memorandum of cooperation.
Updated 01 October 2024
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Talal Foundation, Saudi rights body unite to support women, children

Talal Foundation and Saudi Human Rights Commission have signed a memorandum of cooperation.
  • Partnership aims to safeguard the legal rights of women and children and launch community initiatives to support victims of violence and family breakdown

RIYADH: The Talal Foundation and the Saudi Human Rights Commission have signed a memorandum of cooperation to strengthen efforts in protecting the rights of women and children.

The partnership aims to safeguard the legal rights of women and children, conduct studies on maternal and childcare needs, and launch community initiatives to support victims of violence and family breakdown across the Kingdom, in coordination with the nonprofit sector.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal, secretary-general of Talal Endowment, welcomed the memorandum’s signing and expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their commitment to the human rights system in the Kingdom and their dedication to strengthening the legal framework and empowering authorities to protect these rights.

“At Talal Foundation, we are committed to advancing human rights. We seek to collaborate with relevant organizations to achieve these goals and strongly believe in the nonprofit sector’s role in promoting legal awareness and ensuring a decent life for women, children, and all individuals whose rights are guaranteed by Sharia and the law,” Prince Abdulaziz said.

He highlighted the significant progress made in legal reforms, women’s empowerment, children’s rights, and combating human trafficking.

Prince Abdulaziz also thanked Hala Al-Tuwaijri, president of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, and the commission’s staff for their ongoing commitment to strengthening collaboration with the non-profit sector.

“I commend the commission’s efforts and the strides it is making to uphold human dignity and rights. Its strategic plans and strong presence in international forums reflect true dedication,” he noted.

“We ask God for guidance and continued success and hope that Talal Endowment can be a supportive partner in serving our society and country,” he added.

The agreement focuses on enhancing maternal and childcare, supporting victims of violence, and addressing family disintegration through community-driven initiatives, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.


AlUla archaeology conference to explore challenges, future of nomadic societies

AlUla archaeology conference to explore challenges, future of nomadic societies
Updated 01 October 2024
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AlUla archaeology conference to explore challenges, future of nomadic societies

AlUla archaeology conference to explore challenges, future of nomadic societies

RIYADH: The Royal Commission for AlUla will host a global archaeology conference addressing the future of archaeology and the heritage of nomadic societies on Oct. 30-31.

The conference, set to alternate with the AlUla World Archaeology Summit year after year, will bring together researchers and experts in archaeology and cultural heritage from around the world.

Held at Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building, nestled amid the striking landscape of AlUla, the event will consist of presentations, dialogues, workshops and case studies. It will showcase a collection of archaeological artifacts discovered in AlUla.

The conference will highlight the essential role of mobility in shaping the world today.

Since prehistoric times, mobility has been the means to access new opportunities, improve living conditions, explore and address environmental challenges, and escape natural disasters and social and political instabilities.

While mobility remains challenging for some, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic’s movement restrictions at the time, the conference provides an opportunity to shed light on aspects of mobility and nomadic societies, challenging traditional assumptions about mobility in the past and present.

The conference will focus on the fundamental role of prehistoric mobility, when movement was the primary means to reach areas with new opportunities and seek life chances. Caravan mobility served as a means to address environmental challenges and natural disasters.

At a time when mobility remains a challenge, the conference offers an opportunity to illuminate different facets of mobility and nomadic societies.

Royal Commission for AlUla Vice President of Culture Abdulrahman Alsuhaibani said that the conference aimed to provide an advanced and pioneering platform for dialogue and collaboration, and would alternate with the summit the following year.

The commission, he said, sought to maintain the momentum generated by the summit last year through the conference, while preparing for AlUla World Archaeology Summit in 2025.

Alsuhaibani said that AlUla was one of the most active regions in the world for archaeological exploration, with more than 30,000 archaeological sites identified and 12 search projects in its rich cultural landscape.

“AlUla has held a unique position for thousands of years as a crossroads for civilizations, serving as a beacon for cultural and intellectual exchange,” Alsuhaibani said.

Key speakers at the conference include Professor Willeke Wendrich from the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at the University of California, Los Angeles, archaeology Professor Stefano Biagetti from the Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, Spain, and Peter Debrine, leader of Sustainable Tourism Programme at UNESCO World Heritage Center in Paris.

Research overseen by the Royal Commission for AlUla by Saudi and international archaeologists has shed light on various highlights of AlUla’s history through the ages, including the massive stone structures known as “mustatil” (rectangle in Arabic).

Among the wonders are the ancient stone-built traps for animals, known as “desert kites,” the long “funerary avenues” that connected oases and pastures through corridors lined with tombs, and the dwellings known as the “standing stone circles.”

Studies indicate that early societies in the northwestern Arabian Peninsula were more complex and interconnected with the broader region than previously believed.

The conference is anticipated to host the first global exhibition featuring archaeological pieces from the National Archaeological Museum of Naples in Italy.

The agenda also includes field visits to prominent archaeological sites in AlUla and surrounding areas of note, including Tayma and Khaybar.