Indian almonds in Jazan: Tropical fruits at their best season

Indian almonds in Jazan: Tropical fruits at their best season
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Indian almonds play a significant role in Jazan’s agricultural identity, thriving in the region’s warm environment and tropical climate, which foster their growth and bloom. (SPA)
Indian almonds in Jazan: Tropical fruits at their best season
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Indian almonds play a significant role in Jazan’s agricultural identity, thriving in the region’s warm environment and tropical climate, which foster their growth and bloom. (SPA)
Indian almonds in Jazan: Tropical fruits at their best season
3 / 3
Indian almonds play a significant role in Jazan’s agricultural identity, thriving in the region’s warm environment and tropical climate, which foster their growth and bloom. (SPA)
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Updated 09 February 2025
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Indian almonds in Jazan: Tropical fruits at their best season

Indian almonds in Jazan: Tropical fruits at their best season
  • Indian almonds play a significant role in Jazan’s agricultural identity
  • Heavy rains and relatively high temperatures in Jazan enhance production quality

JAZAN: In the heart of Jazan, the Indian almond has become a distinctive seasonal agricultural product for which the region in southwest Saudi Arabia is well known.

The almond tree is characterized by its dense foliage, abundant shade, and delectable fruit with a rich flavor.

Indian almonds play a significant role in Jazan’s agricultural identity, thriving in the region’s warm environment and tropical climate, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The fruit are highly sought after, whether enjoyed as a snack or valued for their natural oils.

The almond season in Jazan begins in February, marked by the blooming of white and yellow flowers that attract bees, which, along with the wind, aid in pollination.

Between May and July, the fruit gradually ripen, changing from green to yellow or red, signaling full maturity.

Peak production occurs in June and July, when the fruit are harvested and sold in local markets in substantial quantities and varying sizes, with each fruit weighing between 15 and 30 grams.




Indian almonds play a significant role in Jazan’s agricultural identity, thriving in the region’s warm environment and tropical climate, which foster their growth and bloom. (SPA)

Ripe almonds are prized for their soft texture and the ease with which the edible core can be extracted, reaching peak sweetness and exhibiting a more pronounced almond flavor.

Indian almonds are available in several markets, including the central Jazan market, as well as in the governorates of Sabia, Bish, Abu Arish, Samtah, and others throughout the region.

In Jazan, the combination of heavy rains and relatively high temperatures enhances production quality, increasing investment opportunities for cultivating the product.




Ripe almonds are prized for their soft texture and the ease with which the edible core can be extracted. (SPA)

This includes the development of packaging and marketing operations, locally and internationally, the establishment of factories for extracting Indian almond oil, and the expansion of organic agriculture to meet the rising demand for natural and healthy products.

These initiatives contribute significantly to the region’s agricultural and economic development.


Saudi Arabia condemns new Israeli agency for displacing Palestinians from Gaza Strip

Saudi Arabia condemns new Israeli agency for displacing Palestinians from Gaza Strip
Updated 13 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia condemns new Israeli agency for displacing Palestinians from Gaza Strip

Saudi Arabia condemns new Israeli agency for displacing Palestinians from Gaza Strip
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically rejects Israeli violations of international and humanitarian laws in the Gaza Strip
  • Israel’s new agency will be tasked with relocating Palestinians to unspecified third countries

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel’s recognition of illegal settlements in the Occupied West Bank and the establishment of an agency aimed at displacing Palestinians from the Gaza Strip on Monday.

The ministry said it categorically rejects Israeli violations of international and humanitarian laws in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

“(Saudi Arabia condemns) Israeli occupation authorities’ announcement of the establishment of an agency aimed at displacing Palestinians from the Gaza Strip,” the ministry said in a statement.

Israel said it is creating a government agency to oversee the “voluntary departure” of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip following approval from the Israeli security cabinet over the weekend.

Since late 2023, at least 50,000 people have been killed during the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip, and almost 1.9 million Palestinians in Gaza are now internally displaced.

Israel’s new agency will be tasked with relocating Palestinians to unspecified third countries under the supervision of the Ministry of Defence.

On Monday, Saudi Arabia also condemned the approval of 13 illegal settler outposts in the West Bank over the weekend. The Saudi ministry said that the decision was made “in preparation for their legalization as colonial settlements.”

It added that lasting peace can only be achieved if the Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights and establish an independent state on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


Riyadh forum promotes cross-sector partnerships for sustainable development

Riyadh forum promotes cross-sector partnerships for sustainable development
Updated 24 March 2025
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Riyadh forum promotes cross-sector partnerships for sustainable development

Riyadh forum promotes cross-sector partnerships for sustainable development
  • Event, held on Saudi Social Responsibility Day on March 23, raised awareness about the importance of social responsibility in community development and sustainable growth
  • Saud Al-Subaie, chairman of the association, stressed the need for concerted efforts across all sectors to reinforce social responsibility

RIYADH: The Social Responsibility Association in Riyadh organized the second Social Responsibility Forum to integrate efforts across sectors to support sustainable development and Vision 2030.

The event, held on Saudi Social Responsibility Day on March 23, raised awareness about the importance of social responsibility in community development and sustainable growth.

It aimed to strengthen the role of companies in fostering this culture and contributing to societal, economic, and environmental development, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

Saud Al-Subaie, chairman of the association, stressed the need for concerted efforts across all sectors to reinforce social responsibility.

He highlighted the complementary roles of the government, private, and nonprofit sectors in creating a positive impact on society and the economy, while promoting a culture of giving.

Abdullah Al-Muhanna, CEO of the association, noted its commitment to building effective partnerships and spreading social responsibility.

He said that the occasion serves as an opportunity to instil values of generosity and solidarity, while enhancing institutional contributions to community service.

Statistics from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development show that the percentage of major companies implementing social responsibility programs increased from 30 percent in 2019 to 65 percent by the end of 2023.

The forum featured two panel discussions on the role of the government, private, and nonprofit sectors in activating social responsibility.

The discussions also covered national experiences, governance of community work, and ways to instill a culture of social engagement among future generations.

Additionally, the forum addressed methods for measuring social responsibility outcomes and adopting impactful programs.

During the event, the Princess Al-Anoud Charity Foundation was honored for its contributions to community initiatives and sustainable development.

Several institutions, private sector entities, and individuals were also recognized for their work.

This year’s Saudi Social Responsibility Day, under the theme “We Commit to Our Social Responsibility,” reaffirmed the role of all entities in fostering a culture of generosity and citizenship.

The event is vital for entrenching the culture of giving and enhancing collaboration across sectors, contributing to sustainable development and raising awareness of commitments toward individuals and institutions.


Saudi Architecture Characters Map begins implementation with digital tools and training

Saudi Architecture Characters Map begins implementation with digital tools and training
Updated 37 min 55 sec ago
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Saudi Architecture Characters Map begins implementation with digital tools and training

Saudi Architecture Characters Map begins implementation with digital tools and training
  • Initiative provides developers with guidelines for architectural styles
  • Guidelines inspired by regional identities, aiming to reflect Saudi Arabia’s cultural diversity

RIYADH: The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has started the next phase of the Saudi Architecture Characters Map rollout in Taif, Al-Ahsa, Asir, and Makkah following its official launch earlier this month.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Deputy Minister of Municipalities and Housing Ehab Ghazi Al-Hashani detailed the next steps and outlined the robust coordination efforts underway to ensure the project’s success.

Al-Hashani emphasized the long preparation behind the initiative: “The architectural map of Saudi Arabia is really a project that has been in the (works) for over two years, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.”

 

The ministry, he said, is concentrating on building awareness and preparing the industry for the upcoming rollout.

“The immediate step now that we have launched is really to kind of heighten awareness and start training some of the architects (to) launch in the four cities that were announced, at Taif, Al-Ahsa, Asir (and) Makkah.”

Saudi Architecture provides developers across the Kingdom with guidelines for building styles.

The Characters Map introduces 19 distinct architectural styles inspired by regional identities, aiming to reflect Saudi Arabia’s cultural diversity through its built environment.

The long-term vision of the project is to create more walkable and sustainable cities.

“We are working on broader strategy to kind of develop the five, 10, 15-minute cities in Saudi Arabia, where you can go to work, do your basic needs with a walkable distance,” he said.

Al-Hashani stressed that training architects is crucial for smooth implementation. He noted the extensive groundwork already laid out before the public launch.

“We have a massive program ongoing, starting with the communication that we are doing now … this has the training started way before the launch, so to make sure that we hit the ground running. The efforts are significant.”

He also highlighted the technical and digital support behind the initiative. “There (are) the digital tools in place that have been implemented already, part of the Balady platform. And of course, the ongoing communications with … the municipalities, and of course, our partners, the regional development authorities,” he added.

Addressing the evolution of design influences, Al-Hashani explained how previous examples have informed the current codes. He remarked on the role that pioneering projects played in shaping the national approach.

“Any successful example of (an) architectural design guideline was taken into account in developing these codes … our designs (are) inspired somewhat by Diriyah … but mostly it’s more covering the entire area of the central region.”

Looking ahead, he confirmed that implementation is already visible on the ground.

He added that the rollout is set to accelerate, with numerous examples expected in the near future: “There will be many examples in the coming 12 months … of these guidelines being implemented on the ground.”

To ensure a uniform application of the new design codes, the ministry has integrated the guidelines into its licensing process. Al-Hashani explained how digital enforcement plays a key role.

“Balady platform already has kind of a geospatial element in it, where each zone is already linked to the license that is issued. So, if you apply for a license in Taif, then the guidelines will come up as the requirements that you will have to (adhere to) in terms of design.”

Public engagement and outreach are also essential components of the initiative. Al-Hashani underscored the breadth of the ministry’s reach through its extensive municipal network.

“The municipal sector is the largest sector in Saudi Arabia … that has access and reach to the citizen.

“You deal with the with us on a daily basis, even without you knowing. We have for instance 285 (municipalities). We have 17 amanahs (administrative divisions). We are present everywhere in Saudi Arabia.”

He further emphasized the role of workshops and stakeholder meetings as vital tools for ensuring that all parties are aligned with the new standards.

“More importantly (are) the kind of the workshops that we have with key stakeholders in (these) structures such as the architectural firms, the big developers, and of course, the giga projects.”

Looking to the future, Al-Hashani touched on the broader strategic goals that underpin the initiative.

He explained that success will not only be measured by the immediate application of design guidelines but also by their impact on urban planning, with “major (key performance indicators).”

With integrated digital tools, targeted training, and extensive stakeholder engagement, the Saudi Architecture Characters Map aims to redefine urban development across the Kingdom while remaining rooted in its rich cultural heritage.


KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities
Updated 24 March 2025
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KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

In the Syrian Arab Republic, 389 food packages were distributed to families in need in Homs governorate as part of the Etaam Ramadan project. KSrelief also distributed 160 parcels in Al-Dumayr, Rif Dimashq governorate.

In Yemen, 594 food baskets were provided to vulnerable groups in Shabwah governorate, benefiting 4,158 people.

In Somalia, KSrelief distributed 1,200 packages to impoverished families in Baidoa, benefiting 7,200 people.

Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

Additionally, KSrelief distributed 2,812 cartons of dates in Tal Shihab, Daraa governorate, Syria, benefiting 2,812 families.

The Saudi aid agency also provided 630 food baskets in Port Sudan, benefiting 3,561 impoverished and displaced people.


Makkah cardiac care saves three Umrah performers

Makkah cardiac care saves three Umrah performers
Updated 24 March 2025
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Makkah cardiac care saves three Umrah performers

Makkah cardiac care saves three Umrah performers

MAKKAH: A cardiac team at King Abdullah Medical City, part of the Makkah Health Cluster, performed a three-hour emergency open-heart surgery to save the life of a 59-year-old Iraqi Umrah pilgrim suffering from a severe coronary artery clot.

After the surgery, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit, where he was quickly weaned off ventilators and made a steady recovery, stabilizing his condition, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The case highlights King Abdullah Medical City’s ability to provide exceptional specialized care for Umrah and other pilgrims, the SPA added.

Meanwhile, the cardiac catheterization team at Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, also part of the Makkah Health Cluster, saved the life of an 86-year-old Libyan Umrah pilgrim who suffered a heart attack and required urgent intervention.

The hospital’s heart center is fully equipped for such cases, with highly qualified medical teams committed to delivering advanced healthcare in line with the highest standards, according to the SPA.

The team at Al-Noor also treated a 68-year-old Egyptian woman performing Umrah, through a cardiac catheterization procedure on her right coronary artery.

The patient arrived at the emergency department with severe chest pain, low blood pressure, and a weak pulse, the SPA reported. Examinations revealed a blocked coronary artery and a heart attack, requiring immediate medical intervention.