Solstice ushers in start of summer 2025 on Saturday

Solstice ushers in start of summer 2025 on Saturday
The summer solstice, marking the astronomical start of the summer season, begins on Saturday, June 21, 2025, according to the Jeddah Astronomical Society. (File photo)
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Updated 20 June 2025
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Solstice ushers in start of summer 2025 on Saturday

Solstice ushers in start of summer 2025 on Saturday
  • It is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere

RIYADH: The summer solstice, which marks the season’s astronomical beginning, will take place on Saturday, June 21, according to the Jeddah Astronomical Society.

The Kingdom will witness the solstice at 5.42 a.m. Makkah time, when the sun will be directly overhead above the Tropic of Cancer, latitude .
The skies of the Kingdom and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere will witness the summer solstice Saturday at 5:42 am Makkah time.

At this moment, the sun will be directly overhead above the Tropic of Cancer, latitude 23.5 degrees north. This year, the summer will last for 93 days.

Majed Abu Zahra, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, said: “On this day, the sun rises from the far northeast and sets in the far northwest. At noon, the shadows of objects are the shortest of the year, and the sun’s apparent path takes its highest arc northward, placing it at its highest altitude in the sky during the year, especially in areas north of the equator.”

The summer solstice occurs when the sun reaches its apparent northernmost point in the sky. This coincides with the Earth reaching a position in its orbit where its axis is tilted at the maximum angle (23.5 degrees) toward the sun, causing the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, the situation is reversed.

Abu Zahra added: “The summer solstice does not occur on the same day every year, but rather between June 20 and 22, due to the difference between the calendar year (365 days) and the tropical year (365.2422 days), along with the gravitational effects of the moon and planets and the slight fluctuations in the Earth’s rotation, which are compensated for by adding a leap day every four years.”

He said it was important to differentiate between the astronomical summer and climatic summer.

Meteorologists consider summer to extend from June 1 to August 31, while in astronomy, summer begins when the sun reaches its maximum altitude — the day of the summer solstice.

Abu Zahra said although this was the longest day of the year in terms of the number of hours of sunlight, it was not necessarily the hottest.

This is because the oceans, land and atmosphere take time to absorb and store solar energy, and then release it again. This delay in the perception of heat is known as “seasonal lag,” so temperatures typically peak in July or August.

Ancient Greek scholars, led by Eratosthenes, used their observations on the summer solstice to calculate the Earth’s circumference with amazing accuracy using simple geometric principles. 

After the summer solstice, the sun will appear to move southward again in the sky, and daylight hours will gradually decrease until the autumnal equinox on Sept. 22.


Japan’s crown prince visits Saudi pavilion at Osaka Expo

Japan’s crown prince visits Saudi pavilion at Osaka Expo
Updated 13 min 19 sec ago
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Japan’s crown prince visits Saudi pavilion at Osaka Expo

Japan’s crown prince visits Saudi pavilion at Osaka Expo
  • Visited in the company of Saudi Ambassador to Japan Ghazi Faisal Binzagr.

TOKYO: Japan’s Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Akishino visited Saudi Arabia’s pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo on Thursday, in the company of Saudi Ambassador to Japan Ghazi Faisal Binzagr.

“We were deeply honored by the visit of their Imperial Highnesses,” Binzagr told Arab News Japan. “It was a beautiful visit.”

He noted how much the pair had enjoyed the music of the oud, which was being played as the imperial guests entered the courtyard of the pavilion and which echoed throughout the building owing to the design of the walls and corridors to amplify the sound.

“The imperial couple also enjoyed Saudi coffee and (a selection of various) dates,” Binzagr said, adding that the variety and color of Saudi dates is influenced by the minerals in the soil of each region where they are grown in the Kingdom.

Binzagr said they had discussed the similarities in the cultures of Saudi Arabia and Japan, adding that despite appearing different, they shared a deep pride in their heritage and history, and both countries' ability to link the East and West.

He added that Japan is authentic with what it has but is also able to blend it with foriegn best practices with its great openness. Binzagr said that he believes this makes for something very special that Saudi Arabia also shares with Japan.

“We both value our roots and connectivity, and we both seek to celebrate balance in everything we do,” he said.

At the pavilion, the imperial couple viewed the plan for Riyadh Expo 2030 and indicated they were keen to visit at that time or even before, Binzagr said.

“We are keenly looking forward to more visits between members of Japan’s Imperial Family and members of our Royal Family of Saudi Arabia,” Binzagr added.

”Such visits add a special dimension to an already special relationship.”


Buraidah’s blossoming farm scene offers a cool summer alternative

Buraidah’s blossoming farm scene offers a cool summer alternative
Updated 26 min 17 sec ago
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Buraidah’s blossoming farm scene offers a cool summer alternative

Buraidah’s blossoming farm scene offers a cool summer alternative

BURAIDAH: Those hoping to escape the scorching Saudi summer heat can head to Buraidah, where its farms have become a favored summer destination.

Buraidah, about 360 kilometers northwest of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia’s Qassim region, is a place for those seeking calm, comfort and a distinctive leisure experience.

“This rising popularity stems from ongoing efforts to transform these farms into integrated tourist attractions that cater both to families and individuals, offering an authentic experience with a modern touch,” according to the Saudi Press Agency.

These farms stand out for their natural beauty and the balance they strike between simplicity and contemporary features.

Visitors can step away from the pace of city life and enjoy peaceful moments surrounded by lush greenery. The experience is supported by restaurants serving traditional and international dishes, cafes with authentic design and stalls selling local produce. There are family seating areas aplenty, children’s play zones and a variety of nature-based activities.

Ali Mohammed Al-Waili, who is from the Najran region, expressed his admiration of the unique tourism diversity found in the Qassim region. He praised the rural farms that have become an attractive, offering a fully immersive natural experience that reflects the authenticity and agricultural richness of the area.

He pointed out that the farms spread across the region’s governorates provide a well-rounded family tourism experience, featuring traditional seating areas, authentic local cuisine, and a variety of agricultural and recreational activities suited for all age groups.

Another visitor, Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi, noted that rural farms have become a top family destination during the summer holiday because they meet visitors’ needs and offer a range of services that ensure an enjoyable time in a natural and safe environment.

The rising interest in this form of domestic tourism points to a clear shift in public preference toward nature and stillness. Better infrastructure and improved service quality are reinforcing the role of rural farms as a top option for day trips and short breaks.

According to the SPA, the growing interest in domestic tourism and nature helps to support the local economy and achieve sustainable development — aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to improve quality of life, diversify income sources, and enhance the balance between people and the environment.


Saudi, Russian foreign ministers meet in Moscow

Saudi, Russian foreign ministers meet in Moscow
Updated 04 July 2025
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Saudi, Russian foreign ministers meet in Moscow

Saudi, Russian foreign ministers meet in Moscow
  • Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing relations and building on existing strategic partnerships

MOSCOW: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Friday, as part of an official visit aimed at strengthening the longstanding relationship between the two countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, the two ministers reviewed Saudi-Russian ties and ongoing cooperation between the Kingdom and the Russian Federation, and discussed avenues for further collaboration across a range of fields, SPA added. 

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing relations and building on existing strategic partnerships.

The talks were followed by an official session, in which Prince Faisal and Lavrov underscored the depth of friendship between the Kingdom and Russia. It also included a wide-ranging discussion on key regional developments and joint efforts to support stability and security in the Middle East, including the crisis in the Gaza Strip.

The visit comes amid ongoing diplomatic engagement between Riyadh and Moscow on regional issues and shared interests in global energy markets and political coordination.

Prince Faisal reiterated, in a press conference during his visit, that the Kingdom rejected military solutions and consistently advocated for resolving all conflicts, regardless of their nature, through negotiation.


Justice Ministry Training Center boosts legal expertise

Justice Ministry Training Center boosts legal expertise
Updated 20 sec ago
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Justice Ministry Training Center boosts legal expertise

Justice Ministry Training Center boosts legal expertise
  • More than 8,000 people trained by the center in Q2 2025

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Justice has enhanced the competency of legal professionals through its Judicial Training Center, focusing on improving training quality and professional reliability in line with best practices.

“In Q2 2025, the Judicial Training Center at the Ministry of Justice trained over 8,000 individuals through 107 courses. Beneficiaries included judges from the Ministry of Justice and the Board of Grievances, lawyers, notaries, marriage registrars, legal researchers, Judicial Support Center for Enforcement staff, and enforcement service providers,” said the ministry.

The center delivered programs such as lawyer qualifications, judicial assistant training, notary certification, lawyer development, internal conciliator training, marriage registrar training, and enforcement service provider training.

These align with the ministry’s goals to enhance training quality and efficiency.

“The MOJ’s training center plays an important role in qualifying individuals to work in judicial services roles such as qualifying individuals to become licensed attorneys and qualify other individuals to play important roles such as becoming judges and marriage registrars,” Dr Osama Ghanem Alobaidy, adviser and professor of law at the Institute of Public Administration in Riyadh, told Arab News.

“It employs best methods to do that including teachers who are well qualified to instill legal skills and knowledge in order to do their jobs,” he added.

The center’s training plan focuses on specialized qualification, continuous professional development, and addressing trainees’ needs, said the ministry.

It incorporates diverse digital training tools and supports research to advance judicial and legal personnel development.

The Judicial Training Center adheres to rigorous standards to deliver specialized qualification programs, continuous professional development, targeted training needs assessments, and a diverse range of digital training tools, reinforcing its role in advancing judicial and legal expertise.

In 2024, the center introduced over 14 new certification and training diplomas. It also developed more than 74 training modules with innovative educational approaches and added over 13 new services to its online platform.


‘Songs of Silence in Nature’: Chinese artist Shu Li honored in Riyadh 

‘Songs of Silence in Nature’: Chinese artist Shu Li honored in Riyadh 
Updated 04 July 2025
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‘Songs of Silence in Nature’: Chinese artist Shu Li honored in Riyadh 

‘Songs of Silence in Nature’: Chinese artist Shu Li honored in Riyadh 
  • Artist’s work depicts serene scenes of mountains and lakes
  • Exhibition showcases cultural ties between China and Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Art Pure Gallery Foundation is currently hosting an exhibition, “Songs of Silence in Nature,” by the renowned Chinese artist Shu Li.

Organized in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the exhibition opened on June 24, 2024 and will run until July 25, 2025 in the Saudi capital. 

A leading figure in contemporary Chinese art, Shu Li has held distinguished roles within China’s national cultural institutions.

His works have been showcased in more than 20 countries, including the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Italy. 

He has received numerous international accolades in countries such as Russia, Belgium, the US, Ukraine and India, and is a distinguished academician of the Russian Academy of Arts. 

His paintings are featured in some of China’s most iconic venues, including the National Art Museum of China, the Great Hall of the People, and the headquarters of the Chinese Communist Party.

He has also published more than 20 catalogues chronicling his artistic evolution. 

Shu Li’s work blends traditional Chinese techniques with a distinctly contemporary sensibility.

Characterized by tranquil landscapes, his pieces often depict mist-shrouded mountains and serene lakes. These works invite viewers to enter a meditative and reflective state. 

“Art is not merely a visual encounter,” the artist explained, “but an emotional journey.

“Through my oil paintings, I aim to capture those fleeting moments of beauty that enrich our daily existence.

“My work is a dialogue between the canvas and the world it portrays — a world where light dances across surfaces and color speaks more powerfully than words.

“Each painting is an exploration of texture, form and the expressive potential of oil as a medium. I draw inspiration from nature, human experience and the myriad ways in which art connects us to both. I invite viewers to do more than just observe my work; I want them to feel it and enter the narrative that each painting weaves.”  

This exhibition is part of an increasing cultural dialogue between China and Saudi Arabia. It reflects the desire of both countries to strengthen their artistic exchange and deepen the ties between these two ancient and influential civilizations. 

Contemporary Chinese art embodies a rich synthesis of millennia-old traditions and modern perspectives.

Since the late-20th century, Chinese artists have experimented with various forms, including painting, sculpture, installation and video, to explore the tensions between heritage, rapid urbanization and evolving social realities.  

Often merging classical craftsmanship with avant-garde techniques, they explore themes of identity, collective memory and the challenges of the present age. 

Today, China’s vibrant art scene is widely recognized internationally, with many leading Chinese artists playing a pivotal role in reshaping the global contemporary art landscape. 

The Art Pure Gallery Foundation is a leading Saudi cultural institution founded in 1999.