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RIYADH: To enhance the speed and efficiency of environmental emergency response in the Kingdom of ������Ƶ, the National Center for Environmental Compliance has launched six first-response vehicles for ecological emergencies.

These vehicles feature advanced technologies, including systems for measuring pollutants and hazardous emissions, as well as the ability to intervene in dangerous chemical incidents, while allowing teams to reach the scene as quickly as possible.

The environmental pollution vehicle is a specialized vehicle for monitoring and responding to various sources of pollution, helping to mitigate their impact on public health and the environment.

In an interview with Saad Al-Matrafi, NCEC’s executive director of media and communication and official spokesperson, he said that these vehicles use the latest advances in pollution measurement, providing accurate and immediate data on air quality and potential hazards.

He said that the vehicles will be stationed in several locations in the Kingdom, including Riyadh, the Northern Borders, Madinah, Makkah, Jazan, and the Eastern Province.

“Functioning as mobile environmental monitoring stations, the vehicles feature integrated systems for gas analysis and air quality assessment — enabling swift, data-driven responses to environmental incidents across the Kingdom,” Al-Matrafi said.

“By collecting and analyzing real-time data, it enables rapid corrective action to address environmental challenges as they arise,” he added.

The executive director demonstrated the operation of the equipment and devices available in each vehicle.

“Technicians can measure the volume of hazardous gases and monitor various types of gases, such as carbon monoxide, methane, propane, nitrogen oxides, ammonia, and other gases, depending on the type of sensors selected.”

In addition, the vehicle’s emergency technicians can handle accidents and chemical and biological hazards, he said.

“All employees receive specialized training to operate these vehicles safely, including the use of gas detection equipment and protective suits, ensuring they can effectively respond to chemical, biological, and hazardous material emergencies,” Al-Matrafi said.

NCEC said that the technologies in the vehicle contribute to the rapid response and handling of any environmental emergency, thereby ensuring the community’s safety and achieving the highest standards of environmental protection.

More than 25 devices, items of protection equipment, and tools are available in NCEC’s environmental vehicles, including a measuring device used to calculate distances accurately. This product is designed to fold, making it easy to carry and store when not in use.

Another tool is the hazardous gas measuring device, which will be used to detect the presence of toxic or flammable gases in the surrounding environment, ensuring the safety of people where gas levels may be hazardous.

Additionally, there is an infrared thermometer to measure temperatures remotely, without the need for contact with the object or surface being measured.

Employees will be equipped with a sample collection and storage bag designed for hazardous materials responders, environmental agencies, military personnel, police, or forensic workers collecting samples containing chemical, biological, or radiological threats, including chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial materials, and toxins.

Another bag will be provided to transport samples from the collection site to laboratories or other locations safely and without any change to their quality.

To protect workers in hazardous environments, such as industrial plants, power plants, contaminated sites, and activities involving exposure to highly toxic materials, protective suits will be provided. Employee safety is essential to avoid contamination by hazardous substances.

Furthermore, the chemical and biological hazard-resistant suit is designed to protect people from exposure to toxic chemicals, biological contaminants, or viruses in hazardous environments.

Workers are expected to use a face mask and a filter, as the modern design of full-face masks provides extensive and well-developed cover for the face while still allowing clear vision. While the availability of various sizes ensures masks fit comfortably and securely, the face mask filter provides complete protection from toxic and chemical gases.

The Kingdom is prioritizing its sustainable development goals as a significant objective of Vision 2030. Structuring a healthier, more flourishing, and greener future through innovative interventions such as the environmental vehicle by NCEC is critical for a balanced ecosystem.

RIYADH: The Riyadh International Book Fair continues to be a showcase for ideas, culture, and innovation. At this year’s fair, which ended Friday, several booths stood out for their contributions to the literary and cultural scene.  

One of the most eye-catching was Samawi, a Saudi platform looking to transform the publishing landscape through its print-on-demand model. 

The platform allows authors to upload their books, which are then printed only when a customer places an order. This model significantly reduces costs for writers, who no longer need to stockpile large print runs. In addition, Samawi connects bookstores directly with authors, opening more channels for distribution and visibility. 

“We serve writers, publishers, and readers by providing technical support for the publishing industry, whether it’s reading, writing, printing, or digital and audio books,” Khaled Bamohamad, CEO of Samawi, told Arab News. 

The platform offers flexible printing and distribution options. And the Samawi Reader app provides access to thousands of e-books and audiobooks. 

“We started in 2022 with e-books. Today we have 20,000 e-books and more than 5,000 audiobooks,” Bamohamad said. “With each exhibition, we introduce new services such as reading-speed analysis and enhanced reading experiences.” 

Another notable presence at the fair was the Saudipedia booth. Launched in 2024, Saudipedia is a multilingual digital encyclopedia dedicated to documenting every aspect of ������Ƶ — from culture, economy, and Vision 2030 to sports, entertainment, and politics. 

Hassan Al-Qarni, editor-in-chief of Saudipedia, told Arab News: “We aim to provide reliable, original information to local, Arab, and international audiences.”  

Available in Arabic, English, French, German, Russian, and Chinese, Saudipedia is billed as a comprehensive reference for anyone seeking to learn more about the country. Its presence at the book fair highlights the growing role of digital-knowledge platforms in promoting Saudi culture globally. 

Another booth showcased the work of Nizar Al-Sheikh, a specialist in comparative jurisprudence and the landmarks of the Prophet’s biography. 

Al-Sheikh has published around 35 works on the subject. His latest is “The Tourist Guide for Visitors to Al-Ahsa and the Eastern Province,” which explores Prophet Muhammad’s visit to the titular region on a trade journey before the revelation of the message. 

“The work documents the villages and cities the Prophet passed through, the presence of the caliphs in the region, and the significance of its historical sites. It is comprehensive and covers many of the cities mentioned by the Prophet,” Al-Sheikh said.