Saudi foundation discovers largest recorded sea turtle nesting site in Red Sea
Saudi foundation discovers largest recorded sea turtle nesting site in Red Sea/node/2577799/saudi-arabia
Saudi foundation discovers largest recorded sea turtle nesting site in Red Sea
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The Saudi General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Marine Turtles in the Red Sea announced on Saturday it had identified the largest recorded sea turtle nesting site in Saudi waters. (SPA)
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The Saudi General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Marine Turtles in the Red Sea announced on Saturday it had identified the largest recorded sea turtle nesting site in Saudi waters. (SPA)
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The Saudi General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Marine Turtles in the Red Sea announced on Saturday it had identified the largest recorded sea turtle nesting site in Saudi waters. (SPA)
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The Saudi General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Marine Turtles in the Red Sea announced on Saturday it had identified the largest recorded sea turtle nesting site in Saudi waters. (SPA)
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The Saudi General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Marine Turtles in the Red Sea announced on Saturday it had identified the largest recorded sea turtle nesting site in Saudi waters. (SPA)
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The Saudi General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Marine Turtles in the Red Sea announced on Saturday it had identified the largest recorded sea turtle nesting site in Saudi waters. (SPA)
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The Saudi General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Marine Turtles in the Red Sea announced on Saturday it had identified the largest recorded sea turtle nesting site in Saudi waters. (SPA)
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The Saudi General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Marine Turtles in the Red Sea announced on Saturday it had identified the largest recorded sea turtle nesting site in Saudi waters. (SPA)
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Updated 02 November 2024
Arab News
Saudi foundation discovers largest recorded sea turtle nesting site in Red Sea
Discovery of site marks significant milestone in 黑料社区鈥檚 environmental conservation efforts
Updated 02 November 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Marine Turtles in the Red Sea announced on Saturday it had identified the largest recorded sea turtle nesting site in Saudi waters.
Located on the Four Sisters Islands in the Red Sea, the discovery of the site marks a significant milestone in 黑料社区鈥檚 environmental conservation efforts, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Khaled Asfahani, the organization鈥檚 CEO, said that the Four Sisters Islands had been designated as a protected area for sea turtle species management.
鈥淭hese islands are essential habitats for endangered turtle species in the Red Sea, including the green turtle and the critically endangered hawksbill turtle. Protecting these sites is vital for the survival of these species, given that they return to these same nesting grounds each year,鈥 he said.
The Four Sisters Islands 鈥 Marmar, Daharb, Malatu and Jadeer 鈥 have been identified as critical nesting areas with more than 2,500 recorded turtle nests. The islands are a crucial breeding ground for endangered species in the region.
Asfahani said that conserving the habitats is a strategic priority, as their survival supports the broader Red Sea ecosystem, essential for maintaining biodiversity.
The organization is developing a management plan to protect more than 180 identified beach nesting sites along the Red Sea coast in 黑料社区.
Its environmental teams are also working to enhance sustainable tourism and eco-friendly entertainment opportunities around the ecosystems, Asfahani said.
Sea turtles are a vital component of the Red Sea ecosystem and contribute to the area鈥檚 biological and environmental balance.
Humanity鈥檚 time capsule on the moon to include Saudi heritage
French engineer Benoit Faiveley is visiting 黑料社区 to discuss items to include in lunar time capsule
黑料社区 will represent the cultural voice of the Arab world, reflecting its ancient heritage and innovation of Vision 2030
Updated 13 October 2025
Arab News
LONDON: Saudi cultural heritage will be included in the Sanctuary on the Moon, a project creating a time capsule that carries a compendium of human knowledge, art, and science to the lunar surface with the support of NASA and UNESCO.
French engineer Benoit Faiveley is leading a team of scientists, researchers, designers and artists to deposit 24 sapphire discs engraved with humanity鈥檚 cultural and scientific heritage.
He is visiting 黑料社区 to coordinate with leading institutions in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. They aim to explore cultural and scientific facets that could be included in the lunar time capsule, according to a statement from the project.
鈥淲ith the extraordinary cultural dynamism taking place under Saudi Vision 2030, now is the perfect time to collaborate with Saudi museums and art institutions,鈥 Faiveley said.
Sanctuary on the Moon brings together leading international experts, including astrophysicists, paleontologists, cosmologists, historians, artists and engineers.
鈥淲e hope Sanctuary will be a 鈥榗osmic hello鈥 to our descendants, or perhaps to other intelligent life forms,鈥 said Faiveley.
He added: 鈥淢ost of the material is told through images, diagrams and data, a narrative mosaic of what humanity knows and creates.鈥
黑料社区 will represent the cultural voice of the Arab world, while also reflecting the Kingdom鈥檚 ancient heritage, including the rock art of Hima and the ancient city of Diriyah, as well as the cultural renaissance and innovation of Vision 2030.
The Sanctuary on the Moon鈥檚 time capsule will travel aboard mission CT-4, a container designed according to NASA鈥檚 space standards. It will land on the moon鈥檚 southern polar region, a site considered ideal for future inhabited bases by NASA.
The 24 sapphire discs will preserve examples of mathematics, culture, art, science and the complete human genome for the future. A section of the archive will be dedicated to UNESCO World Heritage sites, with eight located in 黑料社区.
By integrating Saudi culture into the lunar capsule, 鈥淪anctuary鈥 ensures that the Kingdom鈥檚 heritage will remain accessible for millennia, the statement added.
Dammam airport opens sensory room for travelers with disabilities
Initiative developed in partnership with Saudi Aramco and the King Salman Center for Disability Research
Facility equipped with adjustable lighting, sound, color and tactile elements
Updated 13 October 2025
Waad Hussain
DAMMAM: A new sensory room opened at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam to support travelers with disabilities and the elderly on Sunday.
The initiative was developed in partnership with Saudi Aramco and the King Salman Center for Disability Research and aims to improve the airport鈥檚 inclusivity.
The facility, located in the departure terminal, is equipped with adjustable lighting, sound, color and tactile elements to create a calming and controlled environment for travelers with autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivities or developmental conditions.
It serves both children and adults and is managed by a multidisciplinary team trained in behavioral and sensory support.
The move follows the success of a similar facility at Riyadh鈥檚 King Khalid International Airport, opened in 2021.
Prince Sultan bin Salman attended the inauguration ceremony of the sensory room. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
Parents attending the opening event welcomed the initiative as a long-awaited step toward inclusive travel. In interviews with Arab News, they described the sensory room as transformative for families of children with special needs.
鈥淔or the first time, I can travel with my son without fearing a sensory overload,鈥 said Rana Al-Qahtani, the mother of a child with autism. 鈥淭his space gives families like ours peace of mind.鈥
Another parent, Faisal Al-Mutairi, told Arab News that the new facility sends 鈥渁 message that our children belong in every public space. Seeing this at an international airport makes us feel truly seen.鈥
Prince Sultan bin Salman inaugurated the new facility, praising it as 鈥渁 model of collaboration that reflects 黑料社区鈥檚 humanitarian commitment.鈥
He noted that a similar facility will soon open at Jeddah鈥檚 King Abdulaziz International Airport.
鈥淭he Kingdom continues to invest in specialized programs that empower individuals and ensure they enjoy equal access to public facilities,鈥 he said.
Saudi Aramco鈥檚 executive vice president for human resources and corporate services, Nabil Al-Jama鈥, said: 鈥淎ramco remains committed to supporting national initiatives that strengthen community cohesion and promote social inclusion.
鈥淭hese sensory rooms embody our belief that accessibility and empathy must guide development.鈥
Dammam Airports Co. chief executive, Mohammed Al-Hassani, said: 鈥淭he sensory room reflects our long-term commitment to building an inclusive airport environment that welcomes all segments of society. It is about comfort, dignity and equality in travel.鈥
Kholoud Al-Shaya, adviser to Prince Sultan and director of the project, said the decision to expand the initiative followed feedback from families who used the Riyadh facility.
鈥淭he positive emotional and behavioral impact we witnessed over the past four years confirmed that inclusive design is not optional 鈥 it is essential. We鈥檙e proud to see this concept take root in more Saudi airports,鈥 she said.
Beyond the sensory room, Dammam Airports Co. announced the signing of development contracts worth SR500 million ($133.3 million) and three strategic agreements with civil-society organizations to promote sustainability, recycling and the training and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
The agreements reinforce the company鈥檚 role in advancing the Vision 2030 goals of quality of life, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.
King Salman academy to train Arabic teachers in Australia
Pact with Australian National University center for Arabic and Islam
Boosts Arabic globally, academy鈥檚 Saad Al-Qahtani tells Arab News
Updated 13 October 2025
Hebshi Alshammari
RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language unveiled a new program in Canberra on Monday to train teachers of Arabic as a second language, in collaboration with the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies at the Australian National University.
The academic program features a wide range of specialized activities, including a learner鈥檚 curriculum aimed at developing language and communication skills.
A seminar titled 鈥淭he State of Arabic Learning and Teaching in Australia鈥 will also be held, along with two discussion panels addressing Arabic for specific purposes and the integration of technology into language education.
Additionally, the program offers a preparatory course and training for taking the Hamza Academic Test.
The program forms part of the academy鈥檚 broader efforts to expand international collaboration and forge ties with global academic institutions, said KSGAAL Secretary-General Abdullah Al-Washmi.
He said the collaboration with ANU, a leading university with a strong academic focus on Arabic, underscores KSGAAL鈥檚 commitment.
鈥淭he program aims to cultivate participants鈥 critical thinking by analyzing educational experiences and evaluating teaching practices, as well as introducing them to professional platforms and resources that support the growth of their skills and expertise,鈥 Al-Washmi said.
Saad Al-Qahtani, director of the academy鈥檚 Educational Programs Sector, told Arab News that partner institutions are selected with great care.
鈥淎NU stands out worldwide for its strong emphasis on Arabic and linguistic studies, as well as its recognized expertise in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers,鈥 he added.
鈥淲hat makes this collaboration particularly inspiring is the fusion of modern theoretical frameworks with traditional approaches, aimed at developing scientific tools that enhance the teaching of Arabic globally.鈥
Al-Qahtani also praised Australia鈥檚 language education system as remarkably advanced, emphasizing its blend of academic rigor, cultural openness and a practical, hands-on approach to communication.
Al-Qahtani explained that the institution hopes to shift Arabic teaching from rote memorization to a focus on communicative, cultural and linguistic mastery.
鈥淭he program aims to set a benchmark in Arabic education, empowering teachers and learners with cutting-edge skills and practices aligned with the latest advancements in the field,鈥 Al-Qahtani said.
The National Forum for School Excellence, or Tamayuz, recognized outstanding schools across the Kingdom
Updated 13 October 2025
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: 黑料社区 celebrated educational excellence on Sunday as the second National Forum for School Excellence, or Tamayuz, recognized outstanding public, private and international schools across the Kingdom.
Organized by the Education and Training Evaluation Commission in coordination with the Ministry of Education, the forum brought together senior officials, education experts, and national leaders, including the Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan, and Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Sabti, the commission鈥檚 chairman of the board of directors.
Al-Benyan praised the achievements of Saudi schools and their role in shaping the country鈥檚 educational future.
He said: 鈥淭oday, we celebrate 760 outstanding schools across the Kingdom 鈥 public, private, and international 鈥 that have set a living example of a culture of excellence and have become a bright milestone in the educational transformation journey.
鈥淥ur role in education is pivotal: We are responsible for preparing future generations to actively contribute to building a knowledge-based society and achieving sustainable development.鈥
Al-Sabti commended the schools for their commitment to progress, saying: 鈥淭hese models prove the ability of our schools to excel and continuously improve learning outcomes, supporting our national aspirations for global competitiveness.
鈥淚 am pleased to congratulate these schools for this remarkable achievement and for their commitment to advancing toward the goals of Vision 2030.鈥
Tamayuz is part of the National Program for School Evaluation, Classification, and Accreditation, which is implemented by the commission. It highlights the school classification system 鈥 one of the Human Capability Development Program initiatives 鈥 as a key milestone in advancing a high-impact national quality model in education and training.
Under the program more than 800 schools are evaluated weekly, with annual assessments covering over 1.5 million students in public, private, and international institutions.
More than 7 million students, teachers, and parents have participated through comprehensive evaluation surveys.
Tamayuz has honored schools that achieved the excellence level based on classification results. The recognition enhances the quality of education, improves learning outcomes, and fosters competitiveness, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Human Capability Development Program.
Building on the success of its inaugural event last year 鈥 which honored 292 schools 鈥 Tamayuz has evolved into a national benchmark for educational achievement in the Kingdom.
The commission said that the forum reinforced leadership and competition in education while supporting national efforts to improve quality through data-driven evaluation, professional development, and collaboration with the ministry and other national institutions to advance Vision 2030 goals.
Al-Khoos craft returns to redefine what it means to create from the land for the future
Updated 13 October 2025
Waad Hussain
Al-Ahsa: In the heart of Al-Ahsa鈥檚 desert oasis, where palm trees stretch endlessly across the horizon, the ancient art of Al-Khoos weaving is being reimagined by a new generation of creators.
Al-Khoos Residency, held from Oct. 3-14, gathered artists and designers from around the world to explore how the palm-weaving tradition can inspire contemporary design and architecture.
Once a humble craft of necessity, the practice is now finding renewed meaning in architecture, art and design 鈥 serving as a bridge between heritage and the future.
For Jordanian architect and designer Abeer Seikaly, Al-Khoos is more than a craft; it is a dialogue between humanity and nature, a rhythm of giving and gratitude passed down through the palm tree itself.
Artist and Designer Jana Malaikah, who presented her work PalmScapes. (Ithra Studios-Photography)
鈥淎l-Khoos weaving grows from the palm, a tree that defines the natural and cultural landscape of 黑料社区 and carries the memory of its land,鈥 Seikaly told Arab News. 鈥淓very part of it has a use, every part holds knowledge. The act of weaving is an act of gratitude 鈥 it extends the life of the palm into objects that serve and endure.鈥
To Seikaly, architecture and craft share the same devotion and respect for material. 鈥淎rchitecture is born from the same understanding that guides the hand of the craftsman,鈥 she said. 鈥淲hen I look to traditional crafts, I see a system of thought and a way of relating to the earth and to community. True progress is continuity through understanding.鈥
Her approach embodies the essence of Al-Khoos: creating harmony between the hand and the land. 鈥淭he craftsman, the architect, the farmer 鈥 all speak the same language through their hands,鈥 she said. 鈥淭o see this harmony is to rediscover balance between human and earth, between work and worship.鈥
Through her work, she hopes audiences rediscover the sacred connection between making and meaning.
(Ithra Studios-Photography)
For artist and researcher Maisa Shaldan, the threads of Al-Khoos hold more than beauty 鈥 they hold memory. Her project, 鈥淎l-Khoos Memory: Silent Civilization,鈥 explores how weaving becomes a form of remembrance.
鈥淲ithin its strands lies the silence of centuries and the memory of hands that shaped the world through patience and rhythm,鈥 she said. 鈥淭he act of weaving mirrors the act of remembering, where threads from different times intertwine to form a single fabric that resists disappearance.鈥
Shaldan sees the craft as a universal language that transcends cultures. 鈥淲herever it is practiced, the palm-leaf weave follows a familiar rhythm, as if the same stories are told anew within its strands,鈥 she said.
To her, memory is both loom and thread, the invisible structure that ties the past to the present: 鈥淚n traditional practices, memory is not contained in the final product alone but lives in rhythm, in the repetition of movement, and in the knowledge passed down through body and time,鈥 she explained. 鈥淭hrough remembering, whether by practice, storytelling or art, we preserve the spirit of heritage.鈥
Shaldan believes 黑料社区鈥檚 growing art and design scene offers fertile ground for this preservation.
(Ithra Studios-Photography)
鈥淎rt and research together form a bridge between emotion and knowledge,鈥 she said. 鈥淚n 黑料社区, this union can preserve heritage not as a static memory, but as a living practice that engages with the present.鈥
For artist and designer Jana Malaikah, who presented 鈥淧almScapes鈥 at the residency, the palm tree represents both personal and cultural identity. 鈥淚 grew up surrounded by palm trees in Al-Khobar, but it wasn鈥檛 until I left for my studies that I began to really notice them,鈥 she said. 鈥淧almScapes was my way of exploring that uniqueness while connecting it back to heritage, culture and the environment.鈥
Through photography, material experimentation and paper made from palm fibers, Malaikah reinterprets the palm as a symbol of resilience and memory. 鈥淒esign, for me, is a form of storytelling,鈥 she said. 鈥淓ach process 鈥 from photographing to printing to making paper 鈥 brought me closer to understanding the tree and, in a way, myself.鈥
Her message to younger artists is simple: Slow down. 鈥淚 hope PalmScapes encourages artists and designers to slow down, to observe, question and connect with what surrounds them,鈥 she said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 so much to learn from what鈥檚 already there 鈥 from materials and environments we often overlook.鈥
Malaikah鈥檚 philosophy aligns with the broader spirit of the residency; a call to look inward, to learn from what the land offers, and to transform awareness into art. 鈥淓very experiment, every trace, teaches something about place, material and self,鈥 she said. 鈥淚f PalmScapes inspires someone to see beauty in what feels ordinary, then it has achieved its purpose.鈥
As Al-Ahsa continues to emerge as a cultural hub under 黑料社区鈥檚 Vision 2030, the revival of Al-Khoos weaving stands as a metaphor for the Kingdom鈥檚 own evolution 鈥 grounded in tradition, yet reaching toward innovation.
