JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday hailed Iraq’s defeat of Daesh, calling it a “grand victory on terrorism” amid warming ties between the Arab neighbors, reported Agence France Press (AFP).
Baghdad on Saturday declared victory in its war to expel the terrorist group, three years after it proclaimed a cross-border “caliphate” stretching into Syria, endangering Iraq’s very existence.
“The end of the war in Iraq... (is) a grand victory on terrorism in the region,” the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said, citing a Foreign Ministry official.
The official voiced hope that “security, stability, prosperity, and progress will prevail in Iraq and for the Iraqi people.”
Backed by a US-led coalition, Iraqi forces gradually retook control of all territory lost to the terrorists over the last three years.
After former dictator Saddam Hussein’s August 1990 invasion of Kuwait, Riyadh severed relations with Baghdad and closed its border posts with its northern neighbor. But a flurry of visits between the two countries this year appears to indicate a thawing of ties.
Iraq is seeking economic benefits from closer ties with Riyadh.
Petrochemical giant Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC) also recently announced the reopening of its office in Iraq.
Saudi Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih made the announcement following the inauguration of an oil and gas conference held in Basra. SABIC participated in the event as part of a wider public and private sector delegation from Saudi Arabia, under the aegis of the Saudi Export Development Authority (SEDA). SABIC also seeks to explore opportunities available in the important Iraqi market.
Al-Falih also witnessed the signing of 18 memorandums of understanding (MoU) between Saudi and Iraqi companies in the fields of energy, with his counterpart, Iraqi Oil Minister Jabbar Al-Luaibi.
Economic analyst and former Shoura Council member Usamah Kurdi told Arab News that SABIC re-opening its office in Iraq is a major development in Saudi-Iraqi relations. “I am delighted to know that Saudi investments will be made in Iraq, which will yield lucrative benefits for the two parties,” he said.
“Taking Iraq into the fold of the Arab region will also help fortify unity of the Arab world and also protect it from the undue intervention of Iran. Iraq is part of the Arab world,” he stressed.
Musad Al-Zayani, a Dubai-based Saudi journalist, told Arab News that this move would boost the economy of Iraq, which needs a push. He said SABIC would be able to supply the needed raw materials to Iraq for its petrochemical industry.
The SEDA seeks to promote trade between Saudi Arabia and Iraq and encourages Saudi companies to explore new opportunities to boost the Kingdom’s non-oil exports.
In a statement to Arab News, Dr. Talaat Al-Dhafer, SABIC vice president, KSA, Middle East and Africa region, who led the SABIC delegation, expressed his happiness over the company’s participation.
He said that SABIC was committed to contributing to the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy.
Saudi Arabia hails Iraq’s victory over Daesh
Saudi Arabia hails Iraq’s victory over Daesh
Experience the horror house with a Saudi twist at Souq Al-Awaleen
- Visitors are warmly welcomed by actors representing different regions of the Kingdom
RIYADH: From the northern to the eastern regions of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh’s Souq Al-Awaleen unites the diverse cultures of the Kingdom.
Visitors are greeted with warm welcomes from actors representing each region, allowing them to appreciate the variety of Saudi traditions and the distinct traditional outfits of every area.
Guests can explore the culture of coastal cities, like Jeddah, and mountainous regions such as Asir, experiencing a true melting pot of Saudi culture. They can don the flower headbands and traditional attire of the southern people, and take part in the Ardah dance from the central Najd region, brandishing Arabian swords.
The immersive experience continues as actors reenact everyday life, such as teaching in a classroom. Visitors can sit at school desks, use chalk to write on the blackboard, and take an Arabic language class that evokes nostalgic memories for many.
Additionally, guests can step into an old prison to imagine life behind bars, and browse a selection of nostalgic toys that offers a delightful trip down memory lane.
Each corner of the souq tells a unique story, offering authentic handicrafts, traditional attire and an array of spices that capture the essence of various regions.
HIGHLIGHT
Visitors can sit at school desks, use chalk to write on the blackboard, and take an Arabic language class that evokes nostalgic memories for many.
One of the standout attractions in the souq is the horror house themed around Saudi folklore, known as Al-Sa’alawa. The chilling experience is inspired by tales of a mysterious creature that has captivated the imagination of many.
The Al-Sa’alwa tent offers a thrilling horror house experience that immerses visitors in the legends of Saudi folklore. Osama Al-Balawai, an actor in the tent, describes the creature Al-Sa’alwa, which has become the subject of various interpretations.
Some view it as a ghost, others as a male figure, while some believe it takes the form of a beautiful woman. Regardless of its form, caution is advised when encountering this enigmatic being.
“Join us at the Al-Sa’alwa tent for an unforgettable experience,” Al-Balawai told Arab News. “Will you emerge safe, or will you be captivated by the legend?
“We encourage you to visit Souq Al-Awaleen to partake in this thrilling adventure. We can’t wait to see you there!”
In addition to the horror experience, Arab News discovered Bin Ghaith Textiles, a fabric shop in the market. Owner Hassan passionately shared his love for textiles, highlighting their historical significance.
“My passion is textiles and the history behind them,” he said. “I collect organic fibers and enjoy exploring what people wore before the rise of synthetic materials. This gives me a chance to connect with history.”
Hassan said that his interest lies in the organic materials used in the past, such as linen, cotton, silk and wool, contrasting sharply with today’s disposable fashion culture.
“The market is the heart of any city,” he said. “It reflects the identity of the place, offering insights into its culture and history.”
This year marks Hassan’s second time at Souq Al-Awaleen, where he appreciates the diverse crowd that arrives to explore the rich tapestry of Saudi heritage.
“The younger generation is especially curious about what their ancestors wore and how textiles have evolved,” he said. “It’s essential to preserve this knowledge and tradition.”
The market, which offers free entry, also hosts handicrafts, folk art and live performances. Local artisans have a platform to showcase their work, and visitors can take part in workshops focusing on traditional Sadu weaving and pottery.
In addition to its artisanal offerings, Souq Al-Awaleen serves up a taste of authentic Saudi cuisine at Sufrat Al-Deira. The atmosphere evokes a bygone era, enhanced by cooking demonstrations and other cultural performances.
This year’s Riyadh Season runs until March 2025 and has already drawn more than 13 million attendees, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Saudi Arabia’s first ‘recycled road’ built in Al-Ahsa
RIYADH: The Roads General Authority has completed construction of a road using recycled construction and demolition waste for the first time in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The project, a collaboration with Al-Ahsa municipality and the National Center for Waste Management, incorporated waste material into the asphalt layers of a road in the Al-Ahsa governorate, following research by the authority to assess the performance of asphalt and gravel layers made from aggregates sourced from the municipality’s environmental landfill.
Using recycled material in infrastructure projects supports the Kingdom’s goal of transitioning to a circular economy. The target is a 60 percent recycling rate for such waste by 2035, which “highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to environmental sustainability and efficient infrastructure development,” the SPA said.
This initiative “reduces the environmental impact of waste accumulation, decreases reliance on raw materials, and promotes cost-effective road construction and maintenance,” the SPA added.
Ajwady crowned winner of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Cup in Riyadh
Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif presented the Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Cup to the winner of the race held as part of the Kings and Princes Cups events organized by the Riyadh Equestrian Club in Riyadh.
The cup was won by the horse Ajwady, owned by Sheikh Faisal Abdullah Hamoud Al-Malek Al-Sabah. He received the cup from Prince Saud in the presence of jockey Mohammed Al-Daham.
Nesting activities of endangered Egyptian Vulture documented in King Salman Reserve
- Documented nesting activity noteworthy due to rarity of occurrences in northern Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has reported significant nesting activity of the endangered Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) within the reserve’s natural habitats, it was reported by the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.
Globally classified as endangered, the Egyptian Vulture belongs to the family of diurnal birds of prey and is known for its ecological importance.
Within the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve (KSRNR), the Egyptian Vulture holds multiple roles — as a resident breeding species, a migratory passerby, and a rare winter visitor.
The documented nesting activity is noteworthy due to the rarity of such occurrences in northern Saudi Arabia.
Renowned for its extraordinary ability to detect prey from great distances, the Egyptian Vulture can travel up to 80 kilometers daily in search of food.
It thrives in open habitats, arid regions, and rocky cliffs, primarily feeding on carrion or weakened animals. The reserve also serves as a critical stopover for the species during autumn and spring migrations, with over 25 individuals recorded during these seasons.
Measuring approximately 62cm in length with a wingspan of up to 155cm, the Egyptian Vulture prefers dry, remote areas featuring cliffs and rocky outcrops for breeding.
While carrion remains its primary food source, it is also known to forage at landfills, markets, animal enclosures, slaughterhouses, and farms.
The species has suffered a dramatic decline, with its population in the Arabian Peninsula decreasing by an estimated 90 percent over the past 50 years. The authority attributes this alarming drop to factors including poisoning, collisions with power lines, habitat loss, and human disturbances.
By identifying and protecting these nesting sites, the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority underscores its commitment to biodiversity conservation and the preservation of endangered species.
Heart of Africa’s culture, cuisine now at Boulevard World
- Food, coffee, music, crafts on offer in Riyadh
- New zone features giraffes, lions and parrots
RIYADH: Boulevard World has brought the vibrant spirit of Africa to Riyadh with a special zone featuring the cuisine and culture from some of the continent’s countries.
The Africa Zone has exotic wildlife including giraffes, colorful parrots, and lions. There is also an array of food and music from various nations.
A highlight is the Ethiopian Coffee experience, which showcases the country’s hospitality and rich traditions. This coffee is made using traditional methods which bring out unique flavors.
Hanan Amro, a coffee maker at one of the Ethiopian restaurants, told Arab News: “We bring our coffee beans from our farm in Ethiopia. They are fresh, and we carefully select them.
“We sun-dry, roast, and brew the coffee in our special pot to create a strong drink that combines elements of Turkish and Americano coffee.”
The Africa Zone also hosts live music featuring traditional rhythms and folk tunes.
For those looking to take a piece of Africa home, the zone features many kiosks selling antiques, animal statues and leather goods.
There is also an array of skincare products made with Shea butter, for which certain nations are renowned.
The launch of the Africa Zone coincides with Boulevard World’s expansion for this year’s Riyadh Season, which has increased the number of themed zones by five to 22.
The expansion is a part of Riyadh Season’s initiative to attract people from various backgrounds and promote cultural understanding.
