https://arab.news/6y6mt
RIYADH: Saudi and Dutch climate envoys discussed strengthening bilateral relations between the Kingdom and the Netherlands in a meeting on Monday.
Adel Al-Jubeir and Prince Jaime of Bourbon-Parma discussed the latest developments related to environmental protection and mitigating climate change.
Al-Jubeir highlighted Saudi efforts and initiatives to combat climate change.
The pair met in New York where world leaders are gathering this week for the UN General Assembly
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Cairo on Tuesday to attend the extraordinary Arab League summit on countering US President Donald Trump’s widely condemned plan for Gaza.
Prince Faisal is heading the Kingdom’s delegation on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Arab League summit on reconstruction follows renewed backing of Trump’s plan from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who labelled it “visionary and innovative.”
Trump proposed last month taking control of Gaza and resettling Palestinians in Egypt and Jordan.
Palestinians and Arab states have rejected the proposal, opposing any efforts to expel Gazans.
Riyadh: The historic Qalaa Mosque in the town of Al-Hinakiyah, northeast of Madinah, is among the places of worship undergoing restoration as part of a national project.
The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques focuses on preserving the building, which is over a century old, in Madinah’s historical architectural style, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
The initiative aims to enhance the Islamic heritage of the Kingdom as the land where the Qur’an was revealed, and the location of the Two Holy Mosques.
The project will expand the mosque’s area from 181 sq. meters to 263 sq. meters to accommodate 171 worshippers. The mosque was previously unused, the SPA added.
The renovation will include the use of natural materials including clay and local wood, to ensure the mosque returns to its original form.
It will preserve the unique building techniques that are adapted to the local environment and hot desert climate.
The crown prince’s project aims to balance traditional and modern construction standards to ensure the sustainability of historic mosques, the SPA reported.
Saudi Arabia companies and engineers specializing in heritage restoration are leading the work.
Phase two of the crown prince’s project follows the successful completion of phase one in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions across the Kingdom.
RIYADH: AlUla, the oasis city known for its heritage and landscapes, is hosting the AlUla Skies Festival from April 18 to 27.
The festival highlights humanity’s connection to the skies, reflecting the legacy of ancient travelers who navigated the desert using the stars, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
A key feature of the festival is AlUla Manara, a global observatory focused on astronomy research and education.
Developed with local and international partners, it will provide interactive exhibits, telescopes, and workshops blending ancient celestial knowledge with modern science.
The festival offers various sky-themed experiences, including daily hot-air balloon flights, tethered rides at Old Town and Elephant Rock, and Balloon Glow Shows featuring illuminated balloons, aerial performers, and music.
Visitors can explore astronomy at the Celestial Sky Port in Jabal Ikmah, where exhibits, telescopes, and workshops provide insight into the cosmos.
The Pop-Up Planetarium in Old Town offers 360-degree projections of constellations and space exploration.
On April 25, regional singers will perform at the Thanaya AlUla Outdoor Venue.
Other activities include Cinema Under the Stars at Maraya, Moonlight Yoga Sessions, and expert-led stargazing experiences.
The festival celebrates AlUla’s heritage and its commitment to astrotourism, offering visitors a chance to explore the skies in a unique setting.
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency, KSrelief, is distributing food baskets worldwide through its Etaam initiative during the holy month of Ramadan, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
In Indonesia, KSrelief launched the project at the National Zakat Agency headquarters in Jakarta, aiming to distribute 7,911 food baskets to 47,466 individuals across four regions.
In Kosovo, 8,110 food baskets will be distributed across 30 governorates, benefiting about 40,550 people. The baskets include rice, oil, pasta, sugar and flour.
In Benin, KSrelief launched the Etaam project, with beneficiaries expressing gratitude to the Saudi government.
In Guinea, 7,500 families will receive food baskets in the cities of Conakry, Dubreka, Mamou, Kankan and Nzerekore.
In Mauritania, 7,352 food baskets will be distributed to 44,112 individuals, while in Tajikistan, 7,120 baskets will benefit 35,000 vulnerable individuals across several cities.
In Burkina Faso, KSrelief launched the project in Ouagadougou to distribute 8,400 food baskets to 50,400 people.
Overall, KSrelief plans to distribute 390,109 food baskets across 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting more than 2.3 million people at a total cost exceeding SR67 million ($18 million).
RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has launched a project to study and assess degraded sites in Saudi Arabia’s western and southern regions.
Using advanced technology, the project will develop rehabilitation plans aligned with global standards as part of a broader national strategy, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
It focuses on identifying degraded areas and analyzing direct and indirect causes in Makkah, Madinah, Baha, Asir, Jazan, and Najran.
Tailored plans will be developed to monitor and evaluate land degradation, considering local conditions and national priorities, the SPA added.
The strategy includes short-, medium-, and long-term plans to restore degraded lands using internationally recognized methods.
As a part of the implementation, the center will conduct in-depth assessments with remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems to determine degradation severity.
The project also involves extensive field and lab analyses of soil, vegetation and water, along with economic and social evaluations, the SPA reported.
Practical methodologies and mechanisms will be developed to guide rehabilitation efforts based on prioritized restoration needs.
