‘Naval Defender 21’ maritime exercise kicks off in Saudi Arabia

(SPA)
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Updated 22 January 2021
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‘Naval Defender 21’ maritime exercise kicks off in Saudi Arabia

  • The exercise aims to raise combat readiness and expand maritime security cooperation

DAMMAM: The mixed maritime exercise “Naval Defender 21” between Royal Saudi Naval Forces and the US Navy kicked off at King Abdul Aziz Naval Base (KANB), home to the Eastern Fleet in Jubail on Thursday, with the participation of a UK Royal Navy Minesweeper, in the presence of the commander of the Eastern Fleet, Vice Adm. Majed bin Hazza Al-Qahtani.

The exercise aims to raise combat readiness and expand maritime security cooperation between the two forces, by strengthening maritime security, ensuring the protection of territorial waters, and exchanging combat experience.

For his part, the director of the exercise, Rear Adm. Awwad bin Rashid Al-Enezi, said that the exercise would enhance the protection of territorial waters, as well as the Kingdom’s coasts and ports.

He added that the exercise would include lectures and training courses given by the participants from the US and UK.
 


Citrus festival highlights AlUla’s heritage, economy

Updated 10 January 2026
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Citrus festival highlights AlUla’s heritage, economy

  • The rise in visitor numbers reflects the festival’s prominence as a major agricultural and community event. It runs until Jan. 16

ALULA: The AlUla Citrus Festival has seen a remarkable turnout of residents and visitors as it has coincided with the mid-year school break, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The festival is being held at the farmers’ market in the cultural oasis, amid an environment that blends stunning natural beauty with the governorate's rich agricultural heritage.

The rise in visitor numbers reflects the festival’s prominence as a major agricultural and community event. It runs until Jan. 16.

It allows visitors to explore local products and purchase citrus fruits directly from farmers, highlighting the deep connection between the people, their land, and agricultural legacy.

The festival showcases a diverse selection of AlUla’s finest citrus fruits, alongside platforms for local producers, the SPA added.

The event also features interactive family-friendly activities and live cooking demonstrations.

It contributes to revitalizing agricultural economic activity and reinforces agricultural seasons as a pillar of sustainable development in the governorate.

The AlUla Citrus Festival is a key social and economic event and gives local farmers a vital platform to showcase and sell their produce, supporting the agricultural economy of a governorate home to nearly 5,000 productive farms.