RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will host the inaugural Umrah and Ziyarah Forum at the King Salman International Convention Center in Madinah from April 22-24.
The forum, to be held under the patronage of Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan, is part of a series of events held by the ministry to improve pilgrim services.
Following a record-breaking 13.55 million Umrah pilgrims visiting the Kingdom in 2023, the forum will serve as an important platform for dialogue, exchange of expertise, and the unveiling of innovative services and solutions that improve the Umrah experience.
The event will include dialogue sessions, discussion groups, interactive workshops and an exhibition displaying the latest advancements in the sector.
It aims to broaden local and international connections, promote collaboration and forge lasting partnerships in the service of Umrah performers and visitors.
Government agency officials, Umrah operators, hospitality providers, transport and logistics companies, health care services, tech and telecom companies, AI pioneers, media outlets, construction firms, travel agents, consumer product suppliers and financial organizations will take part in the forum.
The Kingdom will showcase its latest Umrah initiatives and new operational strategies at the three-day event, as well as future schemes in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
Developing Hajj and Umrah services in the Kingdom is a key priority of the Saudi government and an extension of the country’s historic role in serving Muslims and Islam worldwide.
Hajj Ministry to host first Umrah and Ziyarah Forum in Madinah
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Hajj Ministry to host first Umrah and Ziyarah Forum in Madinah
- The forum is part of a series of events held by the ministry to improve pilgrim services
- The event will include dialogue sessions, discussion groups and interactive workshops
Experimental farm in Al-Lith looks into future of Saudi Arabian agriculture
- Research initiative reflects strategic transformation
JEDDAH: An experimental farm in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Lith Governorate is one of the research initiatives reflecting the strategic transformation taking place in the Kingdom’s agricultural sector.
The farm uses highly efficient, sustainable production models that combine scientific research with commercial application, contributing to strengthening the country’s food security system and the sustainability of water resources.
Located in the Ghumaiqa Center on an area of about 10 hectares, the cutting-edge farm is a testing platform for modern agricultural technologies that tackle the challenge of water scarcity.
The farm includes developed open fields and modern greenhouses, supported by smart irrigation encompassing drip and sprinkler irrigation alongside surface and subsurface technologies.
All the systems operate via smart controls that enable the monitoring of water consumption and ensure improved efficiency, thereby achieving a balance between agricultural production and water conservation.
The farm also uses treated and diluted low-salinity seawater.
It aims to diversify agricultural water sources, reduce reliance on freshwater, and open new horizons for agriculture in coastal and semi-arid environments.
The project represents a promising investment opportunity in the field of smart agriculture, enabling the development of commercially scalable production models, particularly for high-value vegetables and fruits, while reducing operational costs associated with water and energy, enhancing the economic feasibility of future agricultural projects.
In addition, the project contributes to transferring and localizing agricultural expertise, supporting local food supply chains, and creating an attractive environment for agricultural investment.
This aligns with Sustainable Development Goals and enhances the efficiency of the private sector in adopting innovative agricultural solutions.
Yahya bin Abdulrahman Al-Mahabi, the director of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture office in Al-Lith Governorate, told the Saudi Press Agency that the project represented the future of agriculture in the Kingdom.
He explained that the vision was based on investing in technology, enhancing the return on water per unit, and integrating scientific research with investment opportunities.
Al-Mahabi spoke of the experimental farm as a modern, scalable and replicable model applicable in several regions of the Kingdom, particularly in coastal environments.
Al-Mahabi highlighted the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture’s commitment to supporting distinctive projects that contributed to achieving food security while developing rural areas and enhancing agricultural production efficiency, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
