Saudi, US military officials discuss ways to strengthen partnership

Lieutenant General Fahad bin Hamad Al Salman, Saudi Arabia’s Joint Forces chief, receives at his office Vice Admiral Charles Bradford Cooper II, deputy chief of the US Central Command. (X: @modgovksa)
Lieutenant General Fahad bin Hamad Al Salman, Saudi Arabia’s Joint Forces chief, receives at his office Vice Admiral Charles Bradford Cooper II, deputy chief of the US Central Command. (X: @modgovksa)
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Updated 16 September 2024
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Saudi, US military officials discuss ways to strengthen partnership

Saudi, US military officials discuss ways to strengthen partnership

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Commander of the Joint Forces, Lieutenant General Fahad bin Hamad Al Salman, received a delegation from the US armed forces in Riyadh on Sunday and discussed ways to strengthen the two countries' military partnership, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

General Fahad met with the delegation led by Vice Admiral Charles Bradford Cooper II, deputy chief of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), at the Joint Forces Command headquarters in Riyadh, the report said.

The reception was also attended by senior Saudi officers led by Major General Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, deputy commander of the Joint Forces.

CENTCOM, one of the 11 unified commands of the US Department of Defense, covers the Middle East, Northeast Africa, Central Asia and parts of South Asia.

 

 


Sweet victory as 2,000 runners race through Madinah date farms

Sweet victory as 2,000 runners race through Madinah date farms
Updated 13 October 2024
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Sweet victory as 2,000 runners race through Madinah date farms

Sweet victory as 2,000 runners race through Madinah date farms
  • Runners competed on three routes, including one designed for competitors with disabilities
  • A total of $8,000 in prizes were awarded to the top three finishers in each category

MAKKAH: Madinah’s date palms provided the perfect backdrop for a 10-kilometer race that attracted almost 2,000 competitors on Saturday.

The race, organized as part of Madinah Dates Season, began at the Madinah National Park and passed through the Khalil farms.

Runners competed on three routes, including one designed for competitors with disabilities, with race stages named after renowned local date varieties, including anbarah, ajwa, berni, saqai, and majdool.

The event was attended by several volunteer groups and government entities. A total of SR30,000 ($8,000) in prizes were awarded to the top three finishers in each category.

The Madinah Dates Season exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in partnership with the National Center for Palms and Dates and the Madinah Chamber of Commerce, was launched in early October.

As part of the exhibition, Camp Wrth for Handicrafts, organized by the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth), aims to teach and promote awareness of traditional Saudi arts.

The camp brings together 49 young men and women from various regions across the Kingdom.

Sessions at the camp offer opportunities to learn traditional skills, engage in handicrafts, and create products inspired by local heritage, as well as participate in cooking demonstrations.

Abdullah Al-Zawawi, a member of the Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Chamber, told Arab News that each year the Madinah region competes with other regions of Saudi Arabia in the production and export of dates.

“Madinah exports 97.9 million kilograms of dates to more than 60 countries, sharing a message of love, peace, and genuine Saudi generosity with people worldwide,” he said.

At least 28 date varieties are exported, including ajwa, sukkari, safawi, anbara, sagai, majdool, barhi, barni, and mabroom — all cultivated by the region’s 27,000 farms, Al-Zawawi said.

“Each year, more than 20 date factories in Madinah compete to present their finest products to over 14 million visitors, welcoming them with the renowned warmth and generosity of Madinah’s people. Blessed with 4 million palm trees, the region’s date industry generates an impressive SR948.5 million annually.”

He said that the government offers significant support under Vision 2030, as demonstrated by the dedicated efforts of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture in the Madinah region.

The ministry prioritizes quality at every stage of date production — from cultivation and harvesting to marketing — ensuring that Madinah dates reach global markets in peak condition.

The exhibition features the harvest of more than 29,000 regional farms, highlighting their vital role in supporting and strengthening food security strategies across the Kingdom.

A virtual reality area allows visitors to immerse themselves in the farming experience, bringing the harvest to life, and fostering greater environmental and agricultural awareness.

More than 50 sales outlets, a tasting and cooking area, and displays of traditional handicrafts are among other attractions.

A range of government and private organizations are also present to highlight initiatives in the agricultural sector, and showcase financial and logistical services available to regional investors.

“The Madinah Dates Season stands out as a vibrant and multifaceted event within our series of date seasons,” Lulu Walid, director of the Madinah Dates Season, told Arab News.

“The season is characterized by a unique visual identity, with colors that represent different elements of the dates sector, such as the distinctive hue of ajwa dates, exclusive to Madinah. This season offers a rich variety of events across multiple fields.”

She said the season’s activities began with auctions showcasing the finest dates from Madinah’s farms, alongside an AI hackathon with prizes totaling up to SR900,000.

The exhibition also features 46 pavilions showcasing and selling date products from local businesses and families, fostering support for the community and promoting small industries.


Saudi Arabia launches initiative to highlight integration of expats in society

Saudi Arabia launches initiative to highlight integration of expats in society
Updated 21 min 21 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia launches initiative to highlight integration of expats in society

Saudi Arabia launches initiative to highlight integration of expats in society
  • The Global Harmony initiative aims to highlight the diverse lives of residents in the Kingdom

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Media has launched a new initiative designed to highlight the integration of expats in society, exploring the diverse range of cultures that call the Kingdom home.

Expats from diverse backgrounds shared their optimism with Arab News, with one highlighting the initiative’s significance in “embracing different cultures” within Saudi Arabia.

The Global Harmony initiative aims to showcase the diverse lives of residents in the Kingdom, highlighting their professional and family life, social and recreational activities, contributions to the economy, success stories, and cultural integration in Saudi society, according to the Ministry of Media.

It will also highlight government and private sector efforts to improve the quality of life in Saudi cities.

As a track of the initiative, the Ministry of Media, in partnership with the General Entertainment Authority, is arranging events in Riyadh Season.

These events will feature cultural, artistic, and folkloric activities and shows, attended by prominent media outlets from the residents’ countries.

Cultures of nine different countries: India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Yemen, Sudan, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Bangladesh, and Egypt will be presented in several events in Riyadh Season for 45 days starting from tomorrow.

Among them, there will be concerts, cultural and entertainment family events, traditional foods, and various handicrafts.

Mohammad Sabbah, a Palestinian who has called Saudi Arabia home for more than 20 years, reflected on his time in the Kingdom, describing it as “a rewarding journey filled with security and stability for me and my family.”

“We’ve found a second home here, where safety and peace are a constant under the Saudi leadership and warm hospitality of the people.”

He praised the newly launched initiative as “a crucial move toward fostering a more inclusive and interconnected society,” and added: “This represents a forward-thinking vision for Saudi Arabia. I see diversity as a source of strength and enrichment.”

Mohammad Sabbah, a Palestinian who has called Saudi Arabia home for more than 20 years, reflects on his time in the Kingdom. (Supplied)

As a marketing director at Energy Tracks, Sabbah highlighted the importance of the initiative in recognizing the role of expatriates.

“It acknowledges the value of expatriates in the community and serves as a bridge for better understanding and meaningful collaboration,” he said.

“Despite our cultural differences, we’ve found harmony with Saudi society. We’re proud to be woven into the fabric of this generous nation and are eager for an even brighter future ahead, especially with Vision 2030.”

Zineb Jariri, Senior PR Account Executive at Umami Communication, highlighted that the initiative demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to fostering cultural diversity and celebrating the different communities living in Saudi Arabia.

“It truly embodies the spirit of shared coexistence and strengthens mutual understanding between locals and expatriates from around the globe,” she said.

Zineb Jariri, senior PR account executive at Umami Communication, said the initiative demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to fostering cultural diversity. (Supplied)

Moroccan Jariri emphasized that this initiative acknowledges the positive contributions of expats in various sectors of Saudi life. “It offers a chance to tell the story of Saudi Arabia as a flourishing, inclusive nation,” she remarked.

She anticipates that this move will promote social cohesion, boost cultural awareness, enhance cultural tourism, and further solidify Saudi Arabia’s standing as a regional leader.


Winners of ninth Iqra competition crowned in Dhahran

Boasting an attendance of 16,000 people, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture concluded its ninth annual Iqra competition
Boasting an attendance of 16,000 people, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture concluded its ninth annual Iqra competition
Updated 13 October 2024
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Winners of ninth Iqra competition crowned in Dhahran

Boasting an attendance of 16,000 people, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture concluded its ninth annual Iqra competition
  • Amin Nasser, Saudi Aramco’s president and CEO, and other senior officials attended the two-day event in Dhahran
  • Nobel literature laureates Abdulrazak Gurnah and Olga Tokarczuk were also present and offered insights during speaking sessions

DHAHRAN: Boasting an attendance of 16,000 people, including Nobel laureates in literature, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture concluded its ninth annual Iqra competition on Saturday.

Amin Nasser, Saudi Aramco’s president and CEO, and other senior officials attended the two-day event in Dhahran.

Nobel literature laureates Abdulrazak Gurnah and Olga Tokarczuk were also present and offered insights during speaking sessions.

Visitors experienced a series of activities, culminating in the announcement of the competition’s winners.

Moroccan Meryem Bououd was awarded Reader of the Year, while 10-year-old Moroccan Fatima Kettani won the Promising Reader prize.

Iraqi Hira Karkhi secured the Text of the Year prize, while the Reading School award went to Tarbiyat Al-Ajial of the Private International School, Hafr Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Safia Al-Ghubari claimed the People’s Reader award, while teacher Najla Ghazi Al-Suhaimi took home the Reading Ambassador prize.

Noura Al-Zamil, Ithra’s program director, spoke of the competition’s significant milestones since its inception in 2013.

Over nine editions Iqra has attracted more than 225,000 applicants and offered 48,000 hours of educational programming.

It has also engaged more than 600 speakers from 30 countries, bringing three Nobel Prize-winning authors to its stage.

Al-Zamil stressed Ithra’s continued efforts to innovate, introducing new elements like the Iqra Travels, Iqra Marathon, and Kitabiya Exhibit, to foster a reading culture among Arab youngsters.

The closing event featured cultural sessions, including a talk by Tokarczuk, who discussed literature as a tool for bridging languages and cultures.

Discussing the future, Tokarczuk expressed both optimism and caution, adding: “I embrace modern tools like ChatGPT but remain concerned about their potential misuse.”

Gurnah, reflecting on his roots, said: “Zanzibar will always be my true homeland, despite my long absence.”


Al-Manashbia: A traditional falcon-hunting method

Al-Manashbia: A traditional falcon-hunting method
Updated 13 October 2024
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Al-Manashbia: A traditional falcon-hunting method

Al-Manashbia: A traditional falcon-hunting method
  • The method involves an iron wire net set up in the shade of large trees

RIYADH: Falconers rely on a variety of traditional hunting techniques, with Al-Manashbia being among the most notable, requiring extensive experience and precision.

The method involves an iron wire net set up in the shade of large trees. After a falcon eats its prey, it seeks shade, where it then falls into the trap.

Khamis Al-Saqri, a falconry enthusiast, said that constructing Al-Manashbia takes one to two days, depending on the hunter’s experience. It is considered a difficult and complex method due to the need for a professional and innovative arrangement of the net holes.

While Al-Manashbia is well-known, other techniques exist as well, including Khadj Al-Tayr, where falcons are followed and captured with a large net after sunset.

Falconry involves training rituals, such as Haddad Al-Tayr, where falcons are released for long distances to train them to hunt prey. Another technique involves the use of a melwah, a decoy bird or bait, to attract and accustom a falcon to hunting.

Al-Hamad Desert in the Northern Borders region is a popular destination for falconers from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

It is along a migratory route for falcons, including the peregrine falcon. Many valuable falcons are released or sold at auctions held in the region.

Khalaf Al-Anzi, a skilled craftsman with a visual impairment, has captivated visitors at the International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition with his handmade falcon trapping nets.

Al-Anzi, who has been crafting these nets for over 30 years, demonstrated his expertise at the exhibition, held in Malham, north of Riyadh, from Oct. 3 to 12.

Khalaf Al-Anzi has become a regular participant in falconry-related events throughout the Kingdom. (SPA)

He inherited this craft from his forefathers and hopes to pass it on to the next generation in Turaif, the Northern Borders region.

With the assistance of his sons, he has become a regular participant in falconry-related events throughout the Kingdom, especially during the falcon migration season in the fall.

The process of creating falcon trapping nets involves meticulous work. Al-Anzi told the Saudi Press Agency in an interview that he uses silk threads and thin nylon wires to handcraft these lightweight nets, which weigh only a few grams.

The nets are attached to pigeons or jerboas (hopping desert rodents) as bait to attract falcons. It takes Al-Anzi over half an hour to create a single net.

Al-Anzi said his handmade nets are highly sought after by Saudi falconers, who often visit him at home to buy them.

He ships his nets to falconers and enthusiasts in the Gulf countries, relying on his craft as a primary source of income.


Saudi reserve celebrates Green List recognition

Saudi reserve celebrates Green List recognition
Updated 13 October 2024
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Saudi reserve celebrates Green List recognition

Saudi reserve celebrates Green List recognition
  • The authority has planted 2.4 million native seedlings and 4 tonnes of seeds, including yarrow, artemisia and haloxylon

RIYADH: The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority celebrated its inclusion in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Green List.

The celebration took place on the sidelines of the International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition in Malham, north of Riyadh.

The recognition came after a comprehensive assessment of the reserve by IUCN experts, who evaluated its environmental and developmental accomplishments, as well as its community engagement and preservation efforts.

The authority has planted 2.4 million native seedlings and 4 tonnes of seeds, including yarrow, artemisia and haloxylon, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

It has restored 250,000 hectares of degraded habitats and relocated 1,235 wildlife species, including Arabian oryx, sand gazelles, Arabian gazelles, and Arabian leopards.

The authority manages protected areas through sustainable programs focused on conservation, community involvement and development, in alignment with international standards.