The sight of two dolphins twisting playfully in the murky waters of the Mekong river elicits barely-stifled squeals of delight from a boatload of eco-tourists.
But a short distance upstream, river guard Pech Sokhan sighs as he holds up two large, tangled gill nets recently pulled from the river — evidence old habits die hard despite a ban on the practice that ensnares many dolphins.
“We have to keep educating people every day,” said Pech, one of 77 unarmed guards who patrol the Cambodian stretch of the Mekong river on the lookout for activities that could harm the dolphins.
Entanglement in gill nets — vertical mesh nets left in the water for long periods — is the main cause of death in adult Mekong dolphins, according to experts, who believe the grey mammals with distinctive blunt beaks are in imminent danger of extinction.
Estimates for the number of remaining adult Mekong river freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins range from 85 up to 180.
Although there are no comprehensive studies, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature classes the species as critically endangered.
The dwindling population faces numerous challenges including unexplained high rates of calf mortality, as well as disease, inbreeding and habitat loss.
But “gill nets are the biggest of these threats,” said WWF conservationist Gordon Congdon.
Freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins exist in only three river systems in Southeast Asia, with Cambodia hosting the largest population.
Community-based eco-tourism initiatives that allow poor villagers to generate revenue from the “smiling face of the Mekong,” mostly through boat tours and souvenir sales, are central to protection efforts.
And business is good. The region welcomed some 30,000 dolphin tourists this year, up from around 20,000 in 2011 and just 50 in 2000, said Touch Seang Tana, who heads a government commission to protect the species.
Kampi dolphin pool in eastern Cambodia’s Kratie province, where tourists can get up close with small groups of the mammals, is one of the success stories of government efforts to save the critically endangered creatures.
But not all locals can get in on the act, and despite plans to open two more dolphin viewing sites, many find that cheap and efficient gill nets remain the best way to put food on the table.
“It is unending until the poverty is gone,” Touch said about the battle against the dreaded nets, which ensnare dolphins as easily as they trap fish.
“People already know that gill nets kill dolphins. But they are thinking about their own stomachs.”
In what WWF hailed as “a huge step forward,” the government in August approved a dolphin protection zone in a 180-kilometer-long (110 miles) river stretch from Kratie to the border with Laos.
While fishing with small scoop nets, cast nets or hooks is still allowed in the safe zone, dolphin-unfriendly fishing methods such as gill nets and fish cages are banned.
Offenders are not arrested or fined, but their destructive fishing gear is confiscated — a heavy loss for poor families.
But despite these efforts, river guards confiscated some 8,000 meters of gill nets over just a few days in early December, Touch said, evidence the practice is still common.
Worse still, since the ban came into effect at least two adult dolphins have been found dead, ensnared in netting, he added.
The race is now on to educate the dozens of villages dotted along the Mekong about the new rules and offer incentives for traditional fishing communities to diversify their income and reduce reliance on fishing.
But the efforts have yet to reach fisherman Eam Mao, 55, who lives a few kilometers north of the popular Kampi dolphin pools and earns just over $ 2 a day from his catch.
“It’s much more difficult for us to make a living than for those who live nearer the dolphins,” he told AFP as he sat outside his modest home repairing a small cast net.
Still, river guard Pech is optimistic that the new rules can make a difference.
“Now when we confiscate the gill nets people dare not object because they know it’s illegal. Before, they would chase us with knives,” he recalled, laughing.
Cambodia battles to save rare Mekong dolphins
Cambodia battles to save rare Mekong dolphins
Hail museums: Treasure troves of history and heritage
- Samia Suleiman Al-Jabri: Museums play a vital role in preserving heritage, protecting it from extinction, and connecting generations to their civilizational and cultural legacy
- Al-Jabri: They (museums) provide an information-rich environment that enhances historical and scientific knowledge for both international visitors and tourists
Hail’s museums offer visitors a journey through time, bringing to life the ancient stories of the region’s ancestors.
A number of museums in the city highlight historical ways of life, traditional craftsmanship and an array of archaeological artifacts.
“Museums play a vital role in preserving heritage, protecting it from extinction, and connecting generations to their civilizational and cultural legacy,” Samia Suleiman Al-Jabri, associate professor of modern history at Hail University, told the Saudi Press Agency.
“They provide an information-rich environment that enhances historical and scientific knowledge for both international visitors and tourists, including students, researchers and cultural enthusiasts.
“Moreover, museums are key tourist destinations that promote cultural tourism, offering visitors access to diverse collections of rare heritage artifacts, which in turn significantly boosts the local economy.”
Al-Jabri said that Saudi Arabia’s leadership was committed to enhancing the role of museums nationally, which strengthened national identity by showcasing the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.
The Authenticity Museum is one of the most prominent cultural, heritage and tourist landmarks in Hail.
It features a diverse collection of artifacts and tools that provide insight into the past.
The museum also highlights traditional furniture, from historical majlis (sitting rooms), heritage seating, and intricately hand-crafted cabinets once used in traditional homes.
Ali Bakhrisa, owner of the “Asalah” Museum, said: “Among the most notable items on display are ancient heritage tools, including pottery, cooking implements and hunting gear.
“The museum also showcases a collection of traditional clothing worn by the region’s tribes, featuring men’s garments such as the sadiriyya, dagla, kut and bisht, alongside women’s attire, which is hand-embroidered and woven, including the dagla, sabah, burqas and dara’a once worn by Hail’s women.
“In addition, the museum proudly exhibits a selection of classic cars from various manufacturers.”
The museum, which Bakhrisa said took 20 years to curate through extensive research trips across the Kingdom and beyond, boasts a rich collection of traditional weapons, including swords, daggers and antique rifles.
It also features an exquisite array of traditional jewelry and ornaments, historically worn by women on social occasions and renowned for their authentic heritage designs.
The museum also highlights traditional architecture once common in the region, showcasing distinctive architectural styles and locally sourced building materials.
One of the most renowned museums in Hail is the Found Influence from the Past Museum, housed in a clay structure more than a century old.
Its owner, Khaled Al-Matroud, has carefully transformed this historic home into a museum that showcases a remarkable collection of more than 2,000 artifacts, elegantly arranged across its wings and corridors.
A standout feature is the heritage majlis, known for its soaring ceilings — reaching up to eight meters — and its impressive 15-meter width, reflecting the region’s architectural style.
This majlis was ingeniously designed to adapt to seasonal needs, with distinct shapes for summer and winter.
The museum also preserves the charm of a traditional Hail house, featuring numerous rooms and an open courtyard that facilitates natural ventilation, further enhanced by the lush greenery of palm, orange and lemon trees at its entrance.
Fadi Al-Abdullah, a passionate admirer of historical artifacts, praised these museums for preserving and documenting the intricate details of a past era.
Antar Al-Kilani, an Egyptian resident, views these museums as a gateway to discovering the cultural and historical heritage of the region.
Saudi content creators win big at TikTok Awards in Dubai
DUBAI: Two Saudi content creators made a mark at the TikTok Awards ceremony on Wednesday.
Mohammed Hemex was honored with the Sports Creator of the Year Award, while Emad Ramen earned the title of Food Creator of the Year.
The event drew a star-studded crowd, including US-Iraqi entrepreneur and fragrance mogul Mona Kattan, accompanied by her co-stars from Netflix’s “Dubai Bling.” Among them were Ebraheem Alsamadi, who decorated the venue with centerpieces from his brand Forever Rose, Safa Siddiqui, Danya Mohammed, Marwan Al-Awadhi (DJ Bliss), and Jwana Karim. Also in attendance were “Love is Blind Habibi” stars Mohammed AlKiswani and Nour El-Hajj.
The Creator of the Year award was presented to Yara Aziz. Ahead of her win, Aziz, who boasts 6.5 million TikTok followers, told Arab News: “I started everything on TikTok. It’s been five years now, and this is my first award ever with them. I am nervous, I am excited, I am happy, I am content and I am grateful.”
Originally a medical student, the TikToker attended the event wearing a dress handmade by her grandmother, a process she documented on TikTok for her followers.
Reflecting on the experience, Aziz described the process as “extremely stressful.” She explained, “Honestly, it was stressful for my grandma, she felt like she was under pressure to make something quick and fast. But honestly, it turned out perfect.”
Before the announcement, Aziz mentioned that winning this award would mark the most memorable moment of her social media career — and it did.
The night included performances by Haitian-French artist Naika, known for the viral hit “Sauce,” and Egyptian rapper Marwan Moussa, a TikTok favorite, who thrilled the audience with tracks such as “Tesla,” “Batal Alam” and “Hob Khenaa,” joined by co-singer Nourine Abouseada for the latter.
The night celebrated other talents including Syrian Canadian Osama Marwah, who won the Video of the Year, while Egyptian singer Tul8te was named Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Lebanese chef Abir El Saghir received the Visionary Content Award, Abdullah Annan was honored as Changemaker of the Year, Shihab Al-Hashemy won Education Creator of the Year, and Nouran El-Sayed took home the Fashion & Beauty Creator of the Year award.
Iconic composer Hans Zimmer working on new interpretation of Saudi national anthem
- Announcement by General Entertainment Authority’s Turki Alalshikh
- Original composition ‘Arabia’ inspired by the Kingdom also planned
DUBAI: Oscar-winning film composer Hans Zimmer — who will perform live in Riyadh on Jan. 24 — is working on a new interpretation of Saudi Arabia’s national anthem, according Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority.
Alalshikh revealed on X recently that he had also spoken with Zimmer about ideas for a new Riyadh Season concert and an original composition called “Arabia,” inspired by the Kingdom.
“Today I met someone who is considered one of the greatest musicians of our time … the legend Hans Zimmer,” Alalshikh wrote.
The post continued that the German composer — known for his work on films including “The Lion King,” “Interstellar,” “Gladiator” and “Dune” — was also offered the chance to create the soundtrack for the upcoming Saudi Arabia film, “The Battle of Yarmouk.”
Alalshikh concluded the post by saying that Zimmer had promised he would visit the country again with his family and friends.
Zimmer attended the Kingdom’s Joy Awards over the weekend which honors the achievements of artists in the Arab world.
He will take to the stage for his “Hans Zimmer Live” show at the Mohammed Abdo Arena in Saudi Arabia as a part of Riyadh Season.
Lavender carpet fashion: The hottest looks from the Joy Awards 2025
DUBAI: The hottest looks from the Joy Awards 2025, held on Jan. 18 in Riyadh.
Zainab Alblushi
The self-proclaimed Saudi “It Girl” wore this striking floor-length backless lilac gown with oversized, voluminous sleeves to the ceremony. The dress was created by Riyadh-based designer Khawla Alaiban, who founded her eponymous label in 2017. She stayed local with her accessories too, opting for diamonds from Saudi fine jewelry brand Lustro.
Annabella Hilal
The Lebanese model and TV presenter was fulsome in her praise of the awards, saying, “Every year this experience gets better and better.” She also thanked Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad — “a true artist” — for her “incredible dress,” this deep blue flowing gown which included intricate leaf-like embroidery on see-through fabric. Like Zainab Alblushi, Hilal went with jewelry from Lustro. She also carried a metallic silver Jimmy Choo bag.
Mila Alzahrani
The Saudi actress selected this beautifully tailored purple gown from Lebanese designer Sara Mrad. The dress featured an asymmetrical sheer corset with ruffled sleeves running into a dramatic skirt filled with feathers and eye-catching floral embroidery, and surrounded by a pleated train.
Nour Ali
Assisted by Dubai-based Lebanese stylist Cedric Haddad, the 29-year-old Syrian actress — shortlisted for the Best Actress in a Series award for her role in “Lo’bat Al-Hob” — chose this elegant all-black number with intricate tailoring and cut-outs from acclaimed Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad and accessorized with jewelry from Chopard.
Aseel Omran
The Saudi singer and actress looked chic in this timeless black gown with sculpted bodice and mermaid skirt from Lebanese designer Charbel Karam, who launched his namesake label in 2006 in Abu Dhabi. Omran also wore jewelry from Roberto Coin.
Stephanie Atala
The Lebanese actor and singer looked radiant in this pink dress with bejeweled bodice and voluminous skirt created by Lebanese-American designer Rami Kadi. The awards came just two days after Atala announced her engagement to her long-time musical partner Joseph Abboud, aka Zef.
Zeina Makki
The Kuwait-born Lebanese filmmaker and actress hit the lavender carpet in this glittering golden gown with chainmail-style top and flowing see-through skirt from Georges Hobeika’s Fall/Winter 2024 ready-to-wear collection. Stylist Ibrahim Fakhereldine paired the dress with jewelry from Marli.
Nelly Karim
The beloved Egyptian actress made a splash in this bright red couture gown with accentuated boat neckline from Lebanese-Italian designer Tony Ward. Her outfit was almost as dramatic as her surprise appearance on stage to duet with pop superstar Tamer Hosny.
REVIEW: ‘Severance’ returns with more pleasurable mind bending
- Season two of Apple’s sci-fi thriller remains wonderfully weird
LONDON: Despite the fact it’s been nearly three years since viewers last got to see inside the world of “Severance,” Apple’s sort-of-sci-fi show picks up pretty much where it left off. We rejoin the story just a few moments after Mark S (Adam Scott) and his team of Lumon data refiners managed to break free of their ‘severed’ floor — where work and out-of-work memories and personalities are controlled and delineated by a chip embedded in their brains — and alert the outside world to the cruelties of their working conditions. Mark reawakens in the hellish officescape without his team of escapees — Helly (Britt Lower), Dylan (Zach Cherry) and Irving (John Turturro) — and immediately sets about trying to find out what happened to them. This means getting the best of returning supervisor Milchick (Tramell Tillman), his new teenage assistant Miss Huang (Sarah Bock), and a trio of new coworkers.
Creator Dan Erickson and director Ben Stiller waste no time in rediscovering the subtle blend of tangible oddness and sinister dystopian creepiness that made the first season such an uncomfortable joy. And, perhaps emboldened by season one’s success, drop greater hints at just how weird the wider world of Lumen and its mysteriously enigmatic founder Kier Eagan might be. Mark and his team are told that their escape has led to sweeping reform across the company, but with Mark having learned that his wife on the outside may be trapped somewhere in the building — rather than being dead, as his ‘outie’ personality had been led to believe — the setup for more convoluted reveals is in place by the end of this season’s first episode.
In all the best ways, “Severance” feels the same as it did. The surreal nightmare of its setting is as terrifying as ever, and the sharp juxtaposition of Mark and the others’ personalities remains joyfully jarring. The pace of plot revelation actually appears to have slowed even further — but while this is surface-level frustrating, it’s also a big part of why the show is so engaging. Is this new season likely to answer all your questions from three years ago? It is not. In fact, by the end of episode one, there’s more mystery, rather than less. But “Severance” remains the most captivating of headscratchers.
