JEDDAH: For some people in Saudi Arabia, an animal is a very profitable item, and the less they spend on it, the more they profit. This translates into a miserable existence for the animals, which are often kept in cramped filthy cages too small for them to stand or turn around in. They receive no veterinary care, very little to eat and drink, and spend weeks, if not months, in chains.
And when their soul eventually departs their body, they are tossed in the trash with the rest of the garbage — and the only sorrow caused by their passing is their owner’s regret at the few hundred riyals lost.
Female baboons are separated from their babies by hunters in the mountains of Taif; dogs are stolen from their owners in Obhur and female German Shepherd dogs are kept in a specially-made cage which forces their rear ends into a position that allows her to be easily mounted and impregnated by a male dog.
All this and much more cruelty takes place before these creatures even reach the animal markets.
The Pigeon Souk of Jeddah is where these animals are all sold despite Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Jeddah Municipality bans being in place. It is a dirty and dusty place where the corpses of birds and other animals are strewn around, and where a dry and dusty water bowl sits next to a pair of thirsty puppies sharing a bird cage.
“The condition and treatment of the animals being sold at the animal souk is miserable and inhumane to say the least,” said Sonja Svensek, founder of Pets in Need, a Jeddah-based online platform that connects thousands of like-minded people in order to help animals in need.
“Animals are kept in small dirty cages, some without food or water. Some are chained, and the majority are in questionable health. For any animal lover, it is heartbreaking to witness the state of the animals being kept and treated there.”
Arab News visited the souk, located in Jeddah’s Khomra District, and found kittens, cats and dogs openly available for sale despite a Municipality ban on trading in anything but birds at the Pigeon Souk.
One man was selling a mother cat and her kittens. “You can have them all for SR1,100,” he told Arab News. “Or SR200 for each kitten, or SR700 for the mother.” When asked why the mother was three times the price, he said that she could make babies and those could be sold.
A few meters away, in the farthest corner of the marketplace from the parking area, were two small dogs, less than a year old, looking frightened. The man selling them said they were from France. One had a pink collar and their claws were trimmed as if recently manicured.
It seemed likely the dogs had been stolen.
“Chances were that if your dog went missing or was stolen, it would end up at that market”, Svensek said. “Out of every 10 cases of missing dogs, about six are eventually found on sale there. We see this from the posts of desperate pet owners who have lost their pet, only to find it at the souk days, or sometimes weeks, later.”
A similar problem exists at the animal souk in Riyadh, according to Dr. Lana Dunn, a volunteer at Open Paws of Riyadh, a group of Saudis and expatriates who work to reduce the number of homeless pets, control stray cat populations and help animals in need of rescue.
The issue, Dunn said, is that the Municipality controls the pet stores, animal souks and stray animal populations, but is not in charge of the condition of the animals on sale. The Municipality says that is the responsibility of the animal welfare department of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. But the Ministry says it has no authority over areas that the Municipality is in charge of. And that is how animal welfare falls through the cracks.
“The Riyadh animal souk is a health hazard to people as well as to the animals. It’s an embarrassment to the country in the eyes of visitors, and it’s also a bad example considering Islam’s obligations to care for God’s creatures,” Dunn said. “I have nothing good to say about it. I’m dumbfounded that it is allowed to go on.”
Arab News called and messaged Jeddah Municipality and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture for comment, but did not receive a timely response.
Despicable treatment of animals in KSA: Who is to blame?
Despicable treatment of animals in KSA: Who is to blame?
Saudi Arabia elected vice-chair of WHO executive board
- Elected chairman of the Executive Board was Australia
- The board's new officials will hold office until mid-2028
GENEVA: Saudi Arabia was elected on Friday as vice chair of the World Health Organization’s executive board for the 2025–2028 term.
The election was held during the board’s first meeting of its 57th session in Geneva following the conclusion of the 78th session of the World Health Assembly.
Saudi Arabia’s delegation to the session was led by Rakan Khalid Bin Dohaish, Ministry of Health undersecretary for international cooperation, who stood on behalf of Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel, SPA reported.
Composed of 34 members representing various member states, the WHO executive board is responsible for implementing the resolutions and recommendations of the World Health Assembly — the supreme decision-making body of WHO. The executive board oversees priority health programs and policies at both regional and international levels.
Elected chairman of the executive board was Australia, represented by Blair Comley, secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
Also elected to the board’s three other vice chair positions were Norway, Togo and Thailand.
A statement by the Saudi delegation, quoted by SPA, said that the Kingdom’s election to the WHO executive board underscores “the growing international confidence in the Kingdom’s leadership and its significant role in advancing global public health.”
Saudi Arabia has previously reaffirmed its commitment to support WHO in addressing health challenges.
According to WHO, Saudi Arabia has since 2018 consistently supported the organization, contributing more than $385 million to global health initiatives and emergency-related operations in various countries including the occupied Palestinian territory, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Iraq, Somalia, Syria and Yemen.
What Saudi Arabia’s ancient lava fields reveal about its volcanic past — and tourism potential
- Saudi Arabia aims to turn its lava landscapes into tourist destinations, blending science, history, and outdoor adventure
- The Kingdom’s last major eruption occurred near Madinah in 1256, leaving a 20 km lava trail that is still visible today
JEDDAH: Scattered across Saudi Arabia’s vast deserts and mountains lie more than 2,500 volcanic craters — relics of a fiery geological past that continues to intrigue scientists and thrill adventurous travellers today.
These ancient volcanoes have not erupted in centuries. Their silence, however, belies their significance.
“The Kingdom possesses one of the largest volcanic fields (locally known as Al-Harrat) in the world,” Turki Essam Al-Sehli, senior director of the Geohazard Center at the Saudi Geological Survey, told Arab News.
“These fields cover an area of approximately 90,000 square kilometers — around 4.6 percent of the Kingdom’s total area.”
The last known eruption was in 1256 AD, when lava from Al-Harrat Rahat flowed within 20 kilometers of Madinah. While dramatic in its time, such activity has long since ceased. “The Kingdom has experienced relative volcanic stability for centuries,” Al-Sehli said.
This dormancy, combined with the dramatic scenery of ancient lava fields, has opened the door to a growing trend: volcano tourism.
From stark black cones to craters that plunge deep into the Earth, Saudi Arabia’s volcanic landscape offers some of the most breathtaking geological sights in the region.
Among the most striking is Al-Wahbah, a vast crater near Taif that is 250 meters deep and more than two kilometers across. In the Asir region, Jabal Farwa — the Kingdom’s tallest volcanic peak — rises more than 3,000 m above sea level.
Meanwhile, the Khaybar tract is home to Mount Al-Qadar, where lava once flowed for more than 50 km, and the otherworldly Mount Al-Abyad, known for its pale color and unusual formations.
“Fields like Rahat and Khaybar are characterized by hundreds of volcanic cones formed by mild explosive eruptions and vast lava flow areas reaching lava flow length over 50 km on some occasions, which grant them significant geological and scientific importance,” Al-Sehli said.
“Additionally, they are considered the largest in the Arab world and the Middle East.”
DID YOU KNOW?
• The last volcanic eruption in the Hijaz region occurred in 1256 AD, southeast of Madinah.
• Its lava flow extended for 23 kilometers, stopping 8.2 km short of the Prophet’s Mosque.
• Saudi Arabia’s volcanic landscape has the potential to become a global tourist destination.
While some fields are still classified as “potentially active,” experts agree there is no cause for alarm.
“Some volcanic fields are categorized as potentially active due to the geophysical indicators of eruptible magma in the mid-crust, which means there is a possibility — even if slight — of future volcanic activity,” Al-Sehli said.
“Currently, there are no signs of imminent danger.”
Indeed, any future eruption, while highly unlikely in the short term, would be closely monitored. The Saudi Geological Survey operates a state-of-the-art seismic and volcanic surveillance network designed to detect even the slightest changes beneath the surface.
Should a large eruption take place, however, the environmental impact and the effect on the local climate could be significant.
“In the event of a major volcanic eruption, the emission of fine volcanic ash and gases such as sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the upper layers of the atmosphere could lead to temporary cooling of the local or regional climate, as well as generating acid rainfall,” Al-Sehli said.
With little risk posed by these sleeping giants and great natural beauty to explore and enjoy, Saudi Arabia is increasingly investing in geotourism — promoting its volcanic fields not as hazards, but as heritage.
“There is growing interest in developing geological tourism in the Kingdom,” Al-Sehli said. “The ministry of tourism is collaborating with the Saudi Geological Survey to develop and preserve these geological sites.”
The Saudi Geological Survey’s role extends far beyond monitoring. It produces maps and reports, conducts scientific research, and works to raise public awareness through exhibitions and outreach programs.
It also helps identify and conserve key geological sites, ensuring that Saudi Arabia’s volcanic past is protected for future generations.
From lava trails to towering cones, the Kingdom’s volcanic fields offer a window into Earth’s ancient forces — and a unique travel experience for those looking to explore a different side of Saudi Arabia.
These volcanoes may be dormant, but their potential — for knowledge, for tourism, and for wonder — is anything but.
King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah pioneers first robotic thoracic surgery with Da Vinci system
- Dr. Adel Tash, CEO of KAMC, told Arab News that the launch of the service is a significant medical milestone
MAKKAH: King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah has successfully performed the first precise robotic thoracic surgery using the Da Vinci Xi system.
Dr. Adel Tash, CEO of KAMC, told Arab News that the launch of the service is a significant medical milestone, further solidifying the city’s role as a leading reference center for advanced specialized healthcare, driven by the latest innovations in medical and surgical technology.
“The first case involved a patient in his thirties who suffered from recurrent air accumulations in his left chest cavity, causing persistent breathing difficulties. Tests revealed cysts in the upper and lower lobes of his left lung. These cysts were successfully removed, and the lung was attached to the chest wall using a surgical robot during a delicate operation that took an hour and a half,” Tash said.
The operation was performed under the leadership of Dr. Muteb Al-Zaidi, a consultant in thoracic, esophageal, and gastric surgery, using robotic and minimally invasive endoscopic techniques. He was assisted by Dr. Ayman Jaafar, assistant consultant in thoracic surgery, in collaboration with a specialized team from the anesthesia and nursing departments.
Tash said robotic surgery is characterized by the high precision provided by the 3D camera, and the ability to precisely access complex areas of the body with minimal intervention, which is reflected in reduced post-operative pain, accelerated recovery, and faster discharge of the patient from the hospital compared with traditional operations.
He said that traditional operations required surgical incisions that could be more than 10 centimeters whereas a single incision in robotic surgery does not exceed 1 cm, which reduces side effects and improves overall surgical outcomes.
Tash concluded by underscoring KAMC’s ongoing commitment to adopting the latest scientific technologies and providing advanced and safe healthcare services that contribute to improving patients’ quality of life and making the treatment experience a model to be emulated across the Kingdom and the region.
In this context, KAMC, a member of the Makkah Health Cluster, launched the Da Vinci surgical system, positioning itself among the first healthcare institutions in the Western Region to adopt this state-of-the-art technology for intricate and high-precision surgeries. This step is expected to enhance the quality of medical services and elevate the patient experience, aligning with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The Da Vinci system is a robotic platform that allows surgeons to perform complex procedures with exceptional precision. Operated from a central console, the system translates the surgeon’s hand movements into highly refined, microscopic actions, enhanced by a high-definition, magnified 3D view of the surgical site. It comprises three key components: the surgeon console, where the surgeon directs the procedure via an advanced visual interface; the patient cart, which houses robotic arms equipped with surgical instruments and a high-resolution camera; and the vision cart, responsible for image transmission and visual processing. Crucially, the system is not autonomous. The entire operation is performed under the full control of a surgeon.
The system was first used at KAMC in a thoracic surgery, followed by a complex procedure for a patient with uterine cancer. The surgery was completed without complications, and the patient was discharged in less than 24 hours.
KAMC now plans to expand the system’s use to a wide range of specialties, including urology, gastrointestinal surgery, thoracic and cardiac procedures, bariatric surgery, and other advanced general surgeries.
The system offers a range of technical and medical advantages, including high-definition 3D visualization that allows surgeons to observe intricate anatomical details with exceptional clarity; ultra-precise instrument control that mimics the natural movement of the human hand with microscopic accuracy; and minimally invasive procedures through small incisions, which significantly reduce pain, blood loss, and the risk of infection.
Patients benefit from faster recovery times, shorter hospital stays, and improved surgical outcomes with lower complication rates compared with traditional surgery. Additionally, the system supports advanced surgical education and training through a safe, highly accurate simulation environment.
KAMC seeks to broaden the application of robotic surgery across additional subspecialties, advance physician training through immersive virtual reality simulations, and use smart analytics and artificial intelligence to elevate the precision, efficiency and overall quality of surgical outcomes.
Saudi Arabia reports five heat exhaustion cases among pilgrims, urges precautions amid soaring temperatures
- Kingdom’s National Center for Meteorology forecast hot to extremely hot weather conditions at holy sites during Hajj
MAKKAH: As temperatures soared at the holy sites, Saudi Arabia confirmed five cases of heat exhaustion among the more than one million pilgrims who have arrived to perform Hajj rituals.
All those affected received immediate medical attention and are currently in a stable condition, according to the ministry of health, which added that health teams were on high alert to respond swiftly to similar cases as part of the Kingdom’s commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims.
The country’s National Center for Meteorology has forecast hot to extremely hot weather conditions at the holy sites during this year’s Hajj season.
According to the center, maximum temperatures are expected to range between 40°C and 47°C, while minimum temperatures will vary between 27°C and 32°C. Humidity levels are projected to fluctuate between 15 percent and 60 percent.
In a post on its X account, the ministry urged pilgrims to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and follow official health guidelines, such as using shaded walkways, wearing appropriate protective gear, and seeking help at the first signs of fatigue.
“If not treated promptly, heat exhaustion can escalate to heat stroke within 10-15 minutes — a life-threatening medical emergency,” the post stated.
The ministry also advised pilgrims who experience heat exhaustion symptoms to begin immediate cooling measures, such as washing their hands, faces and necks with cold water and moving to a cooler area, as well as drinking plenty of cold water to rehydrate.
In its post, the ministry identified headache, excessive sweating, nausea, dizziness, and severe thirst as key clinical symptoms of heat exhaustion.
Multilingual awareness campaigns have been launched, and field preparedness has been reinforced, particularly in response to seasonal heat risks.
The ministry had announced the health sector's readiness to receive pilgrims, revealing a 60 percent increase in bed capacity compared with last year.
Fahad Al-Jalajel, the minister of health, recently confirmed the deployment of over 50,000 medical and technical personnel to serve pilgrims and emphasized the stability of the health situation, with no reported outbreaks or epidemics, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
“Health efforts began early in pilgrims’ homelands by analyzing international health risks and issuing clear health requirements, including vaccinations against yellow fever, meningitis, polio, COVID-19, and influenza,” SPA reported, citing Al-Jalajel.
The minister underscored the role of the health certificate as the first line of defense during the Hajj season, noting that the Kingdom’s health system launched its services with the arrival of the first Makkah Route Initiative flight.
As part of the Kingdom’s comprehensive preparations, 14 land, air, and sea ports have been fully equipped, delivering more than 50,000 health services so far, including 140 surgical procedures, 65 cardiac catheterizations, and six open-heart surgeries, the minister said.
To combat heatstroke risks, Al-Jalajel announced a series of measures in coordination with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. These include planting more than 10,000 trees, installing 400 additional water coolers and misting fans, and expanding shaded pedestrian pathways to protect pilgrims from extreme heat.
The ministry of health has also intensified awareness efforts through multilingual campaigns, stationing field teams, launching media programs, and organizing medical missions to ensure important health information reaches all pilgrims.
Al-Jalajel further revealed the establishment of a new 200-bed emergency hospital in Mina, developed in collaboration with Kidana Development Co.
In addition, three new field hospitals with more than 1,200 beds have been set up in partnership with the ministries of national guard, defense, and interior.
These were inaugurated “alongside 71 emergency points, 900 ambulances, 11 evacuation aircraft, and over 7,500 paramedics,” Al-Jalajel told SPA.
The minister urged pilgrims to follow health guidelines and affirmed that the Kingdom’s health system is operating at full capacity to ensure a safe and healthy Hajj season for all.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud meets citizens of Taif Governorate
- Taif is fast becoming a major tourist hub in the Kingdom, with visitors arriving from around the world, including the Gulf, to enjoy its pristine environment and natural attractions during holiday celebrations
TAIF: Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the citizens of Taif governorate.
It came during his recent meeting with several citizens from the governorate, in the presence of Deputy Gov. of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz and Taif Gov. Prince Saud bin Nahar.
Taif is fast becoming a major tourist hub in the Kingdom, with visitors arriving from around the world, including the Gulf, to enjoy its pristine environment and natural attractions during holiday celebrations.
The region is home to spacious valleys and ample water courses.
