萝莉视频

NEOM-KAUST partnership to target insects threatening 萝莉视频鈥檚 36 million palm trees

Saudi farmers preserve date crops using a technique called 鈥榮leeving,鈥 which involves covering the fruit to protect it from pests, weather conditions and other forms of contamination. (SPA/AN photo)
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Saudi farmers preserve date crops using a technique called 鈥榮leeving,鈥 which involves covering the fruit to protect it from pests, weather conditions and other forms of contamination. (SPA/AN photo)
NEOM-KAUST partnership to target insects threatening 萝莉视频鈥檚 36 million palm trees
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Saudi farmers preserve date crops using a technique called 鈥榮leeving,鈥 which involves covering the fruit to protect it from pests, weather conditions and other forms of contamination. (SPA/AN photo)
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Updated 15 July 2024

NEOM-KAUST partnership to target insects threatening 萝莉视频鈥檚 36 million palm trees

NEOM-KAUST partnership to target insects threatening 萝莉视频鈥檚 36 million palm trees
  • Salman Al-Wahib warns that summer is an especially dangerous time because rising temperatures and humidity levels provide conditions for the pests to thrive and contribute to the spread of bacteria and plant mold

RIYADH: Citizens and residents of 萝莉视频 are no strangers to extreme heat conditions, and over the years they have learned to adapt. But as temperatures rise, so do the bugs. And sometimes the problem cannot simply be swatted away.

Tephriditae fruit flies, such as the Mediterranean fruit fly and the olive fruit fly, as well as insects such as the red palm weevil, are among the biggest antagonizing forces against the nation鈥檚 plant and fruit supply.

According to research by Topian, NEOM鈥檚 food company, the SR9.2 billion ($2.4 billion) date industry loses an average of SR1 billion annually in date palms and associated forgone revenues because of red palm weevil infestations.




Saudi farmers preserve date crops using a technique called 鈥榮leeving,鈥 which involves covering the fruit to protect it from pests, weather conditions and other forms of contamination. (AN photo)

At the launch of the Saudi Agrifood Tech Alliance in early July in Riyadh, Andrew Yip, head of innovation and ecosystem activation at Topian, revealed the development of new technology designed to target the red palm weevils threatening 萝莉视频鈥檚 36 million palm trees.

In partnership with AK-Sens, a King Abdullah University of Science and Technology start-up, Topian plans to commercialize and scale optical fiber sensing technology for early-stage detection of the insect in thousands of trees in under an hour, Yip said.

HIGHLIGHTS

鈥 In partnership with AK-Sens, a King Abdullah University of Science and Technology startup, Topian is developing a new technology designed to target the red palm weevils threatening 萝莉视频鈥檚 36 million palm trees.

鈥 The project plans to commercialize and scale optical fiber sensing technology for early-stage detection of the insect in thousands of trees in under an hour.

鈥 It has the potential to increase overall efficiency and sustainability in the agrifood sector and farms nationwide.

Following initial testing with only a handful of trees in Tabuk, the team鈥檚 latest trial at NEOM involved a thousand trees and achieved 96.3 percent accuracy with a two thirds reduction of set-up time from previous trials.




Saudi farmers preserve date crops using a technique called 鈥榮leeving,鈥 which involves covering the fruit to protect it from pests, weather conditions and other forms of contamination. (Supplied)

While the sensing technology has been so far exclusive to palm trees and red palm weevils, it has the potential to increase overall efficiency and sustainability in the agrifood sector and farms nationwide.

To better understand the health risks associated with consuming pest-infested fruits and vegetables, Arab News spoke to Dr. Basem Al-Bahrani, the emergency medicine consultant at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare and a member of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians.

He said: 鈥淓ating vegetables and fruits is an essential part of a healthy diet, but there are health risks associated with eating them if they are contaminated or not washed properly. These risks may include a variety of issues that may affect individuals in different ways.鈥




Saudi farmers preserve date crops using a technique called 鈥榮leeving,鈥 which involves covering the fruit to protect it from pests, weather conditions and other forms of contamination. (AN photo)

Food poisoning as a result of salmonella, Escherichia coli (or E. coli), or listeria bacteria is among the most common issues and its symptoms include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramps, and a fever, Al-Bahrani explained.

Other possible health risks are parasitic infections that at their best present the same as food poisoning and at their worst may cause weight loss and anemia. Finally, ingesting pesticide remnants could lead to hormonal imbalances, nervous system disorders, and increased risk of cancer.

NUMBER

$2.4bn

According to research by Topian, NEOM鈥檚 food company, the SR9.2 billion ($2.4 billion) date industry loses an average of SR1 billion annually in date palms and associated forgone revenues because of red palm weevil infestations.

Arab News also spoke to Salman Al-Wahib, a Saudi Advanced Business Co. Holding retiree turned farmer and owner of a plant tissue culture laboratory and nursery for outdoor and indoor plants, with 11 years of experience in the field.

He said that fruit pests are a problem that 鈥渞equires great care from those responsible, farmers, and consumers.鈥 Al-Wahib also warns that summer is an especially dangerous time because rising temperatures and humidity levels provide conditions for the pests to thrive and contribute to the spread of bacteria and plant mold.

He explained that the problem begins, expectedly, at the farming stage. While pests are most common in local fruits, it is more often than not the symptom of imported seeds and soil. If the seeds and soil are not properly treated before the initial shipment, these containers become welcoming habitats for pest procreation, ready to continue their infestation at their final destination.

Farmers and producers follow strict sanitation, inspection, and clearance procedures to avoid large-scale infestation. According to Al-Wahib, the fruit undergoes an interior and exterior inspection to check for any traces of pests. Then, fruit samples are taken to the lab and tested for pests and any pesticide remnants.

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture monitors farming sites to ensure that no highly poisonous and environmentally harmful pesticides are used and the standard provisions of Pesticide Law 鈥 agreed upon by the agricultural department of the Gulf Cooperation Council in 2005 鈥 are followed. The law states that 鈥渋t is essential to control and regulate the way they (pesticides) are formulated, used, marketed, stored and handled to stave off any potential risks.鈥 Finally, a certification is granted deeming the selected crop pest and pesticide free and safe for human consumption.

As much as the development of organic pesticides has seen great strides in the last few decades, and farmers such as Al-Wahib agree that they are the superior option to chemical pesticides in efficacy and plant health, there is yet a long way to go to bring down that SR1 billion loss to a much more reasonable number and prevent widespread health issues.

According to Al-Wahib, in addition to thoroughly washing fruits at home, watching for signs of infestation, and using suitable storage techniques, the best way to avoid the dangers of fruit pests is to 鈥渂uy from trusted local markets or farms that have an official certification deeming them free of harmful chemical pesticides and fertilizers.鈥

That way our favorite summer fruits may be readily enjoyed worry-free to refresh from the sweltering summer heat.


萝莉视频 to introduce AI education at all grade levels starting this year

萝莉视频 will integrate artificial intelligence education throughout the country鈥檚 public school system.
萝莉视频 will integrate artificial intelligence education throughout the country鈥檚 public school system.
Updated 59 min 6 sec ago

萝莉视频 to introduce AI education at all grade levels starting this year

萝莉视频 will integrate artificial intelligence education throughout the country鈥檚 public school system.
  • Students will learn to develop innovative technology solutions, beginning in elementary and high schools, and continuing through university studies

RIYADH: 萝莉视频 will integrate artificial intelligence education throughout the country鈥檚 public school system beginning in the coming academic year.

The introduction of this nationwide AI curriculum will support the Kingdom鈥檚 Human Capability Development Program, part of the Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification, which is designed to create a comprehensive education system that strengthens core values and boosts the nation鈥檚 global competitiveness and AI leadership.

Students will learn how to develop innovative technology solutions, beginning in elementary school and continuing through secondary education, university studies, technical training and lifelong-learning programs, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The curriculum unveiled by the National Curriculum Center, with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, features age-appropriate AI modules in the form of interactive and hands-on teaching. They are designed to connect between grade levels to ensure progressive development of skills and comprehensive student-evaluation systems.

It follows the announcement by the SDAIA in April, during the Human Capability Initiative conference in Riyadh, of an 鈥淚ntroduction to Artificial Intelligence鈥 course for third-year high school students in the general track, in collaboration with the Curriculum Center and the Education Ministry.

This introductory course will serve as the initial phase of the curriculum development and establish the groundwork for the incorporation of AI concepts throughout academic programs, the Saudi Press Agency added.


Makkah deputy governor washes Holy Kaaba on behalf of King Salman

Washing ceremony of the Holy Kaaba was carried out on Thursday by the deputy governor of Makkah.
Washing ceremony of the Holy Kaaba was carried out on Thursday by the deputy governor of Makkah.
Updated 10 July 2025

Makkah deputy governor washes Holy Kaaba on behalf of King Salman

Washing ceremony of the Holy Kaaba was carried out on Thursday by the deputy governor of Makkah.
  • Deputy governor washed interior of Holy Kaaba with Zamzam water mixed with rose water, gently cleansing inner walls with cloth pieces soaked in a sacred blend

MAKKAH: The washing ceremony of the Holy Kaaba was carried out on Thursday by the deputy governor of Makkah, Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, on behalf of King Salman.

Upon his arrival, the deputy governor washed the interior of the Holy Kaaba with Zamzam water mixed with rose water, gently cleansing the inner walls with cloth pieces soaked in the sacred blend prepared by the General Authority for the Two Holy Mosques. He also performed Tawaf.

During the washing ritual, the prince was accompanied by several officials, accredited Islamic diplomatic corps members to the Kingdom and the hereditary keepers of the Holy Kaaba.


萝莉视频 and Hungary lay foundations for enhanced defense collaboration

萝莉视频 and Hungary lay foundations for enhanced defense collaboration
Updated 1 min ago

萝莉视频 and Hungary lay foundations for enhanced defense collaboration

萝莉视频 and Hungary lay foundations for enhanced defense collaboration
  • Hungarian Defense Minister lauds Kingdom鈥檚 stabilizing regional role鈥

RIYADH: In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Hungarian Minister of Defense Krist贸f Szalay-Bobrovniczky reflects on his historic visit to 萝莉视频 and his meeting with Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.

The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral defense ties, exploring joint innovation opportunities, assessing regional and global security dynamics, and recognizing the Kingdom鈥檚 expanding diplomatic influence.

What are the reasons for your visit?

This visit is historic 鈥 it marks the first official meeting between the defense ministers of Hungary and the Kingdom of 萝莉视频. I was honored to accept the invitation of His Royal Highness at a time when the global security environment is undergoing profound and complex changes.

We are living in an era where stability can no longer be taken for granted. In such a climate, the world needs strong regional anchors 鈥 visionary governments capable of projecting stability both within and beyond their borders. 萝莉视频 clearly plays such a role.

We also recognize the Kingdom鈥檚 constructive role in international diplomacy, especially as a platform for dialogue in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Hungary has consistently advocated for a ceasefire and immediate peace negotiations. We firmly believe there is no military solution to this war 鈥 only a diplomatic one. 萝莉视频鈥檚 responsible and forward-leaning neutrality closely aligns with our own long-standing call for meaningful dialogue and de-escalation.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, the minister emphasized 萝莉视频鈥檚 growing influence as a regional stabilizer. (AN Photo/Jaafar Saleh)

What do you hope will result from this visit?

Until now, defense cooperation between our two nations has been modest. This visit establishes a new foundation. We have initiated discussions on a memorandum of understanding between our defense ministries 鈥 a step that will provide a formal framework for structured and forward-looking collaboration.

Hungary is prepared to offer training opportunities within our military education system, which already welcomes numerous international participants. We also explored the potential for future joint exercises.

However, the most exciting prospects lie in the area of defense industry cooperation and innovation. 萝莉视频, through organizations such as SAMI (萝莉视频n Military Industries), has become a major force in modern defense manufacturing and technological development. Hungary shares this focus.

Our country has recently established the Hungarian Defence Innovation Research Institute (VIKI), which serves as the national hub for cutting-edge defense technologies, applied research, and dual-use innovation. VIKI brings together academia, industry, and operational users to ensure that innovation is both forward-thinking and mission-relevant.

In today鈥檚 rapidly evolving defense landscape 鈥 shaped by unmanned systems, AI-driven platforms, advanced sensors, and hybrid warfare 鈥 collaboration between like-minded and technologically ambitious nations is essential. Hungary and 萝莉视频 have both the intent and the institutional capacity to create a partnership based on joint development, co-investment, and innovation-driven defense solutions.

The visit of the minister is historic because it is the first time that the two countries鈥 defense ministers have met. (AN Photo/Jaafar Saleh)

How would you describe the current state of defense cooperation?

At present, our defense cooperation is at a formative stage 鈥 but there is strong political will on both sides to advance it. A Saudi expert delegation is expected to visit Hungary in the near future, where we will present our full range of capabilities, including in military training, force development, and defense technology.

This will be the first step in building a structured and strategic partnership 鈥 one rooted in mutual interests, trust, and long-term objectives.

How do you view 萝莉视频鈥檚 role in regional and global affairs?

萝莉视频 is not only a regional powerhouse but an increasingly influential global actor. Vision 2030 is more than an ambitious blueprint 鈥 it is a program being implemented with clarity, commitment, and results.

In the diplomatic sphere, the Kingdom plays a unique stabilizing role. It engages constructively with a broad spectrum of actors 鈥 from Iran and T眉rkiye to the United States, Russia, and beyond. In a fragmented and polarized world, 萝莉视频 has emerged as a trusted interlocutor 鈥 capable of bringing conflicting parties to the negotiating table.

This leadership is especially evident in relation to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which directly affects European security and economic stability. Hungary values the Kingdom鈥檚 active mediation efforts 鈥 not only as a neutral venue for dialogue, but as a country that offers credible leadership in the pursuit of peace.

Szalay-Bobrovniczky鈥檚 discussions with Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman centered on strengthening military ties. (SPA)

What has been your impression during this visit to 萝莉视频?

This is my second visit to the Kingdom 鈥 the first was nearly a decade ago 鈥 and the transformation is remarkable.

What was already a developed country has undergone a striking evolution. From infrastructure and urban planning to innovation ecosystems and societal dynamism, the pace of progress is tangible. Vision 2030 is not just a slogan 鈥 it is visibly reshaping the future of the Kingdom.

萝莉视频, with its deep historical legacy, growing economic weight, and expanding international presence, is stepping decisively into a global leadership role. It has been a privilege to witness this transformation firsthand 鈥 and to explore ways in which Hungary and 萝莉视频 can grow together as strategic partners in defense, innovation, and security.


Al-Ahsa governor launches direct flights to Turkish Black Sea region

First direct seasonal flights between Al-Ahsa International Airport and Rize-Artvin Airport in Turkiye launched Thursday. (SPA)
First direct seasonal flights between Al-Ahsa International Airport and Rize-Artvin Airport in Turkiye launched Thursday. (SPA)
Updated 10 July 2025

Al-Ahsa governor launches direct flights to Turkish Black Sea region

First direct seasonal flights between Al-Ahsa International Airport and Rize-Artvin Airport in Turkiye launched Thursday. (SPA)
  • The launch was in cooperation with Turkish Airlines and Al-Ghazal Travel and Tourism Agency, and in the presence of several officials

RIYADH: Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr, governor of Al-Ahsa, inaugurated the launch of the first direct seasonal flights between Al-Ahsa International Airport and Rize-Artvin Airport in Turkiye on Thursday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The launch was in cooperation with Turkish Airlines and Al-Ghazal Travel and Tourism Agency, and in the presence of several officials.

According to SPA, the inauguration is part of the expansion plans for seasonal destinations served by Al-Ahsa International Airport, with the aim of enhancing air connectivity and broadening international travel options for passengers from the governorate and the Eastern Province, particularly during the summer season. It is also part of the efforts by the Al-Ahsa Development Authority to support the development of Al-Ahsa International Airport and enhance its services.

Prince Saud said that this step was an extension of the leadership鈥檚 support for the civil aviation and air transport sector, as well as its commitment to developing infrastructure and enhancing the quality of services provided to citizens and residents.

According to SPA, this aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to grow the tourism and economic sectors and meets the aspirations of the residents of Al-Ahsa governorate to have direct international flights through the local airport.

Prince Saud praised all government and private entities that contributed to activating the flights, stressing the importance of strengthening integration among various sectors to provide high-quality services that reflected the stature of Al-Ahsa, contributed to its tourism and economic development, and reinforced the role of Al-Ahsa International Airport as a growing regional hub in air transport.

The CEO of Dammam Airports Company, Mohammed bin Ali Al-Hassany, said that the new destination to Rize-Artvin Airport came within the plan for seasonal flights for the summer of 2025, which would contribute to enhancing international travel and tourism through Al-Ahsa International Airport.


萝莉视频 new property law opens real estate market to foreigners

Property ownership will be permitted in specific geographical zones, particularly Riyadh (pictured above) and Jeddah. (File/AFP)
Property ownership will be permitted in specific geographical zones, particularly Riyadh (pictured above) and Jeddah. (File/AFP)
Updated 10 July 2025

萝莉视频 new property law opens real estate market to foreigners

Property ownership will be permitted in specific geographical zones, particularly Riyadh (pictured above) and Jeddah. (File/AFP)
  • Property ownership will be permitted in specific geographical zones, particularly Riyadh and Jeddah
  • Special conditions apply to ownership in Makkah and Madinah

MAKKAH: The Saudi Cabinet recently approved an updated system that will allow non-Saudis to own property in the Kingdom, effective from January 2026.

Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail praised the leadership鈥檚 support for the initiative, describing the updated framework as a natural progression of real estate reforms designed to stimulate sector growth and encourage foreign direct investment, which will increase property supply by drawing investors and development firms to Saudi markets, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The new regulations balance foreign investment opportunities with citizen protections through controlled market mechanisms and compliance procedures aimed at maintaining real estate equilibrium. Property ownership will be permitted in specific geographical zones, particularly Riyadh and Jeddah, while special conditions apply to ownership in Makkah and Madinah.

The General Authority for Real Estate will identify which geographic areas are open to foreign ownership. Implementation guidelines will be published on the Istitlaa platform within 180 days of the law鈥檚 publication in the official gazette, with full system activation scheduled for January 2026.

The comprehensive regulations will outline acquisition procedures for foreign nationals, enforcement requirements, and detailed application processes that consider both economic and social implications across all sectors.

The new system also aligns with the Premium Residency Programme, or Iqama, and the regulation of real estate ownership by Gulf Cooperation Council citizens, which permits cross-border property ownership for investment and residential purposes.

Hamad Al-Shuwaier, chairman of the National Valuation Committee at the Saudi Chambers Federation, told Arab News that the Cabinet鈥檚 approval signals strong support for real estate development initiatives.

鈥淔oreign capital influx and international developer participation will enhance supply quality and market availability, creating the balanced marketplace we have been working toward,鈥  said Al-Shuwaier, who also serves as the chairman of the Saudi-Qatari Business Council, noting the sector鈥檚 role as an economic cornerstone supporting over 80 related industries.

The Saudi market offers compelling investment fundamentals backed by adaptable regulations and profitable opportunities for domestic and international investors alike, positioning the Kingdom to capitalize on Vision 2030 momentum.

Real estate specialist and certified marketer Badr Al-Sulaimani emphasized the strategic importance of utilizing 萝莉视频鈥檚 extensive territory, noting that current development covers just 0.36 percent of the Kingdom.

鈥淭hese regulations demonstrate the government鈥檚 commitment to maximizing natural and geographical assets to achieve Vision 2030 targets, while preparing infrastructure for major international events including Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup,鈥 Al-Sulaimani explained.

Real estate expert Fawaz Assiri highlighted the updated system鈥檚 role in enhancing market attractiveness through increased foreign direct investment flows that will diversify property offerings and improve supply dynamics.

Precise geographical boundaries and specialized requirements for holy cities, especially in Makkah and Madinah, ensure market stability while protecting citizen interests, he noted.