RIYADH: A Saudi inventor says that his water-saving polymer technology is now being sought by a firm in the United Arab Emirates to plant trees.
Entrepreneur Ibrahim Alalim, who is currently in the United Arab Emirates, said talks are underway with the firm, which he did not want to name at this stage.
Alalim said the United Arab Emirates was the third country in the region showing interest in planting trees using the Polykem Hydrogel PagriSAP. Once placed in soil, it absorbs water 600 times its own weight.
Alalim said that countries are showing interest because trees help counter global warming and the movement of sand carried by the desert winds. Alalim said there are also ongoing negotiations with Kuwait Petrol Company, which also wants to plant trees for the same reasons, including providing a greener working environment for its workers.
He said his company, Estefa Group, had already planted 3,400 saplings of various types in Khurais in the Eastern Province for Saudi Aramco. The saplings were for cedar, acacia, neem, jatropa and moringa trees.
He said the technology acts as a water reservoir in the root zone, provides water on demand to the crop, and helps prevent water loss due to evaporation. “The polymer helps prevent water run-off and increases survival rates, often improving economics for the farmer by reducing the use of costly fertilizer and irrigation water,” he said.
“My invention improves growth and increases the yield of plantations in clay soil deserts with both arid and non-arid soils and inside green houses.”
He said the technology increased production at a farm in Al-Baha in 2013. The farm owner, Saleh bin Abbas, used the polymer to plant 7,000 olive trees in seven varieties, and harvested 13 tons of olives after one year from three-meter-high trees, Alalim said.
He said the polymer is produced worldwide and he was willing to provide a patent for anyone interested in Saudi Arabia. He said he developed his invention during a 20-year working stint in Lausanne, Switzerland.
UAE firm ‘wants to use’ Saudi water saving invention
UAE firm ‘wants to use’ Saudi water saving invention
49th Saudi relief plane for Gazans arrives in Egypt
- The food baskets will be transported to Palestinian people inside the Gaza Strip and is part of the Kingdom’s support for them
RIYADH: The 49th Saudi relief plane carrying food baskets for Gazans arrived at Egypt’s El Arish International Airport on Tuesday.
The plane was operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The food baskets will be transported to Palestinian people inside the Gaza Strip and is part of the Kingdom’s support for them.
The war in the Strip has pushed much of Gaza’s population to the brink of famine, the UN says, and has devastated its medical facilities, where hospitals, if working at all, are running short of fuel to power generators and other essential supplies.
Riyadh forum to combat financial crime and corruption
- Brings together key stakeholders from the Middle East and North Africa to combat financial crime, money laundering, and terrorist financing
- Two-day forum aims to establish impactful collaboration among Saudi agencies, counterpart organizations, and regional and international bodies to combat financial crime effectively,
RIYADH: The inaugural Arab Forum of Anti-Corruption Agencies and Financial Intelligence Units begins Wednesday in Riyadh, hosted by the Presidency of State Security.
It brings together key stakeholders from the Middle East and North Africa to combat financial crime, money laundering, and terrorist financing through enhanced cooperation and capabilities.
The two-day forum aims to establish impactful collaboration among Saudi agencies, counterpart organizations, and regional and international bodies to combat financial crime effectively, according to the forum’s website.
Recognizing the need for a multi-faceted approach, the forum focuses on cooperation across borders, sectors, and disciplines to combat corruption.
Through international collaboration, elevating local institutional integrity, and engaging citizens, the forum aims to tackle corruption and financial crime challenges effectively.
Leveraging private sector efforts, deploying technology for transparency, and addressing root causes of corruption are also part of the agenda.
The event will feature 75 speakers from 25 countries, including Sheikh Ahmed Al-Thani, head of Qatar Financial Information Unit; Samya Abou Sharif, director of the Jordanian Anti Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Unit; Dr. Raed Radwan, head of the Palestinian Anti-Corruption Commission; and Richard Attias, CEO of FII Institute.
By uniting government agencies, law enforcement bodies, financial intelligence units, civil society organizations, and the private sector, the forum harnesses collective wisdom and expertise against financial crime.
The forum also facilitates networking, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building, fostering partnerships and concrete initiatives for progress in anti-corruption efforts.
Saudi FM meets with Kuwaiti counterpart
- The ministers discussed ways of strengthening bilateral relations and regional and international developments of common interest
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of a preparatory meeting for Arab League foreign ministers in Manama, Bahrain.
The ministers discussed ways of strengthening bilateral relations and regional and international developments of common interest.
Saudi cabinet welcomes UN resolution supporting Palestine’s full membership
RIYADH: The Saudi cabinet welcomed on Tuesday the United Nations assembly's resolution supporting Palestine's full membership, the Saudi State Agency reported.
The council of ministers emphasizing the need to halt Israeli military escalations and violations against civilians and humanitarian workers.
Minister of Information, Salman bin Youssef Al-Dosari, reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to global security, active participation in international relief efforts, and advocacy for issues affecting Arab and Islamic nations.
The council also discussed the recent reception of pilgrims arriving for Hajj.
Directives were issued to maintain high standards of procedures and services at entry points in Makkah, Medina, and the Holy Sites.
The council also received a comprehensive briefing on recent diplomatic dialogues with various nations, including discussions between the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the President of Ukraine.
Saudi FM calls for resumption of Sudan talks
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reiterated the Kingdom’s grave concerns over an escalation in tensions between warring factions in Sudan.
He made his remarks while participating at the 33rd Arab League Summit held in the Bahraini capital, Manama.
The foreign minister urged the two sides, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, to commit to a ceasefire, reiterating Saudi Arabia’s call for a return to dialogue.
He also called for an end to further civilian suffering and the country’s devastating humanitarian situation.
Saudi Arabia, alongside the US, is leading mediation efforts to urge the two Sudanese sides to end the war.
On the subject of the war in Gaza, Prince Faisal said Saudi Arabia has warned of dangerous repercussions of Israel’s widening of its scope of operations in its campaign against Hamas.
He reiterated the Kingdom’s calls for the international community to intervene immediately to stop the war.
Regarding Yemen, Prince Faisal affirmed Saudi Arabia’s full support for efforts to achieve peace in the country, and to reach a comprehensive political solution through dialogue and consultation between the warring parties, which will start the process of economic development and recovery.
