Night heron spotted in Northern Borders Region

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Image: SPA
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Image: SPA
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Image: SPA
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Updated 01 October 2025
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Night heron spotted in Northern Borders Region

  • Authorities urge citizens and visitors to help protect migratory bird habitats

RIYADH: Large numbers of migratory birds are passing through the Northern Borders Region as part of their annual routes across the Kingdom’s skies, SPA reported on Wednesday.

The birds are traveling from northern breeding grounds toward southern wintering habitats.

Among the species observed this season is the black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), a member of the heron family distinguished by its sturdy body, gray plumage and striking black crown that extends across its head and upper back.

Primarily nocturnal, this bird is most active at dusk, preying on fish and amphibians.

The passage of these birds highlights the ecological significance of the Northern Borders Region as part of global migratory flyways, contributing to biodiversity and environmental balance.

Authorities urge citizens and visitors to help protect migratory bird habitats and to refrain from hunting or engaging in practices that could disturb their passage, emphasizing the importance of preserving this natural phenomenon that enriches the region’s environment and landscape.


Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport reaches record 50 million passengers in 2025

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Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport reaches record 50 million passengers in 2025

  • New milestone marks the highest number ever recorded by a Saudi airport 
  • Lucky 50-millionth passenger was a French national arriving from Paris on a Saudia flight

JEDDAH: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah recorded a new historic milestone on Sunday with the arrival of the 50-millionth passenger for year 2025.

The 50 million milestone marks the highest number ever recorded by a Saudi airport since the launch of civil aviation in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. 

It also placed KAIA among the world's mega airports in terms of passenger numbers. The figure represents a 1.83 percent growth from 49.1 million passenger arrival recorded in 2024.

"This achievement reflects the qualitative transformation at KAIA and its growing status as a regional hub and national gateway connecting the Kingdom to the world," the report said.

The lucky 50-millionth passenger was a French national arriving from Paris on a Saudia flight to participate in a sports tournament hosted in Jeddah. (SPA)

It also underscores the airport's vital role in enhancing the Kingdom's position as a global tourist destination and a gateway to the Two Holy Mosques by facilitating the movement of visitors, Umrah performers, and pilgrims.

KAIA serves as a gateway to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah by facilitating the movement of visitors, Umrah performers, and pilgrims.

The lucky 50-millionth passenger was a French national arriving from Paris on a Saudia flight to participate in a sports tournament hosted in Jeddah.

She was welcomed by the leadership of Jeddah Airports Company (JEDCO), who greeted her and presented a commemorative gift to mark the occasion. 

JEDCO Chief Executive Officer Mazen Johar said that reaching 50 million passengers reflects the airport’s high operational readiness and marks a pivotal milestone in preparations to double this figure in the coming years.