Horse parade marks Eid in northern Saudi city of Arar

The value and importance of this sport is anchored in Saudi history, said Khaled Al-Rumaikhani. (SPA)
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Updated 05 May 2022
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Horse parade marks Eid in northern Saudi city of Arar

The Northern Borders regional branch of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development organized an Arabian horses march in the city of Arar as part of its Eid Al-Fitr celebrations.

The event saw the participation of security patrols and the local branch of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority to encourage and support the members of this authentic Arab hobby.

Khaled Al-Rumaikhani, director general of the ministry’s branch in the region, said that these events help to instill national identity and promote the value of popular heritage among a generation that takes pride in its authentic national traditions.

Al-Rumaikhani stressed that the value and importance of this sport is anchored in Saudi history, which represents an integral part of the Kingdom’s identity, culture and heritage, adding that it contributes to the development of equestrianism in the region.


Endangered red-necked ostrich chicks born in royal reserve

Updated 9 min 3 sec ago
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Endangered red-necked ostrich chicks born in royal reserve

  • Birds are part of resettlement program launched in 2021
  • Sand gazelle, Arabian oryx among species being protected

RIYADH: The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority has announced the birth of three endangered red-necked ostrich chicks.

The birds have been considered extinct in the northern region of the Kingdom for a century and have now returned thanks to the efforts of the ITBA, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The ITBA had initiated an ostrich-resettlement program in late 2021, aiming to establish a suitable natural habitat for a pair of the birds. This initiative bore fruit as the ostriches successfully adapted to the reserve’s environment, producing 12 eggs in the spring of 2024.

The ITBA has aimed to reintroduce rare species into their natural environments, as part of a broader commitment to wildlife development, biodiversity conservation, and environmental restoration.

Among the numerous rare creatures benefiting from these efforts are the sand gazelle and Arabian oryx.

The ITBA has 138 species in its care including Arabian wolf, various types of foxes, felines, hares, the Asian bustard among other birds, and reptiles.

The reserve covers an area of 91,000 sq. km in the northeastern part of the Kingdom. It is a popular destination for those interested in eco-tourism, bird watching and hiking.

The reserve also offers cultural experiences, allowing visitors to interact with the local Bedouin communities, learn about their traditional way of life, and enjoy authentic cuisine.

In February, the ITBA signed a memorandum of understanding with the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives to document the heritage of the reserve.

The pact will ensure collaboration to conduct archaeological surveys and excavations, inventory inscriptions, document intangible heritage and social history, and identify grazing locations.


Saudi, UAE and Qatar secure wins on second day of AlUla Camel Cup

Updated 26 April 2024
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Saudi, UAE and Qatar secure wins on second day of AlUla Camel Cup

  • Minister of Interior’s entry takes first race in the Hagayeg category

ALULA: Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar provided the big winners on Day 2 of the second annual AlUla Camel Cup.

Held in unseasonably hot conditions, Thursday’s competition consisted of two 5 km categories, the Hagayeg and the Lagaya, with two races run in each.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif won the first Hagayeg race, much to the delight of spectators.

The Prince’s camel, aptly named AlUla, won in a time of 5 minutes 59.3 seconds. In the second Hagayeg race of the day, Shart, owned by Emirati Mohammed Al-Kutbi, took first place in a time of 5:57.8.

The day’s total prize pool of $6.83 million was split equally between the two categories.

Winners in each of the races received $870,000, second-place finishers earned $266,666, and those in third place received $133,333. The balance of the prize pool was distributed among the other finishers.

The event was organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla as part of the AlUla Moments calendar, in partnership with the Saudi Camel Racing Federation.

The 2024 AlUla Camel Cup offers spectators and participants a new and more expansive experience after the inaugural edition in March last year.

This year, designated Year of the Camel by the UN and the Ministry of Culture, the event pays homage to the desert animal that is so integral to the Kingdom’s heritage.

“The AlUla Camel Cup attracts the best riders and the best camels throughout not just the region, but the world,” said Mahmoud AlBalawi, executive director of the SCRF. “Qualification for the AlUla Camel Cup is deliberately challenging, with 11 camel races taking place under the federation’s jurisdiction throughout the season to qualify for this illustrious competition.”

AlBalawi said that the Saudi Camel Racing Federation’s programs “target all corners of Saudi Arabia in a bid to continue to grow and improve the cherished sport of camel racing. There are more than 50 camel racing tracks across the country, including the elite AlUla venue where the AlUla Camel Cup takes place.”

RCU’s chief sports officer, Ziad Al-Suhaibani, praised the participants and said: “The AlUla Camel Cup reflects the importance of camel racing as a symbol of the Kingdom’s heritage and culture.”

While the heritage sport dates from the seventh century, the event this year includes a more contemporary setup that caters to all the family. There are opportunities to take camel selfies, sample camel smoothies or listen to live folk music by local performers.

The final races take place on Saturday.


US Embassy marks 248th Independence Day with shared US-Saudi vision for space exploration 

Updated 25 April 2024
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US Embassy marks 248th Independence Day with shared US-Saudi vision for space exploration 

  • Ambassador Michael Ratney welcomes hundreds of Saudi guests to space-themed Riyadh reception

RIYADH: The US Embassy in Riyadh celebrated the 248th anniversary of Independence Day on Thursday with a reception hosted by US Ambassador Michael Ratney. 

The ambassador welcomed guest of honor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Riyadh Region mayor, along with Saudi officials, and hundreds of Saudi guests, as well as visitors from Washington, including members of the US Congress.  

The space-themed Independence Day reception served as a symbolic celebration of the future of the US-Saudi cooperation in space, highlighting the profound benefits and possibilities of space exploration, research, and commercial development.

Ratney said the theme reflects the “shared ambition of the United States and Saudi Arabia to embrace opportunities in space, positioning both countries as pioneers in this frontier of innovation.” 

The event evoked nostalgia for past achievements, such as the 1969 moon landing, while emphasizing ongoing advancements in space sciences, particularly commercial space exploration. 

Ratney highlighted Saudi pioneers in space travel, such as Prince Sultan bin Salman, and astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali Al-Qarni. 

An art installation, “Museum of the Moon,” by artist Luke Jerram, featured NASA’s high-definition imagery of the lunar surface. 

According to the US Embassy’s statement, the collaboration between the US and Saudi Arabia continues to advance shared interests in diplomacy, commerce, culture, and more.

The US remains dedicated to enhancing shared US-Saudi shared interests in security and in fostering prosperity in the region, while also exploring new avenues for partnerships in areas such as the arts, education, entertainment, and tourism, it said.

Both countries are poised to explore further cooperation, including potential joint ventures in space, reflecting a vision for an even stronger US-Saudi relationship in the future, the statement added. 


Saudi, Cypriot foreign ministers discuss relations

Updated 25 April 2024
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Saudi, Cypriot foreign ministers discuss relations

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Cypriot counterpart, Dr. Konstantinos Kompos, at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh on Thursday.

During the meeting, the ministers reviewed the advanced bilateral relations between the Kingdom and the Republic of Cyprus, and ways to promote them in a variety of fields. 

They also discussed ways to increase bilateral coordination on issues of common interest and reviewed international developments.


New initiative to train young innovators in nanotechnology

Updated 25 April 2024
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New initiative to train young innovators in nanotechnology

  • Program structured in 3 phases for Saudi graduates and entrepreneurs 

RIYADH: The Nanotechnology Association, supported by the Misk Foundation, is set to launch the Nanohub Program, aimed at inspiring and equipping the next generation for careers in the sector to help support a brighter future and a thriving economy.

Nanohub, a nonprofit initiative, is structured in three phases to train Saudi graduates and entrepreneurs aged between 20 and 26. It provides workshops and sessions to develop personal skills, gain hands-on experience with nanotechnology, and receive guidance from industry experts.

The program partners with leading local and international organizations to ensure participants are prepared for the workforce.

Nanotechnology is expected to transform business and innovation in various sectors. Understanding its economic impact and the potential benefits of partnerships are of crucial importance for young entrepreneurs.

The program aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in nanotechnology and inspire them to drive innovation in their industries.

The first phase of the program will focus on soft skills and leadership development. It is scheduled for three days, starting on April 28.

The second phase, which starts on May 5, explores applications of nanotechnology. It runs for five days, covering topics like the fundamentals of nanotechnology, its use in medicine, energy, and renewable energy, as well as sustainability.

The third phase, beginning on May 12 and ending on May 16, provides hands-on laboratory experience through a series of sessions called “Shadowing and Lab Tours.” This phase has two key tracks: the Shadowing Track and the Lab Tours Track.

The Lab Tours Track will give participants an in-depth look at cutting-edge nanotechnology research. They will visit world-class laboratories where nanotechnology innovations are being developed.

Participants will observe advanced equipment and complex techniques central to nanotechnology research. They will see live experiments and dynamic processes that reveal the workings of nanotechnology. This track is more than just a tour as it enhances understanding by connecting academic concepts to real-world applications, giving participants a closer look at the research and development process.

The Nanohub Program is “a transformative initiative designed to elevate the skills and competencies of graduates and new hires with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) backgrounds,” said Dr. Turki Almugaiteeb, chairman of the board of the Nanotechnology Association.

“This unique initiative aims to enrich participants’ soft skills and technical expertise through curated activities.”

Almugaiteeb added that participants would “have the opportunity to delve into the intriguing realms of medicine and energy, witnessing firsthand how nanotechnology is revolutionizing these industries.”

He added: “By immersing themselves in this dynamic program, individuals will not only broaden their knowledge but also cultivate the multidisciplinary skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive and rapidly evolving STEM landscape.”