The sweeping life style changes across the Gulf region particularly in the Kingdom, neighboring Kuwait and Qatar have had little impact at least in one aspect — the consumption of the seasonal desert truffle called Faqa.
This is quite conspicuous during winter, when health-conscious citizens make a beeline for make-shift stalls or parked vehicles vending truffle. Desert truffle known as Faqa is available right after the winter rains and its demand rises with the falling mercury.
Faqa is a gastronomic treasure that can be found hidden beneath sandy soil in the north-eastern region in general and in the surrounding areas of Hafar Al-Batin and Rafah in particular. A bumper crop of the truffle, after a 9-year gap, has attracted a large number of Saudis, Kuwaitis and Qataris according to traders who spoke with Arab News over the phone.
Faqa is used in local traditional medicine for treating eye, back, knee and leg ailments and is also known for its qualities as an aphrodisiac.
The abundant supplies of Faqa in the local markets are believed to be due to the heavy rains in the Kingdom.
“A small 2-kilogram carton of Faqa commands a price ranging upward of SR2,000,” Mishal Haddal Al-Shammari a resident of Hafar Al-Batin told Arab News on Saturday. He said that “Like some hundreds of youths, I have been busy collecting Faqa in the border areas for two weeks now.”
He said that one has to have eyes like a hawk to discover the spot in desert and dig out as much of the truffle as possible.
“Faqa has provided us with a great opportunity to make some money. Two weeks ago we sold a carton for SR5,000 and now it is going for SR2,000. The prices are expected to drop further in the coming weeks,” he said.
Faqa is also available in the northern border areas of Arar, Turaif and Rahfa but the light-colored Zubaidi as it is known in Hafar Al-Batin is considered of premium quality, he explained.
Sheikh Altaf, a long-time resident of Hafar Al-Batin said that, “We have been witnessing a huge influx of Kuwaitis and citizens from other areas into Hafar to purchase Faqa.”
He said that the entire process of searching for Faqa to sel it on the roadside is done by Saudis as they are familiar with the different qualities and are able to determine the price.
The search for Faqa is largely concentrated in Kuwait, Iraq and the bordering areas where hunters often trespass into restricted zones on the borders.
Admiral Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, spokesperson of the General Directorate of Border Guards has warned that “Border Guards will not tolerate anyone moving around the border areas in search of Faqa.” He added that Border Guards have noted an increasing presence and movement of people in the bordering areas in search of Faqa.
Connoisseurs scour desert in hunt for truffles
Connoisseurs scour desert in hunt for truffles
Makkah launches digital tools to enrich Hajj pilgrims’ experience
- Second version of AI-powered robot Manarah 2 launched
- Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais reveals Hajj plan Thursday
MAKKAH: The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched several digital tools to enhance the spiritual experience of pilgrims during the Hajj season.
The initiative aims to convey the universal message of Hajj and highlight its Shariah objectives in multiple languages.
Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency, inaugurated the second version of the artificial intelligence-powered robot Manarah 2.
The launch included several smart interactive screens, a global electronic recitation platform, and a multilingual Surah Al-Fatiha app.
During the Hajj season, the presidency is focused on enhancing the digital experience through integrated services, AI, smart apps, and media, in line with its broader transformation goals.
The initiative also supports Vision 2030 by utilizing advanced digital tools and content developed by local experts to promote the values of moderation and guidance rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah.
The presidency’s Hajj operational plan, to be announced on Thursday, will prioritize enriching the pilgrim experience and will include scientific, educational, and guidance-based initiatives that reflect its core mission.
Saudi Arabia makes strides in Vision 2030, workplace safety
- Vice environment minister highlights Kingdom’s focus on human capital, sustainability at Riyadh conference
Riyadh: Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Mansour Al-Mushaiti has highlighted Saudi Arabia’s significant progress toward Vision 2030, with 93 percent of annual indicators met and 85 percent of initiatives either completed or on track.
Speaking at the Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference in Riyadh, he emphasized the environment sector’s commitment to sustainability and the prioritization of worker safety across all development projects.
Al-Mushaiti underscored the Kingdom’s focus on human capital, demonstrated by the establishment of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health and the adoption of international best practices.
He noted the water sector’s achievement of more than 190 million safe work hours and a sub-45-second emergency response time with zero serious incidents during large-scale project implementation, which he attributed to robust safety management systems.
The conference, held from May 4-6 under the theme “The Future of Occupational Safety and Health,” brings together senior officials, experts, and specialists from Saudi Arabia and around the world to explore future directions and challenges in global labor markets.
Al-Mushaiti also outlined environmental protection efforts, including a noise and light pollution monitoring program in major cities, citing potential productivity gains of more than 11 percent, according to the World Green Building Council.
He highlighted the success of the Saudi Green Initiative, which has led to the planting of more than 141 million trees, the rehabilitation of more than 313,000 hectares of degraded land, and the protection of more than 4 million hectares.
These environmental advances enhance worker safety and contribute to safer, more sustainable work environments, Al-Mushaiti said.
In agriculture, Al-Mushaiti affirmed the ministry’s adoption of Saudi Good Agricultural Practices standards, with 142 facilities accredited for safe practices, advanced pesticide control systems, and smart awareness platforms that have reduced pesticide residues to below 2 percent.
The three-day conference features scientific sessions, 60 workshops, 20 dialogue sessions, and the Global Occupational Safety and Health Hackathon, showcasing 30 innovative projects.
Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs
- On Saturday, the organization also concluded its volunteer open-heart surgery and catheterization project in Dushanbe, Tajikistan
RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief completed medical programs in Tajikistan, Turkiye, and Tanzania, in line with the organization’s aim to support injured people worldwide.
The Saudi Noor Campaign, which will conclude on May 6, is tackling blindness in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
The medical team examined 1,731 cases, assigned 198 prescription glasses, performed 60 operations and provided medication to 857 patients.
In Reyhanli district, Türkiye, KSrelief carried out a prosthetics and rehabilitation program.
With a team of 13 specialists, they fitted 36 individuals with prosthetics and 40 orthopedic splints.
On Saturday, the organization also concluded its volunteer open-heart surgery and catheterization project in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
The team performed 133 open-heart catheterizations and 15 open-heart operations.
KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria
RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief continues to launch volunteer programs throughout the Arab world to address humanitarian crises and improve the health of Yemeni and Syrian people.
In Damascus, the team completed three volunteer initiatives that supported hundreds with disaster response, administrative training, and psychosocial support for women and children. The program ran from April 26 to May 3.
In Yemen, meanwhile, KSrelief completed the first phase of an outreach vaccination campaign in the Aden governorate in collaboration with Yemen’s Minister of Public Health and Population Qasem Buhaibeh.
On Friday, the organization launched vocational training courses in Wadi Hadhramaut, Yemen, to improve the livelihood of locals and boost economic development.
The project targeted 1,500 people and focused on home appliance maintenance, carpentry, vehicle repair, men’s tailoring, beekeeping, plumbing, photography, and electricity and energy.
Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation
- Speakers noted that the increase in entertainment activities such as concerts and dining in the Kingdom in recent years has led to higher demand for fashion products because people are looking for ways to express themselves
RIYADH: A Riyadh fashion seminar on Sunday brought together industry leaders and creatives to explore the future of Saudi Arabia’s fashion economy.
Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.
The agenda focused on three main themes: the evolution of fashion retail in the Kingdom; the role of cultural identity in building brands; and the rising importance of digital fashion and collaboration.
An awards ceremony honored the standout talents of this year’s cohort: APOA, Awaken, Bucketbox, Mona Al-Shebil, Noble & Fresh, Nora Al-Shaikh, Rebirth, Samar Nasraldin, The Untitled Project and USCITA.
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Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.
One discussion explored consumer behavior in Saudi Arabia, revealing that the local market continues to grow despite global slowdowns.
Speakers noted that the increase in entertainment activities such as concerts and dining in the Kingdom in recent years has led to higher demand for fashion products because people are looking for ways to express themselves.
Retail experiences — both physical and digital — were emphasized as key to engaging Saudi consumers.
Youth culture, streetwear and sports are shaping brand narratives, a panel heard. Speakers discussed how fashion is being used as a tool for cultural storytelling, with an emphasis on grassroots creativity and community building.
Another topic highlighted the power of collaboration between local and international brands. Panelists discussed the importance of long-term partnerships, manufacturing localization, and mentorship to bridge gaps in knowledge and infrastructure.
Speakers also addressed the future of digital fashion, including virtual design, retail innovation, and new marketing strategies targeting Gen Z.
Saudi Arabia’s growing role in shaping the regional and global fashion economy was a prominent theme of the discussions.
