RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority released several wild species on Friday, including Goitered gazelle, oryx, and red-necked ostrich in the Al-Taysiyah area, as part of the authority’s efforts to preserve and resettle endangered wildlife.
The move, which coincides with the winter activities of the Zubaydah trail to develop wildlife and biodiversity and restore ecological balance in the reserve, also aims to restore their role in their environment, promote self-reproduction, and contribute to the balance and sustainability of the environment.
The authority also seeks to raise societal awareness about the gazelle, oryx and ostriches, through its various activities, including the winter trail.
The CEO of the reserve, Mohammed Al-Shaalan, said that the concept of natural reserves in the world has developed thanks to the interest of researchers and investors in wildlife, as well as tourism companies.
He added that the authority is working to attract investors to revitalize eco-tourism and work on building eco-friendly lodges and diversifying activities.
The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Reserve, which covers an area of 91,500 square kilometers and is located in the north-east of the Kingdom, is a magnet for visitors, especially those interested in eco-tourism, bird watching, hiking and nature.
Meanwhile, the King Salman Royal Natural Reserve has launched a field survey project that will cover 40 percent of the reserve, in the first project of its kind in the Middle East.
The reserve will cooperate with the University of Tabuk to obtain basic data to plan future projects, including rehabilitating threatened local plants and preserving wildlife.
Saudi authorities release wild species in reserve to restore ecological balance
https://arab.news/bn95t
Saudi authorities release wild species in reserve to restore ecological balance
- Meanwhile, King Salman Royal Natural Reserve launches field survey to protect resources
Saudi Arabia chairs parliamentary talks in Algeria
RIYADH: The Association of Secretaries-General of Arab Parliaments held its 46th meeting in the Algerian capital, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
It was chaired by Mohammed Al-Mutairi, secretary-general of the Saudi Shoura Council and chairman of the association, in the presence of heads of Arab councils and parliaments.
The meeting focused on developing employees’ technical and administrative skills, the SPA reported.
The secretaries-general shared insights on best practices in human resource development, emphasizing skill enhancement and adequate training for legislative staff.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 38th Conference of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union in Algiers, where the agenda was reviewed and various topics related to cooperation and the strengthening of joint Arab action were discussed.
Established on April 3, 1995, the association aims to build bridges of cooperation between Arab and international councils and parliaments.
Hajj transport teams stationed at 20 locations
- Stationed at more than 20 locations, the authority’s teams are operating around the clock to assist pilgrims arriving in Makkah and Madinah
RIYADH: Inspection teams from the Transport General Authority have begun early operations at entry points to the Makkah region, the holy sites, and Madinah as part of preparations to serve pilgrims during Hajj.
Stationed at more than 20 locations, the authority’s teams are operating around the clock to assist pilgrims arriving in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Their daily operations focus on ensuring a smooth experience for pilgrims and verifying that all licensed operators comply with regulations.
The authority has instructed all transport operators to follow approved guidelines during the pilgrimage season.
These include using designated routes, securing operating licenses, and avoiding entry into Hajj-regulated areas without authorization.
It also emphasized that drivers must wear approved uniforms and obtain vehicle operating cards, the SPA reported.
The authority highlighted its continued cooperation with government agencies to ensure safe and secure transport for all pilgrims.
The public s been advised that reports and inquiries can be submitted via the unified number 19929 or through the authority’s Beneficiary Care account on social media.
Saudi Arabia activates first smart buoy in Arabian Gulf
RIYADH: The National Center for Environmental Compliance has activated the first smart buoy in the Arabian Gulf at King Fahd Industrial Port in Jubail, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It is part of a national initiative to deploy 35 smart buoys across the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf by the end of 2025 as part of a comprehensive marine and coastal environmental monitoring strategy.
Anwar Alnahdi, the center’s general manager of monitoring operations, said that the deployment was progressing rapidly.
The first was launched off Jeddah Islamic Port, followed by deployments in Yanbu and Jazan, and the project is now extending to the Arabian Gulf, the SPA added.
Alnahdi said that the full network of 35 buoys will be operational by the end of 2025.
He added that the first buoy in the Arabian Gulf represented a major step in environmental monitoring, allowing real-time data transmission from both the Kingdom’s eastern and western coasts to its major ports.
This will provide vital data for environmental oversight and decision-making, Alnahdi added.
The solar-powered buoys, which are equipped with smart sensors, measure parameters like temperature, salinity, oxygen levels, dissolved solids, and chemicals.
They also feature wireless systems for real-time data transmission, enabling swift detection and response to pollutants.
Alnahdi stressed the importance of this technology, given the Kingdom’s active maritime traffic and ongoing port development, which could lead to pollutants threatening the marine and coastal environment if not addressed promptly.
Saudi Arabia condemns attack on Port Sudan
- Saudi Arabia has condemned the recent RSF attacks on vital facilities in Port Sudan and Kassala
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has condemned and strongly denounced the recent attacks on vital facilities in Sudan, in Port Sudan and the eastern border town of Kassala.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Kingdom reaffirmed its rejection of such attacks, saying it “threatens regional stability and Arab national security.”
The ministry also said the solution to the current crisis is only through political means and that it must respect Sudan’s sovereignty and unity.
The Kingdom also underlined the importance of adhering to the commitments outlined in the Jeddah Declaration, which aims to safeguard civilians in Sudan.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces on Sunday struck Port Sudan with drones, targeting Osman Digna air base, a goods warehouse and some civilian facilities.
The RSF, at war with the regular army since April 2023, have increased their use of drones since losing territory, including much of the capital Khartoum, in March.
#بيان | تعرب وزارة الخارجية عن إدانة المملكة العربية السعودية واستنكارها استهداف المرافق الحيوية والبنية التحتية في "بورتسودان وكسلا" بجمهورية السودان، وهو ما يمثل تهديداً للاستقرار الإقليمي والأمن الوطني العربي والأفريقي pic.twitter.com/HJQ7zXc2Cr
— وزارة الخارجية (@KSAMOFA) May 4, 2025
Visitors drawn to historic mosques pavilion in Jakarta
- Pavilion featured illustrated panels and information on mosques that have played a pivotal role in Islamic history
- Presented in a visually engaging and informative manner, the exhibition included rare photographs and detailed architectural renderings
RIYADH: Visitors to the Jusoor exhibition, which was organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs in Jakarta, Indonesia, were attracted to the pavilion showcasing the historic mosques in Makkah and Madinah.
The pavilion featured illustrated panels and information on the mosques that have played a pivotal role in Islamic history, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Among them were the Quba Mosque — the first established in Islam — and the Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where Prophet Muhammad received the command to change the qibla (direction of prayer). Also featured was the Al-Jum’ah Mosque, where the Prophet is said to have led his first Friday prayer. Other historically significant mosques were also highlighted.
Presented in a visually engaging and informative manner, the exhibition included rare photographs and detailed architectural renderings that placed the spotlight on the spiritual importance of these sacred sites.
It also reinforced the deep emotional and historic connection Muslims around the world have with the legacy of the Prophet’s life and mission, the SPA added.
The pavilion was part of the exhibition’s broader goal to promote Islamic values and underscore Saudi Arabia’s leading role in preserving, maintaining, and documenting historic mosques as part of its custodianship of Islamic heritage.
