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SAKAKA: ��������'s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority said Friday that 750,000 hectares of degraded land so far had been successfully rehabilitated under its restoration and greening programs.

In a report carried by the Saudi Press Agency on the occasion of World Agriculture Day, the authority also reported successfully planting 3,992,200 seedlings across the 130,700-square kilometer reserve.

To support the natural regeneration of forests and rangelands, workers at the reserve had dispersed a total of 7,500 kilograms of local seeds so far, including yarrow, artemisia and haloxylon, the authority said. 

These projects are part of the wider Saudi Green Initiative launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on March 27, 2021, a comprehensive national plan aligned with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals to combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions, increasing afforestation, and protecting land and marine ecosystems.

At the royal reserve, restoration efforts are focused on reclaiming vast areas affected by desertification and overgrazing, thereby paving the way for the return of plant life, the authority said.

Named after the Kingdom's incumbent king, the reserve was established by royal order in June 2018, consolidating existing protected areas spanning the Kingdom's northern provinces in Tabuk, Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, and Hail.

It is home to more than 550 plant species, representing significant environmental wealth that requires sustained protection to ensure the sustainability of its natural resources for future generations.

The reserve has so far relocated 1,235 wildlife species, including Arabian oryx, sand gazelles, Arabian gazelles, and Arabian leopards.

The reserve is also a vital hub for migratory birds. It serves as the Kingdom’s first stop for flocks arriving from Asia and Europe in the fall, and their last station before departing Africa in spring. 

JEDDAH: The third Saudi Fashion and Textile Expo, held at the Jeddah International Exhibition and Events Center, marks a new era for sustainable fashion and textile innovation in the region. 

The event, which ends on Sunday, brings together designers, innovators and industry leaders from across the globe, highlighting the Kingdom’s growing role as a hub for fashion and trade.

Filiz Karakul, managing director of international at Pyramids Group and one of the organizers, told Arab News that this was the first time the event had been held in Jeddah. 

“Previously it was held in Riyadh but now our focus is on Jeddah because the market here has huge potential. Companies from Europe, Japan, Korea and other countries are showing strong interest in ��������. They are bringing innovative fabrics, yarns and sustainable fashion products,” she said. 

All (our) production is done by my family. We only use Italian linen, a natural plant-based fabric. For �������� we have adapted lengths and styles. This is our first time here and we are excited by the positive response. People appreciate quality and sustainability, which is very important to us.

Ivan Mastro, Co-founder Casa Mastro Positano

“Sustainability is our key focus and it is becoming increasingly important as climate change affects all industries. Every step we take impacts the ecosystem, which is why we have emphasized sustainability in the designer area.”

Next year’s show would be even bigger, with major pavilions from Germany, Italy and Spain, she said.

“With the support of the authorities and growing international interest, we are confident that this expo will become an even more influential platform, aligned with ��������’s Vision 2030.”

The exhibitors are equally committed to the sustainability message.

Victoria Loze, sales manager at Sophie Hallette from France, said: “We have been producing sustainable articles since 1887. We make handcrafted lace using 19th-century machines, with five meters taking eight weeks from start to finish. Our customers include Chanel, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Elie Saab and high-profile individuals like Kate Middleton and Beyonce. 

“People in �������� have great taste. They know fabrics and appreciate high-quality, sustainable products. This is our first time participating and we are proud to be pioneers here.”

Ivan Mastro, co-founder of Casa Mastro Positano from Italy, said: “All (our) production is done by my family. We only use Italian linen, a natural plant-based fabric. For �������� we have adapted lengths and styles. This is our first time here and we are excited by the positive response. People appreciate quality and sustainability, which is very important to us.”

Sourabh Jain, export marketing manager at Indian firm Siyaram Silk Mills, said his company was showcasing fabrics designed for hot climates. 

“We manufacture menswear fabrics focusing on natural, sustainable materials. Bamboo fabric is a plant-based fiber that naturally cools the body. Linen is another natural fabric that offers comfort and breathability,” he said.

“The Saudi market is very promising and with Vision 2030 we see huge potential for innovative fabrics and new fashion trends.”

Issie Ninomiya of Uni Textile from Japan, said: “We have 3,000 items in stock, including polyester, cotton, nylon and rayon fabrics. Sustainability is growing and we are producing recycled polyester and organic fabrics. We aim to expand business in ��������, which is an emerging market for high-quality, eco-friendly textiles.”

Saudi fashion designer Hana Alhaddad said: “I established my brand, Eeliiite, with a focus on sustainability and uniqueness. I create my designs by recycling waste materials into distinctive pieces. People really appreciate the designs for their originality; most don’t even realize they are made from recycled materials but they love the unique look.”

The expo is showcasing a diverse lineup of designers, from emerging Saudi talent to established names from Switzerland, Tunisia and Morocco. 

The event opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by diplomats, cultural representatives and business leaders, including Consul General of Turkiye in Jeddah Mustafa Unal, General Consul of France Mohammed Nahhad and representatives from Jordan, Syria, India and Tunisia. 

The event attracted more than 550 exhibitors from 25 countries and over 10,000 visitors, including designers, entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts. 

Among the highlights is the Vision Fashion Show, featuring leading and emerging designers, seminars exploring sustainability, smart fabrics and digital innovation, and a B2B zone hosting more than 480 meetings to foster partnerships and trade opportunities.

“As a business owner, I see immense opportunity here,” said Mohammed Rayyan, who runs a textile business.

“The expo brings together designers, innovators and suppliers from around the world, giving me a chance to discover new fabrics, sustainable solutions and potential partnerships that I can incorporate into my business.

“It’s the perfect platform to connect with international expertise while keeping up with the latest trends in the market.”