Camel festival ‘represents rich Saudi culture,’ says Finland’s envoy

During the visit, the ambassador and her delegation were briefed on the competitions in the 20-Asayel category for camels. (SPA)
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Updated 21 December 2022
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Camel festival ‘represents rich Saudi culture,’ says Finland’s envoy

  • Kingdom protecting its heritage, says Finland’s envoy
  • Prizes worth over $26m on offer at annual event 

RIYADH: The organization of the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival every year reflects the importance the Kingdom places on protecting and promoting its rich cultural heritage.

This is the view of Finland’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Anu-Eerika Viljanen, who visited the ongoing seventh edition of the event recently, and tweeted: “King Abdulaziz Camel Festival presents rich #Saudiculture and traditions in a unique way. Different camel breeds compete in about 75 contests. It is an honor to experience these precious moments of #Saudi heritage and hospitality in the #KSA.”

During the visit, the ambassador and her delegation were briefed on the competitions in the 20-Asayel category for camels, the Saudi Press Agency reported.




Finnish Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Anu-Eerika Viljanen riding a camel at the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, 130 km north of Riyadh. (Supplied)

The six-week event organized by the Camel Club, which began on Dec. 1, has attracted a steady stream of foreign ambassadors and thousands of visitors from around the globe.

The competitions offer prizes worth over SR100 million ($26 million).

Held 130 km north of Riyadh, the festival features cultural and heritage shows, and popular attractions such as Al-Dahna Market, food trucks, and booths for Saudis to sell their goods.
 


Program to train experts in forest rehabilitation

Updated 14 January 2026
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Program to train experts in forest rehabilitation

  • Forest Ambassadors program is one of several specialized training initiatives designed to equip forestry personnel, relevant authorities, and university students
  • Program focuses on providing trainees with advanced scientific knowledge and skills in fieldwork, data management, and technical report writing

RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification continues to strengthen national capabilities to implement environmental initiatives requiring advanced technical skills and scientific expertise in assessing and rehabilitating vegetation resources.

The Forest Ambassadors program is one of several specialized training initiatives designed to equip forestry personnel, relevant authorities, and university students with the knowledge and skills to conduct vegetation inventories, assessments, and prepare technical plans for rehabilitating degraded forest areas.

The program offers a mix of theoretical and practical training, including presentations, educational modules, group discussions, and case studies, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

These components enable participants to conduct vegetation inventories and assessments, identify degradation, determine rehabilitation needs, and develop technical forest management plans.

The program focuses on providing trainees with advanced scientific knowledge and skills in fieldwork, data management, and technical report writing, the SPA reported.

It serves as a model for building highly qualified national cadres capable of applying best scientific practices in forest management and rehabilitation, contributing to the protection of natural resources, advancing the Saudi Green Initiative, and supporting the long-term sustainability of the Kingdom’s vegetation cover.