Saudi Arabia intercepts ballistic missile launched by Yemen's Houthi militia towards Jazan

Saudi-led Coalition spokesperson Col. Turki Al-Maliki said air defense forces intercepted a ballistic missile coming from within the Yemeni territory of Amran governorate headed toward the Kingdom. (File photo / SPA)
Updated 11 August 2018
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Saudi Arabia intercepts ballistic missile launched by Yemen's Houthi militia towards Jazan

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia said its air defense forces intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Yemen by Houthi militia toward the southern province of Jazan, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Saudi-led Coalition spokesperson Col. Turki Al-Maliki said the missile was spotted at 7:05 p.m. coming from within the Yemeni territory of Amran governorate headed toward the Kingdom.
“The missile fired by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels was in the direction of the city of Jazan and was deliberately launched to target civilian and populated areas,” Col. Al-Maliki said.
He added, “Saudi Royal Air Defense were successful in intercepting and destroying the missile, which did not result in any injuries.”
The spokesperson added that this hostile action by the Houthi militia proves the Iranian regime’s continued involvement in supporting the terrorists in clear and explicit defiance of UN resolution 2216 and resolution 2231.
He noted the Houthi attacks are aimed at threatening the Kingdom’s security, as well as regional and international security and the firing of ballistic missiles at populated towns and villages is contrary to international humanitarian law.


Red Sea Global unveils scientific model for regenerative tourism worldwide

Updated 26 February 2026
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Red Sea Global unveils scientific model for regenerative tourism worldwide

  • The report details the model’s rollout at “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA” destinations, backed by studies covering 8 marine habitats

TABUK: Red Sea Global (RSG) has unveiled a science-based model aimed at achieving a 30% net positive conservation benefit across its tourism destinations by 2040. 

The framework is now available for global adoption, according to a statement released by RSG.

Owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Red Sea Global is the multi-project developer behind ambitious regenerative tourism destinations like “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA.” 

As a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, the company aims to diversify the national economy while setting new global benchmarks for sustainable, nature-positive development.

CEO John Pagano stated that openly sharing this detailed approach will help elevate the global tourism sector and secure a healthier environment for future generations.
 

Map showing the boundaries of the Red Sea Zone. (Graphic from the RSG report)

The cornerstone of this initiative is the proprietary SIIG Model, a four-step framework:
• Survey: Establish biodiversity baselines and monitor long-term changes.
• Identify: Assess risks to priority habitats and species.
• Intervene: Execute evidence-based actions, such as regulating fishing and enhancing natural habitats.
• Gain: Measure and verify biodiversity improvements.

The report details the model’s rollout at “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA” destinations, backed by extensive 2022–2023 environmental baseline studies covering eight marine habitats and priority species groups during 2022 and 2023. 

A major intervention is the 5,015-square-kilometer Fishery Management Area in Al-Wajh Lagoon. The plan reserves 38% of the area for priority conservation—protecting 62% of local coral reefs—while allocating 61% for sustainable fishing.

According to scientific modeling, eliminating fishing in high-protection zones could increase reef fish populations by 113%, sharks and rays by 72%, and marine mammals by 24%. These measures are expected to boost coral resilience, support ecosystem recovery, and protect vulnerable species like sea turtles and seabirds.
Ihab Kindi, RSG’s Red Sea Destination Executive Director, called the data-driven model a practical roadmap for large-scale marine recovery. The complete methodology is available in the new report, “The SIIG Model: A Roadmap Toward Achieving Measurable Conservation Gains.”