Saudi Arabia marks Arabian Leopard Day, raising awareness of endangered cat

Special Saudi Arabia marks Arabian Leopard Day, raising awareness of endangered cat
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Saudi organizations and embassies around the world marked World Arabian Leopard Day on Monday. (SPA)
Special Saudi Arabia marks Arabian Leopard Day, raising awareness of endangered cat
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World Arabian Leopard Day raises awareness of preservation efforts for the endangered big cat. (SPA)
Special Saudi Arabia marks Arabian Leopard Day, raising awareness of endangered cat
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There are thought to be fewer than 200 Arabian leopards left in the wild. (SPA)
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Updated 10 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia marks Arabian Leopard Day, raising awareness of endangered cat

Saudi Arabia marks Arabian Leopard Day, raising awareness of endangered cat
  • Fewer than 200 Arabian leopards thought to remain in wild
  • RCU driving efforts to preserve and repopulate species

RIYADH: Organizations in Saudi Arabia and abroad marked the International Day of the Arabian Leopard on Monday, raising awareness of efforts to preserve the endangered species.

Historically widespread across the Arabian Peninsula, today there are thought to be fewer than 200 Arabian leopards living in the wild.

Their numbers declined rapidly in the 20th century due to habitat loss and illegal poaching, and they are considered critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Saudi Arabia declared Feb. 10 Arabian Leopard Day in 2022 in a bid to raise awareness.

This was followed in June 2023 by a UN General Assembly declaring Feb. 10 as International Day of the Arabian Leopard.

The Royal Commission for AlUla is implementing one of the Kingdom’s most noteworthy preservation campaigns for the big cat.

“We are honored with the remarkable progress made in safeguarding this majestic species. From the birth of Hope in 2021 to the arrival of seven cubs in 2023 and the exceptional triplets in 2024, each step has been a leap of hope in our conservation efforts,” Royal Commission of AlUla spokesperson Abdulrahman AlTrairi told Arab News.

The commission more than doubled the number of leopards in its Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Center to 32 since 2021, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Members of the public are now invited to participate in naming the triplet cubs through the rcu.gov.sa website.

The commission also established the Arabian Leopard Fund, with initial funding worth $25 million to support Arabian leopard conservation efforts in the Kingdom and abroad.

To mark this year’s Arabian Leopard Day, the commission held a conservation event at the London Zoo, attended by Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar.

Princess Reema founded the initiative Catmosphere in 2021, and the organization has held “cat walk” events featuring more than 190,000 people in 136 countries to raise awareness of conservation issues.

Princess Modhi bint Fahd, chairwoman of the Saudi Animal Welfare Society REFQ, shared with Arab News her thanks to the Kingdom’s leadership for their conservation efforts.

“We at REFQ are happy and thrilled to witness the International Day of the Arabian Leopard for an animal that was on the verge of extinction,”

“The credit goes to our great leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as he is the man behind all regional environmental and ecological initiatives.”

Saudi Arabia’s Embassy in Kyrgyzstan celebrated the occasion with a “cat walk” event in which a number of officials walked through the streets of the capital Bishek to raise awareness of the big cat’s plight.

A similar initiative was held by the Kingdom’s Embassy in Albania, where participants walked from Lake Tirana to the city’s zoo.

High-ranking officials from the Saudi Embassy in Sri Lanka also took part in a cat walk in Colombo.


Saudi Culinary Arts Academy receives full institutional accreditation

Saudi Culinary Arts Academy receives full institutional accreditation
Updated 8 sec ago
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Saudi Culinary Arts Academy receives full institutional accreditation

Saudi Culinary Arts Academy receives full institutional accreditation
  • The accreditation follows an agreement signed on March 10 between the academy and the Education and Training Evaluation Commission

RIYADH: The Saudi Culinary Arts Academy (ZADC) was awarded a full institutional accreditation certificate on Sunday, with the support of Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Governor of the Eastern Province.

The recognition was granted during the inauguration ceremony of the academy’s new building on March 16.

The accreditation follows an agreement signed on March 10 between the academy and the Education and Training Evaluation Commission to implement institutional accreditation processes.

The achievement underscored ZADC’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and excellence in culinary education and training.

By equipping national talents with specialized skills, the academy aims to contribute to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality sector.

The achievement also aligns with the broader efforts of the Education and Training Evaluation Commission to ensure quality and excellence in education and training institutions across the Kingdom.


Restoration for Jouf’s Al-Saidan Mosque in crown prince’s project

Restoration for Jouf’s Al-Saidan Mosque in crown prince’s project
Updated 17 March 2025
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Restoration for Jouf’s Al-Saidan Mosque in crown prince’s project

Restoration for Jouf’s Al-Saidan Mosque in crown prince’s project
  • Mosque is second oldest in region of northern Saudi Arabia
  • It will be expanded to accommodate 68 worshippers

RIYADH: The Al-Saidan Mosque is undergoing a restoration as part of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques.

The site is a significant landmark in Dumat Al-Jandal, the location of several battles in early Islamic history. It is the second oldest mosque in the Jouf region in northern Saudi Arabia, after the Omar bin Al-Khattab Mosque.

It is currently undergoing expansion and restoration as part of the project, which focuses on preserving historic sites in the Jouf region.

Its area is to be extended from 179 to 202 sq. meters to accommodate 68 worshippers, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The mosque was constructed by the Saidan tribe and features the Aba Al-Jibal well and an elaborate staircase leading to the ablution area. It used to be a place for Friday prayers, a courthouse, and a school for Qur’anic studies.


Prophet’s Mosque’s AI-driven medical capsules enhance healthcare

Madinah Health Cluster has launched 2 smart medical capsules in northern central area of Prophet’s Mosque to enhance healthcare
Madinah Health Cluster has launched 2 smart medical capsules in northern central area of Prophet’s Mosque to enhance healthcare
Updated 17 March 2025
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Prophet’s Mosque’s AI-driven medical capsules enhance healthcare

Madinah Health Cluster has launched 2 smart medical capsules in northern central area of Prophet’s Mosque to enhance healthcare
  • Detect chronic diseases, conduct rapid tests, measure vital signs, perform electrocardiograms 

RIYADH: The Madinah Health Cluster has launched two smart medical capsules in the northern central area of the Prophet’s Mosque to enhance healthcare for visitors and pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The “Tabah and Tibabah” capsules use advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to detect chronic diseases, conduct rapid tests, measure vital signs, and perform electrocardiograms.

They are linked to the Seha Virtual Hospital for specialized support, according to the SPA.

The capsules expand healthcare services, complementing existing facilities including the Al-Salam Endowment and Al-Haram hospitals.

The capsules are operated during peak times by trained medical workers and serve over 576 patients daily. They reflect the collaboration between the government and private sector. 

Meanwhile, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority teams in Madinah transferred an emergency cardiac patient for treatment through their Cardiac Attacks pathway in 56 seconds.

Dr. Ahmed bin Ali Al-Zahrani, director of the authority’s regional branch, explained that the Medical Transfer Center received a call via the 997 hotline about a patient in his 60s experiencing severe chest pain at the Prophet’s Mosque.

An advanced care team that was dispatched performed an electrocardiogram and diagnosed an acute heart attack. This was communicated to the on-duty physician, who activated the Cardiac Attack pathway protocol.

The patient was transported to the Hayat National Hospital’s cardiac catheterization lab via a special route, where the medical team was ready for immediate intervention.

Al-Zahrani said the rapid response and coordination by the emergency teams helped prevent complications and led to a successful outcome for the patient.


British explorer ready to complete dream expedition across Saudi Arabia

British adventurer Alice Morrison is on a remarkable 2,500-km journey through Saudi Arabia, traveling north to south. (Supplied)
British adventurer Alice Morrison is on a remarkable 2,500-km journey through Saudi Arabia, traveling north to south. (Supplied)
Updated 17 March 2025
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British explorer ready to complete dream expedition across Saudi Arabia

British adventurer Alice Morrison is on a remarkable 2,500-km journey through Saudi Arabia, traveling north to south. (Supplied)
  • Second phase of Alice Morrison’s historic Saudi trek will cover 1,300 km and is expected to take 70 days

JEDDAH: British adventurer Alice Morrison is on a remarkable 2,500-km journey through Saudi Arabia, traveling north to south. She recently completed the first phase on foot, exploring the Kingdom’s diverse landscapes while highlighting its rich history and cultural transformation.

A TV presenter and writer, Morrison was the first woman to walk Morocco’s Draa River. She has also cycled from Cairo to Cape Town, ran around Mount Everest and walked across Jordan.

Originally from Edinburgh, she documents her adventures through books, documentaries, her “Alice in Wanderland” podcast, and is now filming the BBC show “Arabian Adventures: The Secrets of the Nabateans.”

In an interview with Arab News, Morrison, 61, discussed her recent journey in Saudi Arabia, which ended on Feb. 14 just before Ramadan, after completing the first section of her 2,500-km trek.

The trek, split into two phases, is expected to take five months.

Accompanied by camels Jusy and Lulu, as well as local guides, Morrison began the first phase on Jan. 1, covering 930 km, averaging 23 km or 33,000 steps daily.

Morrison said she has been working on the project for decades and was determined to make her dream come true.

The second phase will start in Madinah in October this year and finish near Najran, on the Yemen border, in December.

Morrison said: “When I was 11, my father gave me a copy of Wilfred Thesiger’s ‘Arabian Sands,’ about an Englishman crossing the Empty Quarter with his Bedouin companions. It fired my imagination. I later studied Arabic, and when Saudi opened up to non-Hajj tourism, I began planning the journey.

“I have always wanted to explore Saudi Arabia since studying Arabic at university, but I was initially hesitant because it was an unknown to me,” she added.

Asked about her impression of Saudi Arabia, she said: “I thought the people would be strict and serious. In fact, I found a people who love to laugh, joke and enjoy life — some of the most hospitable folk on the planet.”

Morrison split her trek into two phases due to Saudi Arabia’s intense heat and the holy month of Ramadan.

“Yes, I will be back in October to complete the expedition and walk to the Yemen border. It will be 1,300 km and take about 70 days. I can’t wait,” she said.

“The country is so rich in history. We have discovered Bronze Age tombs, 4,000-year-old rock carvings, and mechanical treasures from the old Hejaz railway, now named for the provinces it passes through. I can’t wait for phase two — though my feet can.”

Speaking about the highlights of her journey, Morrison said: “Exploring AlUla was a big highlight. It is rich in history, with the Nabatean and Dadanite kingdoms. I was lucky to be shown around by distinguished archeologist Wissam Khalil, who kept finding new artifacts under our feet. I also saw a wild Arabian oryx in the Sharaan Nature Reserve. It was thrilling to see an animal once extinct thriving again.”

Morrison also met Saudi women along the way, including walking with the country’s first female wildlife rangers in Wadi Al-Disah, part of the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Royal Reserve.

Speaking about the challenges, she said: “I had bad blisters and was in a lot of pain, but I just took painkillers and kept going. Our camels bolted, and Lulu injured herself, so we had to find a solution. We found a camel herder and a vet, bought her food, and now she is recovering on the farm.

“We also walked through a terrible sandstorm that scoured my skin and filled me with despair, but Shaya Al-Shaya, the guide who walked with me, and I, encouraged each other and finished.”

On her route, Morrison, a fluent Arabic speaker, has been warmly hosted by many locals. “I have to mention the hospitality. Everywhere we went, people tried to help us and wanted to know all about the expedition. We had so many sheep slaughtered for us. I am grateful to every single kind person who looked after us, fed us and welcomed us.

“Things are really changing in Saudi Arabia now — very rapidly. For me, it is an interesting time to come, talk to young women, and see what their dreams and hopes are.”


Ramadan in Qatif showcases Saudi small town spirit

Ramadan in Qatif showcases Saudi small town spirit
Updated 17 March 2025
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Ramadan in Qatif showcases Saudi small town spirit

Ramadan in Qatif showcases Saudi small town spirit
  • Festive gatherings typical of tight-knit community
  • Locals enjoy spirituality, family gatherings in holy month

RIYADH: Locals in Qatif practice Ramadan traditions by reconnecting with relatives, keeping the community spirit of small Saudi towns alive.

Like other regions of the Kingdom during Ramadan, families and friends gather to scope for the best markets, cafes and restaurants as Qatif’s days turn into nights.

But for many locals, Ramadan is about staying in and reconnecting with relatives in the tight-knit locale.

Dana Al-Awamy, a university student from Qatif, told Arab News that her Ramadan routine “feels like a celebration because everyone is fasting together and breaking their fast together.

“The food we eat is always the same so it is kind of ritualistic ... my favorite part about Ramadan is the community and feeling the spiritual connection to God.”

Having lived abroad, Al-Awamy had a foreign concept of Ramadan, but coming back home has given her the chance to immerse herself in the holy month, surrounded by the warmth of her family.

During the month, Al-Awamy honors her late grandmother, who was the heart of past celebrations.

“She was an amazing chef and it was her that would cook most of the food and make specific dishes only in Ramadan.

“I miss that now. I really believe because of that, it made me enjoy Ramadan as a kid and grow to love it even more as an adult,” she said.

Sara Al-Awami shares her treasured moments with family, highlighting that the holy month brings a beautiful balance of spirituality, family and community, making it her favorite time of the year.

“We have a daily walk before iftar, which has become a small but meaningful tradition. The evenings are filled with gatherings, game nights, and, of course, enjoying all the delicious food,” she said.

“I also love wearing traditional clothing during Ramadan — it adds to the festive and cultural spirit of the month. And while I’d love to say I help with the cooking, my real specialty is showing up just in time for iftar ... especially for dessert.”

“One of my favorite things about Ramadan is the strong sense of community and generosity that fills the month.”

Having lived in different places, Al-Awami realized that while there may be slight cultural differences, Ramadan is celebrated in a very similar way in countries across the Gulf.

“The essence of the month is always about family, loved ones and coming together. The Eastern Province, like many other regions, is full of vibrant Ramadan traditions — whether it’s the communal iftars, the traditional fashion, the late-night outings, or the spiritual gatherings,” she said.

“But overall, across the Gulf, the core of Ramadan remains the same: A time of faith, family and generosity.”

Having spent many years celebrating Ramadan abroad and alone, she has come to appreciate the time spent with family even more.

“Nothing compares to the warmth of breaking your fast with loved ones, the conversations that last late into the night and the shared traditions that make this month so special,” she said.

“Now, I cherish these moments even more because I know what it’s like to experience Ramadan without them.

“Whether in the Eastern Province, Kuwait, London, or the US, what makes Ramadan truly meaningful is the connection — with family, with the community and with faith.”