Saudis are still nuts about almonds amid revival in cultivation

The resurgence of almond orchards in and around Baha represents a return to an agricultural practice deeply embedded in the fabric of local culture. (SPA)
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Updated 02 July 2024
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Saudis are still nuts about almonds amid revival in cultivation

  • The resurgence of almond orchards in and around Baha represents a return to an agricultural practice deeply embedded in the fabric of local culture
  • The almond holds a special place in Saudi society, in which offering the nut to guests is viewed as an expression of generosity and high regard for visitors

RIYADH: A resurgence in almond cultivation is taking root along the scenic route between Taif and Baha, signifying the revival of a practice deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of this part of Saudi Arabia.

Fahd Al-Zahrani, director of the local branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, said that that almond trees are once again a common sight across the landscape.

“Almond cultivation has spread to several areas including Baha, Baljurashi, Al-Mandaq, Bani Hassan, and Al-Qura,” he said.




There’s a growing demand for almond-derived products, including butter, sweets and ice cream, says expert. (SPA)

Almond trees, members of the Rosaceae family, are primarily grown on agricultural terraces in the Sarawat Mountains, he added. They cover about 67 hectares there and are considered an alternative crop in the region.

“The average yield is 1 tonne of green fruit per 3.6 hectares,” Al-Zahrani told the Saudi Press Agency. He said the ministry offers investment opportunities in two “almond cities” covering an area of more than 1.5 million square meters, and works to enhance the skills of farmers through workshops.

It supports the growth and sustainability of tree farms through initiatives such as an organic farming program and Saudi Reef, also known as the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, which supports environmental sustainability and agricultural diversification by aiding the development of rural communities and efforts to achieve food security.

FASTFACT

The almond holds a special place in Saudi society, in which offering the nut to guests is viewed as an expression of generosity and high regard for visitors.

Fawaz Al-Thaqafi, a third-generation almond farmer who recently participated in the My Country’s Grains and Almond Festival in Al-Mandaq, shared some insights into this once-again burgeoning industry.

“Our century-old almond trees produce some of the finest quality almonds,” he told the SPA.

The cultivation process, while rewarding, is not without challenges, he added. Farmers contend with pests such as the almond fly, which can kill the tree’s fruit, and threats from local wildlife, monkeys in particular.

The trees require constant care and attention throughout the life cycle of the almond, from white blossoms in February to mature nuts in July. By July, the almonds are firm and at a stage known as “labab,” during which people often consume the fruit before it is fully mature, when it is called “qadim.”

Al-Thaqafi spoke of his family’s three-generation legacy of almond cultivation and the depth of knowledge passed down over the years. He said every aspect of almond farming, from planting to harvesting, is a lifelong learning process, and described the intricate process of cracking open almond hulls, known locally as “ghadarif,” a time-consuming task that demands patience and continuous effort.

Various types of almonds are grown in the region, he added, include sweet, bitter and other mountain varieties. Of particular interest is a rare variety Al-Thaqafi referred to as “T-type.” It is cultivated under specific conditions, he said, resulting in a distinctive flavor profile and superior quality.

His orchard consists of more than 400 trees, including 300 almond trees, and he plans to expand it to more than 1,000 trees by 2028, given the growing demand for almond-derived products, including butter, sweets and ice cream, among local and international consumers.

Nadia Said Al-Zahrani, a food and nutrition specialist at Al-Baha University, praised local farmers for their efforts to diversify their almond products by moving into production of items such as organic almond butter and tahini.

She highlighted the health benefits of almonds, which are packed with monounsaturated fats, fiber, protein, magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc and essential vitamins such as E and K.

“Almonds are also rich in biologically active compounds such as flavonoids, contributing to numerous health benefits including enhanced immunity, cancer prevention, bone health, wound healing, kidney-function support, and lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels,” Al-Zahrani added.

Each year, the blossoming of almond trees paints a panoramic tableau that captivates onlookers as it spreads across mountain slopes. The spectacle, resembling scattered pearls, begins to emerge in the waning days of winter.

A single almond tree can yield about 200 kilograms of nuts each season. In Baha, the price of a sack of almonds varies between SR300-500 ($80-133), with some varieties commanding even higher prices.

The market follows a predictable seasonal pattern: Prices surge at the start of the season, dip in the middle, then climb again as the harvest draws to a close. Almonds from the area are widely popular, attracting buyers from across the Kingdom and beyond.

The almond holds a special place in Saudi culture, often presented as a gesture of hospitality. Offering almonds to guests is viewed as an expression of generosity and a symbol of the esteemed position visitors hold in Saudi society.

Baha owes the fertility of its soil to abundant water resources and a moderate, temperate climate throughout the year. The almond tree, known for its resilience to a variety of climatic conditions and low water requirements, is particularly well-suited to Baha as its production season aligns with the rainy season in mountainous regions at the end of winter.

 


Saudi Arabia’s PIF considers larger stake in Nintendo 

Updated 05 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s PIF considers larger stake in Nintendo 

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund said on Saturday it was considering raising its stake in Japan’s Nintendo and other Japanese gaming companies, according to reports.

Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, vice chair of the PIF’s gaming unit, disclosed the plan in an interview with Kyodo News.

He said that the PIF was “not in a rush to increase its stakes” and that the investments would be made in a “friendly way.”

The PIF currently owns 8.58 percent of Nintendo and has stakes in video game companies Capcom, Nexon, and Koei Tecmo.


National heritage will be ‘biggest driver’ of Saudi economy

Prince Sultan bin Salman, middle, with Prince Turki Al-Faisal and Jerry Inzerillo at the meeting. (X: @ATURATH)
Updated 05 October 2024
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National heritage will be ‘biggest driver’ of Saudi economy

  • Riyadh book fair is a testament to Kingdom’s focus on culture and heritage, says Prince Sultan

RIYADH: National heritage will be the biggest driver of the economy under Saudi Vision 2030, said Prince Sultan bin Salman, special adviser to King Salman and founder and chairman of the nonprofit Al-Turath (Heritage) Foundation.

He was speaking at the foundation’s annual meeting held under the theme “Confident Steps Toward the Future” at the Riyadh International Book Fair, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

A documentary film about the foundation’s journey, highlighting its key initiatives and most important milestones, was screened.

HIGHLIGHT

Prince Sultan bin Salman also spoke about the Al- Turath Foundation-produced documentary film “Okath Al-Badr,” which covers stories from the life of Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen bin Abdulaziz.

Another film showed the launch, at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dhahran, of the book “King Salman,” an Al-Turath Foundation initiative sponsored by Saudi Aramco to coincide with the 94th National Day.

Prince Sultan said that the book fair is a testament to the attention the Kingdom gives to culture and national heritage, which will become the biggest drivers of the economy.

The book, which Prince Sultan described as a gift to the nation, covers different stages in the life of King Salman alongside the Kingdom’s founder King Abdulaziz and other Saudi rulers.

Prince Sultan said that the Al-Turath Foundation has experienced continuous development since its establishment 28 years ago, printing books, conducting research, archiving historical photos, and documenting the nation’s history over the course of more than a quarter of a century.

Prince Sultan also spoke about the Al-Turath Foundation-produced documentary film “Okath Al-Badr,” which covers stories from the life of Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen bin Abdulaziz.

The meeting was attended by Prince Turki Al-Faisal, founder and trustee of the King Faisal Foundation and chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies; Prince Faisal bin Salman, special adviser to King Salman and chairman of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives; Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority; and several princes, officials, and ambassadors to the Kingdom.

The Riyadh International Book Fair, themed “Riyadh Reads” and featuring over 800 pavilions, is organized yearly by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission.

It began on Sept. 26 and runs until Oct. 5, with over 2,000 publishing houses from 30 countries participating. The schedule includes seminars, panel discussions, poetry recitals, stage performances, and workshops.

 


Saudi academy to launch Arabic Language Month in France

The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language. (SPA)
Updated 05 October 2024
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Saudi academy to launch Arabic Language Month in France

  • The program includes visits to French universities and educational centers to “meet staff and enrich the learning experience”

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language will launch its Arabic Language Month in France program on Oct. 7.

The initiative aims to “develop Arabic-language teaching curricula, enhance teacher performance, promote the language, and showcase Saudi Arabia’s initiatives,” according to a Saudi Press Agency report published on Saturday.

The program includes visits to French universities and educational centers to “meet staff and enrich the learning experience,” the report continued.

Previous editions of the Arabic Language Month program have been implemented in Uzbekistan, Indonesia, and China.

The academy will also host its third international conference — “Arabic Language Computing and Enriching Linguistic Data” — on Oct. 6 and 7 in Riyadh, at which experts will discuss “innovations in Arabic language computing and improving artificial intelligence models,” and “address the need for enhanced academic practices in the Arab world.”

 


A deliciously artistic trend sweeps Saudi Arabia’s X breakfast community

Updated 05 October 2024
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A deliciously artistic trend sweeps Saudi Arabia’s X breakfast community

  • Arab News looks at the evolution of an online community taking breakfast to new levels
  • The evolution of a vibrant online group

RIYADH: In the age of social media, where trends are born in an instant and entire communities form around shared passions, one unique and wholesome movement has emerged on X to celebrate the most important meal of the day: breakfast.

What began as a simple space for users in Saudi Arabia to share their daily meals has quickly evolved into a vibrant online community where creativity, health, and aesthetic presentation come together.

Photo by Shoroog Al-Ghamdi

People from all over the Kingdom contribute their carefully crafted breakfast plates with artistic flair, making breakfast a celebrated moment every day.

Khaled Saud, the creator of the community, has reflected on how far it has come, saying: “Watching the community grow from fun and lighthearted posts to a space where people take pride in their breakfast creations has been incredibly rewarding.

HIGHLIGHTS

• For some participants the online community has sparked a new motivation to take breakfast more seriously.

• In addition to creativity, health is also a significant focus within the community.

“I’m happy to see how much participation has increased and how creative the presentations have become.”

For some participants the community has sparked a new motivation to take breakfast more seriously.

Photo by Mashael Omar

Wafa Al-Qahtani shared how the group helped her stay consistent with her meals, saying: “The reason I love this community is the interaction from the people. Honestly, it has motivated me to maintain a daily breakfast routine, and I try to get creative so I can post it in the community.”

This sentiment is echoed by Ameera Al-Dossari, who has embraced the idea of breakfast as a shared experience and said: “This is such a beautiful concept; it motivates me to wake up early and participate.

Seeing everyone’s posts encourages me to be more thoughtful with my breakfast choices. Honestly, I’ve started taking more care of my meals.

Ameera Al-Dossari, Community member

“Seeing everyone’s posts encourages me to be more thoughtful with my breakfast choices. Honestly, I’ve started taking more care of my meals.”

The community, for many, is not only about the food but about the relationships and connections formed through a shared love for breakfast.

Photo by Khansa Al-Omari

It has also had an unexpected effect on some members’ sleep schedules. One user joked that they had been trying and failing to wake up at 7 a.m. for two months but after joining the community were happy to wake up at 5:30 a.m.

“For me, breakfast is one of the best moments of the day. I don’t just see it as a meal; it’s more like a ritual where we begin a new day,” said Rahaf Tareq, for whom breakfast has become a cherished time.

That sentiment captures the essence of why so many in Saudi Arabia are drawn to the movement — it provides a moment of mindfulness and self-care at the start of each day.

Photo by Khansa Al-Omari

In addition to creativity, health is also a significant focus within the community.

Ram Wael highlighted the importance of breakfast as a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle, saying: “The reason I participate is that breakfast is an essential and necessary meal that needs to be healthy.

Photo by Ram Wael

“However, many people have neglected its importance, and I love how this community has sparked a sense of competition and enthusiasm for creating and sharing breakfast.”

Wael’s participation is driven by a desire to bring attention to the value of a nutritious breakfast, encouraging others in the Kingdom to see it as more than just a quick meal.

Photo by Rahaf Tareq

Sahar Khojah, who believes the breakfast community has ignited a love for cooking and sharing with others, said: “I’ve always loved cooking and I constantly take pictures of my breakfast.

“I was really happy when I found this breakfast community because now I can share my meals, not just for myself but for people who appreciate them and can see my work.”

This sense of shared appreciation has turned a solitary activity into one that brings joy to others, showcasing how food can be a powerful tool for connection.

Khansa Al-Omari shared her excitement over the group’s influence on her creativity, saying: “It’s really nice when someone gets excited, prepares breakfast, and gets creative.

“Even though I don’t post often, when I see the shared posts I get inspired to make myself a neat breakfast. The community encourages even those who don’t often participate to step up their game and bring a sense of artistry into their everyday routines.”

Shoroog Al-Ghamdi, a software engineer, uses an analogy from her field to describe how breakfast fits into her life. She said: “In software we have something called eager loading, which loads all the data we need in advance.

“Breakfast is my way of loading my energy and booting up my brain cells!”

For Al-Ghamdi, breakfast is not just fuel for the body but also a mental preparation for the day ahead, tying it to productivity and well-being.

Layan Sultan reflected on how breakfast helps her start her day. She said: “The reason I show my breakfast specifically is that it’s one of the reasons I wake up excited every morning.

“There’s something good in every day, even if it’s just a meal. This meal makes my body, mind, and soul awake and ready to face every single thing that day brings.”

This collective enthusiasm across Saudi Arabia ensures that the community continues to grow, inspiring others to prioritize breakfast and add a personal, artistic touch to their meals.

Mashael Omar summed it all up, saying: “Breakfast gives energy for the rest of the day, improves the mood, and is part of practicing the hobby of cooking.”

 


Saudi art’s ‘global presence’ highlighted at Riyadh book fair

Updated 05 October 2024
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Saudi art’s ‘global presence’ highlighted at Riyadh book fair

  • The session titled “History of Saudi Art” explored how the arts scene in the Kingdom has developed to new heights in recent years

RIYADH: The dynamic evolution and global presence of Saudi art was discussed during a panel at the 2024 Riyadh International Book Fair on Saturday. 

The session titled “History of Saudi Art” explored how the arts scene in the Kingdom has developed to new heights in recent years.

Participants emphasized that the Saudi orchestra today represented the collective voices of artists who have shaped the country's vibrant artistic landscape.

The session was organized by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission and featured distinguished speakers, including academic Nauman Kadowa and Saudi researcher Manal Al-Harbi, with moderation by visual artist and researcher Hanan Al-Hazza.

Kadowa highlighted the multiple transformations Saudi art has undergone, particularly with the establishment of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission and the Music Commission.

These institutions, he noted, have played a pivotal role in reinforcing national identity while serving as bridges for Saudi art to connect with the global community, adding: “Saudi art reflects both our rich past and our promising future.” 

Kadowa also underscored the need for a centralized informational hub to consolidate resources and references on Saudi art, calling for collaboration between cultural, artistic bodies, and municipal entities.

Al-Harbi focused on the reciprocal relationship between art and society, describing how Saudi art reflects the customs and traditions of the Kingdom, with roots dating back to prehistoric times.

She lauded the work of late artist Safeya Binzagr, whose paintings vividly captured Saudi traditions. Al-Harbi also noted that many Saudi artists, through their international studies and scholarships, have continued to uphold this cultural responsibility on the global stage.

Al-Harbi addressed a critical challenge in researching Saudi art history: the scarcity of references.

This limitation, she suggested, could be alleviated through collaboration with municipal authorities, whose preserved documents may offer valuable insight into the Kingdom's artistic heritage.

As Saudi art continues to grow and evolve, this session at the Riyadh International Book Fair illuminated the Kingdom's commitment to nurturing and promoting its cultural legacy on a global scale.