RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the Saudi Wildlife Authority have confirmed their commitment to preserving the environment.
The two government agencies also said that in this regard, they are working in tandem to develop protective mechanisms.
The ministry said that threats to the environment in Saudi Arabia include hunting and trafficking in migratory birds, local media reported.
The ministry also confirmed that birds have several environmental benefits to local plants and protect from pests.
It also said that it’s working with concerned authorities in the Kingdom to implement all regulations and decisions to protect migratory birds.
Regulations have been set up against hunting animals and wild birds, trading in endangered species and their products, and a decision has been made to ban the hunting of migratory birds in the Kingdom.
Moreover, the ministry has also undertaken measures to prevent the outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza in the Middle East and the possibility of its transmission to humans due to migratory birds.
The ministry called on everyone to cooperate and participate in protecting the environment by reporting violations on its telephone number or communicating the information to the Saudi Wildlife Authority through its Twitter account.
The ministry added that more than 300 accounts on social networks have been detected which show clear violations of regulations in force in the Kingdom and directed the appropriate authorities to apply legal sanctions against them.
It added that it’s working to establish safe havens to protect migratory birds and directed authorities to intensify efforts to achieve a safe and sustainable environment.
Saudi Ministry, wildlife authority confirm commitment to preserve environment
Saudi Ministry, wildlife authority confirm commitment to preserve environment
Bangladeshi leader sends letter to Saudi crown prince about bilateral relations
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a letter on Tuesday from the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus.
The Bangladeshi ambassador to the Kingdom, Delwar Hossain, presented the letter, which addressed relations between Riyadh and Dhaka, to Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji.
During their meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday, the envoy and the deputy minister discussed ways to strengthen ties between their countries in various sectors.
Saudi Arabia showcases heritage, digital innovation at Jusoor expo in Kosovo
- Exhibition’s introductory section showcases Al-Masmak Fort and Saudi coffee, highlighting authentic Saudi heritage and hospitality
- Visitors received detailed information about the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj and Umrah
RIYADH: The sixth Jusoor exhibition, organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs at Skanderbeg Square in Pristina, Kosovo, is attracting a large number of visitors daily.
The exhibition’s introductory section showcases Al-Masmak Fort and Saudi coffee, highlighting authentic Saudi heritage and hospitality.
The technology pavilion at the 10-day event has attracted significant interest for its modern digital innovations highlighting the Kingdom’s technical progress, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
It includes several ministry-developed applications, notably the Correct Citation app, which features a smart keyboard that accurately integrates Qur’anic verses and Prophetic hadiths, and allows them to be shared as text or images.
The 3D Hajj and Umrah app offers a virtual experience simulating pilgrimage rituals in multiple languages, while the Rushd app provides a comprehensive digital library with books and Islamic content in 51 languages.
Attendees praised the Kingdom’s efforts in serving Islam and promoting moderation, the SPA reported.
Visitors also received detailed information about the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj and Umrah, and its role in serving pilgrims.
Additionally, VR technology allows visitors to explore rare photos of Makkah and historic mosques, offering an engaging interactive experience of the Kingdom’s history and holy sites.
The ministry recently concluded the fifth Jusoor exhibition in Jakarta, Indonesia, which welcomed more than 1.25 million visitors from diverse backgrounds.
The 10-day exhibition at Istiqlal Mosque was one of the largest cultural and advocacy events organized by the ministry outside the Kingdom.
Saudi officials also distributed more than 150,000 copies of Qur’an, printed and translated into Indonesian by the King Fahd Qur’an Printing Complex in Madinah.
Indonesian visitors praised the exhibition for its blend of spiritual and cultural themes, strong organization, and diverse, informative content.
Saudi cabinet reviews Hajj preparations, regional developments
- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman directed authorities to ensure top-level Hajj preparations and pilgrim services
- The cabinet highlighted record non-oil exports and praised Saudi Arabia’s global rise in digital governance and open data transparency
JEDDAH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attended on Tuesday the weekly cabinet meeting in Jeddah that reviewd Hajj preperations and regional developments, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The crown prince welcomed Muslim pilgrims who began flocking to the Kingdom from various countries to perform Hajj this year.
He also directed relevant authorities to work with the highest levels of efficiency and excellence in implementing security, preventive and organizational plans to serve the pilgrim guests.
The crown prince also observed the record performance reports of the kingdom’s non-oil exports in 2024 and their continued upward trajectory. The reports reflect the accelerating steps towards diversifying sources of income and investment in the Saudi economy in line with Vision 2030.
Ministers also noted Saudi Arabia’s advancements in digital governance, including its top regional ranking for the third year in the UN’s e-government services index, and its leap of 92 places in the global Open Data Inventory.
On regional issues, the cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s call for de-escalation across conflict zones, condemned Israeli strikes on Syria, urged an end to the war in Sudan through a local political solution, and reaffirmed support for the two-state solution as a path to lasting peace in Palestine.
New Saudi initiative focuses on water efficiency
- Project will estimate water needs of native species like haloxylon persicum, ziziphus spina-christi, calligonum comosum, and vachellia gerrardii in Riyadh and Qassim
- NCVC continues to implement initiatives to establish sustainable vegetation cover throughout the Kingdom
RIYADH: A new project launched in Riyadh aims to optimize water use and conserve resources, aligning with Vision 2030 goals, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
Khaled Al-Abdulkader, CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, and Yazeed Al-Asheikh, vice president for graduate studies and scientific research at King Saud University, launched the project.
It will estimate water needs of native species like haloxylon persicum, ziziphus spina-christi, calligonum comosum, and vachellia gerrardii in Riyadh and Qassim.
The project will also evaluate the impact of biochar on water efficiency and sustainable growth, according to the SPA.
Additionally, it will assess carbon storage potential of native species in Riyadh and Qassim, as well as mangroves in Asir and Jazan, across various ecosystems.
At the launch, the team presented the project’s objectives, phases, and expected outcomes. Field visits have begun to identify key locations and plant communities.
The center continues to implement initiatives to establish sustainable vegetation cover throughout the Kingdom, including conservation, ecosystem rehabilitation, biodiversity restoration, rangeland management, and the protection of natural resources.
Makkah’s security forces crack down on illegal Hajj pilgrims
- Dozens arrested as Ministry of Interior warns against sheltering, transporting holders of visit visas
MAKKAH: The Ministry of Interior is continuing its actions to prevent individuals without Hajj permits from entering or staying in Makkah and the holy sites, warning that violators and those facilitating unauthorized pilgrimages will be arrested and penalized.
Hajj Security Forces in Makkah’s Al-Hijrah district recently arrested 42 expatriates holding various types of visit visas after they violated Hajj regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Legal action has been initiated against the violators, and authorities are working to apprehend those who sheltered them.
In a separate incident, Hajj Security Forces arrested a Ghanaian resident for attempting to illegally transport four female expatriates to Makkah in violation of Hajj rules.
The man, who was driving a bus, had hidden the women in the luggage compartment in an attempt to smuggle them into the holy city without permits.
The driver and passengers were apprehended and referred to the competent committee for legal action, the SPA reported.
The ministry has announced a fine of up to SR100,000 ($26,600) for anyone transporting or attempting to transport visit visa holders to Makkah and the holy sites.
The same penalty applies to those who accommodate or shelter visit visa holders in any type of residence — including hotels, apartments, private homes, accommodation centers, or Hajj housing — within Makkah and the holy sites, or assist in their illegal stay.
Penalties increase based on the number of individuals transported, accommodated, or assisted, the SPA added.
Performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, or entering or remaining in Makkah and the holy sites without authorization, can result in a fine of up to SR20,000.
Residents and unauthorized pilgrims will be deported and banned from reentering the Kingdom for 10 years, the ministry said.
The ministry announced that the restriction period runs from April 29 to June 10.
It urges full compliance with Hajj regulations to ensure pilgrims’ safety and the smooth performance of rituals.
Violations should be reported via 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 elsewhere in the Kingdom.
