All is rosy in Taif as fans flock to flower festival

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The 19th Taif Rose Festival, themed ‘Qetaf’ meaning ‘Picking Time,’ coincides with the harvest season and will run until May 12. (SPA)
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The 19th Taif Rose Festival, themed ‘Qetaf’ meaning ‘Picking Time,’ coincides with the harvest season and will run until May 12. (SPA)
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The 19th Taif Rose Festival, themed ‘Qetaf’ meaning ‘Picking Time,’ coincides with the harvest season and will run until May 12. (SPA)
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The 19th Taif Rose Festival, themed ‘Qetaf’ meaning ‘Picking Time,’ coincides with the harvest season and will run until May 12. (SPA)
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Updated 08 May 2024
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All is rosy in Taif as fans flock to flower festival

  • Taif’s annual show features a floral carpet of over million flowers
  • Farmers, vendors optimistic about increase in sales at the event

JEDDAH: Visitors are flocking to the 19th Taif Rose Festival at Al-Raddaf Park where the flowers are in full bloom, highlighting the region’s rich floral heritage.

The festival, themed “Qetaf” meaning “picking time,” coincides with the harvest season and will run until May 12. The organizers include the Taif Rose Cooperative Society and Taif Municipality.




The 19th Taif Rose Festival, themed ‘Qetaf’ meaning ‘Picking Time,’ coincides with the harvest season and will run until May 12. (SPA)

There has been an impressive turnout of Taif residents and domestic and international tourists. The exhibitors — mostly farmers and vendors — are optimistic that increased revenues will help boost rose cultivation and production.

Abdullah Altwairqi, a local farmer and festival participant, said: “Participating in the Taif Rose Festival has become a tradition for me. The atmosphere improves each year, and the revenue and exposure we receive from visitors make it worthwhile.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• Exhibitors at the Taif Rose Festival are optimistic that increased revenues will help boost rose cultivation and production.

• The flower carpet set up by the municipality in the center of the park was designed with decorative patterns inspired by the province’s heritage.

• It covers 5,206 square meters and was crafted using over a million flower and rose seedlings, making it the largest in the history of the festival.

At his booth, Altwairqi showcased various flowers and fruit, including Taif roses, peaches, prickly pears, figs, mulberries, grapes, blackberries, pomegranates, as well as aromatic plants.




The 19th Taif Rose Festival, themed ‘Qetaf’ meaning ‘Picking Time,’ coincides with the harvest season and will run until May 12. (SPA)

Altwairqi urged people to visit the Rose Flavor cafe where they can savor hot and cold beverages infused with the flavor of Taif roses and other aromatic flowers including lavender, which is also abundant in the region.

The flower carpet set up by the municipality in the center of the park left visitors awestruck. Covering 5,206 square meters, it was crafted using over a million flower and rose seedlings, making it the largest in the history of the festival.




The 19th Taif Rose Festival, themed ‘Qetaf’ meaning ‘Picking Time,’ coincides with the harvest season and will run until May 12. (SPA)

Faiz Al-Thibaiti, director-general of media and corporate communication at Taif Municipality, told Arab News: “The flower carpet was designed with decorative patterns inspired by the province’s heritage.”

He said the carpet has ensured the event has become “one of the most important tourism festivals in the Kingdom, attracting thousands of visitors and tourists from various regions of the country.”

NUMBER

70k

The rose-picking season in Taif starts around the end of March or early April, lasting between 35 to 45 days, with an average of 70,000 roses picked daily.

The decorations adorning the flower carpet draw inspiration from the intricate designs found on the walls and facades of Taif’s ancient structures, including Al-Kaki Palace in Al-Salama and King Saud Palace.




The 19th Taif Rose Festival, themed ‘Qetaf’ meaning ‘Picking Time,’ coincides with the harvest season and will run until May 12. (SPA)

Al-Thibaiti added: “Preparations for the festival started early, with the Taif Rose Cooperative Society detailing participation criteria to highlight Taif roses, including their cultivation, harvesting, and distillation into fine perfumes. This adds to Taif’s unique tourist appeal. The festival provides a platform for producers, experts, and entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and boost this important sector.”

Among the highlights are the rose and flower path, product stalls, goods market, government booths, and the agricultural nursery.




The gaint flower and rose carpet, spanning 5206 square meters, was meticulously crafted using 1,026,491 diverse flower and rose seedlings. (Supplied)

Interactive fountain shows accompanied by national tunes were also among the attractions, with a crossing to the upper pedestrian bridge from where visitors can view the massive flower carpet.

Artwork, flower arrangements, and hanging floral baskets scattered throughout the park added to the flair of the event.




The 19th Taif Rose Festival, themed ‘Qetaf’ meaning ‘Picking Time,’ coincides with the harvest season and will run until May 12. (SPA)

Al-Thibaiti said: “The significant turnout at the current festival comes amid increasing rose production year after year, indicating the success of this agricultural sector in achieving high revenues while continuing to promote the Taif rose product.”

Taifrosethon

The five-day Taifrosethon began on May 7, which is being held to encourage entrepreneurship in the region with technological solutions to enrich the industry.




The flower carpet was designed with decorative patterns inspired by the province's heritage. (Supplied)

The event includes various skills training and technical workshops covering trade, cultural heritage, and tourism.

The top-three winners will receive $2,666, $1,866 and $1,333 respectively. Participants are required to enter as teams, each with three to five members.

Taif’s roses

The Taif province produces more than 200 million roses each season. According to the local chamber of industry, each tree produces an average of 250 roses daily throughout the harvest season, which lasts for about 45 days.

The rose-picking season starts around the end of March or early April, lasting between 35 to 45 days, with an average of 70,000 roses picked daily.

Taif roses feature an exquisite, sweet fragrance and vibrant pink hues on delicate petals, and are a hallmark of the region’s natural beauty.

Cultivated in the high-altitude climate of Taif, these roses thrive in the cool temperatures and fertile soil of the region.

They are meticulously harvested by hand to preserve their quality, with the petals carefully collected for various purposes.

 


Saudi Red Sea Authority issues first license for tourist cruise agent to Cruise Saudi company

Updated 28 May 2024
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Saudi Red Sea Authority issues first license for tourist cruise agent to Cruise Saudi company

JEDDAH: The Saudi Red Sea Authority issued on Tuesday the first tourist cruise agent license for Cruise Saudi, owned by the Public Investment Fund.

Mohamed Bokhari, VP for Coastal Tourism Operations in the Saudi Red Sea Authority, handed over the tourist navigation agent license to Barbara Bozic, CEO of Destination Experiences at Cruise Saudi, at the company’s headquarters in Jeddah.

This comes as part of the authority’s efforts to build a thriving coastal tourism sector, which includes issuing licenses and permits to organize coastal tourism activities, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The tourist cruise agent provides services to yachts and cruise ships, in addition to facilitating and supporting the vessels’ movements within the Kingdom.


KSrelief, WHO sign program to improve water, sanitation services at Yemeni health facilities

Agreement is signed by KSrelief General Supervisor Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah and WHO director-general.
Updated 28 May 2024
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KSrelief, WHO sign program to improve water, sanitation services at Yemeni health facilities

  • Under the agreement, solar-powered wells complete with pumps, water tanks, and connection pipes will be drilled in 10 health care facilities
  • Potable water supplies will be provided at 60 health care facilities where water quality monitoring and treatment will be carried out

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center signed a joint executive program with the World Health Organization worth $3,750,000 on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the 77th WHO Health Assembly in Geneva, aims to improve water and sanitation services at health care facilities and provide sustainable water supplies to the most needy in Yemen.

Under the agreement, solar-powered wells complete with pumps, water tanks, and connection pipes will be drilled in 10 health care facilities.

Potable water supplies will be provided at 60 health care facilities where water quality monitoring and treatment will be carried out.

Training for the operation and maintenance of water supplies will also be carried out and a tower tank in Al-Khawkhah district in Hodeidah will be constructed.

Steps will also be taken to improve water, sanitation and hygiene services in Ma’rib Governorate Hospital and Matnah Hospital in Sanaa.

The agreement was signed by KSrelief General Supervisor Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.


First group of Syrian pilgrims arrives in Makkah

The first group of Syrian pilgrims arrives in Makkah on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported. (SPA)
Updated 28 May 2024
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First group of Syrian pilgrims arrives in Makkah

RIYADH: The first group of Syrian pilgrims, consisting of around 200 people, arrived in Makkah on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Rawaf Mina for Pilgrims Services, a company that provides services to Hajj pilgrims and is licensed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, is working to provide the Syrians with the best services from the moment they arrive until they complete their pilgrimage.

A total of 532,958 pilgrims had arrived in Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj as of Sunday, the General Directorate of Passports has reported.


Saudi Red Crescent Authority deploys more than 2,500 staff ahead of Hajj

The Saudi Red Crescent Authority has deployed 2,540 staff across nearly 100 ambulance centers ahead of Hajj 2024. (@mediasrcaen)
Updated 28 May 2024
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Saudi Red Crescent Authority deploys more than 2,500 staff ahead of Hajj

  • The staff will be strategically positioned across 98 ambulance centers, covering entry points, pilgrim routes, and holy sites

RIYADH: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority has deployed 2,540 medical professionals, ambulance technicians, and administrative staff across nearly 100 ambulance centers ahead of Hajj 2024.

The move will ensure the well-being of pilgrims and deliver high-quality medical care during the upcoming pilgrimage, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The staff will be strategically positioned across 98 ambulance centers, covering entry points, pilgrim routes, and holy sites.

SRCA has dedicated a significant portion of its ambulance fleet to the Hajj mission to strengthen its frontline response.

This includes 320 ambulances,13 advanced response vehicles, a dedicated air wing with seven air ambulances, and two medical evacuation helicopters.It will also provide a support fleet of 15 motorcycles, 150 golf carts, 150 electric scooters, 27 electric bicycles, ten ambulance buses, and additional service vehicles.

Translators will be available to support ambulance calls, ensuring seamless communication for various medical situations encountered during Hajj.

More than 595 volunteers will assist the SRCA with ambulance services at various locations while educating pilgrims about essential preventive measures that should be taken to safeguard their health during Hajj.


US and Australia envoys laud Saudi women for social, economic achievements

Updated 28 May 2024
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US and Australia envoys laud Saudi women for social, economic achievements

  • Success in tech, finance, diplomacy, says American diplomat
  • Key work with Australia to ‘promote trade and remove barriers’

RIYADH: The envoys of Australia and the US have praised women in Saudi Arabia for their work and achievements across all sectors of the country’s economy.

In a recent interview with Arab News, the US’ Deputy Chief of Mission Alison Dilworth and Australia’s Deputy Head of Mission Kim Ralston reflected on their experiences working alongside Saudi Arabia’s women and witnessing firsthand their perseverance.

“I have been incredibly impressed with the Saudi women I have met here in the Kingdom. From tech and finance to the arts, to diplomacy, Saudi women are achieving new heights, and I am proud to work with them,” Dilworth said.

Each month, in partnership with other embassies, the US Embassy hosts a Women’s Majlis  to celebrate women’s accomplishments, experiences and share expertise in a private and intimate setting.

“Through the Women’s Majlis, a series of monthly events co-hosted with the Australian, New Zealand, German, and British embassies, and with HRH Ambassador Reema bint Bandar, we have explored the themes of ‘Women in Defense,’ ‘Women in Tech,’ ‘Women in the Visual Arts,’ ‘Women in Poetry’ and ‘Women in Shariah Law,’” Dilworth said.

The idea of the majlis was created in 2019 in a collaboration between the American, Australian, British and Canadian embassies in Abu Dhabi.

“We work with Saudi women across all aspects of our work. As an example, Australia and Saudi Arabia enjoy close relations in agriculture and food security, with embassy staff working closely with female counterparts to promote trade and remove barriers,” Ralston said.

Since her arrival in the Kingdom in 2023, Ralston has worked with Saudi Arabia women in the public and private sectors, sports, and the arts.

Ralston said “Saudi women are intelligent and driven. They are open, warm, and passionate about their work. I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing about their goals and objectives, which are not unlike my own.”

“I have particularly enjoyed sharing experiences with women on social policy matters. The talented women at the Quality of Life Program have inspired me as they encourage culture, entertainment, sports, and tourism to flourish in Saudi Arabia,” Ralston added.

She explained how impressed she was by the Kingdom’s focus on ensuring women are represented in areas where they have not traditionally worked, including the military.

When asked how she would characterize the ambitions of the Kingdom’s females, Dilworth said: “Saudi women never stop reaching for the next level.”

“I admire them (they are) fearless,” she added.

She said that when she asks Saudi Arabia women about what they will do next, they immediately say: “I want to run the business, become the next minister, or set the next record.”

The most recent majlis took place in Riyadh on May 21 at the German Embassy and focused on women in the technology sector.

One of the previous events was co-hosted by the US and Australia embassies and titled “Women in Poetry.”

Dilworth said: “We had five outstanding female poets present their original works, which were creative and inspiring. Then, to our surprise, five other women stood up and presented their poems.”

“I was so happy to see women sharing this Saudi pastime and such a key aspect of Saudi culture,” she added.

Dilworth said these events build cooperation between women from Saudi Arabia and the US. “I have witnessed the achievements of US women working in diplomacy over my 27-year career, and I am proud to be a female diplomat.

“Through sharing our stories, and hearing from others, we all add to the journey of women throughout the world who want to achieve and to make the world a better place for all.”

She added that outside the Kingdom and among those who have never visited the country, there are still many misconceptions surrounding Saudi Arabia’s women. People who have not interacted with them are not aware of their successes, drive and ambition.

When asked about her expectations before coming to the Kingdom, Dilworth said: “I did not expect Saudi women to be so prepared, so ready for the next opportunity. I wrongly assumed Saudi women would need to learn various tradecrafts, how to drive, how to run a business.

“What I found was an extremely educated, motivated, and talented workforce of women who had gained experience and knowledge either outside the country or behind closed doors, and when opportunities opened up, they were not only ready but they were also driven to prove what they can do and achieve.”

The US deputy chief of mission said that she encourages those who question the talents and motivations of Saudi Arabia’s women to “come and see for themselves.”

“Come to the Kingdom and meet the women living and working here and advancing Saudi society. Just like there are many misconceptions about the United States that we can correct when visitors come and see our beautiful country, having visitors meet women and interact here in Saudi Arabia is vitally important,” she said.

Ralston said that before arriving in the Kingdom from Australia she knew very little about Saudi Arabia, adding that “it was difficult to find information.

“I arrived with a strong sense of curiosity and was keen to hear about the strides made by women here. I was impressed to hear that Saudi Arabia was recently ranked 15th in the world on wage equality in the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report 2023.”

When asked what her views on the misconceptions, Ralston said: “Misconceptions don’t concern me — they exist in every country.

“Over time, people’s perspectives of Saudi Arabia will be shaped by their own experiences, particularly as more people visit the country. Around the world, Saudi Arabia also has many female ambassadors making a positive impression.”

This includes those working in the private sector, studying abroad and even serving at the Saudi Embassy, Ralston added.