RIYADH: The Saudi Electricity Co. (SEC) has warned against the abuse of its high-voltage towers and equipment for improvised sacrificial slaughter.
It said the practice is extremely dangerous, and a violation of the regulations and health requirements for sacrificial slaughter outside regular slaughterhouses.
The SEC said field teams have been assigned, in cooperation with security authorities and other relevant bodies, to detect the abuse of the electrical towers during Eid Al-Adha, and all legal procedures will be taken in this regard.
The company praised the growing awareness of citizens and residents of the danger of such violations, saying this has led to a significant reduction in indiscriminate slaughter. The SEC urged citizens and residents to report all violators to the relevant bodies, including the company.
Saudi Electricity Company warns against using electric towers in sacrificial slaughter
Saudi Electricity Company warns against using electric towers in sacrificial slaughter
Saudi adventurer triumphant after crossing the Empty Quarter
- Badr Al-Shaibani wants to champion Saudi Arabia as a land where heritage, nature and adventure meet
JEDDAH: Badr Al-Shaibani, a Saudi Arabia adventurer and entrepreneur, has successfully completed a 600 km solo crossing of the largest sand desert in the world.
Al-Shaibani departed from Umm Hadid on Dec. 15, the site of a famous meteorite impact, where he set up his first camp. He walked for over 14 days and completed the journey on Dec. 29 at the breathtaking Umm Al-Hayesh Lake — one of the Empty Quarter’s natural wonders.
Speaking to Arab News after completing his adventure, 45-year-old Al-Shaibani said: “Crossing the Empty Quarter on foot is one of the most thrilling adventures I have ever done. It is a really special experience.
“I am so proud to be the first Saudi to traverse such a vast distance on foot, and I hope this journey inspires young Saudis to explore the nature of our country and spotlight Saudi Arabia’s diverse potential as a truly unique global tourist destination.”
His journey began by heading toward Tawil Al-Khatam, a challenging 200 km stretch that he traversed in five days at an average pace of 40 km per day.
Later on, Al-Shaibani continued toward Umm Al-Qurun, covering 90 km, before completing another 45 km to Bayd Al-Laha.
Being alone in the darkness, you explore something you wouldn’t normally see during your life. It was an amazing scene which makes you wonder how Allah created this part of the world.
Badr Al-Shaibani, Saudi adventurer
The third and final leg led him to the Al-Qa’d region near the Sabkha salt flats through a 60 km route. His expedition concluded at the breathtaking Umm Al-Hayesh Lake after trekking an additional 160 km.
From battling the weather to navigating endless dunes, this adventure pushed Al-Shaibani to the limit both physically and mentally. “I discovered the beauty and harshness of the Empty Quarter’s untamed wilderness, where there is a constant challenge, but the rewards are incredible.”
Speaking of challenges he faced, he said: “The first two days, I faced strong storms and winds called savi, and after a while the sun was also strong. Other than that, I am used to walking on ice or climbing mountains, but walking and climbing the soft sand was a big challenge for me. I really faced difficulty climbing the sand because it takes a lot of effort.”
Being so far from civilization exposed him to new experiences. “During the day I could see with my eyes. During the night, the exploration changes,” he said.
“Being alone in the darkness, you explore something you wouldn’t normally see during your life, it was an amazing scene which makes you wonder how Allah created this part of the world.”
He was happy to complete the adventure not only to add it to his achievements but also to document and capture the majestic beauty of the largest continuous sand desert in the world.
“The Empty Quarter, with its distinctive natural heritage and captivating beauty, stands as one of the Kingdom’s most remarkable yet largely undiscovered treasures,” he said.
“This destination has the potential to become a major attraction for tourists from home and abroad, especially with initiatives that promote desert tourism and encourage the exploration of the Kingdom’s unique natural environment.”
Al-Shaibani told Arab News he wants to inspire young people and champion Saudi Arabia as a land where heritage, nature and adventure converge.
Saudi woman tech CEO opens up about building business in male-dominated industry
- Female leader tells of fighting the perception battle
RIYADH: One of the few Saudi women tech CEOs working in a male-dominated industry has opened up about the journey of building her own computer consultancy in Riyadh.
Sulafah Jabarti, who was born in Riyadh, founded information technology services company Clear Vision in 2003.
Jabarti told Arab News: “The beginning of my journey started when I realized the power of turning ideas into action.
“It wasn’t a single defining moment, but a shift in perspective, a recognition that the world of business, particularly in technology, could serve as a platform to enable my vision and drive meaningful change.”
Like any other visionary trying to turn ideas into reality and create their own business, Jabarti faced challenges in building the right team, finding resources, and making sure her ideas were applicable and suitable to real-world needs.
One of her biggest challenges, however, was navigating the male-dominated tech world as a female leader, fighting the perception battle and striving to earn her colleagues’ trust, in addition to negotiating the steps every entrepreneur must take.
She said: “These experiences, while demanding, became catalysts for growth and innovation. What kept me going was a relentless focus on problem-solving, staying adaptable, and remaining grounded in the purpose behind it all: To create solutions that empower others and push boundaries in meaningful ways.”
What makes Jabarti’s experience so unique is that she is one of the few Saudi women to own and lead a holistic IT solutions and digital transformation company in the private sector. She recently became the first Saudi woman to win the Best 100 Arabian CEO Award for her work with Clear Vision.
She said staying true to her personal values and remaining focused on her growth were the defining factors in her business success and the personal connections she made along the way. She advises other entrepreneurs to follow a similar path.
Compromising one’s principles, ethics, and neglecting the people around you, or even yourself in the process, can result in even your greatest achievements feeling hollow, she said.
She added: “I would also advise against isolating yourself. No matter how capable you are, success is rarely achieved alone. Build connections, seek guidance, and don’t be afraid to lean on your support system.”
The key, she added, is to focus not solely on what you want to achieve, but on who you want to become along the way.
Jabarti said the most surprising part of building a business was how personal the process was, and realizing that success is as much about self-development and clever leadership as it is about innovation.
She said: “I saw business not as the goal, but as a powerful enabler: a space where creativity, strategy, and impact intersect.”
In terms of what is next for Clear Vision at the corporate level, Jabarti said the company is committed to pioneering solutions in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and sustainable technologies; exploring new verticals to diversify its impact and secure its relevance in a continuously evolving digital landscape.
“We are committed to empowering organizations to not only thrive in the digital age but to lead it,” she said.
Contributing to something larger than the individual and leaving a positive mark both on the business world and on home communities are the overarching aims that give Jabarti the drive and motivation to constantly grow and innovate.
King Salman, crown prince send condolences to US President Biden on death of Jimmy Carter
- Former president died on Sunday aged 100
RIYADH: King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday sent cables of condolences to US President Joe Biden on the death of former US President Jimmy Carter, who died on Sunday aged 100.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the king said: “We received the news of the death of former US President Jimmy Carter, and we express to Your Excellency, the family of the deceased and your friendly people our deepest condolences and sincere sympathy, hoping that you will not see any harm or misfortune.”
The crown prince sent a similar cable to Biden, SPA added.
Carter, who was in the White House from 1977 to 1981, died more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023, spent most of their lives.
British explorer Alice Morrison to embark on 2,500-km trek across Saudi Arabia
- Alice Morrison featured AlUla in her recent series “Arabian Adventure: The Secrets of the Nabateans,” which aired earlier this year on BBC
- Morrison is equally passionate about connecting with Saudi women during her journey
RIYADH: British explorer and television presenter Alice Morrison is preparing for a groundbreaking expedition that will see her traverse Saudi Arabia on foot, becoming the first person to journey from the Kingdom’s far north to its far south, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Her ambitious five-month trek begins on Jan. 1, covering a distance of 2,500 km.
Accompanied by local guides and camels, Morrison will navigate Saudi Arabia’s diverse terrains, including its deserts, oases, and mountains.
Her journey is driven by three key objectives: to uncover new landmarks and historical insights, to spotlight the significant role of Saudi women in society, and to showcase the nation’s natural beauty and environmental conservation efforts, SPA added.
“I have been studying Arabic and the Middle East for 45 years,” she said as she reflected on her upcoming adventure. “Now, I get to explore the heart of Arabia.”
By retracing ancient caravan routes, Morrison said she is aiming to shed light on the historical narratives that defined the region while offering fresh perspectives on a nation undergoing rapid transformation and modernization.
A significant milestone on her route will be AlUla, a location steeped in history and heritage. This destination is familiar to Morrison, who featured it in her recent series “Arabian Adventure: The Secrets of the Nabateans,” which aired earlier this year on the BBC.
“The route I am taking is stuffed with history, so I’ll be searching for new sites. I’m also walking through climate change and will be recording my findings,” she explained. “The desert is a harsh mistress, and I am sure she will be teaching me many lessons along the route.”
Morrison is equally passionate about connecting with Saudi women during her journey, dedicating time to hear their stories and share their experiences.
“As a female explorer, I am willing to spend time with Saudi women telling their stories,” Morrison said, emphasizing the importance of engaging with local communities.
At 61, Morrison sees her expedition as an inspiration for others to pursue their dreams, regardless of age, and a means of fostering greater interest in and understanding of the Kingdom.
“I am a mid-life woman, and I hope my adventure inspires others to get out and follow their dreams. I couldn’t have attempted this at 25; I needed the life experience to get me here.”
Saudi foreign ministry official meets Sudan’s consul general in Jeddah
- Taha presented his credentials to Al-Shehri, and they discussed various topics of common interest
JEDDAH: Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs branch in Makkah Fareed bin Saad Al-Shehri received Consul General of Sudan in Jeddah Kamal Ali Othman Taha at the ministry’s branch in Jeddah on Monday.
Taha presented his credentials to Al-Shehri, and they discussed various topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Meanwhile, Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail recently received the Sports Investment Forum plaque in recognition of the ministry’s important role in developing infrastructure and providing a supportive environment for sustainable sports investment.
