The reserve’s development authority seeks to breed wild hares and reintroduce them into their natural habitats through conservation programs
Updated 33 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Wild hares are among the many species of wildlife found in the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, where they thrive in areas with essential plants for survival and adapt to various environments.
The gestation period for a female wild hare lasts about 40 days, and she can give birth to four to 12 young per litter, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Wild hares are characterized by their long, thin bodies, and their fur ranges in color from gray to reddish-brown. Their sharp eyesight and keen sense of smell allow them to detect danger and quickly escape predators, the SPA added.
The reserve’s development authority seeks to breed wild hares and reintroduce them into their natural habitats through conservation programs.
As the largest terrestrial nature reserve in the Middle East, the reserve spans 130,700 sq. km across four administrative regions: Jouf, Hail, Northern Borders, and Tabuk. The reserve features diverse habitats, terrains, and unique geographic formations.
Recently, it earned several international environmental certifications. It was listed on the Green List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, becoming the first Saudi reserve to achieve this recognition.
Ukrainian child finds hope in KSrelief prosthetics center
The prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation center reflects the Kingdom’s pioneering role in international humanitarian work
Updated 6 sec ago
SPA
RIYADH: When Matilda, an 8-year-old Ukrainian girl confined to a wheelchair, visited a prosthetic limbs center in Poland affiliated with Saudi aid agency KSrelief, it was with hope for the future.
Before the war in Ukraine, Matilda was like any other child, full of life and laughter, playing in the alleys of her village. However, in an instant, her life changed irrevocably. The war tragically resulted in the amputation of both her legs below the knees. This sudden transformation from an active, energetic child to one facing an uncertain future was devastating.
Matilda’s parents were struck with shock and despair as their daughter faced a life-altering loss of mobility, unable to walk, play, or even sit comfortably. The sudden change weighed heavily on her physical and mental health.
The specialized team provided crucial psychological support, helping her accept her new body and build her self-confidence. (SPA)
Overwhelmed by financial burdens and uncertainty, the family found a glimmer of hope when KSrelief announced its prosthetic limbs program, offering rehabilitation services to victims of war and disaster.
Matilda’s parents learned about this vital program, targeting those affected by the war in Ukraine residing in Poland. Upon learning that the Polish Ministry of Health had included their daughter on the list of eligible amputees, they finally saw a glimmer of hope.
Her journey to regain her life began with a complex logistical process that brought her to the prosthetics center in Poland. Greeted by the warm smiles of the medical team, she felt hope that the pain would soon begin to subside. A comprehensive medical assessment was conducted, and a detailed medical file was created, outlining a personalized treatment plan that considered Matilda’s physical and psychological needs.
FASTFACT
Ukrainian child Matilda has a chance at a better future with KSrelief’s prosthetic limbs program that offers rehabilitation services to victims of war and disaster.
This plan carefully assessed the level and type of amputation, the characteristics of the remaining limbs, and most importantly, Matilda’s goals, expectations, and desires. The Saudi medical team reassured Matilda, explaining the journey ahead and emphasizing that this center was more than just a medical facility; it was a place dedicated to restoring lives.
Before the prosthetic limbs were fitted, Matilda underwent a rigorous rehabilitation program focused on strengthening her muscles, improving her balance, and alleviating the pain associated with the amputation.
Matilda’s journey with the prosthetics center, managed by a team of dedicated Saudi specialists, marked the beginning of her recovery. The multidisciplinary team included orthopedic and rehabilitation doctors, prosthetic limb specialists, and experienced physiotherapists. The team also included dedicated volunteers who provide essential support services, including logistics and organizing activities within the rehabilitation centers.
In Matilda’s case, the specialized team determined the final measurements and selected the appropriate materials for her prosthetics based on her individual needs and condition. After the manufacturing process was complete, Matilda entered a pre-installation rehabilitation phase. The team also provided invaluable guidance on coping with the amputation and adapting to the changes in her body and life.
After weeks of evaluation and rehabilitation, the day Matilda had been eagerly anticipating, yet also dreading, finally arrived. With the assistance of the team, she stood for the first time with both prosthetic limbs in place. Step by step, she began the journey of regaining her balance, learning to walk again, and reclaiming the life she thought she had lost.
The specialized team also provided crucial psychological support, helping her accept her new body and build her self-confidence. They diligently trained her on how to use her prosthetic limbs in everyday activities, from walking and running to playing games.
Matilda underwent regular follow-up sessions to ensure a smooth transition and adaptation to her new life with the prosthetics. Gradually, she regained her independence, no longer reliant on others for assistance.
The prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation center reflects the Kingdom’s pioneering role in international humanitarian work. Recognizing the critical importance of alleviating human suffering and enabling individuals to live dignified lives, the Kingdom, through KSrelief, implements and expands humanitarian and relief projects.
The center prioritizes localizing and improving prosthetic limb services and rehabilitation programs, while also building the capacities of local health institutions to ensure the sustainability of these vital services.
KSrelief adopts a meticulous approach to selecting and classifying beneficiaries for the prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation program. The selection process relies on lists of amputation patients provided by the Ministry of Health in the respective countries where the project is implemented.
Priority is given to amputation patients resulting from direct war injuries, mines, or the remnants of war, encompassing all age groups, children under the age of 18 suffering from motor disabilities due to amputation or congenital deformities, and other categories, such as individuals injured in traffic accidents or those affected by various diseases.
The program empowers target groups by providing them with the opportunity to reintegrate into society and engage in various activities independently. This enhances their economic, social, and psychological well-being. Through its four centers, the program offers free, high-quality services to beneficiaries in countries in critical need, including Yemen, Syria, those affected by the earthquake in Turkiye, and those impacted by the Ukrainian war in Poland.
Since its inception in 2020 through 2024, the program has provided services to over 109,000 beneficiaries, delivering 298,999 free, high-quality services. Moreover, 10,851 modern prosthetic and orthotic limbs were manufactured and fitted. Notably, 98,612 beneficiaries received rehabilitation services.
According to program statistics, female beneficiaries constituted 33 percent, while males comprised 67 percent. Approximately 24 percent of cases stemmed from pathological injuries, while a significant 76 percent resulted from war injuries, including those caused by mines, war remnants, and unexploded ordnance.
Today, Matilda is no longer the little girl who entered the center confined to a wheelchair. She has transformed into a confident young girl walking independently, her eyes filled with hope as she embraces the future.
Matilda’s story is one among countless others that exemplify KSrelief’s commitment to embodying the Kingdom’s message of support for people in need, wherever they may be.
Saudi deputy minister meets Korean official in Muscat
They reviewed bilateral cooperation on various issues
Updated 11 sec ago
Arab News
MUSCAT: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi met with Eui-hae Cecilia Chung, Korea’s special representative for the Indo-Pacific, at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat on Monday.
During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral cooperation on various issues. They also discussed regional and international developments and efforts to address them, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, the governor of Jeddah, received Kuwait’s Consul General in Jeddah Yousef Al-Tunaib on Monday.
During their meeting, they discussed various topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The plan focuses on enhancing the spiritual significance of the holy month by highlighting its virtues and reinforcing the sacred status of the Grand Mosque in Makkah
Updated 27 sec ago
Arab News
MAKKAH: Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, launched the operational plan for Ramadan, in Makkah.
The plan focuses on enhancing the spiritual significance of the holy month by highlighting its virtues and reinforcing the sacred status of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
It aims to provide an enriched religious experience for visitors and pilgrims through high-quality services and innovative programs.
The strategy is designed to ensure a seamless and spiritually fulfilling experience while maintaining institutional excellence, the SPA added.
Al-Sudais said that the plan includes a series of initiatives aimed at increasing worshippers’ religious and cultural engagement.
More than 120 scientific, intellectual and guidance programs have been introduced to deepen visitors’ understanding of Ramadan’s spiritual value.
The plan also features 10 enriching pathways to support the experience of those visiting the Two Holy Mosques during the holy month.
Jeddah conference highlights Saudi-French archaeological discoveries on Farasan Islands
Updated 17 February 2025
Afshan Aziz
JEDDAH: French archaeologist and researcher Solene Marion de Proce hosted a conference titled “The Saudi-French Archaeological Project in the Farasan Islands: Past and Present” at the Alliance Francaise Saudi Arabia in Hay Jameel, Jeddah, on Sunday.
The conference explored the history and recent archaeological discoveries on the Farasan Islands, highlighting the outcomes of the unique scientific collaboration between France and Saudi Arabia.
In her presentation, Marion de Proce provided a comprehensive overview of the collaborative efforts between the Heritage Commission of the Ministry of Culture and the University Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne as part of the Saudi-French archaeological mission on the Farasan Islands.
“We discussed the project’s history, sharing both past results and the most recent discoveries, as our team just completed the winter season of 2025,” she said. “The interest in the Farasan Islands began with the discovery of a Latin inscription by Farasani scholar, writer, and poet Ibrahim Miftah. The implications for understanding ancient maritime trade and Roman history were game-changing.”
She said that subsequent surveys and excavations led to the establishment of the Saudi-French mission on the Farasan Islands.
“The archipelago is a unique archaeological laboratory. The sites are well preserved, offering a window into the region’s cultural traits over time. It acts as a time capsule, a dream for every archaeologist."
French archeologist and researcher Solene Marion de Proce provided a comprehensive overview of the collaborative efforts as part of the Saudi-French archeological mission on the Farasan Islands. (Supplied)
The Saudi-French archaeological project has unearthed several significant discoveries, and Solene highlighted some key findings.
“The archipelago hosts many sites from the Late Bronze Age to Late Antiquity, which is the focus of our project. Led by Saudi archaeologist Mohammad Ali Al-Malki and myself, the team uncovered a South Arabian-style temple, long-duration settlements, and a Roman military camp — the southernmost ever discovered.”
Marion de Proce expressed optimism about the future of archaeological research in the region. “I am confident that the future of archaeological research in the Jazan/Farasan region is promising. It has so much to offer and much remains to be discovered. People are genuinely eager to learn more about their past.”
Larry Lamartiniere, managing director of Alliance Francaise Saudi Arabia, said: “Alliance Francaise, alongside the French Consulate in Jeddah, launched a series of conferences last month where French experts and scholars shared their research on Saudi Arabia and the Middle East with our community.
“This conference is a prime example of the excellence of the Saudi-French relationship, particularly through the ongoing archaeological project on the Farasan Islands. Our goal with these lectures is to make our space a hub for knowledge and discussion, providing experts with a platform to share their work. This time, we decided to present the lecture in English so that even non-French speakers could attend.”
Authorities bust drug smugglers across Saudi Arabia
Preliminary legal procedures were completed and all seized items were handed to the relevant authorities
Updated 17 February 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi authorities have reported multiple drug-related arrests and seizures across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Security officers in Asir region arrested two Ethiopians for smuggling 4 kg of qat, and two Yemenis with 10 kg of qat, in separate operations in Al-Farsha governorate.
In addition, officers in Jazan region arrested three Ethiopians for selling amphetamine; and in Jeddah, a citizen was arrested for selling hashish.
Border Guard patrols in Al-Dayer governorate, Jazan, thwarted the smuggling of 116 kg of hashish; and in another operation, two Yemenis were arrested for smuggling 240 kg of qat.
Border Guard patrols in Asir’s Al-Raboah sector thwarted the smuggling of 32,900 medically-regulated tablets, and arrested five Ethiopians for smuggling 100 kg of qat.
Preliminary legal procedures were completed and all seized items were handed to the relevant authorities.
The authorities have urged the public to report drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions.
Reports can also be submitted, in strict confidence, to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at [email protected].
