Jazani jasmine oil: sweet scent of success

Jazani jasmine oil: sweet scent of success
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Jazan Agricultural Research Center has extracted oil from the region’s renowned jasmine flowers. (SPA)
Jazani jasmine oil: sweet scent of success
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Jazan Agricultural Research Center has extracted oil from the region’s renowned jasmine flowers. (SPA)
Jazani jasmine oil: sweet scent of success
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Jazan Agricultural Research Center has extracted oil from the region’s renowned jasmine flowers. (SPA)
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Updated 28 October 2024
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Jazani jasmine oil: sweet scent of success

Jazani jasmine oil: sweet scent of success
  • Jasmine is a fragrant flower with cultural significance and a symbolic meaning of happiness and joy
  • Groundbreaking achievement is expected to elevate Saudi Arabia’s position in the global market for aromatic oils

RIYADH: The Jazan Agricultural Research Center, in collaboration with the Jasmine and Aromatic Plants Association and Jazan University, has extracted oil from the region’s renowned jasmine flowers, a significant breakthrough for the Kingdom’s aromatic oils industry, according to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.

Jasmine is a fragrant flower with cultural significance and a symbolic meaning of happiness and joy. It is often featured in local poetry, songs and folklore, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

This groundbreaking achievement is expected to elevate Saudi Arabia’s position in the global market for aromatic oils and contribute to the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts, the ministry said.

The ministry detailed the process involved in extracting the precious oil — jasmine flowers were carefully soaked in a hexane solution for 24 hours before being subjected to advanced extraction techniques.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of unique aromatic compounds, notably phenethyl alcohol, a key component in renowned rose oils such as those of Taif and Istanbul.

A key differentiator of Jazani jasmine oil is its significantly lower vinyl acetate content, a compound with restricted international use due to health concerns, the SPA report explained. This superior quality positions the Saudi product as a compelling alternative to Indian and Egyptian jasmine oils.

The extraction of jasmine oil opens new avenues for its application in the food and fragrance industries. This milestone aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030 objective to promote economic diversification and agricultural innovation.

Jazan has more than 1,000 jasmine farms, with about 500,000 jasmine trees producing about 600 tonnes of flowers each year.

Jasmine plants are commonly used to decorate homes, a tradition passed down through generations, with many women in Jazan growing them in their gardens.

Farmers carefully cultivate jasmine, starting with cuttings in the spring when it is cooler. These cuttings are nurtured in wooden frames. Jasmine can grow up to three meters tall, with evergreen leaves and fragrant white flowers.

There are various types of jasmine, each with unique characteristics. Some are known for their large buds and distinctive colours, while others feature long, pure white buds and strong fragrances.

Furthermore, efforts to enhance jasmine cultivation and the production of other aromatic plants are seen as significant steps toward boosting agricultural tourism, creating job opportunities for local youth, and establishing the region as a center for high-quality aromatic products.

The Jasmine and Aromatic Plants Association was established in 2022 to support farmers. Its goals are to help develop products, tackle farmers’ challenges, provide resources and organize festivals.

The ministry has shown strong interest in cultivating jasmine in the region, SPA noted. It aims to shift the industry from traditional cultivation and marketing to manufacturing and export — the area’s fertile soil and favourable climate offer ideal conditions for growing jasmine.

The profits from jasmine and aromatic plants have inspired many young people in the region to create online platforms and markets to promote their products both locally and internationally, improving accessibility.


Right on time: Riyadh Metro engineers new era of urban mobility

Riyadh metro connects key urban centers, reducing car dependency in a city notorious for traffic congestion. (SPA/Supplied)
Riyadh metro connects key urban centers, reducing car dependency in a city notorious for traffic congestion. (SPA/Supplied)
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Right on time: Riyadh Metro engineers new era of urban mobility

Riyadh metro connects key urban centers, reducing car dependency in a city notorious for traffic congestion. (SPA/Supplied)
  • The capital city’s new public transport system covers 176 kms of track

RIYADH: In a city where rapid development has outpaced infrastructure, the Riyadh Metro is setting a new benchmark for urban transport in the Kingdom. The $23 billion mega-project, one of the largest metro systems built in a single phase, has six lines, 176 kilometers of track and 85 stations.

Engineering against the odds

Riyadh’s complex geological and urban landscapes posed unique challenges during construction. Beneath the city’s surface is dense limestone and breccia, which required the use of special tunnel boring machines, or TBMs, designed to navigate these demanding conditions.

The metro’s stations are a balance between form and function. (SPA)

“The geological conditions demanded not only technical sophistication but also real-time adaptability to ensure both speed and accuracy,” Roger Cruickshank, senior director at AtkinsRealis, which led the design of Lines 4, 5, and 6, said in an interview with Arab News.

The metro’s 11 underground and 17 at-grade stations were strategically placed to enhance connectivity across the city. Additionally, the integration of underground, at-grade, and elevated tracks required careful consideration of Riyadh’s existing road networks.

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Riyadh Metro’s 11 underground and 17 at-grade stations were strategically placed to enhance connectivity across the city.

“Restructuring road networks and ensuring smooth transitions between modes of transit were integral to minimizing disruption,” Cruickshank said.

Automation at the core

A defining feature of the Riyadh Metro is its Level 4 automation, eliminating the need for onboard operators. Centralized control centers manage operations through advanced algorithms and real-time data, ensuring seamless functionality.

Supporting this system are geotechnical monitoring tools, including fiber optic sensors and automated data acquisition systems, which continuously assess infrastructure health.

The metro connects key urban centers, reducing car dependency in a city notorious for traffic congestion. (SPA)

“These technologies provide real-time insights, allowing us to predict maintenance needs and address them before they escalate,” Cruickshank said.

The trains themselves are equipped with advanced safety features, such as early warning and remote diagnostic systems, enhancing passenger safety and operational reliability.

Predictive analytics further optimize system efficiency, extending the lifespan of critical components while minimizing downtime.

Functionality meets design

The metro’s stations are a balance between form and function. While designed to optimize passenger flow and connectivity, they also reflect Riyadh’s cultural identity through architectural motifs inspired by local heritage.

Roger Cruickshank, AtkinsRealis senior director

“The design integrates contemporary materials with traditional influences, making the infrastructure both practical and a visual complement to the city,” Cruickshank said.

The metro connects key urban centers, reducing car dependency in a city notorious for traffic congestion. The focus on accessibility ensures that the system serves Riyadh’s growing population effectively.

Sustainability

The Riyadh Metro aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by prioritizing sustainability; by promoting public transport, it is projected to significantly cut carbon emissions.

The design integrates contempor- ary materials with traditional influences, making the infrastruc- ture both practical and a visual complement to the city.

Roger Cruickshank, AtkinsRealis senior director

The system also incorporates energy-efficient technologies, such as regenerative braking and automated lighting, to minimize its environmental footprint.

“Noise and vibration mitigation strategies were essential to ensure the system operated harmoniously within the urban environment,” Cruickshank added. These measures, combined with the integration of green building standards, highlight the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

The lessons from the project are already informing future initiatives in Saudi Arabia and beyond. “This project demonstrates how collaboration, advanced technology, and strategic planning can produce infrastructure that is both technically brilliant and sustainable,” Cruickshank said.

The Riyadh Metro provides a case study for cities worldwide grappling with urbanization and mobility challenges. By combining engineering excellence, technological innovation, and cultural sensitivity, authorities have created a transit network that not only meets today’s needs but anticipates the demands of tomorrow as well.

 


Saudi Arabia hosts military drills at Prince Sultan Airbase

Saudi Arabia hosts military drills at Prince Sultan Airbase
Updated 03 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia hosts military drills at Prince Sultan Airbase

Saudi Arabia hosts military drills at Prince Sultan Airbase
  • 8 other countries’ forces taking part in 2-week military exercise southeast of Riyadh

RIYADH: Prince Sultan Airbase is hosting Tuwaiq 4 military drills with the air forces from eight other countries. 

Alongside the Royal Saudi Air Force, combat pilots and military servicemen from Oman, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar, the UK, the US, Greece, and the UAE participated on Monday in aerial drills at the base near Al-Kharj, southeast of Riyadh. 

Forces from Egypt and Bahrain will be joining as observers in the two-week military exercise.

Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Khanfour, a Saudi colonel pilot, said that Tuwaiq 4 drills looked to enhance cooperation, raise the level of readiness, and improve the combat efficiency of aircrews, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Drills will also focus on tactical landing, flying at high and low altitudes, operating in challenging scenarios, carrying out search and rescue operations, and enhancing ground technical support. 

Tuwaiq 4 also includes lectures about prominent air combat technologies and theories of planning and commanding an air operation.


Hope in the desert: Onager returns to Saudi Arabia after a century

Hope in the desert: Onager returns to Saudi Arabia after a century
Updated 02 December 2024
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Hope in the desert: Onager returns to Saudi Arabia after a century

Hope in the desert: Onager returns to Saudi Arabia after a century
  • The Persian onager, a smaller relative of the extinct Equus hemionus hemippus, plays a vital role in the reserve’s ambitious landscape and seascape restoration program

RIYADH: In a significant advancement for wildlife conservation, Saudi Arabia has reintroduced the onager to its native habitat after over a century of absence, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

This achievement was made possible through a collaboration between the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature from Jordan.

Earlier this year, seven Persian onagers were brought from Shaumari Wildlife Reserve in Jordan to the royal reserve.

The return of the onager aligns with the reserve’s Integrated Development Management Plan, supporting the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030. (SPA)

The animals have reportedly adapted well to their new environment, with the birth of the first foal marking a pivotal moment in the rewilding process. The reintroduction highlights the importance of restoring ecosystems and creating a sustainable environment for endangered species to thrive.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority CEO Andrew Zaloumis said in a statement: “The reintroduction of the onager, a species historically celebrated by Arabic poets, is a transformative step for their conservation and a major milestone in the Kingdom's biodiversity efforts.”

He emphasized that the Persian onager, classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, is now free to roam Saudi Arabia once again.

The Persian onager, a smaller relative of the extinct Equus hemionus hemippus, plays a vital role in the reserve’s ambitious landscape and seascape restoration program.

The royal reserve is actively working to restore ecosystems, ensuring the species can flourish while maintaining biodiversity. The onager serves as an ecological asset and a cultural symbol deeply rooted in Arabian history and tradition.

This collaborative endeavor with the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature underscores the importance of cross-border conservation efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats.

The president of the Jordanian organization’s board of directors, Batoul Ajlouni, expressed her delight at the reintroduction, emphasizing the importance of fostering real collaboration in conserving ecosystems and habitats through effective protected area management and capacity-building programs.

The return of the onager aligns with the reserve’s Integrated Development Management Plan, supporting the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030.

In addition to the onager, the reserve has reintroduced several other species, including Arabian oryx, Nubian ibex, sand gazelle, mountain gazelle, and various bird species.

These efforts form part of the Kingdom’s broader mission to enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable development.

As the onager thrives in its natural habitat, it stands as a symbol of hope and the importance of wildlife conservation in Saudi Arabia.

 


Historic Jeddah Program launches Culture Square as new landmark for arts and heritage

Historic Jeddah Program launches Culture Square as new landmark for arts and heritage
Updated 02 December 2024
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Historic Jeddah Program launches Culture Square as new landmark for arts and heritage

Historic Jeddah Program launches Culture Square as new landmark for arts and heritage
  • Culture Square, which will span 26,000 square meters, will feature two flagship facilities

JEDDAH: The Ministry of Culture’s Historic Jeddah Program has unveiled the Culture Square, an initiative designed to revitalize the historic Jeddah area and establish it as a global hub for arts and heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Situated on the banks of Lake Al-Arbaeen, the project blends the region’s rich history with contemporary innovation, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of enhancing cultural tourism and preserving heritage, SPA added.

Culture Square, which will span 26,000 square meters, will feature two flagship facilities: the Center for Performing Arts and the Digital Arts Museum “TeamLab Without Borders.”

The Center for Performing Arts will offer a range of cultural activities, including theatrical performances, international festivals, and film screenings.

It will also house the headquarters of the Red Sea Film Festival, a state-of-the-art theater with 868 seats, five cinema halls, dialogue spaces, and multi-purpose areas for cultural exchange.

Adjacent to this, the TeamLab Museum spans 10,000 square meters and will showcase 80 interconnected works that merge art, technology, and nature.

At the heart of the development lies the restored Prince of the Sea House, an historic octagonal structure once used as a lighthouse to guide ships, which reflects the area’s architectural heritage and highlights the cultural richness of Jeddah’s past.

Its preservation is part of broader efforts to maintain the character of the historic district while introducing modern elements, such as air purification systems, touchless elevators with UV sterilization, and water recycling technologies for irrigation.


Saudi Arabia, Lithuania sign air transport services agreement

Saudi Arabia, Lithuania sign air transport services agreement
Updated 02 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia, Lithuania sign air transport services agreement

Saudi Arabia, Lithuania sign air transport services agreement
  • Riyadh, Vilnius to work together to develop regulatory frameworks

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Lithuania signed an agreement on Monday to cooperate in civil aviation and air transport services. 

Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, the president of the General Authority for Civil Aviation, and Ramunas Davidonis, the Lithuanian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, signed the agreement in Riyadh.

The two countries will work to develop regulatory frameworks for air transport traffic and expand the operational network of their national air carriers.

The cooperation will further enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics center for civil aviation and air transport services, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 aims to position the country as a hub for aviation connectivity to 250 international destinations, serving an expected 330 million passengers annually by 2030.