JEDDAH: The airports in Madinah, Taif and Abha are hazardous for landing and takeoff due to their topography, say pilots.
A local publication has quoted a number of flight captains as saying that these airports are challenging.
This has prompted the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) to insist that only professional pilots fly aircraft to and from these airports. “Copilots are prevented by GACA from flying here,” the publication said.
A Saudia pilot spoke about the difficulties faced by pilots flying toward the new Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport, which is located between two mountains. “The airport is located on the south side near volcanic areas, which interact with air temperatures in summer and cause imbalances in air density.”
He referred to individual solutions such as communications with the air tower to warn pilots to take a much higher altitude to avoid the volcanic area. “Most pilots are aware of this and are thus capable of avoiding any catastrophe.”
Another pilot referred to the negative effects on the aircraft’s engines because of the variation in air density. “Such situations pose a threat to the flight unless the air navigation crew is well trained to fly aircraft in such conditions.”
A pilot with a Saudi private airliner classified the two airports in Taif and Abha among the airports located at the highest points above sea level. “Abha airport is more than 6,000 feet above mean sea level, and the two airports are surrounded by dangerous mountains.”
He linked the altitude of the airports with the performance of plane engines, saying: “Such airports suffer from the problem of difference in air pressure and oxygen saturation, which in turn have an impact on fuel combustion and engine performance.”
A GACA official said there is no reason to worry about these flights. “All pilots are highly trained to fly to these airports. In any case, civil aviation authorities prevent such flights by copilots. All local and international air crew are fully aware of the air navigation bulletins before the launch of any flight.”
Saudi pilots soar with stellar skills
Saudi pilots soar with stellar skills
‘Songs of Silence in Nature’: Chinese artist Shu Li honored in Riyadh
- Artist’s work depicts serene scenes of mountains and lakes
- Exhibition showcases cultural ties between China and Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Art Pure Gallery Foundation is currently hosting an exhibition, “Songs of Silence in Nature,” by the renowned Chinese artist Shu Li.
Organized in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the exhibition opened on June 24, 2024 and will run until July 25, 2025 in the Saudi capital.
A leading figure in contemporary Chinese art, Shu Li has held distinguished roles within China’s national cultural institutions.
His works have been showcased in more than 20 countries, including the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Italy.
He has received numerous international accolades in countries such as Russia, Belgium, the US, Ukraine and India, and is a distinguished academician of the Russian Academy of Arts.
His paintings are featured in some of China’s most iconic venues, including the National Art Museum of China, the Great Hall of the People, and the headquarters of the Chinese Communist Party.
He has also published more than 20 catalogues chronicling his artistic evolution.
Shu Li’s work blends traditional Chinese techniques with a distinctly contemporary sensibility.
Characterized by tranquil landscapes, his pieces often depict mist-shrouded mountains and serene lakes. These works invite viewers to enter a meditative and reflective state.
“Art is not merely a visual encounter,” the artist explained, “but an emotional journey.
“Through my oil paintings, I aim to capture those fleeting moments of beauty that enrich our daily existence.
“My work is a dialogue between the canvas and the world it portrays — a world where light dances across surfaces and color speaks more powerfully than words.
“Each painting is an exploration of texture, form and the expressive potential of oil as a medium. I draw inspiration from nature, human experience and the myriad ways in which art connects us to both. I invite viewers to do more than just observe my work; I want them to feel it and enter the narrative that each painting weaves.”
This exhibition is part of an increasing cultural dialogue between China and Saudi Arabia. It reflects the desire of both countries to strengthen their artistic exchange and deepen the ties between these two ancient and influential civilizations.
Contemporary Chinese art embodies a rich synthesis of millennia-old traditions and modern perspectives.
Since the late-20th century, Chinese artists have experimented with various forms, including painting, sculpture, installation and video, to explore the tensions between heritage, rapid urbanization and evolving social realities.
Often merging classical craftsmanship with avant-garde techniques, they explore themes of identity, collective memory and the challenges of the present age.
Today, China’s vibrant art scene is widely recognized internationally, with many leading Chinese artists playing a pivotal role in reshaping the global contemporary art landscape.
The Art Pure Gallery Foundation is a leading Saudi cultural institution founded in 1999.
AI training for 334,000 Saudi citizens completed
- Launched in September 2024, AI skills program targets citizens of all ages and professional backgrounds
RIYADH: A total of 334,000 Saudi Arabia citizens have benefitted from a government program aimed at empowering citizens with artificial intelligence skills, according to the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority.
The “One Million Saudis in AI” program was set up in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in September 2024.
During the keynote session of the Non-Profit Sector Forum in Education and Training 2025 in Riyadh on July 2, SDAIA chief Abdullah Alghamdi highlighted key features of the program.
He said the partnerships the authority had forged with other government agencies have positioned the Kingdom globally in empowering women in AI, and community awareness, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
Launched at the Global AI Summit, the SAMAI initiative targets citizens across all age groups and professional backgrounds.
Alghamdi also cited several national initiatives that resulted from this collaboration, including the National Olympiad for Programming and Artificial Intelligence, or ATHKA Competition.
More than 260,000 male and female students from intermediate and secondary schools participated, with 10,000 advancing to the final stage, he said.
One key initiative cited by the SDAIA chief was the “Road to ATHKA,” which trained more than 570,000 students on AI concepts.
Another was the “Future Intelligence Programmers” initiative, which trained over 10,000 teachers.
The SDAIA and Education Ministry had also established the Center for Excellence in Education.
This was “designed to institutionalize technological integration within the education sector, sustain future-oriented initiatives, and leverage AI to enhance learning outcomes.”
Saudi crown prince receives UAE national security advisor
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received UAE National Security Advisor Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Salam Palace in Jeddah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The crown prince and Shiekh Tahnoun, who is also the deputy ruler of Abu Dhabi, discussed relations between the Kingdom and the UAE and ways to enhance them.
Saudi authorities close 996 establishments over health violations
RIYADH: A total of 5,912 inspections covering 4,307 establishments were carried out across the Kingdom by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority in April and May.
A total of 996 were shut down due to various violations, while 136 were closed for operating without required licenses and for product safety breaches.
Additionally, production lines at 127 establishments were halted and 1,750 types of products were seized.
The initiative is part of the SFDA’s efforts to ensure compliance with approved regulations and to uphold high quality standards.
At one food establishment, inspectors found raw materials of an unknown origin, employees without health certificates, the absence of a tracking system and inadequate measures being taken to prevent cross-contamination. These led to the closure of the business and the implementation of necessary legal measures.
Need for global collaboration to fight drought stressed
- Saudi Arabia, along with partners, launched the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership on the first day of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development
RIYADH: As part of the Kingdom’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of desertification, improve air quality and achieve its sustainable development goals, Saudi Arabia, along with partners, launched the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership on the first day of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development.
Held in Seville, Spain, from June 30 to July 3, the four-day event saw the participation of 70 countries, including attendance by local and international ministers, environmental organizations and financial development entities.
Among the participants was Saudi Deputy Minister for Environment, Water and Agriculture Osama Faqeeha.
Faqeeha, who is also the adviser to the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties Presidency, emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts and innovation to address the escalating threat of climate change that resulted in complicated and devastating environmental issues such as drought.
Faqeeha said: “The Riyadh Drought Resilience Partnership will serve as a global facilitator, a ‘one-stop shop’ for drought resilience, promoting the shift from reactive relief response after drought hits to proactive preparedness.
“We also seek to amplify global resources to save lives and livelihoods around the world.”
The deputy minister said that solutions should be applied through strategies and mechanisms to ensure enhanced resilience in the areas that were mostly affected by drought and climate change globally.
He praised the partnership with the International Drought Resilience Alliance, a global coalition that aims to build resilience against droughts and climate change.
He said it was fundamental to bridging the gap between the political and financial aspects to ensure the achievement of long-term sustainable development objectives.
The discussion highlighted some of the national efforts and strategies for environmental sustainability, including efforts by the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Islamic Development Bank and the CAF Development Bank of Latin America.
