Fragrance meets flora in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region

The fragrant oxeye stands out for the distinct scent emanating from its leaves. (SPA)
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Updated 10 February 2025
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Fragrance meets flora in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region

  • Authorities are making significant efforts to conserve wild plants by intensifying awareness campaigns and rehabilitating natural areas to preserve plant diversity

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region, renowned for its plant diversity, is home to a variety of aromatic species that enhance the area’s natural beauty, a Saudi Press Agency report has highlighted.

Among these, Asteriscus graveolens, commonly known as fragrant oxeye, stands out for the distinct scent emanating from its leaves.




The fragrant oxeye plant represents an integral part of the Northern Borders’ natural heritage. (SPA)

Nasser Al-Majlad, head of the Aman Environmental Association, told the Saudi Press Agency that two types of fragrant oxeye are found in the Kingdom: One with petals and another without.

He added that the flowering wild plant belongs to the daisy family and is characterized by its dense, intertwined branches, which can reach up to one meter in height.

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Environmental initiatives have also been launched to protect plants from extinction, ensuring their survival for future generations, including the cherished fragrant oxeye of the Northern Borders region.

Its bright yellow flowers bloom in spring, adding a vibrant touch to the region’s landscapes.

The fragrant oxeye plant represents an integral part of the Northern Borders’ natural heritage. Essential oils extracted from its leaves are used in perfume production.

Flowering wild plants also play a vital role in supporting biodiversity and providing habitats for wildlife.

Authorities are making significant efforts to conserve wild plants by intensifying awareness campaigns and rehabilitating natural areas to preserve plant diversity, the report said.

Environmental initiatives have also been launched to protect these plants from extinction, ensuring their survival for future generations, including the cherished fragrant oxeye.

 


Saudi robotics deal supports STEM learning

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Saudi robotics deal supports STEM learning

  • The program encourages students to explore robotics, develop skills, and participate in global competitions

RIYADH: The Saudi Federation for Robotics and RC Sports partnered with VEX Robotics and the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation to support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education in the Kingdom.

The initiative aims to introduce advanced robotics technologies into classrooms and competitions, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

It supports Saudi students by providing educational tools aligned with Vision 2030’s focus on technology and youth development.

The program encourages students to explore robotics, develop skills, and participate in global competitions, the SPA reported.

Abdullah Alsunaydi, CEO of the Saudi federation, said: “This partnership supports our mission to build a knowledge-based society and create opportunities for youth.”

Tony Norman, CEO of VEX Robotics, said that the partnership aims to equip the next generation with tools to succeed in a changing world.

VEX Robotics offers a hands-on educational program called VEX Continuum, for students from elementary to university levels.

The REC Foundation organizes robotics competitions that encourage students to apply learning, solve problems, and collaborate.

The partnership will provide teacher training and resources, organizing competitions to expand access to robotics education and inspire interest in STEM careers.


Riyadh hosts warehousing, logistics expo

Updated 6 min 19 sec ago
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Riyadh hosts warehousing, logistics expo

RIYADH: Rumaih Al-Rumaih, Saudi Arabia’s vice minister of transport and logistic services, inaugurated the second Saudi Warehousing and Logistics Expo at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.

Al-Rumaih said that the Kingdom is experiencing a leap in the logistics sector, driven by an ambitious vision and strong leadership support to enhance its position as a global logistics hub.

He said that the expo came at a pivotal time, helping it keep pace with this critical phase of industrial and logistics development, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The exhibition featured more than 40 speakers from leading government entities. Sessions highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in developing supply chains, focusing on automation, fleet management, and modern logistics services.

The three-day expo, from May 27-29, is a leading platform bringing together public and private sector entities in the industry under one roof.

It offers an ideal opportunity to explore the latest solutions, including handling and storage equipment, automated systems, robotics, packaging, control and weighing systems, and security.


China grants visa-free entry to Saudi travelers

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Updated 28 May 2025
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China grants visa-free entry to Saudi travelers

RIYADH: China is allowing visa-free entry for 30 days for travelers from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain in a one-year trial, the official Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday.

The new policy begins on June 9, 2025, and will last until June 8, 2026, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press briefing.

Passport holders from the four countries will be allowed to travel to China for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives or friends, exchanges and transit, Mao said.

China now grants visa-free access to all Gulf Cooperation Council countries, having implemented reciprocal policies with the UAE and Qatar since 2018.

“We welcome more friends from the GCC countries to embark on an impromptu trip to China,” Mao said.  

Previously, Saudi Arabia had held Approved Destination Status with the East Asian nation, which came into effect on July 1, 2024.

This bilateral agreement gave access to tourists visiting the respective countries in groups.

The announcement is the latest step in strengthening ties between the two nations.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to attract 5 million Chinese tourists annually by the end of the decade.

The two countries also share a strong trade relationship, and the Kingdom is China’s largest trading partner in the Gulf.


KSrelief expands aid across global crisis zones

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Updated 28 May 2025
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KSrelief expands aid across global crisis zones

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief continues to make a significant global impact, providing critical assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

In Somalia, KSrelief distributed 1,220 food baskets to families affected by floods in camps across the Banadir region, benefiting 7,320 people.

The Saudi aid agency also distributed 900 food baskets to vulnerable displaced families in Sudan’s Blue Nile State, benefiting 4,050 individuals.

In Yemen, KSrelief launched a project to treat childhood cancer in Mukalla district, Hadramout governorate, involving five volunteers specializing in various medical fields.

So far, the KSrelief medical team has examined 23 children and reviewed their treatment plans. They also conducted training sessions for local health care workers, benefiting 10 individuals to date, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,435 projects worth more than $7.9 billion across 107 countries, in partnership with more than 317 organizations.


Study outlines forest fire prevention plan

Updated 28 May 2025
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Study outlines forest fire prevention plan

RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has completed a study to enhance forest protection and reduce wildfire risks in support of environmental sustainability goals.

Titled “Forest Fire Prevention and Post-Fire Recovery in the Southern and Southwestern Regions of Saudi Arabia,” the study was conducted in collaboration with King Khalid University and Monash University in Australia.

It includes an assessment of forest conditions and risk factors, the development of a digital database, and a review of preventive measures and community practices, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The study proposes an integrated response plan involving relevant agencies, with defined roles and the use of modern tools such as early warning systems and drones.

It also offers field designs and sustainable alternatives for strategic firebreaks, a post-fire recovery guide, a performance evaluation tool, and a framework for joint operations.

To support this, the study outlines a mechanism for engaging local volunteer teams in forest areas through training, capacity-building, and coordination with authorities.

The study demonstrates institutional, technical, and community collaboration in forest protection. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s efforts to preserve natural resources and address climate-related challenges while balancing development with ecosystem conservation.

The national center continues to promote sustainable vegetation cover and has launched an initiative to plant 60 million trees — equivalent to restoring 300,000 hectares — by 2030.