黑料社区

Environment Week unites Saudis for a sustainable future

Environment Week unites Saudis for a sustainable future
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The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority organized a volunteer trip for more than 550 students to plant more than 3,000 seedlings. (SPA)
Environment Week unites Saudis for a sustainable future
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The Islamic Arts Biennale hosted an interactive workshop on Jeddah鈥檚 coral reefs, featuring academics from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. (SPA)
Environment Week unites Saudis for a sustainable future
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During Environment Week in Jeddah, government, private, and nonprofit entities showcased initiatives to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainability. (SPA)
Environment Week unites Saudis for a sustainable future
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The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority organized a volunteer trip for more than 550 students to plant more than 3,000 seedlings. (SPA)
Environment Week unites Saudis for a sustainable future
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As part of Environment Week, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Umluj organized a seabed cleanup at Duqm Beach. (SPA)
Environment Week unites Saudis for a sustainable future
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At the Environment Week event in Sakaka, the King Salman reserve highlighted its achievements, including habitat restoration, seed dispersal, and wildlife conservation. (SPA)
Environment Week unites Saudis for a sustainable future
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At the Environment Week event in Sakaka, the King Salman reserve highlighted its achievements, including habitat restoration, seed dispersal, and wildlife conservation. (SPA)
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Updated 23 April 2025

Environment Week unites Saudis for a sustainable future

Environment Week unites Saudis for a sustainable future
  • Tree planting, coral reef workshops and coastal cleanups drive the Kingdom鈥檚 environmental vision for 2030

Riyadh: The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority organized a volunteer trip for more than 550 students to plant more than 3,000 seedlings during Environment Week.

The initiative encourages positive environmental behavior among students, raises early age awareness, and fosters individual and collective responsibility for protecting the environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Held annually from April 20 to 26, Environment Week focuses on environmental awareness and sustainable practices. The 2025 theme, 鈥淥ur Environment is a Treasure,鈥 reflects the Kingdom鈥檚 efforts to conserve natural resources.

The reserve supports sustainability and environmental education. It has planted more than 3 million seedlings, dispersed more than 4 tonnes of seeds and restored 700,000 hectares of land.

At the Environment Week event in Sakaka, the authority is highlighting its achievements, including habitat restoration, seed dispersal and wildlife conservation.

These efforts include reintroducing 1,455 animals and recording 177 new births, including endangered species such as the sand gazelle, Arabian oryx and mountain ibex.

The authority鈥檚 exhibition pavilion showcases the biodiversity of the reserve, home to more than 350 wildlife and 290 bird species.

It also highlights initiatives to protect ecosystems, support sustainability and engage the community in conservation efforts.

During Environment Week in Jeddah, government, private, and nonprofit entities showcased initiatives to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainability.

The National Center for Environmental Compliance highlighted the public鈥檚 role in environmental protection, compliance with regulations and reporting violations.

The Vegetation Cover Development Foundation, established by the Ministry of Environment and the National Center for Vegetation Cover, presented nine initiatives aligned with the Saudi Green Initiative. These focus on environmental protection, energy transition and sustainability.

Separately, the Islamic Arts Biennale hosted an interactive workshop on Jeddah鈥檚 coral reefs, featuring academics from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.

The workshop explored the ecological and historical significance of coral reefs, threats like bleaching, and scientific efforts in reef restoration and biodiversity conservation.

Organized to connect art with environmental issues, the event aimed to foster dialogue between the arts and sciences while promoting awareness of sustainability in line with Vision 2030.

As part of Environment Week, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Umluj, along with partner agencies and volunteer divers, organized a seabed cleanup at Duqm Beach.

The campaign aimed to raise awareness about marine conservation by removing debris to protect coastal wildlife and ecosystems.

Volunteer divers and authorities collaborated in underwater cleanups, highlighting the impact of joint environmental efforts.

The initiative supports Vision 2030 goals of promoting sustainability and encouraging public responsibility for environmental protection.

In Riyadh, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification took part in the Environment Week exhibition alongside public and private sector entities.

The center launched nationwide awareness campaigns featuring interactive booths, educational activities, volunteer opportunities and greening efforts to promote public engagement in environmental protection.

Its initiatives focus on restoring degraded land, conserving biodiversity, managing rangelands and parks and addressing violations like unregulated firewood collection. These efforts aim to build a resilient vegetation ecosystem and support sustainability goals.

The Saudi Investment Recycling Co., a Public Investment Fund subsidiary, also took part in the event.

Through its subsidiaries, the company showcased its role in supporting a green and circular economy in line with Vision 2030, focusing on waste diversion, emissions reduction and advanced recycling technologies.

The group manages companies specializing in recycling, treating various types of waste and producing soil improvers, contributing to the Kingdom鈥檚 broader sustainability efforts.


黑料社区 launches Mostaqbali program to train 50,000 Saudis in AI, digital skills

黑料社区 launches Mostaqbali program to train 50,000 Saudis in AI, digital skills
Updated 11 October 2025

黑料社区 launches Mostaqbali program to train 50,000 Saudis in AI, digital skills

黑料社区 launches Mostaqbali program to train 50,000 Saudis in AI, digital skills
  • The program builds on the ministry鈥檚 efforts to support the shift toward smart technologies, enabling citizens to pursue eLearning and enhance their technological capabilities

RIYADH: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has launched an educational initiative to empower 50,000 Saudis for the most in-demand jobs of the future through training, upskilling, and reskilling.

In collaboration with Oracle and the National eLearning Center, the Mostaqbali (My Future) program will be delivered via the national eLearning platform FutureX, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative aims to develop national competencies and equip Saudi men and women with artificial intelligence and other in-demand digital skills for the future labor market.

The program builds on the ministry鈥檚 efforts to support the shift toward smart technologies, enabling citizens to pursue eLearning and enhance their technological capabilities.

It also promotes the localization of digital talent and ensures equal opportunities for all segments of society across educational and professional levels, the SPA added.

Open to all age groups, the initiative offers 23 training tracks totaling 300 hours. Participants who meet the requirements will receive accredited professional certificates.

The program covers a wide range of specialties, including AI, cloud computing, database management, Oracle applications, and other key digital skills.

It focuses on empowering recent graduates, employees, and women through specialized training that enhances digital expertise and fosters AI innovation 鈥 aligning with Vision 2030鈥檚 goal of building a knowledge- and innovation-based digital economy.

The ministry invited interested individuals to register through the FutureX platform at forms.nelc.gov.sa/en/mostaqbali.

 


Riyadh book fair highlights cultural content, heritage

Riyadh book fair highlights cultural content, heritage
Updated 11 October 2025

Riyadh book fair highlights cultural content, heritage

Riyadh book fair highlights cultural content, heritage
  • Workshop on cultural media explores journalism, ideas, platforms, audiences
  • King Fahd Library demonstrates advanced manuscript-restoration techniques

RIYADH: As part of the Riyadh International Book Fair, supervised by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, Mirza Al-Khuwaildi presented a workshop titled 鈥淐ultural Journalism and Critical Reporting,鈥 the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The workshop 鈥渆xplored the concept of cultural writing and the foundations of a structured journalistic approach capable of producing high-quality written, visual, or audio content that conveys information, ideas, entertainment, or targeted marketing to specific audiences,鈥 according to the SPA.

The library鈥檚 pavilion at the fair showcased the latest methods for restoring and treating valuable books and manuscripts, displaying restoration tools and materials. (SPA)

Al-Khuwaildi said that cultural media plays an important role in 鈥渃onnection, context, and cultural communication,鈥 adding that successful cultural media 鈥渞elies on three pillars 鈥 the idea, the platform, and the audience.鈥 He reviewed the pros and cons of various content types, from educational and cultural to artistic, analytical, tourism, and entertainment.

The book fair 鈥 which organizers claim is the Kingdom鈥檚 largest annual cultural celebration 鈥 concluded on Saturday after 10 days of events, seminars, and artistic performances.

HIGHLIGHT

Some artisans demonstrated the traditional Sadu craft, weaving decorative patterns inspired by the desert landscape. Wicker crafts were also on display, with palm leaves woven into household items, reflecting the richness of the Saudi environment.

The King Fahd National Library鈥檚 pavilion at the fair showcased the latest methods for restoring and treating valuable books and manuscripts, displaying restoration tools and materials including ink fixative, magnesium for de-acidification, glycerin for paper moisturizing, caustic soda, and a paper scale. It also featured natural Japanese paper imported specifically for manuscript repair. Restoration technicians provided explanations of the step-by-step processes used to return damaged manuscripts to their original condition.

The library follows 鈥渁 precise multi-stage process for handling documents and manuscripts from both government agencies and individuals. This includes sterilization, treatment, restoration, microfilming, digital imaging, and binding,鈥 the SPA reported.

Meanwhile, the crafts pavilion provided a rich display of traditional arts and handmade products featuring the work of several Saudi craftswomen, highlighting local artistry and cultural identity.

Some artisans demonstrated the traditional Sadu craft, weaving decorative patterns inspired by the desert landscape. Wicker crafts were also on display, with palm leaves woven into household items, 鈥渞eflecting the richness of the Saudi environment,鈥 according to the SPA.

鈥淭his participation strongly supports the Ministry of Culture鈥檚 initiative designating 2025 as the Year of Handicrafts, which aims to empower artisans, document the nation鈥檚 craftsmanship heritage, and encourage new generations to sustain these skills,鈥 the SPA concluded.

 


Ahlaha fair looks to Saudi talent in tourism

Ahlaha fair looks to Saudi talent in tourism
Updated 11 October 2025

Ahlaha fair looks to Saudi talent in tourism

Ahlaha fair looks to Saudi talent in tourism
  • The Makkah fair offered more than 2,400 job opportunities and attracted more than 3,300 job seekers, with strong participation from hospitality establishments and international hotel chains

RIYADH: The Ministry of Tourism recently organized a job fair in Makkah to empower national talent in specialized tourism roles.

The event was part of the Ahlaha job fairs, held across various regions in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The fairs help connect Saudi job seekers in different tourism fields with establishments in the sector, including hospitality facilities.

The Makkah fair offered more than 2,400 job opportunities and attracted more than 3,300 job seekers, with strong participation from hospitality establishments and international hotel chains.

Makkah hosts the highest number of ministry-licensed hospitality facilities in the Kingdom, the SPA reported.

The exhibition reflected the ministry鈥檚 efforts to achieve Vision 2030 goals by promoting tourism and enhancing Saudi participation in the national tourism industry, building a strong foundation of qualified human resources.

The Ahlaha job fairs target job seekers in various tourism specializations, offering direct engagement that supports sustainable, high-quality job creation and improves services for visitors, Umrah performers, and pilgrims.

 


Health of Gulf children is "a strategic priority for shaping future of region,鈥 says GCC chief

Health of Gulf children is
Updated 11 October 2025

Health of Gulf children is "a strategic priority for shaping future of region,鈥 says GCC chief

Health of Gulf children is "a strategic priority for shaping future of region,鈥 says GCC chief
  • Albudaiwi said that Gulf health action 鈥渆xtends beyond awareness to the comprehensive GCC Health Strategy to strengthen regional health security,鈥 the General Secretariat said in a statement

KUWAIT CITY: Jasem Albudaiwi, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, has said that safeguarding the health of Gulf children is 鈥渁 strategic priority for shaping the region鈥檚 future.鈥

Albudaiwi was speaking at the opening of the first Gulf Conference on Pediatrics in Kuwait on Saturday. He also said that Gulf health action 鈥渆xtends beyond awareness to the comprehensive GCC Health Strategy to strengthen regional health security,鈥 the General Secretariat said in a statement.

Kuwaiti Minister of Health Ahmed Al-Awadhi and a number of specialists, doctors, and researchers from the GCC were in attendance at the conference.

 


No limits 鈥 disabled Saudi graduate is ready for next chapter

No limits 鈥 disabled Saudi graduate is ready for next chapter
Updated 11 October 2025

No limits 鈥 disabled Saudi graduate is ready for next chapter

No limits 鈥 disabled Saudi graduate is ready for next chapter
  • Saeed Al-Dosari has overcome challenges to attain a diploma and shape his future聽

RIYADH: Saeed Al-Dosari embodies the spirit of Saudi determination. Born without hands, he has gone on to earn a diploma in business intelligence and data analytics from Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University in Al-Kharj, proving perseverance and ambition can turn obstacles into opportunities.

鈥淚 embarked on my study path with great excitement despite all the challenges,鈥 he told Arab News. 鈥淚 chose my field because I believed it matched my abilities and reflected my passions. I wanted to prove to myself and to others that a disability does not stand in the way of ambition.鈥

Among his toughest challenges were tasks requiring manual work 鈥 such as writing 鈥 but Al-Dosari refused to give up: 鈥淚 overcame every obstacle with the help of technology and the unwavering support of my classmates and professors,鈥 he said.

Relying on specialized assistive software and devices, he felt supported and praised the university鈥檚 efforts to make learning more accessible.

Of his professors and classmates, he said: 鈥淭hey were incredibly supportive, always mindful of my situation and encouraging me to keep going. Some even dedicated extra time to assist me.鈥

Al-Dosari added his classmates鈥 encouragement gave him a 鈥渢remendous boost,鈥 and that any negative experiences only increased his motivation. 

He admitted he initially feared his condition would hinder his dreams. 鈥淣aturally, I was afraid at first,鈥 he said, adding that faith, family and persistence helped him move forward and believe determination made anything possible.

鈥淓very small achievement I accomplished reinforced my belief that I could continue on my path,鈥 he said, paying special tribute to his mother: 鈥淢y mother has been my pillar of strength; her prayers, second only to God鈥檚 guidance, carried me through.鈥 

Describing his graduation, Al-Dosari said: 鈥淕raduation day is the day of my dreams 鈥 a feeling beyond words. I felt I had triumphed over every challenge, and my gown was a true badge of pride.鈥

Looking ahead, he plans to enter the workforce and contribute meaningfully to his community.

鈥淎nd God willing, if the opportunity arises, I will continue my studies,鈥 he said, adding he hoped to inspire others facing similar challenges: 鈥淣ever give up. It is the challenges that forge resilience. The start may be tough, but the reward at the end makes it all worthwhile.鈥

Some people see disability as a barrier, but Al-Dosari said: 鈥淒isability is not in the body; the true limitation lies in the mind. Many successful people around the world have faced disabilities, yet they proved otherwise.鈥

He added: 鈥淚f you cannot change reality, change your perspective of it.鈥 

Dr. Issa bin Khalaf Al-Dosari, dean of student affairs and the university鈥檚 official spokesperson, said: 鈥淭he university is committed to enabling students with disabilities to engage fully in academic and research activities,鈥 adding its efforts aligned with Saudi Vision 2030鈥檚 goals for empowerment and inclusion.