Riyadh: The UN special envoy’s military adviser to Yemen, Antony Hayward, praised the work carried out by Saudi aid agency KSrelief’s Project Masam to clear landmines in Yemen.

During his visit to the agency’s headquarters in Marib, he said that the project works to protect the lives of civilians and secure large areas of Yemeni territory despite the challenges posed by landmines.

The UN official emphasized the importance of continuing such humanitarian projects to achieve stability in Yemen and protect civilians, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Last week, meanwhile, members of Project Masam removed 840 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen, including anti-personnel mines, anti-tank mines and unexploded ordnance, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said 470,416 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are responsible for clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

About 5 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the start of the conflict in Yemen, many of them displaced by the presence of landmines.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism is supporting private sector growth by launching Ramlah Co. for Tourist Trips and Resorts, a new initiative to attract visitors to the Hail region.

This undertaking is part of the broader Saudi Winter Season campaign, which offers unique experiences in its key destinations.

The Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb inaugurated the Ramlah Co. during a visit to Hail, signaling the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to develop the tourism sector and foster private-sector participation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.  

Al-Khateeb, also the chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority, emphasized that the launch of the company aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives to diversify the economy and promote tourism as a key growth sector. 

The Saudi Winter Season, which began in October and runs through the first quarter of 2025, highlights seven key destinations, including Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla, as well as the Red Sea, the Eastern Province, Madinah, and Hail.  

The campaign is designed to showcase the Kingdom’s cultural and natural attractions, with private companies like Ramlah Co. offering tailored experiences for visitors. 

Ramlah Co. has met all licensing requirements set by the Ministry of Tourism and will offer a diverse range of activities in the region, from desert camping and sandboarding to off-road safaris and historical tours of landmarks such as Jubbah.  

The company will also provide stargazing experiences and flexible tourism packages designed for families, groups, and solo travelers.  

During his visit, Al-Khateeb announced several initiatives aimed at further developing the region’s tourism infrastructure. He revealed plans for 1,000 international training opportunities and 10,000 domestic training programs for Hail residents, according to the minister’s official X account.  

He also highlighted efforts to enhance tourism initiatives and projects, underscored by the signing of two memoranda of understanding with the Hail Development Authority.  

Speaking on future investments, Al-Khateeb noted that the Tourism Development Fund is currently evaluating support for several key projects in the Hail region.   

“The fund is studying supporting a number of distinguished projects, the value of which exceeds SR1 billion and is expected to contribute to providing more than 850 hotel rooms in the area,” Al-Khateeb said.   

These projects are anticipated to boost Hail’s hospitality capacity while fostering economic growth and job creation.  

The minister also visited the Hail Tourism Development Authority, where he reviewed several qualitative initiatives designed to enhance the region’s tourism offerings.   

The launch of Ramlah Co. reflects the government’s commitment to developing regional tourism hubs and providing a platform for private companies to play a pivotal role in the country’s tourism sector.

Hail, known for its UNESCO-listed Hail Rock Art and Fayd Historic City, is one of the Kingdom’s most culturally rich regions. The area also features natural attractions like Al-Adham Park, offering tourists a range of recreational activities.

Al-Khateeb continues his tour as part of the Winter Season campaign, with AlUla being his next stop.