Saudi nature reserve becomes Kingdom’s ‘first major biodiversity site’

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King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority announces accreditation as the first major biodiversity site in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority announces accreditation as the first major biodiversity site in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority announces accreditation as the first major biodiversity site in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority announces accreditation as the first major biodiversity site in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Updated 22 May 2024
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Saudi nature reserve becomes Kingdom’s ‘first major biodiversity site’

  • Accreditation follows evaluation of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve by the international organization Key Biodiversity Areas

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve has been granted accreditation as “the first major biodiversity site in the Kingdom.”

The organization Key Biodiversity Areas confirmed the accreditation, after an evaluation based on international standards, on its website on Wednesday. It said the reserve meets three global standards, including the presence of endangered species, and so qualifies for inclusion. The announcement coincided with International Day for Biological Diversity, which takes place on May 22 each year.

KBA works to monitor and preserve approved sites of great importance as part of its efforts to sustain biological diversity on a global level, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Saudi reserve is managed by the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve Development Authority with the aim of protecting endangered species, developing natural habitats, raising environmental awareness among the public, and reducing natural and human threats to the area. It is considered the largest nature reserve in the Middle East, covering a total area of 130,700 square kilometers.


‘Jazan: Treasures of Nature’ inundated during school break

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‘Jazan: Treasures of Nature’ inundated during school break

  • Jazan Festival 2026 event runs until Feb. 15
  • Focus on crafts, art, attire, social customs

JEDDAH: The Jazan Festival 2026 is drawing considerable support from people of all ages during the mid-year school holiday, reflecting the event’s growing appeal.

Launched on Dec. 25, the festival runs until Feb. 15 under the theme “Jazan: Treasures of Nature,” showcasing the region’s cultural and natural heritage while reinforcing its position as a tourism destination, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The event features live performances and interactive displays recreating aspects of daily life across Jazan’s governorates.

Pavilions representing Jazan’s governorates line the festival’s Cultural Street, highlighting the craftsmanship of the local community and its close relation with the surrounding landscape, the SPA reported.

Abu Arish governorate features prominently through a live experience centered on traditional agricultural life and historical sources of livelihood.

Its pavilion displays tools once used for water storage and transport, kitchen utensils, pottery, cooking and measuring implements, lanterns and palm-leaf products, alongside scenes depicting agricultural activities.

Traditional attire and social customs, including bridal preparations and ceremonial practices, highlight the governorate’s cultural identity and social life.

The Cultural Street has artworks and paintings by local artists who found inspiration in Jazan’s landscapes and heritage.

The mild winter weather and school holiday have helped boost attendance, with young and old attending folk performances, educational pavilions, photography areas and heritage exhibits.