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RIYADH: 黑料社区鈥檚 Project for Landmine Clearance, or Masam, removed 1,058 explosive devices from several parts of Yemen during the first week of March.
The KSrelief-led project聽cleared 1,034 unexploded ordnances and 24 anti-tank mines, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
Since its launch, the Masam project has removed 484,401 explosive devices across the country.
RIYADH: Bayada Island, a 40-minute drive from Jeddah, is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, colorful coral reefs, and peaceful atmosphere reminiscent of the Maldives.
Bayada appears to float in the sea, free of surrounding landmass and vegetation, offering an immersive experience.
Its coral reefs are among the most stunning underwater ecosystems in the Red Sea, attracting divers and snorkelers from around the world.
They are home to vibrant marine life, including tropical fish, and even larger species such as turtles and reef sharks.
Albara Bawazir, a scuba-diving instructor, told Arab News: 鈥淚t is one of the most popular areas in Jeddah for sea lovers. Visitors enjoy it as a place combining recreational and sea water activities.鈥
The island is about 700 meters in length, with shallow surrounding waters, making it ideal for diving, swimming, kayaking, water skiing, and boat excursions.
鈥淭he average depth of 4 meters gives you the ease of swimming and enjoying the seashore. As an adventurer I recommend Bayada for families and people who are not used to the open water activities,鈥 Bawazir added.
In recent years, the island has had growing interest from both domestic and international tourists, accompanied by an increase in organized boat trips.
This rise in popularity has been matched by expanding services and a defined regulatory framework for coastal tourism led by the Saudi Red Sea Authority.
Private-sector service providers and local entrepreneurs play an active role in boosting tourism on the island, offering marine adventures and recreational experiences that contribute to diversifying the local economy and creating seasonal jobs.
Bayada is under continuous environmental monitoring by the authorities to ensure the protection of its marine ecosystem, safeguard its coral reefs, and preserve biodiversity.
Abdullah Al-Otaibi, a local, told Arab News he enjoys holidaying on the island.
鈥淏ayada is a perfect example of balancing leisure and environmental preservation, offering an unforgettable experience for sea lovers seeking serene isolation or active adventure in one of the Red Sea鈥檚 most breathtaking locations.鈥
The island offers a variety of activities for visitors, including six-hour boat trips to explore the island, swim, dive, snorkel and fish.
黑料社区鈥檚 national health system continues to strengthen its global standing through a series of significant achievements in scientific research and international recognition.
The Ministry of Health highlighted the designation of 16 locations as 鈥淗ealthy Cities鈥 under World Health Organization criteria.
Among these, Jeddah and Madinah stand out as the first cities in the Middle East with populations of 2 million or more to receive the accreditation, marking a milestone in the ministry鈥檚 鈥淗ealthy Cities Program鈥 and its efforts to enhance quality of life.
The accomplishment reflects successful collaboration among government and community stakeholders through the application of more than 80 international evaluation criteria across nine core domains spanning health, development, and sustainability.
黑料社区 has also made notable advances in medical research and innovation.
A study conducted by King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center on robotic liver transplantation was named one of the 10 most influential research papers of 2024 by the American Society of Transplantation.
In addition, seven Saudi hospitals were included in Brand Finance鈥檚 Global Top 250 Hospitals 2025 report, highlighting the Kingdom鈥檚 strong healthcare infrastructure, international competitiveness, and commitment to high-quality patient care.
These accomplishments are closely aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly the 鈥淎 Vibrant Society鈥 and 鈥淎 Thriving Economy鈥 pillars to enhance quality of life and support innovation and scientific advancement.
Together, the milestones reflect the integrated efforts of the national health system and various sectors, reinforcing the Kingdom鈥檚 position as a regional hub and global destination for advanced healthcare.
RIYADH: 黑料社区 on Friday condemned moves by Israeli authorities to push ahead with construction of settlements around the occupied city of Jerusalem.
In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs also denounced pronouncements by Israeli officials to block internationally backed efforts to create a sovereign Palestinian state as part of a solution to the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israel鈥檚 moves to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state 鈥渋s a violation of international law, the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of their sovereign state,鈥 the statement said.
鈥淭hese decisions and statements confirm the continuation of the illegal expansionist policies of this Israeli government, its obstruction of the peace process, and the serious threat to the possibility of a two-state solution,鈥 the statement said.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also strongly condemned Israel鈥檚 approval of a plan to build 3,400 new settlement units in the West Bank, including in Jerusalem.
IOC also stressed that the Israeli occupation and colonial settlement were illegal and must be ended immediately, state news agency SPA reported.
鈥淚srael鈥檚 ongoing policies of aggression, settlement, destruction, displacement, and blockade, describing them as systematic crimes that violate the rights of the Palestinian people, undermine the two-state solution, entrench annexation plans and attempt to impose Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories,鈥 the bloc said.
Earlier Thursday, Israel鈥檚 far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that work would start on a long-delayed settlement that would divide the West Bank and cut if off from East Jerusalem.
鈥淲hoever in the world is trying to recognize a Palestinian state today will receive our answer on the ground. Not with documents nor with decisions or statements, but with facts. Facts of houses, facts of neighborhoods,鈥 Smotrich was reported as saying.
Smotrich鈥檚 office later doubled down by saying the move would 鈥渂ury鈥 the idea of a Palestinian state.
Israeli media on Thursday also reported that Foreign Minister Gideon Sa鈥檃r has vowed that Israel 鈥渨ill not allow鈥 the implementation of the two-state solution, which allows the creation of a Palestinian state standing side-by-side with Israel.
鈥淎 Palestinian state in the heart of the land of Israel would indeed be a solution 鈥 a solution for those seeking to destroy us. We will not allow that to happen,鈥 Sa鈥檃r said in a statement from his office and carried by the Times of Israel.
鈥淚f large countries like France and Canada wish to establish a Palestinian state within their own territory, they can 鈥 they have plenty of space. But here, in the land of Israel, it will not happen,鈥 Sa鈥檃r further reported as saying.
France and Canada had recently announced plans to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state next month amid Israeli defiance of international calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and to allow humanitarian agencies to their work. Britain also threatened to follow suit unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire with Hamas, improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza, and work toward a long-term peace framework.
Call for immediate action
In view of the recent moves by Israeli officials, 黑料社区 urged the international community 鈥渢o assume its legal and moral responsibilities, protect the Palestinian people, and fulfill their legitimate rights, including recognition of the Palestinian state.鈥
鈥淚t must also compel Israel to stop its aggression against Gaza and its illegal violations in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and to halt its crimes against the Palestinian people, particularly those amounting to genocide, and hold the perpetrators accountable,鈥 the statement said.
鈥淭he Kingdom renews its categorical rejection of Israeli policies based on settlement expansion, forced displacement, and the denial of the Palestinian people鈥檚 legitimate rights.
鈥滻t calls on the international community, especially the permanent members of the Security Council, to take immediate action to compel the Israeli occupation authorities to end their crimes against the Palestinian people and the annexation of Palestinian territory and to comply with UN resolutions and international law,鈥 the statement further said.
RIYADH: Madinah is considered one of the leading regions in the Kingdom for cultivating henna, which is renowned for its high quality and unique characteristics.
The plant is grown in several locations in the region, such as the governorates of Wadi Al-Fora鈥檃 and Badr.
Madinah henna is regarded as one of the best varieties in the world due to its purity and natural properties.
It is known for its light green color and strong herbal fragrance, which indicate its quality.
The plant is also organically cultivated, without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, making it safe to use.
The uses of Madinah henna are varied, but it has widespread application in cosmetics, where henna leaves are ground into a fine powder and then mixed with water, olive oil, or coconut oil for added moisture, or with essential oils to enhance its color and improve texture.
Henna has long been used to dye and nourish hair, increase its thickness, and reduce hair loss, and as a natural substance to cool the skin in high temperatures.
鈥 Madinah henna is regarded as one of the best varieties in the world due to its purity and natural properties.
鈥 Henna can also be converted into derivative products such as powders, pastes, and essential oils to increase the economic value of this agricultural product and enhance its profitability.
It is also used for decorating hands and feet, cleansing the skin, and reducing pigmentation.
A report issued by the Madinah Chamber of Commerce has reviewed the investment opportunities provided by henna cultivation, noting the possibility of expanding henna farming using modern irrigation techniques to increase production, developing value-added henna products such as scented henna or organic henna, and targeting international markets by promoting henna as an authentic Madinah product.
The report suggested Madinah can benefit from opportunities in agricultural investment, livestock production, as well as industrial investment based on production inputs from agricultural crops, derivatives, or waste related to these crops and others.
Henna can also be converted into derivative products such as powders, pastes, and essential oils to increase the economic value of this agricultural product and enhance its profitability.
Incentive measures have been provided by the relevant authorities in the Madinah region to encourage local henna production and export.
Henna is among the targeted sectors of the Reef program to support productive families and professions linked to local production, and to provide financial support to farmers and agricultural professionals, especially given the relatively low cost of cultivating the product.
ABHA: Officials of the Abha Chamber of Commerce and Industry officials received Ambassador Pascal Gregoire of Belgium on Thursday to discuss ways to develop trade relations and support joint investment opportunities.
The two sides also discussed efforts to foster an attractive investment environment for Saudi and Belgian ventures, Asir region鈥檚 economic potential, key investment opportunities, and the facilities available to Belgian investors in the region.
They stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation through joint trade events and visits and explored prospects for partnership in various sectors.
Gregoire expressed his pleasure at visiting the Asir region and learning about its promising investment opportunities.
