How a newly classified species of snake was discovered in Saudi Arabia’s ancient AlUla oasis

The newly-discovered Rhynchocalamus hejazicus snake in AlUla. (RCU)
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Updated 03 August 2024
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How a newly classified species of snake was discovered in Saudi Arabia’s ancient AlUla oasis

  • The vibrant reptile is completely new to science, underscoring the rich biodiversity of AlUla and the value of conservation efforts
  • Its discovery is viewed as pivotal for understanding the ecological dynamics of the region and the adaptive strategies of desert wildlife

DHAHRAN: Scientists working in northwestern Saudi Arabia’s ancient oasis of AlUla were thrilled earlier this year to discover a new species of snake. With its striking red hue and chic black collar, the reptile is perfectly adapted to camouflage against the sand and rock of the Hejaz.

Laszlo Patko, who for the past two years has worked as the applied research lead at the Royal Commission for AlUla, inventorying the biodiversity of the region, was part of the team that discovered the charismatic new and non-venomous species.

“The snake species, Rhynchocalamus hejazicus, is not just new to the region or the country — it’s new to science,” the Hungarian academic told Arab News.

Institutions involved with the discovery include the RCU, the University of Ha’il, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority.

These Saudi institutions worked alongside experts from Portugal’s Universidade do Porto, Egypt’s Suez University, Yemen’s University of Aden, and Malaysia’s Natural History Collective Ventures.

Together with his Saudi, Czech, and Portuguese colleagues, Patko compiled the findings into a paper. Within just a matter of months, it was published in the prestigious international, peer-reviewed life science journal Zoosystematics and Evolution.




Laszlo Patko, Applied Research lead at the Royal Commission for AlUla. (RCU)

It was very, very quick, because it was a thorough, high-quality paper with substantial scientific results,” said Patko. “It was quickly accepted and published.

“For me, that was the real happiness to see that it’s not just an important discovery for us, but for the entire international scientific community.”

The published paper describes the new species as “a small, secretive snake, with distinctive coloration and a melanistic morph. The new species occurs in the northwestern Hejaz region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and fills a large part of the existing distribution gap of the genus in the Arabian Peninsula.”

Stephen Browne, vice president of wildlife and natural heritage at the RCU, said the unearthing of this new species demonstrated the vital importance of the Kingdom’s conservation efforts.

“This discovery is not merely about cataloging a new species; it reflects the ongoing commitment to safeguarding the lush, diverse ecosystems of AlUla,” Browne said in a statement. “It’s a symbol of our dedication to preserving this unique oasis.

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A spokesperson for the RCU concurred there was clearly still much to learn about the adaptability of desert animals.

“This find is pivotal for understanding the ecological dynamics of the region and the adaptive strategies of its desert wildlife, enhancing AlUla’s reputation as a sanctuary for both historical and natural treasures,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

The project that led to the snake’s discovery began with a region-wide wildlife inventory, which kicked off in November 2022, centered around documenting the area’s biodiversity.




With its striking red hue and chic black collar, the reptile is perfectly adapted to camouflage against the sand and rock of the Hejaz. (RCU)

“We never had this kind of rigorous, scientific knowledge-gathering before,” said Patko. “In the framework of this project, we ‘accidentally’ found this new species.

“It was an accident in the sense that we thoroughly surveyed all our nature reserves and described all the species we could find. We knew some species existed in the reserve but didn’t know their exact numbers or locations.”

Scientists had an inkling that the region could be home to new species. Between 2017 and 2022, geckos and snakes had been observed in the area, but had never been collected and rigorously described. The inventory offered the perfect opportunity to fill in these blanks.

In 2023, the team dedicated their time in the desert to observing animals based on morphology, including the study of their external characteristics, color, scale pattern, and DNA.

DID YOUKNOW?

• Roughly half of AlUla’s territory is taken up by six nature reserves, including the Sharaan Nature Reserve, which spans 1,500 sq. km.

• These reserves are home to more than 1,580 animals from four species that have been successfully reintroduced to the region.

• Through habitat restoration, native species reintroduction, and sustainable practices, AlUla aims to create thriving and harmonious ecosystems.

“Of course, there are occasional ad hoc observations, but if you are out in the field, you work really hard,” said Patko.

“You get up in the desert, you sleep in the desert. You work in the desert with 10-15 different experts. Then, this hard work pays off. It’s a very cool way to get proof of why it’s important to be in the field.”

Using online databases, the team expected to find species like Walterinnesia aegyptia, also known as the desert cobra or desert black snake — indigenous to nearby Khaybar, where the reptile is well camouflaged against the volcanic landscape.




The Walterinnesia aegyptia, also known as the desert cobra or desert black snake, is indigenous to nearby Khaybar, where the reptile is well camouflaged against the volcanic landscape. (Wikimedia Commons) 

“Harrat Khaybar is mostly black and gray because of the basalt and the old volcanic activity,” said Patko. “The first individual we found was melanistic — a completely black snake.”

The newly discovered snake, by contrast, is a vibrant red, having evolved to blend in with AlUla’s distinctive red, orange, and yellow color palette. “It was very obvious that this is indeed a new species,” said Patko.

Like many desert dwellers, the snake is nocturnal. “During the day, because of the very hot weather, Rhynchocalamus hejazicus probably hides under rocks,” said Patko. “At night, they come out to hunt for invertebrates, small insects.”

And although it has tiny fangs with which to strike its prey, the snake does not carry venom. It is also relatively small. “It’s a very cool snake; a small snake about 20-30 centimeters long, easy to handle,” said Patko.

According to Patko, there are fewer than 20 snake species known in AlUla, perhaps closer to 18. There remains much to learn about this latest addition to the reptile community.




With its striking red hue and chic black collar, the reptile is perfectly adapted to camouflage against the sand and rock of the Hejaz. (RCU)

“We actually don’t know much about their ecology because we just recently described the species. So we can only guess,” said Patko.

“All the snakes we found were alone. Some snakes can gather in one place during winter, but not these.”

One thing Patko believes is clear, however, is the value of AlUla as a thriving natural habitat, making conservation efforts in the region all the more important in the interests of science and biodiversity.

“What’s quite exceptional in this story is how the AlUla deserts can hold these hidden gems,” he said.
 

 


How the convergence of AI and 5G is transforming Saudi Arabia’s smart technologies

Updated 20 September 2024
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How the convergence of AI and 5G is transforming Saudi Arabia’s smart technologies

  • The Kingdom is harnessing the power of AI and 5G to usher in a new generation of devices that go beyond conventional smartphones
  • Saudi telecom giants are embracing AI-driven 5G tech to optimize networks, boost efficiency and enhance customer experience

DAMMAM: As Saudi Arabia rapidly evolves into a global technology hub, the convergence of artificial intelligence and 5G technology is playing a critical role in reshaping the Kingdom’s digital landscape.

The fusion of these cutting-edge technologies is transforming devices beyond conventional smartphones, creating smarter systems that enhance industries ranging from telecommunications to manufacturing and healthcare.

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to digital transformation, outlined in its Vision 2030 initiative, has propelled the Kingdom toward large-scale adoption of AI-driven technologies, supported by the rollout of 5G networks.

With AI’s predictive power and 5G’s ultra-fast connectivity, the Kingdom is poised to become a leader in deploying next-generation smart devices that transcend traditional communication tools.

AI algorithms now have the ability to anticipate user needs, infer intent and automate tasks, creating seamless user experiences and improving productivity.

According to a recent PwC report called “The Smarter Phone,” AI-enabled smartphones are already integrating with daily activities, leveraging predictive analytics to automate routine processes and provide real-time solutions.

AI-powered assistants, image recognition and voice command systems are increasingly becoming integral parts of mobile devices, enabling more intuitive user interfaces and features such as facial recognition, automated photo sorting and smart scheduling.

This evolution of mobile technology not only improves productivity at work but also frees up time for leisure.

As Saudi Arabia embraces this digital transformation, its telecommunications sector is at the forefront of integrating AI into 5G-powered networks.

“The country’s commitment to advanced technologies and its focus on digital transformation highlights the importance of AI, both globally and locally,” Raghav Sahgal, president of Nokia’s Cloud Network Services Group, told Arab News.

Raghav Sahgal, president of Nokia’s Cloud Network Services Group. (SUpplied)

At the heart of this transformation is 5G technology, which offers faster speeds, lower latency and greater connectivity capacity than its predecessor, 4G.

Its ability to transfer data at rates of up to 10 gigabytes per second allows for seamless communication between devices, supporting emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles, smart cities and the internet of things.

When combined with AI, 5G enables the real-time processing of vast amounts of data, making way for new applications that were previously unimaginable.

5G technology offers faster speeds, lower latency and greater connectivity capacity than its predecessor, 4G. (Supplied)

One of the most transformative aspects of 5G in Saudi Arabia is its potential to digitize industries.

“5G is enabling the digitization of industries by offering deterministic and reliable connections that are critical for sectors such as petroleum, gas and manufacturing,” said Sahgal.

By leveraging 5G’s speed and reliability, companies in these industries can improve operational efficiency, reduce downtime and optimize processes through AI-powered predictive analytics.

Nokia has played a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s AI-driven telecom revolution. Its AVA platform (Automation, Visualization, Analytics) bundles together its software portfolio, allowing telecommunications providers to secure, automate and monetize their 5G networks.

Nokia’s AVA platform combines AI and automation to enhance telecom performance, security and reliability. (Supplied)

The platform’s AI-driven analytics and automation tools provide telecom operators with actionable insights to enhance network performance, security and reliability. This is particularly important as Saudi Arabia’s telecom companies continue to expand their 5G infrastructure.

Telecommunications giants such as Saudi Telecom Company, Mobily and Zain KSA have embraced AI-driven systems to optimize 5G networks as well as enhance the user experience.

STC has implemented Nokia’s AVA platform to automate and optimize its 5G networks. By using AI, the company can monitor and predict network performance, addressing potential issues before they impact customers.

DID YOUKNOW?

AI and 5G are powering Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, accelerating digital transformation across industries like manufacturing, telecom and healthcare.

5G enables data transfer rates of up to 10 Gbps, allowing seamless device communication in areas such as IoT and autonomous vehicles.

Saudi telecoms are adopting AI for network optimization — STC, Mobily, and Zain KSA enhance customer experiences using AI-driven solutions.

Nokia’s AVA platform combines AI and automation to enhance telecom performance, security and reliability in Saudi Arabia’s 5G networks.

Mobily has integrated AI into its 5G networks, using it to manage network resources efficiently and provide real-time service improvements.

Zain KSA, another key player in the Kingdom’s telecommunications sector, utilizes AI to manage 5G network slicing, a feature that allows telecom providers to tailor services to different user cases, ensuring optimal performance for each.

Indeed, in addition to network optimization, AI is transforming customer service within Saudi Arabia’s telecom industry. AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots provide personalized, real-time support, helping customers resolve issues quickly and efficiently.

AI is also being used to enhance security, with applications such as fraud detection and network protection playing crucial roles in safeguarding users’ data and privacy

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As Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in AI and 5G technologies, the convergence of these innovations is expected to have far-reaching implications for the Kingdom’s economy.

AI-enabled devices will not only enhance consumer experiences, but will also contribute to the Kingdom’s broader economic goals by improving efficiency, productivity and innovation across various industries.

The convergence of AI and 5G in Saudi Arabia is creating a new era of smart devices that go far beyond the traditional smartphone. These technologies are driving the digital transformation, enabling the Kingdom to build a more connected, efficient and innovative future.
 

 


Pioneering female entrepreneurs discuss progress, challenges in Saudi Arabia  

Updated 19 September 2024
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Pioneering female entrepreneurs discuss progress, challenges in Saudi Arabia  

RIYADH: Female entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia was the focus of a panel discussion called “Empower Me”, hosted by the Atlantic Council Middle East Initiatives in Riyadh on Wednesday.

Speakers included Amal Dokhan, managing partner at MENA 500 Global and one of the Kingdom’s first female venture capitalists, along with Wafa Obaidat, founder and CEO of edtech company Playbook, and Afnan Ababtain, director of innovation and entrepreneurship at the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia.

The panel discussion was moderated by Noor Nugali, deputy editor-in-chief at Arab News. 

For the third year running, the Atlantic Council’s Women Innovators Fellowship brings together a group of pioneering female Saudi entrepreneurs for a year-long program designed to enhance their business skills and expand their regional and international networks. 

The 20 inspirational business leaders selected for the 2024-25 cohort represent diverse sectors such as technology, climate sustainability and healthcare.

In a virtual address, US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney said: “I want to first recognize our partner, the Atlantic Council, for their leadership in implementing this fellowship. I also want to thank all those involved for their invaluable support. Without you, this fellowship would not exist.” 

The panel discussion began with a question about the role of female entrepreneurs in advancing Saudi Arabia’s economic conditions and their alignment with Vision 2030. 

Ababtain said: “We are seeing women contributing significantly to small and medium enterprises. Since Monshaat started operations in 2016, the participation of women has increased from 21 percent to over 45 percent.”  

Dokhan encouraged aspiring female entrepreneurs to take the leap: “If you have a business idea, don’t hesitate to apply to MENA 500 Global. Remember, rejection is part of the process. Others have succeeded, and so can you. The investments are there — Saudi Arabia is backing many funds, and venture capitalists are excited about technology.”  

Reflecting on her journey with Playbook, Obaidat said: “I found myself frustrated within traditional business networks that lacked real opportunities for engagement. It’s disheartening to see that while girls excel academically, less than 2 percent of VC funding goes to women, and fewer than 10 percent reach C-level positions.” 

She emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment: “Playbook was born from the need to discuss strategies for advancing in business and normalizing female leadership.”  

Since its inception, Playbook has attracted over 6,000 members, with 15 percent in C-level positions and 10 percent as female founders.

“We’ve raised over $1.5 million in pre-seed and seed funding, and our goal is to empower more women to navigate the complexities of the professional world,” said Obaidat.

The discussion panel was hosted by the Atlantic Council in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce, the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia and PepsiCo. The session can be viewed at https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/event/the-state-of-women-entrepreneurship-in-saudi-arabia-and-the-way-forward/ 


Australian wellness educator Barbara O’Neill promotes natural health benefits at Riyadh seminar

Updated 20 September 2024
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Australian wellness educator Barbara O’Neill promotes natural health benefits at Riyadh seminar

  • Viral Australian social media wellness expert Barbara O’Neill hosts 3-day workshop in the Kingdom

RIYADH: Barbara O’Neill, a prominent Australian health lecturer and wellness influencer, journeyed from the Australia to the heart of the Kingdom to host a three-day curated workshop at Huna Takhassusi in Riyadh from Sept. 17-19.

During her first visit to the Kingdom, Arab News spoke exclusively to O’Neill about her workshop and hopes for the future.

“The people in Saudi Arabia are interested in health just as much as everywhere else in the world,” she told Arab News. “A lot of people today are becoming disillusioned with the medical way of treating things. You’ve got a problem, here’s a drug. And my teachings have become quite popular here in Saudi Arabia, in Dubai, in many parts of the world.”

The daughter of an inventor, O’Neill’s father would often turn things inside out to see how they worked. Her family dynamic always encouraged her and her siblings to constantly explore the “why” in everything. Why does this work this way? Why does it not? That key question was how she was able to unlock her potential, first in her own household, then in her unconventional career path.

The 71-year-old has raised six children. When she was 25, her young son had an ear ailment. Her 85-year-old neighbor told her to use an onion poultice, which O’Neill immediately put on her son’s ear. It worked. That simple act inspired her to take the natural route and prioritize organic ingredients to treat daily issues.

In essence, she turned to Mother Nature to guide her and — unless someone required major surgery or was plagued with a very serious health crisis — to try to go to the earth to find what helps. Despite some rumors, O’Neill is adamant that she is not against modern medicine or doctors but prioritizes using natural ways to heal first.

Day one of the workshop was dedicated to carving out a balanced life in the middle of chaos and focusing on hormonal health; day two explored heart health, obesity and diabetes, and day three was an interactive workshop, centering on poultice and natural herbs.

O’Neill first skyrocketed to online fame during the COVID-19 pandemic four years ago, when videos of her lecturing on health and wellness went viral on TikTok and Instagram, amassing hundreds of millions of views.

Her “simple” methods and tips made her a popular choice for those scrolling social media channels during lockdown.

During her Saudi seminars, she brought her life-changing expertise in holistic health and natural therapies directly to the Kingdom. Many knew her from social media.

As Saudi Arabia focuses more on health and wellness, O’Neill’s visit was perfectly timed. The venue, Huna Takhassusi, a hybrid co-working space and community hub, handpicked O’Neill to come and offer her wisdom and support.

Farah Taher, head of events and partnerships at Huna, told Arab News that they were excited to include O’Neill in their programming.

“To see Huna come to fruition and being a part of it from day one, putting pen to paper, construction sites to fully occupied spaces by the community and now spreading to Jeddah and soon AlUla, feels like an ongoing full circle moment,” Taher said. “And what better way to sustain that than with guests like Barbara, who remind us to focus on our health and connecting with nature.”

O’Neill’s journey to Saudi Arabia was spurred by a series of interconnected events. She was hosting a retreat in Thailand in May with her husband when she met consultant Andleeb Wanee, from Dubai. Wanee helped her organize the first Dubai retreat, and, after that wild success, Saudi Arabia came into the picture.

“I always say yes. It’s very difficult for me to say no — but I was happy to,” O’Neill told Arab News, reflecting on how she came to be in Saudi Arabia.

In her Riyadh talks, she addressed the importance of sunshine and its impact on health, an area particularly relevant to the Saudi context.

“The sunshine is very important,” she said, highlighting historical vitamin D deficiencies in the Kingdom. Equally important is sleep, rest, exercise and consuming enough fresh water. She reminded the packed-house at Huna to split their day well: To have eight hours of work, eight hours of play and eight hours of rest.

O’Neill also explored practical advice for dealing with modern lifestyle challenges, such as burnout and sleep issues exacerbated by excessive use of digital devices, that she said “light up like Christmas lights.

“The blue light that the device gives off is a different frequency to the blue light of the sunlight,” she added. This insight is particularly pertinent in today’s tech-driven world, where balancing screen time with natural light is crucial for maintaining health. 

Perhaps O’Neill’s most unpopular move was urging the audience not to drink coffee, for its addictive nature and how it disturbs the body’s natural rhythm.

But she won the audience back when she mentioned Saudi dates and how useful the fruit is as a natural sweetener.

O’Neill’s work underscores the importance of preventive health measures and the integration of local knowledge, making her contributions valuable to audiences across the globe.

“My program’s very tight. I am booked out a year ahead, and so it was not easy to find a spot (for the Saudi workshop), but we found a spot. If there was a will, there’s a way,” she said.

A key theme of O’Neill’s workshop was the role of conventional medicine compared to natural health approaches. She highlighted the limitations of current medical practices, noting that despite advances, heart disease remains the world’s leading cause of death.

“The number one killer in the world today is heart disease, and it just alarms me that it’s still the number one killer 40 years later. In other words, what medicine is doing to combat this really isn’t working. It’s almost Band-Aid stuff,” she said.

O’Neill also spoke about the crucial role of prevention and lifestyle changes in combating health issues.

“I usually start by saying, everyone that has a heart should be here — what’s the old saying? “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’,” she added.

Another focus of O’Neill’s workshop was addressing burnout and the importance of a balanced lifestyle. She shared her personal routine and principles, saying: “I found a formula — it’s the sustainment principles. No matter where I am, I eat very well, I drink a lot of water and I keep to the routine no matter where I am.”

Her career trajectory began with a focus on natural health for her own family, and has grown into a thriving platform for educating others. Her personal experiences with natural remedies and health practices laid the foundation for her professional journey.

Her latest book, “Sustain Me,” emerged from her extensive knowledge and practical experiences. O’Neill unknowingly created the book through notes upon notes because individuals kept asking for her advice and tips.

“People email me and say ‘what can I do for osteoporosis?’ So, then I’d write things. And then I thought one day, instead of reinventing the wheel, I’ll just go to my notes section.”

The book was born.

It compiles practical advice on various health issues, aiming to be a resource for everyday use. It was on sale during her session at Huna.

O’Neill’s visit to Saudi Arabia also included a discussion on natural remedies native to the region. “I was given some dried lime yesterday, and I hear that you can pour boiling water on it, so I’m eager to try that,” she said.


Second edition of Saudi Film Confex will put development of local movie industry in the frame

The second Saudi Film Confex will take place in Riyadh between Oct. 9 and 12. (Supplied)
Updated 19 September 2024
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Second edition of Saudi Film Confex will put development of local movie industry in the frame

  • 4-day event in Riyadh will include panel discussions, workshops and an exhibition

RIYADH: The second Saudi Film Confex will take place in Riyadh between Oct. 9 and 12 with the aim of empowering and developing the film industry in the Kingdom, and promoting investment and partnership opportunities, the Saudi Broadcasting Authority said on Thursday.

The event will include 30 panel discussions and workshops covering key industry topics such as film financing and production planning.

It will also feature activities designed to enrich the visitor experience and explore the various aspects of filmmaking, organizers said, as well as an exhibition of more than 130 local, regional and international businesses and organizations specializing in production, smart studio construction, and cinematic technologies.

It hopes to help boost the Saudi film sector by highlighting filming and production opportunities, encouraging cooperation with leading international industry partners, enhancing local industry infrastructure, supporting startups, and introducing qualitative initiatives that offer added value.


AlUla Dates Festival Auction continues its festivities

Updated 19 September 2024
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AlUla Dates Festival Auction continues its festivities

ALULA: The AlUla Dates Festival Auction enters its second week on Friday as the annual event gets into full swing.

Organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla in partnership with government and private entities, the weekly auctions are held near Al-Iskan Stadium, south of AlUla, and run until Nov. 9.

The festival provides date farmers with an opportunity to showcase their products to buyers and investors from within the Kingdom and around the world. It also aligns with AlUla Vision and Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to establish the Kingdom as the world’s leading exporter of dates.

Farmers taking part in the festival are also competing for the AlUla Auction Award for Dates 2024, which offers a prize of SR75,000 ($20,000) to the winner, SR50,000 to the runner-up and SR30,000 for third place.

The winners will be chosen based on the quantity and value of their sales and other criteria.