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RAFHA: Why is the appearance of the Suhail star celebrated in some parts of ������Ƶ?

According to Berjis Al-Fulaih, a member of the Afaq Society for Astronomy, when the star becomes visible, it signals the end of summer’s intense heat and the start of cooler temperatures.

It marks an important seasonal event for Arabs that heralds the beginning of the rainy season and the land’s revival, Al-Fulaih told the Saudi Press Agency.

Suhail is the Arabic name of Canopus, known to be the second-brightest star in the sky after Sirius.

According to astronomers, Canopus is actually much more luminous than Sirius, but because Sirius is only 8.6 light-years away from the Earth, it appears brighter. In contrast, Canopus is about 310 light-years away.

Al-Fulaih said Suhail is observed with the naked eye in the southern half of the Arabian Peninsula on Aug. 24 every year, and becomes clearly visible in the north of the Kingdom on Sept. 8.

The Suhail star has since antiquity served as a guide for farmers in the Arab world to prepare for agricultural activities. Sailors and travelers also relied on it for navigation, and it has inspired Arab poetry and folklore.

Lasting 52 days, what is known as the Suhail season brings about gentle winds and clouds, according to a previous SPA report.

During this season, the weather becomes pleasant at night, while remaining hot during part of the day. By the end of the season, daytime temperatures become more comfortable.

“One of the signs coinciding with Suhail’s emergence is the decline in the angle of the sun’s rays. The days gradually get shorter and cool down significantly at the end of the night. That is why Arabs were looking forward to the rise of this star,” the report explained.

The appearance of Suhail is celebrated in the Northern Borders Region, which launched the 2025 Suhail Nights Festival earlier this month. It is also celebrated with cultural events in the highland city of Taif, in the western part of the Kingdom.

RIYADH: Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal attended the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Buraidah Dates Carnival and the Cultural Integration Center of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

The agreement aims to promote culture and heritage while encouraging mutual exchange, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

A key goal is to support the palm and date industry by opening new international marketing channels for Saudi dates through the Date Route Agreement, linked to the Silk Road and the first global initiative to integrate economic, cultural and tourism activities.

The governor described the agreement as a significant step that strengthens international cooperation and promotes authentic Saudi culture globally, highlighting national efforts to support this vital industry.

During his tour of the carnival, Prince Faisal highlighted its remarkable achievements, including recognition by Guinness World Records as the largest date carnival globally. 

He commended the launch of the international date route, a pioneering initiative combining economic, cultural and tourism elements to elevate Saudi dates internationally, boost their market position and foster trade.

The governor also praised the date diplomacy initiative, a program raising awareness among ambassadors and diplomatic missions about the cultural and economic significance of dates, strengthening international cooperation.

Prince Faisal emphasized that these projects showcased the Kingdom’s leadership in supporting this vital sector, the SPA reported.

He also reviewed the carnival’s statistics: Weekly attendance exceeded 90,000 visitors, the event ran for 75 days, generated SR3.2 billion ($853 million) in sales, provided more than 4,000 seasonal jobs and marketed 578,000 tons of regional dates.

These achievements, he said, reflected the success of a well-integrated economic cycle driven by collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Prince Faisal also visited the interactive exhibition “Our Saudi Story,” organized by the Museums Commission as part of the carnival.

The governor explored the innovative exhibition, which features 11 rare artifacts from regional museums and will run until Sept. 13.

Presented in a modern, interactive format, the exhibition blends technology with historical narrative, offering a creative retelling of the nation’s story.

This immersive approach fosters a deeper sense of belonging and introduces national heritage through contemporary media, the SPA reported.

The governor praised the exhibition’s fusion of technology and national identity, highlighting its role in showcasing the Kingdom’s rich history in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

He commended initiatives that connect generations to the nation’s heritage, enhancing cultural awareness through engaging and modern methods.

The carnival, organized by the National Center for Palms and Dates and the regional branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture under the Qassim Principality, runs until Oct. 5.