King Salman reserve records Nubian ibex birth

King Salman reserve records Nubian ibex birth
The reserve’s development authority said that over time, more than 81 mountain ibexes have been reintroduced across various areas of the reserve. (SPA)
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Updated 17 March 2025
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King Salman reserve records Nubian ibex birth

King Salman reserve records Nubian ibex birth
  • The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve is the largest terrestrial nature reserve in the Middle East

RIYADH: The field team at the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve recorded the birth of a Nubian ibex in March, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The reserve’s development authority said that over time, more than 81 mountain ibexes have been reintroduced across various areas of the reserve.

This effort aligns with its commitment to protecting wildlife, including endangered species, and providing a thriving environment for their growth and reproduction, the SPA reported.

The authority added that the reproduction of animals within the reserve reflects the quality and suitability of its natural habitats for wildlife.

The reserve has recorded over 120 mammal births, including the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, Nubian ibex, and Arabian gazelle, across its designated areas.

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.


KAUST researchers fine-tune desalination techniques to boost Saudi Arabia’s farming output

KAUST researchers fine-tune desalination techniques to boost Saudi Arabia’s farming output
Updated 1 min 34 sec ago
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KAUST researchers fine-tune desalination techniques to boost Saudi Arabia’s farming output

KAUST researchers fine-tune desalination techniques to boost Saudi Arabia’s farming output
  • Initiative focuses on desalination and wastewater treatment to provide “clean enough” water for hydroponic farming of high-value crops

JEDDAH: Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology are collaborating with local farmers and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to address Saudi Arabia’s critical freshwater scarcity in agriculture.

The new KAUST Center of Excellence for Sustainable Food Security aims to enhance agriculture in arid regions by combining controlled environment agriculture with desalination of non-conventional water resources, according to a press release.

The initiative focuses on desalination and wastewater treatment to provide “clean enough” water for hydroponic farming of high-value crops, addressing plant health and affordability.

KAUST Environmental Science and Engineering Prof. Noreddine Ghaffour, principal investigator, said: “Why not tailor desalination technology by removing only exactly what we want removed? It will be cheaper than previous practices because we will do it with less energy, targeting specific crops.”

His team is developing solutions to achieve food abundance and economic growth. “If successful, the Kingdom will be exporting, not importing, these technologies,” Ghaffour added.

According to the release, current practices for farmers to desalinate local brackish water are inefficient and expensive. These processes also remove all ions, including valuable nutrients absent in local soils, and so the water must be partially remineralized.

Ghaffour team’s selective approach eliminates only what each crop type cannot handle. This reduces steps, cuts energy use, and lowers costs.

“Some crops need more salt, others more nutrients, and some are sensitive to boron. Our goal is to minimize costs by tailoring desalination,” Ghaffour said.

As part of the two-year research project, which began in September 2024, KAUST researchers evaluate technological solutions such as nanofiltration, electrodialysis, and brackish water reverse osmosis. Their aim is to determine what works best. One approach involves “forward osmosis,” which uses liquid-phase fertilizers to drive the process.

The project also employs anaerobic membrane bioreactor technology combined with ultraviolet disinfection to reclaim municipal wastewater, enhancing CEA system water quality and nutrient availability.

“This will map groundwater types in the Kingdom, select crop-specific desalination technologies, and optimize treatment configurations for testing in the KAUST Plant Science Core Lab, aiming to deliver prototypes at TRL 4-5,” the release said.

This project supports Saudi Arabia’s goals for sustainable agriculture, wastewater reuse, and reduced freshwater dependence.

“It promotes resilient farming practices, aligns with the Kingdom’s food security strategy, and showcases how KAUST is addressing the nation’s challenges, reinforcing its value as a national asset,” according to the release.


Saudi project restoring Jazan mosque’s heritage 

Saudi project restoring Jazan mosque’s heritage 
Updated 42 min 43 sec ago
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Saudi project restoring Jazan mosque’s heritage 

Saudi project restoring Jazan mosque’s heritage 
  • The project aims to preserve its historical significance and secure its legacy for future generations

RIYADH: The historic Al-Abbasa Mosque in Jazan’s Abu Arish governorate is undergoing restoration as part of a national project, according to the Saudi Press Agency. 

The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to preserve its historical significance and secure its legacy for future generations. 

The mosque, dating to 1846, is one of the region’s oldest and most significant heritage structures, the SPA reported on Tuesday. 

The Al-Abbasa Mosque will be restored to its original architectural grandeur, including its distinctive three domes, with natural building materials.

The renovation will maintain the mosque’s unique features, including the mihrab adorned with Qur’anic verses and the engraved panel indicating its construction date.

The mosque’s stone and brick construction will be preserved to uphold its historical and architectural significance, the SPA added.

Upon completion, the mosque will cover an area of 435 sq. meters, accommodating 165 worshippers.

It is one of 30 mosques across 13 regions included in phase two, which features six mosques in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf, and Jazan. One mosque is included in each of the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail, and Qassim.

Phase two follows the successful completion of phase one in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions, according to the SPA. 

Saudi Arabia companies and engineers specializing in heritage restoration are leading the development efforts, according to the report.


KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities
Updated 58 min 14 sec ago
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KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities
  • Etaam project aims to distribute 390,109 food parcels across 27 countries during Ramadan

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food baskets to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

In Bangladesh’s Bagerhat district, 100 packages were distributed to families in need as part of the Etaam Ramadan food project.

In Djibouti, 900 parcels supported 5,400 people in Balbala, while 581 parcels were distributed in Western Beqaa, Lebanon, benefiting 2,900 individuals.

Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute 390,109 food parcels across 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of over SR67 million ($17.8 million).

Meanwhile, KSrelief distributed 1,200 baskets in Khartoum, Sudan, benefiting 8,670 people. The project will also distribute 30,000 parcels to displaced people returning home in several Sudanese states.

In Somalia, 600 clothing kits were provided to vulnerable families in Hargeisa, benefiting 3,600 individuals. This is part of the shelter assistance project for displaced and affected people in the country.


New platform launched for pilgrims’ guidance

New platform launched for pilgrims’ guidance
Updated 18 March 2025
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New platform launched for pilgrims’ guidance

New platform launched for pilgrims’ guidance
  • The platform educates visitors on performing rituals according to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad in an interactive format

RIYADH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched an awareness platform on its website, offering 180 educational topics for pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors of the Two Holy Mosques.

The platform educates visitors on performing rituals according to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad in an interactive format, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

It focuses on essential topics, addresses pilgrims’ needs and enhances their spiritual journey at Islam’s holiest sites, the SPA added.

The platform includes 580 minutes of videos, 365 presentations and 220 educational designs. It is organized into four learning tracks and 12 educational journeys for a comprehensive experience.

Content is available in eight languages, including English, French, Persian, Indonesian and Hausa, the SPA reported.

The platform allows users to progress through learning stages in a structured way, with progress statistics to motivate further learning. It can be accessed at learn.haj.gov.sa.


Saudi leadership approves over SR3bn of Ramadan aid disbursement

Saudi leadership approves over SR3bn of Ramadan aid disbursement
Updated 18 March 2025
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Saudi leadership approves over SR3bn of Ramadan aid disbursement

Saudi leadership approves over SR3bn of Ramadan aid disbursement
  • Initiative part of government’s efforts to improve quality of life, enhance standard of living

RIYADH: The Saudi leadership has approved the disbursement of over SR3 billion ($800 million) to social security beneficiaries as part of an aid initiative during the holy month of Ramadan.

Under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the scheme will address the needs of beneficiary families and fulfill their requirements during Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Over SR3 billion will be given as follows: each breadwinner will receive SR1,000, and each dependent in the household will receive SR500. The funds will be deposited directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries on Tuesday, March 18, the SPA said.

Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmad bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for helping to provide citizens with a decent livelihood.

The initiative is part of the Saudi government’s efforts to improve the quality of life and enhance the standard of living for social security beneficiaries, especially during Ramadan, the SPA added.