JEDDAH: Ahmed Mohammed Jam’an Al-Ghamdi from Baha has proved to the world that life begins after retirement if you are an optimist.
End of service at Aramco actually paved the way for him to start trekking in the hilly areas of the Kingdom.
Soon, he discovered the immense stamina and strength in him and set his sights on Mount Everest.
Al-Ghamdi, who is in his 70s, is now at the base camp of the Everest along with a group of 10 climbers, including a 19-year-old boy from Qasim.
Reaching the base camp was not a cakewalk. It was a 13-day, grueling trek in the Himalayas in Nepal.
At the base camp, the septuagenarian renewed his pledge for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. Al-Ghamdi praised his wife for bringing up his four sons and four daughters.
In a letter to his wife, Al-Ghamdi wrote: “I must salute you from the heights of the Himalayas for bringing up my children in an exemplary manner. It took 13 days to climb the mountains — around eight days covering 70 km to climb up and five days to cover a distance of about 70 km climbing down.”
He said that when he reached a cliff, which is known for avalanches, he took the opportunity to remember his wife.
Al-Ghamdi said that he wants to convey the message that age is never an obstacle. “It was a successful journey without any tiredness, illnesses or injuries for any of our team members.”
Born in 1368 A.H. in Baha, Al-Ghamdi did his graduation from King Saud University in 1394 A.H. and masters from King Abdulaziz University in 1398 A.H.
He worked as a geological consultant for Aramco.
The video clip of the elderly Saudi man has gone viral on social media and it is attracting likes in large numbers.
Height of adventure: Saudi in his 70s a step closer to Everest
Height of adventure: Saudi in his 70s a step closer to Everest
Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 3,000 food parcels in Pakistan
- Monday’s aid delivery benefitted 20,444 people from the most vulnerable groups in flood-affected areas
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has distributed 3,007 food parcels in Pakistan’s Matiari and Thatta districts of Sindh province and the Tank and Torghar districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
Monday’s aid delivery benefitted 20,444 people from the most vulnerable groups in flood-affected areas, as a part of this year’s Food Security Support Project in Pakistan.
The project aims to provide 147,500 food parcels, each weighing 95 kg and containing essential food for one month.
KSrelief will continue to provide aid to vulnerable people in Pakistan, the SPA reported.
Saudi Arabia appoints Japan envoy as commissioner for pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka
- Kingdom’s Dr. Ghazi Binzagr takes on new duties for global exhibition which opens in April
TOKYO: Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Binzagr has been appointed the general commissioner for the Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.
The announcement comes as construction on the pavilion enters its final stages in preparation for the Kingdom’s participation in the global exhibition, set to start in April.
Binzagr, who has been ambassador since 2024, will continue his current duties alongside his new responsibilities as the general commissioner, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
He has also served as a member of the Shoura Council for three terms and previously held the position of deputy chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee from 2023 to 2024.
As ambassador, Binzagr oversees initiatives to boost relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan.
He also recently contributed to the Saudi-Japanese Business Forum and has been actively engaged in collaborative initiatives in key areas including energy security, technology, trade and investment.
The Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka embodies its commitment to international efforts for sustainable human development.
In February of last year, Saudi Arabia was among the first nations to begin constructing their pavilions at the Expo 2025 Osaka site.
The design reflects the Kingdom’s history, culture and current economic transformation, the SPA reported.
Thriving lavender in Saudi’s Northern Borders has environmental benefits
- The plant has been observed to grow on the edge of the Nafud Desert, an indication that it could be propagated to fight desertification, says environmentalist
ARAR: The Northern Borders region of Saudi Arabia, spanning approximately 104,000 sq. km, boasts an aromatic, seasonal and annual plant biodiversity, with lavender emerging as a prominent species.
These plants play a crucial role in sustainable development, combating desertification, increasing vegetation cover, stabilizing soil, and fostering ecotourism, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
Lavender, characterized by its fragrant scent and vibrant purple hue, has been observed on the edge of the Nafud Desert, signaling its potential expansion throughout the region.
This emergence highlights the region’s ecological significance and capacity to support diverse plant life.
Nasser Al-Majlad, head of the Aman Environmental Association, told SPA that the lavender species is Horwoodia dicksoniae.
This annual herbaceous plant features branching stems, typically reaching about 30 centimeters in height, and large, lobed leaves. Its dark lilac flowers, gathered in spike inflorescences, release a distinctive fragrance.
The plant thrives in shallow sandy loam and is valued for its ornamental qualities, making it suitable for cultivation in both homes and gardens. Its smooth brown seeds further contribute to its propagation.
Al-Majlad emphasized the positive impact of nature reserves and the Saudi Green Initiative on the region’s ecology.
These initiatives have facilitated afforestation, land reclamation, and the protection of wild areas, contributing to the resurgence of numerous trees and plants, including lavender, within the environmental landscape, he added.
Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a call from French President Emmanuel Macron, the Saudi Press Agency said.
The pair also reviewed bilateral relations and cooperation, as well as the latest regional and international developments.
Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister
Madinah Region Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Khalid bin Faisal recently met Indian Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju during his official visit to the Kingdom.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed arrangements for Indian Hajj pilgrims during their stay in Madinah, India’s Ministry of Minority Affairs said in an official statement.
Rijiju also visited the Hajj Terminals at the Jeddah and Madinah airports, and reviewed the facilities available for the arrival and departure of pilgrims as well as baggage handling.
