黑料社区

Thriving lavender in Saudi鈥檚 Northern Borders has environmental benefits

Thriving lavender in Saudi鈥檚 Northern Borders has environmental benefits
1 / 3
Aside from being聽suitable for cultivation in both homes and gardens, lavender could also聽play a crucial role in increasing vegetation cover and stopping desertification. (SPA)
Thriving lavender in Saudi鈥檚 Northern Borders has environmental benefits
2 / 3
Aside from being聽suitable for cultivation in both homes and gardens, lavender could also聽play a crucial role in increasing vegetation cover and stopping desertification. (SPA)
Thriving lavender in Saudi鈥檚 Northern Borders has environmental benefits
3 / 3
Aside from being聽suitable for cultivation in both homes and gardens, lavender could also聽play a crucial role in increasing vegetation cover and stopping desertification. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 16 January 2025

Thriving lavender in Saudi鈥檚 Northern Borders has environmental benefits

Thriving lavender in Saudi鈥檚 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 黑料社区, 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.


Training program promotes smart farming practices聽

Training program promotes smart farming practices聽
Updated 26 August 2025

Training program promotes smart farming practices聽

Training program promotes smart farming practices聽
  • Participants are learning about advanced systems for climate control, smart irrigation, crop monitoring, and energy-saving solutions

Riyadh: The National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture, known as Estidamah, and NEOM food company Topian have been running their second greenhouse management training program in Riyadh.

The program, which began on Aug. 24 and ends on Thursday, aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices by providing comprehensive training in the management and operation of climate-controlled greenhouses.

Participants are learning about advanced systems for climate control, smart irrigation, crop monitoring, and energy-saving solutions, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The curriculum also addresses key challenges such as water scarcity, soil health, and biodiversity conservation, the SPA added. 

This initiative is a part of Estidamah鈥檚 knowledge-transfer program, which seeks to improve farming efficiency and enhance food security. This is in line with the objectives of the country鈥檚 National Agriculture Strategy.


Yanbu fisheries support program boosts efficiency

Yanbu fisheries support program boosts efficiency
Updated 26 August 2025

Yanbu fisheries support program boosts efficiency

Yanbu fisheries support program boosts efficiency

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture鈥檚 Yanbu office, in cooperation with Reef National Foundation, delivered 65 marine engines to fishermen in the governorate, along with around 1,234 tools and pieces of equipment for boat outfitting.

The initiative is part of support programs for small-scale fishermen to strengthen the fisheries sector, ensure sustainable marine resources, and contribute to the ministry鈥檚 strategic goals.

The programs also included training and qualification for 580 beneficiaries to improve efficiency in all fishing processes, ensuring the highest quality products reach consumers, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Earlier, the office provided about 17 preservation and refrigeration vehicles and 40 fishing boats under the localization of the fishing profession initiative, in cooperation with the Yanbu Cooperative Society for Fishermen.

The initiative鈥檚 fishing boats generated sales exceeding SR697,000 ($186,000) through more than 2,700 fishing trips, the SPA reported.


Saudi cabinet reaffirms support for OIC stance on Gaza, urges urgent global action

Saudi cabinet reaffirms support for OIC stance on Gaza, urges urgent global action
Updated 26 August 2025

Saudi cabinet reaffirms support for OIC stance on Gaza, urges urgent global action

Saudi cabinet reaffirms support for OIC stance on Gaza, urges urgent global action
  • The ministers also reviewed the outcomes of recent high-level engagements, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman鈥檚 meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi

JEDDAH: The Saudi Council of Ministers, chaired on Tuesday by King Salman, affirmed its support for the outcomes of the meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation鈥檚 Council of Foreign Ministers, held in Jeddah to address Israel鈥檚 ongoing aggression against the Palestinian people.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the cabinet reiterated the Kingdom鈥檚 call on the international community, particularly the permanent members of the UN Security Council, to urgently intervene to end the violence and protect civilians.

The ministers also reviewed the outcomes of recent high-level engagements, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman鈥檚 meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and his phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The session further discussed a message King Salman received from President El-Sisi regarding bilateral relations between Riyadh and Cairo.


黑料社区 denounces Israeli incursion into Syrian territories

黑料社区 denounces Israeli incursion into Syrian territories
Updated 26 August 2025

黑料社区 denounces Israeli incursion into Syrian territories

黑料社区 denounces Israeli incursion into Syrian territories
  • Syria says Israel takes some territory around Mount Hermon despite talks
  • An Israeli military spokesperson said troops carried out a routine operational activity in an area of southern Syria

黑料社区 strongly condemned Israeli incursions inside the Syrian border, it was announced on Tuesday, calling them 鈥渁 flagrant violation of the sovereignty鈥 of Syria. 

A statement from the Saudi Foreign Ministry said: 鈥淭he Kingdom of 黑料社区 expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the continuation of Israeli violations, its incursion into Syrian territories, and its interference in its internal affairs.鈥

It added the act was 鈥渁 flagrant violation of the sovereignty鈥 of Syria and international law and also violated 鈥渢he disengagement agreement signed between Syria and Israel in 1974, which comes amid the tension in the situation in the Sweida Governorate.鈥

 

Syria said on Monday that Israel had sent 60 soldiers to take control of an area inside the border around Mount Hermon. The Syrian government said the operation violated its sovereignty and posed a further threat to regional security.

鈥淭his dangerous escalation is considered a direct threat to regional peace and security,鈥 said a statement from Syria鈥檚 foreign ministry.

A spokesman for the Israeli military said troops carried out routine operational activity in an area of southern Syria but did not operate in Beit Jinn, an area close to the border with Lebanon and near Mount Hermon.

Monday's incident took place near a strategic hilltop overlooking Beit Jinn, according to the Syrian ministry. It was also reported that Israel arrested six Syrians there.

The incident comes as the two countries engage in US-mediated talks on de-escalating their conflict in southern Syria. Damascus hopes to reach a security arrangement that could eventually pave the way for broader political talks.

 


Global symposium charts future of digital regulation

Global symposium charts future of digital regulation
Updated 26 August 2025

Global symposium charts future of digital regulation

Global symposium charts future of digital regulation
  • GSR25 will close with a resolution outlining regulatory principles for the post-digital era

RIYADH: The Global Symposium for Regulators opens in Riyadh next week, bringing together delegates from more than 190 countries to discuss the future of digital regulation.

With the theme 鈥淩egulation for Sustainable Digital Development,鈥 the event is being hosted by 黑料社区鈥檚 Communications, Space and Technology Commission with the UN International Telecommunication Union. It will address topics including artificial intelligence, sixth-generation networks and the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial systems. 

Officials say the symposium marks a milestone in shaping global digital governance, stressing the role of regulators in driving innovation, protecting consumers, and closing the digital divide while advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

It comes as 黑料社区 aims to become a global digital leader following its appointment to the UN鈥檚 ITU digital regulation network board. Internet use in the Kingdom reached 99 percent in 2024.

GSR25 will close with a resolution outlining regulatory principles for the post-digital era, based on participants鈥 insights and session recommendations.