Islamic military coalition addresses extremism prevention at Riyadh forum

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The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism organized a symposium in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
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The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism organized a symposium in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
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The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism organized a symposium in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
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The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism organized a symposium in Riyadh on Wednesday. (SPA)
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Updated 12 February 2025
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Islamic military coalition addresses extremism prevention at Riyadh forum

  • Al-Dawah explained that the symposium serves to address the complex drivers of extremism and explore preventive measures

RIYADH: The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism organized a symposium in Riyadh on Wednesday, commemorating the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism.

The event was attended by the coalition’s assistant military commander, Air Force Maj. Gen. Abdullah Al-Qurashi, as well as member state representatives and coalition personnel, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Chaired by Abdullah Al-Dawah, director of monitoring and analysis at the Intellectual Affairs Department, the symposium emphasized the day’s role in enhancing global efforts to combat terrorism and extremist ideology while fostering peace and tolerance.

Al-Dawah explained that the symposium serves to address the complex drivers of extremism, explore preventive measures, and highlight the crucial roles of community awareness and global cooperation.

In the first session, Yahya Abu Maghayed, director of preventive programs at the Intellectual Affairs Department, examined extremism’s dynamic nature and stressed the need for increased public awareness.

He discussed factors driving its spread and indicators of violent radicalization, such as violence justification, conspiracy theory adoption, and participation in social unrest.

The second session featured Col. Malik Al-Farrayeh, Jordan’s representative to the Islamic coalition, who highlighted the importance of public education on extremist ideology risks.

He emphasized that prevention begins with promoting moderate religious values while rejecting hardline ideas. Al-Farrayeh also noted the critical role of educational and media institutions in promoting tolerance and moderation.

He stressed the need for regional and international cooperation to prevent extremism from evolving into a security threat.

The event concluded with recommendations to strengthen community oversight, reinforce moderate values, and address extremism’s root causes.

Participants underscored the need for coordinated international action to combat this phenomenon and protect communities from its impact.


Red Sea Global unveils scientific model for regenerative tourism worldwide

Updated 26 February 2026
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Red Sea Global unveils scientific model for regenerative tourism worldwide

  • The report details the model’s rollout at “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA” destinations, backed by studies covering 8 marine habitats

TABUK: Red Sea Global (RSG) has unveiled a science-based model aimed at achieving a 30 percent net positive conservation benefit across its tourism destinations by 2040. 

The framework is now available for global adoption, according to a statement released by RSG.

Owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Red Sea Global is the multi-project developer behind ambitious regenerative tourism destinations like “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA.” 

As a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, the company aims to diversify the national economy while setting new global benchmarks for sustainable, nature-positive development.

CEO John Pagano stated that openly sharing this detailed approach will help elevate the global tourism sector and secure a healthier environment for future generations.
 

Map showing the boundaries of the Red Sea Zone. (Graphic from the RSG report)

The cornerstone of this initiative is the proprietary SIIG Model, a four-step framework:
• Survey: Establish biodiversity baselines and monitor long-term changes.
• Identify: Assess risks to priority habitats and species.
• Intervene: Execute evidence-based actions, such as regulating fishing and enhancing natural habitats.
• Gain: Measure and verify biodiversity improvements.

The report details the model’s rollout at “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA” destinations, backed by extensive 2022–2023 environmental baseline studies covering eight marine habitats and priority species groups during 2022 and 2023. 

A major intervention is the 5,015-square-kilometer Fishery Management Area in Al-Wajh Lagoon. The plan reserves 38 percent of the area for priority conservation—protecting 62 percent of local coral reefs—while allocating 61 percent for sustainable fishing.

According to scientific modeling, eliminating fishing in high-protection zones could increase reef fish populations by 113 percent, sharks and rays by 72 percent, and marine mammals by 24 percent. These measures are expected to boost coral resilience, support ecosystem recovery, and protect vulnerable species like sea turtles and seabirds.
Ihab Kindi, RSG’s Red Sea Destination Executive Director, called the data-driven model a practical roadmap for large-scale marine recovery. The complete methodology is available in the new report, “The SIIG Model: A Roadmap Toward Achieving Measurable Conservation Gains.”