Saudi Red Sea Authority issues coastal tourism guidelines

Saudi Red Sea Authority issues coastal tourism guidelines
The authority has previously issued eight regulations governing coastal tourism activities, the first of their kind in the Kingdom, to ensure effective management and operation of the facilities and in order to improve public safety. (SPA/File)
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Updated 10 October 2024
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Saudi Red Sea Authority issues coastal tourism guidelines

Saudi Red Sea Authority issues coastal tourism guidelines

RIYADH: The Saudi Red Sea Authority has issued the first four industry-specific codes in the Kingdom with global specifications aimed at elevating the quality of infrastructure for coastal tourism.

The Marina Planning and Design Code, The Cruise Terminal Planning and Design Code, The Marina Operations Code and The Cruise Terminal Operations Code are designed to enhance the quality of the coastal tourism sector and unify technical standards and requirements for marinas and cruise terminals.

The issuance of the codes aligns with the authority’s mandates, which include establishing guidelines, rules, and standards for providing services for navigational and marine tourism activities, along with marinas.

Tasks include their development, management, operation, and supervision in coordination with relevant entities, using the best international practices to position the Red Sea as a leading global tourism destination.

The codes will accommodate yachts, maritime tourism watercrafts and cruise ships within the geographical scope. These codes ensure the quality of infrastructure and target developers, planners, designers, engineers, and technicians in related industries.

The codes outline specific requirements and standards for managing and operating coastal tourism facilities. They will serve as a standardized reference document detailing the minimum requirements for the management and operations of these facilities.

The authority has previously issued eight regulations governing coastal tourism activities, the first of their kind in the Kingdom, to ensure effective management and operation of the facilities and in order to improve public safety.


Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future

Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future
Updated 15 sec ago
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Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future

Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future
  • The Kingdom and MENA region represent an emerging market for organic food, says organizing official

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is among the Gulf Cooperation Council nations taking significant steps to invest in developing its organic food and beverage sector, which has experienced a growth surge in recent years.

The three-day Biofach Saudi Arabia, which was held alongside Saudi Organic Food Day and concluded on Wednesday, is a key platform showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to developing its agricultural future.

Biofach was organized by 1st Arabia Tradeshows and Conferences in collaboration with NurnbergMesse, with support from the Saudi Ministry for Energy, Water and Agriculture and the Saudi Organic Farming Association.

Christian Beyer, manager of international events at NurnbergMesse, highlighted the potential of the Middle East and North Africa region: “The MENA region, especially Saudi Arabia, represents an emerging market for organic food that was estimated at USD 7 billion in 2022 and can expect ongoing growth.”

Recognizing the importance of organic farming for food security and environmental sustainability, Saudi authorities are focusing on enhancing rural production and improving supply chains to ensure organic products reach consumers efficiently.

The exhibition’s knowledge-exchange platform addressed local challenges, including effective water and fertilizer management, which are crucial for the region’s arid climate.

Among the exhibitors was the Saudi company Aamal Al-Andalus, which provides organic fertilizers to address soil degradation and declining fertility. Their products are said to help treat and reduce environmental stress, increase agricultural production, and improve the quality of crops to enhance export opportunities.

Youssif Abdulqader, sales manager and engineer at Aamal Al-Andalus, told Arab News: “Food around the world is increasingly going organic, particularly when all inputs in the plants come from organic and safe sources.”

He noted that this shift is largely driven by the health issues linked to consuming fruits and vegetables produced through conventional farming methods, which are often less beneficial or even harmful to human well-being.

Abdulqader explained: “Conventional farming practices are generally well-structured and effective; however, they face challenges such as the excessive use of pesticides and their persistence in the soil.”

Farmers often encounter bacterial issues within their crops that need to be addressed cost-effectively to maximize profitability.

“This is where organic alternatives can be prohibitively expensive, prompting conventional farmers to seek cheaper, often internationally banned options,” he added.

He added that the use of pesticides results in chemical residues that can remain in the plant’s environment.

These residues pose significant health risks when consumers ingest vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes.

“There is a concern that these chemicals may contain heavy metals that the human body cannot process, leading to serious health issues such as cancer, kidney failure, and liver diseases, which are frequently associated with traditional farming practices,” he explained.


Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum

Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum
Updated 10 min 28 sec ago
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Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum

Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum
  • More than 50,000 Muslims attended the event, which was broadcast on several media platforms and garnered more than 4 million views

RIYADH: The imam and khatib of the Prophet’s Mosque, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Baijan, took part in a peace conference themed “Islam is the Religion of Humanity and Peace” during his recent visit to India

More than 50,000 Muslims attended the event, which was broadcast on several media platforms and garnered more than 4 million views, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

As guest of honor, Al-Baijan delivered a speech in which he said that Islam was a religion of security and peace. He warned against divisions among Muslims and said that such discord threatened national unity, led to chaos and could incite wars.

Minister for Wakf and Haj in the government of Kerala Shri. V. Abdurahiman also spoke at the event, praising Saudi Arabia for its efforts in promoting Islam, peace and moderation.

Al-Baijan also joined the 35th All India Ahle Hadith Conference in New Delhi, where he commended Saudi Arabia’s efforts, led by its leadership, to promote security, peace, stability and the safeguarding of human dignity globally.


Arabic Language Month begins in Thailand

Arabic Language Month begins in Thailand
Updated 15 min 10 sec ago
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Arabic Language Month begins in Thailand

Arabic Language Month begins in Thailand
  • The event is a comprehensive program aimed at developing Arabic language curricula

RIYADH: King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language has launched Arabic Language Month in Thailand, in cooperation with Krirk University in Bangkok and Prince of Songkla University in Hat Yai, southern Thailand.

The event is a comprehensive program aimed at developing Arabic language curricula, improving teacher performance, promoting Arabic and highlighting Saudi Arabia’s initiatives in this field, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Running until Nov. 29, the event features a variety of activities, including a scientific symposium, two panel discussions and four courses designed to enhance the teaching skills of Arabic teachers for non-native speakers, focusing on modern teaching methods.

The King Salman academy has hosted Arabic Language Month programs in a number of countries, including Indonesia, China, India, France and Brazil.

Last month, the academy hosted Arabic Language Month in France, featuring educational activities aimed at developing Arabic curricula.

The program included visits and meetings with French educational institutions offering Arabic programs and centers focused on teaching and promoting the Arabic language.


Riyadh hosts Hawi Baloot Tournament

Riyadh hosts Hawi Baloot Tournament
Updated 34 min 18 sec ago
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Riyadh hosts Hawi Baloot Tournament

Riyadh hosts Hawi Baloot Tournament
  • The tournament aims to promote the popular card game, and encourage individuals to pursue their interests

RIYADH: The National Portal for Hobbies, Hawi, a part of the Quality of Life Program, is hosting the Hawi Baloot Tournament in Riyadh on Nov. 14-15.

The tournament aims to promote the popular card game, and encourage individuals to pursue their interests, contributing to the achievement of Saudi Vision 2030 goals in the hobby sector.

The event will be held at King Saud University. Interested participants can register via the Hawi app.

Open to all Baloot enthusiasts in Riyadh, the tournament will follow the Swiss system format, with five rounds of play. The top four teams will qualify for the knockout stage to compete for the top spots.

The total prize pool is SR20,000 ($5,300). Participants must also adhere to public morals, including the dress code.

Hawi has previously organized several tournaments across the Kingdom, including one in Makkah last month, with more planned for the coming months.

The initiative encourages people of all ages to engage in hobbies, particularly Baloot, fostering friendly competition within society.

The hobby sector in the Kingdom has rapidly grown since being placed under the Quality of Life Program, which, in collaboration with 12 government entities, established Hawi to oversee the sector.

Hawi supports both male and female hobbyists, raising awareness about the importance of hobbies in achieving Saudi Vision 2030 goals.


Saudi Arabia can be aviation hub for Middle East, air show boss says

Saudi Arabia can be aviation hub for Middle East, air show boss says
Updated 12 min 30 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia can be aviation hub for Middle East, air show boss says

Saudi Arabia can be aviation hub for Middle East, air show boss says
  • Saudi General Aviation Airshow 2024 opens in Riyadh next week
  • Event reflects nation’s ‘dedication to expanding its aviation capabilities,’ Prince Sultan bin Salman says

RIYADH: The Kingdom is committed to becoming a leading aviation hub for the Middle East, the head of the Saudi Aviation Club said on Wednesday ahead of this year’s Saudi General Aviation Airshow.

Also known as Sand & Fun 2024, the event will run from Nov. 19-23 at Al-Thumamah Airport in Riyadh.

Club chairman and founder Prince Sultan bin Salman said the show had a significant role to play in advancing the nation’s aviation sector.

“Sand and Fun 2024 reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to expanding its aviation capabilities and nurturing a thriving industry that will inspire generations to come.

“Through Vision 2030, we are committed to making Saudi Arabia a regional leader in aviation, fostering innovation and creating opportunities for our youth.”

Dr. Ahmed bin Fahad Alfahaid, the club’s director general, said: “This event is more than just a display of aviation in the Kingdom. It is a convergence of minds and ideas that will help us shape the future of aviation in Saudi Arabia and the region.

“At the Saudi Aviation Club we are aiming to increase the number of aviators, number of planes, number of airports … We need to increase the numbers with other partners such as the General Authority of Civil Aviation.”

Capt. Fareess Muneer, who sits of the club’s board, said: “Sand & Fun 2024 serves as an inspiration for young Saudis interested in aviation careers, supporting the Kingdom’s goals to cultivate a skilled and passionate workforce in this sector.”

More than 100 exhibitors from around the world are taking part in the event, which will feature aerial displays, interactive exhibitions and the latest advancements in aviation technology. About 100,000 visitors are expected to attend.

The main attraction is likely to be the SkyVentures Air Show, featuring more than 15 international teams, including the Saudi Hawks and the Phoenix Paramotors Display Team from Poland, showing off their aerobatic artistry.