Kernels of promise in Asir as farmers ready for summer harvest

The wheat cultivation cycle in Asir, which begins in February and spans five to six months, culminates in the traditional harvest known as Al-Sareem. (SPA)
The wheat cultivation cycle in Asir, which begins in February and spans five to six months, culminates in the traditional harvest known as Al-Sareem. (SPA)
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Updated 16 July 2024
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Kernels of promise in Asir as farmers ready for summer harvest

Kernels of promise in Asir as farmers ready for summer harvest
  • Time running out as annual summer rains loom
  • Crops are of superior quality, quantity this year

RIYADH: As the summer rains loom, farmers in Saudi Arabia’s Sarawat Mountains of Asir are in a race against time to bring in their wheat harvest.

This year’s crop is notable for both its abundance and superior quality, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The wheat-cultivation cycle in Asir, which begins in February and spans five to six months, culminates in the traditional harvest known as Al-Sareem.




The wheat cultivation cycle in Asir, which begins in February and spans five to six months, culminates in the traditional harvest known as Al-Sareem. (SPA)

While some farmers still employ time-honored harvesting methods using sickles, many have embraced modern machinery, including large harvesters and handheld devices.

“Our terraced fields yield a variety of grains,” Issa Al-Waymani, a local farmer, told the SPA. “Besides different wheat varieties, we also grow barley and white and yellow corn.”

He highlighted the diverse grain production of Asir’s terraces. The region’s various types of wheat include Al-Seeb, Al-Mabia, Al-Qiyad and Al-Sumeira.




The wheat cultivation cycle in Asir, which begins in February and spans five to six months, culminates in the traditional harvest known as Al-Sareem. (SPA)

“We know it is time to harvest when the ears turn yellow and reach full maturity,” Al-Waymani said regarding the wheat-harvesting process. After harvesting, the crops are transported to designated threshing areas known locally as Al-Jareen.

Al-Waymani said these threshing grounds have evolved over time. “Traditionally, cattle or camels would drag a large stone weighing over 100 kg over the crop to separate the grains from their husks, called Al-Hatha,” he said.

FASTFACTS

• While some farmers in Asir still employ time-honored harvesting methods using sickles, many have embraced modern machinery.

• Asir’s farmers take great care to protect their crops from birds and monkeys until the harvest is complete.

Today, however, modern methods have largely replaced these traditional practices. “Now we use large harvesters or smaller machines operated by agricultural tractors,” Al-Waymani added. “We manually feed the crop into these machines after it has been sun-dried for at least 14 days.”




The wheat cultivation cycle in Asir, which begins in February and spans five to six months, culminates in the traditional harvest known as Al-Sareem. (SPA)

The region’s wheat production is concentrated along the Sarawat mountain range, from Dhahran Al-Janub in the south to Balqarn in the north, the report explained.

Areas including Al-Soudah, Tabab, Billahmer and Billasmar are renowned for producing the highest quality grains in the region for traditional local markets and the summer festivals in Asir.

Asir’s farmers take great care to protect their crops from birds and monkeys until the harvest is complete. After threshing and winnowing, the crop is weighed for Zakat purposes before being marketed.




The wheat cultivation cycle in Asir, which begins in February and spans five to six months, culminates in the traditional harvest known as Al-Sareem. (SPA)

Wheat remains one of the most sought-after crops in local markets, with prices ranging from $106 to $160 for a 50 kg bag.

Scientific studies have highlighted the nutritional benefits of this local wheat, which is packed with essential fatty acids, folic acid, B-complex vitamins, and fiber.

The produce is also thought to lower cholesterol and aid digestion, the SPA report stated.

 

 


Jeddah to host ‘Made in Pakistan’ exhibition

Jeddah to host ‘Made in Pakistan’ exhibition
Updated 21 sec ago
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Jeddah to host ‘Made in Pakistan’ exhibition

Jeddah to host ‘Made in Pakistan’ exhibition

JEDDAH: Jeddah will host the inaugural “Made in Pakistan” Exhibition and Business Forum from Feb. 5-7 at the Jeddah Center for Exhibitions and Events, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Organized by the Jeddah Chamber in cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s ministries of commerce and investment, and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, the event will feature more than 130 exhibitors from key sectors.

It will showcase specialized Pakistani products, as well as promote investment opportunities and expanded market reach in Saudi Arabia and the region.

The exhibition highlights the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, and their shared commitment to enhancing economic cooperation, the SPA reported.

Textiles, agricultural and food products, and leather goods will be on display, showcasing Pakistan’s rich natural resources.

Additionally, the exhibition will feature Pakistan’s renowned handicrafts, reflecting the country’s cultural heritage and centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship and industrial innovation.


10,000 mangroves planted across five regions

10,000 mangroves planted across five regions
Updated 8 min 12 sec ago
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10,000 mangroves planted across five regions

10,000 mangroves planted across five regions

JEDDAH: The National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification organized mangrove cultivation campaigns across the Kingdom on Feb. 2-3, coinciding with World Wetlands Day.

The campaigns took place in various regions, including Jazan, the Eastern Province, Madinah, Makkah, and Asir, where more than 10,000 saplings were planted, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The initiative was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and other environmental organizations.

In the Makkah region, the center planted 1,000 mangrove seedlings on Jeddah’s beaches to support biodiversity and sustainable natural resource management, the SPA added.

The initiative saw strong participation from volunteers of all ages, following the center’s launch of several volunteer opportunities to engage local communities in environmental efforts.

The campaign highlighted the vital role of wetlands as unique ecosystems that provide natural climate solutions, enhance environmental sustainability, and restore ecological balance, the SPA reported.

The center is dedicated to developing, protecting, and monitoring vegetation cover sites across the Kingdom while restoring degraded areas.

It also works to detect violations, combat illegal logging, and oversee the management and investment of natural rangelands, forests, and national parks.


Syrian leader to perform Umrah in Makkah  

Syrian leader to perform Umrah in Makkah  
Updated 15 min 54 sec ago
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Syrian leader to perform Umrah in Makkah  

Syrian leader to perform Umrah in Makkah  

RIYADH: Syrian Arab Republic President Ahmad Al-Sharaa on Tuesday arrived in Jeddah before heading to Makkah to perform Umrah.

The Saudi Press Agency shared photos of Al-Sharaa wearing the Ihram clothing, garments worn by Muslim people before performing pilgrimage.

Al-Sharaa met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday and discussed ways to support the security and stability of the Syrian Arab Republic.  

The visit is Al-Sharaa’s first foreign trip since taking office.

 


Sculpture crafted from 517 carats of diamonds unveiled in Riyadh

Sculpture crafted from 517 carats of diamonds unveiled in Riyadh
Updated 03 February 2025
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Sculpture crafted from 517 carats of diamonds unveiled in Riyadh

Sculpture crafted from 517 carats of diamonds unveiled in Riyadh
  • Brendan Murphy’s ‘Frozen with Desire’ takes center stage at exhibition
  • Part of ‘Boonji Spaceman’ series, symbolizes courage to face ‘unknown’

Riyadh: Renowned American contemporary artist Brendan Murphy unveiled his masterpiece “Frozen with Desire” — a sculpture crafted from 517 carats of diamonds set in platinum — at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh on Sunday.

Several of his sculptures will be on display at the hotel’s Cafe Boulud for one month. It is his second show in the Kingdom after an exhibition in November at Ahlam Gallery. 

Murphy describes “Frozen with Desire” as an extension of his “Boonji Spaceman” series, symbolizing the courage to embrace the unknown rather than merely representing space travel.

“Who is inside the astronaut suit? What are they thinking? That’s what fascinates me,” Murphy told Arab News. “It’s about stepping into the unknown, just like an artist does with every new creation.”

“Frozen with Desire: 42 spaceman” - 6,200 diamonds and 517 carats set in platinum (Supplied)

The sculpture is a feat of artistic and technical precision. “Artists always try to do things that seem impossible. That’s part of the creative process,” Murphy explained.

Murphy’s exhibition was accompanied by a cheese-tasting session led by Philippe Caillouet, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France-award recipient, and director of cheese marketing at the high-end hotel.

Caillouet captivated attendees with fascinating stories about cheese-making traditions, adding cultural and culinary dimensions to the evening.

The unveiling of “Frozen with Desire,” was followed by a sumptuous dinner, making the night an unforgettable fusion of art, fine dining, and storytelling.

Beyond the exhibition, Murphy sees Saudi Arabia as a vital part of his artistic journey. He said the Kingdom was experiencing a cultural renaissance but challenges remain.

A striking pink and gold Spaceman sculpture embodying Murphy’s belief in the power of positivity and human connection. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

“There’s a real hunger for creativity here,” Murphy said. “But many young artists lack access to the best materials and formal education. My goal is to help bridge that gap.”

He highlighted the need for a balanced artistic approach and the use of a wide range of mediums and genres. “Digital art is great, but what about painting and sculpture? Those require more time, resources, and mastery,” he said.

Murphy is committed to long-term collaborations in the Kingdom, revealing plans for public art installations at the new Riyadh airport and Expo 2030. His most ambitious project is the launch of a 1,000 sq. meter immersive art space in Riyadh later this year.

“I’m not just here for one exhibition — I want to create a permanent experience, a space where people can engage with my art every day, whether I’m here or not,” he said.


3 Saudi ports add 5 new shipping services from Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk

3 Saudi ports add 5 new shipping services from Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk
Updated 03 February 2025
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3 Saudi ports add 5 new shipping services from Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk

3 Saudi ports add 5 new shipping services from Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk
  • Connections between Jeddah, Dammam and Jubail ports with key counterparts in Asia, Africa and Europe

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Ports — also known as Mawani — on Sunday announced the addition of five new shipping services from Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk to Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, and Jubail Commercial Port.

In a news release, Mawani said the new services would connect the three Saudi seaports with those in Aqaba in Jordan, Port Said in Egypt, Tangier in Morocco, Algeciras in Spain, Jebel Ali in the UAE, Mundar and Pipavav in India, and Salalah in Oman.

They will have a total capacity of 19,869 containers that are 6 meters in length.

The new additions are expected to enhance the competitiveness of the Kingdom’s pivotal ports in the region and globally, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Mawani stated that efforts to widen the Kingdom’s position in the maritime navigation network connectivity index are in line with the objectives of the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services.

Jeddah Islamic Port was earlier chosen as a center for the Gemini cooperation agreement between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk.

This will consist of around 340 modern and efficient vessels to cover seven trades and offer 57 services including mainliner and dedicated shuttle services.