MAKKAH: Osama Al-Dughairi, a young Saudi in his 20s, is an animal lover to the core. His love for animals could be gauged through the fact that he has transformed his house and farm in Buraidah into a small zoo containing a variety of animals.
His collection includes animals such as bears, crocodiles, lions, tigers and monkeys. The animal enthusiast wishes to establish a zoo for people to see the various inhabitants of the animal kingdom living in better conditions and receiving proper care.
The young Saudi said love for animals runs in his family. “Some other members of my family share my passion,” he said.
Al-Dughairi said his family’s support encouraged him to continue his passion and increase the number of animals at his farm.
“I have a collection of lions, snakes, bears, Siberian tigers and Bengali cheetahs. Most of the animals grew up with me, they know my character and I know theirs,” Al-Dughairi said.
“I wish to establish a complete safari and I want to get an official permit in this regard,” he said. The Saudi man wants his dream project to be an attraction for domestic and foreign tourists. He firmly believes that the expertise he has acquired over time could be of great use to the Kingdom’s wildlife authorities. He has different ideas to share with the authorities to help increase the dwindling population of Arabian leopards and sand wolves.
The size of leopards’ habitat in Saudi Arabia has shrunk by 90 percent since the 19th century, according to an environmental study.
There are only 100-250 leopards living in various parts of the Arabian Peninsula, said Dr. Ahmad Al-Bouq, a former spokesman of the Saudi Wildlife Authority.
Leopards in the Kingdom are threatened by people killing them, hunting their prey and destroying their habitats, he added.
Al-Dughairi said: “Animals seek to live in environments where they are cared for constantly.”
“The feeding budget for most animals is huge. A lion needs up to 14 kilograms every day,” he said. “I will try to contact sponsors as soon as an official permit is issued.”
Al-Dughairi called on all those wishing to raise animals not to do so without having sufficient knowledge. He said at times it is perilous to enter the cages of predatory animals. “Their temper and head and tail movements need to be closely observed,” he cautioned.
Saudi with beautiful collection of beasts wants to develop his animal kingdom into a zoo
Saudi with beautiful collection of beasts wants to develop his animal kingdom into a zoo
- There are only 100-250 leopards living in various parts of the Arabian Peninsula, said Dr. Ahmad Al-Bouq, a former spokesman of the Saudi Wildlife Authority
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 percent 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.
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 percent of the area for priority conservation—protecting 62 percent of local coral reefs—while allocating 61 percent for sustainable fishing.
According to scientific modeling, eliminating fishing in high-protection zones could increase reef fish populations by 113 percent, sharks and rays by 72 percent, and marine mammals by 24 percent. 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.”
