JEDDAH: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman arrived in Jeddah on Thursday for his first visit since ascending the throne on Jan. 23, where he would outline efforts to further develop the region and improve services for pilgrims.
Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, adviser to the king, Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Majed, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior, and Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman, were present to meet the monarch at the airport.
A large number of princes and senior government officials were also present. The king was accompanied by senior princes and officials including Prince Muqrin.
Jeddah’s streets were decorated with more than 1,000 Saudi flags, photographs of the king, huge banners and lights. “Citizens and residents all over the city are happy to receive King Salman,” said Jeddah Mayor Hani Abu Ras.
“The first instruction I received from the king as governor and adviser was to put the welfare and progress of Makkah residents and pilgrims on top of my priority list,” Prince Khaled said in an interview.
“The royal visit provides a golden opportunity to learn about the king’s vision for the region’s overall development,” the governor said. “Makkah concerns not only Saudis but also Muslims across the world,” he said. The governor hinted that the government plans to correct the legal status of foreign communities living in Makkah, like the Burmese.
King Salman plans to perform Umrah and pray at the Grand Mosque, where he would seek strength and guidance from the Almighty to carry out his responsibilities, Prince Khaled said. He would also pray for peace and prosperity for Muslims across the world.
“King Salman is a strong believer and is emotionally attached to Makkah and its people.” Prince Khaled said the king is familiar with the city and region’s streets and families, and “knows its spiritual and historical value.”
He said King Salman has always been keen to listen to people and get their views first hand.
“We cannot forget his visit to Jeddah last Ramadan when he met with people and attended some events. This reaffirms his close relationship with people of the region.”
Prince Khaled urged citizens to be proud of their country. “Our biggest problem is that we do not know the value of our country and do not give it the status it deserves, especially at a time when the whole world appreciates us more than we do ourselves.”
He highlighted the Kingdom’s economic strength and stability. “Over the past 10 years, we have seen many countries going through deep recession but the global economic crisis did not affect the Kingdom. On the contrary, it supported the global economy. This demonstrates the Kingdom’s global importance.”
“Forty years ago, when I was studying in America and Britain, many people there did not even know the location of Saudi Arabia on the map. Now you can see the strong presence of the Kingdom at all levels, with our increased participation in political decision-making, global economic stability and development, and the fight against terrorism.”
Prince Khaled commended King Salman’s leadership role in Operation Decisive Storm to restore the legitimate government in Yemen. “The UN support for the Yemen operation reflects the Kingdom’s international reputation and credibility,” he added.
The governor disclosed his plans for massive development of the region, especially Makkah, Jeddah and Taif, by setting up comprehensive public transport systems including metros and developing underdeveloped residential districts.
Referring to stalled government projects, Prince Khaled stressed the need to promote a culture of responsibility and good management across all departments through direct and daily communication. “King Salman is personally interested in this vital aspect and is eager to ensure government agencies meet citizens’ requirements quickly and efficiently,” he added.
Prince Khaled commended Saudi youth and students for winning awards at global events in the fields of innovation and science. Steps would be taken in coordination with ministers to provide them with good opportunities and jobs, he said.
Makkah development ‘top priority’
Makkah development ‘top priority’
Meteorology center forecasts 3 rainy days in most parts of Saudi Arabia
- People in coastal areas cautioned against high waves
RIYADH: Rain of varying intensities will prevail in most parts of Saudi Arabia from January 10 to 12, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) forecast on Thursday.
In a weather bulletin, the center warned of downpours accompanied by winds of up to 60 kilometers per hour, and the possibility of torrential rain and hail. High waves are to be expected along the coasts, the NCM said.
The forecast said the northern regions of Al-Jouf, the Northern Borders, and Hail will have rainy conditions on Friday and Saturday.
Rain is expected in Tabuk and Madinah regions on Friday, the Eastern Province, Asir, and Jazan will see rainfall from Saturday to Sunday, and in Qassim on Saturday.
As for Riyadh and Al-Baha regions, rain are to be expected from Friday to Sunday.
The NCM urged the public to stay updated about the weather conditions in the Kingdom by visiting the daily reports on its website, the "Anwaa" application, or its social media accounts.
Saudi Falcons Club CEO and Kazakhstan ambassador discuss ways to boost cooperation
RIYADH: The CEO of the Saudi Falcons Club, Ahmed Al-Hababi, met Kazakhstan’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Madiyar Menilbekov, in Riyadh on Thursday to discuss opportunities for cooperation and ways in which these might be enhanced to benefit mutual goals.
One of the topics was the Hadad Program, a leading initiative developed by the club with the aim of returning falcons to their natural habitats and saving the species from the threat of extinction.
Menilbekov praised the club for the important role it plays in enhancing falconry and preserving its cultural heritage.
The club said the meeting was part of its efforts to strengthen international partnerships in keeping with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification.
Saudi envoy to US outlines efforts to maintain safety of Saudi citizens amid LA wildfires
LOS ANGELES: Saudi ambassador to the US, Princess Reema bint Bandar, reaffirmed on Thursday the embassy’s commitment to the safety and security of Saudi citizens in Los Angeles and surrounding areas impacted by wildfires, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In a statement, Princess Reema emphasized that the embassy and the consulate general were working tirelessly to support citizens affected by the fires.
She highlighted that ensuring their well-being remains a top priority for Saudi diplomatic missions in the United States.
She said the team was monitoring the situation closely and was prepared to provide immediate assistance to those in need. The embassy and consulate were dedicated to ensuring the security and safety of all Saudi citizens in affected areas, she added.
The embassy and consulate have activated a round-the-clock response team to address concerns and offer necessary support, SPA added.
The wildfires in California have prompted widespread evacuations and caused significant disruptions in the Los Angeles area, with officials working to contain the blazes.
KAUST conducts research study on microbiomes in glacier-fed streams
- Collaboration with scientists from Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne
RIYADH: The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, in collaboration with scientists from the Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne, has conducted an unprecedented, in-depth study on microbiomes — microorganisms that live symbiotically with humans or other organisms — in glacier-fed streams.
These streams, originating from glaciers atop the Earth’s highest mountains, harbor a wealth of unique microorganisms.
The research team collected and analyzed samples from 170 glacier-fed streams over five years across regions including New Zealand, the Himalayas, the Russian Caucasus, the Tien Shan and Pamir Mountains, the European Alps, the Scandinavian Alps, Greenland, Alaska, the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda, and the Ecuadorian and Chilean Andes, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The findings, published in the renowned scientific journal Nature, represent the first global reference for microbiomes in glacier-fed streams.
These streams, which are among the most extreme natural freshwater ecosystems in the world, are located at mountain summits and are characterized by near-freezing temperatures and low nutrient levels.
They also serve as the origin for many of the world’s largest rivers, functioning as vital water reservoirs for the planet.
KAUST researcher Dr. Ramona Marasco emphasized that glacier-fed streams were highly vulnerable to climate change.
She spoke of the importance of establishing a baseline for their microbiomes to better understand the rate of ecological change, while highlighting KAUST’s extensive genetic sequencing efforts, which have significantly contributed to creating a comprehensive picture of these endangered microbiomes.
The researchers successfully developed the first global atlas of microorganisms in glacier-fed streams.
Their work revealed that these streams harbor a unique microbiome distinct from other cryospheric systems, such as glaciers, frozen soils, and ice-covered lakes.
About half of the bacterial species in these streams are endemic to specific mountain ranges. The scientists attribute this phenomenon to the geographical isolation of mountain ranges, similar to islands, and to the powerful natural selection exerted by the harsh conditions in glacier-fed streams.
Saudi swimmer’s remarkable 30km swim from Alkhobar to Bahrain
- Mariam Binladen’s feat of endurance and grit completed in over 11 hours
JEDDAH: In a remarkable feat of endurance and determination, Saudi Arabia’s Dr. Mariam Binladen recently completed the Khalid bin Hamad Swimming Challenge, covering a distance of 30km from Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia, to Salman City, Bahrain.
Binladen achieved this incredible feat in 11 hours, 25 minutes and 47 seconds.
Among her achievements, the open-water swimmer became the first Arab woman to cross the Red Sea to Egypt in October 2022, and the first to traverse Dubai Creek with a swim of 24 km in 2017.
In addition, she was the first woman from the Gulf to swim across the English Channel, covering 33.5 km in August 2016.
Speaking to Arab News about her feat on Dec. 26, Binladen said: “This swim was on my radar for 7 years.
“Unfortunately it was difficult to find an optimum window to do the challenge, primarily because weather conditions in the Gulf of Bahrain are incredibly difficult to predict.
“I had to study the sea very well taking into account the tides, wind speed, wave patterns, swells, water temperature and marine life cycles in order to minimize risk and achieve this goal.”
She added: “Amongst the many challenges of this event was swimming at night in the dark, in fluctuating cold-to-warm water temperatures, with the added complexity of tidal changes.
“As a way of mitigating the hazardous conditions the swim started at the Water Tower at Alkhobar at 1:50 a.m. Visibility was zero so I was swimming blind coupled with water temperatures ranging from 17 to 22 degrees.
“Instead of feeding every 30 minutes I fed every 15 minutes to avoid hypothermia and to maintain my body heat until sunrise, which was half-way through the swim.
“The tide in this area shifts every six hours which meant swimming part of the way against the tide which requires a huge amount of stamina and mental agility in order not to become exhausted.”
She added: “Each challenge poses its own distinct difficulties and unique set of conditions; during the Red Sea swim it was how to maneuver around sharks and avoid their feeding times.
“The English Channel, for example, was freezing cold and it is a busy shipping lane so it was necessary to address those concerns and plan accordingly.
“The Bahrain swim was undoubtedly hazardous and posed many issues, the distance being one of them. Before any swim I undertake area studies, conditions, risks and train to mitigate risks and for the conditions that I will face. Of course there are always some surprises.”
She has faced other challenges during her career. “My most unusual swim was in an ice glacier in Switzerland, this challenge was to swim in (minus) 2 degrees for 85 meters.
“I undertook extensive physical and cognitive training in order to prepare for this unique challenge. The burn of the ice-cold water will remain with me forever.”
In addition to being an athlete and dentist, Binladen also helps refugees and creates awareness through her platform, which has been acknowledged by organizations worldwide.
In 2016, she opened the first free medical facility of its kind for dental treatment in a Syrian refugee camp in Azraq, Jordan.
“Of course it is rewarding to treat any patients, I love to help people in any capacity I can, whether through treatment, inspiring them in sport or supporting them to swim gives me enormous satisfaction.”
As the Kingdom empowers women, Binladen said that she is delighted to be living at a time when Saudi women can pursue their ambitions in the workplace, sports and business.
“My advice to Saudi women is to never give up on your dream, with hard work and dedication you can fulfill your goals.”
On her future, she said: “It’s a common question, everybody is interested to know what’s next. All I can say is that I have a few possibilities in the pipeline and am carrying out area studies at the moment.”
“My ambition is to lead a fulfilling life in which I am constantly learning, developing, growing and making a positive impact on those around me, through my career, relationships or personal endeavors.
“I strive to pursue excellence and leave a lasting legacy that inspires others.”
