Workshops and training programs aim to enhance the quality and competitiveness of AlUla dates in both local and global markets
Updated 14 September 2024
Arab News
Riyadh: The AlUla Dates Festival, organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla, began this week with a strong turnout from farmers and investors.
On its first day, the festival received 110 tonnes of dates, highlighting the region’s rich agricultural heritage and growth potential.
The event, a collaboration between the commission and various public and private entities, supports local farmers and promotes sustainable agriculture.
Workshops and training programs aim to enhance the quality and competitiveness of AlUla dates in both local and global markets.
For investors, the festival offers an opportunity to acquire premium dates from a renowned region.
The festival runs through to Nov. 9, held every Friday and Saturday in AlUla.
Dates are economically and socially important in AlUla, with about three million palm trees producing 120,000 tonnes annually, making the region a key player in the agricultural sector.
The festival showcases the diversity and quality of AlUla’s date varieties.
Saudi foreign minister arrives in Jordan to attend Arab-Islamic ministerial meeting on Gaza
Updated 9 sec ago
Arab News
DUBAI: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Jordan on Wednesday to participate in an Arab-Islamic ministerial committee focused on efforts to halt the ongoing war in Gaza.
The committee, established to coordinate a global response to put an end to the war will focus on Arab-Islamic action during the upcoming high-level meetings of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.
Chaired by Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, the committee includes representatives from Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Indonesia, Nigeria, Bahrain, as well as the secretary-general of the Arab League and the secretary-general of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
KSrelief continues pediatric hematology, oncology program in Yemen
Updated 18 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief continues to provide pediatric hematology and oncology services in the Mukalla area of Hadhramaut, Yemen, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The program, which began on Sept. 14 and runs until Sept. 21, is led by five specialists. They have already examined 21 children with cancerous tumors.
The program is a part of KSrelief’s volunteer specialist medical services for needy people across the world.
Authorities warn of thunderstorms, hail across Saudi Arabia until Sunday
The Makkah region is expected to receive heavy rain that may lead to torrential downpours, hail, and strong winds
Updated 18 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi Civil Defense warned of thunderstorms across the Kingdom until Sunday as the country experiences cooler autumn weather.
The authorities urged people to avoid areas susceptible to flooding, not to swim in open water, and to follow instructions issued through social media channels.
The Makkah region is expected to receive heavy rain that may lead to torrential downpours, hail, and strong winds.
moderate-to-heavy rain expected to affect the Baha, Asir, and Jazan regions, while Najran and Madinah regions might see drizzle to moderate rain.
September 1st signaled the official start of autumn in Saudi Arabia.
The season is usually rainy, with rapid fluctuations in weather patterns, providing much-needed respite from the heat, according to the National Center for Meteorology.
Temperatures are anticipated to remain elevated until the middle of the month, with significant fluctuations expected in temperature.
Saudi crown prince to deliver annual royal address at Shoura Council on Wednesday
The crown prince will deliver the address on behalf of King Salman
Address will cover the Kingdom’s domestic and foreign policies and its positions on international issues
Updated 17 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will deliver an annual royal address to inaugurate the first year of the ninth session of the Shoura Council on Wednesday.
The crown prince will deliver the address on behalf of King Salman and it will cover the Kingdom’s domestic and foreign policies and its positions on regional and international issues, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Shoura Council Speaker Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh said the council is guided by the contents of the royal address every year in its work, discussions, and decisions.
Purrfect plan to pamper kitties by cat company in Saudi Arabia
Horayra Community’s ‘1 Million Cats’ campaign wants to ensure no cat naps hungry
Updated 17 September 2024
Nada Hameed
JEDDAH: A Saudi Arabia cat food company, inspired by Islam’s directives on treating animals with love and kindness, is helping to take care of strays and those abandoned in the Kingdom.
The Horayra firm is named after Abu Huraira, a close companion of Prophet Muhammad. Abu Huraira, which means “Father of the kitten,” was given his nickname due to his affection for a kitten.
Horayra Community’s initiative to feed and take care of stray cats brings together experts, cat lovers and rescuers across the Kingdom. (AN photos/Supplied)
When tending to people’s sheep he would carry the kitten with him, playing with it during the day and placing it in a tree at night for safety. This reflects the values of compassion and love for animals that is at the heart of the company’s Horayra Community.
Saud Al-Sohimi, owner of the brand, told Arab News: “The goal is to feed the largest number of needy cats, promote the culture of compassion for animals, and rescue them from homelessness.”
HIGHLIGHTS
• Horayra Community launched the ‘1 Million Cats’ campaign recently to feed this number of cats across the Kingdom by distributing free food to rescuers and pet stores.
• The brand donates cat food for strays with every purchase of a Horayra product, which is certified by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.
The initiative brings together experts, cat lovers and rescuers across the Kingdom.
They manufacture special bags for stray cats which are distributed to supervisors in the Horayra Community for delivery to rescuers across Saudi Arabia. (AN photos/Supplied)
They launched the “1 Million Cats” campaign recently to feed this number of cats across the Kingdom by distributing free food to rescuers and pet stores.
The company has offered SR5,000 ($1,332) to someone who has the best story about feeding a cat.
The goal is to feed the largest number of needy cats, promote the culture of compassion for animals, and rescue them from homelessness.
Saud Al-Sohimi, Horayra brand owner
By sharing videos with the campaign’s hashtag on social media, the community contributes to a larger story of collective effort and compassion, Al-Sohimi explained.
Speaking about the company’s products, he added that it is made “from natural ingredients, ensuring their health and care.”
Milo, a rescued stray cat finds a new life in the Philippines after being adopted through the Horayra Community's rescue services. (Supplied)
The company also donates cat food for strays with every purchase of a Horayra product, which is certified by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, and is available in Qatar and Kuwait.
They also manufacture special bags for stray cats which are distributed to supervisors in the Horayra Community for delivery to rescuers across the Kingdom.
Reflecting on the public’s love for cats, Al-Sohimi recalled how a woman in Riyadh rescued a cat with a severed tail. “She took the cat in, cared for it, and nursed it back to health. Unable to keep it, she put the cat up for adoption,” he said.
A Filipino man, living in Riyadh adopted the cat, and took it with him to the Philippines.
“There, the once-stray cat’s life transformed completely. It became a cherished pet, eventually had kittens, and lived a happy life filled with love and care, known as Milo to its new family,” said Al-Sohimi.
At the end of the year, the Horayra Community intends to honor the people who contributed to the campaign.
“The Horayra Community’s members are increasing every day. It is a shining example of the compassion and kindness of the Saudi people toward animals.
“Their efforts have significantly improved the lives of stray cats across the Kingdom, fostering a healthier environment for both humans and animals.” Al-Sohimi said.
