Campers in Saudi Arabia enjoy cool weather, host friends and families in nature

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The National Center for Vegetation and Combating Desertification is working on long-term vegetation restoration, protection and rehabilitation of its sites, and the expansion of green spaces throughout the Kingdom. (Photos/Supplied)
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The National Center for Vegetation and Combating Desertification is working on long-term vegetation restoration, protection and rehabilitation of its sites, and the expansion of green spaces throughout the Kingdom. (Photos/Supplied)
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Updated 28 December 2021
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Campers in Saudi Arabia enjoy cool weather, host friends and families in nature

  • Camping permits come with pledge to preserve Saudi wilderness areas
  • New regulations for privacy of families

RIYADH: Camping weekends have long been a favorite winter pastime for Saudis, who erect their own tents or rent shelters in popular wilderness areas.

But this year the experience will be different, with campers requiring a special permit issued for the purpose of “preserving vegetation,” according to Abdul Rahman Al-Dakheel, a spokesman for the National Center for Vegetation and Combating Desertification.
The center last week announced the establishment of 63 sites in various parts of the Kingdom, with space for over 30,000 campsites for government agencies and individuals.
Al-Dakheel said that the declared camping sites were located in vegetation areas and national parks overseen by the center.
Suleiman Al-Tomi, like many of his peers, spends most winter weekends camping at his own campsite near his home town in northeastern Saudi Arabia, where he hosts his friends, and provides them with coffee, tea, and ginger milk.
Al-Tomi, a teacher, said that the winter environment motivates him to spend more time at the camp, where he and his friends take turns making a range of dishes, mainly lamb or camel meat and rice.

In the context of environmental conservation and pollution reduction, the Ministry of the Environment has set aside several centers to contribute to improving the quality of life for people in the Kingdom by preserving the environment through issuing strict regulations and laws. There is the body of environmental security forces which aims at protecting the environment and preventing wood cutting and pollution.

Fahd Turkestani, Chairman of the World Federation of Muslim Scouts’ environment committee

Salim Al-Shilaghi is keen to camp in the wilderness for several days. He praised the recently introduced procedures and controls for camping, which contribute to the regulation of camping sites and the arrangement of suitable free sites to ensure a clean environment for campers.
New regulations taken into consideration for the privacy of families, he added.
The center emphasized the importance of adhering to the controls required for camping in accordance with relevant regulations, the environment law, and the conservation and cleanliness of camping sites.
He urged people to show consideration and polite behavior while camping, and to ensure sites are left clean and well maintained.
The National Center for Vegetation and Combating Desertification is working on long-term vegetation restoration, protection and rehabilitation of its sites, and the expansion of green spaces throughout the Kingdom.
The center aims to protect plant diversity in natural environments and preserve resources while addressing environmental challenges.
Khaled Al-Saleem, founder of the Green Land Association in Al-Jouf and Al-Khafji, said that vegetation faces a number of challenges, including overgrazing, particularly during flowering periods. One of the most significant threats is random grazing.
Al-Saleem said that cattle eat seeds before they dry out and mature, so a system must be put in place to prevent grazing during shrub growing periods until the seeds are released.

HIGHLIGHT

The National Center for Vegetation and Combating Desertification last week announced the establishment of 63 sites in various parts of the Kingdom, with space for over 30,000 campsites for government agencies and individuals.

Strict regulations had a significant impact by reducing destruction of vegetation, he added.
Al-Saleem, who also owns Noura Environmental Plant Nurses in Al-Jouf, said that camping controls were one of the center’s most important pioneering actions to regulate previously unorganized and uncontrolled camping, making it free of charge to people who signed a conservation pledge regarding vegetation at the site and cleaning of the location.




The Green Land Association also recycles, with a focus on agricultural waste, which is turned into organic fertilizer.

The permit applicant was entitled to carry out planting with the approval of the management of the center of the region who would advise the applicant on suitable trees permitted by the Ministry of Environment. This would contribute significantly to the preservation and cleanliness of the grasslands, he said.
Al-Saleem said that he had witnessed abuse of the wilderness, with waste left behind by campers leaving the area.
“However, with this regulation, the coordinates of each site, the name of its owner, and his statement are taken, and if he leaves the place unclean, he will be fined.”
Al-Saleem said that the association he founded in Al-Jouf and Al-Khafji takes part in a range of environmental conservation activities, both awareness-raising and on the ground.
The association also recycles, with a focus on agricultural waste, which is turned into organic fertilizer. It also recycles tires, which are more dangerous to the environment, especially when burned, turning them into products that are quite different from what they were designed for, such as utensils or tables.
Students who take part in afforestation campaigns understand the importance of trees and their benefits to the environment.
Day by day, people’s awareness increases as they become involved in the preservation of the environment through a number of initiatives, including afforestation and cleaning. Some started to grow trees in the wilderness as part of a personal initiative, he said.
Fahd Turkestani, chairman of the World Federation of Muslim Scouts’ environment committee, said: “In the context of environmental conservation and pollution reduction, the Ministry of the Environment has set aside several centers to contribute to improving the quality of life for people in the Kingdom by preserving the environment through issuing strict regulations and laws. There is the body of environmental security forces which aims at protecting the environment and preventing wood cutting and pollution.”
He said that people in Saudi Arabia are more aware of environmental issues than they were a few years ago, and acknowledge the efforts of government agencies to achieve environmental protection on a variety of levels, including dealing with waste.
Schools and universities have initiatives to help students realize the importance of protecting the environment, he added.
Turkestani, a former associate professor of chemistry at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah, said the Saudi government’s interest in environmental conservation had become a reality, particularly since the launch of the Green Saudi Initiative and the Green Middle East Initiative.
These significant environmental undertakings have encouraged global corporations to compete in environmental conservation, and the provision of services and products related to this vital issue, he added.
Turkestani said that demand for camping naturally increases during the mild Saudi winter.
He warned against burning firewood inside tents because of the risk to health from smoke and carbon dioxide inhalation, and highlighted the importance of ensuring fires were situated well away from vegetation areas.

 


Riyadh’s literary havens: Where coffee meets the love of books

Updated 1 min 20 sec ago
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Riyadh’s literary havens: Where coffee meets the love of books

  • City’s book cafes offer serene spaces for quiet reflection
  • Carefully curated selections of Arabic and English titles on offer

RIYADH: Riyadh’s cultural landscape is undergoing a quiet transformation, where the love of coffee meets the timeless allure of literature.

Book cafes are carving out a niche as spaces where readers, thinkers, and coffee enthusiasts converge.

These havens of creativity and reflection offer retreats for the mind and soul, providing a sense of community in an increasingly fast-paced world.

A cozy nook where greenery and natural decor invite visitors to unwind with a good book.  (Instagram: @coffee_trees20)

The Book Club: Where stories find their home

Nestled in the Al-Yasmin district, The Book Club is a tranquil retreat for bibliophiles, particularly those passionate about Arabic literature.

Its shelves brim with carefully curated Arabic titles, from classics to contemporary gems, complemented by a modest selection of English books.

HIGHLIGHTS

• In Riyadh’s Al-Narjis district, Wathbah Coffee and Book’s floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, vintage-inspired decor, and intimate corners create a haven for readers and thinkers alike.

• Coffee Trees, tucked away in the Al-Rayan district, offers a sanctuary that blends greenery with literary charm.

The minimalist interior, adorned with soft lighting and intimate reading nooks, creates an atmosphere conducive to focus and relaxation.

What sets The Book Club apart is its browsing policy. Visitors are welcome to skim books for three minutes before deciding to purchase, with additional purchases granting extended reading time.

A serene entrance invites book lovers and coffee enthusiasts to step into a world of stories and community at The Book Club. This Riyadh gem blends literature with culture. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

During Arab News’ visit, the cafe hosted a stimulating talk with Saad Al-Bazai, titled, “Historical Fiction: Why Do They Believe in the Imagined?”

Al-Bazai told Arab News: “These gatherings bring together a diverse audience and provide them with the opportunity to meet researchers.

“This undoubtedly supports cultural life as it creates a platform for dialogue that differs from social media platforms — it is vibrant, direct, and involves personal presence.”

Sophia: A library, a cafe, and a place to connect

Sophia has become a cornerstone of Riyadh’s literary scene, acting as a hub for knowledge, creativity, and meaningful connections.

Its towering wooden shelves are filled with a rich collection of Arabic and English books, carefully curated to cater to a diverse audience.

Sophia blends intellect and leisure, offering visitors a serene space to read and reflect. (Instagram: @sophia.alriyadh)

Beyond being a library, Sophia also serves as a publishing house, amplifying the voices of local and regional authors, bringing their stories to the forefront.

What sets Sophia apart is its dedication to fostering intellectual growth and cultural exchange.

The space regularly hosts book launches, discussion panels, and thought-provoking dialogue sessions that bring together writers, readers, and thinkers from various backgrounds.

The inviting ambiance, complete with warm lighting and cozy seating, creates the perfect backdrop for these events, making each visit an enriching experience.

Aminah Al-Hassani, a loyal visitor, captured the essence of Sophia. She said: “The place is calm and serene, and it has never let me down with a bad book.

“Every book I’ve read here has been better than the last. Their selections are beautiful, and the events they organize are always beneficial and enjoyable.”

The calming ambiance of Coffee Trees, a perfect escape to enjoy ethically sourced coffee and literary treasures. (Instagram: @coffee_trees20)

Coffee Trees: A green sanctuary

Coffee Trees, tucked away in the Al-Rayan district, offers a sanctuary that blends greenery with literary charm. The cafe’s lush decor, accentuated by vibrant plants and natural elements, transforms the space into a botanical retreat.

Though its library is modest, the curated selection of books is perfectly aligned with the cafe’s serene ambiance.

Patrons often find themselves lost in thought or pages, surrounded by the aroma of ethically sourced, expertly brewed coffee.

Whether it’s the tranquil environment or the commitment to sustainability, Coffee Trees is a favorite escape for those seeking a moment of calm in the city.

Wathbah Coffee & Book: Where timeless charm meets literature

In Al-Narjis district, Wathbah Coffee & Book exudes intellectual allure. Its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, vintage-inspired decor, and intimate corners create a haven for readers and thinkers alike.

The carefully selected collection spans genres and eras, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

The timeless charm of Wathbah, with its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and vintage-inspired decor. (Instagram: @wathbah_cb)

Wathbah’s ambiance is perfect for quiet reading, reflective conversations, or simply soaking in its aesthetic beauty.

As Sara Al-Ebraheem, a loyal patron, said: “There’s a certain magic in time spent in the company of good books, with a perfectly brewed coffee.”

Ons Coffee Roasters: Where simplicity meets serenity

Ons Coffee Roasters offers a minimalist haven for those who crave peace and simplicity. Its clean design, complemented by tasteful art and cozy seating, creates a calm environment perfect for unwinding.

The warm, minimalist interior of Ons, perfect for a quiet read or reflective moments away from the city’s buzz. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

While its library may be small, the books displayed are thoughtfully chosen to inspire reflection and curiosity.

Ons Coffee Roasters is as much about quality as it is about serenity. Its expertly brewed coffee elevates the experience, making it an ideal retreat for anyone seeking a quiet corner in Riyadh.

A cultural renaissance in Riyadh

The emerging popularity of book cafes is providing spaces where literature, art, and community thrive. The cafes cater to a growing audience of residents and visitors who value meaningful connections in an increasingly digital world.
 

Ons’s small literary touch: A charming collection of books graces the walls of Ons, where simplicity meets creativity in every corner. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

 


Saudi Arabia condemns ‘greater Israel’ map

Updated 3 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia condemns ‘greater Israel’ map

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned and rejected on Wednesday an Israeli map that claimed Jordanian, Syrian and Lebanese territories as part of so-called “greater Israel.”

The Kingdom stressed that such extremist allegations demonstrated Israeli intentions to consolidate its occupation, continue blatant attacks on the sovereignty of states, and violate international laws and norms.

The Kingdom’s foreign ministry renewed its call for the international community to play its role in stopping Israeli violations against countries and peoples of the region.

The ministry stressed the need to respect the sovereignty of states and their borders to limit the exacerbation of the region’s crises.

Palestine and Jordan condemned the map on Tuesday.


Saudi officials meet Egyptian, Greek ambassadors in Riyadh

Updated 31 min 6 sec ago
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Saudi officials meet Egyptian, Greek ambassadors in Riyadh

RIYADH: Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Egyptian Ambassador Ahmed Farouk Tawfik in Riyadh on Wednesday.

The meeting marked the conclusion of Tawfik’s tenure as ambassador to Saudi Arabia, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

Prince Faisal expressed his gratitude for the ambassador’s efforts during his service and wished him success in his future endeavors.

Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati met with Greek Ambassador Alexis Konstantopoulos in Riyadh. The two men discussed bilateral relations and topics of common concern, said the Foreign Ministry on X.


Saudi crown prince receives call from Ukraine’s Zelensky

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 44 min 36 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince receives call from Ukraine’s Zelensky

  • Two leaders discussed the latest developments in the Ukrainian-Russian crisis and efforts made to resolve it

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. 

During the call, the two leaders discussed the latest developments in the Ukrainian-Russian crisis and efforts made to resolve it. 

They also reviewed Saudi-Ukrainian relations and discussed issues of common interest. Regional and international developments were also discussed. 


Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 features first display of Holy Kaaba’s Kiswah outside Makkah

Updated 08 January 2025
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Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 features first display of Holy Kaaba’s Kiswah outside Makkah

  • Exhibition will highlight Saudi Arabia’s key role in serving Islam and Muslims
  • Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba is “considered the highest form of creative production in Islamic arts”

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 will feature, from Jan. 25 to May 25, the first public display outside Makkah of the whole Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba.

The Diriyah Biennale Foundation is hosting the unprecedented event at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, titled “And All That Is In Between.”

Visitors can admire the intricate weaving and embroidery of the Kiswah, the cloth that adorns the Holy Kaaba in the Grand Mosque in Makkah, featuring silk, gold and silver threads.

Since 1927, the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa has been producing decorative embroidered clothes for the Holy Kaaba, which is replaced annually.

The Diriyah Biennale Foundation said that the Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba, with its distinctive inscriptions and ornamentations, is “considered the highest form of creative production in Islamic arts” and holds significance in the lives of Muslims worldwide.

The exhibition will highlight Saudi Arabia’s key role in serving Islam and Muslims over the decades and showcase the exceptional skills and craftsmanship of the Kiswah Factory of the Holy Kaaba.

Alongside the Kiswah display, the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 will exhibit a collection of historical Islamic artifacts and contemporary artworks. The organizers aim to surpass the 600,000 visitors who attended the 2023 event.

The event also aims to enhance pilgrims’ religious and cultural experiences while preserving the Kingdom’s Islamic heritage as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.