Taif will unveil the Kingdom’s largest rose tifo through the “Tifo Rose Walk” at Arruddaf Park, creating a striking public artwork that celebrates the city’s floral identity
Updated 12 April 2025
Arab News
JEDDAH: The inaugural Rose and Aromatic Plants Global Forum opens on Sunday in Taif, aiming to promote the city’s floral heritage and support national efforts to grow the aromatic plant sector.
It will be held under the patronage of Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal, with Taif Gov. Prince Saud bin Nahar in attendance, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Running until April 26, the forum will feature dialogue sessions and workshops organized by Taif University, along with an exhibition showcasing key innovations and products in the field.
Taif will also unveil the Kingdom’s largest rose tifo through the “Tifo Rose Walk” at Arruddaf Park, creating a striking public artwork that celebrates the city’s floral identity.
The forum is a strategic initiative to enhance the Kingdom’s role as a global hub for rose and aromatic plant production, particularly the Taif rose — a symbol of Saudi perfumery and a nationally recognized export.
It aims to foster strategic partnerships and attract investment in the rose and aromatic plant sectors, in line with Vision 2030’s goals to diversify income sources and elevate national products.
Saudi Arabia’s Yemen reconstruction program signs power deal, expands key infrastructure
Updated 13 November 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding with Yemen’s Ministry of Electricity and Energy and Gulf International Electric Power Co. to launch new power generation projects across several Yemeni governorates.
The signing ceremony, attended by Yemeni Prime Minister Salem Saleh bin Braik and Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Jaber, outlines cooperation to implement strategic power plants in Aden, Mukalla, Seiyun, and Taiz, with an initial production capacity of 300 megawatts, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The memorandum includes provisions for training, sustainability, and implementation according to quality standards and timelines, aiming to improve electricity infrastructure, boost service delivery, and support economic reforms, SPA added.
The SDRPY has already contributed to expanding Yemen’s electricity production capacity and promoting renewable energy.
More than 12 million people have benefited from the program’s projects and initiatives, including the Saudi oil derivatives grant that powered 80 generation stations across Yemeni governorates.
To date, the program has implemented 265 projects across eight vital sectors including education, health, water, energy, transportation, and agriculture.
In a related development, SDRPY also announced the completion of the second phase of Al-Abir Road expansion and rehabilitation project in Hadramawt, extending 40 km from Al-Dhuwaibi to Ghuwairban.
In a related development, SDRPY also announced the completion of the second phase of Al-Abir Road expansion and rehabilitation project in Hadramawt, extending 40 km from Al-Dhuwaibi to Ghuwairban. (SPA)
The first phase, spanning 50 km, was completed in May 2024, bringing the total completed length to 91 km.
Al-Abir Road serves as a critical transport corridor linking the governorates of Ma’rib, Hadramawt, and Shabwa, while connecting Yemen with Saudi Arabia and facilitating the movement of people and goods.
SDRPY is also nearing completion of the rehabilitation of Al-Wadi’ah border crossing, one of Yemen’s most important land entry points.
The project includes new and upgraded infrastructure, improved roads and plazas, enhanced power and water sources, and advanced monitoring systems to strengthen trade and travel between the two countries.
