Saudi envoy holds luncheon for UN chief in New York

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Abdallah Al-Mouallimi, Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the UN, meets with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the Saudi UN mission in New York.
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Saudi Ambassador Abdallah Al-Mouallimi welcoming UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the Saudi UN mission in New York. (SPA)
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Photo session at the Saudi UN mission in New York after the luncheon. (SPA)
Updated 28 July 2019
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Saudi envoy holds luncheon for UN chief in New York

NEW YORK: Abdallah Al-Mouallimi, Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the UN, organized a luncheon at his home in New York in honor of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The luncheon was attended by representatives and ambassadors of Arab states, regional organizations of the UN, the deputy secretary-general for political and peacebuilding affairs, and the assistant secretary-general for the Middle East, Asia and Pacific.

Al-Mouallimi welcomed Guterres and thanked him for his positive positions regarding many Arab causes, primarily the Palestinian cause.

Al-Mouallimi said he hopes to increase cooperation between Arab states and the UN so as to serve common interests and achieve regional security and stability.

Guterres thanked Al-Mouallimi for the invitation, and praised the UN’s friendly ties with Arab states in general, and with Saudi Arabia in particular.

Guterres expressed his appreciation for the Kingdom’s important role in the UN, his aspiration to consolidate relations with all Arab states, and his eagerness to maintain security and peace regionally and internationally.

Arab states’ representatives and ambassadors conversed with Guterres and listened to his views on various Arab causes, the UN’s efforts to address them, and ways to strengthen the Arab League’s role in the UN. SPA New York


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 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.
 

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 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.”