Saudi Press Agency launches Saudi Photo Platform to expand global access to visual archive
Saudi Press Agency launches Saudi Photo Platform to expand global access to visual archive/node/2603415/saudi-arabia
Saudi Press Agency launches Saudi Photo Platform to expand global access to visual archive
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萝莉视频鈥檚 minister of media and chairman of the Saudi Press Agency, Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari, on Wednesday launched the Saudi Photo Platform, a new digital initiative designed to offer free access to SPA鈥檚 vast archive of authenticated images. (SPA)
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萝莉视频鈥檚 minister of media and chairman of the Saudi Press Agency, Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari, on Wednesday launched the Saudi Photo Platform, a new digital initiative designed to offer free access to SPA鈥檚 vast archive of authenticated images. (SPA)
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萝莉视频鈥檚 minister of media and chairman of the Saudi Press Agency, Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari, on Wednesday launched the Saudi Photo Platform, a new digital initiative designed to offer free access to SPA鈥檚 vast archive of authenticated images. (SPA)
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Updated 12 sec ago
Arab News
Saudi Press Agency launches Saudi Photo Platform to expand global access to visual archive
Was unveiled during second edition of the Hajj Media Forum
Updated 12 sec ago
Arab News
MAKKAH: 萝莉视频鈥檚 minister of media and chairman of the Saudi Press Agency, Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari, on Wednesday launched the Saudi Photo Platform, a new digital initiative designed to offer free access to SPA鈥檚 vast archive of authenticated images.
Unveiled during the second edition of the Hajj Media Forum at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry鈥檚 Exhibition and Events Center, the platform will allow users worldwide to browse, use, and share images under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License.
The forum was attended by local and international media representatives.
Acting SPA President Ali bin Abdullah Al-Zaid said the platform reflected its strategy to make its visual archive more widely available to content creators around the globe, while preserving intellectual property rights and promoting creativity in a regulated digital environment.
He added that launching the platform from Makkah held symbolic significance, reinforcing the city鈥檚 historic role in conveying 萝莉视频鈥檚 message to the world, and said it聽marked an important step toward enhancing the Kingdom鈥檚 visual presence in the digital space.
The Saudi Photo Platform, which can be reached on cc.spa.gov.sa, features high-resolution images, sorted by category and accompanied by detailed metadata, including event descriptions and publication dates.
The archive is continuously updated to document key national and international events, and the site is fully supported in both Arabic and English.
The initiative is part of SPA鈥檚 broader digital transformation agenda, aimed at modernizing publishing tools and fostering new partnerships with media outlets and online users worldwide, it said.
How NEOM is rewilding 萝莉视频 and reviving ancient falconry traditions
NEOM is combining heritage and science to protect biodiversity in one of 萝莉视频鈥檚 most diverse landscapes
Falcons are returning to the wild thanks to efforts to revive their natural habitat and bolster their numbers
Updated 27 sec ago
Haifa Alshammari
RIYADH: As the world marks World Environment Day, a global celebration of nature and a call to protect our planet, attention turns to an ecological transformation taking place in northwestern 萝莉视频.
NEOM, the Kingdom鈥檚 futuristic megacity project, is rapidly becoming a haven for biodiversity 鈥 and at the heart of this effort is a renewed commitment to falcon conservation.
Under the banner of the Hadad Program, NEOM is working in partnership with the Saudi Falcons Club and other national entities to reintroduce native falcon species to the Arabian Peninsula, rebuild local ecosystems, and revive an ancient cultural tradition.
TNEOM, Saudi Falcons Club and other national entities are working together to reintroduce native falcon species to the Arabian Peninsula. (Supplied)
The work being done in NEOM is about more than saving birds; it is about restoring balance to a landscape often misunderstood as barren and bringing nature back to the center of modern development.
Since 1973, June 5 has been observed as World Environment Day. Led by the UN Environment Programme, it serves as a platform to raise awareness and prompt action on pressing environmental issues from climate change and pollution to biodiversity loss.
Announced in 2017 as part of 萝莉视频鈥檚 Vision 2030 reform agenda, NEOM is a $500 billion mega-project designed to reshape the future of urban living, sustainability and technology.
FASTFACT
鈥 World Environment Day, held on June 5 since 1973, raises awareness on global issues like climate change and biodiversity loss.
Encompassing 26,500 square kilometers of mountains, desert, and coastline along the Red Sea, NEOM鈥檚 planners aim to build a zero-emission, high-tech region powered entirely by renewable energy.
Yet beyond the cities of the future lies a growing commitment to the past 鈥 particularly in preserving and restoring the Kingdom鈥檚 natural heritage.
This photo taken on April 19, 2024 shows Tarek Qaddumi (R), executive director of the 萝莉视频 mega-project NEOM, giving a briefing on NEOM sites at a visual culture exhibition in Hong Kong. (AFP/File)
鈥淧eople tend to assume that this part of the world is an empty desert, but NEOM is stunning for its habitat diversity,鈥 Paul Marshall, head of nature conservation at NEOM, told Arab News.
Indeed, NEOM鈥檚 terrain is anything but barren, from mountain peaks reaching 2,600 meters above sea level to oceanic depths plummeting 1.5 kilometers. In between are red sand deserts, canyons and caves, and spectacular shores with crystal-clear waters and coral reefs.
This biologically rich region is home to creatures great and small: from hyrax, ibex and oryx to hedgehogs, gazelles and a wide variety of birds and insects.
鈥淔rom those plants we have insects and mammals. Then, we have the large mammals, of course,鈥 Marshall said.
Paul Marshall, head of nature conservation at NEOM. (Supplied)
Before human encroachment, the region was even home to apex predators such as cheetahs, lynx and leopards. Now, through conservation, NEOM is seeking to recreate conditions that allow such species to return.
鈥淔or all of our biodiversity, it is still a fundamentally arid ecosystem,鈥 he said. 鈥淭he species here have adapted to survive with very low rainfall and because of that, they are able to thrive despite the conditions.鈥
The Hadad Program supports NEOM鈥檚 rewilding strategy by reintroducing native falcon species, most notably the lanner and barbary falcons. 鈥淭his is a really exciting program,鈥 Marshall said. 鈥淚t is one of many programs we are doing to restore the full ecosystem in the NEOM area.鈥
Despite the climatic conditions, several types of plants were able to grow and uniquely adapt to different parts of NEOM鈥檚 ecosystem.
鈥淔rom those plants we have insects and mammals. Then, we have the large mammals, of course,鈥 he said.
He added: 鈥淭his is a really exciting program. It is one of many programs we are doing to restore the full ecosystem in the NEOM area.鈥
Falcons used to be widespread throughout the whole of the Arabian Peninsula. But, through a combination of hunting and capturing for sports, in many places, Marshall said, that these animals are hard to find. Today, efforts are underway to bring them back.
With the rich habitat and the efforts to safeguard the falcons, they are creating an environment where the species can be released with the best chances of survival.
They successfully released eight pairs of barbary falcons, which are a very rare type; very few of them are left in the wild.
鈥淲e are committed to caring for falcons as a cultural and historical heritage and supporting all related activities through a set of regulations and organizational frameworks adopted by the club,鈥 Talal Abdulaziz AlShammisi, CEO of the Saudi Falcons Club, told Arab News.
鈥淭his includes promoting and preserving falconry heritage, organizing falcon auctions, collaborating with universities, colleges, research centers and health institutions to conduct falcon-related studies and scientific research.鈥
Falconry is not just a pastime in 萝莉视频; it is a centuries-old tradition deeply woven into the fabric of national identity.
鈥淔alconry has been practiced by our ancestors across the deserts of the Kingdom for centuries and today the country is home to thousands of falcons and passionate falconers,鈥 said AlShammisi.
鈥淟ocal species such as the lanner falcon and the barbary falcon are native to the Saudi environment and hold significant ecological value as essential components of environmental balance.鈥
The barbary falcon, once on the brink of extinction in parts of the Arabian Peninsula, is now making a comeback. Thanks to the Hadad Program鈥檚 careful release, rehabilitation and monitoring strategies, the birds are beginning to reclaim their place in Saudi skies.
The initiative鈥檚 success is underpinned by a network of partnerships.
FASTFACT
26,500
Area (square kilometers) of NEOM spanning mountains, desert and Red Sea coastline.
NEOM is working with the Saudi National Center for Wildlife, the Saudi Falcon Club and the Special Forces for Environmental Security to monitor these falcons, to protect them and give them not only the best chances of survival but appearing and breeding.
Soon, the first new generation of barbary falcons is expected to hatch in NEOM.
While falcons are among the stars of NEOM鈥檚 rewilding efforts, the program goes much further. More than 1,100 animals once absent from the region 鈥 including oryx, ibex, mountain gazelles and sand gazelles 鈥 have been reintroduced to help restore a natural ecological balance.
The reintroduction of different species of animals is not only a victory for biodiversity but also a chance to restore natural food chains and ecological interactions that sustained this environment for millennia.
With plans to extend across 95 percent of megacity project鈥檚 total land area, the NEOM Nature Reserve represents one of the most ambitious conservation zones in the world.
Through projects such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, the Kingdom aims to plant billions of trees, reduce emissions, and protect vast swaths of land and sea.
As World Environment Day shines a spotlight on the urgent need to protect and restore our natural world, NEOM stands as a compelling example of how large-scale development and ecological stewardship can go hand in hand.
Saudi minister conducts field tour of Makkah鈥檚 holy sites
Updated 44 min 55 sec ago
Arab News
萝莉视频鈥檚 Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah conducted a field tour of the holy sites to inspect camp readiness and facilities ahead of pilgrims鈥 move to Arafat on Thursday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
He emphasized the need for coordination across entities and adherence to high operational standards.
Al-Rabiah also reviewed accommodation, logistics and the integration of health, technical and support services to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage.
Saudi authorities launch self-help e-book to guide Hajj pilgrims to perform rituals correctly
Pilgrims can use their smartphones to tap on a download point, select their preferred language, and upload the guide to their devices
Updated 04 June 2025
Arab News
MAKKAH: Saudi authorities have launched a self-help e-book in various languages to guide and teach pilgrims about Hajj and Umrah rituals in order to perform them in accordance with Islamic rules.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance said the smart rituals guide is available in various locations in Makkah and Madinah, and other holy sites.
Pilgrims can use their smartphones to tap on a download point, select their preferred language, and upload the guide to their devices, the ministry added.
The initiative is part of several educational programs launched in the past weeks by the ministry to help over 1.25 million pilgrims currently undertaking Hajj perform their once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage correctly.
Saudi authorities, including health, logistical, and security sectors, have deployed cutting-edge technologies for this Hajj season, including drones to deliver medicines and artificial intelligence to safeguard and serve Muslim pilgrims.
Inside the Kingdom鈥檚 digitally powered vision for Hajj
A massive, tech-driven operation is ensuring a smooth, safe Hajj for millions
Updated 04 June 2025
Nada Hameed
JEDDAH: With millions of pilgrims expected, 萝莉视频 is mobilizing a sophisticated, tech-driven operation for Hajj this year, leveraging one of the world鈥檚 most complex logistical efforts.
At the center is the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, leading a nationwide push to upgrade digital infrastructure, streamline crowd management, and enforce permit regulations, all shaped by lessons from previous Hajj seasons.
Dr. Ghassan Alnwaimi, ministry spokesperson, told Arab News that digital transformation remains at the heart of this strategy.
鈥淐rowd management has been strengthened through collaboration with security forces, AI-powered monitoring at the Smart Makkah Operations Center, and updated visa gate protocols,鈥 Alnwaimi added.
鈥淭he success of Hajj is not the result of a single entity, but a coordinated, government-wide effort,鈥 Alnwaimi emphasized. 鈥淰arious ministries and agencies work together across all stages to ensure a seamless experience for pilgrims.鈥
These government entities include the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health, Security Forces, Saudi Red Crescent Authority, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, and Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority.
A valid Hajj permit remains key to access and services. The 鈥淣o Permit, No Hajj鈥 campaign ensures that every pilgrim is registered, monitored, and fully supported throughout their journey.
萝莉视频 also remains committed to an inclusive Hajj experience, serving pilgrims of all backgrounds through a multilingual outreach and tailored support. Over 300 awareness tools, including guides and instructional videos, cover health, rituals, safety, and logistics for global audiences.
On the ground, more than 167,000 trained personnel are deployed across 10 countries, offering support in 14 languages.
Health kits and educational materials, developed with the Ministry of Health, are available in at least eight languages, including Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Persian, Indonesian, Malay, and Turkish.
These efforts align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to make Hajj more inclusive and accessible to Muslims worldwide.
The enhanced Nusuk ecosystem and its upgraded Nusuk Card now integrate mobility, security, and entry and exit procedures to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage.
鈥淔or the 2025 season, more than 1.4 million smart cards have been issued,鈥 said Alnwaimi. 鈥淓ach card is linked to the Nusuk app, which now offers over 160 digital services.鈥
The Nusuk Card has become a central element of the digital Hajj ecosystem, enhancing safety, accessibility, and operational efficiency.
The ministry has also implemented a multi-layered monitoring system to ensure the quality of services provided to registered pilgrims.
Operational contracts are formalized in advance through the Nusuk digital platform. During the Hajj season, more than 3,400 field inspections have been conducted to check compliance in areas such as accommodation, transport, catering, and general services.
鈥淒igital tools are central to real-time oversight,鈥 Alnwaimi explained. 鈥淭he Nusuk Card and app support health and safety monitoring, while 24/7 support is available through Nusuk Care Centers and the Pilgrims鈥 Care Center hotline (1966), which handles inquiries and complaints.鈥
These smart cards also grant access to the holy sites, including the Grand Mosque, and securely store key personal data like health records and accommodation details. For elderly and vulnerable pilgrims, they link to wearable devices that transmit real-time data to medical teams, enabling swift emergency response.
The app integrates features like real-time crowd alerts, smart navigation, health data sharing, and multilingual artificial intelligence-powered translation. It offers more than 150 religious FAQs, 160 prayers and supplications, 250 educational resources, and over 200 personalized alerts throughout the pilgrimage.
鈥淭he app offers real-time maps with over 20,000 key locations across the holy sites,鈥 added Alnwaimi. 鈥(Nusuk app) reflects how faith and technology are coming together to enhance both the spiritual and logistical aspects of Hajj.鈥
One of the ministry鈥檚 standout initiatives is the Makkah Route program, which simplifies visa, health, and customs procedures for around 249,000 pilgrims before they even depart their home countries.
Through this program, pilgrims complete all required steps, including electronic visa issuance, biometric registration, and health verification at designated airports abroad. Their luggage is coded and sorted according to their transportation and accommodation details in 萝莉视频.
Upon arrival, pilgrims are taken directly to their accommodations in Makkah or Madinah, while partner agencies handle luggage delivery.
Currently, the Makkah Route operates in eight countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Morocco, Cote d鈥橧voire, and the Maldives.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah adopts a data-driven approach to tracking pilgrim satisfaction in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.
鈥淎fter Hajj, feedback is collected through direct testimonials, structured surveys, and digital platforms, providing valuable insights into each pilgrim鈥檚 experience,鈥 Alnwaimi said. 鈥淲e are pleased to share that the satisfaction rate has steadily increased from 74 percent in 2022 to 78 percent in 2023, and now to 81 percent in 2024.鈥
Saudi authorities furnish Namirah Mosque with 125,000 sq. m of carpets to serve Hajj pilgrims
Namirah Mosque has been fully prepared and upgraded to receive pilgrims, of whom 1.25 million embarked Wednesday on pilgrimage
The mosque鈥檚 backyard was equipped with 19 canopies capable of reducing heat by an average of 10 degrees Celsius
Updated 04 June 2025
Arab News
MAKKAH: Saudi authorities have furnished the Namirah Mosque near Mount Arafat, an essential holy site for Muslim pilgrims during Hajj, with thousands of square meters of carpets.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance announced on Wednesday that Namirah Mosque has been fully prepared and upgraded to receive pilgrims, of whom 1.25 million embarked on Wednesday on pilgrimage.
The mosque was furnished with 125,000 sq. m of luxurious carpets to provide comfort for Hajj pilgrims, while its backyard was equipped with 19 canopies capable of reducing heat by an average of 10 degrees Celsius.
Reflective paint was applied to the floor, and 117 fog fans were installed in the surrounding courtyards to reduce temperatures by an average of 9 degrees Celsius, the ministry added.
Namirah Mosque is ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of pilgrims on the Day of Arafat, which begins on the evening of June 4 and ends on June 5. Afterward, the pilgrims will proceed to the holy sites of Muzdalifah and Mina.
The ministry has upgraded the mosque鈥檚 ventilation, air conditioning and purification system to monitor carbon dioxide levels and to allow for 100 percent air renewal every 30 minutes.
To create a healthier environment for pilgrims, the ministry has installed 70 water chillers; each unit can serve up to 2,000 pilgrims an hour, with a total capacity of quenching the thirst of 140,000 pilgrims an hour. In addition, it has updated the site鈥檚 audio system and security surveillance cameras.
Namirah Mosque is one of the largest in the world, accommodating nearly 400,000 worshippers at once. It features 72 gates and entrances. Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon at this site.