Dhafer bin Ayed Al-Fahad, director general of the authority, told Arab News about the “successful and encouraging experience” with sandalwood trees
Updated 14 December 2022
Tareq Al-Thaqafi
MAKKAH: Sandalwood farming is reaping sweet rewards for farmers in Jazan two years after its launch in Saudi Arabia.
The project was conducted in partnership with a research team comprising the Development and Reconstruction of Jazan Mountainous Regions Authority, Jazan University, King Abdulaziz University, and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.
Dhafer bin Ayed Al-Fahad, director general of the authority, told Arab News about the “successful and encouraging experience” with sandalwood trees.
A number of businessmen and businesswomen were invited to tour the region to see the region’s agricultural potential.
Al-Fahad highlighted the importance of the strategic partnerships between the authority and private sector to attract investment for cultivation projects, such as coffee, sandalwood and agarwood, that will help in creating job opportunities for locals and yield high returns.
Jazan farmers have also made great strides in expanding their production of tropical fruit for local and international markets.
Coffee production is another important economic sector in the region, and enjoys special care by the Kingdom’s leadership. It is part of the Jazan region’s heritage, and is a crucial source of income for the residents of the mountainous areas, which are the homeland of the Khawlani coffee beans. With such initiatives, as part of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s southwestern region has reintroduced itself as a key player on the country’s agricultural development map.
How Modi’s landmark visit to Jeddah added ‘further momentum’ to historic Saudi-India ties
Modi’s visit to Jeddah was the first by an Indian premier in over four decades, underlining a deepening partnership
The PM’s itinerary included the second India-Saudi SPC meeting to enhance defense cooperation
Updated 23 April 2025
Arab News
JEDDAH: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was escorted by Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jets ahead of his touchdown in Jeddah on Tuesday, where he was greeted by a 21-gun salute in a ceremonial welcome that highlighted the growing defense ties between the two countries.
The visit marked Modi’s first to the Red Sea port city and the first by an Indian premier in more than 40 years. It was also his third visit to Saudi Arabia in a decade, highlighting deepening diplomatic, economic, and military cooperation between Riyadh and New Delhi.
“This visit will strengthen the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia,” Modi posted on the social media platform X ahead of his arrival, expressing his eagerness to advance bilateral agreements and programs.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, wrote on X that the visit would “give further momentum” to “longstanding and historic ties” between Saudi Arabia and India.
Referring to the Royal Saudi Air Force escort, Jaiswal posted: “India-Saudi Arabia friendship flying high!”
Modi was escorted by Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jets ahead of his touchdown in Jeddah on Tuesday. (Social Media)
Modi’s arrival was met with vibrant celebrations among the Indian diaspora — the Kingdom’s largest expatriate group. Traditional dances were performed in his honor, and Saudi singer Hashim Abbas paid tribute by singing the Hindi patriotic anthem “Ae Watan.”
Members of the Indian diaspora gathered at a hotel in Jeddah and sang “Saare Jahan Se Achha” as they awaited Modi’s arrival. One of the members of the Indian diaspora told ANI: “I am very excited to see PM Modi here. We are so grateful that we got this opportunity.”
A key part of the visit was the second meeting of the India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council, co-chaired by Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Established in 2019, the SPC has become a vital platform for cooperation in politics, security, trade and culture.
Modi’s arrival was met with vibrant celebrations among the Indian diaspora. Traditional dances were performed in his honor, and Saudi singer Hashim Abbas paid tribute by singing the Hindi patriotic anthem “Ae Watan.” (Supplied)
In an interview ahead of the visit with Noor Nugali, deputy editor-in-chief of Arab News, Modi emphasized that the bond between India and Saudi Arabia “is not new.” Rather, “it is rooted in civilizational exchanges that go back to centuries.
“From ideas to trade, there has been a constant flow between our two great nations,” he said. “Our relations have been on an upward trajectory since 2014.”
One of the most significant areas of growing cooperation has been defense. In recent years, India and Saudi Arabia have held joint military exercises, finalized India’s first artillery shell exports to the Kingdom and signed advanced weapons systems deals.
Officials said this week’s discussions would include expanding naval exercises and strengthening security partnerships — particularly in maritime and cybersecurity domains.
“This visit will strengthen the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia,” Modi posted on the social media platform X ahead of his arrival, expressing his eagerness to advance bilateral agreements and programs. (SPA)
The visit came at a time when both countries are pursuing bold domestic agendas. As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and India rises as a global economic force, the leaders are keen to transform longstanding cultural and economic ties into a comprehensive 21st-century partnership.
“There is much to celebrate in the remarkable transformation of bilateral ties,” journalist and foreign policy analyst C. Raja Mohan said in a recent op-ed for The Indian Express.
“The PM’s visit to Jeddah is not only about expanding bilateral relations; it also reflects Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a significant geopolitical actor under its crown prince and prime minister, Mohammed bin Salman.”
He added: “(Riyadh’s) interest-driven, rather than ideologically rigid, approach marks a fundamental shift in the evolution of the Saudi Kingdom — one that echoes the pragmatism of India’s own Middle East policy under Modi.”
As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and India rises as a global economic force, the leaders are keen to transform longstanding cultural and economic ties into a comprehensive 21st-century partnership. (SPA)
Bilateral trade has continued to grow despite global economic turbulence, with energy, agriculture and fertilizers remaining key pillars. Both sides are now eying new areas of cooperation, including green hydrogen, emerging technologies and infrastructure.
Indeed, trade between the two countries surged to $52 billion in 2023-24, and officials said several memorandums of understanding would be signed during the visit to bolster both economic and political collaboration.
India’s economy is seen as being relatively less vulnerable to global headwinds, and calibrated policy support could help the country turn current volatility into an opportunity, the Reserve Bank of India said in its April bulletin released on Tuesday.
“Although the dampening global economic outlook could impact India’s economic growth through weaker external demand, the domestic growth engines ... consumption and investment, are relatively less susceptible to external headwinds,” the RBI said in its article, titled “State of the Economy.”
Saudi Arabia has long been a key energy supplier to India, with the Kingdom ranked as the country’s third largest source of petroleum, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. As one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, India relies heavily on crude and refined oil imports to meet its expanding energy demands.
In an interview ahead of the visit with Noor Nugali, deputy editor-in-chief of Arab News, Modi emphasized that the bond between India and Saudi Arabia “is not new.” Rather, “it is rooted in civilizational exchanges that go back to centuries. (SPA)
That partnership is also evolving in response to global energy transitions, as both countries recognize the urgency of moving toward cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy.
India announced its aim of achieving 500 GW renewable energy by 2030 at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, outlining its intention to meet half of its energy requirements from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. The target marked a significant step beyond the country’s earlier Paris Agreement commitments and highlighted its growing role in global climate leadership.
Modi’s itinerary had included a visit to a facility employing Indian workers and a meeting with members of the Indian community. Saudi Arabia is home to 2.7 million Indian residents and workers.
The Indian leader, who in 2016 was awarded the King Abdulaziz Sash, Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian honor, has made Gulf partnerships a cornerstone of his foreign policy.
Analysts said the visit reflected India’s broader strategy to cement alliances across West Asia, a region vital to its energy security and home to more than 9 million Indian expatriates.
Laheq: New era of residential island living in Saudi Arabia
Red Sea Global’s Laheq Island introduces island homeownership to Saudi Arabia
Updated 22 April 2025
Nada Hameed
JEDDAH: Unveiled by Red Sea Global, Laheq is the first island focused on residences rather than tourism, bringing resort-style living and homeownership to Saudi Arabia.
Located off Saudi Arabia’s western coast, Laheq Island is part of an archipelago of 92 untouched islands that are home to over 2,000 marine species, many of which are found nowhere else.
Out of all the locations, RSG selected the island for its intimate scale and natural beauty which is shaped by coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and calm lagoons.
Located near the western shores of Saudi Arabia, Laheq Island part of the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef. (Supplied)
Ahmad Darwish, group chief administrative officer at RSG, told Arab News: “Spanning over 400 hectares, the island is designed for everyday living, not just holidays. It offers a unique opportunity to own a private island home in a destination globally known for regenerative tourism and barefoot luxury.”
Laheq’s proximity to Shura Island, the main hub of the Red Sea, ensures seamless connectivity to the mainland, making it ideal for a close-knit year-round community.
Darwish added: “It is designed by Foster and Partners, whose vision is grounded in its natural beauty. Their ‘Forever Gardens’ concept creates a regenerative, sensory-rich island shaped by greenery and architectural harmony.”
HIGHLIGHTS
• Laheq’s proximity to Shura Island, the main hub of the Red Sea, ensures seamless connectivity to the mainland, making it ideal for a close-knit year-round community.
• It is designed to support all generations, offering everything from beach clubs to family spaces and cultural programs.
Lissoni and Partners crafted the villa interiors, offering two palettes: light (with ivory, cream, and airy tones) and dark (with rich woods and earthy textures), to reflect different expressions of “barefoot luxury.”
Spanning over 400-hectare, the island is designed for everyday living, not just holidays, it offers a unique opportunity to own a private island home. (Supplied)
At its heart lies The Ring, an 800-meter circular structure of luxury apartments, hotels, and shops surrounding the island’s central lagoon and white sands.
Laheq is designed to support all generations, offering everything from beach clubs and wellness sanctuaries to family spaces and cultural programs.
Highlights include two luxury hotels, one focused on wellness and the other on social energy. There’s also a 115-berth marina with sailing and watersports schools, an 18-hole championship golf course, several beach clubs, and clubs for men and women.
Ahmad Darwish, group chief administrative officer. (Supplied)
A retail and dining souq caters to both everyday needs and luxury experiences. North Park features sports facilities like tennis, padel, basketball, football, a gym, and a lap pool. The island also includes cultural programming, a mosque, and curated events for residents.
Laheq embodies RSG’s sustainability ethos, and Darwish said: “Residences are intentionally placed to maximize privacy (with) natural views, and solar orientation, while the entire island operates on 100 percent renewable energy and adheres to Red Sea Global’s pioneering environmental commitments.”
The “Forever Gardens” philosophy ensures that buildings blend with nature, using reclaimed materials, prioritizing solar orientation, and protecting mangroves and coral reefs.
Located near the western shores of Saudi Arabia, Laheq Island part of the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef. (Supplied)
Laheq will also contribute to economic diversification, job creation, and tourism growth.
Darwish added: “It also shows RSG’s evolution, from a destination developer to a vertically integrated real estate company delivering enduring value through real estate, hospitality, and sustainability.”
Laheq is scheduled for completion in 2028, with sales now officially underway. Development is set to begin shortly, marking a new chapter in exclusive island living.
Spanning over 400-hectare, the island is designed for everyday living, not just holidays, it offers a unique opportunity to own a private island home. (Supplied)
Darwish said: “It appeals to those seeking second homes or primary residences in a private island setting, as well as intergenerational families looking to create meaningful shared experiences. The development also resonates with eco-conscious buyers who value sustainability and timeless design.”
RSG is working to plant 50 million mangroves and improve their natural habitats, while also protecting and restoring coral reefs in the Red Sea and nearby areas.
The developer is also on track to finish all 16 hotels in phase one of The Red Sea. By 2030 the full project will include 50 resorts with up to 8,000 hotel rooms and over 1,000 homes spread across 22 islands and six inland locations, with Red Sea International Airport ensuring easy access.
Dance of the dolphins steals the show at Farasan Islands
Sightings of 5 dolphin species highlight biodiversity
Vital to coexist with marine life, says local fisherman
Updated 22 April 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Sightings of more than five dolphin species have cemented the Farasan Islands’ reputation as a must-visit haven for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
Among the species spotted, bottlenose and spinner dolphins steal the show. Spinner dolphins, known for their playful nature, often approach recreational cruises, delighting people with their charm.
Saudi Arabia fisherman Mohammed Fursani, who has navigated the waters for a long time, sees a deeper connection.
NUMBER
150k
Located 50 km off Jazan’s coast and spanning 1,050 sq. km across more than 84 coral islands, this destination welcomes over 150,000 visitors annually, Saudi Press Agency reported.
“Dolphins, like us, understand and cherish the sea, finding joy in it. This deep-rooted relationship highlights the local community’s awareness of the importance of coexisting with and protecting marine life,” he told the SPA.
Beyond these charismatic dolphins, the Farasan Islands are a vital sanctuary of biodiversity. Their pristine, pollution-free waters teem with fish, providing abundant food for these marine mammals to thrive and reproduce.
The area’s marine ecosystem supports 230 fish species and endangered species including green and hawksbill turtles, as well as whales and sharks that are spotted occasionally.
The sight of dolphins adds to the islands’ growing appeal as an ecotourism hotspot, supported by Saudi Arabia’s wildlife preservation efforts.
Designated a nature reserve in 1996, the islands benefit from ongoing conservation efforts by the National Center for Wildlife Development to preserve their natural heritage.
Located 50 km off Jazan’s coast and spanning 1,050 sq. km across more than 84 coral islands, this destination welcomes over 150,000 visitors annually.
Authorities are planning over 20 hotels and resorts to accommodate this surge while prioritizing sustainability at the Farasan Islands.
Saudi Cabinet reviews real estate measures, praises oil and gas discoveries during Jeddah session
Discussed ongoing implementation of measures aimed at stabilizing the real estate sector in Riyadh
Hailed recent discoveries of oil and natural gas in Eastern Province and Empty Quarter
Updated 22 April 2025
Arab News
JEDDAH: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the Saudi Cabinet session on Tuesday in Jeddah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Among the matters discussed was the implementation of measures announced by the crown prince last month aimed at stabilizing the real estate sector in Riyadh.
The Cabinet stressed the importance of addressing the rise in land prices and rents that have been witnessed in the capital in recent years, highlighting the Kingdom’s keenness to ensure balanced growth, the SPA reported.
It also hailed the recent discoveries of oil and natural gas in the Eastern Province and the Empty Quarter, describing them as a “qualitative addition” that will consolidate Saudi Arabia’s economic standing and bolster its ability to meet both local and global energy demands for decades to come.
The Cabinet reviewed the Kingdom’s communications with other countries, focusing on developments in regional and global arenas, and exploring ways to enhance joint cooperation. It highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting international security, stability and humanitarian support for those in need.
It welcomed the growing international support for the upcoming conference to resolve the Palestinian issue and implement the two-state solution, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France.
It stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the importance of ensuring humanitarian aid reaches civilians without delay.
During the session, the Cabinet approved a number of key agreements and initiatives.
These included agreements with Morocco on mutual assistance in criminal matters, extradition and the transfer of convicts; and a memorandum of understanding with Malaysia to exempt holders of diplomatic, special or official passports from short-stay visa requirements.
Further approvals covered environmental cooperation with Jordan, health cooperation with Iran and education collaboration with South Korea. The Cabinet also authorized the signing of an agreement with Bahrain to avoid double taxation, alongside agreements with Kuwait and Croatia for similar tax purposes.
In technology, an MoU was approved between Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission and Greece’s National Telecommunications and Postal Authority. The Kingdom also agreed to join the Tampere Convention on telecommunications resources for disaster mitigation and relief operations.
Additional MoUs included cooperation on disability care with Djibouti, trade promotion with China, combating terrorism with Kenya, and news exchange between the Saudi Press Agency and Algeria’s state news agency.
In addition, the Cabinet praised the outcomes of the second edition of the Human Capabilities Initiative Conference recently held in Riyadh, which announced more than 100 launches, agreements, and MoUs aimed at stimulating international cooperation and furthering the goals of Vision 2030 in developing human capital.
Other notable decisions included the restructuring of the Primary Committee for the Resolution of Insurance Disputes and Violations in Jeddah, headed by Sultan bin Fayhan Aba Al-Ala, and the establishment of an operations room dedicated to processing financial fraud reports.
The Cabinet approved the final accounts of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University for the previous fiscal year.
It also approved promotions and appointments at the fourteenth rank across multiple ministries, including the promotion of Abdullah bin Saad bin Saleh Al-Ghamdi at the Ministry of Energy and the appointment of Ghallab bin Ghaleb bin Rajih Abu Khashim as deputy emir of Al-Baha Region.
Finally, the Cabinet reviewed a number of general topics, including annual reports from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, the Royal Commission for AlUla, the Saudi Red Sea Authority and the Social Development Bank.
Trump to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE from May 13
Updated 22 April 2025
AFP
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump will visit the Middle East next month on a three-country tour, his spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday.
It will be his second foreign trip since returning to office, following his planned attendance at the Vatican for Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday.
Trump “will travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates from May 13 until May 16,” Leavitt told a White House press briefing, without elaborating.
