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Saudi minister highlights ‘unprecedented’ environmental progress at Riyadh forum

Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli. (SPA)
Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli. (SPA)
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Updated 13 September 2024

Saudi minister highlights ‘unprecedented’ environmental progress at Riyadh forum

Saudi minister highlights ‘unprecedented’ environmental progress at Riyadh forum
  • We are working to achieve equilibrium in nature, says CEO of National Center for Wildlife

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli highlighted the Kingdom’s unprecedented environmental progress during the 10th Regional Forum of the International Union for Conservation of Nature for West Asia, held in Riyadh.

The event, hosted by Ƶ through the National Center for Wildlife from Sept. 9-11, brought together more than 200 experts from West Asia and regional authorities.




Mohammad Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife. (AN photo by Jafer Alsaleh)

During a panel discussion, Al-Fadhli highlighted the Kingdom’s environmental milestones, both locally and globally, driven by a national vision that positions the environmental sector as key to sustainable development.

He noted the adoption of the National Environment Strategy as a guiding framework and highlighted various initiatives, including those launched during the G20 Riyadh Summit, aimed at conserving biodiversity, preventing land degradation and advancing global coral reef research.

HIGHLIGHT

The forum, held every four years, promotes communication and collaboration among West Asia members, providing a platform for exchanging ideas, addressing environmental challenges and developing conservation strategies.

The minister also spotlighted the Saudi Green Initiative, the Middle East Green Initiative and efforts to combat overgrazing, aiming to protect 30 percent of the Kingdom’s land and marine areas by 2030.

He emphasized the integrated institutional framework, which includes a national strategy, specialized centers for wildlife, meteorology, desertification control, waste management and vegetation cover, as well as an environmental fund.




Razan Al-Mubarak, president of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. (AN photo by Jafer Alsaleh)

Al-Fadhli concluded by underscoring the significance of hosting the IUCN forum and the upcoming COP16 in December, which aims to enhance international cooperation to combat land degradation and drought, providing environmental, economic and social benefits worldwide.

In an interview with Arab News, Mohammad Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, discussed the significant role the Kingdom is playing in environmental health and pioneering green initiatives through sustainable strategies, both regionally and internationally.

“The collaboration between NCW and IUCN was not spontaneous. We have been planning for this conference for a long time. This is one of the major initiatives with various objectives. It brings us closer to other entities, offers an exchange of information and builds partnerships.”

Qurban highlighted the importance of global collaborations to reach a shared goal of restoring and protecting the environment in Ƶ. “We are working to achieve equilibrium in nature.”

One of the outcomes Qurban hopes to achieve through the conference is to succeed in joint efforts with IUCN to protect the environment.

Additionally, one of the panelists in the discussions was Razan Al-Mubarak, president of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, who explained one of IUCN’s strategies to address rising temperatures by transitioning from traditional to renewable energy.

From her perspective, the transition to renewable energy has been slower than expected. Therefore, to accelerate the process, officials in the UAE announced that 60 percent of their energy mix will come from renewable sources by 2025.

The forum, held every four years, promotes communication and collaboration among West Asia members, providing a platform for exchanging ideas, addressing environmental challenges and developing conservation strategies.

The forum hosts workshops and seminars to enhance environmental awareness and train individuals on best practices, aiming to establish effective environmental policies.


Tourism minister strengthens Japan ties at Expo 2025 Osaka

Tourism minister strengthens Japan ties at Expo 2025 Osaka
Updated 9 sec ago

Tourism minister strengthens Japan ties at Expo 2025 Osaka

Tourism minister strengthens Japan ties at Expo 2025 Osaka
  • Ahmed Al-Khateeb invites Japan’s government and tourism leaders to Riyadh for UN Tourism Assembly, Tourise Summit in November
  • Al-Khateeb visited the Japan and Spain pavilions, strengthening diplomatic ties and tourism partnerships

RIYADH: Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Ƶ’s minister of tourism, met Japanese Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Hiromasa Nakano in Tokyo during a visit to the Saudi pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.

Al-Khateeb invited Japan’s government and tourism leaders to join the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly and the inaugural Tourise Summit in Riyadh this November.

These global events will reinforce the Kingdom’s role as a hub for international collaboration and tourism innovation, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Al-Khateeb began his Expo 2025 Osaka tour at the Saudi pavilion, at which are displayed the Kingdom’s world-class tourism offerings, sustainability, innovation, and commitment to international cooperation.

He also visited the Japan and Spain pavilions, strengthening diplomatic ties and tourism partnerships, the SPA reported.

A key highlight was the Tourise networking event, where Al-Khateeb engaged with Japanese government officials, private sector leaders, and investors.

The event emphasized the Tourise platform and invited Japanese partners to play a key role in both the inaugural forum and the UNWTO General Assembly in Riyadh.

The minister said: “Ƶ’s tourism transformation is the pride of the Arab world and a beacon for the global sector. Our presence in Osaka and our partnership with Japan reflect how Vision 2030 is unlocking opportunity, attracting investment, and building bridges between cultures.

“As we prepare to host the world’s tourism leaders in Riyadh, we invite our Japanese and global partners to join us in shaping the future of tourism — rooted in innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity.

“Ƶ’s approach — backed by more than $800 billion in giga-projects and infrastructure, including Neom, the Red Sea, and Diriyah — is positioning the Kingdom as the fastest-growing tourism destination worldwide, with the ambitious goal of welcoming 150 million visitors by 2030. This momentum was evident at Expo 2025 Osaka through dynamic cultural showcases and impactful meetings.”

Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi ambassador to Japan and commissioner general of the Kingdom’s pavilion, said: “Japanese visitors to our pavilion have shared their curiosity and interest in visiting Ƶ. With each meaningful exchange, we connect through our culture and traditions between Ƶ and Japan.

“We look forward to welcoming Japan and the rest of the world to share with us our hospitality, culture, and world-class tourism destinations.”

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority and vice chair of the Tourise, said: “Ƶ is reshaping the tourism landscape, not just for our nation, but for the region and the world. With Tourise, we are building a global platform for innovative partnerships and shared investment.

“The world will witness this transformation in Riyadh in November, when we convene leaders from every continent to chart a new course for tourism. Japan’s participation will be integral to this vision.”


Prophet’s biography exhibition opens in Makkah

Prophet’s biography exhibition opens in Makkah
Updated 2 min 43 sec ago

Prophet’s biography exhibition opens in Makkah

Prophet’s biography exhibition opens in Makkah
  • Fair was organized by the Muslim World League in cooperation with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites
  • Prince Saud bin Mishaal toured the diverse pavilions and exhibitions, which offer visitors an educational experience on the life of Prophet Muhammad and Islamic civilization

RIYADH: Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz recently inaugurated the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization at the city’s Clock Towers.

The fair was organized by the Muslim World League in cooperation with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

Prince Saud toured the diverse pavilions and exhibitions, which offer visitors an educational experience on the life of Prophet Muhammad and Islamic civilization, using advanced visual and digital technologies. 

The fair features a pavilion titled “The Prophet as if You Were with Him,” depicting scenes from Makkah, Madinah, and the migration route.

It includes a panoramic display of the prophet’s chamber, pavilion on prophetic medicine, and presentation of his daily routine. 

Prince Saud was also briefed on the accompanying digital platform, which includes a library and encyclopedias translated into major world languages.

He also visited the permanent exhibition showcasing the Kingdom’s efforts to serve the Two Holy Mosques, Qur’an, and Sunnah.


Saudi crown prince receives message from Russian president

The message was delivered by Russia’s ambassador to the Kingdom Sergey Kozlov to Dr. Abdulrahman bin Ibrahim Al-Rassi. (SPA)
The message was delivered by Russia’s ambassador to the Kingdom Sergey Kozlov to Dr. Abdulrahman bin Ibrahim Al-Rassi. (SPA)
Updated 20 min 29 sec ago

Saudi crown prince receives message from Russian president

The message was delivered by Russia’s ambassador to the Kingdom Sergey Kozlov to Dr. Abdulrahman bin Ibrahim Al-Rassi. (SPA)

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has received a written message from Russian President Vladimir Putin concerning relations between the two countries.

The message was delivered to Dr. Abdulrahman bin Ibrahim Al-Rassi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for International Multilateral Affairs, during his meeting in Riyadh on Wednesday with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kozlov.

During the meeting, both officials reviewed bilateral ties and discussed ways to enhance cooperation across various fields.


Zimbabwe seeks to tap Saudi experience in water resource management

Zimbabwe seeks to tap Saudi experience in water resource management
Updated 27 August 2025

Zimbabwe seeks to tap Saudi experience in water resource management

Zimbabwe seeks to tap Saudi experience in water resource management
  • Envoy Jonathan Wutawunashe holds talks with Saudi Irrigation Organization CEO Mohammed Abu Haid

RIYADH: Zimbabwe is seeking to tap the Kingdom’s experience in managing scarce water resources, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

During his visit, Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Ƶ Jonathan Wutawunashe met with Saudi Irrigation Organization CEO Mohammed Abu Haid to discuss the issue, including possible collaboration.

On Tuesday, during a tour, Wutawunashe and his accompanying delegation were briefed on the Ƶ organization’s main activities and areas of specialization.

They visited the digital transformation center to learn about the latest technologies applied in institutional transformation. And toured the laboratories, a key pillar in ensuring resource safety and enhancing services.

The officials visited a farm to review the organization’s experience in capacity building to strengthen water security, and facilities for reusing treated water to support the agricultural sector.

At the conclusion of the visit, Wutawunashe said he was confident the two nations could enhance cooperation to support mutual developmental efforts, the SPA reported.

Last week Wutawunashe met with National Water Co. CEO Dr. Fouad bin Ahmed Al-Sheikh Mubarak in Riyadh, where they explored cooperation in water and wastewater areas.

They also discussed the company’s core expertise in infrastructure services and network management.


Stargazers enjoy 2 rare events - sunspots and the Mars ‘red dot’

Stargazers enjoy 2 rare events - sunspots and the Mars ‘red dot’
Updated 27 August 2025

Stargazers enjoy 2 rare events - sunspots and the Mars ‘red dot’

Stargazers enjoy 2 rare events - sunspots and the Mars ‘red dot’
  • Sunspots were observed on the sun’s surface on Tuesday, appearing dark but displaying a radiant shine 

RIYADH: The northern border region witnessed two major astronomical events on Tuesday evening — a striking conjunction of the Moon with Mars and the star Chi Virginis, and the appearance of massive sunspots. 

The former was visible to sightseers and offered ideal conditions for astrophotographers, with Mars identifiable by its reddish-orange hue.

Adnan Khalifah, a member of the space and astronomy club, said the moon appeared aligned with Mars, visible above the star Chi Virginis in the Virgo constellation. 

Meanwhile several sunspots were observed on the sun’s surface on Tuesday, appearing dark but displaying a radiant shine. The spots are among the largest recorded this year, each spanning tens of thousands of kilometers and visible through small telescopes.

Astronomers say studying these spots is vital to understanding the sun’s 11-year cycle, which regulates solar activity. Sunspots can trigger solar flares or geomagnetic storms that may affect satellite navigation and communication systems.